/ AN HISTO ICAL
ACCOUNT
OF THE
RISE AND PROGRESS
Of THE COLONIES OF
SOUTH CAROLINA
AND
GEORGIA.
IN TWO VOLUMES.
VOL. I. By ALEXANDER HEWATT
PRINTED FOR ALEXANDER. DONALDSON, No. 48. ST. PAUL'S CHURCH-YARD, LONDON.
M. DCC. L XXIX.
/ 7-7-9

F-

f--7

P.

I-

rm

P R E F A C E.

THE author of the following performance prefents it to the public, not from any great value he puts upon it, but from an anxious defire of contributing towards a more complete and general acquaintance with the real ftate of our colonies in America. Provin cial affairs have only of late years been made the objects of public notice and attention. There are yet many, both in Great Britain and America, who are unacquainted with the ftate of fome of thefe fettlements, and with their ufefulnefs and importance to a commer cial nation. The fouthern provinces in parti cular have been hitherto neglected, infomuch that no writer has favoured the world with any tolerable account of them. Therefore it is hoped, that a performance which brings thofe important, though obfcure, colonies in to public view, and tends to throw ibme light upon their fituation, will meet with & favour able reception*

As many of the inhabits nts of the eaftenl

world will find themfelves little interefted ia

Y the trifling tranfactions and events here rela-

a2

ted,

iv

P R E F A C 1.

ted, fuch readers will eafily difcover in what latitude the author wrote, and for whofe ufe his work was principally intended. They will alfo foon perceive, that this hiflory, like that of Dr. DOUGLAS refpe&ing a northern fettle* ment in America, is only a rough draught, and far from being a finifhed piece; and the author will frankly and candidly acknowledge it. The cafe with refpect to him is this, to which he inuft beg the reader's attention. Having been feveral years a refklent at Charleftown in South Carolina, he was at ibme pains to pick up fuch original papers and detached manufcripts as he could find, containing accounts of the paft tranfactions of that colony. This he did at firft for the fake of private amufement; but after having collected a eonfiderable number of thofe papers, he refolved to devote fuch hours as could be fpared from more ferious and important bufinefs, to arrange them, and form a kind of hiftorical account of the rife and progrefs of that fettlement. For the illuflration of particular periods, he confefles that he was fometimes obliged to have recourfe to very confufed materials, and to make ufe of fuch glimmering lights as occurred ; indeed his means of informa tion, in the peculiar circumftances in which he flood, were often not fo good as he could have defired, and even from thefe he was ex-.
eluded

p R E.F.A. c E.

T

eluded before he had finiihed the collection neceflafy to complete his plan. Befides, while he was employed in arranging thefe materials, being in a town agitated with popular tumults, military .parade, and frequent alarms, hisfituation was very unfavourable for calm iludy and recollection. ,

WHILE the reader attends to tbefe things,

and at the fame time cpnilders that the author

has entered on a new field, where, like the

wildernefs he defcribes, there were few beaten

tracks, and no certain.guides, he will form

feveral excufes for the errors and imperfec

tions of this hiftory. Many long fpeeches,

petitions, addreffes, &c. he might no doubt

have abridged; but as thefe were his princi

pal vouchers, for his own ,fake, he chofe to

give them entire. Being obliged to travel

over the fame ground, in order to mark its

progrefs in improvement at different periods,

it was no eafy matter to avoid repetitions.

With refpecl to language, ftyle, and manner

of arrangement, the author not being accuf-

tomed to write or correcl for the prefs, muft

crave the indulgence of critics for the many

imperfections of this kind which may have

efcaped his notice. Having endeavoured to

render his performance as complete as his

circumihnces would admit, he hopes the

^

public-

vi

P R E F / C E.

public will treat him with lenity, although it may be far from anfwering their expectations. In fhort, if this part of the work lhall be deemed ufeful, and meet with any {hare of public approbation, the author will be fatisfied; and may be induced afterwards to re view it, and take fome pains to render it not only more accurate and correct, but alfo more complete, by adding fome late events more interefling and important than any here rela ted : but if it fhall turn out otherwise, all muft acknowledge that he has already beftowed fufficient pains upon a production deemed ufelefs and unprofitable. Senfible therefore of its imperfections, and trufting to the public fa vour and indulgence, he fends it into the world with that modefly and diffidence be coming every young author on his firft pub lic appearance.

CON-

CTM 3

CONTENTS

OF THE
FIRST VOLUME

C H A P. I.

MOST" men fleafed with the hi/lory of their an-

cejtors,

page I

A notion early entertained of territories in the we/I, ^

Aprojeft of Columbus for attempting a difcovery, 3

Ibe difcovery of Columbus,

5

*--------------- John Cabot,

ib.

,______ Sebaftian Cabot',

7

-------------- Americus Vefpuccius,

ib.

-------------- Cabraly

8

V America inhabited,

ib.

Various conjectures about thejirjl population of America, 9

The natural proprietors of the country,

14

Religious diviftons the primary caufe of emigrations to

the-weft,

16

Colignt'sfcttlemcnt in Florida,

18

Extirpated by Spaniards,

19

A traffic in negroes,

20

Reflefiions on it,

24

Virginia fettled,

26

Itsprogrefs,

28

Diflurbances in England promote foreign fettlements, 29

eopled by Puritans,

32

Wk

viii C O N I E
Who turn perfecutors, Divide into different governments, A ctlony planted in Maryland, Genera/ remarks on colonization,

T S.
page 34 36 1b. 37

C H A P. n.

Thejirjl proprietors, and their charter^

42

Of thefundamental conjlitutions,

44

William Sayle viftts Carolina,

47

And is appointed ttiejir/} governor of it,

48

Settles his colony on AJhley river,

49

HaT-dffiipbftbej&rJlfehlerrfrtmtheclitidte,

if.

An& 'from the Indians,

51

&r Jbbn Teamans arrives at Carolina,

55

And is appointed gowrnar,

i6.

Yeriotu caufes contribute to thefettlement ofthe country, 54

Jthteriea peopled in an improved age,

J7

I'befirft treaty with Spain refpefiing it,

jS

jt council of commerte is inftituted, ,

59

Jikgi/lature is formed in the colony,

Co

Its troubles from the Spaniards,

61

&s clbmejlic troubles and hardjhips,

6z

Ji ivar among the Indiansfeafonablefor thefettlement, 64

Of 'Inefians in g'enefat,

ib.

he occajion of Europeans being peaceably admitted a-

tiiong them,

6$

General remarks on the manners, government, reK->

gion, &c. of the Indians,

67

^f Dtrtch colony brought to Carolina,

73

Jofeph Weft made governor,

74

Variances break out in the colony',

f$

A trade in Indians encouraged,

78

A general defeription of tie climate,

79

Of

CONTENTS.

ix

Of the country,

page So

Of itsfoil and lands*

81

--r-i-farms and natural phenomena)

82

------ animals,

84

----Jt/hes*

85

----r-- birds ,

ibk

---- fnakes and vipers,

86

." !. i*nf/e* cits,

oO oO

Jofepb Marton made governor^

89

Pennfylvania fettled,

ib.

"The proprietors forbid the trade in Indians,

91

The toleration of pirates in Carolina,

9a

Caujf of migration from England,

93

Cauje of migration from France,

94

The European animals iitereafe,

95

Ti)* manner of obtaining turpentine in Carolina, p5

And of making tar and pitch,

7

A difference with the civil officers^

98

Jathes Colleton made governor,

99

Hit difference with the houfe of a/emblytl

\ oo

Seth Sothell, chofen governor,

ioa

His oppreffion, and expulfton,

103

C H A P. Ill

A revolution in England*

107

The French refuges meet with encouragement, 108

Philip Ludwell appointed governor,

109

Harjh treatment of the. coloni/ls to the refugees, lit

The manner of obtaining lands,

113

Juries chofen by ballot,

114

Pirates favoured by the coloni/ls,

115

Thomas Smith appointed governor,

118

'Theplanting of rice introduced,

ib.

VOL*!I

b

Occaftow

x

CONTENT S...

Occafwns a necejfityfor employing negroes, page 120

PerpetualJlavery repugnant to the principles of hu-

ikanity and Chri/tianity,

ib.

Fcfeign colonies encouragedfrom views of commercial -

Advantage,

j^j

Indians complain of injujtice,

127

The troubles among the fettiers continue,

128

John Archdale appointed governor,

129

Archdale's arrival and.new regulations,

. 13

Treats Indians with humanity,

132

The proprietors Jhamefully negkcl agriculture,

135

Archdale returns to England, and leaves Jofeph

Blake governor,

137

A colony of French in Florida,

138

fhe French refugees Incorporated by law,

140

Depredations of pirates,

14*

A hurricane, and other public calamities vifit the

province,

142

James Moore chofen governor,

*45

Lord Granville palatine,

146

Kin% William's charter to the fociety for propagating

tbegofpel,

147

An'ejlablijhed church projected by the Palatine, 148

But di/liked by the majority of the-people,

149

Governor Moore refolves to get riches,

ib.

Encourages irregularities at elections,

150

Profofes an expedition againft Augujiine>

152

Which proves abortive,

*54

The\firft paper currency made,

.

i$5

The expedition again/I the Apalachian Indians, 156

The culture ofjilk,

1 57

And of cotton,

158

Rice fixed an by the planters as ajtaple commodity, ib.

CHAP.

C O N T EN T S.

.

C H A P. IV,

War declared again/I France,

page 16 \

Sir Nathaniel Johnfon appointed governor^

ib.

Hisinjlruclions,

162

He endeavours to ejlablijh the church of England, \ 63

Purfues violent meafuresfor that purpofe,

164

The church of England eftablijhed by laiy,

.166

The inhabitants ofColleton county remonftrate again/I

tt,

16?

Lay commiffioners appointed,

169

The afls ratified by the Proprietors^

170

'The petition of Diffenters to the Houfe of Lords, 171

Refactions of the Houfe of Lords,

1.74

Their addrefs to the Slueei\^

175

The Queen's anfwer,

177

A project fanned for Invading Carolina^

1 73

. A Spanifo and French invajion,

181

; The invaders repulfed and defeated by the militia, 186

The union of England and Scotland,

18 8

Miffionaries fent out by the fociety in England^ 190

Lord Craven palatine,

193

Edward Tynte governor,

194

The revenues of the colony,

196

The invafion of Canada,

197

A French colony planted in Louifiana,

198.

A colony of Palatines fettled,

199

Robert Gibbes governor,

ib.

Charles Craven governor,

200

An Indian war in North Carolina,

201

The Tufliorora Indians conquered,

2^3

Bank-bills ejlablified,

,

204

Remarks on paper currency,

205

b2

Trade

xlt

C O N T NTS.

Trade infefad by pirates, Several Englijhfatutes adopted,

page acy 2.69

C H A P. V.

A dejign formed for purchajing all charters and

proprietary governments,

2.1*

the Tamaffees con/fire the deftruSion of the cohoy^ ib.

$he Tama/ee war,

a18

37tf Taniflffees defeated and expelled^

222

?#<?y take refuge in Florida*

ib..

Retain a vbtdiftivefpirit again/I the Sardinians, 123

*The colonffts turn their- eyes for protection So the

crown,

224

$be projeft revived'forpurchafing the proprietory co

lonies,

226,

BiftrefffS eccafioned by the war,

228

Aggravated by the Proprietors,

430

Robert Daniel is made deputy-governor,

ib.

Lord Gartaret palatine,

The difaffeEtion of the people incrsafes^

Robert Jobnfin. appointed governor,

Qf the depredations of pirates,

And their utter extirpation,

236

"troubles from paper currency,

237

Several laws repealed,

439.

Which occajions great difaffefKon^

240

further troubles, from Indians,

ib.

Complaints. again/I Chief Jtiftice Trott^

1 41

Laid before the Proprietors,

443

Iheir anjwer,

245

4nd letter to the governor,

446

Who obeys, their commands^

248

An,

CONTENTS.

Jai invajion threatenedfrom Spain,

page 251

M a/ociation formed again/I the Proprietor*,

059

C H A P. VI.

tfhe people's encouragement to revolt,

253

tfheir letter to the governorftgnifying their dejign, 857

Which the governor endeavours to defeat,

$8

Proceeding! of the convention,

359

MX perplexity of the Governor and council,

afil

fhe Governor's fpeech for recalling the people*

$beir mejfage in anf-wer to it,

Governor's anfwer,

a/embly diffblved, and the proceedings of tie

people,

*73

James Moore proclaimed Governor,

275

declaration of the Convention,

*jG

Governor transmits an account of the whole

proceedings to the Proprietors,

475

Revolutioners appoint new officers, and ejlablifh

their authority,

8o

In vain the Governor attempts to difconcert tbemt a8i

Rhett refufes obedience to his orders,

28*

Andpreferves the confidence of the Proprietors, 283

further attempts of the Governor to recal the people, 285

$he invajion from Spain defeated,

287

the Governor's loft attempt to recover his authority, ib.

Injurious fufpicions with regard to the conduit of the

Governor,

289

Francis Nicolfon appointed Governor by the regency, 290

General reflections on the whole tranfacJions,

291

Nicolfon's arrival occajtons uncommon joy,

eople recognize King George as their lawful fo-

vereign,

The

xiv

CONTENTS.

1"ht'Governor regulates Indian . rairs,

page 297

And promotes religious injiitutioni,,

299

The enthufiafm of the family of Dutartre,

302

Their trial and condemnation^

305

Progrefs of the colony,

308

The adventure of Captain Beak,

.

311

Arthur Middleton prejtdent,

312

A dtfpute about the boundaries between Carolina and

Florida,

313

Colonel Palmer makes reprifals on the Spaniards, 314

Encroachment of the'French in Lout/tana,

3J5

A terrible hurricane,

3' 7

And Tellow Fever,

ib.

The Province purcbafed for the crown,

, 318

The Fundamental Conjtituthns of South Carolina, 32 t

THE

THE
HI S T O R Y
O F 'T H E
II I SE AND PROGRESS Of TH COLONY OF
SO U T H C A R O L I N A.

A MONG the various events recorded in the hiftory of paft ages, there are few more in tercfting and important than the difcovery ot the weftern wo.*ld. By it a large field for adventures, and a : new fdttj?e of power, opulence and grandeur, opened ,tp Euoxyxran nations. To obtain a lhare of the vaft territories, in the well became an objed of arnbitipn to many of them; but for this purpofe, the ma ritime and commercial ftates pofleffed the greateft ad vantages.. Having firft difcovered the country, with facility they tranfported people to it, fettled colonies there, and in procefs of time fhared among them the ejctenfive wildernefs.

An. accounts relating to thefe fettlements afford Moil men

pleafure to curious and ingenious minds, in what j^f^j

quarter of the globe foever they live; but to the hiftoryof

poftcrity of the firft adventurers they rauft be pecu- thr -

:

A

h.a.r.ly ceftors.

a

THE HIST /RY OF

liarly acceptable. In the livei of our anceflors we be come parties concerned; and when we behold them braving the horrors of the defert, and furmounting every difficulty from a burning climate, a thick foreft, and favage neighbours, we admire their courage, and are aftonifhed at their perfeverance. We are pleafed with every danger they efcaped, and wifh to fee even the mofl minute events, relating to the rife and progrefs of their little communities, placed before us in the mofl full and confpicuous light. The world has not yet been favoured with a particular hiflory of all thefe colonies: many events refpecYmg fome of them lie buried in darknefs and oblivion. As we have had an opportunity of acquiring fome knowledge of one of the mofl valuable and flourilhing of the Britifh fettlements in that quarter, we propofe to prefent the world with a particular, but imperfect, detail of its mofl memorable and important tranfactions.

To pave the way for the execution of this defigrt,

it may not be improper to cafl our eyes backward on

the earliefl ages of European difcoveries, and take

a flight view of the firft and mofl diftinguifhed ad

venturers to the weftern world. This will ferve to

introduce future occurrences, and contribute towards

A notion the eafier illuflration of them. Beyond doubt, a no-

early en- tion was early entertained of territories lying to the

ofterrito- weftward of Europe and Africa* Some of the Greek

wneefstinthe

hiflorians make mention extent, fertile in its foil,

oafndanfuAlltloanf tirciviefrlsa.nd,Thlaerfgeehii.n-

ftorians affertj that the Tyrians and Carthaginians dif-

covered it, and fent a colony thither, but afterwards,

from maxims of policy, compelled their people to a-

bandon the fettlement. Whether this was the largeft

of

SOUTH CAROLINA.

3

of the Canary iflands, as we may probably fuppofe, or not, is a matter of little importance with refpecl to our prefent purpofe: it is enough that fuch a notion pre*vailed, and gained fo much credit as to be made the grounds of future inquiry and adventure.

WITH the ufe of the compafs, about the clofe of the fifteenth century, the great aera of naval adven tures commenced. Indeed the Tyrian fleet in the fervicc of Solomon had made what was then efteemed long voyages, and a famous Carthaginian captain had failed round Africa: the Portuguefe alfo were great adventurers by fea, and their difcoveries in Africa ferved to animate men of courage and enterprife to boldr er undertakings: but the invention of the compafs proved the mariner's beft guide, and facilitated the improvements in navigation. Furnifhed with this new and excellent inftru&or, the feaman forfook the dan gerous more and launched out into the immenfe ocean in fearch of new regions, which, without it, muft long have remained unknown. Even fuch expeditions as proved abortive, furnifhed obfervations and journals to fucceeding navigators, and every difcovery made, gave life and encouragement to brave adventurers.

ABOUT this period Chriftopher Columbus, a native

of Genoa, appeared, who was a man of great inge

nuity, courage, and abilities, and had acquired better

notions of the globe, and greater fkill in navigation,

than any of his cotemporaries. Imagining there might A projed

be territories in the weft to balance thofe in the eaft, fc'um-

he directed all his views to that quarter, and was ea- tempting"

gerly bent on a voyage of difcovery. He drew a plan a

for the execution of his projeft, which, together with

A3

a map

4

THE HISTCRY OF

a map of the world, he hid b rfore his countrymen,

mewing them xvhat grandeur and advantage would

accrue to their ftate, fhould he prove fuccefsful. But

the leading men of the republic confidered his project

as wild and chimerical, and fham.efully treated him

with neglect. Though mortified at this ill ufage, he

neverthelefs remained inflexible as to his purpofe,- and

therefore determined to vifit the different courts of

Europe, and offer his fervice to that fovereign, who

fhould give him the greateft encouragement and afM-

ance.

'

. ; :.

WHILE he refolved to go in perfonto France,.Spain

and Portugal, he fent his brother Bartholomew to

England; which nation had now feen an ,end of her

bloody civil wars, and begun to encourage trade arid

navigation. But Bartholomew, in his paflage, was

unfortunately taken by pirates, and robbed of all he

hadj and, to augment his diftreis, was feized with a

fever after his arrival, and reduced to great hardlhips.

After his recovery, he fpent forae time in drawing

charts and maps, and felling them, before he was in a

condition to appear at court. At length, being intro

duced to the king, he laid before, .hirn; his brother's

propofals for failing to the weft on a voyage of dilco-

very. King Henry, who was rather a prudent mafia"

gerof the public treafure, than an encouragcr of great

undertakings, as fome hutorians fay, rejected his pro

pofals : but others of equal credit affirm, that the'king

entered into an agreement with Bartholomew, and lent

him to invite his brother to England ; and that the

pation in general were fond of the project, either from

motives of mere curiofity or profpefts of commereial

advantage.

,. ;

SOUTH CAROLINA.
IN the mean time Columbus, after furmounting .feveral encouragements and difficulties, found em ployment in the iervice of Spain. Queen Ifabella agreed with him on his own, terms, and went fo far as to fell her jewels in order to furnifh him with every thing rcquifite for his intended expedition. Accord ingly he embarked in Auguft 1492, and failed from A< D Palos on one of the grcateft enterprifes ever under taken by man. Steering towards the weft, through what was then deemed a boundlefs ocean, he found abundance of fcope for all the arts of navigation of which he was pofTeffed ; and, after furmounting numberlcfs difficulties, from a mutinous crew and the length of the voyage, he difcovered one of the Bahama iflands. 'rl;c Here lie landed, and, after falling on his knees and thanking God for his fuccefs, he ereded the royal bus. itandard of Spain in the weftern world, and returned to Europe.
UPON his arrival in Spain, the fame of this bold adventurer, and the fuccefs of his voyage, quickly fpread through Europe, and excited general inquiry and admiration. John Cabot, a native of Venice, 1404. (at that time one of the mcft fiourifhing commercial /fotes of the world), refided at Briftol in England, iand, having.heard, of territories in the weft, fitted out a fliip at his own expence, and fleered to that quarter on a voyage of difcovery. Directing his courfe more to the northward, he was^equally fuccefsful, and, in the year 1494, difcovered the ifland of Newfoundland. He The difwehfafliore on another ifland,which he called St.John's, becaufe difcovered on the feftival of St. John the Baptift. i>ot. Here he found inhabitants clothed with (kins, who made
ufe

THE HIST )RY OF
ufc of darts, bows and arrows, and had the addrefs to perfuade fome of them to fail with him to England* On his return to Briftol he was knighted by the king, .?nd reported that the land appeared rocky and barren, but that the fea abounded with fifh of various kinds.
KING HENRY was no fooner made acquainted with the fuccefs of John Cabot, than he gave an invita tion to mariners of character and ability to enter his fervice, for the purpofe of attempting further difcoveries. Cabot declared, he doubted not to make difcoveries for him equally honourable and advantageous as thofe Columbus had made for Ferdinand and Ifabella, Accordingly, terms were propofed and agreed on between them. " Henry, in the eleventh year of " his reign, gave a commiffion to John Cabot and *' h|s three fons, Sebaflian, Lewis, and Sancius, and ** their heirs, allowing them full power to fail to all *' countries and feas of the eaft, weft, and north, un" dcr Englifh colours, with five fhips of fuch burden M and force as they fliouid think proper, and with as <s many mariners as they mould chute to take on their " own coft and charges, to feck out and difcover all " the ifles, countries, regions and provinces of hea*' thens and infidels they could find, which to all "'. Chriftians before that time had remained unknown." In thefe letters-patent, though it appears that Henry granted them a, right to occupy and poffefs fuchlands and countries as they fhould find and conquer, yet he laid them under an obligation to erect the Englifh ftandard in everyplace, and referved to himfelf and his heirs the dominion, title and jurifdi&ion of all the towns, caftles? ifles and lands they fhould difcover j fo that whatever acquifitions they fhould make, they would
only

SOUTH CAROLINA.

7

only occupy them as vaffals of the crown of England. And left they (hould be inclined to go to fome foreign port, he exprefly bound them to return to Briftol, and to pay him and his heirs one fifth part of all the capi tal gains, after the expences of the voyage were dedu&ed: and, for their encouragement, he inverted them with full powers to exclude all Englifli fubjefts, without their particular licence, from vifiting and fre quenting the places they mould difcover.

SOON after receiving this commiffion from the king, A. D. John Cabot died; and his fbn Sebaftian, who was '497' alfo a fkilful navigator, fet fail in 1497, w'tn tne C3prefs view of difcovering a north-weft paflage to the eaftern fpice iflands. Directing his courfe by his fa ther's journals to the fame point, he proceeded beyond the 67 th degree of north latitude; and it is affirmed, Thedifthat he would have advanced farther, had not his crew ^TT0^ turned mutinous and ungovernable, and obliged him to return to the degree of latitude 56. From thence, in a fouth-weft courfe, he failed along the coaft of the continent, as far as that part which was afterwards called Florida, where he took his departure, and re turned to England. Thus England claims the honour of difcovering the continent of North America, and by thofe voyages of John and Sebaftian Cabot, all that right and title to this extenfive region, founded on prior difcovery, muft be vefted in the crown of England.

IN the year following, Americus Vcfpuccius, a ria-

tive of Florence, having procured a commiffion, to-

gcther with the charts of the celebrated Columbus, Americus

failed to the fouthern divifion of the wcftern continent. VcfPuccU

1

. US*

In

I

THE HI STO if OF

In this voyage he difcovered a k ge country, and drew a kitid of map of thofe parts of it he vifited. He alfo kept a journal, making feveral ufeful remarks oh the coaft and inhabitants; which, on his return to Europej were publifhed for general inftrucYion. By this means he had the good fortune to perpetuate his ftamer .-by giving it to the whole wefterh world. Pofierior writers naturally following the fame traft, and ufing the fame names found in the firft performance, America by accident became the denomination by which the wefterh continent was diftinguilhed, and probably will be fo through all fucceeding ages.

A. t>. NOT long after this, Don Pedro Alvarez Cabral, Thedif- Admiral of the Portuguefe fleet, bound for the Edft covwy of Indies, was driven by a ftorm on the coaft of that a country now called Brazil. There ne found fine land,
inhabited ; by favages, of which he took poffeffion in name of his king. This difcpvery he deemed of great confequence, and therefore, having put a native or two of the new-found land on board, he fent Gafper Lataida&back to Portugal with the news. He reported, at the fame time, the gentle treatment he received from the natives of the country, the excellent foil and beautiful profpefts it exhibited ; and, upon his report, a fettlemeht was foon after made, which advanced by rapid degrees in riches and population, and foon be came the moft valuable of the Portuguefe poifeffions.

America | THIS vaft territory of America being now difcover-

^j. B lt~ I ed by different nations, in eyery place they found it

f inhabited by human creatures j but from what country

they derived their origin, or by what means they were

conveyed to this diftant region, has been the fubjeft

i

^

of

SOUTH CAROLINA.

9

of much fpeculation and inquiry, not only in that,

but alfo in every future period. Hiftory claims not

the province of peremptorily determining inquires,

which can have na better foundation than the proba

ble opinions and uncertain conjectures of ingenious

men, and therefore muft leave every man to adopt

fuch accounts as appear to him leaft abfurd or liable

to exception. Yet, as the fubjecVis curious, it

may be amufing to fome readers to prefent them

' 'with the 'different conjectures refpeding it, efpecially

fudi as are fupported by late obfervations and dif-

coveries. ' ; '' :

: :

ONE perfon fancies that this country was peopled Various

from Britain, and has recourfe to a romantic ftory of tu"cs CaaWellh hiftorian in fupport of his wild conjecture, bout the

This'author gives an account of a difcovery made in firy P" the year 1170^ by Maddock, a younger fort of Owen ef Ame6uineth, prince of Wales. That prince, obferving ricahis brethren engaged in civil war about the fucceffion

to his father's throne, formed a refolution to abandon his country. Having procured a (hip, with plenty of

neccflaries for a long voyage, he embarked-, and failtd far to the weftward of Ireland, where he difcovered a rich and fertile country, in which he refolved to eftabltflv a fettlement. \Vith this view he returned to Wales, prepared ten fail of (hips, and tranfported a

nuthber df both fexes to this wcftern territory. Some men, who Mtfft bC*n rather too zealous for proofs in coflfirmatioh of this conjecture, haA?e induftrioufly traced, and flattered thernfclves With having found a ftriking tcfemblance between feveral words

in the native language of fome Indian nations and the old Welfh tongue.

B

OTHER

THE HIST >RY OF
OTHER authors are of opir; on, that the American tribes are the defcendants of the ancient Phenicians and Carthaginians, who early formed fettlements on the coaft of Barbary and the Canary iflands. The Tyrians and Carthaginians, beyond doubt, were a commercial people, and the firft who diftinguiihed themfelves by their knowledge in navigation. They built fliips which carried vaft numbers of people. To plant a colony on the weft of Africa, Hanno, a Carthaginian captain, embarked in a fleet of fixty Ihips, containing no fewer than thirty thoufand pcrfons, with implements neceflary for building and cultivation. While he failed along the ftormy coaft of Africa, it is not improbable that fome of his fliips might be driven out of fight of the land. In this cafe, the mariners finding the trade winds blowing conftantly againft them, might neceffarily be obliged to bear away before them, and fo be wafted over to America. The complexion of the inhabitants of the African iflands refembled thofe Columbus found in the Weft Indies: The bows, arrows, fpears, and lances of both were alfo nearly fimilar, only thofe of the latter were pointed with flints and the bones of fifhes: There were alfo fome refemblance in their religious rites and fuperftitions to thofe of the ancient Carthaginians, which afford fome prefumptive evi dences that they might have derived their origin from nations where fuch arms were ufed, and fueh fuperftition prevailed. That America might receive fome of its firft inhabitants IVotn the-beft and boldcft navi gators of the eaft, is a thing neither impoflibie nor incredible; and, if this be acknowledged, they had many hundred years to-multiply and increafe, before the period in which Columbus vifited them.
OTHER.

SOUTH CAROLINA.



OTHER, authors of confiderable merit and ingenu ity have contended, that America was. firft peopled by Norwegians, and the northern countries of Eu rope, formerly fo populous and enterprifing. They confidered the route by Iceland and Greenland, where the fea is covered with ice and fnow, as the mofb eafy and practicable. They affirm, that colonies were planted in Greenland, by adventurers from the north of Europe; that the north-weft coaft of Greenland is removed at no great diftance from America, and that it is not improbable thefe two territories may, in places yet undifcovered, be contiguous. In fupport of which conjecture, an affinity between the language of the Efquimaux Indians and that of the Greenbnders has been difcovered by modern Danifli travellers. It is aficrted, that they underftand each other in their commercial intercourfes. Befides, fo great is their likenefs in features and manners, in their boats and darts, that late geographers have not fcrupled to believe that the lands are united, as the inhabitants of both fides fo manifeftly appear to be descended from the fame nation.

OTHER writers, with greater probability and rca-

fon, fuppofe, that the weftern continent niuft have

received its firft inhabitants from the north-cad parts

of Ana and Europe. Some ancient Greek hiftorians

fay, that the Scythians, from whom the Tartars deri

ved their origin, were all painted from their infancy,

and that they flayed tlte he'ads of their enemies, and

wore their fcalps, by way of triumph, ?.t the bridles

of their horfes. Sophocles (beaks of having the

head (horn, and of wearing a Ikull-cajv like the: Scy

thians. Thefe indeed ban- r. faint rcfcir.blaace to

B .2

fonic

i2

THE HISTf RY OF

fome cuftoms of the Indian tk DCS in America; but

late difcoveries furnifli us with the bcft proofs in fa*

vour of this conjecture. Some Ruffian adventurers,

on the fea of Kamfchatka, have difcovered1 the eoafb

of America, and reported, that the diftaiice between

the two-continents is fo linall and inconfidcrabk, that

a paflage between them, at certain feafons, is.eafy

and practicable, and that, though it be yet uncertain,

it is by no means improbable that, thefe two greats

territories are united.. It is remarkable, .that the af-

pefl:, language, and manners, of the people, on each,

fide of the narrow channel, are nearly fimilar; that

the arms they ufe for procuring fubfift^nce are the

fame; that their boats and method of filhing are ex

actly alike ; that both make ufe of a wooden inflru-

ment for procuring fire by friction ; ; that neither at-'

tack their enemies in the open field,..but i take all ad

vantages of enfnaring them by wiles and ftfatagem;

and that the vanquiflied, when taken prifoncrs, are

tortured without mercy. Thefe qbfervations indicate

a linking refemblance between the Tartars and -the.

favages of America. One thing is certain, that emi-,,

grations to the \veftern world by this narrow channel

are eafier accounted for than by any, other route,

and it is to be hoped a few years more will' remove

every difficulty attending this curious and important

inquiry.

.

.

, , , : .,.->'

NOTWITHSTANDING all thefe conjectures, various, may have been the ways and means of peopling this large continent. It is not improbable that,-fevera! nations may have contributed towards fqpplying it at difFerent times with inhabitants. The,Scripture
that all mankind originally fprung from the
fame

SOUTH CAROLINA.

13

fame root, however now diversified in characters and complexions. In the early ages of the world, as mankind multiplied they difperfed, and occupied a greater extent of country. When thus divided, for the fake of felf-prefervatiori and mutual defence, they would naturally unite and form feparate ftates. The eager defire of power and dominion would prove the occafion of differences and quarrels, and the weaker party Or date would always be oblig'ed to flee before the ftronger. Such differences would neceflarily pro mote diftant fettlements, and'when navigation was introduced and improved, unforefeen accidents, feaftorms, and unfortunate fhipwrecks, would contri bute to the general difperfion. Thefe, we may natu rally fuppofe, would be the effects of divifion and war hi the earlier ages. Nor would time and higher degrees of civilization prevent fuch confequences, or prove a fufficient remedy againft domeftic difcord and trouble. Ambition, tyranny, factions and commo tions of various kinds, in larger focieties, would oc cafion emigrations, and all the arts of navigation would be employed for the relief and afliftance of the diflrefled. So that if America was found peopled in fome meafure nigh 5,500 years after the creation, it cannot be deemed a thing more wonderful and un accountable, than the population of many eaftern. iflands, efpccially thole lying at a confidcrable diftance from the continents. The great Author oi" nature, who firft framed the world, iVill fupcrintends and governs it; antl as.all filings vifib'c and invifible are inftruments in his hand, lie can make them all confpire towards promoting the defigns of his pro vidence, and has innumerable method?, incompre'lienfible by us, oi". dillufing the knov>'ledge of his
name.

14

THE HIS' ORY OF

name, and the glory of his . ngdom, throughout the fpacious univerfe.

THOSE Scattered tribes of fayages difpcrfed by Providence through the American continent, occu pied its.extenfive forefts ; and it muhV be confcfled, uiral ro- t^at no innat>ltants f Europe, Africa or Afia could prietors , produce a better title to their . pofleflions. Their of the ; j-jght was founded in nature and Providence : it country. s was th. e trree and, l..i.beral..g,if.t ,o.r .heaven to th. em, ; which no foreigner could claim any pretenfion to I invade. Their lands they held by the firft of all teI nures, that of defending them with their lives. How1 ever, charters were granted to European intruders, from kings who claimed them on the foot of prior difcpvery; but neither the fovereigns who granted away ,thofe lands, nor the patentees who accepted their grants, and by fraud or force acquired pofleffion,. could plead any title to them founded on natu ral right. Prior difcovery might give foreigners a kind of right to lands unoccupied, or pofleflions relinquimed, but neither of thefe was the cafe of the American territories. Nations who lived by hunting like the favages in America, required a large extent of territory ; and though fome had more, others lefs extenfive diftri&s to which they laid claim, yet each tribe knew its particular divifion, and the whole coaft /was occupied by them. Indeed, in a general view, the whole earth may be called an inheritance common to mankind; but, according to the laws and cuftoms of particular nations, ftrangers who encroach on their neighbours property, or attempt to take forcible poffeflion, have no reafon to wonder if they obtain fuch property at the rifque of life. In juftice and equity,
Indian

SOUTH CAROLINA.
Indian titles were the beft ones ; and fuch European emigrants as obtained lands by the permiflion and confent of the natives, or by fair and honourable purchafe, could only be faid to have a juft right to
them.
IN the centre of the continent the people, compa ratively fpeaking, were numerous and civilized; the tribes farther removed from it on each fide lived "more difperfeii, and confequently were more rude. Some hiftorians have reprefented them as naturally ferocious, cruel, treacherous and revengeful;. but no man ought to draw conclufions, with refpeft to their original characters, from their conduft in later times, efpecially after they have been hoftilely invaded, injurioufly driven from their natural pofleffions, cruelly treated, and barbaroufly butchered by European aggreiTors, who had no other method of colouring and vindicating their own conduft, but that of blacken ing the characters of thofe p'oor natives. To friends they are benevolent, peaceable, generous andhofpitable: to enemies they are the reverfe. But we forbear en tering minutely into this fubjeft at prefent, as we {hall have occafion afterwards to make feveral remarks on the character, manners and cuftoms of thefe tribes. Jufl views of them may indeed excite compaflibn ; yet, for our inftrucYion, they will exhibit to us a ge nuine piturc of human inature in its rudeft and moil uncultivated ftate.

WIT.H the revival.of learning in Europe, towards

the clofe of the fifteenth century, a more free and

liberal way of thinking, with refped to religion, was

introduced and encouraged, than had taken place

3

duringb

i

THE HIS' DRY O.I?

during many preceding age , At this period feveral men of genius and courage appeared, who difcovered to the world the grofs abfurdity of many of the

tenets and practices of the Romifh church, but were unwilling totally to overturn hereftabliftied jurifdiftion and authority. At length Luther boldly expofed her

errors to public view, and the fpirit of the age, groan

ing under the papal yoke, applauded the undertaking.

Multitudes, who had long been opprefied, were ripe

for a change, and well difpofed for favouring the pro-

grefs of that reformation which he attempted and in

troduced. By this means great commotions were ex

cited throughout Chriftendom, and thoufands united

Religious and entered warmly into defigns of afferting their reli-

the' 'pri- lous liberty. Hence a fpirit of emigration arofe,

maty and men feemed bent on vifiting the remoteft regions

ecraauifgerao-f tions to

Ojp trie ear(:h ' rather "on at nome.

than

fubmit

to f^piritual oTM ppref-

the weft. .



INSTEAD of improving the difcovertes made in

America during the reign of his father, Henry the

eighth was bufily engaged in gratifying the crav->

ings of licentious appetites, or in oppofing by wri

tings'the progrefs of the reformation; In his reign

Sebaftian Cabot, that eminent mariner, finding him-

felf fhamefully neglected by the capricious and vo

luptuous monarch, went over to Spain.. There he

got employment for feveral- years, and made fome

new and ufeful difcoveries in America for the Spanifh

nation. After the young Piince Edward afcended

the Englifh throne, the enterprifing merchants of

Briftol invited Cabot to return to Britain ; and he,

having a natural fondnefs for that city in which he

was born, the more readily accepted their invitation.

SOUTH CAROLINA.

7

King Edward, having heard of the fame of this bold

navigator, exprefled a defire of feeing him; and ac

cordingly Cabot was fent for and introduced to the

king by the Duke of Somerfet, at that time Lord

Protector of England. The king being highly plea-

fed with his converfation, kept him about court, and

from him received much inftru&ion, both with re-

Jpeft to foreign parts, and the ports and havens within

his own dominions. In all affairs relating to trade

and navigation Cabot was confulted, and his judg

ment and (kill procured him "general refpeft. A ,

trade with Ruffia was projected, and a company of

merchants being incorporated for carrying it on, Se-

baftian Cabot was made the firft governor of the

company. In 1549, being advanced in years, the

king, as a reward for his fervices, made him Grand

Pilot of England, to which office he annexed a pen-

fion of L.166 : 13 :4 per annum, which Cabot held

during his life, together with the favour of.his

prince^ and the friendship of rile trading part of the

nation.

.

WHEN Mary, that cruel and inflexible bigot, fuc-

ceeded to the throne, domeftic troubles and ecclefi-

aftkal perfecution were fo prevalent in England, that

commerce funk into decay, and navigation was de-

fpifed and neglefted. The fpirit of murmur and dif-

content pervaded the country, and multitudes wifhed

for fome foreign fettlement, as an afylum againft do-

meflic trouble and perfecution ; and, had they been

fufficiently acquainted with the weftern territories,

would certainly have emigrated to that quarter.

After Elifabeth afccnded the throne, the bloody fcene

of violence clpfed, and national affairs took a more

C

fuccefsful

iS

THE HIS' ORY OF

fuccefsful turn. During IK reign the reformation advanced to a peaceable eitabliihment in England, and commerce was encouraged and protected.

IN France the reformation met with greater ob'ftacles, and was productive of more fcrious and fatal confequences. It occafioncd a civil war between the Proteftant and Catholic parties of that kingdom, which raged for feveral years with great violence. Coligni's During thefe domeflic troubles, Jafper de Coligni, fettle- onc of tjie c}ji ef ]ea(iers of the Proteftant army, Fjnloenritdai,n formed a project for carryi.ng a coiony to Ameri.caJ . Forefeeing the dangers to which he and his followers would be expofed, mould the caufe in which they were engaged prove unfuccefsful, it is probable he intended this foreign fettlement as a retreat. Ac cordingly, having fitted out two (hips, he gave the command of them to Jean Ribaud, and fent him with, a colony of Proteftants to America. Ribaud landed at the mouth of the river now called Albemarle, which was then confidered as part of Florida, where he built a fort, for the fecurity of himfelf and fol lowers, and called the country Carolina. By this time the'Spaniards had incurred the irreconcileablc hatred and refeminent of the Indian nations by their cruelty and treachery in the heart of the continent. Ribaud found means of acquainting the Indians that lie was an enemy to the Spaniards, and of confequence he was the more kindly received by them. He had the addrefs to engage their affeftions, infomuch that in a little time they became fond of his alliance. But while the flames of war continued in France, Coligni could find no leifure to fend fupplies to his infant colony, and Ribaud was .obliged to aban
don

S O U T H C A R O L I N A.

19

don the fettlement. Great were the extremities to which he was reduced in returning to Europe : one of his crew was killed for fubfiftence to the reft, who had fcarcely done eating him, when an Englifh vefTel providentially appeared, took the emaciated crew on board, and carried them to England.

MEA>? while, a peace being patched up between the Papifts and Proteftants in France, Admiral Coligni, who was feemingly received into favour by that political court, fitted out three (hips, loaded them with provifions and arms, and fent them to Carolina. Rene Laudoner, to whom he had given the com mand, embarked with a number of adventurers. On his arrival he found the fpot Ribaud had relin-

quifhed ; but defpaired of being able to keep poffeffion of it without regular fupplies. When he found his provifions beginning to fail, he had form

ed refolutions of returning -to Europe. While he was making preparations to embark, Ribaud fortu

nately arrived with feven {hips, a large fupply of ncceflaries, and a confiderable body of fettlers. This animated them to enter with greater vigour on clear ing and cultivating lands, and making provifion for their future fubfiftence. The Indians rejoiced at Ribaud's return, and waited on him with their afiurances

of friendlhip. But while this French colony were be ginning to flatter themfelves with fome faint hopes of

fuccefs, Peter Mclandez, who pretended a right to the Extirwhoie territority, came againft them with- "an armed j^s a force, killed Ribaud and feven hundred of his men, marc and compelled the remainder to return to France. M. de Gorgues, a Gafcoon, afterwards, to avenge the

difafter of his countrymen, diflodged Melandez, but

Ca

made

T'HE HIST ORY OF
np attempt toward planting a cplony in that fjuarter. This extenfivc country remained a 'wilderriels until the reign of Charles the fecond of Eng land. To keep pofieffion, the Spaniards fupported a fmall garrifon at Auguftine, on the moft barren Ipot of the whole territory, upon, which, together with the difcovcry of Ponce de Leon, they ever after founded their claim to all thefouthern parts of North America.
ABOUT the fame time a traffic in the human fpeA traffic cies, called Negroes, was introduced into England^
^hich is one of the moft odious and unnatural branches of trade the fordid and avaricious mind of mortals ever invented, It had indeed been carried on before tnjs period by (Genoefe traders, who bought a patent from Charles the fifth, containing an exclufive right of carrying negroes from the Portuguefe fettlements in Africa, to America and the Weft In dies ; but the Englifh nation had not yet engaged in the iniquitous traffic. As it has fince been deeply concerned in it, and as the province, the tranfatlions of which I narrate, owes its improvements almoft entirely to this hardy race of labourers, it may riot be improper here to give fomc account of the origin and firft inventor of this trade.
WILMAM HAWKINS, an expert Englifh feaman, having made feveral vovages to the coaft of Guinea, and from thence to Brazil and the Weft Indies, had acquired confiderable knowledge of the countries. At his death he left his journals with his fon John HawkinSj in which he defcribcd the lands of Ameri ca and the Weft Indies to be exceedingly rich and
fertile,

SOUTH CAROLINA.

i

fertile, but utterly negledted for want of bands to jrnprove them. He reprefented the natives of Eu rope as unequal to the talk in fuch a fcorching cli mate; but thpfe of Africa as well adapted to under go the labours requifite. Upon which John Hawkins immediately formed a defign of tranfporttng African* into the weftern world j and having drawn apian for the execution of it, he laid it before fome of his opu lent neighbours for encouragement and approbation. To them it appeared promifing and advantageous. A fubfcription was opened, and fpcedily filled up, by Sir Lionel Ducket, Sir Thomas Lodge, Sir William Winter and others, who plainly perceived the vaft profits that would refult from fuch a trade. Accord ingly three fhips were fitted out, and manned by an hundred feleft failors, whom Hawkins encouraged to go with him by promifes of good treatment and great pay. In the year 1562 he fet fail for Africa, and in a few weeks armed at t*>e country now called Sierra Leona, where he began his commerce with the negroes. While he trafficked with them, he found fome means of giving them a charming defcription of the country to which he was bound j the unfufpicious Africans liftened to him with apparent joy and fatisfadtion, and feemed remarkably fond of his Eu ropean trinkets, food and clothes. He pointed out to them the barrennefs of the country, and their naked and wretched condition, and promifed, if any of them were weary of their miferable circumftances, and would go along with him, hie would carry them to a plentiful land, where they mould live happy, and receive an abundant recompenfe for their labours. He told them, that the country was inha bited by fuch men as himfelf and his jovial compa
nions,

aa

THE HIS .'ORY OF

nions, and aflured them f kind ufage and great friendfhip. In fhort, the negroes were overcome by his flattering promifes, and three hundred (tout fel lows accepted his offer, and commented to embark along with him. Every thing being fettled on the mbft amicable terms between them, Hawkins made preparations for his voyage. But in the night before his departure, his negroes were attacked by a large body from a different quarter; Hawkins, being alarmed with the fhrieks and cries of dying perfons, ordered his men to the affiftance of his flaves, and having furrounded the aflailants, carried a number of them on board as prifoners of war. The next day he fet fail for Hifpaniola with his cargo of human creatures; but, during the pafiage, treated the prifoners of war in a different manner from his volunteers. Upon his arrival he difpofed of his cargo to great advantage; and endeavoured to inculcate on the Spaniards who bought the negroes the fame diftin&ion he obferved: but they, having purchafed all at the fame rate, confidered them as flaves of the fame condition, and confequently treated all alike.

WHEN Hawkins returned to England with pearls, hides, fugar and ginger, which he had received in ex change for his flaves, multitudes flocked after him, *tti inquire into the nature, and learn the fuccefs of the new and extraordinary branch of trade. At firft the nation was fhocked at the unnatural trade of dealing in human flem, and bartering the commodi ties and trinkets of Europe for the rational race of Africa. The queen, though a patronefs of com merce, was doubtful of the juftice and humanity of
this

SOUTH CAROLINA.
this new branch, it appearing to her equally barba rous as uncommon, and therefore fent for Hawkins to inquire into his method of conducting it. Hawkins told her, that he confidered it as an aft of hu manity to carry men from a worfe condition to a bet ter, frotn a ftate of wild barbarifm to another where they might mare the bleffings of civil fociety and Chriftianity; from poverty, nakednefs and want to plenty and felicity. He affured her, that m no ex pedition where he had the command mould any Afri cans be carried away without their own free will and eonfent, except fuch captives as were taken in war and doomed to death ; that he had no fcruple about the juftice of bringing human creatures from that barren wildernefs, to a condition where they might be both happy themfelves and beneficial to the world. Indeed it would appear that Hawkins had no idea of perpetu al flavery, but expected they would be treated as free fcrvants, after they had by their labours brought their matters an equivalent for the expence of their purchafe. O^een Elizabeth feemcd fatisfied with his account, and difmifleU him, by declaring, that while he and his owners afted with humanity and juftice, they mould have her countenance and protection.
SOON after Hawkins made preparations for a fecond voyage, in which the Queen offered him a (hip of war for his affiftance and protection. But he de clined accepting her offer, by telling her Majefty, that the profits of the trade would anfwer for all the rifque and expences attending it. In his paffage, how ever, he fell in with the Minion man of war, which accompanied him to the coaft of Africa. After his ar rival he began as formerly to traffic with the negroes,
endea-

44

THHIS13RYOF

endeavouring by perfuafion a id the profpeQs of re ward to induce them to go along with him. But now they were more referred and jealous of his defigns, and as none of their neighbours had returned^ they were apprehenfive he had killed and eat them. The crew of the man of war obferving the Africans back ward and fufpicious, began to laugh at his gentle and dilatory methods of proceeding, and propofed having immediate recourfe to force and compulfion. The failors belonging to his own fleet joined thofc of the man of war, and applauded the propofal. But Hawkins confidered it as cruel and unjuft, and tried by perfuafion, promifes and threats to prevail on them to defift from a purpofe fo unwarrantable and barbarous. In vain did he urge his authority and inftruclions from the Queen: the bold and headftrohg failors vrpuld hear of no reftraints. Drunkennefs and ava rice are deaf to the voice of humanity. They purfue their violent defign, and, after feveral unfuccefsful attacks, in which many of them loft their lives, the cargo was at length compleated by barbarity and
force*

HENCE arofe that horrid and inhuman' praftice of

dragging Africans into flavery; which Jias fince been

fo purfued, in defiance of every principle of juftice

Rcflec- an(j religion. Though Hawkins was the firft Englifhjtnionson man w,ho engaged, .in tithi.s trafaf-ic, fro r epugnant to th, e

fpirit of the English conftitution ; though he made

ufe of fuch fraudulent arts even in his firft method

of conducing it, as few men -can have the affurance

to vindicate; yet, as he was a man of prudence and

humanity, he is no ways chargeable with thofe dia

bolical abufes which have fince crept into this trade.

i

Had

SOUTH CAROLINA.

45

Had men continued to conduct it according to his

plan and propofal, and hands been tranfported by

their voluntary confent to labour in burning climates,

where Europeans ate difqualified by nature for the

tafk; had the Spaniards allowed them the common

privileges offervants, after they had cleared the char- ,

ge$ they coft them j had negroes been bought from

the flames, to which in fome countries they were de

voted on their falling prifoners of war, and in others

facrific^d at the funeral obfequies of the great and.

powerful among'themfelves; in fliort, had they been

by this traffic delivered from torture or death, Eu

ropean merchants might have fome excufe to plead

in its vindication. But, according to the common

mode in which it has been conducted, we muft con-

fefs it a difficult matter to conceive a fingle argument

in its defence. It is contrary to all laws of nature

and nations to entice, inveigle and compel fuch mul

titudes of human creatures, who never injured us,

from their native land, and difpofe of them like flocks

of (heep and Cattle to the higheft'bidder; and, what

compleats the cruelty and injuftice of the traffic, to

cpnfign them over to ignorance, barbarifm, and per

petual flavery. After this, where will infatiable ava

rice flop? As a free and independent people, they

had unqueftionably an equal right to make flaves of

the inhabitants of Europe. Nature has given the peo

ple of the one continent no fuperiority over thofe of

the other ; the advantages of Europeans were the ef

fects only of art and improvement. And though poli

cy has given countenance and fanction to the trade,

yet every candid and impartial man muft confefs, that

it is atrocious and unjuftifiable in every light in which

it can be viewed, and turns merchants into a band of

D

robbers,

26

THE HISTOR f OF

robbers, and trade into atrocious j&s of fraud and violence.

WE {hall now return to thofe naval adventurers, whofe objeft was the eftablifhment of colonies in 1584.' America. About the year 1584, Sir Walter Raleigh, an able ftatefman and gallant officer, formed a proVireinia jecl for planting an Englifli colony in America. His fettled, penetrating genius eafily difcerned the great advanta ges which would accrue from a fucccfsful foreign fetdemcnt. He applied to the Queen, and having ob tained from her letters-patent, immediately began to carry into execution what his ingenuity had project ed. He fitted out, two veflels, and gave the; com mand of them to Philip Amidas and Arthur Barlow, and fent them to America. They landed at the ifland Roanock, and took pofieflion of the country in the name of the Queen of England, and Sir Walter cal led it Virginia, in honour of his virgin Queen. The favourable report made by thefe two mariners, en couraged Sir Walter to purfue his defign with refor lution. Great minds are fond of new fchemes and grand enterprizes, but it commonly falls to pofterity to reap the advantages refulting from them. Sir Hichard Grenville, one of Sir Walter's intimate com panions, afterwards vilited this country, and left one hundred and eight men in it to keep pofleflion of the territory. But they running (hort of provifions, and having no fource of fupply, were reduced to great {traits. Happily for them, admiral Drake, who had been fent with a fleet to Spantm America in fearchof treafurc, had imlrucYions to touch at Virginia in his return to England. On his arrival lie found the in
fant

S 0 U T H C A R O LI N A.
fant colony in great diftrefs, and at their requeft (Car ried them back to England.

SOME years afterwards another attempt was made, and fifty men were left to begin a fettlement. Whe ther thefc fuffered death by hunger, or the hands of favages, is uncertain ; but, on the arrival of ano ther embarkation, none of the fifty could be found* They obferved the word Croatan marked on fome trees, from which they conjectured that the colony had moved to a place called by that name, and left this as a mark to conduct their friends to it. But a ftorm afterwards arifing, thefe adventurers were dri ven out to fea, and, without finding their unfortunate
countrymen, returned to England,

FROM this period till the year 1606 Virginia wa

left without an inhabitant, except its original favagcs.

In the mean time, Sir Walter Raleigh, having incur

red the difpleafure of the king and the jealoufy of the

court, fell a facrifice to the malice and power of his

enemies. However, fome merchants of London and

Briftol kept trading to the weftern world, and barter

ed beads, knives, hatchets and coarfe cloths for the

fldns and furs which the Indians brought them. The

immenfe profits arifing from this commerce encoura

ged them to enlarge it. For this purpofe two com

panies were incorporated for trading to America and

eftabliming fettlementsin it, the one was called the Vir

ginia Company, the other the Plymouth Adventurers.

King James granted them all the territory which Iks

between the 34th and 4jth degrees of north latitude.

The former of thefe corporations laid the foundation

of James-Town in Virginia, which was the firfl Bri-

D2

tilh

23

THE HIST jRY OK

tifh fettlenaent in America hkh proved permanent

and fuccefsful. So after Sir,-Walter Raleigh had.pro-

jefted and fpent forty thoufand pounds, in vain at

tempts to eflablifli a colony in this quarter, this com

pany reaped the firft advantages of his enterprihng

fpirJLt and. great defign.

,

/..

HOWEVER, for many years, fmall and inconfiderable was the pr.qgre.fs of this diftant fettlement. Their objeft was rather Indian trade than cultivation, till, Lord Delawar was appointed governor, of the colony.; Its pro- After his arrival in Virginia, he turned ;the attention of the fettlers to induftry and application.^ From the rivers,which abounded with fifh, and the woods with, game, he taught them the arts of procuring a plenr tiful fupply of provifions. He mewed them the poffibility of chaftifing thofe Indian tribes who prefiimed to harafs the colony, pointed out the methods of defence in the woods, and by his example inlpired them with resolution and perfeverance. At length, having by his zeal and indefatigable labours brought the colony to a growing and hopeful condition,, at the. rifque of his own health, he appointed his fon deputy-governor, and returned to England. .

Bv.this time feveral men of opulence and diftinetion in JEngland had begun to form the moft Janguin.e hopes-with refpeft to this fettlement, and united.in a plan for carrying inhabitants to it. Sir Thomas Yates and Sir George Somers embarked with 500 men for. Virginia:' the latter being driven by a florm wiihin fight of the ifland called Bermuda, formed a defign of fettling i,t. This embarkation proved a great.acquifition to the colony in Virginia. On their arrival the

S O U T H C A R O L 1 N A.

29

colonifts began to think themfelves ftrong, and there fore, not content with the lands about James-Town, they forced their way up the large rivers, and made 'bold excursions into the country, in fearch of the moft convenient and fertile fpocs of ground. The wifdoni of their governor was no iefs confpicuous in the divifion of property, than in the distribution of juftice. His tendernefs arid indulgence fet the fprings of induftry in motion, which fpread through the fettlement, and excited a fpirit of emulation with refpect to the culture of lands. By degrees little fpots were cleared and planted, which rewarded the dili gent, and the country began to make fonie feeble advances towards improvement. In proportion as the colony multiplied, the inhabitants fpread themfelves through the country, yet abundance of land ftill re mained for additional numbers, with which it might in time be augmented.

DURING the reign of the family of Stuart, a feries of weak and oppreffive meafures, purfued in England, occafioned dome/tic troubles and difcontent to the nation, and contributed greatly to promote American fettlements. James the firfr, furrounded by a crowd Difturbof flatterers, began to entertain high ideas of his g1",*,^ power and prerogative, to inculcate the extravagant promote do'cVmes of divine indefeafible right, paffive obedi- f-^'S11 ence, arid non-refiftance, on a people whom he was nic^ts. ill qualified to govern, and who had conceived an irreconcileable averfion from fuch political princi ples. The confequence was, he loft by his weaknefs and pedantry the affeftions of the tution, yet his reign is memorable for giving rife to many foreign fettlements. From him the Eaft-lndia Company re
ceived

3o

THE HIST RY OF

ceivcd a new patent, which e couraged the corpora tion to enlarge their ftock, and to fit out a greater number of mips for that trade. In his reign Barbadoes was fettled by an aflbciation of noblemen, of whom the Earl of Pembroke was the chief. And though it afterwards changed its mafter, and fell into the hands of the Earl of Carlifle, yet it profpered from its firft population, and foon became a rich and flourifhing ifland. St. Chriflophers may alfo date its origin from the clofe of this king's reign. The Ply mouth Adventurers, who had carried a colony to New-England, at different times added numbers to it, and, notwithftanding every difficulty, it grew and profpered. Sir William Alexander received a grant of that territory now called Nova Scotia from the fame king, but never made any ferious attempts to wards fettling it.

DURING the fucceeding reign feveral thoufands emigrated to the weftern continent. Both the King and Queen were attached to the Popifli religion, which vaft multitudes of the nation abhorred. This ferved to alienate the people's afteftions not a little from the royal family: but the tyrannical and oppreflive regulations eflablifhed by the rulers of the church, doubled the diflrefs of the people, and ferved to complete their difaffedlion to their na tive country. The Puritans, fo called for their ta king, or affe&ing to take, the pure and fimple word of God for the rule of their faith and practice, regardlefs of ecclefiaftical authority and inftitutions, were a numerous party in the nation. Thefe people had begun their ftruggles for religious liberty, and as they afterwards occafioned fuch commotions in
England,

SOUTH CAROLINA.

31

England, a general (ketch of their character, and the rife and progrefs of their party, may not perhaps be unacceptable.

FROM the great sera of the Reformation the Englifli nation had been diftracted with religious difputes, and divided into contending parties. One part of the people adhered to the old fuperftitious fyftem of the Romiih church, and ftridly obferved all the abfurd tenets and practices of that eftablilhmenr. Another party, of which the church of England was compoied, receded fevcral fteps from popery, but maintaincd the hierarchy in its full power and authority. The third fet were Puritans, who had imbibed fuch high notions of civil and religious liberty, as itruck at the foundation of both hierarchy and monarchy. On all occafions they difcovered a ftrong tendency towards a republican form of government, and an irreconcileablc averfion towards the whole fabric of the Epifcopalian church. This party, during the two preceding reigns being chiefly compofed of the dregs of the people, were regarded as of little confequence, and treated with fupercilious contempt by the adminiftration. But in the reign of King Charles the firft they had amazingly increafed, and many men of opulence and diftinftion had joined them, from motives of difcontent or ambition, or from a paffion for fingularity and po pular applaufe. When the religious difputes became warm in the nation, the zeal of this party broke out, and burned with fuch amazing ardour that it levelled all diftindions. To increafe the confufion, Archbifliop Laud infifted on conformity, and perfccuted all who refufed obedience to his mandates with the utmoft rigour. But perfecution, for the mofl part,
proves

st

THE HIST BY OT

proves deftru&ive to the caufc it is intended to pr0*

mote. The miferies the Puritans endured, aftd their

firmnefs and perseverance in the midft of fuSerings,

contributed to give them that merit and importance

in the eyes of the nation, which ptherwife perhaps

they had never attained. Their fober and rigid man*

ner of life, the plainnefs of drefs which they, affected,

and the ftrong tendency they flicked towards religion

in all their words and aftionSj had great weight with

the vulgar and credulous part, and induced them to

entertain high notions of their fanftity, and to vene

rate them as the peculiar people of God. Their

number increafed and became formidable. Many

men of rank, difgufted at the meafures of court,

and apprehenfive that the liberties of the nation

Iwere in danger, turned zealous republicans, and

feemed to aim at a total fubverfion of the conftitu-

tion, both in church and ftate; The King, though

;si well-wifher to religion, hated the principles of the

Puritans, and eonfidered them as dangerous and

deceitful* Thofe enthufiaftsj on the other hand,

were determined to endure the fevereft perfections,

rather than admit the common prayer, organs, and

furplices into-their worfhlp, and conform to the po-

pifli ceremony of kneeling at the facrament. In

ihort, the difpute about trifling ceremonies became

lerious on both fides, and augured no good to the

nation. Dr. Laud, obferving not Only the laity but

the clergy alfo infefted with puritanical principles,

deprived many of their livings, merely for not con-

New- forming to all the .ceremonies of the church. Du-

England ring thefe troubles many fled to New England; and

by^ri- ot^ers caufed houfes to be built and lands cleared

tans. for them, with a view of retiring there, fhould their

i

contention

SOUTH CAROLINA.

33

contention for religious freedom in England prove unfuccefsful. In vain did 0r Laud obtain an order of court to put a flop to eajJgrationi There was not a corner of the globe to which thefe people would fiot fleey rather than conform to ceremonies which they thought favoured of popery and idolatry, and endangered.their falvatiom

To thefe difturbances New-England owed its popu<lation. Enthufiafm has often ftinmlated ,men to bold and arduous undertakings, and animated them to perfeverance amidft great difficulties. Of this truth the fifft emigrants to New-England afford us a fhiking ex*ample. They feemcd to bid defiance to the hardfhips to which they were expofed, having what they valued moft of any thing in the world, I mean, liberty of cpnfcience. Amidft cold, hunger, toil, difeafe, and diftrefs of every kind, they comforted themfelves with the thoughts of being removed far out of the reach of tyrants, and triumphed in their deliverance from an idolatrous and wicked, nation. Neither the hideous gloom of the thick foreftj nor the ravages and de predations of favage neighbours, appeared to them fo grievous and intolerable as conformity to the church of Eng xnd, and an implicit obedience to cU vil authority.

IT might realbnably have been expeted, that thofe

emigrants who made New-England their afylum from

what they deemed civil tyranny and ecclefiaftical per-

feeution, would have guarded againft every degree of

oppreffion and perfecution in that form of government

they were about to eftablifh among themfelves. This,

E

however.

34

THE HISTC *Y OF

however, was far from being th: cafe. Some of their firft laws favour of a degree of perfecution and intole rance unknown in the moft defpotic governments of Europe; and thofe who fled from perfecution became the moft bitter perfecutors. Thofe who were founa dancing or drunk were ordered to be publicly whip ped, in order to deter others from fuch practices. The cuftom ot wearing long hair was deemed immodeft, impious and abominable. All who were guilty of fwearing rafiily, might purchafe an exemption from punifliment for a {hilling; but thofewho mould tranfgrefs the fourth commandment were to be condemned to banifliment, and fuch as mould worfliip images, to death. Children were to be punHhed with death, for curfirig or ftriking their father or mother. Marriages were to be folemnized by magiftrates; and all who denied the coercive authority of the magiftrate in religious matters, or the validity of infant baptifm, were to be banifhed. Blafphemy, perjury, adultery, and witch-' craft, were all made capital offences. In fhort, we may challenge the annals of any nation to produce a code of laws more intolerant than that of the firft fettlers in New-England. Unlimited obedience was enjoined to the authority of the magiftrate, by the fame men who had refufed fuch fubmiffion in England, and fled from their native country becaufe it was deWho fnanded. Thus, however incredible it may appear, tur!J blind fanatics became public legiflators, and thofe cutors. who were unable to endure tyranny in England, became the moft infupportable tyrants in America*

THIS oppreffive rigour of their firft laws was foon heavily felt by many, but efpecially by that peace
able

SOUTH CAROLINA.

35

ablefociety of people called Quakers. Some of this fe$, who had been banifhed on account of their re ligion, out of mere zeal for making profelytes, re turned to the country. They were inftantly fcized by thpfe oppreffors, condemned and hanged, to pre vent the clandeftine incurfions of others. Thofe who had the misfortune to be taken with convulfums, or any diforder to which vulgar ignorance was a ftranger, were accufed of witchcraft, and condemned to death. No age nor fex were fecure from fuch fufpicions, where ignorance, malice and phrenfy joined in framing accufations, and felecling viclims at pleafure. Dreams, apparitions and tortures were all employed as evidences againft perfons accufed, and ferved to increafe the number of horrid executions. The clergy were often accufed, and fometimes the judges themfclves. The jails were filled with infants, old men. and women, the people were diffracted with gloomy apprehennons, and the country was ftained with in nocent blood. At laft the popular phrenzy began to fubfide, and gave way to painful remorfe. The eyes of the blinded fanatics were opened, fo as to difcern their guilt; and a general faft was appointed to im plore the pardon and mercy of God for their enor* mous crimes and. horrible delufions.

THIS colony, which was planted by oppreflion, in

procefs of time owed its extenfion to the fame caufe,

Difienters, who all claim an equal right to liberty in

religion, with refpect to private judgment and opi

nion, were not likely to remain long in harmony

and peace among themfelves. Though they repro

bated the doctrine of uniformity in England, yet they

became the mod bigoted fticklers for it in their new

E2

fcttL'inciit.

36

THE HIS' ORY OF

Divide fettlement. The tenets of c hers, who differed from ferent'" t^le'ir mde of worfhip, were condemned without govern- fcruple or hefitation, infomuch that the dppreffion jjients. rom whicn they fled jn Britain was like gentle tolera^
tion, when compared with that to which they fubjecV ed their fellow-refugees. Hence various fectaries arofe in their fettletnent, who claimed the fame right to diffent from them, which they formerly did from the church of England. But their claim was rejeft* ed, and of confequence a perfecution for conference fake commenced amosig that people, who had be come feparatifts in defence of univerfal toleration. However, thefe fprigs, torn by violence from the old root, had the fame refource left; they feparated, and planted themfelves in a new foil, and fpread their branches over the country. Hence different govern ments took their origin, and different colonies were fettled, by perfons who were denied religious free dom, and the right of private judgment, in Maffachufet's bay.

FROM the fame fource, I mean, a divifion in Eng land, another colony of catholics took its rife. The king not only loft the affections of his Proteftant fubje&s, but was alfo obliged to give the Roman catholics up to the rigour of thole laws enaded againft them A. colony in the preceding reigns. Lord Baltimore therefore reEiMa^y- flved to leave England, and fettle a colony on lands land. which had been granted to his father a few years be fore his death. This territory he called Maryland, in honour of the queen, who gave him all the affiftance in her power towards forwarding the fettkment.

FROM

SOUTH CAROLINA.

37

FROM the eftabli/hment and progrefs of thefe fo- General reign fettlements, and.t.h.e.f.pm. t off emi. grati.on w,h.ic,h roenmcaorlkp*. prevailed in England, difcerning men early foreboded nization. ill confequences to the mother country. They were no ftrangers to the troubles which the colonies of Greece and Rome occafioned thofe ancient republics. Such vaft territories as America contained, opened a boundlefs field for the encouragement of emigration, and every addition which thefe colonies received from Britain was prejudicial to her intereft, as it ferved to weaken her, in proportion as it ftrengthened them. The riches of every country unqueftionably depend on the number of its induftrious inhabitants. America could furnifh employment for innumerable hands, and emigrations from the mother country wouid in proeefs of time dry up the fources of her wealth and power. England, though populous, could fpare none, without prejudice to herfelf, but fuch as had either no employment at home, or no inclina tion to labour: for all induftrious men ferve to en rich their country, and whatever they earn by their labour, be it more or lefs, fo much doth the nation profit by them. It is true, a number of idle and in dolent people, like voracious drones in the hive, are a burden to every community. Such indeed might be fpared for the purpofe of colonization, without any detriment to the parent ftate; but every diligent and honeft labourer that emigrates from his native country, helps to depopulate, and of courfe to impoverifh it.

HAD England at that time been too populous for Us extent, or incapable of employing and maintain ing jts inhabitants, in that cafe, her planting foreign
colonies

38

THE HIS ORY OF

colonies might have fervcd le purpofe of public uti lity, and given relief from aomeftic hardfhip, juft as bees fend off their young fwarms without injuring the induftrious hive. Britain, no doubt, might reap fonie advantages from her foreign plantations, efpecially fuch of them as are fituated in a different climate, and produce fach commodities as luxury obliged her to purchafe from ftrangers; and while flie maintained her fupreme jurifdiclion over them, (he could bind them by laws to continue her cuftomers for ta king off her manufactures, and fo extend her com merce and navigation. By fuch policy fhe might make the wealth of her laborious colonies center in herfelf, and add greatly to her opulence and power. In every other cafe, numerous and extenfive foreign fettlements muft prove hurtful, if not troublefome and dangerous: for while they are draining her of her ufeful inhabitants, they are growing on her ruins; and if they turn not headftrong and ungovernable, they will at leaft oblige her to keep a much larger army and fleet than otherways fhe would have any occafion for, and double her expence for their proteftion.

FROM Charles the firfl Sir Robert Heath obtained a grant for an immenfe territory lying to the fouth\vard of Virginia, which is now divided into feveral diftind provinces, but made no fettlement on it. Excepting a fmall garifon the Spaniards fupported at Auguftine, this country remained a rude wildernefs, the habitation of favages and wild beads, till the rcftoration. Soon after that important event feveral leading men of the nation, actuated by a pious and laudable zeal for the propagation of the Gofpel,
afibciated,

SOUTH CAROLINA.

39

aflbciated, and formed a defign of fettling it at their own expence. To give an account of the rife and progrefs of this fettlement, efpecially of that divifion now called SOUTH CAROLINA, fliall be our bufinefs in the following pages of this hiftory.

CHAP.

C 41 1

e H A P. ii.

DURING the period of the ufurpation in Eng land, popular anarchy prevailed, and levelled all ranks and diftinftibns throughout the nation. The lineal heir of the crown being expelled, Oliver Cromwell, that ambitious and crafty leader of the people, fcizcd the reins of government, and ruled England with a rod of iron for feveral years. The nobles bowed to a fanatic, and the republican part of the conftitution preponderated to fuch a degree, that the other two became as nothing in the ba lance.

WHEN the reftoration took place, to the great joy and happinefs of the nation, the nobles and royalifts again ftood forth, and aflumed their former dignity and weight in the government of their country. Domeftic peace being re-eftablimed on the folid foundation of regal and conftitutidnal authority, England, arhidft other national objefts, turned her views toward the improvement of commerce, navi gation, and her colonicsi

F

HITHERTO

4

THE HIS TO .Y OF

HITHERTO the cxtenfive ten ;ory of North Ame rica had been divided into two diftricls, which were called South and North Virginia. All lands lying towards the river St. Lawrence, from the northern boundaries of the province now called Virginia, be longed to the northern, and all thofe to the fouthward, as far as the Gulf of Florida, to the fouthern diftrict. And though the firft European fettlement in America was" attempted in Florida by the French, yet they were compelled to relinquifh that place; and the Engliih, preferring what they cfteemed a more favourable climate, had; hitherto negle&ed it. r

i AFTER the restoration, England began to recognize her claim to a large,territory in the fouthern diflric~t. The firft I In the year 1662, Edward Earl of Clarendon, George STand l Duke of Albemarle,. William L.qrd Craven, John their I Lord Berkeley, Antony Lord Afhley, Sir George charter. | Carteret, Sir William Berkeley,and Sir John Colleton, being apprized of the excellent foil of this country, united and formed a project for planting a colony iu it. Upon application to the crown for a charter, Charles granted them all the lands lying between the thirty-firft and thirty-fixth. degrees of north latitude. Two years afterwards he confirmed this grant, and by a fecond charter enlarged the. boundaries of it, from the apth degree of north latitude to 36 30", and from thefe points on the lea-coaft wefl ward in parallel lines to the Pacific ocean. Of this immenfe region the king conftituted them abfplute lords and proprietors, faying to himlclf, his heirs and I'uccclTors the fovereign dominion of the country. At the fame time he inverted them with all the rights,
jurif-

S 0 U T H C A R O LI N A.

4J

jurifdicYiori, royalties, privileges and liberties within the bbuhds of their province, to hold, ufe and enjoy the fame^ in as ample a manner as the bifhop of Durham did in that county palatine in England, This province they were -to hold and pbflcfs of the king, his heirs and fucceflbrs, as of his manor of Fa(t Greenwich in Kent, not in capite, or by knight's fervicc, but iri free and common foccage. '

THESE abfolute lords and proprietors were by their

charter empowered to'enaft, and, under their fcal, to

publifh any laws or conftitutions they judged proper

and riecelTary to the public ftate of the province, with

the affcnt, advice and approbation of the freemen of

the colony; to constitute counties, baronies and colo

nies within the province; to ereft courts of judicature,

and appoint civil judges, magidrates and officers; to

creft forts, caflles, cities and towns; to make war;

to leVy, thufter and train men to the ufe of arms,

and, in cafcs of necefiity, to excrcifc the martial law;

to confer titles of honour, only they mud be diffe

rent from thofe conferred on the people of England;

to build harbours, make ports, and enjoy cuftoms

and fubfidicsi which they, with the confent of the

freemen, mould impofe on goods loaded and unload

ed; rcferving the fourth part of the gold and filver

ore found within the province to the crown. By the

faid charter the 'king granted them the patronage and

avowfon of all churches and chapels, to hold and

Cxercifc the fame rights, powers and privileges as the

bifliop of Durham did in England : but as it might

happen that feveral of the inhabitants could not in

their private opinions conform to the exercifc of re

ligion, according to the liturgy and ceremonies of the

Fa

church

44

THE HIS TO dY OF

church of England; the proprit :ors had power and authority granted them, to allow the inhabitants,of the province fuch indulgences and difpenfations, as they in their difcretion fliould think proper and reafonable; and no perfon, to whom fuch liberty ihould be granted, was* to be molefted, punifhed, or called in quefHon for any differences in fpeculative opinions with refpeft to religion;; fo that all perfons, of what denomination foever, had liberty to enjoy their own judgments and confciences in religious concerns, pro vided they difturbed not the civil order, and peace of the province, And as the alfembly of freeholders could not be immediately called, the proprietors had power granted them to make fuch orders and ordinances as might be neeeffary to the government of the people and the prefervation of peace, and as were not re pugnant to the laws and ftatutes of England. Liber ty was given to the king's liege fubje&s to tranfport themfelves and families to fettle the province,, only they were to remain immediately fubjeft to the crown of England, and to depend thereon for ever; and were not compellablc to anfwer to any caufe or fuit in any other part of his majefty's dominions but in England and Wales.

Of the AGREEABLE to the powers with which the proprle-r founda- tors were invefted by their charter, they began to mcoennfttaitlu- ame a iyftem of law's for the governme'nt o>f' th, e' i. r tioas. colony; in which arduous tafk they called in the
greit philofopher John Locke to their affiftance. A model of government, confifting of no lefs than an hundred and twenty different articles, was framed by this learned man, which they agreed to eflablifh, and to the careful obfervance of which, to bind them
felves

SOUTH CAROLINA.

45

felves and their heirs for ever. But there is danger of error, where fpeculative men of one country at tempt to (ketch out a plan of government for ano ther, in a different climate and fituation. This legiflator muft be acknowledged to have poflefled great abilities and merit; yet his fine-fpun fyftem proved in effect ufelefs and impracticable. Several attempts were afterwards made to amend thefc fun damental conftitutions, but all to little purpofe; the inhabitants, fenfible of their impropriety, and how little they were applicable to their circumftances, neither by thcmfelves, nor by their reprefentatives in affembly, ever gave their affent to them as a body of laws, and therefore they obtained not the force of fundamental and unalterable laws in the colony, What: regulations the people found applicable and ufeful, they adopted at the requeft of their governors; but obferved them on account of their own proprie ty and neceffity, rather than as a fyftem of laws im* pofed on them by Britifh legiflators.

As the proprietors were fo fond of thefe conftitu tions, and expreffed fo much zeal for their eftablifhment, it may not be improper to give a fhort and imperfed view of them, efpecially fuch as were allow ed to take place in the government of the colony. The eldeft of the eight proprietors was always to be Pala tine, and at his deceafe was to be fucceeded by the eldeft of the feven furvivors. This palatine was to fit as prefident of the palatine's court, of which he and three more of the proprietors made a quorum, and had the management and execution of all the powers of their charter. This palatine's court was to (land
in room of the king, and give their iflent or diffent tc

46

THE HI STOP f OF

to all laws made by the legiflai .re of the colony., Tile palatine was to have power to nominate and ap point the governor, who, after obtaining the royal approbation, became his reprefentative in Carolina. Each of the feven proprietors was to have the priviledge of appointing a deputy to fit as his reprefenta tive in parliament, and to act agreeable to his inftructions. Betides a governor, two other branches, fomewhat fimilar to the old Saxon conftitutionj:\verc to be eftablilhed, an upper and lower houfe of aiTembly; which three branches were to be called a Par liament, and to conftitute the legiflaturc of the coun try. The parliament was to be chofen every two years. No act of the legislature was to have any force unlefs ratified in open parliament during the fame feflion, and even then to continue no longer in force than the next biennial parliament,; unlefs in the mean time it be ratified by the hands and feals of the palatine and three proprietors. The upper houfe was to confift of the feven deputies, feven of; the oldefl landgraves and caffiques, and feven chofen by the affembly. As in the other provinces; the lower houfe was to be compofed of the rcprefentatives from the different counties and towns. Several officers were alfo to be appointed, fuch as an admiral, a fecretary, a chief juftice, a furveyor, a treafurer, a marfhal, and regifter; and befides thefe,' ,each county was to have a.meriff and four juftices of the peace. Three claffes of nobility were to be eftablimed, called Ba rons,, Caffiques, and Landgraves ; the firft to poflefs twelve^ the fecond twenty-four,, and the third fortyeight thoufand acres of land, and their pofleffions were to be unalienable. Military'officers were alfo
to be nominated, and all inhabitants from fixtcen to fixty

SOUTH CAROLINA.

47

fixty years of age, as in the times of feudal govern ment, when fummoncd by the governor and grand council, were to appear under arms, and, in time of war, to take the field.

WITH rcfped to religion, three terms of commu nion were fixed: Firft, To believe that there is a God: Secondly, That he is to be worfhipped : And, thirdly, That it is lawful, and the duty of every man when called upon by thofc in authority, to bear witnefs to the truth. Without acknowledging which, no man was to be permitted to be a freeman, or to have any eftate or habitation in Carolina. But perfccution for obferving different modes and ways of worfliip, was cxprefsly forbid, and every man was to be left full liberty of confcience, and might worfhip
God in that manner which he in his private judg ment thought moft conformable to the divine will and revealed word. This was the opinion of Mr. Locke with refpcct to religious matters. He chofe the word of God for his rule of life, and was ufcd to fay, " That, at the day of judgment, it would " not be aiked whether he was a follower of Luther " or Calvin; but whether he embraced the truth in " the love of it."

NOTWITHSTANDING thefe preparations, fevcral years elapfed before the proprietors of Carolina made any ferious efforts towards its fettlemcnt. In 1667, they fitted out a ftiip, gave the command of it to William Captain William Sayle, and fent him out to bring them fome account of the coaft. In his paffage Cap- lia. tain Sayle was driven by a ftorm among the Bahama Jflands, which accident he improved to the purpofe
of

4*

THE HIST >RY OF

of acquiring fome knowledgi of them; particularly the ifland oi Providence^ which he judged might be ef fervice to the intended fettlement of Carolina; for, in cafe of an invafion from the Spaniards, this ifland, fortified, might be made to ferve either as a check to the progrefs of their arms, or a ufeful re treat to unfortunate colonifts. Leaving Providence, he failed along the coaft of Carolina, where he obferved feveral large navigable rivers emptying themfelves into the ocean, and a flat country covered with woods. He attempted to go afliore in his boat, but obferving fome favages on the banks of the rivers, he was obliged to drop his defign; and, after having explored the coaft and the mouth of the rivers, he took his departure and returned to England.

His report to his employers, as might naturally be expected, was favourable. He praifed their poffeffions, and encouraged them to engage with vigour in the execution of their projeft. His obfervations reipe&tng the Bahama iflands induced them to apply to the king for a grant of them. Charles beftowed on them by patent all thofe iflands lying between the lad and 2yth degrees of north latitude. Nothing then remained but to make preparations for fending a colony to Carolina. Two mips were procured, on board of which a number of adventurers embarked, with prpyifions, arms, and utenfils requifiteforbuildAnd is jng and cultivation. William Sayle, who had vifited ed the the country^ was appointed the firft governor of it, firft go* an(} received a commifllon, bearing date July 6, gg^ The expences pf this firft embarkation amounted to twelve thoufand pounds, which vigorous effort was a proof that the proprietors entertained no
fmall

SOUTH CAROLINA.

49

fmall hopes with refpcft to their palatinate. The number of men, however, muft have been inconfiderable, and no ways adequate to the undertaking^ efpecially when we confider the multitude of favages that ranged through that extenfive wildernefs.

IN what place Governor Sayle firft landed is un certain j but he was diffatisfied with his firft fituation, and, moving to the fouthward, took pofieffion of a neck of land between Afiiley and Cooper rivers. Settlei The eaflieftinftructions we have feen upon record were lolny Oon'n directed to the governor and council of Afhley river, Aftiley in which fpot the firft fettlement was made that pro- nver* ved permanent and fuccefsful. This place, however, was more eligible for the convenience of navigation than for the richnefs of its foil. But to ftruggle amidft a complication of difficulties and dangers was the lot of fuch adventurers j to funnount which, at this, early period, no fmall degree of fortitude, patience and perfeverance muft have been requifite.

NEW fettlers in all countries and climates are fub-

jeft to many hardfhips, efpecially fuch as are in low

and indigent circumftances; but thofe of the firft

fettlers of Carolina muft have equalled, if not fur-

paired, every thing of the kind to which men in any

age have been expofed. To fell the trees of the Hardfliip

thick foreft,

and build

habitations

for

themfelves,

of the firft fettlers,

would probably be their firft employment, before-^rotn'the

they began to clear their fpots of ground for raifi

the neceffaries of life. In fuch a low country, and*

warm climate, even this tafk muft have been a con-

fiderable burden. But Carolina, like other level

G

countries

eo

THE HIST< RY OF

I, countries overflowed with w; ter, is productive of I; many diforders, fuch as putrid fevers, agues, dyfeni teries, and the like j and to fix habitations on fueh
places where the- exhalations from ftagnated waters | and marfhy fvvamps poifoned the air, muft have ren\ dered them extremely unwholefome. During the
fummer months the climate is fo fuhry, that no Euro pean, without hazard, can endure the fatigues of la bouring in the open air: for the moft part, the wea ther during this feafon is very clear and ferenc, except ing when a thunder-ftorm happens, which cools the air, fuddenly Hops perfpiration, and becomes exceed ingly dangerous to labourers of little precaution. Befides, the violent heat continues through the night, and denies the weary workman the natural refrefhment of fleep. The autumn introduces cool even ings and mornings, while the noon-day is intolerably warm j which change, together with the thick fogs that commonly fall at this feafon, rendered it the moft unhealthy divifion of the year. In winter, though the degree of cold is not fo great as in the more nor thern climates of America, yet it is feverely felt by the human body, exhaufted and relaxed with the fummer heat ", arid when the wind Ihifts fuddenly from any quarter to the north-weft or north, it blows extremely fharp and piercing, brings along with it fometimes froft and fnow, and renders the warmeft clothing requifite. The fpring is the moft tempe rate and delightful feafon of the 'year: it begins ear ly, and diffufes its enlivening influence over the fields and forefts. Experience had not yet taught the young colonifts the methods either of improving the advantages, or guarding againft the difadvantages of the climate, arid therefore it is no wonder that they
found

SOUTH CAROLINA.

51

found themfelves involved at this period in a compli cation of hardlhips.

To enhance their diftrefs, they were furrounded with tribes of warlike favages, who viewed them Andfrom with a jealous eye, and were by no means pleafed at * n* the encroachments made on their natural pofieffions. The tribes called Stonoes and Weftoes were particu larly troublefome* The colonifts, indeed, were furnifhed with arms and ammunition from the<ftorehoufe of the proprietors, yet as they lived in the midft of per petual alarms, their condition muft have been deplor able. Nor did the mufket give thofe ftrangers to the woods fuch an advantage over the bow and arrow in the hands of Indians, as fome people may be apt to imagine. The favage, quick-fighted, and accuftomed to perpetual watchfulnefs, fprings from his den be hind a bum, and furprizes his enemy with the point ed arrow before he is aware of danger. He ranges through the tracklefs foreft like the hearts of prey, and fafely fleeps under the fame canopy with the wolf and bear. His vengeance is concealed, and fends the tidings in the fatal blow. The firft fettlers were ob liged to ftand in a continual pofture of defence ; and as they could not be fuppofed to underftand the poli tical methods of managing their barbarous neigh bours, they muft have been fubjefted to all the hardfhips arifing from their ignorance and dangerous con dition.

WHILE one party was employed in raifing their

little habitations, another was always kept under arms,

to watch the motions of thefe Indians. The gover

nor fhared thofe hard/hips along with his fellow ad-

G2

venturers,

5*

THE HIST' RY OF

venturers, and by his exampK animated and encou raged them to pcrfeverance. The only frefh provir fions they could procure were fifh from the river, and what game they could kill with their gun. While the fettlers were ftruggling under the difficulties infeparable from the firft ftate of colonization, the {hip Blefling, belonging to the proprietors, command ed by Captain Matthias Halftead, happily arrived, and brought them a feaforiable fupply of neceffaries. At the fame time deputies from the other proprietors came over, to affift the governor in the difcharge of the duties of his office. They brought with them twentythree articles of inftrucHon, called Temporary Agra rian Laws, intended for the equitable diyifion of lands among the people; but whatever difficulties or inconveniencies might occur in the execution of them, the governor had directions to reprefent them to the proprietors, who had referved to themfelves the fole power of making alterations in them. At the fame time, the governor received a plan of a magnificent town, to be laid out on the neck of land between the two rivers, to be called Charles-town, in honour of the king. Captain Halftead was employed, during his flay, in founding the rivers, for the bene fit of navigation, which were found fufficiently deep, and excellently calculated for the purpofes of trade.

ABOUT this time the Duke of Albemarle, who was the firft palatine, died, and was fucceeded by the Earl of Craven, as eldeft proprietor. John Locke, Sir John Yeamans, and James Carteret, were created landgraves, to make part of the nobility required by the fundamental conftitutions. Sir John was the eldeft fon and heir of Robert Yeamans alderman of
BriftoJ,

SOUTH CAROLINA.

53

Briftol, who was imprifoned and executed in 1643, by order of Nathaniel Fienes, fon to Lord Say, who had been appointed governor of Briftol by the parliament. His fon, Sir John, was afterwards advan ced to the dignity of baronet by King Charles the fecond in 1664, as a reward for the fteady loyalty and heavy fufferings of his father. But as the vio lence of the preceding times, which had deprived Sir John of his father, had alfo injured him in his pri vate fortune, he embarked for the ifland of Barbadoes, at that time in a flourifhing condition, to hide his poverty from his acquaintance in England, and endeavour to acquire a fortune fuitable to his dignity. When Carolina was fettled, having received a grant Sir John pf a large traft of land from the proprietors, he, with Ye?mans feveral, refpe&able followers, retired to that infant Carolina, colony, to forward by his prefence and example, the intereft of his generous and beloved friends, from whom he had received great encouragement and. affiltance.

SOON after his arrival in Carolina, Governor Sayle fell a facrifice to the hardfhips of the climate. Upon his death the council met, and Sir John claimed the of- A. D. fice of vice-palatine in confequence of his rank, being l67'the only landgrave refident in the colony. But the council, who were empowered to eleft a governor in fuch a cafe, chofe to prefer Jofeph Weft, until a fpecial appointment arrived from England. Weft was a popular man, much efteemed among the colonifts for his activity, courage, and prudence. However, he did not long remain in office, for the firft veffel that And is arrived from Engaland brougoht a commiffion to Sir agPoPvoer!nnoterd.
John

54

THE HIST iRY OF

John Ycamans, conflicting hi n governor of the co lony.

HERE it may be remarked, that various caufes contributed towards the population of this fettlement, Various as weji as thofe in tne more northern climates. After contri- tne Reftoration, a total change in the manners of the bute to Englifli nation took place, and many of the people
tmheenftettolef- r*ro6m tn, e I,,tn.c,,tei,,t ri. gouVr an'd l,even.ty /in po.int o'r, m' o-
the coun- rals, became profane, diffolute and abandoned. The tl-)r* Cavaliers, who had fuffered during the ufurpation,
began to retaliate on the Puritans, and having ob tained the afcendency over them in public affairs, on all occafions treated them with fevere ridicule and fupercilious contempt. On the other hand, the morofe republican party, highly offended at the licentious manners and growing wickednefs of the times, ardent ly wifhed for fome diftant retreat to fhelter themfelves from the ftorm of divine judgments which they belie ved hung over the corrupted and profligate nation. To prevent difturbances from thefe different parties, Lord Clarendon, and many more of the king's council, from maxims of policy, encouraged emigration, which they confidered as a fovereign remedy for political diforders. A new field was opened in Carolina for difcontented and turbulent fpirits, to whom the proprie tors promifed grants of land, upon condition they would tranfport themfelves and families to that quar ter. They knew that induftry was a good cure for cnthufiafm, and that enthufiafm was an excellent fpur to new and hazardous undertakings. The privilege of liberty of confcience allowed to every one by the charter equally fuited all parties, and proved a great encouragement to emigration, New-England indeed
had

SOUTH CAROLINA.

55

had drawn over many of the wanneft and moft turbulent republicans, and proved a happy flicker to fome againft the terrors of future reckonings. Still, however, multitudes remained in the nation, who, being difcontented with their prefent circumftances, were willing to feek for liberty of confcience in the deferts of America. Accordingly, many diffenters embraced the offers of the proprietors, and the infant colony received its earlieft acquifitions from this reftlefs and troublefome party.

OTHER reafons of ftate contributed to render thofe new fettlements feafonably ufeful and important to the king. Several of his zealous friends had been ruined by their fteady adherence to his family during the civil war, which had fubverted the Englifh mo narchy; many brave officers and foldiers of the royal army had been reduced to indigent circumftances, for whom the king could make little provifion in England; thefe ufeful fubje&s and faithful friends merited the companion of their country, and being inured to face dangers, for landed eftates were wil ling to accept of grants in the neighbourhood of Indian favages. By this time feveral of the fettlers in Virginia and Barbadoes had been fuccefsful, and, having furmounted the difficulties attending the firfl ftate of colonization, were living in eafy and plenti- s ful circumftances. The lands of Carolina were efteemed equal, if not fuperior in value, to thofe of i the northern colonies. Here the fervants of the king i could provide for his friends without any expence to the nation, and by this means not only fecuretl their attachment, but alfo extended his power. Grants of land were allowed them in Carolina by the prc>|vie- :
tors,

THE HIST Om' OF
tors, where it was thought they migl : in time enrich themfelves, and become beneficial to the commerce and navigation of the mother country.

FROM this period every year brought new adven

turers to Carolina. The friends of the proprietors

were invited to it, by the flattering profpe&s of ob

taining landed eflates at an eafy rate. Others took

refuge there from the frowns of fortune and the ri

gour of unmerciful creditors. Youth reduced to mi-

fery by giddy pafiion and cxcefs embarked for the

new fettlement, where they found leifure to reform,

and where necefiky taught them the unknown virtues

of prudence and temperance, llciileis fpirits, fond of

roving abroad, found alfo the means of gratifying

their humours, and abundance of fcope for enterprife

and adventure. It cannot be deemed wonderful if

many of them were diiappointed, efpecially fuch as

emigrated with fanguine expectations, The gaiety,

luxury and vices of the city were bad qualifications

for rural indufvry, and rendered feme utterly unfit

for the frugal fimplicity and laborious tafk of the firft

ftate of cultivation. An hardy race, inured to la

bour, hunger, and fatigue, were belt adapted for

making imprefiions on the thick foreft, and not fuch

emigrants as left the city, tinctured with its vices and

fond of luxury and eafe. Nor could the Puritans,

who fettled before them, promife themfelves much

greater fuccefs than their neighbours: though more

rigid and auftere in their manners, and more reli-

gioufly difpofed, their fcrupulofity about trifles and

ceremonies, and their violent and litigious difpo-

fitions, created trouble to all around them, and

difturbcd that general harmony fo necefiary to the.

i

welfare

SOUTH CAROLINA.

57

welfare and profpcrity of the young fettlement. From the various principles which actuated the popu lace of England, and the different lefts who compbfcd, the firft fettlcrs of Carolina, nothing lefs could be expected, but that the feeds of divifion fhould be imported into that country with its earlieft inhabitants.

WE arc apt to attend chiefly to the defolating wars, or the great and furprifing revolutions which happen to kingdoms in their populous and advanced ftate, and to pafs over the events of their rife and progrefs as trifling and inconfiderable ; but as the greateft nations upon earth have gradually fprung from fuch beginnings, it is no lefs curious and inftructive to view the fmaller tranfadYtons of their infant ftate, than the grander events of their mature age. King doms in the political world, like plants in the vege table, have their ftages of rife, progrefs, perfection, and decline ; and, in the fields of nature, it is equally pleafant to mark the buds of the fpring, as the bloom of iiiminer, or the decay of autumn.

ONE advantage certainly attended the various fet- America

tlements in America, of which no European ftate p*0?1?* can bii oafnt. Bnei ng peopiledj trrom civ-i1l-izedi nati.ons .in pinroavneidm-

an enlightened age, when records are carefully kept aSe-

and faithfully preferred, the events of their rife and

progrefs, though not fo important, were equally clear

as thofe of their more perfect ftate: whereas the hi-

ftory of the origin of eaftern nations could only be

tranfmitted to future generations by the fongs of

bards or oral tradition. Ignorance of geography, and

the art of printing not being then invented, muft have

rendered the tranfaclions of rude and barbarous ages

H

fo

58

THE HIS TO ,<Y OE

fo precarious and obfcure, tha if the dead of paft ages were to revive, they could fcarccly be able to recognize the complexion of their own times. Even in the ages preceding the invention of printing, and the happy Reformation, many events lie buried in darknefs and oblivion. The frnall knowledge which then exifted being confined to the clergy, their ac counts do not merit entire credit; for the various or ders of ecclefiaftics at that time were too much un der the influence of monkifli pride and fuperflition, to tranfmit faithful memorials to pofterity.

BEFORE the year 1667, there is no mention made of America in any treaty between England and Spain, the latter being contented to keep up her ancient claims to that country, and the former careful to keep and improve the footing flie had already gained Thefirft jn jt< However, a few years after Carolina was fetw;th tied, Sir William Godolphin concluded a treaty with SP31" Spain, in which, among other articles, it was agreed, " That the King of Great-Britain fliould always " poflefs, in full right of fovereignty and property, " all the countries, iflands, and colonies, lying and " fituated in the Weft Indies, or any part of Ameri" ca, which he and his fubjecls then 'held and pof" fefled, infomuch that they neither can nor ought '* thereafter to be contefted on any account whatfo** ever." The Bucaniers, who had for many years 5nfefted Spanim America, were now cut off from all fu ture protection from the Englifli government in their hoftile invafions of thefe dominions, and all coinmiffiors formerly granted to fuch pirates, were recalled and annulled. By this treaty, the freedom of naviga tion in thcfe American fcas was opened to both na
tions:

SOUTH CAROLINA.

59

tions , and all fliips in diltrefs, whether from ftorms, or the purfuit of enemies and pirates, taking refuge in places belonging either to Britain or Spain, were to be treated with humanity, to meet with protection and afliftance, and to be permitted to depart without moleftation. Thefe things merit particular notice, as by this treaty Spain evidently gave up all future pretcnfions to the country of Carolina granted to the proprietors by the king; and this freedom of naviga tion, provided for in fuch exprefs terms, was violated, as we (hall afterwards fee, by the Spaniards, and pro ved the occafion of a bloody war between the two nations. Not long after this, a treaty of neutrality between Britain and France was alfo concluded ; by which negotiations the pofieflions of Great Britain, France, and Spain, in the weftern world, were better afcertained ; and the freedom of commerce and navi gation was more firmly eftablifhed by thofe three great potentates, than had taken place in any former period.

IT is hot improbable that King Charles the fecond,

during his exile, had acquired in Holland fome

knowledge in trade, and feen the vaft advantage re-

fulling from it to that republic ; for after his return

to his native dominions, he made the naval ftrength

of England, and her commercial affairs, the princi

pal objefts of attention. He inftituted a fele& coun- A council

cil of commerce, confiding of a prefident, vicc-pre- * COIT"

fident, and nine councilors, for the encouragement inftituu

of trade, navigation and the colonies. Inflead of *

the former method, of referring all commercial con

cerns to a fluctuating committee of the privy-council,

this inRitution was intended to chalk out a particular

line of duty, which v/as to engage the whole attention

H2

of

60

THE. HIS'TOR. 1 OF

of that board. But the king was i immcrfcd in pri

vate luxuries and pleafures, that it was difficult to

keep him fteady and firm to any laudable public re

gulation. The annual expence attending this excel

lent inftitution he foon found was too heavy, and

therefore it was dropt, and the affairs of commerce

returned to their former tedious and fluctuating chan

nel.

,

IK Carolina Sir John Yeamans had entered on the, government with an uncommon zeal for the fuccefs oE the fettlement, arid a grateful anxiety to difcharge the duties of his truft with fidelity and honour. The .proprietors, fond of their new form of government, had inllructed him to ufe his endeavours to introduce it, as the moft excellent of its kind, and vyifely adap ted to promote the profperity and happincfs of the A legif- people. Accordingly, Sir John fummoned the people forced'8 together, ordered the fundamental conftitutions in the to be read, and reprefentatives to be elected. The colony, province was divided into four counties, called Berke ley, Colletpn, Craven, and Carterct counties. The people, who had hitherto lived under a kind of mili tary government, now began to form ,a legiflature for efEablifhing civil regulations. Ten members were elected as reprefentatives for Cplleton, and ten for Berkeley counties. A committee, confifting of Ste phen Bull, Ralph Marfhal, and William Owen, were nominated for framing fame public regulations. Three ' ; als were propofed by them as beneficial; the firft, to prevent perfons leaving the colony; the fecond, to prohibit all men from difpofing of arms and am munition to Indians; and the third, for the regular building of Charles-town.
NOT-

SOUTH CAROLINA.

61

NOTWITHSTANDING the public treaty already men. t'toned, a religious fociety of the Spanifli nation laid claim to the large territory of Florida, not only on the foot of prior difcovery, but alfo by virtue of a grant its troufrom the pope; and the garrifon kept at Auguftine re- j)1 garding the Britifti fettlement as an encroachment on n:'ardj. their poffeflions, were difpofed to throw every difficulty in the way of the Carolineans, in order to compel them to relinquifh tlie country. They encouraged indent ed fervants to leave their mafters, and fly to them for liberty and protection. They inftilled into the favagc tribes the moft unfavourable notions of Britim here tics, and urged them on to the deftruftion of the colony. Good policy required that the governor fliould keep a watchful eye on the motions of fuch neighbo-urs, and guard his weak and dcfencelefs co lony againft the pernicious defigns of their Spanifli rivals. Some men he difcovered who were attempt ing to entice fervants to revolt; thefe were ordered to receive fo many ftripes. Others, in defiance of the feeble power of the magiflrate, took to fucli ccurfes as were fubverfive of public peace and juftice. Except a few negroes whom Sir John Yeamans and his followers brought along with them from Barbadoes, there were no labourers but Europeans for the purpofes of culture. Until the fields were cleared the brute creation could afford the planters no ath'ftance; the weak arm of man alone had to encounter all the hardfhips of clearing and cultivation, and the thick foreft feemed to bid defiance to his ftrength. Hard indeed was the talk of thefe labourers while em ployed in felling the large and lofty trees, and all the while expofed to the heat of an inclement iky, and the terrors of barbarou.8 enemies: with great truth it
may

6^

THE HIST' RY OF

may be faid of them, that they mrchafed their fcanty morfel with the fweat of their brows. After all, the pro'vifions they raifed were expofed to the plundering par ties of favage neighbours, and one day often robbed them of the dear-bought fruits of their whole year's toil.

IT is no eafy matter to defcribe the dreadful ex tremities to which thefe poor fettlers were fometimes reduced. During the government of Sir John Yeamans a civil difl urbance broke out among the coloriifts, which threatened the ruin of the Tettlement. At fuch a diftance it was very difficult for the proprie tors to furnim their colony with regular fupplies; and the fpots of fandy and barren land they had cleared poorly rewarded their toil. Small was the fkill of the planter, and European grain, which they had been accuftomed to fow, proved fuitable to neither foil nor Its dome- climate. The emigrants being now, from fad experibics ^and ence' fenj^e * difficulties infeparable from their cirhardfhip*. cumftances, began to murmur againft the proprietors, ' and to curfe the day they left their native land-, to ftarve "" I in a wildernefs. While they gathered oyfters for fub\ iiftence with one hand, they were obliged to carry their ( mufkets for felf-defence in the other. A great gun had been given to Florence O'Sullivan, which he placed on an ifland fituate at the mouth of the harbour, to aJarm the town in cafes of invafion from the Spaniards. O'Sullivan deferted his ifland, being ready to perifli with hunger, and joined the difcontented party in the town. The people became feditious and ungovernable, and threatened to compel the governor to relinquim the fettlement: even Mr. Culpepper, the furveyorgeneral, joined them in their complaints and mur murs. The greateft prudence and courage were re-
quifite

SOUTH CAROLINA.

63

quifite to prevent tumults, and animate the.colonifts to perfeverance. Florence O'Sullivan was taken up by the marfhal on a charge of fedition, and compelled to find fecurity for his future good behaviour. One floop, commanded by Jofeph Harris, was defpatched to Virginia, another to Barbadoes, to bring provifions. Happily before their return a feafonable fupply arri ved from England, together with a number of new fettlers, which revived the drooping fpirits of the peo ple, and encouraged them to engage in more vigor ous efforts. The governor, fenfible of the hardships the people had fuffered, the more readily forgave them for their paft mifconducl:: but as Mr. Culpepper held an office from the proprietors, he fent him to England to be tried by them for joining the peo ple in treafonable confpiracies againft the fettlement.

THE garrifon at Auguftine having intelligence from fervants who fled to them of the difcontented and miferable fituation of the colony in Carolina, advan ced with a party under arms as far as the ifland of St. Helena, to diflodge or deftroy the fettlers. Brian Fitzpatrick, a noted villain, treacheroufly deferted his diftrefied friends on purpofe to join their enemies. How ever, Sir John Yeamans having received a reinforce ment, fet his enemies at defiance. Fifty volunteers, under the command of Colonel Godfrey, marched againft the Spaniards, who, on his approach, evacuated the ifland of St. Helena, and retreated to Auguftine.

AT this period, to form alliances with Indian tribes

was an object of great importance with the governor

and council. One circumftance proved favourable to

the colony at the time of its fettlement. The Weftoes,

g

a power-

THE HIST )RY OF
a powerful and numerous tn )e, who harboured an irreconcileable averfion to the white faces of ftrarigers, would have proved a dangerous enemy to them, had not their attention been occupied by the Seran*" nas, another Indian nation. A bloody war between Indians thefe two tribes providentially raged, and was carried fcafona- on wjtjj j^^ furv, jhat: jn the end it proved fatal to thefettle- both. This ferved to pave the way for the introinent., dudion and eftablifhment of this Brilifh fettlement, which otherwife might have fhared the fame unhappy fate with the firft adventurers to Virginia. Many tribes befides that might no doubt have extirpated the colony, but it is probable the governor ftudied by every means to avoid giving them any provocation* and to conciliate their affection and efteem.

WHILE we now and then turn our eyes to thofe

wild hunters who ranged through the American

woods, we muft guard againft fuch falfe and horrid

defcriptions of them, as fome who have fuffered

from their warlike temper have exhibited to the

Of .Indi- wor}d. Many authors have difcovered unreafonable

neral. prejudices againft them, and fnewn that they either

wanted judgment to diftinguilh, or candour to make

due allowances for, the failings peculiar to all nations

in the fame rude and uncultivated ftate. When Ju-

I'ms Gefar carried the Roman arms into Britain and

Germanicus over-run the forefts of Germany, did

they not find the filveftres of thofe countries littlej if

at all, more civilized than the brown natives of Ame

rica ? If the Indians were offended at the encroach

ments made by ftrangers on lands which they had

pofieffed unmolefted for time immemorial, that is

i

nothing-

SOUTH CAROLINA.

ff$r

nothing wonderful or uncommon. Lands may be called the firft property of all nations on the face of the earth., While unacquainted with the advantages of pafturage and agriculture, a greater extent of hunting lands are requifite for their fubfiftence. Through this ten itory, now poflefled by Europeans* they had been accuftomed to range, independent, fearkfs and free. If they were ready to defend their property at the rifque of Hfe, this pradtice is nothing more than what alt nations in the fame barbarous ftate have followed. Until laws were made to pre vent and fedrefs wrongs, and men delivered up their arms to the civil magiftrate, have they not, in every age, had recourfe to fofcible means for the defence of their property ? The natives of Carolina were doubt:lefs dilpleafed at the encroachments of ftrangers on their inheritance, and if they had not advanced a fingle ftep towards civilization^ no man can feafonably expedt from them a condul incompatible with their natural circumftancesl The woods abounded ] with deer and buffaloes, which, when young, might I have been domefticated ; but on fuch employment I no Indian had entered : it probably appeared to him I equally defpicable as that of agriculture.

THE firft bond of union and affe&ion between Eu- The oc-

ropeans and Americans was conveniency. At this

early period, to the Indian a knife, a hatchet, or a ans being

hoe, was a ufeful and invaluable acquifition. He ob- p^ttgly

ferved with what facility the ftrangers fupplicd their among

Wants, which were many in comparifon with his, by ttem-

means of the various implements they ufed. The woods

fell before the axe, the earth opened before (he hoe

1

or

THE HIST RY OF
or the fpade ; and the knife \ 'as ufeful on numberlefs occafions. He admired the (kill of white men in making thofe implements of eafe and profit, and vo luntarily offered them his deer fkins, the only riches he had which could procure them. The love of eafc was as natural to the one as the other, and he would rather give them the profits of a year's hunting than want fuch inftrutnents. Having obtained thefe in procefs of time, he found the tomahawk and raufket equally ufeful; thefe he alfo coveted, and could not reft till he obtained them. What was at firft only convenient, as his wants increafed, became abfolutely neceflary, by which means the original bond was ftrengthened and confirmed. As the channel of commerce opened, the Indian found that he was not only treated with friendfhip and civility, but that the white people were equally fond of his (kins, furs and lands, as he was of their gaudy trinkets, and various implements of convenience and advantage. It was this connection that induced the native inhabitants of the foreft, peaceably to admit flrangers differing fo much in complexion, language and manners, among them, and allow them to clear and cultivate their lands.
FROM the ignorance of Englifhmen with refpecl: to the policy and cuftoms of thefe wild tribes, they muft have been expofed to numberlefs dangers in the ear lier periods of their commercial intercourfe. At firft, the rude manners of the weftern favages muft have been equally ftrange to the European, as the civilized manners of eaftern nations to the Indian. The com merce itfelf ferved to enhance the danger; for although Indians lived much difperfed, yet they united under one
chief,

SOUTH CAROLINA.

^7

chief, and formed different towns, all the lands around which they claimed as their property. The bounda ries of their hunting grounds being carefully fixed, each tribe was tenacious of its pofieffions, and fired with refentment at the leaft encroachment on them. Every individual looked on himfelf as a proprietor of all the lands claimed by the whole tribe, and bound in honour to defend them. This may ferve to ac count for many umbrages (which we (hall after wards have occafion to mention) taken by Indians in general at purchafes made and titles obtained by pri vate perfons, and even by particular provinces: for no Indian, however great his influence and authority, could give away more than his own right to any tra& of land, which, in proportion, is no more than as one man to the whole tribe. To all fuch gifts the con currence and confent of the whole nation muft be obtained. Here a large fource of difference and quarrels opened, and a foolifh bargain of an indivi dual often expofed the European fettlers to the fury and vengeance of the whole clan.

THOSE inhabitants, like beads of prey, traverfe the General foreft, and while they neither encroach on their neigh- remark, bours territories, nor are at war with another tribe, j^M^ enjoy freedom in the moft extenfive fenfe of the word, govern. In ftature theyJ are of a middle fize,' neither fo tall mreh^gsrov^.,. nor yet fo low as fome Europeans. To appearance &c.c us they are ftrong and well made ; yet they are totally unqualified for that heavy burden or tedious labour which the vigorous and firm nerves of Europeans enable them to undergo. None of them are deform ed, deformities of nature being confined to tht ages

I2

Of

THE HIST( Y OF
of art and refinement. Then colour is brown, apej their {kin (limes, being varniihed with bears fat and paint. To appearance trie men have no beards, pot hair on their head, except a round tuft on its crown; but this defcS is not natural, as many people are given to believe, but the effect of. art, it being cuftomary among them to tear out fuch hair by the root. They go naked, except thofe parts which natural decency teaches the molt barbarous nations to cover. The huts in which they live are foul, mean and offenfive; and their manner of life is poor, nafty and difguftful. In the hunting fealon they are eager and indefatigable in purfuit of their prey; when that is over, they in dulge themfelves in a kind of brutal {lumber, indo lence and eafe. In their diftant excurfions they can endure hunger long, and carry little with them for their fubfiftence; but in days of plenty they arc voracious as vultures. While dining in .company with their chieftains, we were aftonifhed at the vaft quantity of meat they devoured. Agriculture they leave to women, and confider it as an employment unworthy of a man : indeed they feem amazingly dead" to the tender paffions, and treat their wo men like Caves, or beings of an inferior rank. Scold ing, infults, quarrels, and complaints, are feldom heard among them: on iolemn occafions they are thoughtful, ferious, and grave; yet I have feen them free, open and merry at feafts and entertain ments. In their common deportment towards each nther they are refpedful, peaceable, and inoffenfjve. Sudden anger is looked upon as ignominious and un becoming, and, except in liquor, they feldom differ with their neighbour,, or ever do him any harm or injury. As for riches they have none- ncr cove any;
and

SOUTH CAROLINA.
while they have plenty of provifions, they aUmr none to fuffer through want: if they are fuccefcful In hunting, all their unfortunate or diftrefied fciendi Jhare with them the common fckflings of life.
ALTHOUGH in fome particular customs rate tribes of Indians differ from each other, yet in pieir general principles and mod of goTemtncnMiiey. are very fimilar. All have genpral rules, -srithnefprd to other independent tribes around them, winch they (Carefully obfcrve. The great concerns relating to war or peace, are cauvafied ;iit afembjies of deputes from all the different towns. When injuries are cofaipiitted, and Indians of one tribe happen tofce killed by tfiofc of another, then fuch a meeting is called. If no perfon appears on tfee fide of ^ggreffors, the injured nation deputes one of their warriors to go to them, and* in name of the whole iribe, to demand fatisfaftion : if this is refufed, and they think themfeives able to undertake a -war agaWt the aggreffors, then a number of warriors, commonly the relations of the deceafcd, take the field fot re venge, and look upon it as a point of honour never to leave it till they have killed the feme number flf-the enemy that had been flain of their kinfmen. Having accomplimed this, they retwn hotnc with their fcalps, and by fome token let their enemy know that they are fatisfied. But when the nation to whom the aggreffors belong, happen to be dilpofed to peace, they fearch for the murderers, and they are, by the general judgment of the nation, ca pitally puniihed, to ^rcVeHt Involving 6tfeers in tlieir
which ?a of juftice is performed often by the

7c

THE HISTC RY OF

the aggreflbr's neareft relations The criminal never knows of his condemnation until the moment the fentence is to be put in execution, which often hap-? pens while he is dancing the war dance in the midft of his neighbours, and bragging of the fame exploit for which he is condemned to die.

IN different ages mankind in fimilar circumftances, with refped to their progrefs in improvements, bear a ftriking refemblance oae to another. The accounts cf rude and barbarous Indians maybe fo far curious and inftrucYive, as they ferve to throw light on feveral earlier periods of hiftory, both facred and pro fane. The American favages almoft univerfally claim the right of private revenge. It is confidered by them as a point of honour to avenge the injuries done to friends, particularly the death of a relation. Scalp for fcalp, blood for blood, and death for death, can only fatisfy the furviying friends of the injured party. The fame law of retaliation was eftablifhed 3mong the ancient Jews and Romans. But mould the wife and aged men of weight and influence among Indians interpofe, on account of fome favourable circumftances on the fide of the aggrefibfi perhaps fatisfaclion maybe made by way of compenfation. Jn this cafe, fome prefent made to the party ag grieved ferves to gratify their paffion of revenge, by the Iqfs the aggreffor fuftains, and the acquifition of property the injured rece'ves. Should the injured friends refufe this kind of "atisfaftion, which they are entirely at liberty to dp, then the murderer, however high his rank may be, muft be delivered up to torture and death, to prevent the quarrel fpreading wider through the nation. This cuftom of making
compen-

SOUTH CAROLINA.

71

compenfationalfo prevailed among European nations in their earlier and more uncultivated ages. In the tune of Tacitus, the relations of the maimed or murdered perfon, among the Germans, were obliged to accept of a compenfation, and reftrain the fpirit of revenge. During the Anglofaxon period in England, laws were made to determine the various fines for murder, manflaughter, wounds and other injuries, and prices were fixed on the heads of men according to their rank. In cafe of adultery among Indians, the injured hufband confiders himfelf as under an obligation to re venge the crime, and he attempts to cut off the ears of the adulterer, provided he be able to effect it; if not, he may embrace the firft opportunity that offers of killing him, without any danger from his tribe. Then the debt is paid, and the courage of the hufband proved. This b more fevere than the law of Ethelbert, which admitted of a fine from the adul terer, and obliged him to purchafe another wife for the injured hufband.

WITH refpecl to internal government, thefe fava* ges have alfo feveral cuftoms and regulations to which the individuals of the fame tribe conform. Perfonal wifdom and courage are the chief fources of diftinction among them, and individuals obtain rank and influence in proportion as they excel in thefe qualifi cations. Natural reafon fuggefts, that the man of the greateft abilities ought to be the leader of all poffeffed of inferior endowments; in him they place the greateft confidence, and follow him towarwithout envyormurmur. As this warrior arrives at honour and diftin&ion % the general confent; fo, when chofen, he muft be Very circumfpeft in his conduct, and gentle in the ex-
ercife

74

THE HIST OR [. 01?

ercife of his power. By the firft u .lucky or unpopu lar ftephe forfeits t-he goodwill and confidence-of his countrymen, upon which all his power is founded. Befidcs the head warrior, they have judges and conju rers, whom they call Beloved Men, who have great weight among them ; none of whom have indeed any coercive authority, yet all are tolerably well obeyed. In this commonwealth every man's vpice is heard, and at their public deliberations the bdl fpeak: crs generally prevail. When they confult together about important affairs, fuch as war or peace, they are ferious and grave, and examine all the ad vantages and difadvantages of their fituation with great ce <>lnefs and deliberation, and nothing is determined but by the general confent. When war is the refult of their councils, and the great leader takes the field, any one may refuie to follow him, or may defer-t him, without incurring any punifliment; but by fuch ignominious conduft he lofes his reputation, and forfeits the hopes of diftinclion and preferment. To honour and glory from warlike exploits the views of every man are direfted, and therefore they aire ex tremely cautious and watchful againft doing any ac tion for which they may incur public cenfiire and
difgrace.

THE Indians, like all ignorant and rude nations; are very fuperftitious. They believe that fupefior beings interfere in, and direct, human affairs, and in voke all fpirits, both good and evil, in hazardous un dertakings. Each tribe have their conjurers and ma gicians, on whofe prophetic declarations they place much confidencej in all matters relating to health, hunting, and war. They are fond of prying into fu->

SOUTH CAROLINA.

73

ture events, and therefore pay particular regard to figns, omens, and dreams. They look upon fire as facred, and pay the author of it a kind of worfhip. At the time of harveft and at full moon they obferve feveral feafts and ceremonies, which it would feem were derived from fome religious origin. As their fuccefs, both in warlike enterprises and in procuring fubfiftence depends greatly on fortune, they have a number of ceremonious obfcrvances bfiore they en ter on them. They offer in facrifice a part of the firft deer or bear they kill, andirom this they flatter themfelves with the hopes of future fuccefs. When taken fick they are particularly prone to fuperftition, and their phyficians adminifter their fimple and fecret cures with a variety of ftrange ceremonies and ma gic arts, which fill the patients with courage and confidence, and are fometimes attended with happy effete.

DURING the time Sir John Yeamans vns governor A Dutch

of Carolina, the colony received a great addition to colony

its ftrength from the Dutch fettlement of Nova Bel- tocfro-

gia, which, without any refiftance, furrenclered to the Una.

armament commanded by Sir Robert Carr, and be

came fubjeft to England. Charles the fecond gave

it to Ms brother the Duke of York, who called the

province New-York, and governed it on the fame

arbitrary principles which afterwards rendered him fo

obnoxious to the Englifh nation. After the conqueft

many of the Dutch colonifts, who were difcontented

with their fituation, had formed refolutions of mov

ing to other provinces. The proprietors of Carolina

offered them lands and encouragement in their pala

tinate, and fent their mips Eleiling and Phoenix and

K

brought

74

THE HIS TO ,Y OF

brought a number of Dutch fai .ilies to Charleftown. Stephen Bull, furveyor-general of the colony, had inftrudions to mark out lands on the fouthweft fide of Afhley river for their accommodation. There each of the Dutch emigrants drew lots for their property, and formed a town, which was called James-town. This was the firft colony of Dutch who fettled in Carolina, whofe induftry furmounted incredible hard/hips, and whofe fuccefs induced many from ancient Belgia afterwards to follow them to the weftern world. The inhabitants of James town, afterwards rinding their fituation too narrow and circumfcribed, in procefs of time fpread themfelves through the country, and the town was totally deferted.

A. D. ABOUT the year 1674, Sir John Yeamaus being 1 /4- reduced to a feeble and fickly condition by the warm
climate, and his indefatigable labours for the fuccefs of the fettlement, returned to Barbadoes, where Jofeph he died. After his departure the grand council aSa'm cn fc Jofeph Weft governor ; and the palatine gover- confirmed the election. A meeting of all the free nor. men was called at Charleftown, where they elefted reprefentatives, for the purpofe of making laws for the government of the colony. Thomas Gray, Henry Hughs, Maurice Mathews, and Chriftopher Portman^ were chofen deputies from the people, and took their feat at the upper houfe of aiTembly. Thefe new members were obliged to take an oath, that they fhould fhew equity and juftice to both rich and poor, without favour or affeftion; that they fliould obferve the laws of England, and thofe that fliould hereafter be eftablifhed in the colony ; that they ihould obey
the

SOUTH CAROLINA.

75

the rules and directions of the proprietors ; that they fhould not divulge the fecrets of the grand council, without fufficient authority from that board. A queftion being put, whether the deputies of the proprie tors fhould take the fame oath ? it was judged unnecelTary, as they held their appointments during pleafure, and were immediately anfwerable to the pro prietors for their conduct. Now the colony had its governor, its upper and lower houfe of aflembly, which three branches took the name of Parliament, agreeable to the conftitutions. This was the firft par liament that paffed acts which are ratified by the pro prietors, and found on record in the colony.

IT might have been expected, that thefe adventu- Variance

rers, who were all embarked on the fame defign, |re*k ou>

would be animated by one fpirit, and zealous above ionv_

all things to maintain harmony and peace among

themfelves; they had all the fame hardfhips to en

counter, the fame enemies to fear, and the fame caufe,

the profperity of the fettlement, to promote. In fuch

circumftances, the governor had good reafon to hope,

that one common defire of fafety, and principle of

love and friendfhip, would pervade the whole colony;

yet nothing is more certain than that the contrary

effect took place. The moft numerous party in the

country were difienters, of various denominations,

from the eltablifhed church of England; which body

of men, whatever high pretenfions they may affett

to fuperior fanctity of manners, have not always been

found the moft peaceable members of fociety. A num-

berof cavaliers having received grants from the proprie-

j had now brought over their families and effects,

K2

and

7"

THEHISTOtYOF

and joined the Puritans in Carol na. The latter were looked upon by the proprietors with a partial eye, a men of honour, loyalty and fidelity, and met with great indulgence and encouragement; by which means they thruft themfelves into offices of truft and authority. The Puritans, on the other hand, viewed them with the eye of envy and jealoufy, and having fuffered from them in England, could not bear to fee the fmalleft {hare of power committed to them in Carolina. Hence the feeds of ftrife and divifion, which had been imported into the colony, began to fpring forth, and, as if brought to -a warmer and more fertile foil, to grow fo rank as to promife little peace and happinefs to the young fettlement. No common dangers or difficulties could blot out of their memories the prejudices and animofities contracted in England : the odious terms of diftincYion were re vived and propagated among the people, and while one party were attached to the church of England, the other, who had fled from the rigour of ecclefiaftical power, were jealous above all things of rejigious liberties, and could bear no encroachment on them. The governor found that matters of religion were tender points, and therefore wifely avoided all deliberations about them, chufing rather to leave every man to his free choice, than propofe an eftablifhment of any kind, which he faw would occafion trouble and divilion among the people.

ANOTHER fource of difficulty arpfe to government, from the different manners of thefe colonifts. Thefe emigrants were not a people accuftomed to rural la bours and frugal fimplicity, but many of them pam pered citizens, whofe wants luxury had increafed,
and

SOUTH CAROLINA.

77

and rendered them impatient of fatigue and the reftraints of legal authority. The fober and morofe life,, the ftiff and rigid morals of the Puritans, were hiade the objects of ridicule by their neighbours, and all the powers of wit and humour were employed in expofing them to public derifion and contempt. Their levelling fpirit, republican principles, and contenti ous difpofition, they declared merited the hatred and abhorrence of every man of honour and honefty, as they had ferved to produce in England that race of fly, deceitful and hypocritical wretches, who had been the cuffe and fcourge of the nation. The Puritans, on the other hand_, poflefied of no fmall fhare of ran cour and malevolence, and exafperated by their li centious manners and grievous abufe, violently oppofed their influence among the people. Hence arofe a number of difficulties in framing laws, in diftributing juflice, and in maintaining public order and tran quillity. Governor Weft, obferving thofe diffentions breaking out in the fettlement, was at no fmall pains to keep them within the bounds of moderation, but having a council compofed of ambitious cavaliers, was unable entirely to check the diforder. In fpite of his authority, the Puritans were treated with infolence and neglecl, and the colony, diftracled with domeftic differences, were ill prepared for defence agaiml external enemies: not only fo, but fuch divilions occalioned a neglecl: of induftry and application, which prevented the country from making that progrefs in improvement which might have been expeftcd from its natural advantages.

AT this unfavourable jundure the Indians, from j came down in draggling parties, and plun dered

$8

THE HIS 'ORY OF

dered the plantations of thi Icanty and dearly earned fruits of labour and induftry. Being accuftomed to the practice of killing whatever came in their way, they ranked the planter's hogs, turkeys and geefe among their game, and freely preyed upon them,. The planters as freely made ufe of their arms in de fence of their property, and feveral Indians were kil led during their depredations. This occafioned a war, and the Indians poured their vengeance indifcriminately, as ufual, on the innocent and guilty, for the lofs of their friends. Governor Weft found it necef* fary to encourage and reward fuch of the colonifts as would take the field againft them for the public A trade defence. Accordingly, a price was fixed on every in Indians jncjian the fettlers fhould take prifoner, and bring to ged. Charleftown. Thefe captive favages were difpofed of to the traders, who fent them to the Weft-Indies, and there fold them for flaves. This traffic was deemed by fome an inhuman method of getting rid of troublefome neighbours ; yet, at this period, the planters had fome reafons to plead in its vindication. Lands indeed were given as the reward of valour; but lands, without hands to cultivate them, were rather a burden, than any way beneficial, to men who were allowed more by the proprietors than they could turn to any profit. But the planters had an imme diate reward for Indian prifoners, and while it encou raged' bold adventurers, it was made a profitable branch of trade. Whether the rum which was im ported into the colony, in return for thefe Indians, proved of beneficial confequence or not, we mail not pretend to determine, as this depended on the ufe or abufe that was made of it. Where the water is bad, a little rum mixed with it is accounted
wholeforr.q

SOUTH CAROLINA.

79

wholefome and nourifhing; but excefs in drinking, every where, deftroys the conftitution, and proves a fruitful fpring of pains, difeafes, and death.

THOUGH Carolina lies in the fame latitude with. A genefome of the moft fertile countries on the globe, yet ^n-ptl-0e^ he is in danger of error who forms his judgment of of the its climate from the latitude in which it lies. Many chmatelocal circumftances concur to occafion a difference between it and Paleftine, the north of Egypt, or the dominions in the fame latitude in China. Befides the bleak mountains, frozen lakes, and the large un cultivated territory over which the north and northweft winds blow in winter, by which they are' ren dered dangerous ; when the extreme heat of fummer is united with a low marfliy foil, where the water ftagnar.es, and the effluvia anting from it thicken and poifon the air, it muft prove the occafion of a numberlefs lift of fatal diftempers. This laft circumftance ferves to decide the healthinefs of climates in every latitude. Sudden changes from heat to cold are every where dangerous; but, in countries where little caution is ufed in drefs, they muft often prove fatal. The winds in Carolina are changeable and erratic, and, about the vernal and autumnal equinoxes, commonly boifterous. In fummer, they are fultry and fuffocating ; in winter, cold and dry. Beyond doubt, the flat maritime part is a moft un healthy fituation, and the firft fettlers could fcarcely have been caft afhore in any quarter of the globe where they could be expofed to greater hazards from the climate.

YET

8o

THE HIS TORY OF

Of the YET the country, low a d unhealthy as it is, aft countiy. for(j g many advantages for commerce and navigation.
; As you approach towards the (Lore, the fea gradually ebbs, which furnifhes good foundings for the help of navigators. For eighty, and infome places an hundred, miles from the Atlantic, the country is an even plain, no rocks, noftones, fcarce a hill of any height is to be fcen. Backwards from this the lands begin to rife gradually into little hills and beautiful inequalities, which conti nue increafing inheight and variation until you advance to the Apalachian mountains, three hundred miles and more from the fea. Here a vaft ridge of mountains begins, and runs through North America, in the bowels of which no man can fay what riches lie irt ftore. Thefe mountains give rife to four large rivers, called by their Indian names, Alatahama, Savanna, Santee and Pedee. Among the hills thefe rivers are compofed of different branches, and run in a rapid courfe; but lofe their velocity when they reach the plains, through which they glide fmoothly along, in a ferpentine courfe, to the ocean. Up thefe large rivers the tide flows a considerable way, and renders : them navigable for mips, brigs, Hoops and fchqoncrs, and fmaller craft force their way ftill higher, than the tide-flows. Befides thefe large rivers, the hills in the heart of the country give rife to others of a fecondary fize, fuch as Ogetchee, Cufaw, Cambahee, Edifto., Afhley, Cooper, and Black rivers; all which are alfo navigable many miles from the ocean. The coaft is alfo chequered with a variety of fine iflands, around which the fea flows, and opens excellent channels, for the eafy conveyance of produce to the market.

BY

SOUTH CAROLINA.

Si

BY the different trees which cover the lands the foil is d,.i,,ft.mgu.i,,med,, wh,.ic,hm<fome pl,aces i s very ri.c,h, aOncfiUiaSnfdofi.l and in others very poor. Where the pine-trees grow the ground is fandy and barren, and produces little except in rainy feafons. The oaks and hkkories de light to grow in a lower and richer foil, running in narrow ftreaks through the different eminences, which grounds^ when cleared and cultivated, amply reward theinduftrious planter. The cypreffes and canes chufe a (till deeper and more miry foil, which is exceed ingly fruitful, having had the fruits and foliage of trees from the higher grounds flowing into it from the creation. The river fwamp lands, by proper cul ture and judicious management, are of inexhauftible fertility. The favannas and open plains are of a deep fat and greafy mould, which when drained and frefhened, become alfo fruitful and excellent pafts of a plantation. The marfhy grounds, fome of which are frefh and others fait, are much negleded^ yet they yield a kind of grafs grateful to fome animals, and , are ufed as yet only for pafturage. Many years elap- j fed before the planters found out the different grains fuited to thofe different foils, and we fliall take occafion to mention them as time and experience taught them the ufeful difcoveries. The foil of the hilly coun try differs from all thefej for there, in the vallies be tween the hills, a black and deep loam is found, pro bably formed of rotten trees and vegetables, which the fhowers and floodb have carried into them from the adjacent heights. Marble, clay, chalk and gra vel grounds are alfo obferved among thefe hills in the middle of the country, and a variety of foil nearly fimilar to that found in Europe.

AT

82

THE HIST RY OF

AT this period Carolina, in her natural and rural robes, to an ingenious ftranger muft have exhibited a noble and finking appearance, as all objects of nature do in their primeval ftate. Still we may fancy what new fcenes would command his atten tion, and excite his admiration. A thunder-dorm here is a grand phenomenon, efpecially in the night j it is faid to be the voice of the fupreme Author of nature, whofe command all the various elements obey, and it fpeaks his majefty and glory in the loudeft and moft exalted ftrain. The frequent balls of fire burfting from cloud to cloud; the forked flafhes darting from the clouds to the earth, and Of its from the earth to the clouds alternately, illuminating andhna- t^ie wnle furrounding atmofphere, and men, like fo tural many worms, crawling in the duft in the midlt of pheno- f3am ing f}rej form a magnificent and ftriking fcene. The continual muttering noife of thunder at a di-. fiance the dreadful explofion on the right hand, the repercuffive roar on the left, while the folid founda^ tions of the earth {hake, and the goodly frame of nature feems ready to diffolve, to the eyes of an in telligent ftranger muft have appeared awful and great. The beafts of the field retire from the thicket, and ftiew evident fymptoms of filent awe and aftonifhrnent during the florrn, and man'^ ultimate fourCe of confidence is in the divine protection. In eve ry quarter you meet with the Wafted trees of the tbreft, which wither and decay at the lightning's ftroke. No earthquakes, fuch as are commonly known in the Weft-India iflands, have ever beeu felt here; but whirlwinds fometirnes have made avenues through the thick foreft, by levelling the loftieft trees, or fweeping them axvay before them like chaff- Thefe terrible blafts
are

SOUTH CAROLINA.

83

arc generally confined to a narrow tract, and run in an oblique and crooked direction. Hurricanes have alfo often vifited the country, and through fuch low and flat lands have fpread their defolation far and
wide.

IN travelling along the coaft of Carolina, partly by water and partly by land, the ftranger has-an ex- : cellent view of the natural beauties, and rural inha bitants of the foreft. At a diftance the marfhes and favannas appear like level meadows, whh branches or creeks of the fea running through them. On one band the evergreen pines appear, and engrofs almofl: the whole higher lands of the country; on the other the branching oaks and ftately hickories ftand co vered, with mofiy robes : now he pafles a grovo co vered with cyprefs; then the laurels, the bays, the palmctoes, the beech or mulberry-trees furround him, all growing as the hand of nature hath wildly fcattered them. In the fpring the dogwood, cherrytrees, and many others bloflbm, and, together with the jeflamines, perfume the air ; while the luxuriant vines climb over the loftieft trees, and bufhes or flirubs of humbler growth fill up the thicket.

AT this early period the rude hunters, though ma-

fters of the woods, while they attracted the attention

of the ftranger, muft alfo have convinced him how

little human nature uncultivated is exalted above the

brute creation. Numbers of deer, timorous and wild,

ranged through the trees, and herds of buffaloes were

found grazing in the favannas. Above his head the

feathered tribes, more remarkable for the fplendour ol

iheir plumage than the harmony of their notes, would

L2

fly -

84

THE HISTORY OF

fly; whilft under his feet w mid crawl innumerable reptiles and infedts. Here it may not be improper to enumerate fome of the different kinds of living crea-: tares found in the country, and leave the particular defcription of them to the natural hiflorian.

Of its BEYOND doubt Carolina teems with animals both animals. pf the ufcful and hurtfuj k; nd- The alligator, pro-
bably a fpecies of the crocodile, is found here nigh the rivers and ponds, and is very deftruftive to young creatures about a plantation. He is perhaps the largeft animal, except the crocodile in Africa, of the ovarious kind. The bear is a fierce animal, but in many refpe&s a rich prize to the Indian hunter. The beaver is alfo a native of Carolina, and his fur is a precious ar-. ticle of American commerce. The racoon and oppoffiim are alfo. natives of the country, and fcarcely found in any other continent. The latter demands the parti cular notice of naturalifts ^ its young are faid to.breed at the female's teats, which is furnifhed with a dou ble belly, into one of which, on the appearance of. danger, the young ones retreat, and are faved by being carried up a tree. The leopard -, the panther, the wolf, the fox, the rabbit, wild and pole cats, are all found in the country, on which the American hunt er pours his vengeance. Squirrels of various kinds and different hues are numerous here; one of which is cal led the flying fquirrel, not from its having wings like a bird, but from its being furniflied with a fine loofe ikin between its fore and hind legs, which it contracts or expands at pleafure, and which buoys it up, and enables it to fpring from branch to branch at confiderable diilances, with amazing nimblcnefs.

SOUTH CAROLINA.

85

IN the mouth of the rivers, and on the coaft, the Of its fliark, the porpoife, the fword, the guarr, and devil fifhes, are all found, but in no refpects rendered ufeful. However, the fea coaft and rivers furnilh a variety of fine fifh for human ufe, both of the fait and frefh-water kinds. The angel fifh, fo called for their uncommon fplendour ; the fheephead, fo named from its having teeth like thofe of fheep; the cavalli, the mullet, the whiting, the plaice, and young bafs, are all efteemed delicate food. Befides thefe, porgy, mads, trout, ftingre, drum, cat, and black fifti, are all ufed, and taken in great abundance. The frefh-water rivers and ponds furnifh (lores of fiih, all of which are excellent in their feafon. The fturgeon and rock fifh, the frefh-water trout, the pikej the bream, the carp and roach, are all fine fifb, and found in plenty. Nigh the fea-fhore vafl quantities of oyfters, crabs, fhrimps, <&c. may be taken, and fometimes a kind of turtle,

THERE were alfo vaft numbers of winged fowls of its found in the country, many of which for human ufe birds, and fubfiftence. Befides eagles, falcons, cormorants, gulls, buzzards, hawks, herons, cranes, marfh-hens, jays, woodpeckers ; there arc wild turkeys, pigeons, black-birds, woodcocks, little partridges, plovers, eurlieus and turtle-doves, in great numbers; and alfo incredible flocks of wild geefe, ducks, teal, fnipes, and rice-birds. There has been found here, nigh rivers, a bird of an amazing fize, fome think it a fpecies of the pelican. Under its beak, which is very long, it is furnimed with a large bag, which it contracts or Jets loofe at pkafure, to anfwer the neceffities. or con
veniences

85

THEHIS1JRYOF

veniences of life. The fumn 21 duck is a well known and beautiful creature, and has got this name to diftinguifhit from others of the fame fpecies, which con tinue not in the country during the fummer months, but fearch for a cooler retreat. The mockbird of Carolina is a fine bold creature, which mimics the va rious voices of the foreft, both in captivity and in the enjoyment of natural freedom. The red bird is exceed ingly beautiful, and has a foft melodious note, but with few variations. The humming bird is remark able for its fmall fize, flies from flower to flower like a bee, and is fometimes caught by children while ly ing buried in a large flower it is fucking out the juice. Its fleft is very curious, and difcovers amazing art and contrivance. Thefe are fome of the feathered inha bitants of this foreft, among which there is little me lody, and, were it otherways, the mufic would all be loft, by the continual croaking of frogs, which fwarra in millions over the flat country.

Of its WHILE ranging over the natural field, there is no and "i- rePl*k merits more particular notice than the rattlepers. fhake, which is one of the moft formidable living
creatures in the whole univerfe. Providence hath kindly furnifhed him with a tail which makes a rat tling noife, and no doubt was intended to warn every other creature of the danger of approaching nigh him. He indeed poffeffes that noble fortitude, which is harmlefs unlefs when provoked and molefted. He is never the aggreffbr, and feems averfe from making ufe of his weapons of deftruclion. He flies from man; but when purfued, and he finds he canRot efcape, he inftatitly gathers bimfelf into a coil,
and

SOUTH CAROLINA.

87

and prepares for fclf-defence. He has a {harp and fparkling eye, and quickly fpies any perfon approach ing towards him, and winds his courfe out of the way into fome thicket or concealed place. The greateft danger is, when we inadvertently trample upon him as he lies coiled among the long grafs or thick buflies. On each fide of his upper jaw he has two long fangs, which are holloWj and through which he inje&s the poifon into the wound they make. When he penetrates a vein or nerve fudden death enfues, unlefs fome effectual remedy be inftantly applied. The ufual fymptoms of being bit by him are, acute pains from the wound, inflammatory fwellings round it, ficknefs at the ftomach, and convulfive vomitings. In all countries, however, where venomous creatures, exift, the hand of nature hath kindly planted fome antidote againft their poifon, which it is the bufmefs of rational creatures to inveftigate and apply. Even the rude and ignorant Indians were not ftrangers to the method of curing the wounds of this dreadful reptile ; as quickly as poffible, after being bit, they fwallowed a ftrong doze of the deception of fnakeroot, which they found every where growing in the woods, which caufed them to vomit plentifully; at the fame time, having fucked the poifon out of the wound, they chewed a little fnake-root, and applied it externally to it. This remedy, when timely ap plied, fometimes proved efficacious, which induced the early fettlers of Carolina to follow their example. Befides the rattle-fnake, the black and brown vipers have fangs, and are alfo venomous. The horn-fnake is alfo found here, which takes his name from a horn in his tail, with which he defends himfelf, and ftrikes it with great force into every aggretfor. This reptile is
alfo

88

THE HIS TO .iY OF

alfo deemed very venomous, an the Indians, wneft wounded by him, ufually cut out the part wounded. as quickly as poffible, to prevent the infection fpreading through the body. There are, befides thefe, a va riety of other fnakes found here, fuch as the green, the chicken, the copperbelly, the wampum, the coach-whip and corn fnakes ; all of which are efteemed harmlefs creatures.

Of its INNUMERABLE are the infects in Carolina, as

MI e s.

naturally be expected from the heat of the

climate. The bees are found in feveral places, and

they chufe the hollow trees for their habitation, but

whether imported or not is uncertain. The fire -fly,

fo called from its emitting fparks of fire in the night,.

refembling flafhes from the ftrokes of fleel upon flint,

is a curious creature. About the beginning of fum-

mer, when thefe infects are very numerous, they illu

minate the woods, and ftrike a ftranger with aftonifli-

ment. Millions of peftiferous gnats, called Mufke-

toes, are hatched during the fummer, and fwarm

over the country in fuch numbers, that, during the

day, it requires no final! trouble for the inhabitants

to defend themfelves in every quarter againft them ;

and, during the night, gaufe pavilions are neceflarilj

ufed, to exclude them from their beds, without which

it is impoffible to enjoy nndifturbed repofe. The

fand-flies are alfo vexatious infects, and fo minute,

that one would imagine it needlefs to provide any

defence againft them ; yet, wherever they bite, their

poifon occafions itching and painful inflammations.

Befides thefe, there are ticks, flies, wafps, and many

more infecls which are very troublefome. To thefe

plagues, with which this country is curled, we may

2

alfo

SOUTH CAROLINA.

89

alfo add the water wood-worms, which infeft the ri vers as far as the fait-water flows, eat the bottoms of veffels into the form of honey-combs, and prove extremely deftru&ive to (hipping.

AEOUT the year 1682, Governor Weft having incurred the difpleafure cf the proprietors, Jofeph Morton, who had lately been created a landgrave, recei- Jofeph ved a coramiffion from Lord Craven, invefling him made gvwith the government of the colony. About the fame vcmor. time, Jofepli Blake fold his eftate in England, and with his family and Teveral fubftantial followers reti red to Carolina. Lord Cardrofs alfo, a nobleman of Scotland, having formed a project for carrying over fome of his countrymen to Carolina, embarked with a few families, and made an attempt to eitablifli a colony on Port-Royal Ifland: but obferving the go vernment in a confufed and fluctuating ftate, he foon after returned to Britain. The ifland on which he left his few followers having excellent conveniencies for navigation, was a place of all others in the coun try the mod advantageous for a fettlement; but, to effecT: it, a greater number of emigrants was abfolutely requifite. The Spaniards fent an armed force, and diflodged the Scotch fettlers, after which no attempts were "made for many years towards eftabliihing a co
lony iu that quarter.

ABOUT the fame time, William Penn, an eminent Pennfyl-

quaker, obtained a grant from the king of a large van'

territory in the middle of North America, which he

called Pennfylvania, and which he refolved to fettle

on the enlarged bottom of univerfal benevolence,

friendiHp and humanity. Not fatisfied with the title .

'M

he

90

THEHISX .RY.QF

he held from the crown to , tis extenfive territory, he thought himfelf bound in ccnfcience to purchafc one alfo from its natural poflcflors, and therefore gave the Indians feme confederation for their proper ty; by which means he obtained not only ah equiT table right, but peaceable pofifefiion. At firft, it is probable, he intended his province as an afylum for the harmlefs and peaceable people of his own perfuaT fion, who were oppreffed in Britain, and perfecuted in a degree equal to the Spanifii inquifition in NjjKr England; yet, fo liberal were his principles, that -he opened a door to mankind in general who were un happy in their external ciicumftances, and perfected for their confcientious opinions. His plan of fettlement was fo large, and the regulations he eftablilhcd for preventing idlenefs, luxury and vice, were fo wife and judicious, as foon to attract the eyes and adrnira* lion of vaft numbers of men in the different quarters of Europe. Multitudes flocked to Pennfylvania, and fat down happy under Penn's gentle laws and government. His own example of benevolence, frugality and temperance, endeared him to every inhabitant; and a general fimplicity of manners for feveral years prevailed in the fettlementl It remained for the future ages of pride, luxury and ambition, to defeat the wife maxims of this legiflator. A plan of a city was framed, which, for order, beauty and magnificence, was ex celled by none upon earth. Indeed, every thing re^ lating to the firfl fettlement of that province was conducted with fuch wifdom and equity, that it could not fail of fpeedy population and improvement, Ttyc induftrious planters and merchants of Pennfylvania, foon advanced to an eafy and independent (late } an advantage far from being common to the other Bri-
tifh

S OUTH CAROLINA.

91

iiih fculements in America, and therefore to be afcribed Chiefly to their general harmony, temperance and application.

THE colony of Carolina, though planted at an ear lier period, from various caufes and impediments, ad vanced by flower fleps in population and improvement. Pemifyivania, being farther removed from the equator, was confidered as a better climate. The lands were found better adapted to Briti/h grain, and more favou rably fituated for cultivation. Like a younger beauty, /he attracted the eyes of many admirers, and promifed to be a powerful rival to Carolina. She flattered lief labourers with the profpecls of longer life, and with the hopes of greater increafe in thofe kinds of grain they had been accuftomed to cultivate in Eu rope. Her inflitutions, with refpect to government, toere more applicable and prudent; her planters, blefied With health and good-humour, laboured with greater pleafilre and fuccefs: the tribes of favages around her, being more gently ufed, were more peace able. Hence it happened, that the Pennfylvanians, having fewer obflacles to furmount than their fouthern neighbours, profpered in a more rapid manner.

TH E proprietors of Carolina had indeed 'mftrucled The pro-

Governor Morton to take all Indians within four fJ^idThe

hundred miles of Charleftown under his protection, trade i

and to treat them with humanity and tendernefs; Jndiaas.

but fuch inftru&ions were very difagreeable to many

of the people, efpecially to thofe members of the

Council who were concerned in the Indian trade, and

therefore great oppofition was raifed to the execution

of them. Maiirice Mathews, James Moore, and

M2

Arthur

gs

THE HISTC RY OF

Arthur Middleton, members 01 the council, warmly oppofed the governor, while he propofed regulations for the peaceable management of Indians,.and confidered the proprietors as ftrangers to the intereft of their colony by fuch" impolitic reftrictions. The peo ple, who had loft fome friends and relations, by the favages were alfo greatly irritated againil them, and breathed nothing but vengeance and implacable rer fentment. Thefe members of the council were re moved from it for their difobedience; neverthelefs they had fuch influence among the people, as to occafion great trouble to the governor, and totally to fubvert his authority ; in confequence of which, Jofeph Weft appeared again at the head of the colony, and gave his afient to feveral laws made in it.- Du ring which time the people followed, their former pra&ice, of inveigling and kidnapping Indians whereever they found them, and fhipped them off to the Weft Indies, without any reftraint from government.

SOON after Governor Weft was fuperfeded by Sir Richard Kirle, an Irifh gentleman, who died fix-months after his arrival in the country. After his deceafe, Thetole- Colonel Robert Quarry was chofen his fucceflbr. Du^ ration of rjng fae tjme of ^ls gOvernment5 a number of pirates Carolina, put into Charleftown, and purehafed provifion's with their Spanim gold and filver. Thofe public robbers, inftead of being taken and tried by the laws pf Eng land, were treated with great civility and triendfliip, in violation of the laws of nations. Whether the governor was ignorant of the treaty made.with Spain, by which England had withdrawn her former tolera. tion from thefe plunderers of the Spanim -dominions ; or whether he was afraid to bring them to trial from
the

SOUTH CAROLINA.

93

the notorious courage of their companions in the Weft Indies, we have not fufficient authority to af firm ; but one thing is certain, that King Charles II. for feveral years after the reftoration, winked at their depredations, and many ot them performed fuch va liant aftiops as, in a good caufe, had juftly merited honours and rewards. Even as the cafe was, Charles, out of mere whim, knighted Henry Morgan, a Welshman, who had plundered Porto Bcllo and Pa nama, and carried off large treafures from them. For feveral years fo formidable was this body of plun derers in the Weft Indies, that they flruck a terror into every quarter of the Spanifh dominions. Their gold and filver, which they lavifhly fpent in the co lony, enfured to them a kind reception among the Cardlineans, who opened their ports to them freely, and furnifhed them with neceflaries. They could '"" purchafe the favour of the governor, and the friendfhifj of the people, for what they deemed a trifiirig confideration. Leaving their gold and filyer behind them, for clothes, arms, ammunition and provifions, they embarked in queft of more. However, the proprietors, having intelligence of the encourage ment given to pirates by Governor C^uarry, difmiffedhim from, the office he held; and, in 1685, Land grave Jofeph Morton was reinftated in the govern ment of the colony.

DURINQ the reign of King James II. the hardfhips Caufe of under which the people of Britain laboured, and the troubles they apprehended, brought much ftrength to the colonies. The unfuccefsful or unfortunate part of mankind are qafily induced to emigrate; but the oppreffed and perfecuted are driven from their
country,

94

THE HIST 5RY OF

country, however clofely the r affections may cleave to it. Such imprudent attempts were made by this prince againft what the nation highly revered, that many Proteflants deferted it, preferring the hardfhips of the firft ftate of colonization abroad, to oppreffiori at home. So far was he from concealing his attachment to the Popifh religion, that he gloried in the open profeffion of it, and took every opportu nity of transferring both the legal authority and mi litary command into the hands of fuch men as were belt affected to that religion, and would moft readily contribute their affiftance towards the accomplifhment of his favourite defign. The Proteftants in general were alarmed, and filled with the moft gloomy apprehenfions from the bloody and perfecuting fpirit of the Popifh faction. They forefaw the fubverfion of their religion and liberties, and fled over the Atlantic from the approaching rigours of perfecution, being determined to fubmit to any hardlhips abroad, rather than to the eftablifhment of Popery in England.

Caufeof THE next acquisition America gained, was from dot from l^e revocatin of the edict of Nantz; in confequence France, of which the flames of perfecution broke out in
France, and drove many of its beft fubjecls out of that kingdom. Thefe Proteftant refugees were benefi cial in many refpecls to England and Holland, and ferved greatly to promote the trade and manufactures of thefe nations. Among the other colonies in Ame rica which reaped advantage from this impolitic meafure of France, Carolina had a large mare. Many of the Proteftant refugees, having purchafed lands from the proprietors, embarked with their families
for

S O U T H C A R O LI N A.

95

for that colony, and proved fome of its befl and mod induftrious inhabitants.

SMALL was the progrefs in cultivation which the

colonifts of Carolina had yet made,_ and fatal had

the heat of the climate and the labours of the field

proved to many of them. Yet their cattle increafed The Eu-

in an amazing manner, and thrived exceedingly well

in their foreft. Having little winter, the woods fur- in

nifhed them with both flicker and provifions all the

year; neither houfes nor attendants were provided

for them, but each planter's cattle, diftinguifhed only

by his mark, every where grazed with freedom. Hogs

ftill fared better, and increafed farter. The woods a-

bounded with acorns, and roots of different kinds,

on which they fed and fattened, and were reckoned

moft excellent food. Stocks of cattle, at this period,

were a great objecl: with the planters, for feveral rea-

fons. Little labour was requifite to raife and render

them profitable. The planters were at no trouble in

building houfes for them, nor at any expence in feed

ing them. If either cattle or hogs were fed, it muft

only have been intended to accuftom them to keep

nigh their owner's abode, or to return under his eye

every evening. Befides, a planter fond of hunting

might fupply his family with game through the year,

with which the woods abounded, and fave his ftock.

Horfes were alfo bred in the fame manner, and though

they degenerated greatly, they multiplied faft. No

part of the world could prove more favourable to

poultry of aH kinds. By the trade of the colony to

the Weft Indies,, they had rum and fugar in return

for their lumber and provifions ; and England fup-

plie'd them with clothes, arms, ammunition, and uten-

n

fils

96

THEHIS'ORYOF

fils for building and cultiva ion, in exchange for their deer-fkins, furs, and naval ilores.

TURPENTINE is the gum in a liquid flate of that

Ipeeies of the pine tree called the Pitch-pine, extract

ed by incifion and the heat of the fun, while the tree

The man- is growing. The common manner of obtaining it is

tai^0 t " as f^om : about the fir ft of January the perlbns

pentinein employed in making turpentine begin to cut boxes in

Carolina. ^ treeg 5 a little above the ground, and make them

large or fmall, in proportion to the fize of the tree;

the box of a large tree will hold two English quarts,

of a middling tree one, and of a frnall one a pint.

About the middle of March, when the weather be

comes warm, they begin to bleed, which is done

by cutting about an inch into the lap of the tree with

a joiner's hatchet; thefe channels made in the green

{landing tree, are framed fo as to meet in a point

where the boxes are made to receive the gum; then

the bark is peeled off that fide of the tree which

is expofed to the fun, that the heat may extract the

turpentine. After bleeding, if rain fhould happen to

. fall, it not only condenfes the fap, but alfo contracts

the orifices of the velfels that difcharge the gum, and

therefore the trees muft be bled afrefh. About four

teen days after bleeding the boxes will be full of tur

pentine, and muft be emptied into a barrel. When

the boxes are full, an able hand will fill two barrels in

a day. A thoufand trees will yield at every gathering

about two barrels and a half of turpentine, and it

may be gathered once every fourteen days, till the

froft comes, which chills the fap, and obliges the la

bourer to apply to fome other employment, until the

next feafon for boxing fhall approach. The oil of

i

turpentine

SOUTH CAROLINA.

9;

turpentine is obtained by diftillation; and fofin is the remainder of the turpentine, after the oil is diflilled from it.

he fame pine trees tar and pitchare alfo made, And o but by a different mode of operation. " For extraft- TM* ~'a'J^ in^ tar they prepare a circular floor of clay, declining plrch. a little towards the centre, from which there is laid a pipe of wood, extending aim oft horizontally two feet without the circumference, and fo let into the ground, that its upper fide may be level with the floor: at the outer end of this pipe they dig a hole large enough to hold the barrels of tar, which, when forced out of the wood, naturally runs to the centre of the floor as the lowed part, and from thence along the pipe into the barrels. Matters being thus prepared, they raife upon the clay floor a large pile of dry pinewood fplit in pieces, and inclofe the whole pile with a wail of earth, leaving only a little hole in the top, where the fire is to be kindled ; when that is done, and the inclofed wood begins to burn, the whole is flopped up with eaith, that there may be no flame, but only heat fufficient to force the tar out, of the wood, and make it run down to the floor. Thev temper the heat as they think proper, by thrufting a ftick through the wall of earth, and letting the air in at as many places as they judge necelTary. As to Pitch, it is nothing more than the folid part of the tar feparated from the liquid by boiling."

As Carolina abounds with this kind of pine trees,

vaft quantities of pitch, tar, and turpentine might have

been made in it. At this early period the fettlers,

having little ftrcngth to fell the thick foreft and clear

N

the

98

THE HIS' ORY OF

the lands for cultivating gra'n , naturally applied themfelves to fuch articles as were in demand in England, and forprocuring'which moderate labourwas requifite. Lumber was a bulky article, and required a number of mips to export it. Naval (lores were more valu able and lefs bulky, at the fame time that the labour neceflary to obtain them was eafier, and more adap ted to European conftitutions. The province as yet could fupply Britain with a very inconfiderable quan tity of naval ftores; but by encouraging the planters in preparing them, the expence of its vaft importa tions from the Baltic might have been in fome meafure faved to the nation.

THOUGH Governor Morton was poffefied of a confiderable mare of wifdom, and was conne&ed with feveral refpedtable families in the colony, yet fo inconliflent were his inftructions from England, with the prevailing views and interefts of the people, that he was unable, without great trouble, to execute the duties of his truft. He was a man of a fober and re ligious temper of mind, and had married Mr. Blake's filler, lately arrived from England, by which alliance it was hoped the hands of government would be ftrengthened, and a check given to the more licen tious and irregular party of the people. His council was compofed of John Boone, Maurice Mathews, John Godfrey, Andrew Percival, Arthur Middleton, A differ- and James Moore, &c.; fome of whom differed wideth" ci^M ty fr m k* m ' n 0Pmin vv'tn refpecl to public meaofficers. fares, and claimed greater indulgences for the people than he had authority to grant. Hence two parties arofe in the colony; one in fupport of the prero gative and authority of the proprietors, the other
in

SOUTH CAROLINA.

99

in defence of the liberties of the people. The for mer contended, that the laws and regulations recei ved from England refpecYmg government ought to be ftriftly and implicitly obferved : the latter kept in view their local circumftances, and maintained, that the freemen of the colony were under obligations to obferve them only fo far as they were confident with the interefl of individuals and the profperity of the fettletnent. In this fituation of affairs, no governor could long fupport his power among a number of bold adventurers, who improved, every hour for ad vancing their interefl:, and could bear no reflraints which had the leaft tendency to defeat their favourite views and defigns : for whenever he attempted to interpofe his feeble authority, they infulted his perfon and complained of his adminiftration, till he was re moved from his office.

THE proprietors alfo finding it prudent to change

their governor fo foon as he became obnoxious to

the people, James Colleton at this time was ap- James

pointed to fuperfede Jofeph Morton. He was a Colleton

brother to Sir Peter Colleton, one of the proprie-

"

tors, but was poflefled neither of his addrefs nor

' abilities for the management of public affairs. He

left Barbadoes and retired to Carolina, where he

built an excellent houfe on Cooper River, in hopes

of fettling in that country, and long enjoying, by the

influence of his brother, the emoluments of his office

in tranquillity and happinefs. To give him the great

er weight, he was created a landgrave of the colony,

to which dignity forty-eight thoufand acres of land

were unalienably annexed: but to his mortification

he foon found, that the proprietary government had

acquired but little firmnefs and liability, and, by his

N2

impru-

zoo

THE HISTORY OF

imprudence and rigour, fell into ftill greater difrefpecl and contempt.

A. D. 7*

ABOUT the year 1687, having called an alfembiy of the reprefentatives, he propofed to make fome new regulations refpccting the government of the colony. Having examined the fundamental confti-r tutions, and finding the people difpofed to make ma ny objections to them, he thought proper to nomi nate a.committee, to confider wherein they were im proper or defective, and to make fuch alterations and amendments in them as they judged might be condu cive to the welfare of the country. This committee confifted of the Governor, Paul Grimball, the fecretary, William Dunlop, Bernard Schinking, Thomas Smith, John Far, and Jofeph Blake. Accordingly, by thefe men a new code of laws was framed, confifting of many articles different from the former, which they called Standing Laws, and tranfmitted to Eng land for the approbation of the proprietors. Thefe {landing laws, however, the proprietors rejected, and jr.fifted on the obfervance of the fundamental conftitutions; and all the while the people treated both with equal indifference and negled.

AT this early period a diffatisfacYionwith the proprie tary government appeared, and began to gain ground His di'f- among the people. A difpute having arifen between w'th'the ^ gvernor an ^ the houfe of affembly about the houfe of tenures of lands and the payment of quitrer.ts, Landgrave Colleton determined to exert his authority, in compelling the people to pay up their arrears of quitrents, which, though very trifling and incpnfiderable, were burdenfome. as not one acre out of a thoufand
of

SOUTH CAROLINA,
of thefe lands for which quitrents were demanded yielded them any profit. For this purpofe, he wrote to the proprietors, requelting them to appoint fuch de puties as he knew to be moft favourably difpofed towards their government, and would moft readily affift him in the execution of his office. Hence the intereft of the proprietors ar>d that of the people were placed in oppofite fcales, and the more rigoroufly the gover nor exerted his authority, the more turbulent and feditious the people became. At laft they proceeded to avowed ufurpation: they iffued writs in their own name, and held affemblies in opposition to the governor and the authority of the proprietors. Letters from England, containing deputations to perfons obnoxious to the people, they feized and fuppreffed, and appointed other men better affeted to the popular caufe. Paul Grimball, the fecretary of the province, they imprifoned, and forcibly took pofleiEon of the public records. The militia aft they refufed to fettle, becaufe recommended by the governor, even though their own fecurity depended on it. In fhort, the lit tle community was turned into a fcene of confufion, and every man afted as he thought proper, without any regard to legal authority, and in contempt of the governor and other officers of the proprietors.
LANDGRAVE Colleton, mortified at the lofs of power, and alarmed at the bold and feditious fpirit of the people, was not a little perplexed what ftep to take in order to recal them to the obedience of legal authority. Gentle means he perceived would be vain and ineffectual. One expedient was fuggefted, which he and his council flattered themfelves might be productive of the defired effect, and induce
the
I I D D n i t- /->

IDS

THE HI5T )RY OF

the people through fear to ret >rn to his flandard, and ftand by the perfon who alone had authority to punifh mutiny and fedition, which was to proclaim the martial law, and try to maintain by force of arms the proprietary jurifdiftion. Accordingly, without let ting the people into his fecret defign, he caufed the militia to be drawn up, as if fome danger had threat ened the country, and publicly proclaimed the mar tial law at their head. His defign, however, did not long remain a fecret, and, when difcovered, ferved only to exafperate the more. The members of the aflembly met, and taking this meafure under their deliberation, refolve'd, that it was an encroachment upon their liberties, and an unwarrantable exertion of power, at a time when the colony was in no dan ger from any foreign enemy. The governor, however, infifted on the articles of war, and tried to car ry the martial law into execution; but the difaffection was too general to admit of fuch a remedy. In the year 1690, at a meeting of the reprefentatives, a bill was brought in and pafled, for difabling Land grave James Colleton from holding any office, or exercifing any authority, civil or military, within the province: nay, fo outrageous were they againft him, that nothing lefs than banifhment could appeafe them, and therefore gave notice to him, that, in a limited time, he muft depart from the country.

Seth So- DURING thefe public commotions Seth Sothell, thell cho- pretending to be a proprietor by virtue of fome re-
" gu^atlons lately made in England, ufurped the go vernment of the colony. At firft the people feemed difpofed to acknowledge his authority, while the cur rent of their enmity ran againft Landgrave Colleton j and

SOUTH CAROLINA.

103

and as he had flood forth as an active and kading man in oppofition to that governor, and ratified the law for his exclufion and banimment: but afterwards, finding him to be void of every principle of honour and honefty, they perfecuted him alfo with deferved and implacable enmity. Such was the infatiable avarice of this ufurper, that his popularity was of fhort duration. Every reftraint of common juftice His opand equity was trampled upon by him; and oppref- P""100 fion, fuch as ufually attends the exaltation of vulgar and ambitious fcramblers for power, extended her rod of iron over the diffracted colony. The fair traders from Barbadoes and Bermuda were feized as pirates by order of this popular governor, and con fined until fuch fees as he was pleafed to exact were paid him : bribes from felons and traitors were ac cepted to favour their efcape from the hands of juf tice : plantations were forcibly taken pofleffion of, upon pretences the mod frivolous and unjuft, and planters were compelled to give bonds for large fums of money, to procure from him liberty to remain in pofleffion of their property. Thefe, and many more acts of the like atrocious nature, did this rapacious governor commit, during the fhort time of his adminiftration, to increafe his fees as governor and pro prietor. At length the people, weary of his grievous impofitions and extortions, agreed to take him by force, and Ihip him off for England. Then, to his other- ill qualities he added meannefs of fpirit, and humbly begged of them liberty to remain in the country, promifing to fubmit his conduct; to the trial of the affembly at their firft meeting. When the affembly met, thirteen different charges were brought againft him, and all fupported by the ftrongeft evi-
dence:

104

THE HIS TO cY OF

dence: upon which, being fou, d guilty, they compelled him to abjure the government and country for ever. An account of his infamous and wicked conduft was drawn up and fent to the proprietors, which filled them with aftonifhment and indignation. He was ordered to England, to anfwer the accufations brought againft him before the palatine's court, and, in cafe of refufal, was given to understand it would be taken as a further evidence and confirmation of his guilt. The law for difabling Landgrave James Colleton from holding any authority civil or military in Carolina, was repealed, and drift orders were fent out to the grand council, to fupport the power and pre rogative of the proprietors. To compofe the minds of the people, they declared their deteftation of fuch unwarrantable and wanton oppreffion, and protefted that no governor mould ever be permitted to grow rich on their ruins; enjoining them, at the fame time, to return to the obedience of their magiftrates, and fubjection to legal authority.

HITHERTO this little community has been a fcene

of continual contention and mifery. The fundamen

tal conftitutions, which the proprietors thought the

mo ft excellent form of government upon earth, have

been little regarded. The governors have been either

ill qualified for their office, or the inftruciions given

them have been unacceptable to the people. The

inhabitants, far from living in friendfliip and har

mony among themfelves, have alfo been feditious and

ungovernable. Indeed, while the proprietary govern

ment fhall continue to be thus weak and unftable,

its authority will be little refpe&edj while the en-

i

couragemcnt

SOUTH CAROLINA.

105

couragement given to civil officers and magistrates is trifling and inconfiderable ; men of judgment and ability will not throw away their time and pains for fupparting the honour and authority of others, which might be otherwife employed to purpofes more ad vantageous to themfelves. The titles of Landgraves and Caffiques will not compenfate for the lofs of fuch time and labour, efpecially when they come only joined with large traces of land which, for want of hands, muft lie uncultivated. The money arifing from quitrents and the fale of lands was inconfiderable, hard to be colle&ed, and by no means adequate to the fupport of government. The proprietors were imwilling to involve their Englifh eftates for the im provement of American property; hence their go vernment was feeble and ill fupported in Carolina, and there is reafon to fear it will become more fo, in proportion as the colonifts mail become richer and more independent, and the country mall advance $p a, more populous and better cultivated ftate,

O

CHAP.

C

CHAP. III.

D tJRING the reign of the infatuated King James II. the Englilh nation, oppreffcd by a VopUh faftion, aad apprehenfive about their civil and religious liberties, were ripe for a revolt; and, upon his abdication, William Prince of Orange accepted A rcrooff th,.e rt>nght-lnh crown, on fFuchi terms as thi e TParhva- lEuntigolnanidn. mcnt thought proper to offer it. Though hiftory can furnifli few examples of a daughter confpiring with fubje&s to exclude her father from the throne, and then accepting of a crown from his head} yet, by this Revolution the long-eonteiled boundaries between the prerogative of the king and the rights and liber ties of the people, were more clearly marked and de termined than they had been in any former period, to the great relief and happinefs of the nation. This event is diftinguiflied in the annals of England as the sera of freedom; and it muft be confefled, that the change has been productive of many important and feappy confequences.

As nothing tends more to the increafe of induftry

and commerce than religious toleration, and great

freedom to fcrupulous confciences, foon after the Re

volution an a& paffed in parliament, for exempting

i>is tnajefty's Proteftant fubjefts from the penalties

of certain laws, under which they had formerly fuf-

fered great feyerities. King William and his council,

*t that juncture, wifely judged, that fuch a law might

O2

be

io8

THE HIST >RY OP

be of excellent ufe in remo ing the complaints of many of his good fubjects, and uniting their minds in intereft and affecYion. Though the variances of Whigs arid Tories may have fometimes obftrufted the falutary effe&s of this law, yet it muft be ac knowledged to have anfwered many wife and valu able purpofes to the nation.

IN the hiftory of England, nothing is found to redound more to the honour of the people than their fignal and uncommon afts of generofity and humaThe nity. Even in the reign of King James large collecrefugees tions had been made for the diftreffed French refumeet gees. After King William's acceffion to the throne, coura e"" ^le Par^amentvted fifteen thoufand pounds fterling to ment. be diftributed among perfons of quality, and all fuch as through age or infirmities were unable to fupport themfelves or families. To artificers and manufac turers encouragement was offered in England and Ireland, who have contributed not a little to the im provement of the fiIk and linen manufactures of thefe kingdoms. To hufbandmen and merchants agree able profpefts were opened in the Britifh colonies. In 1690, King William fent a large body of thefe people to Virginia. Lands were allotted them on the banks of St James's river, which by their diligence and induftry they foon improved into excellent eftates. Others purchafed lands from the proprietors of Ca rolina, tranfported themfelves and families to that quarter, and fettled a colony on Santee river. Others, who were merchants and mechanics, took up their refidence in Charleftown, and followed theif different occupations. At this period thefe new fettlers were a great acquifition to Carolina. They had
takea

SOUTH CAROLINA.

icg

taken the oath of allegiance to the king, and promifed fidelity to the proprietors. They were difpofed to look on the colonifts, whom they had joined, in the favourable light of brethren and fellow-adventurers, and though they underftood not the Englifli language, yet they were defirous of living in peace and harmo ny with their neighbours, and willing to ftand forth on all occafions of danger with them for the common
fafety and defence.

ABOUT the fame time Philip Ludwell, a gentleman from Virginia, being appointed governor of Caroli- PM'P na, arrived in the province. Sir Nathaniel Johnfon, appo;nt. who had been general of the Leeward Iflands in the ed reign or King James, being created a Caffique of Carolina, after the Revolution retired to that country, and took his feat as a member of the council. The proprietors having found the fundamental conftitutions difagreeable to the people, and ineffe&ual for the purpofes of government, repealed all their for mer laws and regulations, excepting thofe called Agrarian Laws, and fent out a new plan of govern ment to Mr. Ludweil, confifting of forty-three articles of inftruftion, for the better management of their co lony. The inhabitants, who had been long in a confufed and turbulent ftate, were enjoined to obedience and fubmiflion. Liberty was granted to the reprefentatives of the people to frame fueh laws as they judged neceflary to the public welfare and tranquilli ty, which were to continue in force for two years, but no longer, unlefs they were in the mean time ratified and confirmed by the palatine and three more proprietors. Lands for the caffiques and landgraves were ordered to be marked out in fquare plats, and
freedom

iir>

THE HISTORY OF

freedom was granted them o chufe their fituation* Hitherto the planters remained utter ftrangers to the* value and fertility of the low lands, the fwamps were therefore carefully avoided, and large tra&s of the higher lands, which were efteemed more precious, were furveyed, and marked out for eftates by the provincial nobility.

GOVERNOR Ludwell, who was a man of great hu manity, and confiderable knowledge and experience in provincial affairs, by thofe large eftates which were allowed the leading men, and the many indulgence's he was authorized to grant to others, had the good fortune to allay the ferment among the people, and reconcile them to the proprietors. But this domeftic tranquillity was of fliort duration. New fources of difcontent broke out from a different quarter. He had inftruftions to allow the French colony fettled in Craven county, the fame privileges and liberties with the Englifh colonifts. Several of the refugees being pofleffed of confiderable property in France, had fold it, and brought the money with them to England. Having purchafed large trafts of land with this mo ney, they fat down in more advantageous circumflances than the poorer part of Englifli emigrants. Some of them, who had gone to the northern pro vinces, hearing of the kind treatment and great en couragement their brethren had received in Carolina, came to fouthward and joined their countrymen. Having clergymen of their own perfuafion, for whom they entertained the higheft refpet and veneration, they were difpofed to encourage them as much as tbeir narrow circumftances would admit. Governqr Ludwell received the wandering foreigners with great
civility,

SOUTH CAROLINA.

ju

(Civility, and was not g little felicitous to provide them ??ith fettlements equal to their expectations. While Harih thefe refugees were entering on the hard talk of ^Ttb*1TM* clearing and cultivating fpots of land, encouraging foniftt to and relieving each other as much as was in their tbe rcfu' power, the Englifli fetilers began to revive the odious diftinftions and rooted antipathies of the two nations, and to confider them as aliens and foreigners, entitled by law to none of the privileges and advantages of natural-born fu-bjedb. The governor had inftru&ions fa allow them fix reprefematives in aflembly; this the Englilhmen confvdered as contrary to the laws of 4he land, and beyond the power of the proprietors, who were fubjeft to the lavrs, to grant. Inftead of considering thefe perfecuted Grangers in the enlarged 4ight of brethren defcended frora the fame common, parent, and entitled to the free biddings of Provi dence; inftead of taking compaffion on men who had fought an afylum from oppreflion in their couivtry, whom they were bound to welcome to it by eve?y tie of humanity and intereft; they began to exe cute the laws of England refpefting aliens in their vitmoft rigour againft them, Their haughty fpirit could not brook the thoughts'of. fitting in aflembly with the rivals of the EngHfh nation for powe* and dominion, and of receiving laws from Frenchmen, the favourers of a fyftem of flavery and abfoiute go vernment, ^n this unfavourable light they were held forth to the people, to the great prejudice of the re fugees ; which fentiments, however narrow and im proper, ferved to excite no fmall jealoufies and ap~ prehenfions m their minds, with refped to thefe linfeaj>py foreigners.

na

THE HI TORY OF

HARD as this treatment was, this violent party did not flop here. They infifted, that the laws of Eng. land allowed no foreigners to purchafe iands in any part of the empire under her fupreme jurifdi&ion, and that no authority but the houfe of commons in Britain could incorporate aliens into their communi ty, and make them partakers of the rights and pri vileges of natural-born Englifhmen ; that they ought to have been naturalized by parliament before they obtained grants of lands from the proprietors; that the marriages performed by their clergymen, not be ing ordained by a bifhop, were unlawful; and that the children begotten in thofe marriages could be confidered in law in no other light than baftards. In fhort, they averred, that aliens were not only denied a feat in parliament, but alfo a voice in all elections, of members to ferve in it; and that they could nei ther b.e returned on any jury, nor fworn for the trial of iffues between fubjeft and fubjed.

THE refugees, alarmed at thefe proceedings, and

difcouraged at the profpefts of being deprived of all

the rights and liberties, of Britifli fubjects, began to

ibfped that the oppreffion of England would fall hea

vier upon them than that of France from which they

had fled. Dejected at the thoughts of labouring

they knew not for whom, if their children could not

reap the fruits of their labours, or if their eftates

fhould efcheat to the proprietors at their deceafe,

they could confider themfelves only as deceived and

impofed upon by falfe prpmifes and profpects. After

holding feveral corrfultations among themfelves about

their deplorable circumftances, they agreed to ftate

their cafe before the proprietors, and beg their advice,

2

In,

SOUTH CAROLINA.

113

Iri arifwer to which the Proprietors inftrufted Gover nor Ludwell to inform them, that they would enquire what does in law qualify an alien born for the enjoy ment of the rights and privileges of Englim fubjects, and in due time let them know j that, for their part, they would take no advantages of the prefent grievous circumftances of the refugees; that their lands fhould defcend to fuch perfons as they thought proper to be* queath them ; that the children of fuch as had been married in the fame way were not deemed baftards in England* nor could they be confidered as fuch in Carolina, where fuch unlimited toleration was allowed to all men by their charter. Though this ferved in fome meafure to compofe the minds of the refugees, yet while the people harboured prejudices againft them the relief was only partial ', and, at the next eledYion of members to ferve in affembly, Craven county, in which they lived, was not allowed a fingle rcprefentative.

FROM the firft fettlement of the colony, the com- The

mon method of obtaining lands in it was by purchafe, manner

either from the Proprietors themfelves, or from offi-

cers commiffioned by them, who difpofed of them lands.

agreeable to their directions. Twenty pounds fter-

iing for a thoufand acres of land, and more or lefs,

in proportion to the quantity, was commonly demand

ed, although the pioprietors might accept of any ac

knowledgment they thought proper. The emigrants

having obtained warrants, had liberty to go in fearch

of vacant ground, and to pitch upon fuch fpots as

they judged mod valuable and convenient. This was

furveyed, and marked out to them, according to the

extent of their purchafe, and plats and grants were

figned, regiftered and delivered to them, referving

P

one

ii4

THE HIST DRY OF

one {hilling quitrent for ever/ hundred acres, to be paid annually to the Proprietors. Such perfons ,88 could not advance the fum demanded by way of purchafe, obtained lands on condition of paying one penny annual-rent for every acre to the landlords. The former, however, was the common method of obtaining landed eftates in Carolina, and the tenure was a free hold. The refugees having purchafed their eftates, and meeting with fuch harm treatment from the colonifts, were greatly difcouraged, and apprehenfive, notwithHanding the fair promifes of the Proprietors, they had efcaped one abyfs of mifery only to plunge themfelvts deeper into another*

Juries THE manner of impannelling juries in Carolina chofen bgjng remarkably fair and equitable, juftly claims our lot. particular notice. Juries here are not returned by
fheriffs, whofe ingenuity and integrity are well known, particularly in England ; but according to an article in the fundamental conftitutionS. The names of all the freemen in the colony being taken down on fmali pieces of parchment of equal fize, they are put into a ballot-box, which is fhaken oa purpofe to mix them, and out of which twenty-four names arc drawn, at every precincl: court before it rifes, by the firft boy under ten years of age that appears; which names are put into another box, and twelve out of the twenty-four are drawn by another boy under the fame age, and fumtnoned to appear at the next meet ing of court; which perfons are (the jury, provided no-exceptions are taken againft any of them. If any of them are challenged -by the prifoner, the boy continues drawing other names till the jury be full. In this mild and fair manner prifoners are tried, \vhich allows them every chance for life hu
manity

SOUTH CAROLINA.

115

inanity can fuggeft or require: for after the mod careful examination of witnefles, and the fulleft de bate on both fides from the bar, the jury have inftru&ions about the evidences given, and the point of law -which is to guide them in their decifion, from. the bench ; and are (hut up in a room, where they muft remain until they agree, and return their una nimous verdift, guilty or not guilty.

NOTWITHSTANDING the excellence of this form

of trial, it muft be eonfefled that juftice has not al

ways had. its free courfe, nor been adminiftercd with

impartiality by the officers and judges appointed by tbc

proprietors for this purpofe. Pirates, for inftince, arc Pirate*

a body of men whom all civilized nations are bound

hi honour and juftkc to crufh; yet, inftcad of this, by

bribery and corruption they often found favour with

the provincial juries, and by this means efcaped the

hands of juftice. About this time forty men arrived

in a privateer, called the Royal Jamaica, who had been

engaged in a courfe of piracy, and brought into the

country treafures of Spanifh gold and filver. Thefe

men were allowed to enter into recognizance for their

peaceable and good behaviour for one year, with fecu-

rities, till the governor ihould hear whether the pro

prietors would grant them a general indemnity. At

another time a veffel was fhipwrecked on the coaft, the

crew of which openly and boldly eonfefled, they had

been on the Red fea plundering the dominions of the

Great Mogul. The gentlenefs of government towards

thofe public robbers, and the civility and friendship

with which they were treated by the people, were evU

dences of the licentious fpirit which prevailed in the

colony. For although all men ought to be tender

P2

of

ii6

THE HI TORY OF

of the lives of their fello /^creatures^ and permit ten guilty perfons to efcape rather than one innocent man fhbuld fuffer; yet, to bring pirates to juftice is a duty which both national honour and the common welfare of fbclety necefiarily require. For if we allow fuch publicrobbers to efcape with impunity, it may be attended with ferious and fatal confequences; it may prove the occa. fion of war and bloodlhed to nations in general, to the prejudice of navigation, and the deftruction of many innocent lives, which might have been prevented by proper and legal punifhments. The Proprietors were difpofed to confider piracy in this dangerous light, and therefore inftru&ed Governor Ludwell to change the form of electing juries, and required that all pirates fliould be tried and punifhed by the laws of England made for the fuppreffion of piracy. Before fuch inftrudions reached Carolina, the pirates, by their money and freedom of intercourfe with the people, had fo ingratiated themfelves into the public favour, that it was beqome no eafy matter to bring thpm to trial, and dangerous to punifh them as they deferved. The courts of law became fcenes of al tercation, difcord, and confufion. Bold and feditious ipeeches were made from the bar, in contempt of the Proprietors and their government. Since no par dons could be obtained but fuch as they had authorrfed the governor to grant, the affembly took the matter under deliberation, and fell into hot debates among themfelves about a bill of indemnity. When they found the governor difpofed to refufe his affent to fuch a bill, they made a law impowering magiflrates and judges to put in force the habeas corpus acl made in England. Hence it happened, that feveral of thofe pirates efcaped, purchafed lands from the colonifts,
aild

SOUTH CAROLINA.

117

and took up their relidence in the country. While money flowed into the colony in this channel, the au thority of government was a barrier too feeble to ftem the tide, and prevent fuch illegal practices. At length the proprietors, to gratify the people, granted an in demnity to all the pirates, excepting thofe who had been plundering'the Great Mogul, moft of whom alfo found means of making their efcape out of the country.

IN this,community there fubfifted a conftant ftruggle between the people and the. officers of the Pro prietors : the former claimed great exemptions and indulgences, on account of their indigent and dan gerous circumftances; the latter were anxious to difcharge the duties of their truft, and to comply -with the inftruflions of their fuperiors. When quitrents were demanded fome refufed payment, others had nothing to offer. When actions were brought againft all thofe who were in arrears, the poor planters mur mured and complained among themfelves, and were difcomented at the terms of holding their lands, though, comparatively (peaking, eafy and advantage ous. It was impoffible for any governor to pleafe both parties. The fees alfo of their courts and fheriffs were fuch, that, in all aftions of fmall value, they ex ceeded the debt to be recovered by them. To reme dy this inconvenience, the afietnbly made a law for empowering juftices of the peace to hear, and finally to determine, allxaufes of forty (hillings fterling value and under. This was equally agreeable to the people, as it was otherwife to the officers of juflice. At length, to humour the. planters, the governor propofed to the affembly, to conlider of a new form of a deed for holding lands, by which he encroached on the pre^
rogative

fig

THE HIS DRY OF

rogativc of the proprietor,, who had referred to themfelves the fole power oi judging in fuch a cafe, incurred their difpleafure, and was foon after remoYcd from the government.

To find another man equally well qualified for the truft, was a matter at this time of no fmall difficulty Thomas to the Proprietors. Thomas Smith was a man pof* abptmpothint- feffed of confiderable 'pro^pertyJ , much efleemed byJ ed gover- the people for his wifdom and fobriety; fuch a pcrnor- fon they deemed would be the moft proper to fucceed Ludwell, as he would naturally be both zealous and aclive in promoting the profperity and peace of the fettlement. Accordingly a patent was fent out to him creating him a landgrave, and, together with it, a commiffion invefting him with the government of the colony. Mr. Ludweil returned to Virginia, happily relieved from a troublefome office, and Land grave Smith, under all poffible advantages, entered on it. He was previoufly acquainted with the ftat< of the colony, and with the tempers and complexions of the leading men in it. He knew-that the intereft of the Proprietors, and the profperity of the fettlement were infeparably conne&ed. He was difpofed to allow the people, ftruggling under many hardihips, every indulgence confident with the duties of his truft. No ftranger could have been appointed to the government that could boaft of being in circumftances equally favourable and advantageous.

The of^rk? introduced'

ABOUT this time a fortunate accident happened, which occafmned'the introduction of rice into Carolina, a commodity which was afterwards found very fuitable to the climate and foil of the country. A
brigantine

SOUTH CAROLINA.
brigantme from the ifiand of Madagafcar touching *t that place in her way to Britain, came to anchor off Sullivan's ifland. There Landgrave Smith, upon an invitation from the captain, paid him a vrfit, and re ceived from him a prefent of a bag of feed ric, which he faid he had feen growing in eaftem coun tries, where it was deemed excellent food, and produ ced an incredible increafe. The governor divided his bag of rice between Stephen Bull, Jofeph Wood ward, and fome other friends, who agreed to m^kp the experiment, and planted their fmaU parcels ittdifferent foils. Upon trial they found it anfwered their higheft expectations. Some years afterwards, Mr. Du Bois, treafurer to the Eaft- India Company^ fent a bag of feed rice to Carolina> which, U is iuppofed,, gave rife to the diftindion of red and white rice, which are both cultivated in that country. Se-p veral years, however, elapfed, before the planters found out the art of beating and cleaning it to per fection, and that the loweft and richeft lands were beft adapted to the nature of the grain ; yet, from this period, the colonifts perfevered in planting it, and every year brought them greater encouragement. From this fmall beginning did the ftaple cotrunodity of Carolina take its rife, which foon became the chief fupport of the colony, and its great fource of opulence Befides provisions for man and bead, as rice employs a number of hands in trade, it became alfo a fource of naval ftrength to the nation, and of courfe more bene6cial to it, than foreign mines of filver and gold. From the fuccefs attending this inconfiderable beginning, projectors of new fchemes for improvement may draw fome ufeful leflbns, efpe-
cially"

THE HISTC RY OF
cially where lands are good, ai i the climate favouf* able to vegetation.

WITH the introduclion of rice planting into this aOnceccaeffifointys country, and.t.he..fi.xing upon i. t as fts lnlapl,e commofor em- dity, the neceflity of employing Africans for the purne^roef P*e ^ cu^'v^i 00 was doubled. So laborious is the
tafk of raifing, beating, and cleaning this article, that though it had been poffible to obtain European fervants in numbers fufficient for attacking the thick foreft and clearing grounds for the purpofe, thoufands and ten thoufands muft have perifhed in the arduous attempt. The utter inaptitude of Europeans for the labour requifite in'fuch a climate and foil, is obvious to every one pofiefied of the fmalleft degree of know* ledge reflecting the country; white fervants would have exhaufted their ftrength in clearing a fpot of land for digging their own graves, and every rice plantation would have ferved no other purpofe than a burying ground to its European cultivators. The low lands of Carolina, which are unqueftionably the richeft grounds in the country, muft long have remained a'wildernefs, had not Africans, whofe natural conftitutions were fuited to the clime and work, been employed in culti vating this ufeful article of* food and commerce.

Perpetual So mucn may be faid for the neceflity of employ-

flaveryre- ing Africans in the cultivation of rice ; but great

to^the* ^s l^c difference between employing negroes in

principles clearing and improving thofe rich plains, and that

of huma- miferable ftate of hardfhip and flavery to which they

Chriftia- are there devoted, and which has been tolerated and

eftablifhed by the law of the land. If we view this

race, firft ranging over the hills of Africa, equally free

i

and

SOUTH CAROLINA.

m

and independent as other rude nations on earth> and

from thence inveigled by fraud, or compelled by

force, and then configned over to a ftate of endlefs

flavery, we muft confefs the change is great and de

plorable, efpecially to an impartial and difirtterefted

eye. Without them^ it is acknowledged, flow muft

have been the progrefs of cultivation in Carolina; but,

from fuch a confiderationj what man will prefume to

vindicate the policy of keeping thofe rational creatures

in perpetual exile and flavery. Nature had given them

an equal right to liberty as to life, and the general law

of felf-prefervation was equally concerned for the pre-

fervation of both. We would be glad then to know,

Upon what principle of equity and juftice the Englifli

traders found their right to deprive the freeborn in

habitants of Africa of their natural liberty and native

country ; or on what grounds the planter afterwards

founds his right to their fervice during life, and that of

all their pofterity, to the lateft generation. Can the

particular laws of any country fuperfede the general

laws of nature ? Can the local circumftances of any

province upon earth be pled in excufe for fuch a violent

trade, and for fuch endlefs flavery in confequence of it?

BefideSj has not this trade a tendency to encourage war

and plunder among the natives of Africa ? to fet one

tribe againft another, to catch and trepan tlieir neigh

bours, on purpofe to barter them for European trinkets

to the fa&ories? Nor is the traffic confined to the cap

tives of war alone^ who have been fubje&ed to flavery

by many nations; for fo ardently do they covet the per

nicious liquors and trifling commodities carried tothem

from Europe, that, without fcruplej they will part with

their neareft relations, their wives and children not ex-

tepted, to procure them. Thus civilized nations, by

Q

fuch

THE HIS ORY OF
fuch a traffic, have made b, .'barians more barbarous, and tempted them to commit the moft cruel and un natural actions-.
NOTHING can be more evident, than that fuch a trade is tolerated and carried on in violation of
the grant! rule of equity prefcribed to Chriftians. For example, let us fuppofe the people of Africa had difcovered an ifland, fuch as Newfoundland, in a cli mate too cool for the natives of that continent to cul tivate, and that the inhabitants of the north of Eu rope were alone adapted to the work. In confequence of this difcovery, were they to fail to Britain with a cargo of their gold duft, and ftir up one county to wage war with another for the fake of captives: were they to tempt the father to jdifpofe of his fon^ the mother of her daughter, the hulband of his wife, and the neareft friends, firft to (leal and kidnap, andthen barter each other, for Africa's golden idol: we may with juftice put the queftion, Ye inhabitants of England, what would ye think of fuch a traffic? We will readily own, there are few nations upon earth more fond of gold duft than you, or have gone far ther lengths in the commercial way to procure it; yet, fond as ye are of this favourite metal, we muft do fo much juftice to your humanity as to believe, that your nation would refound with complaints againft a traffic fo unjuft and cruel. Yet certainly the African's natural right to purfue it is equally well grounded as that of the European. What principle of Chri-ftianity can youjthen plead in its vindication? Your fuperior power, avarice, and craft, the African acknowledges to his fad experience; but he complains of being made abfclute property, fuch as cattle, good?
and

SOUTH CAROLINA.
and chattels, and fubjecl to be feized, levied upon, and tofled from hand to hand for the payment of com mercial debts, by the laws of your realm, to which he never owed any fubjeftion or obedience. He complains of the means ufed to bring him into fuch grievous and deplorable circumftances, as unfair and iniquitous, He complain?, that his utmoft labour and induftry for any-limited time will not be accepted by the ma tter he fenres, as a compenfation for the expence of his purchafe, and that he and all his generation muft remain ilaves for ever, without hope of redemption or deliverance. And, without doubt, hard is his cafe, and well grounded are his complaints. Indeed the planter's concern only Commences with the arri val of thefe flaves, and his contract made with the merchant, who, under the colour and authority of tha laws, brought them into the country where he lives; For the purchafe be makes he has alfo the fanftion and countenance of law, which is in feme meafure a. juftification of his conduct On provincial reguhu tions, with refpec~l to the fubfequent management and treatment of negroes, we fliall afterwards take occafion to make fome remarks. At prefent we fhall only add, that in no inftance can it be faid to be a more plain and lamentable truthj that the lore of money is the root of all evil, than when it urges men to trade jn the bodies and fouls of their fellow-creatures,

DURING the period of the ufurpation in England, Foreign

when the great councils of the nation were under the 1^TM*

direction of men of mean birth and little education, gedfrom

the confiderations of mercantile profit became con- views of _necfited, wi.th,,m,, ole or/- diominion and,1the 1hi.g1her f,,pnngs cCowml maedr--

ef government. After the conqueft of Jamaica, it vantage,

0^ 2

was

THE HIST RY OF
was refolved, that the nation il :>uld make a commer cial profit of every colony that had been, or fhould be, planted in the weftern. world. At the Reftoration the fame turn in politics was alfo adopted, and the parliament which brought about that great event made a law, by which it was enabled, that no fugary cotton, wool, indigo, ginger, fuftic, or other dying wood, of the growth of any Engltfh plantation in Aliaj, Africa, or America, mould be tranfpofted. to any other place than to fome Englifh plantation, or to England, Ireland, Wales, and Berwick upon Tweed, upon pain of forfeiture of fhip and goods; that, for every veflel fah% ing from England, Ireland, Wales, and Berwick, upon Tweed, bond {hall be given, with fecurity of one or two thoufand pounds fterling, money of Great Britain, that if ftie load any of the faid commodities at fuch plantations, flie fhall bring them to fome port of thefe Englifh dominions. And for every vefTei coming to the faid plantations the governor ihall, before fhe be permitted to load, take fuch bond as a/orefaid, that ihe fhall carry fuch commodities to England, Ireland,, Wales, or Berwick upon Tweed,. This laid the founr dation of what was afterwards called enumerated coin*. modifies ; and to thefe already mentioned, rice, hemp, copper ore, beaver Ikins, and naval ftores, were af terwards added, and, with fome exceptions, fubject? ed to the fame reftraint.
THIS navigation law, though it cramped the trade of the colonies, yet it has been attended with many beneficial confequen.ces to Britain: and while fhe maintained the fupreme power of legislation through out the empire, and wifely regulated the trade and commerce of her foreign fettlemei^ts, fhe might reap.
many

SOUTH CAROLINA.

125

and fubftantial advantages from them. She might render them a market for her manufa&ures, and at the feme time fupply herfelf with fuch commomodities as her northern climate refufed, and obliged her to purchafe from other nations. By fuch means Jhe might enlarge her commerce and trade, at the fame time (he increafed her naval ftrength. It was her intercft in a particular manner to encourage fettlements. in a different climate, the productions of which luxury had made neceflfary to the fupport of her domeftie dominions. Their articles of produce interfered pot with thofe of Britain, and were in no danger of rivalling her at any market. But mould the planters in thefe colonies begin to think thenv fclves entitled to the privileges of raifing what pror du&ions they pleafe, and of fending them to any market they judged moil advantageous to themfelves, they would then become colonies equally ufeful tp all the world; and the mother country, who difcovered, peopled and protected them, would {hare no more advantage from them than rival ftates around her. Qn this principle Great Britain grounds her right to expeft a market for her manufactures in the (Colonies fhe planted and nurfed, and to regulate their produce and trade in fuch a channel as to render them only fubfervient to her own intereft. Without this right they would not only be ufelefs to her, but very prejudicial. Colonies planted in the fame latitude with the parent ftate, raifing the fame productions, and enjoying the fame privileges, muft in time be both de trimental and dangerous; for while they drain her of inhabitants, they are growing ftrong upon her ruins. They meet her at the fame market with the fame
commodities, a competition arifes between them, and
occafions

126

THE HIS 'ORY OF

occafions jealoufies, quarrei , and animofities. Then fhe will become fenfible of the bad policy of having promoted fuch colonies, when they prove dangerous rivals in trade and commerce, and when perhaps it is become too late to remedy the evil: for a rival daughter often becomes the more abufive and, troublefome, in proportion as fhe is better acquainted than ftrangers with the natural fondnefs and indulgent tem per of a tender mother.

FROM Carolina indeed Britain had lefs to fear than from the more northern colonies, as the latitude was more remote, and the climate .and foil better fuited to different productions. Here the people naturally engaged in purfuits different frorn thofe of the mother country, and a mutual exchange of commodities and good offices would of confequence the more neceflarily take place. They might barter their fkins, furs, Jm4 naval ftoresj for clothes, arms, ammunition, and utenfils neceflary for cultivation, imported from England* They might fend their provHions, lumber, and Indian captives to the Weft Indies, and receive the luxuries of thefe iflands, and the refufe of their cargoes of flavcs, in return, without any prejudice to Britain: for as the two climates differed greatly, they were of confe quence adapted to different articles of produce. To fuch ftaples the firft views of the planters ought to have been chiefly directed, and, for their encou ragement in raifing them, premiums from the Pro-, prietors might have been attended with the moft beneficial effects.

BEFORE this time the Carolineans had found out
the policy of fetting one tribe of Indians againft an
other,

SOUTH CAROLINA.

^^^

ther, on purpofe to fave themfelves. By trifling

prefents they purchafed the friendfhip of fome tribes,

whom they employed to carry on war with others,

which not only diverted their attention from them,

but encouraged them to bring captives to Charles-

toun, for the purpofe of tranfportation to the Weft

Indies* and the advantage of trade. In the year

1693, twenty Cherokee chiefs waited on Governor A. D.

Smith, with prefents and propofals of friendfihip, era- l693 '

ving the protection of government againft the Efaw Indians

and Cdngaree Indians, who had deftroyed feveral of cn?P.la'n

their towns, and1t1 aken a numbL. er ofC thT. ei r peopl1e pn'- t;ce. f inJ Uf-

foners. They complained alfo of the outrages of the

Savanna Indians for felling their countrymen, con

trary to former regulations eftablifhed among the dif

ferent tribes; and begged the governor to reftore

their relations, and protect them againft fuch in-

fidious enemiesv Governor Smith declared to them,

that there was nothing he wifhed for more than

friendfhip and peace with the Cherokee warriors,

and would do every thing in his power for their de

fence : that the prifoners were already gone, and

could not be recalled ; but that he would for the fu

ture take care that a flop mould be put to the cuftom

offending them off the country. At the fame time

the Chihaw king complained of the cruel treatment

Jie had received from John Palmer, who had barba-

royfly beat and' cut him with his broad-fword. In

anfwer to which charge Palmer was infolent and co'n-

tiimacious, and protefted, in defiance and contempt

of both governor and council, he would again treat

him in like manner upon the fame provocation; for

'Which he was ordered into cuftody, until he aikcd

pardon of the houfe, and found fccurity for his fu-

10

ture

THE HIS t'ORY OF
ture peaceable behaviour tt Indians. Such inftance* of harfti treatment ferve to account for many out rages of Indian nations, who were neither infenfiblc to the common feelings of human nature, nor igno rant of the grievous frauds and impofuions they fuf. fered in the courfe of traffic. By fome planters indeed they were ufed with greater humanity, and employed as fervants to cultivate their lands, or hunt for frefh provifions to their families; and as the woods abounded with deer, rabbits, turkeys, geefe, ducks, fnipes, &c. which were all accounted game, an expert hunter was of great fervice in a planta tion, and could furnifli a family with more provifions than they could confume.

The WITH relpeft to government Carolina ftill remain-

among e^ m a confufed and turbulent ftate. Complaint;

the fet- from every quarter was made to the governor, who

was neit'ier ab"e to ^u'et tne mm^s of the people,

nor afford them the relief they wanted. The French

refugees were uneafy that there was no provincial

law to fecure their eftates to the heirs of their body,

or the next in kin, and afraid that their lands at their

death would efcheat to the Proprietors, and their

children become beggars, notwithftanding theif ut-

moft induftry and application j and, in fuch a cafe,

the fooner they removed from the colony the better

it would be for themfelves and their pofterity* The

Englifti c.olonifts, not only kept up variances among

themfelves, but alib perplexed the governor with

their complaints of hardships and grievances. At laft

Landgrave Smith wrote the Proprietors^ and frankly

told theiti, that he defpaired of ever uniting the peo

ple in intereft and affe&ion; that he and naafiy more,

a

weary

SOUTH CAROLINA.

129

weary of the fluctuating flate of public affairs, had refotved to leave the province; and that he was con vinced nothing would bring the fettlers to a date of tranquillity and harmony, unkfs they fent out one of the Proprietors, with full powers to redrefs grievan ces, and fettle differences prevailing and likely to pre vail more in their colony.

THE Proprietors, aftonifhed at the difcontented and turbulent fpirit of the people, yet anxious to prevent the fettlement from being defcrted and ruin ed, refolved to try the remedy Landgrave Smith had fuggeft'ed ; and accordingly pitched on Lord Afliley, an ingenious and bright young nobleman, to go to Carolina, and inverted him with full powers, after viewing the pofture of affairs on the fpot, to eftablifh fuch regulations as he judged trioft conducive to the peace and welfare of the colony. Lord Amfeyj how ever, having either little inclination to the voyage, or being detained in England by bufiriefs of greater confequence. John Archdale agl-eed to embark in his John place. Archdale was a man of confiderabte know- Arch.dale l*edge: and da.fcretkion, a (Quaker, and a Proprietor; eadppeooinvt*great truft was repofed in him, and much was expe&- ed from his iiegociations.

IN the mean time Landgrave Smith having refign-

ed his charge, Daniel Blake was chofen governor,

until the pleafure of the Proprietors was known. So

great was the antipathy of the Englifh fettlers to the

French refugees now grown, that they infifted on

their total exclufion from a voice in the legiflature.

For this purpofe an addrefs was prepared and figned

by a great number of them, and prefented to Go-

R

vernor

THE HI TORY OF
vernor Blake, praying, t at the refugees might not only be denied the privilege of fitting as members of the legillative body, but alfo of a vote at their ele&ion, and that the afiernbly might be compofed only of Englifh members, chofen by Englifhmen. Their requeft, however, being contrary to the inftrucYions of the Proprietors, Blake, it is probable, judged be yond his power to grant, and therefore matters rela ting to them continued in the fame unfettled ftate, until the arrival of Governor Archdale, which hap pened about the middle of the year 1695.
Arch- THE arrival of this pious man occafioned no fmali arrival Jov among a^ tne fettlers, who crowded about him, and new each expecYmg fome favour or indulgence. Amidft regula- tke genera], jOVj private animofities and civil difcord
feemed for a while to lie buried in oblivion. The governor foon found, that three interefting matters demanded his particular attention. The firft was, to reftore harmony and peace among the colonifts themfelves ; the fecond, to reconcile them to the jurifdiction and authority of the Proprietors; and the third, to regulate their policy and traffic with the Indian tribes. For thefe purpofes he fummoned his council for advice, and the commiffions to the different de puties were read. The members appointed were Jofeph Blake, Stephen Bull, James Moore, Paul Grimball, Thomas Carey, John Beresford, and William Hawett. All former judges of the courts, officers of the militia, and juflices of the peace, were conti nued in their refpeclive offices. But fuch was the national antipathy of the Engliih fettlers to the poor French refugees, that Archdale found^ their total exelufjon from all concern in legiflature vas abfolutely
neceffarr

SOUTH CAROLINA.

131

neceflaryto the peaceable convocation of the delegates, and therefore iffued writs dire&ing them only to Berk ley and Colleton counties. Ten members for the one, and ten for the other, all Englilhmen, were according, ly chofen by the freemen of the fame nation. At their meeting the governor made a feafonable fpeech to both houfes, acquainting them with the defign of his appointment, his regard for the colony, and great defire of contributing towards its peace and profperity. They, in return, prefented affectionate addreflfes to him, and entered on public bufinefs with great tem per and unanimity. Matters of general moment and concern Governor Archdale, by his extenfivc powers and great difcretion fettled to the fatisfaftion of all, excepting the French refugees. The price of lands $nd the form of conveyances were fixed by law. Three years rent was remitted to thofe who held land by grant, and four years to fuch as held them by furvey, without grant. Such lands as had efcheated to the Proprietors, were ordered to be let out or fold for their Lordfhips benefit. It was agreed to take the arrears of quitrents either in money or commo dities, as mould be moft eafy and convenient for the planters. Magiftrates were appointed, for hearing all caufes between the fettlers and Indians, and final ly determining all differences between them. Public roads were ordered to be made, and water paflages cut, for the more eafy conveyance of produce to the market. Some former laws were altered, and fuch new ftatutes made as were judged requifue for the good government and peace of the colony. In fhort, public affairs began to put on an agreeable afpecl, and to promife fair towards the future progrefs and wel fare of the fettlement. But as for thq French refu-r
R2

THE HIS' ORV Of
gees, all the governor could do for them was., totecommend it to the Engliih freeholders to confider, them in the moft friendly and compaffionate point of fight, and to treat them with lenity and modera tion.
Treit No man could entertain more benevolent fendwmIntdhmiahtnyus.- wm...aennt8GLowv'eitrhnorerfApAerfcth ctolal1tehe; ihgin'sorcaonmt phaen&aitohnenfcofravtah?geems.
was probably one of the weighty motives which in duced him to undertake the Voyage to this cpuntry.. To protect them againft infults, and eftablifli a fair trade and friendly intercourfe with them, were regula tions which both humanity required and found policy dictated. But fuch was the rapacious fpirjt of indivi. duals, that it could be curbed by no authority. Many advantages were taken of the ignorance of Indians iti the way of traffic. The liberty of feizing their, pcrfons, and felling them for flaycs to the Weft-India planters, , the colonifts cbuld not beprevailedop entirely to refign, without much reluctance. At this time a war raged between two Indian nations, the one living in the Britifli, the other in the SpanHh territories. The YamafTees, a powerful tribe jn Carolina, having made an incurfion into Florida, took a number of Indians, prisoners, whom they brought to Charleftown for fale to the provincial traders to Jamaica and Barbadoes. Governor Archdale no foonef heard of their arrival, than he oiderecj the Spaniih Indians to be brought to him, and rinding that they had been inftrufted 'in the rites and principles of the Catholic religion, he could not help confidcring it ^s an atrocious crime to fell Chriftians of any .denomination. To maintain a gprid
.undei'ftanding. between the two provinces, lie feni '

SOUTH CAROLINA.
the prifoners to Auguftine, and along with them the Yatnaflee warriors, to treat of peace with the Indians of Florida. The Spaniflr governor wrote a letter to Mr. Afchdalc, thanking him for his humanity, and expreffing a defire to live on terms of friendfliip and peace with the Carolineans. In confequence of which* Governor Archdale iffued orders to all Indians in tho Britifli intereft, to forbear molefting thofc under thd jurifdi&ion of Spain. The two kings being at that time confederates, the like orders were iffued at Sti Auguftine, and in a fhort time they were attended with beneficial effects. Such wife fteps ferved not only to prevent flaughter and mifery among thefe favages themfelvcs, but an Englifh veffel being accidentally fliipwrecked on the coaft of Florida, the Indians did the crew no harm, but, on the contrary, conducted them fafe to Auguftine, where the commandant furniihed them with provifions, and fent them to the Englifli fettlements.
iSJoa did Governpr Archdale confine his views to the eftablifhment of a good correfpondence with the Indian nations on the fouth of this fettlement, but extended them alfo to thofe on the north Tide of it. Stephen Bull, a member of the council and an Indian trader, at his requeft entered into a treaty of friendftiip with the Indians living on the coaft of North Carolina. This proved alfo favourable for fome adven turers from New England, who were foon after the conclusion of the treaty fhipwrecked on that coaft. Thefe emigrants got all fafe to land, but finding themfelves furrounded by barbarians, expected no thing but inftant death. However, to defend themfelves in the beft manner they could, they encamped
in

THE HIS' DRY OF
in a body on the fhore, and threw up an entrench ment around them. There they remained until their finall ftock of provifions was almoft exhaufted. The Indians, by making figns of friendfliip, frequently in vited them to quit their camp j but they were afraid, to truft them, until hunger urged them to run the hazard at all events. After they came out, the Indians received them with great civility, and not only furliimed them with provifions, but alfo permitted fome of them peaceably to travel over land to Charleftown, to acquaint the governor with their misfortune. Up on which a veflel was fcnt to North Carolina, which brought them to Cooper river, on the north fide of which lands were allotted them for their accommo dation; and they formed that fettlement afterwards known by the name of Chrift's-church parifh.
ABOUT the fame time, two Indians of different tribes being intoxicated with liquor, a vice which they learned from the EngliJh fettlers, quarrelled at Charkftown, and the one murdered the other. Ampng thefc barbarians, not to avenge the death of a friend is confidered as pufillarnmous, and when ever death enfues, drunkennefs, accident, or even ielf-de.fence, are in their eyes no extenuation of thd crime. The relations of the deceafed, hearing of his death, immediately came to CharleftoWn, and de manded fatisfa&ion. Governor Archdale, who had confiaed the murderer, being-defirous to fave his life^ offered them a cornpenfation J but they refufed it, and infifted on blood for blood and death for death, according to the law of retaliation. To prevent the quarrel fpreading wider among them, he was obliged to deliver the prifoner up to junifliment and death.
While

SOUTH CAROLINA.

135

While they were conducing him to the place of exe cution} his king, coming up to him, enjoined him, fince he muft die, to ftand and die like a man; adding, at the fame time, that he had often warned him of the danger of rum, and now he muft lofe his life for neglefting Ms counfel. When he had advanced to the ftakc to which he was to be fattened, he defired that they would not bind him, promifing not to ftir a-foot from the fpot; and accordingly he did not, but with aftoniming refolution braved the terrors of death, and fell a facrifice to juftice, the frequent wages of blind
drunkennefs and mad excefs.

IT may now be thought a matter of furprife by fame The Pro-

gmre.anu,l,teufrpee,citah,lalyt

bth,ye

fPrurcohpraisetkonros wof>thCs*e.araodl1-ivnaan,tawgiheos

of awere

tEmy0an6me*g0elfTMeuAl-

men of knowledge, and zealous for the intereft and *gncul-

itnprovement of the colony, paid fo little regard to ture"

the only thing upon which the fubfiftence of the in

habitants and the fuccefs of the fettlement depended.

Inftead of framing codes of laws, and modelling the

government of the country on principles of fpecula-

tion, in which men are always in danger of error,

efpecially when living in a different climate, far re

mote from the country they mean to govern; had

they eftablifhed a plantation in it for the particular

purpofe of making experiments, to find out what

productions were moft fuitable to the foil and climate;

this would have been of more real ufe than all the

viiionary laws they ever framed. The firft planters

were men of little knowledge or fubftance, many of

them utter ftrangers to the arts of agriculture; and

tnofe who had been aceuftomed to hufbandry in Eu

rope, followed the fame ruleSj and planted the fame

grain

THE HIST )RY Or
grain in Carolina, as they lad formerly done lit England; which were by no means adapted to the climate. They moved on in the old line, exhaufted their ftrength In fruttlefs efforts, without prefuming to imagine, that different articles of pro duce, and a deviation from the eaftern modes of cul tivation, could be beneficial. Hence the planters, though they had lands on the eafieft terms, remain ed poor ^ and the fault was occafioned more by their ignorance and inexperience than by the climate or foil. It was the bufinefs of the Proprietors to have directed their views to fuch productions as were beft fuited to the nature of their lands, and moft likely to reward their toil; and not to have left a matter of fuch importance to chance, or the ingenuity of poof labourers. Agriculture was certainly an object of the higheft confequence to the fettlers, and of courfe ahV to the Proprietors of the country.
GOVERNOR Archdale having finifhed his negbciations in Carolina, made preparations for returning to Britain. During his time though the government had acquired confiderable refpecl: and liability, yet the differences among the people frill remained. For mer flames were rather fmothered for a while than extinguished, and were ready on the firft occafion td break out again and burn with greater violence. Before he embarked, the council prefented to him an addrefsj to be tranfmitted to the Proprietors; expfeffing the deep fenfe they had of their Lordfliips paternal care for their colony, in the appointment of a man of fuch abilities and integrity to the govern ment, who had been fo happily inftrumental in eftablifhing its peace and fecurity. They told them, they
had

SOUTH CAROLINA.

137

had now no contending factions in government, or clafhing interefts among the pepple, excepting what refpected the French refugees, who were unhappy at their not being allowed all the privileges and liberties of Englilh fubjefts, particularly thofe of fitting in aflembly, and voting at the election of its members, which could not be granted them without lofing the affections of the Englim fettlers, and involving the colony in civil broils j that Governor Archdale, by the advice of his council, had chofe rather to. refufe them thofe privileges than difoblige. the bulk of the BritHh fettlers; that, by his wife conduct, they hoped all mifunderftandings between their Lordfhips and the colonifts were now happily removed; that they would For the future cheerfully concur with them in every meafure for the fpeedy population and improvement of the country } that they were now levying money for building fortifications, to defend the province againft foreign attacks, and that they would flrive to maintain harmony and peace among themfelves. Governor Archdale Archdale received this addrefs with peculiar fatisfac- rlll'nsto tion, and, promn. red, to prelrent it to thi e PT->roprietors on aEnndglelaanvdes, his arrival in England. Being hnpowered to nomi- Jofeph nate a lieutenant-governor, he made choice of Jofeph ye',encr Blake for his fucceffor, and embarked for Britain about the clofs of the year 1696.

AFTDR Mr. Archdale's arrival in England, he laid

this addrefs, together with a ftate of the country,

and the regulations he had eftablifhed in it, before

the Proprietors, and (hewed them the necefllty of

abolifhing many articles in the conftitutions, and

framing a new plan of government. Accordingly,

they began to compile new conftitutions; from his in-

S

formation

138

THE HIS OUT OF

formation and intelligence < jrty-one different articles were drawn up and fent out Dy Robert Daniel, for the better government of the colony. But when the governor laid thefe new laws before the aflembly for their aflent and approbation, recommending the careful perufal and confideration of them, they treated them as they had done the former conftitutions, and, inftead of taking them under deliberation, modeftly laid them afide.

A colony MEAN while France, having thought proper to re-

in FloriU cgn'lze King William in the quality of king of Great

da.

Britain and Ireland, a treaty of peace was concluded

between the two nations. After which, a project was

formed by Lewis XIV. for eftablifhing a colony of

his people at the mouth of the great river Miffiffipi.

To that immenfe territory lying to the eaftward of

that river, and extending along the back, of the Ap

palachian mountains, from the Mexican feas to his

dominions in Canada, he laid claim, which, in honour

of him, was afterwards called Louifiana. Some dif-

cerning men in England early warned the nation of

danger to the Britifh fettlements from a French colo

ny eftablifhed on this quarter; yet many years elap-

fed before they began to feel the inconveniences and

troubles arifmg from it. It was forefeen, that, befides

the Spaniards, another competitor for power and

dominion would fpring up, .in a fituation where they

had a fair opportunity of engrafting the trade and af-

fe&ions of Indian tribes, and haraffing the weakefl

frontiers of the Britim colonies: and doubtlefs, from

the influence and addrefs of the Frenchmen among

Indians, the Englilh fcttlers had more to fear, than

from the religious zeal and bigotry of indolent Spa-

nidi friars.

JOHN

SOUTH CARD LI N A.
JOHN Earl of Bath having fucceeded Lord Craven as Palatine, feveral perfons of character and influ ence in Carolina were by him created landgraves; among whom were Edmund Ballenger, John Bayley, and Robert Daniel; Edmund Bohun was ap pointed Chief JuRice of the colony. About the fame time Nicholas Trott, a learned and ambitious man, left the Bahama iflands, and took up his refidencc in Carolina. Numbers from different quarters con tinued to refort to this country, and, notwifth/landing its warm and unhealthy climate, the flattering profpects of landed eftates induced men to run every rifque; and the Proprietors neglected no means which they judged conducive towards its fpeedy po pulation.

WITH refpect to the French refugees, the national

antipathies among the cobnuts now began to abate,

who, from their quiet and inofFenfive behaviour, en

tertained daily more favourable fentiments of them.

Along with their neighbours they had defied the dan

gers of the defert, and given ample proofs of their

fidelity to the Proprietors, their love to the people,

and their zeal for the fuccefs of the colony. They

had cleared little fpots of land for raifing the necef-

faries of life, and in fome meafure furmounted the

difficulties of the firft ftate of colonization. Yet

none of them could boaft of great fuccefs, excepting

one man who had taught the Indians dancing and

mufic, for which arts they difcovered an amazing

fondneis, and liberally rewarded him for his inftruc-

tions. At this favourable juncture the refugees, by

the advice of the governor and other friends, peti-

S2

tinned

THE HIS ORY OF
Honed the legiflature to be : icorporated with the freqmen of the colony, and allowed the fame privileges The and liberties with thofe born of English parents, Acrefugees corciingly an ?S paffed for making all aliens free, for jncorpo- enabling them to hold lands, and to claim the fame as rated by jjeirg ^ ^eir anceft0rs, who fhould^ake the oath of allegiance to King Willjam. With this condition the refugees joyfully complied, and the Proprietors, without fcruple, ratified the law; in confequence of which, the French and Englim fettlers, united in intereft and affection, have ever fince lived together in harmony and peace.
THOUGH every perfon enjoyed liberty of confcience with refpeft to religion, yet as the Proprietors were Epifcopalians, the tendency of their government lean ed towards that mode of religious worfhip. Gover nor Blake, though a diffenter himfelf, poffeffed the. moft liberal fentiments towards men of a different perfuafion. During his time a bill was brought into the affembly, for allowing the Epifcopal minifter of Charleftown, and his fucceffors for ever, a falary of one hundred and fifty pounds fterling, together with a houfe, glebe, and two fervants. Samuel Marfbal, a pious and learned man, being the Epifcopal minifter at that time, whofe prudence and ability had gained him great efteem from Chriftians of all denomina tions, the bill paffed with the lefs oppofition. Diffenters in general, a large body of the people, confcious of the amiable character and g'reat merit of the man, acquiefced in the meafuie; and as no motion had been made refpeding any eftablilhed church, they ieemed apprehenfive of no ill cpnfequences from it. However, foon after this, when the defign of the Pro
prietors

SOUTH CAROLINA.

141

prietors became more plain, this party, jealous afcove all things of their religious liberties, took the alarm, and oppofed the eftablifhment of the church pf England in the colony with fuch violence, as ocipafioned no fmall ferment for many years in the fettlement.

ABQUT this time the coaft of Carolina was infeft; Depredaed with pirates, who hovered about the mouth of tlon Afliley river, and obftrucled the freedom of trade, In the laft year of the feventeenth century, the plantt ers had raifed more rice than they could find veffels jto export. Forty-five perfons from different nations, Englifhmen, Frenchmen, Portuguefe, and Indians, had manned a fhip at the Havanna, and entered on a -cruife of piracy. While they were on the coaft. of Carolina, the people felt feverely the pernicious effeds of that lawlefs trade, which in former times they were too apt to, encourage. Several fhips belonging to Charleftown were taken by thofe public robbers, who fent the crews afhore, but kept the yeffels as their prizes. At laft having quarrelled among themfelves about the divifion of the fpoil, as frequently happens among fuch free-booters, the Englishmen, proving the weaker party, were turned adrift in a long-boat. They landed at Sewee bay, and from thence travelled over land to Charleftown, giving out that they had been Shipwrecked, and fortunately efcaped to more in their boat. But, to their fad difappointment and furprife, no lefs. than three matters of fhjps happened to be at Charleftown at the time, who had been taken by them, and knew'them; upon whofe teftimony the pirates were inftantly taken up, tried and condemned,
feven but of nine fuffered death. DURING

THE HIS 'ORY OF
A hum- DURING the autumn of :he fame year, a dreadful eane> hurricane happened at Charleftown, which did great
damage, and threatened the total deftru&ion of the town. The lands on which it is built being low and level, and not many feet above high-water mark, the fwelling fea rufhed in with amazing impetuofity, and obliged the inhabitants to fly for fhelter to the fecond ftories of their houfes. Happily few lives were loft in town ; but a large veffel, called the Rifing Sun, belonging to Glafgow, and commanded by James Gibfon, which had come from Darien with part of the unfortunate Scotch fettlers, at the time of the ftorm rode at anchor off the bar. This fhip the hurricane drove from her anchor, and daftied to pieces againft the fand-banks, and every perfon on board perimed, Archibald Stobo, a Prefbyterian clergyman, Lieutenant Graham, and feveral more belonging to the (hip, being accidentally on fhore during the tempeft, efcaped the difafter. Thefe men going next day in fearch of their unfortunate country men, found the corpfes of the greateft part of them driven afhore on James's Hland, where they fpent a whole day in burying them, the laft aft of huma nity they could then perform to their beloved com panions.
and other NOR was this the only difafter which diftinguiflied publicca- this year in the annals of Carolina. A fire broke
the a^ out 'n Charleftown, and laid the moft of it in province, afhes. The fmall-pox raged through the town, and
proved fatal to multitudes of the rifing generation. To complete their diftrefs, an infeftious diftemper broke out, and carried off an incredible num
ber

SOUTH CAROLINA.

143

ber of people, among whom were Chief Juftice

Bohun, Samuel Marfhal the Epifcopal clergyman,

John Ely the receiver-general, Edward Rawlins the

provoft-martial, and almoft one half of the members

of aflembly. Never had the colony been vifited with

fuch general diftrefs and mortality. Few families

efcaped a mare of the public calamities. Almoft all

were lamenting the lofs, either of their habitations by

w

*







the devouring flames, or of friends or relations by the

infectious and loathfome maladies. Difcouragement

and defpair fat on every countenance. Many of the

furvivors could think of nothing but abandoning a

country on which the judgments of heaven fcemed

to fall fo heavy, and in which there was fo little,

profpecT: of fuccefs, health, or happincfs. They

had heard of Pennfylvania, and how pleafant and

flourifliing a province it was defcribed to be, and

therefore were determined to embrace the firft op

portunity that offered of retiring to it with the re

mainder of their families and effects.

GOVERNOR Blake, deeply fenfible of the public diftrefs, tried every art for alleviating the mifery of the people, and encouraging them to perfeverance; but the members of aflembly who furvived, be came f6 negligent about public affairs, that he found himfelf under a neceflity of diffblving the houfe, and calling another, hoping that they might be more zealous and active in concerting meafures for the public relief. Of this new aflembly Nicholas Trotr, whofe ta*. - ,had raifed him above the level of his felbw-reprelentatives, was made fpeaker, and who Warmly efpoufed the caufe of the people, in oppofition to the intereft of the proprietors. The governor
and

144

THE HI TORY OF

and council claimed the \ rivilege of nominating pub lic officers, particularly a receiver-general, until the pleafure of the proprietors was known. The affcrably, on the other hand, infifted that it belonged to them. This occasioned feveral mefiages between the two houfes, and much altercation. However, the Upper houfe appointed their man. The lower houfe refolved, that the perfon appointed by them was no public receiver, and that whoever mould prefume to pay money to him as fuch, fhould be deemed an infringer of the privileges of affembly, and an enemy to the country. Trott flatly denied they could be called an upper houfe, though they thus ftyled themfelves, as they differed in the mofl eflential circumftances from the houfe of lords in England; and therefore led the affernbly to call them the Proprietors deputies, and to treat them with indignity and con tempt, by limiting them to a day to pafs their bills, and to an hour to anfwer their mefiages. At this time Trott was eager in the purfuit of popularity, and by his uncommon abilities and addrefs fucceeded in a wonderful manner. Never had any man there, in fo Ihort a time, fo thoroughly engroffed the public favour and efteem, or carried matters with fo high a hand, in oppofition to the proprietary counfellors.

ABOUT the clofe of the year 1700, Governor

Blake died, and a difpute arofe in the upper houfe

about the fucceffion to the government. Jofeph

Morton, as eldeft landgrave, claimed thje. preference,,

until the pleafure of the Palatine was : = *=m. But

James Moore, a needy, forward and ambitious

man, flood forth in competition, and, by activity and

art, gained a number over in fupport of his preten-

i

fions.

SOUTH CAROLINA.

145

si He obje&ed to" Landgrave Morton, becaufe he had accepted a commimon from King William to be judge of the court of vice-admiralty, while, at the fame time, he held one of the Proprietors to the fame office: this Moore and his friends declared to be a breach of the truft repofed in him; and that he might with equal propriety have accepted of a commiilion from King William to be governor, while he held that office of the Proprietors; Landgrave Morton replied, that there was a neceffity for hold ing a commiffion from the king to be judge of the court of vice-admiralty, becauie it did not appear from the charter that the Proprietors could impovver their judge to try perfons for als committed without the bounds of their colony, and that with fuch jurifdi&ion the judge of the admiralty ought for many reafons always to be vefted. However, the upper houfe deemed the objection of force fufficient to fet Morton afide, and James Moore was chofen fucceffor James to Governor Blake. From which period the colony Mcm: may date the beginning of further jealoufies and o-ovcrt'roubles, which continued for feveral years, and ob- "r. ftrucled its progrefs in improvement. Various in trigues crept into the feat of government, and feveral encroachments were made on the liberties and privi leges of the people, both civil and religious.

KING William, though he maintained the power

bf the eftablHhed church, yet he often difcovered a

fccret attachment to Presbyterians, and on all occa-

uons treated them with lenity and moderation. Hence

many of the more zealous friends to the church of

England, alarmed at the profpecls of its dangerous

Situation, became eagerly bent not only in fupport of

T

its

THE HIS ORY OF
its conftitution, bat even os its minuteft forms, uiages, and veftm'ents. Lord Granville among the reft, after he was called up to the houfe of peers, had there diftingnifhed himfelf as an inflexible bigot for the High-church, having been early taught to enter tain the moft fupercilious contempt for Diflenters of Lord all denominations. Being now alfb Palatine of Caro]ina hg foon dlfcovered that the eftabliflirrient of Epifeopacy, and the fuppreffion of all other modes of religious worfhip, in that country, was the chief objel of his zeal and attention. James Moore being confidered as a man more fu than Landgrave Morton for aflifting him in the accomplimment of his favou rite defign, the more eafily obtained a confirmation of his ele&ion to the government.
HERE it may not be improper to obferve, that feveral eminent men had appeared in England, who, pitying the miferable ftate of the weftern world xvith refpeft to religion, had propofed fome publicfpirited defign for the propagation of the gofpfil ainong the heathens on that vaft continent. Robert Boyle, no lefs diftinguifhed for his eminent piety thati univerfal learning, had been appointed by Charles }I. governor of a corporation eftablifhed for the propa gation of the Chriftian religion among Indians, the natives of New England and parts adjacent, in Ame rica. Queen Mary afterwards difcovered a great defire for enlarging their plan, and for this purpofe gave a bounty of two hundred pounds fterling annually to fupport miffionaries in that quarter, Dr. Compton, bifhop of London, was at pains to procure a ftate of religion among the Englifh colonies, from a perfuafion of the neceffity and propriety of beginning this cha
ritable

SOUTH CAROLINA.

147

n:able work among them; and Dr.Thomas Bray, his commiffary in Maryland, furnimed him with one fuited to excite fyinpathy and companion in every pious and generous bread. At length Dr. Tennifon, archbifliopof Canterbury, undertook the laudable defign, appliedr to the crown, and obtained a charter incorporating King a fociety for the propagation of the gofpel in foreign ^3"^'* parts. The nation in general entered into the delign thefociety with their ufual ardovr for all benevolent and charita- forPrPable inftitutions. From different parts large benefactions gofpcl were received by this fociety, and it was foon enabled to fupport a number of miffionaries in the plantations, Religious books were purchafed and fent out to dif, ferent provinces, and Carolina among the reft recei ved a number of them. A law paffed for inftituting a public library in the prov^ce, to remain under the care and cuftody of the Epifcopal minifter of Charlestown. Edward Marfton at this time took the charge of it, and was difpofed to contribute every thing iu his power towards rendering it generally ufeful. But the Diffenters, from the choice of the books, moft of which were wrote by Epifcopal divines, and in defence of the doctrine, difcipline and worfliip of the church of England, foon perceived the intention of the fociety, and a library framed on foch a narrow foundation was treated with neglect, and proved utterly ineffectual for promoting the defired end, 1 mean, the religions iu^ ftruction of the people,

ABOUT this time the number of inhabitants in the

tolony amounted to between five and fix.thouiand, be-

fides Indians and negroes. In Charle&own they had

one minifter of the church of England, and another

of. the church of Scotland ; but in the country there

Ta

\vao

i4S

THE HIS DRY OF

was no fuch thing as public .vorfhip, nor fchools fbp the education of children ; and people living thus fcattered through a foreft, were likely in time to fink by degrees into the fame ftate of ignorance and barT barifm with the natural inhabitants of the wildernefs, To fupply thefe deftitute colonifts with proper means of inftruction, called for the firft attention of the fo-r ciety ; for as Indian? and negroes would naturally take their firft religious impreffipns from their neigh bours, to begin at this place was like paving the way for extending wider the benefits of inftru&ion. In what planner the colony was fupplied with minifters from this fociety, and how far the intereft of reli gion in that country was promoted by it, we fliall afterwards have occafion more particularly to nar?
rate.

n efta- fo prepare the province for the charitable church ance f tn 's fociety, it was judged neceffary to have projected the church of England eftablifhed in it by a provincial p7, * e law, arid the country divided into different parifhes,
The Palatine imagined that tbefe internal troubles and differences, by which the colony had hitherto been agitated, and- the government rendered feeble and fluctuating, were occafioned by the claming fentiments of the people with refpeft to religion. To remedy this evil, he perceived that fome bond of unicfti was neceflary, to carry on public meafures with. eafe and fucceis ; and religion had been deemed the, firmeft cement oi every ftate. He knew that the Epifcopai form of cnurch government was more fa vourable to monarchy and the civil conftitution than the Prefbyterian, as in it a chain of dependence fubfifts, from the higheft to the Joweft in the church,
: While

SOUTH CAROLINA.

149

While therefore he inftru&ed Governor Moore to ftudy all poffible means of perfuading the afletnbly to acquicfce in that form contained in the fundamen tal constitution*, he was equally zealous for an cftablifhed ehurch, that the wheels of their government might be no more clogged by religious diflentions.

BUT as a great majority of the colonifts were Dif- Bat 4SC.

fenters, who rigorous a&s

had fled from
.
6f uniformity,

England on their minds

account of

i.
were

ill

dif-

1^e<1 ?>r
the tnajo-
ritrof the

pofed to admit of any eftablifhment. Their former P60?1*?

prejudices they had not yet thrown afide; their hard-

ftiips in England they had not yet forgot. Their pri

vate opinions refpefting religion were various as their

different complexions, and unlimited toleration was

granted to all by the charter. They could hear of no

propofals about an eftablifhed church, and the Pala

tine, at fuch an unfeafonable time, fhewed more zeal

than prudence of good policy in attempting to intro

duce it among them. The governor found them in

flexible and obftinate in oppofing fuch a meafure;

and the people even began to repent of having pafled

a law for fixing a falary for ever on the reclor of the

Epifcopal church, and confidered it as a ftep prepara

tory to further encroachments.

THE great object with Governor Moore was to Governor

improve his nous power

timmieg,ihtnoiltaik-rL,notrworinibgehttoewri. nlgon,hgi.shi,lsowpreacnad-,

Moore rtoelplvgeest

indigent circumftances. It appeared to him, that the riches,

traffic in Indians was the fborteft way to riches. He

therefore granted commiffions to feveral perfons, to

affault, trepan and captivate as many Indians as they

could, and refolved to turn the profits of fuch trade

to

THE HIST- BY OF
to his own private emolument Not contented with this cruel method of acquiring wealth, he formed a defign for engroffing the whole advantages arifing to the colony'from their commerce with Indian nations. For this purpofe a bill was brought into the aflembly for regulating the Indian trade, and drawn up in fuch a manner as would caufe all the profits of it to cen ter in his hands. But Nicholas Trott, Robert Ste phen, and others, proved to the, aflembly the pernicioui tendency of fuch a bill, and therefore it was thrown out. At which Governor Moore being highly offended, diflblved the houfe,, in hopes of procuring another more favourable to his private views and interefts.
AT the ele&ion of the next aflembly the governor and his friends exerted all their power and influence to bring in men of their own complexion, I mean fuch as would be moft compliant with Moor's in ft ruc tions from England, and moft ready to affift him in advancing his intereft. Nicholas Trott, who had hi therto fhone like a ftar of the firft magnitude on the cppofite fide, being now appointed Attorney-general, threw all his influence and weight into the fcale of government, turned his back on his former friends, and ftrongly fupported that, tottering fabric which he had formerly endeavoured to pull down. Charleftown, where all freeholders met to give their fuffrages, at |fi in-e. fhe time of this election was a fcene of riot, intempeft < *anetf a"d eonfufion. The meriff, having inftructieni fo to do, admitted every perfon to vote; the members of Colleton county fay, even common failors, fervami, foreigners, and mallattoes. Such freeholders II fteed forth in oppofition to the governor's party,
abufd and iufulted. At length, when the poll
WUJ

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151

was clofcd, one half of the perfona eleed were found to be men of neither fenfe nor credit; but being the chofen creatures of the governor, it was his bufmcfs to prevent all inquiry into the coddud of the fhcriff, and the qualifications of fuch mem
bers.

AT this time Cartcret county was inhabited only by Indians; but in Coileton county there were no kfe than two hundred freeholders, who had a right to vote for delegates to affembly. The principal planta tions in it were thofe of the late Sir John Yeamafls, Landgraves Mortpn, Ballenger, and Axtell, and thofc of Blake, Boone, Gibbes, Schinking, and others. The people of this county being highly offended at the manner of election, particularly the arts and intrigues praftifed, and the riot and intemperance per mitted at it, drew up a reprefentation of the whole tranfacYion, and tranfm'itted it to the Proprietors in England: but the Palatine was too deeply concern ed in promoting thofe meafures of which they com plained, to grant them any favourable anfwer. In Berkley county the principal fettlements were thofe of Sir Nathanial Johnfon, Governor Moore, Landgraves Weft, Smith, Bayley, and Daniel; together with thoTc belonging to Godfrey, Mathews, Izard, Coileton, Grimball, &c. ; fcveral of whom were alfo difiatisfied with the public proceedings. But Craven county being compoftd of French refugees, who having little knowIcdg: of the Englifh language, were eafiiy managed; many of whom fupported the governor purely out of affecYion to the Proprietors. In fhort, the houfe confilled of thirty members, one half of whom were elefted from the dregs of the people, utter flrangers to -. v
public

i?a

THE HIST JRY OF

public affairs, and in every i fped unqualified for fit* ting'as provincial legiflators.

IN the mean time, a rupture took place in Europd

between England and Spain, which turned the at

tention of the colony to a different objeft, and af

forded Governor Moore an opportunity of exercifmg

his military talents, and a new profpeft of enriching

Propofes himfelf by Spanifh plunder or Indian captives^ Ac*

d".QXPa- cordingly, inftead of private difputes among them*

gainft felves, he propofed to the aflembly an expedition a-

Auguf- gainft the Spanifh fettlement at Auguftine. Many of

the people, from mercenary motives, applauded the

propofal; however, men of cool reflection, having

yet had no intelligence of the declaration of war,

were averfe from rufhing into any hazardous enter-

prize, until they had certain advice of it from England.

As the expedition was projected, contrary to the

opinion and inclination of many Carolineans, with

out any recent provocation from the Spanifh gar-

rifon; it is probable that the governor engaged in it

chiefly from views of private emolument. Florida,

he affured the people would be an eafy eonquefl -f

and treafures of gold and filver were held out to

them as the rewards of valour. In vain did fome

members of the aflembly oppofe it, by reprefenting

the province as weak, and ill provided for warlike

cnterprifes, and by hinting at the many hazards and

difficulties always attending them 5 in vain did they

urge the ftrength of the Spanifh fort, and the expen-

ces incurred by a fruitlefs and perhaps bloody expe

dition: fuch men were called enemies and traitors to'

their country, and reprefented as timid and pufillani-

2

mous

SOUTH CAROLINA.

153

inous wretches, who were utter flrangers to great and glorious undertakings. Accordingly, a great majority of the afiembly declared for the expedition, and a fum of two thoufand pounds fterling was voted for the fervice of the war. Six hundred Indians were engaged, who, being fond of warlike exploits, gladly accepted of arms and ammunition offered them for their aid and aiTiftance. Six hundred provincial mi litia were raifed, and fchooners and merchant ftiips were imprefied, for tranfports to carry the forces. Port-Royal was fixed upon as the place of general rendezvous, and there, in September 1702, the go vernor, at the head of his warriors, embarked in an expedition equally ra(h and fool-hardy on one fide, as it was well known and unprovoked on the other.

WHILE thefe preparations were going on in Caro

lina, the Spaniards, apprifed of the governor's defign,

were making ready for their defence. In the plan of

operations it had been agreed, that Colonel Daniel,

who was an officer of fpirit, {hould go by the inland

paffage with a party of militia and Indians, and make

a defcent on the town from the land, while the go

vernor with the main body fhould proceed by fea, and

block up the harbour. Colonel Daniel loft no time,

but advanced againft the town, entered and plunder

ed it before the governor got forward to his affift-

ance. But the Spaniards having laid up provifions

for four months in the caftle, on his approach reti

red to it, with all their money and mod valuable ef

fects. Upon the arrival of Governor Moore, the

place was inverted with a force againft which the

Spaniards could not appear, and therefore kept them-

felves fhut up in their ftrong hold. The governor

U

finding

154

THE HIST IRY OF

finding it impoflible to dilloc ge them without fuch artillery as are neceflary to a fiege, difpatched a flbop to Jamaica, on purpofe to bring cannon, bombs, and mortars, for attacking the caftle ; and Colonel Da niel embarked and failed with the greateft expedition to bring them. During his abfence two Spanifh {hips, the. one of 22 guns and the other'of 16, appearing off the mouth of the harbour, ftruck fuch a panic into the governor, that he inftantly raifed the fiege, abandoned his mips, and made a precipitate retreat Which to Carolina by land. In confequence of which the abor" Spaniards in the garrifon were not only relieved, but tive. the fhips, provifions, and ammunition, belonging to the Carolineans, fell alfo into their hands. Colonel Daniel, on his return, (landing in for the harbour of Auguftine, found to his furprife the fiege raifed, and made a narrow efcape from the enemy.

MILITARY expeditions raihly undertaken, conduct ed by a headftrong and unexperienced officer, and executed by raw and ill-difciplined troops, feldom fucceed. We are not able to account for the gover nor's conducl in raifing this fiege, after he had been a month in pofleflion of the town, unlefs he was in immediate want of provifions or ammunition, or his men, having little confidence in his abilities, threaten ed to defert him: for if the Spanilh mips drew more than ten feet water, which it is probable they muft have done, they could not come over the bar to in jure him : if .they landed their men, yet ftill his force was fuperior to that of the enemy, and he might at Jeaft have rifked a battle on fuch grounds, before he made an inglorious retreat. The Indians were averfe from leaving the field, without fcalps, plunder, or
glory.

SOUTH CAROLINA.

155

glory. It is true, the Spanifn (hips of war might have prevented Colonel Daniel from getting into the har bour with the fupply of military (lores, yet the coaft was large, and afforded many more places for landing them. The governor had Indians to hunt for provifions to his men, and it was by no means impoffible to have ftarved the garrifon, and compelled them to furrender. What then mail we think of a commander, who, on the firft appearance of a little danger, aban dons his flation, however advantageous, and tamely yields up, not only the town, but alfo his own ihips and provifions to the enemy ?

UPON his return to Carolina many fevere reflec

tions were thrown out againft him, as might natural

ly have been expe&ed ; but efpecially' by that party

who oppofed the enterprife. It is true, it proved not

8. bloody expedition, the governor having loft no

more than two men in it; yet it entailed a debt of

fix thoufand pounds flerling on a poor colony, which,

at that period, was a grievous burden. The provm-

cial aflembly, who, during the ablence of the gover

nor, had been under prorogation, now met, to con

cert ways and means for difcharging this public

debt. Great diflenfions and cpnfufion prevailed a-

niong them ; but the gpvernqr, having a number of

men under arms to whom the country flood indebt

ed, defpifed all ppppfitipn, and filenced the malecon-

tents by threats and compulfion. A bill was brought The firi!

into the aflembly for (lamping bills of credit, to an- paper

fwer the public expence, which were to be funk in

three years by a duty laid upon liquors, ikins, and

furs. In this meafure all parties acquiefced, as it fell

eafy on private perfons, at the fame time that it fatisv

U2

fied

156

THE HIST >RY OF

fied the public creditors. T tis was the firft paper inoney iflued in Carolina, and, for five or fix years after the etniffion, it pafled in the country at the fame value and rate with the fterling money of England. How, in procefs of time, it increafed in quantity and funk in value ; how it was deemed ufeful by debtors and prejudicial by creditors, we (hall afterwards have occafion more particularly to demonftrate. At prefent it may fuffice to obferve, that it was abfolutely neceflary to fupport the public credit, and the moft practicable method the colony had of defraying the expences incurred by the unfuccefsful expedition.

NOTWITHSTANDING his paft misfortunes, Gover nor Moore, fond of warlike exploits, had ftill in view the ftriking fome blow that might diftingui(h his adminiftration. The Appalachian Indians, by their conneftion with the Spaniards, had become The ex- infolent and troublefome. Mr. Moore determipedition necj to chaftife them, and for this purpofe marched the An-' at tn head of a body of white men arid Indian palachian allies, into the heart of their fettlements. Wheren Ians- cver he went he carried fire and fword along with him, and ftruck a terror into his enemies. The towns of thofe tribes who lived between the rivers Alatamaha and Savanna he laid in aflies, captivated many favages, and obliged others to/ fubmit to the Englifh government, This exertion of power in that quarter was attended with good effefts, as it filled the favages with terror of the Britifh arms, and help ed to pave the way for the Englifh colony afterwards planted between thefe rivers. The governor received the thanks of the Proprietors for his patriotifm and courage, who acknowledged that the fuccefs of his
arms

SOUTH CAROLINA.

157

arms had gained their province a reputation; but, what was of greater confequence to him, he wiped off the ignominy of the Auguftine expedition, and procured a number of Indian flaves, whom he em ployed to cultivate his fields, or fold for his own pro fit and advantage.

ABOUT this time Sir Nathaniel Johnfon introduced Thecnlthe raifing of filk into the country, which is an article of commerce exceedingly profitable, and, by proper encouragement, might have been made very benefi cial both to the colony and the mother country. Mul berry trees grew fpontaneoufly in the woods, and thri ved as well as other natural productions. The great demand for filk in Britain made it an objeft of the fcigheft confequence. About the beginning of March the worms are hatched from the eggs; nature having wifely fo ordered it, that the filk-worms ihould come into life at the time mulberry leaves, on which they feed, begin to open. The feeding and cleaning them required rather {kill than ftrength. Young persons might have been employed in furnifhing leaves j one man of judgment and fkill might have attended a large houfe full of worms; and in fix weeks their whole operations are over. An article fo profitable, and fo eafily raifed, ought to have engaged the attention of the Proprietors, and induced them to give premiums to fuch men as fliould bring to market the greateft quantities of it. Men of knowledge and {kill from Europe ought to have been hired and fent out by them, for inftrufting the colonifts in the management of the worms and winding of the filk. Where the climate was fo well adapted to the purpofe, could any article of improvement be conceived more likely to reward
them

158

THE HIST ORY OP

them for their expence? How :ver, Sir Nathaniel Johnfon, after all his pains, rather {hewed what might have been done towards the culture of filk in that province, than made fuch progrefs in it as to render the com modity of national advantage.

To the culture of cotton the climate and foil were And of equally favourable. It might have been planted on fiotton> lands newly cleared, or on light and fandy grounds,
fuch as the maritime parts of Carolina, which are by no means unfuitable to the production. The feeds are commonly fown about two feet and a half afunder, and grow up like other plants. Indeed the fields require to be kept clean, and the frefh earth carefully thrown around the plant, to defend it againft the winds; but this is no difficult tafk, and might be performed by hands incapable of more fevere labour. When the pods burft, cotton is gathered, and feparated from the feeds ; which is the moft tedious and troublefome part of the bufinefs requifite. This article alfo, though not of importance enough to have engrofled the whole attention of the colonifts, might neverthelefs, in conjuneYion with other ftaples, have been rendered pro fitable and ufeful.

INSTEAD of thefe and feveral other articles, to which the views of the planters in the weaker and ^earlier ftate of the colony ought to have been turned Ricefixed in fome degree, we find from this period the culture plantersas ^ "ce engrout"ing their wholeftrength and attention, a .ftaple This commodity being an article of provifion, was incommo- ^ed ijke]y always to find a good market; yet it was fcarcely poffible ta have fixed on a ftaple which re quired more fevere labour during- the whole pror
cefs

SOUTH CAROLINA.

cefs of its preparation. The warm climate and low

lands were doubtlefs well adapted to the nature of

the grain, after experience had taught the hufband-

man to clear and cultivate the fwampy grounds for that j

purpofe: yet it is certain that the planters long went

on with this article, and exhaufted their ftrengfh in

railing it on higher lands, which poorly rewarded them

for their toil. After clearing the lands they commonly

plant it in furrows made with a hoe, about eighteen

inches afunder. When the feed is fown the fields muft

be carefully kept clear of noxious weeds, which retard

its growth, and the earth muftalfo be laid up to the

root of the rice, to facilitate its progrefs. No work can

l>e imagined more pernicious to health, than for men

to (land in water mid leg high, and often above it>

planting and weeding rice ; while the fcorching heat

of the fun renders the air they breathe ten or twenty

degrees hotter than the human blood, and the putrid

and unwholefome effluvia from an oozy bottom and

ftagnated water poifon the atmofphere. They fow it

in April, or early in May, and reap in the latter end

of Auguft, or in the month of September. After

which it is dried and carried to the barn-yard, and

built in flacks, in like manner as the corn in Europe.

After this it is threfhed, winnowed, and ground in

mills made of wood, to free the rice from the hulk;

Then it is winnowed again, and put into a wooden

mortar and beat with large wooden peflles, which

labour is fo oppreffive and hard, that the firmefl

nerves and molt vigorous conftitutions fink under

it. To free it from the duft and flour occafioned by

.poundingj it is fifted firft through one fieve, and then,

to feparafe the fmall and broken rice from the large,

]2

I

through

l6o

THE HIS 'ORY OF

through another. Laft of all, it is put into large barrels of enormous weight, and carried to the market. During the whole tedious procefs of its prepa* ration, much care and great ftrength are requisite, and many thoufands of lives from Africa have been facrificed, in order to furnifh the world with this cofamodity.

CHAP.

SOUTH CAROLINA.

161

CHAP. IV.

AFTER the death of King William, which hap pened on the 8th of March 1702, agreeable to the act made For fettling the fucceffion, thfc crown devolved on Anne Stewart, the youngeft daughter of King James IL by his fir ft marriage. At her, acceffion to the throne, though in reality me was no friend to the Whig party, me declared that, me would make the late king's conduct the model of her own^ and maintain the fucceffion to. the crown in the Proteftant line. The firft object of her reign was to humble the pride of France, the power of which nation had at that time growi* to fuch an exorbitant height, as to endanger the liberties of Europe. Lewis XIV. had fuch influence with the Spanilh nation, as to perfuade theifi to join him in proclaiming the pretended Prince of Wales king of Great Britain and Ireland. He had alfo made many encroach men ts on the freedom, of Englifli commerce and navigation. The indignity offered to her crown Queen Anne determined to refent, and therefore, on the 4th of May, dedared war agalnft France and Spain, which, for many years, fhe tarried on with amazing vigour and fuccefs.

ABOUT this juncture Sir Nathaniel Johnfon recei

ved a cornmiffion from John Lord Granville, invert

ing hinv with the government of Carolina, to which

a falary of two hundred pounds was annexed,

":.'

X

'

te

162

THE HIST >KY OF

to be paid annually by the a eceiver-general of the colony. This gentleman had not only been bred a foldier from his youth, but had been alfo a member of the houfe of commons, and was well qualified for the trufl. But it being fufpected that he was no friend to the Revolution, the Proprietors could not obtain her majefty's approbation of him, but on the following terms: That he qualify himfelf for the of fice in fuch a manner as the laws of England requi red ; that he give fecurity for his obferving the laws of trade and navigation, and obey fuch inftrudions as mould be fent out from time to time by her majefly; and the Lords Commiffioners of trade and plantations were ordered to take care that good and fufficient fecurity be given by him.

His in- WITH refpeft to his own conduct in the governonrsu. m. ent of the colony", he had instructions from the
Proprietors to follow fuch rules as had been given to former governors, in the fundamental conftitutipns and temporary laws entered upon record, and to be guided by the fame as far as in his judgment he might think fit and expedient. He was required, with the advice and afliftance of his council, careful ly to review the confutations, and fuch of them as he mould think neceffary to the better eftablifhment of government, and calculated for the good of the people, he was ordered to lay before the affetnbty for their concurrence and affent. He was to ufe his endeavoyrs to difpofe of their lands; but to take nothing lefs than twenty pqmnds for a thoufand acres; and, in all future grants to make them efcheat to the Proprietors, unlefs a fettlement be made on them within the fpace of four years. He was to take fpecial care that the
Indians

SOUTH CAROLINA.

163

Indians be not abufed or infulted, and to ftudy the propereft methods of civilizing them, and creating a firm friendfhip with them, in order to proteft the colony againft the Spaniards in the neighbourhood. He was to tranfmit to England exaft copies of all laws paffed, accounts of the lands fold, and of all annual-rents paid, &c. Thefe, and fuch other regulations as he might judge effential to the welfare of the country, and the jntereft of the Proprietors, he had particular injuncr tions to ftudy and adopt.

I HAVE already obferved, that the colony was in a

deplorable ftate with refpeft to religion. The firft

emigrants from England, where public worfhip was

countenanced, and had the fancYion of the civil au

thority, retained indeed for a little time fome fenfe of

religion, and fliewed fome refpeft for the ordinances

of the gofpel: but their children, born in a wildernefs^

where .there was 'not fo much as even the femblance

of public wormip, were likely to grow up in ignoranee>

and to live entirely void of all fenfe of religion. The

;Proprietors were either unable to furnifh them with

the proper means of inftruftion, or they were unwilling bliih the

to bear the expence of it, having as yet received little^. ^urch ^

recompence for the paft charges of the rfettleirient.

Notronly the emigrants from England, but alfo thofe

from France and Holland, were much divided in their

private opinions with refpedl; to modes, of religious

worfhip; and for this reafon all governors, excepting

the laft, had prudently deferred meddling in a matter

which would occafion uneafinefs and confufion among

the fettlers. Still, however, the eflablifljtnent of.the

church of England in Carolina was the chief objedt

io view with the Proprietors. The Palatine was a bi-

S2

goted

THE HISTC gY OF
goted zealot for this mode ot eqclefiaftical worflilp and government: the governor was ftrongly at tached to it. James Moore, who was made Receivergeneral, and Nicholas Trott the Attorney-general, were alfo men of the fame complexion. Thefe men, aflifted by a majority of the councilj now began to concert meafures with art and flqll, arid to purfuq them with firmnefs and refolution, for accomplishing this end, and gratifying the earneft defire of the Pa latine.
IT was not, however, without fome difficulty and confiderable ftruggles, that the keen opposition raifeci by DifTenters, who now plainly perceived their de(ign, and who had an irreconcilable averfion from Epifcopacy, could be overcome. This the governor and his. party forefaw, and therefore it became neceffary firft to exert themfelves to fecure a majority in the afferably in favour of the meafure they had in view. Hither-. to the riotous proceedings at the former ele&ton had been overlooked, an4 the rioters, by the countenance and protection of the preceding governor had efcaped profecution. The grand jury prefented this neglect as a grievance to the court ; but the judge told them, " That was a matter which lay before the governor '* and council, his fuperiors." When the complaint was made to the governor in council, he replied, "That thefe irregularities happened before his ap'' pointment to the government, but that he would " take care to prevent them for the time to come." Purfucs Notwithflanding this declaration, if we may believe the Diffenters, at the following ele&ion ftill greater fop that irregularities prevailed. By the fame undue influence puipofe. ancj Vj0ience (he governor and his adherents gained
their.

SOUTH CAROLINA.

i6|

point, and fecured a majority in the houfe;. fa that a fpecies of corruption had nov* infe&ed the great; fountain of liberty, the ele&ion of reprefentatives.

IT would appear that fome of the colonifts at this period had diftinguifhed themfelves by loofe princi ples and licentious language, and had treated fome pf the fundamental doctrines of the Chriftian reli gion with the ridicule and contempt of profefled infidelity. To bring an odium upon this clafs of Diffenters, and to difcourage fuch licentious prac tices, 3 bill was brought into the new affembly for the fuppreffion of blafphemy and profanenefs; by which bill, whoever Ihould be convi&ed of having fpokcn or written any thing againft the Trinity, or the divine authority of the Old or New Teflament, by the path of two or more credible witneffes, were to be made incapable, and difabled in law to all intents and purpofes, of being members of affembly, or of holding any office of profit, civil or military, within the province: and whoever mould be convicted of fuch crimes a fecond time, were alfo to be difable4 from fuing or bringing any action of information in any court of law or equity, from being guardian to any child, ejcecutor or adminiftrator to any perfon; and without bail fuffer imprifonment for three years. Which law, notwithftanding its fine glofs, favoured not a little of an inquifition, and introduced a fpecies of perfccution ill calculated to anfwer the end for which it was intended. To punifli men guilty of blafphemy and profanenefs in this way, inftead of bringing their atrocious crimes into public difreputc and abhorrence, ferved rather to render their perfons objects of compaffion, and induce men to pity them
oa

*6iS

THEHIS'ORYOF

cm account of their fufferin^ . Bad as the world '$ thefe wicked practices feldom mifs their deferved re wards, public ignominy and deteftation, which per haps would fall heavier on fuch wretches without pe nal laws than with them.

HOWEVER, had Sir Nathaniel Johnfon flopt here, jiiany reafons might have been urged in his vindica tion ; but he had other meafures in view, much more unpopular and oppreffive, He looked upon Diflenters of every denomination as enemies to the conft'ttutions of both church and {late, and therefore, to fubvert their power and influence, or compel them to uniformity of fentiment, another bill was brought into .the aflembly, framed in fuch a manner as to ex-elude them entirely from the houfe of representatives. This bill required every man who mould hereafter be chofen a member of aflembly, to take the oaths and fubfcribe the declaration appointed by it, to conform to the religion and worfhip of the church of England, iand to receive the facrament of our Lord's Supper, according to the rites and ufage of that church; a qualification which Diflenters confidered as having a mauifeft tendency to rob them of all their civil rights The or religious liberties. To carry this bill through the England houfe, all the art and influence of the governor and eftablifh- his party were requifhe. In the lower houfe it pafled edbykw. ky a majority of one votej an d in the upper .houfe Landgrave Jofeph Morton was refufed liberty to en ter his pi-oteft again-ft it. At this juncture no bill could have been framed more inconfiftent with the rights and .privileges of the freemen, and more per nicious to the interefl and profperity of the country. Diffenters, who were a numerous and powerful b<*iy
of

SO U T H CAROL IN A,

167

of the people, were highly offended, and raifed a great outcry againft it. Seeing themfelves reduced to the neceffity of receiving laws from men whofe principles of civil and ecclefiaftical government they abhorred, and fubjecled to greater hardihips than they fufFerexi in England, many had formed refolutions of abandon ing the colony. Loud clamours were not only heard without doors, but jealoufies and difcontent filled the hearts of many within them, not of Diflenters only, but alfo of thofe who adhered to the church,

IN this diuracled ftate of the colony, the inhabi- The intants of Golleton county, compofed chiefly of Dif- ^f'colkfentersy met and drew up a ftate of their grievous toncouncircumftances, which they refolved to tfanfmit to tyremonthe Proprietors, praying their Lordfhips to repeal gainft it. this oppreflive aft. John Afli, one of the moft zeal ous men in the oppofition, agreed to embark for Eng land as agent for the aggrieved party, computed to be at leaft two thirds of the whole inhabitants of the co lony. The governor and his friends, apprized of this, . defign, ufed all poffible means to prevent him from obtaining a paflage in any fhip belonging to Carolina^ Upon which Am went to Virginia, to which province his inftructlons were conveyed to him, and from, thence he fet fail for England.

AFTER his arrival he waited on Lord Granville, the Palatine, acquainting him with the defign of his ineffage j but met with a very cold reception. That nobleman was too deeply concerned in bringing about that eftablifhment againft which Am came to complain, favourably to liften to his reprefentations.
Accordingly,

168

THE HIST ,RT OF

Accordingly, after flaying fou . time in London, arid giving the Proprietors all the information in his power relating to public affairs, the only fatisfa&ion he could obtain from the Palatine was this, that he mould caafe his fecretary write to the governor an account of the grievances and hardships of which Mr. Aft complained, and require an anfwer from him with refpeft to them. Mr. Afh, obfervmg how the Pala tine flood affected, and defpairing of fuceefs, im mediately began to draw up a reprefentation of their cafe, which he intended for the prefs: but before he had finifhed it he was taken fick, and died; and his papers fell into his enemies hands. He was a man of a warm and paffionate temper, and pofleffed of all thofe violent fentiments which ill ufage, dit appointment, and oppreflion, naturally kindle in the human breaft. His reprefentation, intended as an appeal to the nation in general, for the fafferings of the people under the tyrannical proprietary govern* ment, was full of heavy charges againft the gover nor and his party in Carolina, and bitter reflection* on their conduft, which he confidered as in the higheft degree injurious to the colony.

WITHOUT doubt the Lords Proprietors planned

this eftabiifhment with a view to the peaceful hf-

fluence it would have upon the civil government of

the country, as the preamble to the a& exprefsly

indicates. Thtir feeble and flu&ating ftate required

the affiftance and authority of an eftablifhed chb'fcn,

and the fanftion of religion, to give it more weight

and influence with the people; How far the mea-

fures adopted ferved to promote the defired end, and

i

were

SOUTH CAROLINA.

169

were confiftent with prudence and good policy, will afterwards more clearly appear.

SIR Nathaniel Johnfon having advanced fo farj

was determined to proceed in fpite .of every obftacle

thrown in his way. He inftituted what the inhabitants

of Carolina took to be a high-commiffion coart, like

'that of King James the fecond. It was ena&ed, that Laycom-

twenty lay-perfons be conftituted a corporation for TM |)""8

the exercife of ecclefiaftical jurifdiction, with full pow- ed.

er to deprive minifters of their livings at pleafurc, not

for immorality only, but alfo for imprudencej or on

account of unreatonable prejudices taken agamftthem.

In vain did many perfons complain of this institution^

as tearing the ecclefiaflieal jurit'dicYion out of the hands

of the biftiop of London, in whofe diocefe the whole

Britifli colonies in America were included. The go

vernor, bent off carrying into execution the favourite

plan of the Palatine^ paid little regard to the uneafy

apprehenfions of the people. According to the aft

for erefting churches, the colony is divided into ten

pariflles 5 feven in Berkley, two in Colleton, and one

in Craven counties* Money is provided for building

churches; lands are granted for glebes and church

yards ; and falaries for the different reclors are fixed

and appointed, payable from the provincial treafury.

When thefe bills were tranfmitted to England, to.be

ratified and confirmed by the Proprietors, John Arch-

dale oppofed them, and infiftedj that the Diflenters

of Carolina had not yet forgot the hardfhips they fuf-

fered in England from acts of uniformity j that the

right of private judgment in religious matters was

the birth-right of every man; that undifturbed liber

ty of confcience was allowed to every inhabitant of

Y

Carolina

17$

THE HIS TO tY OF

Carolina by the charter; that act of conformity, witti penalties annexe4to them, have in general proved de* flruclive to the caufe they were intended to promote, and were utterly inconilftent with Proteftant princi ples; and therefore that thefe bills, fb unpopular and oppreffive in Carolina, ought to be repealed,as contrary to found policy and religious freedom. The majority of the Proprietors, however, did not vie^fr them in this light, and the debate ran high between them,. At length the Palatine, equally- tyrannical as bigot^ ted:, put an end to the difpute, by telling Mr. Archdale : C4 Sir, you are of one opinion, I am of ano" ther; our lives may not be long enough to end " the controverfy. I am for the bills, and this isf " the party that I will head and fupport," In confequence of which the acts were ratified by four Pro prietors, and the following letter was fent to Sir NaTke z&s thaniel Johnfon; " Sir, the great and pious work ratified <c whicfc you have gone through with fuch unweariProprie- " ed and fteady zeal, for the honour and worfhip of tors. it Almighty God, we have alfo finally perfected on " our part j and our ratification of that aft for ereft" ing churches, &c. together with duplicates of all ** other difpatches, we have forwarded to you by Captain Flavel,"

THE Epifcopal party having now got theif favoui rite form of divine worfliip ^ftablifbfed by law in Carolinaj began to ereft churches in fuch fituations aswere moft centrical and convenient for the fettlers; and, to fupply them with clergymen, application wasmade to the fociety in England for t'he propagation of the Gofpel. The Diffenters, defpairing of all hopes of redrefs from the Proprietors, becarrre great-

SOUTH CAROLINA.

\ji

ly difcpuraged, and could not brook the thoughts

of being again fubje&ed to the fame troubles and

miferies which had compelled them to leave their

native country. Some were for tranfporting their fa

milies and effefts immediately to Pennfylvania, in or

der to fit down under Penn's free and indulgent go

vernment ; others propofed an application to the

Houfe of Lords in England, praying that auguft bo

dy to commiferate their diftrefs, and intercede wirh

her Majefty for their relief. For this purpofe a peti

tion was drawn up, and carried over by Jofeph Boone

to England. Several merchants in London, after

Boone's arrival, being convinced of the illegal means

by which thofe grievous acts were brought to pafs,

and of their pernicious confequence to trade, joined

the petitioners. Accordingly, about the beginning

of the year 1706, the following petition was prefent-

cd to the Houfe of Lords: fetting forth, " That Thepeti-

** "

w_Prhoepnri.tehteorps,rotvPoirncteheofbCetatreorlipneaopwliansggortar nitte,detxoprtehfres

HDe risi"fteonttoh-fe

" provifion was made in the charter for a toleration Houfe of

*' and indulgence of all Chriftians in the free exer- ' r

?' cife of their religion; that, in the fundamental

" conftitutions, agreed to be the form of govern-

** ment by the Proprietors, there was alfo exprefs

** provifion made, that no perfon fliould be difturb-

*' ed for any fpeculative opinion in religion, and that

'*. no perfon mould, on account of religion, be ex-

** eluded from being a member of the General Afc

*' fembly, or from any other office in the civil admi-

" niftratiort : That the faid charter, being given foon

"after the happy reftoration of King Charles II.

" and re-eftablilhment of the church of England by

Y a.

' the

THE HIS r ORY OF
" the Aft of Uniformity, i lany of the fubjefts of the " kingdom who were fo unhappy as to have fome fcrut " pies about conforming to the rites of the faid church^ " did tranfplant themfelves and families into Carolina; < ! by means whereof the greateft part of the inhabi" tants there were Proteftant Diflenters from the " church of England, and through the equality and " freedom of the faid fundamental conftitutions, all <c the inhabitants of the colony lived in peace, and K even the miniiiers of the church of England had M fupport from Proteftant Diflenters, and the num, " ber of inhabitants and the trade of the colony. " daily increafed, to the great improvement of her " majefty's cuftoms, and the manifeft advantage of. " the merchants and manufactures of the kingdom.
" BUT that, in the year 1703, when a new at " fembly was to be chofen, which, by the conftitu" tion, is chofen once in two years, the eleftion was <c managed with very great partiality and injuflice, " and all forts of people, even aliens, Jews, fervants, ?e common failors and negroes, were admitted to vote '.' at elections: That, in the faid aflembly, an aft was *' paiTed to incapacitate every perfon from being a <? member of any General Aflembly that fhould be " chofen for the time to come, unlefs he had taken '? the facrament of the Lord's Supper according to " the- rites of the church of England; whereby all ' ? Proteftant DiiTenters are made incapable of being " in the faid aflembly ; and yet, by the fame aft, all " perfons who (hall take an oath that they have not " received the facrament in any diflenting congrega'* tion for one year paft, though they have not re" ceived it in the church of England, are made ca-
" pable

SOUTH CAROLINA.

173

f pable of fitting in the faid affembly: That this a& " Was paffed in an illegal manner, by the governor " calling the aflembly to meet the a6th of April, " when it then flood prorogued to the loth of May " following; That it hath been ratified by the Lords " Proprietors in England, who refufed to hear what * could be offered againfl it, and contrary to the ' petition of one hundred and ferenty of the chief f inhabitants of the colony, and of feveral eminent " merchants trading hither, though the commons of " the fame aflembly quickly after paffed another bill *' to repeal it, which the upper hqufe rejected, and f( the governor diflblved the houfe.

" THAT the ecclefiaflical government of the colo" ny is under the biihop of London; but the govcr" nor and his adherents have at laft done what the " latter often threatened to do, totally abolifhed it: " for the fame aflembly have pafled an aft, whereby ' twenty lay-perfons, therein named, are made a " corporation for the exercife of feveral exorbitant " powers, to the great injury and oppreflion of the u people in general, and for the exercife of all eccle" fiaftical jurifdiftion, with abfolute power to detl prive any minifter of the church of England of " his benefice, not only for immorality but even for " imprudence, or incurable prejudices between fuch " minifter and his parifh; and the only minifter of " the church eftablifhed in the colony, Mr. Edward " Marfton, hath already been cited before their " board, which the inhabitants of the province take *' to be an high ecclefiaftical commiffion-court, de'" ftru&ive to the very being and eflence of the *' church of England, and to be held in the utmoft
" deteftation

174

THE HIS 'ORY OF

" delegation and abhorre, ce by every man that is *' not an enemy to our conftitution in church and " ftate.

" THAT the faid grievances daily jncreafing^ your

" petitioner Jofeph Boone is now fent by many prin-

" cipal inhabitants and traders of the colony, to re-

" prefent the languifhing and dangerous fituation of

" it to the Lords Proprietors ; but his application to

" them has hitherto had no effect : That the ruin of

" the colony would be to the great disadvantage of

*' the trade of this kingdom, to the apparent preju-

** judice of her Majefty's cuftoms, and the great be-

" nefit of the French, who watch all opportunities

*' to improve their own fettlementSr in thpfe parts of

** America."

;

AFTER reading this petition in the houfe of Lords, the Palatine defired to be heard by his council, which was granted, and the further confideration of the matter was poftponed for one week. Then having heard what Lord Granyille had to oSer in his behalf, the Lords agreed to addrefs her Majefty in favour of the diftreffed petitioners of Carolina- They declared, that, after having fully and maturely weighed the nature of the two ats paffed in Garolirta, they found themfetves obliged in duty to her Majefty,, and in pftice to her fubjefts, (who, by the exprefs wprds: of the charter, were declared to be the liege people of the crown of England, and to have a right to all the liberties, franchifes, and privileges of EnglifliRefoluti- men), to come to the following refblutions: M Firft, Hou^of " That 5t is the Pinion of this houfe, that the aft Lords. " of afTernbly in- Carolina, lately palled there, figned
' and

SOUTH CAROLINA.

175

and fealed by John Lord Granville, for himlelf, " Lord Carteret, and Lord Craven, and by Sir Johti " Colleton, four of the Proprietors of that province, " in order to the ratifying of it, entitled, An Aft " for the Eftablifhment of Religious Worfhip in the * Province according to the Church of England, &c. " fo far forth as the fame relates to the eftablifhing " a commiffion for the difplacing of reftors and mi'* niftcrs of the churches there, is not warranted by ** the charter granted to the Proprietors, as being " not confonant to reafon, repugnant to the laws of " the realm, and deftru&ive to the, constitution of w the church of England. Secondly, That it is the " opihion of this houfe, that the aft of affembly in " Carolina, entitled, An Aft for the more effcftual " Prefervation of the Government of the Province, <* by requiring all perfons that fliall hereafter be * chofen members of the Commons/Houfe of Affcm" bly, and fit hi the fame, to take the oaths and *' fubfcribe the declaration appointed by this aft, "and to conform to the religious worlhip in this * province according to the Church of England, " and to receive the Sacrament of the Lord's Supper " according to the rites and ufage of the faid church, ** b*c. is founded on falfity in matter of faft,; is re" pugnant to the laws of England, contrary to the "' charter of the Proprietors, is. an encouragement " to atheifm and irreh'gion, deftruftive to trade, and *' tends to the depopulation and ruin of the Pro" vince."

AFTER which refolutions the houfe addreflJed her Their, Majefty in the following words: " We your Majef- ^ <f ty's dutiful fubjefts, having thus humbly prefented
our

THE Eli T-ORY OF
" Our opinion of thefe ac~L, we befeeeh your Majefty " to ufe the moft effectual methods to deliver the 41 faid province from the arbitrary oppreffions undef " which it now lies, and to order the authors there" of to be profecuted according to law; at the fame " time we reprefent to your Majsfty, how much the " powers given by the crown have been abufed by " fome of your fubjecls, juftice requires us to ac-> " quaint your Majefty, that fome of the Proprietors " abfolutely refufed to join in the ratification of thefe " aclis. We humbly beg per million to inform your " Majefty, that other great injuftices and oppreffions " are complained of in the petition ; but the nature " of the fact requiring a long examination, it was " not poffible for the houfe to find time for, fo near " the conclufion of the feffion; and therefore we " prefume with all duty to lay the petition itfclf be" fore your Majefty, at the fame time we prefent our " addrefs. We cannot doubt but your Majefty, who " from the beginning of your reign has fhewn fo " great a concern and tendernefs for all your fub" jets, will extend your compaffion for thofe diftref* " fed people, who have the misfortune to be at fo " great a diftance from your royal perfon, and not " fo immediately under your gentle adminillration, " Your Majefty is fully fenfible of what great eonfe-> " quence the plantations are to the crown of Eng" land, and to the trade of your fubjeets, and there" fore we reft affured, that as your Majeity will have " them all under your royal care, fo, in particular, *' you will be gracioufly pleafed to find out and pro-" fecute the moft effectual means for the relief of the " provinGe of Garclina.-"

2

To*

SOUTH CAROLINA.

177

To which addrefs Queen Anne returned the fol- The lowing anfwer : " I thank the houfe for laying thefe -" matters fo plainly before me: I am fenfible of " what great confequence the plantations are to Eng" land, and will do all in my power to relieve my " fubje&s in Carolina, and protel them in their " juft rights." But as it likewife appeared that fome of the Proprietors themfelves had refufed to approve of the acts, the matter was farther referred to the Lords of trade and plantations; who, after examina tion, found that all the charges brought againfl the provincial government and the Proprietors were well grounded; and represented farther to her Majefty, that the making of fuch laws was an abufe of the powers granted to the Proprietors by the charter, and will be a forfeiture of it, and humbly begged that fb.e vyould be pleafed to give directions, for reaffuming the fame into her Majefty's hands, by a fare facias in the court of Queen's Bench. The Queen approved of their representation, and after de claring the laws null and void, for the effectual pro ceeding againit the charter by way of quo warrants, ordered her Attorney and Solicitor-General to inform themfelves fully concerning what may be moft effec tual for accomplifhing the fame, that (he might take the government of the colony, fo much abufed by others, into her own hands, for the better protection of her diflreffed fubjecls. Here, however, the mat ter was dropt for the prefent, and no farther fteps were taken againft the charter of the Proprietors, or for the relief of the people.

IN the mean time the diftant colonifts, though they had heard nothing of what had puffed in England re-

176

THE HIS' ORY OF

lating to thofe grievous acts became daily more fen. fible of their oppreffive nature and pernicious q0R. iequence. Several fettlers had left the eoWfltFy on account of them, and moved to Pennfylyania. Archibald Stobo, a Prefbyterian minifter in Charjeftown, who had warmly oppofed this eftablifhment frorn the beginning, had alfo convinced many who remained of the feverities and hardihips the DifTenters in England had fuffered from the rigors of the Epifcopal govern ment. Several circumftances proved favourable tp Stobo's oppofition ; he poffeffed thofe talents which render a minifter confpicuous and refpected, and the people that party-zeal which becomes violent from ill ufage and perfecution. To his treafures of knowledgp and excellent capacity for inftrucYion, he added uneO,niinon activity and diligence in the difcharge of the va rious duties of his facred function. He had a natu ral ayerfion from the1 Epifcopal jurifdilion, and no minifter of the colony had engrofled fo univerfally the public favour and efteein. The Governor and his adherents found it neceflary to fow the feeds of divifion among his followers, and, from maxims ofpolicy, to magnify his failings, in order to ruin his great power and influence.

BUT the Prefbytcrian party were not the only male'contents during thefe ftrange and unwarrantable proceedings of the legiflature. Many wife and reli gious men of all denominations condemned them, .as grievous and impolitical, They confidered diiFerences in religious opinion as improper objects of tem poral punifhment, and that magiftrates had no bufirvefs with them, unlefs they occafion danger and difiurbance to the ftate. . They looked .upon religion as
a perfonal

SOUTH CAROLINA.

179

a perfonal affair, which lies between God and a man's cdnfcience, and that it was the prerogative of the Su preme Being to judge of men's hearts, as he alone Was capable of forming'a right judgment. In fuch a cafe, doubtlefs every man had a right to judge and chuie for himfelf, as he alone, and not the church, muft at laft be accountable to God for the choice. Ift every country this is reafonable; but in Proteftant countries it is the fundamental principle on which they ground their right of protefting agsinfl the rules and errors of any particular church. For which reafdrt judicious men in Carolina oppofed the acls of afieinbly, as unreafonable in themfelves, repugnant to the principles of Proteftants, and robbing many of the colonifts of their mod valuable privileges, for theii' difference in religious opinion. Even the fociety for propagating the gofpel difapproved of them, and, at a meeting in St. Paul's Church, refolved not to fend any miffionaries to Carolina, until the claufe relating to lay-commiffioners was annulled. So that all impartial men, in fome meafure, condemned the a&s, and feemed to deteft both the factious men who framed them, and the method by which they had been promoted in the province.

AT length from thefe domeftie troubles the atten

tion of the people was drawn off, and turned towards

a more important object, their common defence againft

foreign enemies. The war between Great Britain and' A Prje&

France and Spain (till raged in Europe. The Governor for'invad-

received advice of a projecl framed for invading Caro- ing Canx>

Una, and had inftructions to put the country in the ma'

beft pofture of defence. The Spaniards pretended a

right to it On the foot of prior difcoveiy, confidering

Za

it

iSo

THE HIS r ORY OF

it as a part of Florida, and iad now determined by force of arms to afiert their right. Sir Nathaniel Johnfon, as a military commander, was well qualified for his duty, and formed to {nine in a more confpicuous manner in that line than in any other. No fooner had he received intelligence of the defigns of his enemy, than he fet all hands to work upon the fortifications, appointed a number of gunners to each baftion, and held frequent mutters to train the men to the ufe 01 arais. A ftorthoufe was prepared, and a quantity of ammunition laid up in it, to be ready on the firft emergency. A frnall fort, called Fort Johnfon, was creeled on James's Ifland, and feveral great guns mounted on it. Trenches were caft up on WhitePoint, and other places where they were thought jieceflary. A guard was (rationed on Sullivan's Ifland, with orders to kindle a number of fires oppofite to the town, equal to the number of {hips they might fpy on the coaft. in fhort, fuch prudent regulations were made, as to prevent any furprife from an enemy, and at what time foever they might come, to give them as warm a reception as poffible.

FEW months had elapfed before they found the ufefulnefs and neceffity of thefe wife precautions. Carolina was at this juncture the fouthern frontier of the Britiih empire in America. The colony, though it had acquired fome degree of ftrength, was yet in a feeble ftate to refill an enemy of force and enterprize. From its fituation there Avas reafon to appre hend that the French and Spaniards would attack it, as it would fall an eafier conqueft than the more po pulous northern fettlements. Before this time a plan had been concerted at the Havanna for invading it.
Monf.

SOUTH CAROLINA.

181

JVlonf. le Feboure, captain of a French frigate, toge ther with four more armed floops, encouraged and affifted by the Spanifti governor of that ifland, had already fet fail for Charleflown. To facilitate the conqueft of the province, he had directions to touch at Auguftine, and carry from thence fuch a force as he judged adequate to the enterprize. Upon his ar rival at Augultine, he had intelligence of an epide mical diftemper which raged at Charleftown, arid had fwept off a vaft number of inhabitants. This ani mated him to proceed with greater expedition. Ima gining the town to be in a weak and defencelefs ftate, and that the militia in the country would be averfe from coming nigh it through fear of the fatal infec tion, he took on board a confiderable number of for ces at Auguftine, and made all the f^il he could for {Carolina.

BEFORE this time a Dutch privateer, formerly be longing to New-York, by order of the governor of Carolina, had been refitted at Charleftown for cruifing on the coaft. The command had been given to Captain Stool, who was fent out on purpofe to inter cept the fupplies regularly fent to Auguftine from the Havanna. After being out a few days he returned, and 'brought advice of having engaged a French floop off the bar of Auguftine ; but upon feeing four fhips more advancing to her affiftance, he thought proper to make all the fail he could for Charleitown, and that he narrowly efcaped falling into the enemy's hands. Scarcely had he delivered the news, when 4 ^pa" five feparate fmokes appeared on Sullivan's ifland, as a fignal to the town that the fame number of mips invafion, were obferved on the coaft.
Sis.

xSa

1HE HIST ORY O t

SIR. Nathaniel Jbtinfon be ag at that time at his plantation) feveral miles from town, LieutenahtColonel William Rhett, commanding officer of the militia, immediately ordered the drums to beat, and the whole inhabitants,to be put under arms, A meflfefiger was difpatehed with the neus to the Gover nor, and letters to all the captains,of the militia in the country, to fire their alarm guns, raife their com* paniesj and With all poffible expedition march to the
afTiftance of the town.

IK the evening the enemy's fleet came the length ef Charleftoisvn bar; but as the pafTage was intricate and dangerous to ftfangers, they did not think it prudent to venture over it while the darknefs of the night approached, and therefore hovered on the coall all night within fight of land. Early next morning the watchmen ftationed on Sullivan's Ifland obferved them/a little to the fouthward of the bar, manning their gallles afld boats, as if they intended to land on James's Ifland 5 but there having come to an anchor, they employed their boats all that day in founding the fouth ban which delay was of great fen-ice to the Carolineans, as it afforded time for the militia in the country to march to townt

THE fame day Sir Nathaniel Johnfon the governor cametoGharleftown,and found the inhabitants in great confternation ; but he being a man of courage, and {killed in the arts of war, his prefertce infpired them with frefli confidence and refolution. He proclaimed the, martial law at the head of the militia, an3 gave the neceflary orders: he fent to the Indian tribes in aWance
with

SOUTH CAROLINA.

183

with the colony, and brought a number of them to his affiftance. As the contagious diftemper {till raged in Charleftown, the Governor judged it imprudent to espofe his men to the dangerous infection, unlefs neceffity required it, and therefore held his head quar ters about half a mile diftant from town. In the even ing a troop of horfe, commanded by Captain George Logan, and two companies of foot, under the cQn> jnand of Major George Broughton, reached the car pital, and kept diligent watch during the night. The next morning a company from James's Ifland, under the command of Captain Drake, another from Wattr dp, under Captain Fenwi.ck, and five more ppnvr manded by Captains Cantey, Lynch, H.earn, Long? bois, and Seabrook, joined the militia of the tows; fplhat the whole force of the province, with the Go vernor at their head, was now colle&ed together in one place,

THE day following the enemy?s fow (hips and a galley came over the bar, with all their beats out for land ing ttteir men, and flood dire&ly for the towa having the advantages of a fair wind and ftrong fide. Whea they had advanced fo far up the river as to difcover the fortifications, they caft anchor a little above Sullivan's Ifland. The Governor, obferving the enemy ap proaching towards the town, marched his men in to it to receive them; but finding they had ftopt by the way, he .had time to call a council of war, in which it was agreed to put fome great guns .on board of fuch ihips as were in the harbour, and employ the gallant failors in their own way, for the better de fence of the town. William Rhett, a man pofieffed of confiderable condud and fpirit,.: received a com- ,
, miffion

THE HI.ST /RT OF
mifiiori to be vice-admiral of t i little fleet, and boifted his flag on board ;of 'the CroVi n galley.

THE .enemy cbferving them employed in ma*

king all poffible preparations for refiftance, fent up a

flag of truce to the Governor, to fummon him to

furrender. George Evans, who commanded Gran-

ville baftion, received their meflenger at his landing

from the boat, and conducted him blindfolded into

the fort, until the Governor was in read'mefs to re

ceive him. In the mean time the Governor, having

drawn up his men in fuch a manner as to make them

appear to the greateft advantage, received the Frendh

oflicer at their head ; and having firft mown him one

fort full of men, he then conducted him by a diffe

rent route to another, giving theifame men time to go

by a mprter way, and be drawn up beforehand : and

there, having given him a view of his ftrength, he

demanded the purport of his meflage. The oflicer

told him, that he was fent by Mbnf le Feboure, ad

miral of the French fleet, to demand a furrender of

the town and country, and their perfons prifoners of

war j and that his orders allowed him no more than

one hour for an anfwer. Governor Johnfon replied,

that there was no occafion for one minute to anfwer

that meffage: he told him, he held the town and

country for the Queen of England j that he could

depend on his men, who would fooiier die than furren

der themfelves prifoners of war j that he was refolyed

to defend the country to the laft drop of his blood

againft the boldeft invader, and he might go when

he pleafed and acquaint Monf. le Feboure with his-

refolutibn*

1

THB

SOUTH CAROLINA.

185

THE day following a party of the enemy went aJhore on James's liland, and burnt the houfes on a plantation by the river fide. Another party, confifting of an hundred and fixty men, landed on the oppofite fide of the river, and burnt two veflels in Dearfby's Greek, and fet fire to his ftorehoufe. Sir Nathaniel Johnfon, from fuch beginnings perceiving that they were determined to carry fire and fword wherever they went, doubled his diligence for the defence of the town. He ordered Captain Drake and his company, with a imall party of Indians,, to James's Ifland, to defend their properties on that fide* Drake marched againft them^ but before he could bring up his men, the Indians, whom he could keep under no controul, and who ran through the woods with their ufual impatuofity, had driven the invaders to their boats. Then advice was brought to town, that the party who landed on Wando Neck had kil led a number of hogs and cattle, and were feafting on the plunder* To prevent their farther ptogrefs into the country, and give them a check if poffible, Captain Cantey, with an hundred chofen men, was ordered to pafs the river privately in the nighij and watch their motions. Before break of day the captain came up with them, and finding them in a ftate of fecurity, with fires lighted around them, furrounded and furprifed them with a {harp fire from every quarter,; in coflfcquence of which, they were put in confufion and fled, and a confiderable part being killed, wounded, ^nd drowned, the re mainder furrendered prifoners of war-

HAVING by this blo\v confiderably weakened the

force of the enemy, and being encouraged and ani- ,

Aa

mated

THE HIS OUT OF
mated by their fuccefs at i >nd, the CarbVmcans de termined alfo to try their fortune by fea. Accord ingly William Rhett fet failwith his fleet of fix fmall fhips, and proceeded down the river to the place where the enemy rode at anchor; but the 'French perceiving this fleet Handing towards them, in great hafte weighed anchor and failed over the bar. For fome days nothing more was heard of them; but^ to make fure, the Governor ordered Captain Watfon of the Sea-Flower out to fea, to examine whether or not the coafl was clear. The captain returned with out feeing the enemy, but obferving fome rridn on fliore whom they had left behind, he tools them on board and brought them to town. Thefe men aflared the Governor that the French were gone. In confequence of which, order* were given -for the martial law to ceafe, and : the inhabitants began to rejoice at their happy deliverance.
HOWEVER, before night, certain ad vice was brought that a fhip of force was feen in Sewee -Bay, and that a number of armed men had landed from frer at that place. Upon examination of the prifoners the Go vernor found that the French expected a fliip of war, with Monf. Arbufet their general and about two hunThe -fn- dred men more to their ailiftance. The Governor vadersre- ordered Captain Fenwick to pafs the river, and defeated m ^rch again ft them by'land ; w.hile Rhett, with the die Dutch privateer and. A Bermuda floop armed, faile<j round by fea, with orders to meet him at Sewee Bay. Captain Fen wick qame up with the enemy, and brifkly charged them, who, though advantageoufly ported, after a few volleys gave way, and re treated to their fhip; and foon after Rhett coming
.to

SOUTH CAROLINA.

187

to his: affiftance,, the. French fliip ftruck without, firing a fliot. Rhett, being obliged by contrary winds' to remain all that day in Sewee Bay, difpatched John Barnwell, a volunteer, to the Governor, with an ac count of their fuccefs ; and next morning, the wind changing, he returned to Charleftown wit.h 'his prize^ and about ninety prifoners.

THUS ended Monf. k Feboure's invafion of Caro

lina, little to his own honour as a commanded-, or &>

the credit'ami courage of his men. It is probable

he expected to find the province in a weak and de-

fencelefs fituation, and that the Governor would in-

llantly furrender on his appearance before the town'.

But he was deceived, as many commanders have

been who entertain a defpicable opinion of their ene

my. The Governor was a man of approved: courage

and conduft; the militia undertook the various little

enterprises with the fpirit of men who had not only

the honour of the province, but alfo their whole pro

perties at ftake, and amazing fuccefs crowned their

endeavours. Out of eight hundred men who came

againft this little colony, near three hundred were

killed and taken prifoners,; among the latter were

Monk Arbufet, their commander in chief by land,

with feveral fea officers, who together offered ten_

thoufand pieces of eight for their ranfom. On the

Other hand, the loft fuftained by the. provincial mili

tia was incredibly fmall. The Governor publicly

thanked them for the unanjinity and courage they

had fhewn : in repelling the iflvaders : and recrived

from the Proprietors ibon after the following letter..

" W heartily congratulate you on your great and-

(l happy fuccefs againft the French and Spaniards;..

Aa 2

u and

i88

THE HIS TORY OF

" and for your eminent cc irage and conduct in thjj " defence and prefervation of our province, we re" turn you our thanks, and affure you, that we (hall " always retain a juft fenfe of your merit, and will '" take all opportunities to reward your llgnal fer-
vices,"

The iini- ABOUT this time the long-projecied union between Eheland England and Scotland took place in Britain;, which, and Scot- was attended, as might have been expefted, with the and> moft interefting and happy qpnfequences to both
kingdoms. God and nature had joined the two to gether, and pf courfe all differences and divifionsj fubfifting between them, while they acknowledged jho lame fovereign, were 'unpolitical and abfurd. Unity of affecYion and intereft unqueftionably con-? ftituted the ftrength of the ifland, and could alone enable it to oppofe foreign enemies with vigour and i'uccefs. Among the number of articles which compofed this important and bene6cial treaty, it was agreed, " That all the fubjefts of the united kingdom " of Great Britain, Ihould, from and alter this union, " have full freedom and intercciurfe of trade and na" vigation to and from any port or plac^ in, the faid " united kingdom, and the dominions and planta" tions therednto belonging; and that there mould " be a communication of all rights, privileges and ad" vantages which do or may belong to the fubje&s " of either kingdom, except where it is otherwiie '* exprefsly agreed jn thefe articles." Unfortunate ly, however, two modes pf religious worfhip were, cftablifhed in the nation, which ferved to perpetuate differences among the more (lift and rigid partizans of both the Epifcupa"lian a" nd' P"refbyterian cl^rch-eAs.

SOUTH CAROLINA.

189

A division in the ecclefiaftical eftablifhment was as improper and unreasonable as a difunion in the nation. With refpeft to the effential principles and docVmes of religion, they are the fatne in both churches, and the difference between them lies in the modes of worfhip and government, in ufages, veftmeiitSi forms and ceremonies, matters of little confequence with regard to religion. Both modes of worfhip and government have their advantages and difadvantages, and had delegates from both churches met at this juncture, and yielded a little on both fides, for the fake of mutual harmony, and uniformity, fuch compliance might have been attended with happy effe&s. But the infelicity of the times, and narrow fentiments of the people, not admitting of this expedient, it was agreed that the Epifcopalian government was only to extend to the colonies, and be considered as the establishment in them. As the greateSt part of emigrants to America carried along with them prejudices againft this establishment, and discovered a tendency towards a republican form of church-government, it is remarkable that this difaffection lias continued, and in procefs of time been acquiring Strength, infomuch that the hands of govern ment, engaged in fupport of the eftablifhed church, have often been weakened by it, and rendered un able to anfwer the ends of their appointment.

ABOUT this time the fociety incorporated by King William, having received large benefactions for the purpofe of propagating the gofpel, began to exert themlelves for fending over, and maintaining miffionaries in the plantations. As fome colonies were totally defthute of the means pf iriftrq&ion, and
others

190

THE HIST VRY OF

others ill provided with mi, ifters, and unable to fupport them, the fociety confidered the Britifh fubjefts as the primary pbjefts. of their charity. To pre vent the influence of Roman Catholic miffionaries among the heathens was a fecondary end in view with this charitable corporation, who were alfo to improve every favourable opportunity for the inftrucMiffion- ^on ard converfion of negroes and Indians. While aries fent a number of miffionaries were ordained for the norfocietv in tnern colonies, Samuel Thomas was fent out to England. Carolina for the inftru&ion of the Yamaflee Indians; and to fupply the different parifhes, feveral more miffionaries were on the palTage to the province. The fociety had wrote to Sir Nathaniel Johnfon, expreffing -their zeal for the intereft of religion, and earneft defire for fpreading the knowledge of the gofpel among the inhabitants of the Britifh colonies, and their hopes of his concurrence towards the accomplimment of their excellent defign. Upon the receipt of which the governor fummoned a meeting of his council, and fent an anfwer to the corpora tion in the following words: " We could not omit " this opportunity of teftifying the grateful fenfe we '" have of ; your moft noble Chriftian charity to our " poor infant church in this province, exprefled by " the generous encouragement you have been plea" fed to give to thofe who are coming miffionaries, " the account of which we have juft now received ** by our worthy friend and minifter Mr. Thomas, " who, to our great fatisfaftion, is now arrived. " The extraordinary hurry we are in, occafioned " by the late inya/ipn attempted by the French and " Spaniards, from whom God hath miraculouQy.deH<c vered us> hath'prevented o.ur receiving a particular
" account

SOUTH CAROLINA.

191

" account From Mr. Thomas of your bounty, and " atfo hath not given us leifure to view your miffion" aries inftru&ions, either in regard to what relates to " them or to ourfelves: but we {hall take fpeedy CSTC to give them all due encouragement, and the veM nerable fociety the uttnoft fatisfacjion. There is " nothing fo dear to us as our /holy religion, and "the intereft of the eftablimed church, in which tt we have been happily educated; we therefore de*e voutly adore God's Providence in bringing,, arid K heartily thank your fociety in encouraging, fo marry " miflionaries to come among us. We promrfe your " honourable fociety, it fhall be our darly ftudy t> " encourage their pious labours, to prottft therrper* " fons, to revere their authority, to improve by their ** mmifterial inftruftions, and, asfoon as poffibfe, to " enlarge their annual falaries. When we>have pla" ced your miflionaries in their feveral pariflies- ao " cording to your directions, and received from : them " an account of your noble benefaftion of books for " each parifh, we fhall then write more particular " and full. In the mean time, we beg your honour" able fociety to accept of our hearty gratitude, and " be affured of ourfincere endeavour to concur with " you in the noble defign of propagating Chrift's ho-^ " ly religion."

SOON after, the miflionaries arrived, and were fet tled in their refpective parifli.es, Edward Marfton minifter at Charleftown died, and Mr. Thomas, whom the governor intended for his fucceflbr, did not long furvive him : in confequence of whofe death, the go vernor and council applied by letters to the fociety, requefting farther ftipplies, particularly a kiarned and
prudent
34

THE HIST (RY OF
prudent man to take the chan e of the capital. The Archbifhop of Dublin recommended Gideon John* fton to them as a perfon for whofe fobriety, diligence^ and ability, he dared to be anfwerable, and doubted not but he would execute the duty required m fuch a manner as to merit the approbation of every one with whom he mould be concerned. Accordingly^ Mr. Johnfton, being made commiffary to the Bilhop of London for the province of Carolina, and having fifty pounds a-year fettled on him from the fociety, embarked for Charleflown. On his arrival he had almoft loft his life in going afhore : the fhip in which he failed being obliged to come to an anchor off the bar to wait the return of the tide, and Mr. Johnfton, with feveral more paflengers, being impatient to get to land, went on board of the fmall boat to go up to the town; but a fudden guft of wind arifing, drove the boat upon a fand bank, where they lay two days, almoft perifhing with hunger and thirft, when lome perfons accidentally difcovered and relieved them.

MR. Johnfton was not the only perfon that fhared

ef the charitable fund ; for five more minifters were

fettled in the country, to each of whom an allowance

of fifty pounds a-year, befides their provincial falary,

was given by this incorporated fociety. Two thoufand

volumes of books were alfo fent tobediiiributedan>ong

the people, by thefe miffionaries, for their private ufe

and inftruftion. Juftice requires a relation of thefe

facls for the honour of that fociety, who fupplied the

province with inftruftors at this early period, when it

was poor in itfelf, and flood fo much in need of their

generous affiftance. As the church of England, how

ever, continued to be confidered as the eftablifhed

i

religion

SOUTH CAROLINA.
religion of the province; and as all the minifters fent out by this fociety were of that perfuafion, Diflenters, who in general are not the moft charitable in their judgments with regard to the conduct of their neigh bours, and who perhaps contributed, like many others, towards raifing this fund, concluded that the fociety had the propagation of Epifcopacy .more in their eye than that of Chriflianity. Bat certainly it cannot be denied, that the members of this corporation, who oot only contributed largely, but were alfo at fuch pains in colle&ing a fund for this laudable end, were the proper judges in what manner it mould be applied. Charity obliges us to believe^ that this fociety, whofe defigh was fo benevolent, employed their money in fuch a way as they judged would be moft agreeable to the intentions of thofe who gave it, and moft ufeful for the inftrucYion and happinefs of their fellow creatures: yet mankind, in fuch tafes, are apt to be forward in advancing their opinions with regard to the conduft of fuch public managers, and, as they ftand aftefted themfelves, to praife or condemn them.

ABOUT the clofe of the year 1707, Lord Granville Lord

the Palatine diedj and was fucceeded in that high

dignity by William Lord Craven. The death of that

nobleman, by whofe inftrucYion and encouragement

the feveral violent Heps for the eftablimment and fup-

port of the church of England in Carolina had been

taken, was now likely to produce fome change in

the future ftate of public affairs. Though the Go

vernor and his friends ftill maintained a majority in

the houfe of aflembly, yet, from the number and

temper of Diflenters, they were not without fome fufpicions of feeing the fabric, which they had with

Bb

fuch

194

THE HIS DRY OF

fuch uncommon induftry b; en creeling, totally overturned. While many Episcopalians .in England were terrified with the profpefts of danger to their church, the- Carolineans took the alarm, and pafled- an aft for its fecurSty in that province. The preamble of this aft runs thus : " Whereas the church of England has of " late been fo happily eftablilhed among us, fearing " that by the fucceffion of a new Governor this church " may be either undermined or wholly fubverted, " to prevent which calamity falling upon us, be it *' enacted, That this prefent affembly (hall conti" nue to fit two years, and for the time and term fl of eighteen months after the change of govern' 5 ment, whether by the death of the prefent Cover"nor, or the fucceflion of another in his time." Whether the church mud not have been in great danger when men were obliged to take fuch an ex traordinary meafure for its fecurity, we leave it to the world to judge.

Edward ABOUT the end of the year 1708, Colonel Edward governor Tynte received a commiflkm from Lord Craven, in
verting him with the government of the colony. About the fame time Charles Craven,, brother to the Palatine, was made fecretary to the province. During the time Sir Nathaniel Johnfon had governed the country, it had not only been threatened with-a for midable invafion, but alfo torn to pieces with faftions and divifions, which had much retarded its p.rogrefs and improvement. Great confufiun among the peo ple had been occafioned by the violent ftretch of power in favour of an ecclefiaftical eftablifhment. The new Palatine, fenfible of tho.fe things, inftrufted Governor Tynte to adopt fuch healing meafures as
would

SOUTH CAROLINA.

195

would be moft conducive to the welfare of the fettlernent. Soon after his arrival he received a letter from the Proprietors to the following eifedt; " We " hope by this time you have entered upon your " government of our province of Carolina, and " therefore we earneftly require your endeavours to " reconcile the minds of the inhabitants to each " other, that the name of parties, if any yet remains u among them, may be utterly extinguimed: for we " can by no means doubt, but their unanimous con" currence "with our endeavours for their profperity, " will moft efFe&ually render Carolina as flomifhing " a colony as any in America." The late Palatine, from a mixture of fpiritual and political pride, defpifed all Difienters, as the enemies of both the hierar chy and monarchy, and believed the ftate could only be fecure, while the civil authority was lodged in the hands of high-church men. Lord Craven poflefied not the fame proud,and intolerant fpirit, and thought thdfe Carolineans, who maintained liberty of confcience, merited greater indulgences from them; and, though a friend to the church of England, he always was doubtful whether-the minds of the people were ripe for the introduction of that eilablifhment. He therefore urged lenity and toleration, which in ge neral have been productive of peace and union, while rigour and perfecution have feldom failed to excite diicord and promote fuperftition in every com munity.

THE expences incurred by the French invafion,

though it terminated much to the honour of the Ca-r

rolineans, fell heavy on the colony, ftill In a poor

and languishing condition. No taxes as yet had been

Bb 2

bid.

THEHIS'OHYQf
The re- ]z\$ on reai or perfohal efta es : the revenues of the colony were a^ raited by duties laid on fpirituous li-
y. quors, fugar, molaifes, and a few other articles im ported ; and on deer-fkins and furs exported. The amount of thefe feveral duties was applied towards defraying the charges of government, fuch as raifing and repairing fortifications, paying the. Governor's falary, maintaining garrifons, providing military ftores, and falaries to ten minifters of the church of England, and finking bills of credit flamped for an* fwering the extraordinary expences of the province. Eight thoufand pounds had been iffued for defraying the public expences occafioned by the French invafion ; and the aft laying an imposition on furs, fkins, and liquors, was continued, for the purpofe of can celling thefe bills of credit. From this time forward there was a gradual rife in exchange and produce, owing, as many thought, to the emiffion and eftablimment of paper currency in the province. JJeforc this period, French and Spanifli gold and filver, brought into the country by pirates, privateers, and the over-balance of trade with the Weft Indies, anfwered all the purpofes of internal qommerce, and very little Englim coin was circulating irt the country, However, foon after this emiffion, fifty per cent, ad vance was given by the merchants for what Englilh money there was ; that is to fay, for one hundred pounds English coin, they gave one hundred ancl fifty pounds paper currency of Carolina.
A BLOODY war ftill continued between England and France in Europe, and the fuccefs which had attended an expedition againft Acadia, had encou raged the Britiih administration to enter on bolder;
under-

SOUTH CAROLINA.
undertakings in America. The French in Canada were numerous and flrong, and Lord Godolphin, convinced of the neceffity of maintaining a fuperiorijy over them, formed a defign of attacking Quebec, T^6 in" andi lninMking mr eni a 1b1low i n thi at quarter as migih_ t Cvaafnioandao,f render his adminiftration diftinguiihed- He fent for Sir Hoyenden Walker, rear-admiral of the white, and after holding a private confutation with him refpe&ing the enterprize, immediately began to make preparations for it. Six thoufand men were drawn from the army in Flanders, and the command of them, was given to General Hill. Eleven fhips of the line, one>frigate, and two bomb-fhips, were fitted out: franfports were provided, on board of which the ar my embarked and failed for Bofton in New England. They arrived there on the 24th of June 1711, but by no means met with that zeal and ardour for the ex pedition among the people of New England that might have been expected, confidering its interefting confequence with refpefi to them. Colonel Francis NU colfon, who had been fucccfsful in Acadia the year before, haftened to Boflon, and firfl ufed his uttnoft endeavours to forward the expedition, and then march ed by land, with a body of white men and Indians, againft Montreal. Before Sir Hoyenden Walker had procured every thing requifite to his expedition, the feafon of the year was too far advanced. The navi gation up the river St. Laurence was hazardous, and pone but unikilful pilots could be found. A fudden blow muft neceflarily be {truck, or othensrife, as the frofly feafon begins there fo early, the fleet might find it difficult to return down the river. When they fet fail, they had every thing to dread from their own ignorance and a dangerous navigation. In proceed-

ig8

THE HIS nO RY O F

ing up the river they founc uncertain and rapid cur rents, and met \vith dark and foggy weather: in confequence of which eight tranfports ran upon a rock, and almoft nine hundred men perifhed. This unhappy accident caft a damp upon the fpirits of the army, and their plan was frustrated. In a council of war it was judged imprudent and impracticable to carry large fhips up fuch a river without the mo!t {kilful pilots, and therefore they returned to New England. General Francis Nicolfon having heard of the mifcarriage of the expedition upon the river, re treated alfo from Lake George, and no more attempts were made for many years againfl the French fettlements in Canada.

AFrench IN the year following the French planted a colony colony at tils mouth of the great river Mifliffipi. Lewis the n^Loui. XlVth thought proper to grant a territory of vaft exfiana. tent in that quarter to Secretary Crozat, by which
he evidently encroached on lands belonging to the Proprietors of South Carolina. Though the Carolineans had not a little to fear from a fettlement in fuch a fituation, yet Crozat was allowed to take peaceable poffeffion, without any complaints from the Proprie tors, or oppofition from the Britiili government. From this period a new competitor for the affection and intereft of Indian nations arofe, more active and enterprifing than the Spaniards, whofe motions the Carolineans had good reafon to watch with a jealous and vigilant eye.

ABOUT the fame time application was made to the Proprietors for lands in Carolina, by a number of Palatines harafled in Germany by the calamities of a
tedious

SOUTH CAROLINA.
tedious war, and reduced to circumfiances of great indigence and mifery. The Proprietors wifely judg ing, that by fuch acquifuions the value of their lands would increafe, and the ftrength of their fettlement would be promoted, determined to give every poffibie encouragement to fuch emigrants. Ships were f provided for their tranfportation. Inllruclions were t;nes fet. fent to Governor Tynte to allow an hundred acres of land for every man, woman, and child, free o,f jquitrents for the firft ten years; but, at the expiration of that term, to pay one penny per.'acre annual-rent for ever, according to the ufages and cuiloms of the province. Upon their arrival Governor Tynte grant ed them lands in North Carolina, where they fettled, and flattered themfelves with having found in the hi deous wildernefs an happy retreat from the florins and defolations of war raging in Europe.
HOWEVER, like many others, Governor Tynte had fcarcely time to learn the real (late of the country, in order to eftablifh proper regulations in it, before he died. After his death, a competition arofe in the council about the fucceffion. One party declared for Robert Gibbes, and another for Thomas Broughton. Gibbes, However, carried his election, and for a lit- Robert tie while flood at the head of the colony. During his time, we know nothing remarkable that happened. An act of aflembly pafTed for appointing commiffioners, impowering them to take fubfcriptions and col lect public contributions for building a church at Charlefto.wn. Water pafiages were carried fouthward to Port-Royal, for the eafe and convenience of paffengers by fea, and money was provided for building pub
lic

200

THE HI 5 TORY OF

lie bridges,, and eftabliftnn ; ferries, for the accom* modation of travellers by land.

BUT as it appeared to the Proprietors, that bribery

and corruption had been tfcd by Robert Gibbes to

gain his election to the government, he was not per

mitted to continue long in that office; they forbade

their Receiver-General to pay him any fala'ry, and

ordered the money due to be tranfmitted to Richard

Shelton their fecretary in England. A commiilion

Charles was fent out to Charles Craven, a man of great know-

governor. kdg6' courage and integrity, by his brother, invert

ing him with the government of the colony. His coun

cil was compofed of Thomas Broughton, Ralph Izard,

Charles Hart, Samuel Eveleigh, and Arthur Middle-

ton, &c.-) all men of confiderable property, and expe

rience in provincial affairs". The affembly in his time

was not elcfted, as formerly, in a riotous and tumul

tuary manner, but with the utmoft harmony and regu

larity, and proceeded to their deliberations with great

temper and mutual friendfliip. The Governor had

instructions to defend the province againft the French

and Spaniards, and for that purpofe to form and cul

tivate the firmeft friendfliip and alliance with the In

dians ; to promote fisheries and manufactures, which

was certainly an abfurd and ridiculous inftruclion;

for while they had fo much land, agriculture was evi

dently more profitable and beneficial to both the pof-

feflbrs and Proprietors of the province. He was re

quired to overlook the courts, and take fpecial care

that juflice be equitably adminiftered, and that no

interruptions or delays attend the execution of the

laws: he was ordered to employ eight men to found

Port-Royal river for the benefit of navigation, and

i

to

SOUTH CAROLINA.

201

to fix on the mod convenient fpot for building a town, with a harbour nigh it; and to tranfmit all acts of affembly made from time to time to England, for the Proprietor:* approbation or difapprobation; and fuch other public matters as appeared to him of ge neral concern and utilityj he was required carefully to ftudy and promote.

IN the year 1712, after Governor Craven had affum-

ed the management of the colony, a dangerous cdri-

fpiracy was formed by the Indians of North Carolina

againft the poor fettlers in that quarter. The caiife of An Indi-

the quarrel we have not been able clearly to find out; N'o,"^ 10

probably they wepe offended at the encroachments Carolina:

made on their hunting lands. The powerful tribes

of Indians called Corees, Tufcororas, and feveral

more, united, and determined to murder or expel

the European invaders. As ufual, they carried on

their bloody defign with amazing cunning and pro

found fecrecy. Their chief town they had in the firfl

place furrounded with a wooden bread-work, for the

fecurity of their own families. Here the different

tribes met together to the number of twelve hundred

bowmen, and formed their horrid plot. From this

place or rendezvous they fent out fmall parties, who

entered the lettlements, under the mafk of friendfhip;

by different roads. At the change of the full moon

all of them had agreed to begin their murderous

operations, on the fame night. When that night caines

they entered the planters houfes, demanded provi-

fions, out of pretence were diipleafed with them, and

then murdered men, women, and children, without

mercy or diftincYion. To prevent the alarm fpreading

through the fcttlement, they ran like fierce and bloody

Cc

tygers

2D2

THE HISTORY OF

tygers from houfe to houfe, fp -eading flaughter among the fcattered families wherever they went. None of the colonifts, during the fata? night, knew what had befallen their neighbours, until the barbarians had reached their own doors. About Roanock one hun dred and thirty-feven fettlers fell a facrifice to their favage fury the firft night; among whom were a Swifs baron, and almoft all the poor Palatines who had late ly come info the country. Some, however, who had hid thenifelves in the woods, having efcaped, next morning gave the alarm to their neighbours, and prevented the total deftru&ion of that colony. Every family had orders fpeedily to aflemble at one place, and the militia, under arms, kept watch day and night around them, until the news of the fed difafter reach ed the province of South Carolina.

HAPPY was it for the diflrefled North Carolineans Governor Graven loft no time in collecting and difpatching a force to their afliftance and relief. The affembly voted four thoufand pounds for the fervice of the war. A body of militia, confiding of fix hun dred men, under the command of Colonel Barnwell, marched again ft the favages* Two hundred and eighteen Cherokees, under the command of Captains Harford and Turftons 5 feventy-nine Creeks, under Captain Bailings; forty-one Catabaws* under Cap tain Cantey,, and twenty-eight Yainafies, under Captain Pierce, being furnifhed with arms, join ed the Carolineans'in this expedition. Hideous and dreadful, at this time, was that wildernefs, through which Colonel Barnwell had to march ; and to get t0 North Carolina in time} far the relief of the peo ple, the utmoft expedition was requifite. In fuch a
cafe

SOUTH CAROLINA.

203

cafe it was not poffible for his men to carry a fuffi-

cient quantity of provisions, together with arms and

ammunition, along with them, or to have thefe things

provided at different ftages by the way. There was

no road through the woods upon which either horfes

or carriages could conveniently pafs; and his army

had all manner of hardships and dangers from flic

climate^ the wildernefs, and the enemy, to encounter.

In fpite of every difficulty, Barnwell advanced againft

them, employing his Indian allies to hunt for prdvi-

fions to his men by the way. At length, having come

up with the favages, he attacked them, and being

much better fupplied with arms and ammunition than'

his enemy, he did grea.t execution among them. In

the firft battle he killed three hundred Indians, and

took about one hundred prifoners. After which the

Tufcororas retreated to their town, within a wooden

breaftwork; there Barnwell furrounded them, and

having killed a confiderable number, forced the re- The Tuf-

mainder to fue for peace: fomeofhismenbeingwound- ">rra

ed, and others havingfuffered rnuchby conftant watch * conquer

ing, and much hunger and fatigue, the favages the ed-

more eafily obtained their requeft. In this expedition

it was computed that Barnwell killed, wounded, and

captivated near a thoufand Tufcororas. The remain

der, who efcaped on the terms of peace, fooa after

this heavy chaitifement, abandoned their country, and

joined a northern tribe of Indians on the Ohio river.

King Blunt, who afterwards came to South Carolina,

confirmed the account of the number the enemy had

loft. Of Barnwell's party five Carolineans were kil

led, and feveral wounded : of his Indians, thirty-fix

were killed, and between1 fixty and fevenfy wounded.

In juftice to this officer it mult be owned, never had

Cc a

any

204

THE HISTC AY OF

any expedition againft the fayi jes in Carolina been, attended with fuch hazards and difficulties, nor had the conqueft of any tribe of them ever been more general and complete.

Bankbliihed.

ALTHOUGH the expedition to North Carolina was well conducted, and proved as fuccefsful as the moft fanguine of the Carolineans could have expected, yet the expence the public had incurred by it fell heavy on the province, the revenues of which were inconfiderablej and not at all adapted for fuch important and extenfive enterprizes. But as great harmony at this time fubfifted between the Governor and affembly, they were well difpofed for concurring with him in every rneafure for the public fafety and relief. The damping of bills of credit had been ufed as theeafieft tnethqd of defraying thefe expences incured for the public defence: however, at this time tjie legiilature thought proper to eftablifh a publie bank, and iffued forty-eight thoufand pounds in bills of credit, called Bank-bills, for anfwering the exigencies of government, and for the convenience of domeftic commerce. This money was to be lent out at intereft, on landed or perfonal fecUrity; and, according to the tenour of the acl for ilTuing the fame, it was to be funk gradually, by four thouland pounds a-year; which fum was ordered to be paid; annually by the borrowers, into the hands of commiffioners appointed for that purpofe. After the emiffion of thefe bank-bills, the rate of exchange and the price of produce quickly arofe, and in the firft year advanced to one hundred and fifty, in the fecpnd
to two hundred per cent.

WITH

SOUTH CAROLINA.

toy

WITH refpeft to the utility of this paper mosey, Remarks. the pilanters andi mercihants, accordi-ing to thi_ ei r aJiTi> ocnurpeanpcy".. /erent views and interefts, were divided in opinion. The former, who, for the mod part, flood indebted; to the latter, found that this provincial currency was not only neceflary to anfwer the exigencies of government, but alfo very ufeful and convenient inthe payment of private debts. This money being local, in proportion as it increafed in quantity, it raifed the nominal price of provincial commodities : and became of courfe prejudicial to creditors, in pro portion as it was profitable to debtors ; for though it depreciated fifty per cent, in a year, during which time the planters flood indebted to the merchants, the next year fuch creditors were obliged to take it in payment, or produce, which had advanced in price, according to the quantity of money in circulation. By the,ae~b of affembly which eftablifhed thefe bills of credit, the currency was fecured, and made a tender in law in all payments; fo that if the creditor refufed this money before witnefies offered to him, the debt wasdifcharged from the minute of his refufal. Befides, the planters knew, that in a trading country gold and filver, by various channels, would make their way out of it, when they anfwer the purpofes of remit tance better than produce, to their great prejudice: paper-money ferved to remedy this inconvenience, and to keep up the price of provincial commodities, as it could not leave the colony, and anfwered the purpofe for paying private debts as well, or rather better, than gold and filver. As the trade of the country increafed, no doubt a certain quantity of money was neceflary to carry it on with cafe and freedom j but when paper bills arc permitted to in-
creafe

ao6

THE HIS .ORY OF

creafe beyond what are nee flary for commercial cafe and utility, they fink in value; and in fuch a cafe creditors lofe in proportion to their depretiation.

IN Carolina, as well as in the other Britifli colonies in America, the greateft part of gold and filver cur rent was foreign coin, and the different aflembliesfettled their value from time to time, by laws pecu liar to each province. To remedy the inconveniences: arifing from the different rates at which the fame fpecies of foreign coin did pafs in the feveral colonies and plantations, Queen Anne, in the fixth year of her reign, had thought fit, by her royal proclamation, to fettle and afcertain the current rate of foreign coin; in all her colonies. The ftandard at which currency was fixed by this proclamation, was at an hundred and thirty-three pounds, fix {hillings and eight-pence per cent.; but this regulation, however convenient and advantageous to trade, was afterwards little re garded in thefe provinces, and the confufion of cur rent money continued and prevailed.

AFT.T.R the emiffion of this great quantity of bankbills in Carolina, and fpeedy rife of the price of pro duce in confequence of it, the merchants of London, to whom the colony flood indebted, judging it pre judicial to trade, complained of it to the Proprietors. They perceived that the trade of the country, by this means, would be carried on entirely without fiiver or gold ; and although their factors in Carolina might raife the price of Britifli commodities and manufac tures, equal to the advanced price of the produce, yet it might be for their intereft fomctirues to take gold and )&lver rather than produce in return for their
Britifli

SOUTH. CAROLINA.

207

Britifh goods. They confidered the idling of fuch bank-notes as a violation of the laws of England, and prevailed on the Proprietors to write Governor Cra ven a letter to the following effeft. " We have heard " complaints from feveral hands of an aft you have " paffed, called the Bank Aft. We do recommend " to you to confider of fome expedient for prevent*' ing the mifcbievous confequences of that aft, left, '" upon further complaints, we be forced to repeal it. *' The aft is exclaimed againft by our London mer" chants as injurious to trade, as an infringement " and violation of the laws of Great Britain, and " made almoft in oppofition to the aft of the fixth " of Queen Anne. Therefore we expeft, for pre" venting fuch complaints for the future, that you "will endeavour, as much as in you lies, to reduce " that paper credit, pretended to be eftablifhed in " your bank aft, and that you will (triftly put in ex"ecurion the aforefaid aft of Queen Anne."

As the trade of the colony bad of late years

confiderably increafed, and was almoft entirely car

ried on in Britifh mips, it's protection was an objeft

which demanded the attention either of the Proprie

tors or the Britifh adminiftraricn. The war in Europe

had engrofled the care of the latter, and the former

Were either unable or umvilling to bear the expence

of its protection. They had leafed their property in

the Bahama iflands to a company of merchants, xvhich

turning out to little account; the Ifland of Providence

became a receptacle for vagabonds and villa'ms of ail

nations. From this place of rendezvous a crew of Trade !n-

defperate pirates had been accuftomed to pufli out to fe.fted b5"

fea, andj in defiance of the laws of nations, to ob-

15

firuft

THE HIS O R Y OF
Navigation. The trade of Carolina and that of the Weft Indies fufiered greatly from their depreda tions. For five years after this period thofe lawlefs robbers reigned as the mafters of the Gulph of Flo rida, plundering and taking Ihips of every nation. North Carolina, by the conqueft of its maritime tribes of Indians, had alfo become a refuge for thofe rogues, who carried their prizes into Cape Fear river, or Pro vidence, as beft fuited their convenience or iritereft. Their fuccefs induced bold and rapacious fpirits to join them, and in time they became fo formidable, that no inconfiderable force was requifite to fupprefs them.

AFTER a long and expenfive war, a treaty of peace

and commerce was concluded between Britain, France

and Spain in Europe; and orders were fent to all the

colonies to defift from ads of hoftility. Governor Cra

ven, deeply interefted in the profperity of Carolina,

now turned his attention to improve the precious blef-

fmgs of peace, and to diffufe a fpirit of induftry and

Agriculture throughout the fettlement. The lands in

Granville county were found upon trial rich and fertile,

and the planters were encouraged to improve them.

Accordingly a number of plantations were fettled in

the neighbourhood of Indian nations, with whom the

Governor fludied to cultivate a friendly correfpon-

dence. For the purpofes of trade fome men took up

'their refidence in their towns, and furnifhed them with

clothes, arms, and ammunition, in exchange for their

furs and deer-ikins. An agent was appointed to fuper-

intend the affairs of Indian tribes, and to conciliate by

all poffibie means their friendfhip and efleem. Seve

ral interior regulations, conducive to the peace and

2

profperify

SOUTH CAROLINA.

209

profperity of the colony, were alfo eftablimed. The colonifts, as an eminent writer obferves, in general carry with them fb much of the Englifh law as is ap plicable to their local circumftances and fituation j fiich as, the general rules of inheritance, and of proteftion from perfonal injuries. What may be proper to be admitted, and what are neceffary to be rejected, is judged and determined, in the firft inftance, by the provincial judicature, then fubjeft to the approbation or difapprobation of the Proprietors; and fo far of the Britifh parliament, that nothing may be attempted by them derogatory to the fovereignty and fupreme jurifdicYiori of the mother country. At this time Cover- Several nor Craven obtained the aflent of the General Affem- j^f1/* bly, to make feveral Engliih ftatutes of the fame force adopted. in Carolina as if they had been enacted in it. The people regarded him as a wife and indulgent parent, and wifhed to copy the fpirit of their laws from the Englifh original, although they received their obliga tion and authoritative force from their being the laws of the colony.

ABOUT this time Nicholas Trott, the Chief Juftice

of the colony, returned from England, where he had

been for fome time engaged in the fettlement of pri-

vate affairs. During his ftay in Britain he had en-

grofled the favour of the Proprietors, who finding

him to be a man of great abilities, profeffed a high

refpect for him, and afterwards defired his afiiftance

and advice in every cafe refpecting the future manage

ment of their colony. They sadvanced his falary

to one hundred pounds a-year, and he agreed to

carry on a regular correfpondence with their fecreta-

ry, and to give them the beft intelligence with refpect

Dd

to

iio

THE HI ; TORY OF

to their provincial affairs. Trott having thus fecured the confidence of the Proprietors in England, foon after he came to Carolina, began to plume himfelf on his advantageous circumftances, and to treat his former friends in the colony with that pride and infolencc too common to mofl men in office and power. On the other hand, thofe men, offended at his arrogance, watched his conduct with an envious and malignant eye, and feemed to defire nothing more than to humble his pride and deftroy his influence. To this fatal difference may be afcribed feveral future jealoufies and difturbances with which the colonifts w.erc haraffed, and which terminated in the total fubverfion of the proprietary government,

CHAP.

SOUTH CAROLINA.

au

CHAP. V.

AFTER the death of Queen Anne, George, Eleclor of Hanover, afcended the Britifh throne, and was crowned on the 12th of Oftober, 1714. This event was far from giving general fatisfa&ion to the Britifh nation. A confiderable party of the principal landholders favoured the pretenfions of the houfe of Stewart, but were fo divided in their councils and fchemes, that they loft all influence and weight. Having no head, they were unable to turn the balance againft the party in the other fcale, who, by degrees, engroffed the royal favour, and all offices of power and truft in the kingdom. By this differ ence, however, a fpirit of civil difcord and fedition was excited in the nation, and the Chevalier, encou raged by it, and flattered with the hopes of affiftance from France, formed a project of fnatching the fcepter by force of arms from the family of Hanover. For this purpofe, a party in Scotland had recourfe to arms, but meeting with little affiftance from the pre tended friends of the caufe in England, the infurrection was foon quelled, and their rafh defign totally defeated.

DURING the former reign the Lords Commiffioners

of trade and plantations, from the contentions that

prevailed in fome of the colonies, had taken occafion

to look more narrowly than formerly they ufed to do,

into the ftate of proprietary governments in America,

Dd 2

In

aia

THE HIS .'O RY OF

A defign jn order to form a plan or purchafing and unitfo^puv- *nS them more clofely to the crown. They eafily chafing perceived the advantage of beginning this negotiaall char- tjon as fom as pofljt,]^ for the fooner the purchafe proprie- was made, the eafier it would be obtained. Accordtary go- ingly, they wrote to the Proprietors of each colony, ment's. acquainting them, it was her Majefty's pleafure and
command, that all governors of her foreign planta* tions do tranfmit to them frequent and full informa tion of the ftate of their refpeclive colonies, as well in refpecl: to the administration of government and juflice, as to their progrefs in trade and improvements. The Queen, though no friend to non-conformifts, had alfo ftretched out a hand of relief to the diftrefled Diffenters of Carolina, and publicly difapproved of fome oppreffive als to which they had been fubjedled. This ferved to encourage a fpirit of murmur and dif. content among the Carolineans at the proprietary go vernment, and to give their eyes a direction to the crown at every future period, when they thought themfelves aggrieved under it.

DURING the fame year in which the attention of Britain was occupied by a civil broil, the colony of Carolina was vifited with a terrible Indian war, which The Ya- threatened its total extirpation. The numerous and confpire powerful tribe of Indians called Yamaflees, probably the de- at the inftigation of the Spaniards at Auguftine, were ojTth t^ie mo^ ac^ve 'n promoting this confpiracy againft colony, the fettlement, though every tribe around was more or lefs concerned in it. The Yamaflees poflefled a large territory lying backward from Port-royal Ifland, on the north-eafl fide of Savanna river, which to this day is called Indian Land. By the Carolineans
this

SOUTH CAROLINA.

315

this tribe had long been efteemed as friends and al lies, who had admitted a number of traders into their towns, and feveral times affifted the fettlers in their war like enterprizes. Of all other Indians they were be lieved to habour in their minds the moft inveterate and irreconcilable enmity to Spaniards. For many years they had been accuftomed to make incurfions into the Spanifh territories, and to wage war with the Indians within their bounds. In their return from thofe fouthern expeditions, it had been a common practice with them to lurk in the woods round Augufline, until they furprized fome Spaniard, and brought him prifoner home to their towns. On the bodies of thefe unfortunate prifoners they were ac cuftomed to exercife the moft wanton barbarities; fometimes cutting them to pieces flowly, joint by joint, with knives and tomahawks; at other times burying them up to the neck under ground, then Handing at a diftance and marking at their heads with their pointed arrows; and, at other times, binding them to a tree, and piercing the tendered parts of their naked bodies with lharp-pointed fticks of burn ing wood, which laft, becaufe the moft painful and excruciating method of torture, was the moft com mon among them.

To prevent fuch horrid cruelties from being com mitted on the bodies of human creatures, the legiflature of Carolina patted a law, offering a reward of five pounds for every Spanifh prifoner thefe Indians fhould bring alive to Charleftown; which law, though it evidently proceeded from motives of humanity, yet, in the event, it proved very inconfiftent with good policy: for, in confequence of this act, the Yamaf-
fces

2i 4

THE HIS L'ORY OF

fees brought feveral Spania is, at different times, to Charleftown, where they claimed the reward for their prifoners, and delivered them up to the gover nor. Charles Craven, who was no lefs dift'mguiftied for humanity than valour, ufed to fend back fuch prifon ers to Auguftine, charging the Spanim government with the expences of their paffage and the reward to the Yamaffees. But this humane practice, while it difplayed Englifh greatnefs of mind, ferved alfo to begin an intercourfe, which will exhibit to us a fad fpecimen of Spaniih honour and gratitude.

FOR twelve months before the war broke out, the' traders among the Yamaffees obferved that their chief warriors went frequently to Auguftine, and returned loaded with prefents; but were not apprehenfive of any ill confequence from fuch generofity. John Frafer, an honeft Scotch Highlander, who lived among the Yamaffees, and traded with them, had of ten heard thefe warriors tell with what kindnefs they iiad been treated at Auguftine. One had received a hat, another a jacket, and a third a coat, all trimmed with filver lace. Some got hatchets, others great knives, and almoft all of them guns and ammunition, to pre pare them for ftriking fome great and important blow. Thefe warriors told Mr. Frafer, that they had dined with the governor at Auguftine, and waflied his face, (a ceremony ufed by Indians as a token of friendship), and that now the Spanifii governor was their king, and not the Governor of Carolina. Still, however, the Carolineans remained fecure, and, having fuch confidence in the Indians, dreaded no ill confequences from this new intercourfe and uncommon kindnefs. They knew the Yamaffees antipathy to the Spaniards,
their

SOUTH CAROLINA.
their fondnefs for prefents, but could fufpeft no mifchievous plot meditated againft the fettlement by friends and allies. They were not ignorant that the fubjets of both England and Spain always endeavour ed, for the fake of peace, to court the friendfhip of Indian nations, who were fuch powerful and dangerous enemies. Each competitor knew their paffion for war, and how heavy their vengeance, wherever it pointed, generally fell, and therefore good policy dictated the neceflity of turning the edge of their fierce and bloody temper againflf their neighbours, in order to fave themfelves.
IT was a common thing for the traders who refided among thefe favages to fingle out a particular war rior of influence and authority among them, and to court his favour with trifling prefents and conftant civility. Among the Yamaflees one named Sanute was Frafer's friend, who, with his fellow-warriors, had alfo been at Florida, and fhared of the Spaniards infidious liberality. During his abfence Mr. Frafer had married a fine woman ; and Sanute, who had a great regard for him, after his return home came to his houfe, and brought along with him fome fweet herbs, to fhow the lady a mark of refpeft, agree able to cuftoms of Indian nations. So foon as he entered the habitation of his friend, he called for a bafon of water, in which he bruifed the herbs, and firft warned Mrs. Frafer's face and hands, and then, clapping his own hands upon his breaft, told her, that, for the future, he would communicate to her all he knew in his heart. She, in return, thanked him, and made him fome prefent. Accord, ingly, about nine days before hoflUities commenced,
Sanute

216

THE HIST.C RY OF

Sanute came to Mrs. Frafer'. aoufe, and told her,

that the English were all wicked heretics, and would

go to hell, and that the Yamafiees would alfo follow

them, if they fuffered them to live in their country;

that now the governor of Auguftine was their king ;

that there would be a terrible war with the EnglHh,

and they only waited for the bloody ftick to be re

turned from the Creeks before they began it. He told

them, that the Yamaflees, the Creeks, the Cherokees,

and many other nations, together with the Spaniards,

were all to engage in it; and advifed them to fly to

Charleftown with all they had in the greateft hafte,

and if their own pettiauger was not large enough to

carry them, he would lend them his canoe. Frafer,

not a little aftoniihed at the news, afked him, how

the Spaniards could go to war with the Carolineans,

while at peace with Great Britain? To which Sanute

replied, the Spanifh governor told him that there

would foon be a war again with the Englim, and that

while they attacked the Carolineans by land, he

would fend to Spain for a fleet of {hips to block up

the harbour, fo that not a man or woman of them

ihould efcape. Frafer afked him, how long it might

be fince they had formed this horrid defign ? Sanute

anfwered, Do not you remember about twelve months

ago that Ifhiagaika, one of our chief warriors, with

four more Indians, went to the Creeks. Frafer faid,

he remembered it well. Then it was, faid Sanute,

he carried with him a Spanifh talk for deftroying all

the Englifh inhabitants of the province ; and, laying

his hand upon his heart, declared he had told them

all he knew, and repeated his advice to them to fly

with all expedition : but, if they were determined to

ftay and run all hazards, he concluded by affuring

i

them.

SOUTH CAROLINA.

217

them, that, to prevent torture, he would claim the privilege of performing the la-ft friendly office to them,: which was to kill them with his own hands. Frafcr ftill entertained fome doubts, but his wife be ing terrified, he refolved at all events to get out of the way, and accordingly, without delay, put his wife, his child, and moft valuable effscls, into his boat, and made his efcape to Charleltown.

WHILE the time drew nigh in which this dark plot

was to be put in execution, Captain Nairn, agent for

Indian affairs, aruHnany traders, reficied at Pocota-

ligo, the largeft town belonging to the YatnaiTees.

Mr. Frafer, probably either clifcrediting what he had

heard, or from the hurry and confufion which the

alarm occafioned, unfortunately had not taken time

to communicate the intelligence he had received to

his friends, who remained in a flate of falfe fecurity

in the midft. of their enemies. The cafe of the fcat-

tered fcttlers on the frontiers was equally lament

able, who were living under no fuipicicns of danger.

However, on the day before the Yamaflces began

their bloody operations, Captain Nairn and fome of

the traders obferving an uncommon gloom on their

favage countenances, and apparently great agitations

of fpirit, which to them prognofltcated approach

ing mifchief, went1 to their chief men, begging to

know the caufe of their uneafinefs, and promifing, if

any injury had been done them, to give them fatis-

faftion. The chiefs replied, they had no complaints

to make againft any one, but intended to go a-hunting

early the next morning. Captain Nairn accordingly

went to fleep, and the traders retired to their huts,

and pafied the night in feemir.g friendUiip and tran-

Ee

quillity.

ai8

THE HIST* RY OF

TheYa- quillity. But next morning, \ iout the break of day, being the if.th day of April, 1/15, all were alarmed with the cries of war. The leaders were all opt under arms, calling upon their followers, and pro claiming aloud defigns of vengeance. The young men, burning with fury and paffion, flew to their arms, and, in a few hours, maflacred above ninety perfons in Pocotaligo town and the neighbouring plantations; and many more mufl have fallen a facrifice on Port-royal llland, had they not providentially been warned of their danger. Mr. Burrows, a captain of the militia, after receiving two wounds, by fwiinming one mile and running ten, efcaped to Port-royal and alarmed the town. A veflel happening fortunately to be in the harbour, the inhabitants in great hurry re paired on board, and failed for Charleflown; only a few families of planters on that ifland, not having timely notice, fell into their barbarous hands, fomeof whom they murdered, and others they made prifoners of war.

WHILE the Yamafiees, with whom the Creeks and Apallachians had joined, were advancing againft the ibuthern frontiers, and fpreading defolation and ilaughter through the province; the colonii'ts on the nor thern borders alfo found the Indians down among the fettlemehts in formidable parties. The Carolineans had foolifhly entertained hopes of the friendfhip of the Congarecs, the Catawbas and Chero.kees;' but they foon found that they had alfo joined in the eonfpiracy, and declared for war. It was computed that the fouthern divifion of the enemy confifted of above fix thoufand bowmen, and the northern of be tween fix hundred and a thoufand. Indeed every In dian tribe, from. Florida to Cape Fear river, had joined
in

SOUTH CAROLINA.
in this confederacy for the deflrufUon of the fettlement. The planters fcattered here and there had no time to gather together in a body, fufficiently ftrong to withftand fuch numbers , but each confulting his own fafetv, and that of his helplefs family, in great hurry and confternation fled to the capital. Every one who came in brought the Governor different accounts of the num ber and (trength of the favages, infomuch that even the inhabitants of Charleftown were doubtful of their fafety, and entertained the mod difcouraging apprehenfions of their inability to repel a force fo great and formidable. In the mufter-roll there were no more than one thoufand two hundred men fit to bear arms, but as the town had feveral forts into which the in habitants might retreat,: the Governor, with this fin all force, fefolved to march into the woods againft the enemy. He proclaimed the martial law, and laid an embargo on all {hips, to prevent either men or provifjons from leaving the country. He obtained an aft of aiTembly, impowering him to imprefs men, and feize arms, ammunition, and {lores, wherever they were to be found, to arm fuch trufly negroes as might be ferviceable at a juncture fo critical, and to profecute the war with the utmoft vigour. Agents were fent to Virginia and England, to folicit affiftance; bills were ftamped for the payment of the army, and , other neceflary expences; Robert Daniel was appointe-d deputy-governor in town, and Charles Craven, at the head of the militia, marched to the country againit the largeft body of favages.

IN the mean time, the Indians on the northern

quarter had made an inroad as far as a plantation

belonging to John Hearne, about fifty miles from

Ee 2

town,

220

THE HIS "OIIY OF

town, and entered his houfe in a fee mi ngly peace able and friendly manner ; but afterwards pretending to be difpleafed with the provifions given them, mur dered him and every peribn in it. Thomas Barker, a captain of militia, having intelligence of the ap proach of thefe Indians, collected a party, confifling of ninety horfemen, and advanced againft them: but by the treachery of an Indian, whom he unluc kily trufted, he was led into a dangerous ambufcade in a thicket, where a large party of Indians lay concealed on the ground. Barker having advanced into the middle of them before he was aware of his danger, the Indians fprung from their conceal ments, and fired upon his men on every fide. The Captain and feveral more fell at the firft onfet, and the remainder in confufion were obliged to retreat. After this advantage, a party of four hundred Indians came down as far as Gpofe Creek. Every family there had fled to town, except in one place, where feve-nty white men and forty negroes had furrounded themfelves with a breaft-work, and refolved to remain and defend themfelves in the beft manner they could. When the Indians attacked them they were difcouraged, and raihly agreed to terms of peace; and, ha ving admitted the enemy within their works, this poor garrifon were barbarouily butchered: after which the Indians advanced ftill nigher to town ; but at length meeting with Captain Chicken and the whole Goofe Creek militia, they were repulfed, and obliged to re treat into the wildernefs,

BY this time the Yamafiees, with their confederates, had fpread deftructicn through the parifli of St. Bar tholomew, and advancing downwards as far as Stono,
they

SOUTH CAROLINA.

221

they burned the church at that place, together with every houfe on the plantations by the way. John Cochran, his wife, and four children ; Mr. Bray, his wife, and two children ; and fix more men and women, having found fome friends among them, were fpared for fotne days ; but, while attempting to make their efcape from them, they were retaken and put to death. Such as had no friends among them were tortured in the moft {hocking manner, the Indians feeming to negleft their progrefs towards conqueft on purpofe to affift in tormenting their .enemies. We forbear to mention the various tortures inflicted on fuch as fell in to their mercilefs fangs: none can be pleafed with the relation of fuch horrid cruelties, but the man who, with a fmile of fatisfacYion, can be the fpeftator of a SpaniuH auto de fe, or fuch favage hearts as are fteeled againft every emotion of humanity and companion.

BY this time Governor Craven, being no ftranger to the ferocious tempers of his enemies, and their horrid cruelty to prifoners, was advancing againft them by flow and cautious Iteps, always keeping the ftricteft guard round his army. He knew well un der what advantages they fought among their native thickets, and the various wiles and ftratagems they made ufe of in conducting their wars; and therefore was watchful above all things againft fudden furprifes, which might throw his followers into diforder, and defeat the end of his enterprize. The fate of the whole province depended on thefuccefsof his arms, and his men had no other alternative left but to conquer or die a painful death. As he advanced the drag gling parties fled before him, until he reached Saltcatchers, where they had pitched their great camp.
Here

THE HIS ^ORY OF
The Ya- Here a (harp and bloody In ttle enfued from behind drfSted trees and bumes' the Indians hooping, hollowing and and ex- giving way one while, and then again and again re pelled, turning with double fury to the charge. But the
Governor, notwithftanding their fuperior number and all their terrible fhrieks, kept the provincials clofe at their heels, and drove them before him like a flock of ravenous wolves. He expelled them from their fettlement at Indian land, puriued them over Savanna river, and rid the province entirely of this formidable tribe of favages. What rrumber of his army he loft, or of the enemy he killed, we have not been able particularly to learn; but in this Indian war near four hundred innocent inhabitants of Carolina were murdered by thefe wild barbarians.

They take re-

THE Yamaffees, after their defeat and expulilon, went directly to the Spanifh territories in Florida, "where they were received with bells ringing and guns firing, as if they had come viftorioufly from the field; from which circutnftance, together with the encou ragement afterwards given them to fettle in Florida, there is too good reafon to believe, that this horrid confpiracy was contrived by Spaniards, and carried on by their encouragement and afliflance. Two prifoners, whom they had faved and carried to Auguftine along with them, Mrs. Siffon and Mrs. Macartey, afterwards reported to -the Carolineans the news of this kind reception the Indians met with from the Spa niards. On the other hand, though the province of Ca rolina fuffered much at this time, yet the Governor had the good fortune to prevent its total deftrucYion. From the loweft ftate of defpondency, Charleftown, on the Governor's return to it, was raifed to the higheft
pitch

SOUTH CAROLINA.
pitch of joy. He entered it with fome degree of tri umph, receiving from all fuch applaufes as his wife conduct and unexpected futcefs juftly merited. Indeed his profperous expedition had not only difconcerted the mod formidable confpiracy ever formed againfl the colony, but alfo placed the inhabitants in general, howevef much expofed individuals might be to fmall fcalping parties, in a ftate of greater fecurity and tran quillity than they had hitherto enjoyed.

HOWEVER, from that period in which the Yamaflee Retain a

Indians were compelled to take up their refidence in TMd.'&ive

Florida, they harboured in their breafts the mod inve- gainft the

terate ill-will and rancour to allCarolineans, and watch- Carolme-

ed every opportunity of pouring their vengeance on

them. Being furnifhed with arms and ammunition

from the Spaniards, they often broke out on fmall

fcalping parties, and infefted the frontiers of the Britifh

fettlement. One party of them catched William Hoop

er, and killed him by degrees, by cutting off one joint

of his body after another, until he expired. Another

party furprifed Henry Quinton, Thomas Simmons, and

Thomas Parmenter, and, to gratify their revenge, tor

tured them to death. Dr. Rofe afterwards fell alfo

into their hands, whom they cut acrofs his nofe with

their tomahawk, and having fcalped him left him on

the fpot for dead; but he happily recovered of his

wounds. In fhort, the emiflaries of St. Auguiline,

difappointed in their fanguinary defign of destroying

root and branch in Carolina, had now no other re-

fource left but to employ the vindictive fpirit of the

Yamaffees againfl: the defencelefs frontiers of the pro

vince. In thefe excursions, it muft be confefled, they

were too fuccefsful, for many poor fettlers at different

times fell a facrifice to their influiable revenge.

36

DURING

224

THE HIS TORY OF

DURING the time of this hard ftruggle with Indi ans, the legiflature of Carolina had made application to the Proprietors, reprefenting to them the weak flate of the province, the deplorable dangers which hung over it, and begging their paternal help and protection ; but being doubtful whether the Proprie tors would be inclined to involve their Englifh eftates in debt for fupporting their property in Carolina, in fo precarious a fituation, they inftruted their agent, in cafe he failed of fuccefs from them, to apply to Thecolo- the king for relief. The merchants entered cordially their eye" 'nto ^ie meafure fr making application to the crown, for pro- and confidered it as the moft effeftual expedient for ttheeftciroonwnto. wreh,tri.iceh,vinth,gretahteeinr ecdr,.edthi. teincEounngtlrayn,d,anlod,ft thb, ye tphieradteasngthe, rast infefted the coaft. They perceived at once the many advantages which would accrue to them from being taken under the immediate care and protection of the crown. Ships of war would foon clear the coaft of peftilent fea-robbers, and give free fcope to trade and navigation. Forces by land would overawe the war like Indians, prevent fuch dreadful attempts for* the future, and they would reap the happy fruits of public peace and fecurity. The inhabitants in ge neral were much diflatisfied with living under a government unable to prote.cl them, and what ren dered their cafe ftill more lamentable, prevented the interpofition of the crown for their defence, and therefore were very unanimous in the propofed appli cation to the crown.

ABOUT the middle of the year 1715 the agent for

Carolina waited on the Proprietors, with a reprefen-

tation of the heavy calamities under which their co

lony laboured from the ravages of barbarous ene-

i

mies,

SOUTH CAROLINA.

225

rrties, and the depredations of lawlefs pirates. He acquainted thetn that the Yamaflees, by the influence of Spaniih emiflaries, had claimed the whole lands of the country as their ancient poflefiions, and confpired with many other tribes to aflert their right by force of arms, and therefore urged the neceffity of fending im mediate relief to the colony. But not being fatisfied \vith the anfvver he received, he petitioned the Houfe of Commons in behalf of the diftrefied Carolineans. The Commons addreffed the King, praying for his kind interpofition and immediate afliftance to the colony. The King referred the matter to the Lords Commiffioners of trade and plantations. The Lords of trade made an objedion, that the province of Carolina was one of the proprietary governments, and were of opi nion, that, if the nation mould be at the expence of its protection> the government ought to be veiled in the Crown. Upon which Lord Carteret wrotd them a letter to the following effect: " We the " Proprietors of Carolina having met on this me" lancholy occafion, to our great grief find, that " we arc utterly unable of Ourfelves to afford our " colony fuitable affiftance in this conjuncture, and " unlefs his majefty will gracioufly pleafe to inter" pofe, we can forefee nothing but the utter deftruc'* tion of his majefty's faithful fubjefts in thofe parts." The Lords of trade alked Lord Carteret what furrt might be neceffary for that fervice, and whether the government of the colony ihould not devolve on thti Crown, if Great Britain fhould agree to bear the expence of its defence. To which Lord Carteret replied, " The Proprietors humbly fubmitted to his majefty's " great wifdom, what funl of money he fhould be ** pleafed to gfant for their affiftance; and in cafe the
Ff

226

THE HIS ORY OF

" money advanced for this t >urpo.fe mould not be in " a reafonable time repaid, they humbly conceived " that then his majefty would have an equitable right " to take the government under his immediate care " raid protection."

The pro- THE fame year a bill was brought into the Houfe

jett ved

revifor

of

Commons

in

Kiv'laiici. , .'

for

the

better

reygulation

purchaf- r tiie charter and proprietary governments in Anie-

mg the rica, and of his nia.jelty's plantations there; the chief

farycolo- defign of which was, to reduce all charter and pro

bes, prietary governments into regal orres. Men conver-

fant in the hiftory of pad ages, particularly in that

of the rife and progrds of different itates, had long

forefeen the rapid increafe of American colonies^ and

wifely judged, that it would be for the intereft of the

kingdom to purchale them for the Crown as fodn as

poffible. At different times administration, in the reigns

of King William and Queen Anne, held treaties with

the Proprietors for this purpofe: but fome obftacles

always came in the way, or fome accidents occurred^

which prevented a final agreement. At this time while

Penn was about felling the government of Pennfylva-

nia, for twelve thoufand pounds, to the Crown, he was

feized with an apoplexy, and died before the deeds

were executed. Lord Baltimore, the Duke of Beuu-

fort, and Lord Craven, all minors, petitioned to be

heard by counfel againft palling the bill. The province

of Mailachufet's Bay petitioned againft it, alledging

that the charter they had received from King William

placed them on the fame footing with the different cor

porations in England, and that it would be equally

hard and unjuft to deprive them of their charter privi

leges, as to disfranchife the Engliih corporations. Tha
colony

SOUTH CAROLINA.

227

colony of Connecticut, whofe charter was intended to be taken away by this bill, in like manner petitioned to be excepted out of it. Thefe petitions, together with the reafons affigned in fupport of them, the committee of the Houfe found fome difficulty in anfwering, and therefore, inftead of proceeding farther in an affair of fuch national concern, the defign was entirely dropt.

IT is remarkable, that the Proprietors of Carolina,

at the time they obtained their charter, as is exprefly

mentioned in it, were excited to form that fettlement

by their zeal for the propagation of the Chriftian

faith among the Indians of America: yet, to their

ihame it muft be confeffed, that they have either never

ufed any endeavours for this laudable purpofe, or they

have been utterly fruitlefs and ineffectual. At this time,

indeed, the fociety incorporated for propagating the

Gofpel maintained feveral miffionaries in Carolina, as

well as in the northern provinces. The parifhes of

St. Helen's, St. Paul's, Clirift-Church, St. Andrew's,

St. James's, and St. John's, were all fupplied with mi-

nifters from this charitable corporation, who were in-

Aru&ed lo.ufe their bed endeavours for fpreading the

Gofpel among the heathens in their neighbourhood,

and received an annual allowance from the fociety for

that purpofe; yet. we have not been ab!e to learn tha:

thefe heathens ever reaped the fmalleft advantage

from them. The Spaniards, though they have often

made ufe of the, more fevere and rough means of

converfion, and ere&ed the ftandard of the crofs in

a field of blood, yet they have alto been exceedingly

diligent and affiduous in teaching heathens the prin

ciples of the Catholic religion. In point of policy,

Ff~2

tli

328

THE HI TORY OF

this zeal was more praiU worthy than Englifli negli, gcnce : for fuch barbarians would certainly have been much eafier tamed and civilized by mild inftrudVion than by force of arms. The Tumican and Apalachian Indians,before Governor Moore's inroads among them, had made fome advances towards civilization,and paid, by means of inftruction from Roman Catholic million. aries, ftri& obedience to the Spanifh government at Auguftine. Had the Proprietors of Carolina ere&ed fchools, for the inftruftion of young Indians in the language, manners and religion of the Englifli nation, fuch an inftitution might have been attended with the moft beneficial effects, For while the children of fuch rava ges were living among the colonifts, they would have been like fo many hoitages to lecure the goodwill and peaceable behaviour of their parents, and when they returned to the nation to which they belonged, their knowledge of the EnglUh language and cuftoms would, for the future, have rendered all commercial treaties and transactions between them eafy and prac ticable. Befides, they would have all the prejudices of education in favour of the Englifh manners and govern ment, which would have helped both to fortify them againft the fatal influence of Spanim rivals, and to ren der them more firm and fteady to the Britifli intereft.

JDfftrefles ALTHOUGH the Yamaflce war had terminated much edCbythe to the honour f * Carolineans, yet the fatal efFefts -,var. of it were long and heavily felt by the colony. Many
of the planters had no negroes to afilft them in raifing provifions for their families, and thcfe perfons who. had negroes, could not be fpared to overlook them, fo, that the plantations were left uncultivated, and the produce of the year was trifling and inconfiderable.
The

SOUTH CAROLINA.

229

The men being more felicitous about the fafety of their families than the increafe of their fortunes, purchafed bills of exchange at any price, to fend with them to the northern provinces, in order to procure for them there the necelferies of life. The provincial merchants being much indebted to thofe in London, the latter were alarmed at the dangers which hung over the co lony, and preffed them much for remittances. The In dians, who ftpod indebted to the merchants of Caro lina for ten thoufand pounds, in/lead of paying their debts, had cancelled them, by murdering the traders, and abandoning the province. No remittances could be made, but in fuch commodities as the country pro duced, and all hands being engaged in war, rendered them both very fcarce and extremely dear. To anfwer the public exigences of the province, large emiffions of paper currency were alfo requifite. Hence the rate of exchange arofe to an extravagant height. The province was indebted no lefs than eighty thoufand pounds, and at the fame time obliged to maintain garrifons on the frontiers for the public defence, which ferved to increafe the debt. While ftruggling amidfl thofe hardships, the merchants of London complained to the Proprietors of the increafe of paper money, as injurious to trade; in confequence of which they ftrittly ordered their Governor to reduce it. All thofe things ferved to aggravate the diftrefs of the poor colonifts, and caufed them to murmur againft their landlords for want of companion, and to turn not a little difaiffe&ed to their government,

TH E next ft ep taken by the leglfiature of Carolina, ferved to widen the difference. The YamaiTces be ing expelled from Indian land, the aflcmbly paiTed
two.

2?o

THE HI:,' TORY OF

two acts to appropriate thy ; lands gained by conqued for the ufe and encouragement of fuch of his majefty's fubjects as fhould come over and fettle upon them.. Extracls of thefe ats being fent to England and Ireland, and publifhed among the people, five hundred men from Ireland tranfported themfelves to 'Carolina, to take the benefit of them ; which influx was a great acquifition at this juncture, and ferved to ftrengthen thefe frontiers againft future incurfions from barbarians. But the beneficial confequenccs of thefe acts were . all fruftrated by the Proprietors, who repealed them, pvietors. claiming fuch lands as their property, and infixing on the right of difpofing of them as they thought fit. Not long afterwards, to the utter ruin of the Irifli emigrants, and in breach of the provincial faith to them, the Proprietors ordered the Indian lands to be furveyed for their own ufe, and run out in large baronies; by which harfh ufage the old fettlers, having loft the prote&ion of the new comers, deferred their plantations, and again left the frontiers open to the enemy ; as for the unfortunate Irifh emigrants, having fpent the little money they had, many of them, reduced to mifery, periihed-, and the remainder moved to the northern colonies.

ABOUT this time Governor Craven, having received

advice from England of Sir Antony Craven's death, in-

timated to the Proprietors, that the affairs of his family

required his prefence, and obtained their leave to re

turn to Britain. No Governor had ever gained more

general love and deferved refpect from theCarolineans,

nor had any man ever left the province whofe depar-

Danie? ture was more univerfally regretted. Having appoint*

is made ed Robert Daniel deputy-governor, he embarked for.

deputy-
governor.

Ens]and at>out ^ enci Of Ap* ril,

>7iG.

While the
man

SOUTH CAROLINA.

231

man of war rode at anchor near the bar, Mr. Gideon John (ion, with about thirty more gentlemen, went into a floop to take leave of their beloved Gover nor, and failed with him over the bar. On their return a ftorm arofe, the Hoop was overfet, and Mr. Johnfton, being lame of the gout and in the hold, was drowned. The other gentlemen, who were upon deckjfavedthemfelvesbyfwimming to the land. Afterterwards the floop drove, and what has been thought fomewhat remarkable, Mr, Johnfton's body was taken out of it while beating againft the fame bank of fand upon which he had almoft perifhed at his firft arrival in Carolina.

BEFORE Governor Craven arrived in England, Lord John Lord Carterer, a nobleman no lefs diftinguifhed Cartaret by his illuflrious defcent than perfonal merit, had fucceedcd to the dignity of Palatine. Nicholas Trott, who was Chief-JuPtice of Carolina, received a warrant from this nobleman, impowering him to fit alfo as judgeqftheprovificial court of vice-admiralty. William, Rhett, who was Trott's brother-in-law, and Receivergeneral, was likewife made Comptroller of his majefty's cuitoms in Carolina and Bahama Iflands. The many offices of truft and emolument which thefe two men held, together with their natural abilities, gave them great weight and influence in the province, efpecially at the elecTion of members to ferve in alterably. When the provincial affembly met, a bill was brought into the houfe for the better regulation of the Indian trade, nominating commifiioneis, and impowering then) to apply the profits aiifing from it to the public benefit and defence, and pafled with little oppofition. As the colonifts had been accuftomed to chufe. all
their

232

THE HIS' ORY OF

their members of aflembly ; Charleftown, at which election great riots and tumults had often happened j to remedy this diforder, another bill was brought into aflembly for regulating elections; in which, among other things, it was enacted, " That every *' parifh fhould fend a certain number of reprefenta'* tives, in all not exceeding thirty-fix; that they ** fhould be ballotted for at the different parifh **' churches, or fome other convenient place, on a ** day to be mentioned in the writs, which were to " be directed to the church-wardens, who were re" quired to make returns of the members elected," This was a popular act, as the inhabitants, found it not only allowed them greater freedom, but was more conformable to the practice in England, and more convenient for the fettlers than their former cuftorn of electing all members in town.

Thedif- BY this time theftruggle between the Proprietors and

ofe6th0" Pofleffors of the foi1' which had lonS fabfifted, and in

people which the officers intruded with fupporting their Lord-

inereafes. fhjps power and prerogative always found themfelves

deeply interested, was become more ferious. Thofe po

pular acts, but particularly the latter, gave great offence

to fome members of the council, who plainly perceived

its tendency to ruin their influence at elections* and

of courfe the power of the Proprietors. Among o-

thers, Trott and Rhett ftrenuoufly oppofed the bills.

Though they were not able to prevent their pafling in

Carolina, yet they took care to fend to England fuch

reprefentations of them as could not fail to render them

the objects of the Proprietors difapprobation. Indeed

the aft refpecting elections had broke in upon a for>

mer law, which had been ratified in England, and ne-

2

ver

SOUTH CAROLINA.

233

fcr repealed by the fame authority. The confequence was, both thofe bills in a little time were fent back repealed', by an inftrument under the Proprietors hands and feats. The colonifts, far from being plea* fed with the former conduct of their landlords, now became outrageous, and ipoke boldly of their tyranny^ bad policy, and want of compalfion for diftrefied free men. Being dill expofed to incurfions from the fan*. guinary and vindictive Yamaffees, furnifhed with arms and ammunition from the Spaniards, they were obliged to maintain a company of rangers, to protect the frontiers againft them. Three fmall forts were creeled at Congarees, Savanna, and Apalachicoia, for the public defence, and money mud be raifed for the payment of garrifons. Prefents of confiderable value were alfo neceffary, to prcferve the friendfliip of other Indian tribes* Thefe public expences tat up all the fruits of the poor planter's indu'ftry; The law appropriating the profits of the Indian trade for the public protection had been repealed; the pub lic credit was at fo low an ebb, that no man would truft his money in the provincial treafviry. None would filk their lives in defence of the colony without pay, and the province, bpprefled with a load of debt, was utterly unable to furnifh the neceflary fupplies. The people complained of the inefficiency of that government which could not proteft them, and at the fame time prevented the interpofition of the Crown for this purpofe. Governor Daniel himfelf joined them in their complaints, and everyone fee med ardently to ivifh for thofe advantages which other colonies en joyed, under the immediate care and protection of a powerful fovereigri.

234

THE HIS r ORY OF

Robert IN this difcontented a^ unhappy flate Robert appointed Jhnfon found the Carolineans, when he arrived governor, with a commiffion from Lord Carteret, bearing date
April 30, 1717, inverting him with the government of the province: to which office a falary of four hun. dred pounds fterling was now annexed. He was fon to Sir Nathaniel Johnfon, who formerly held the fame office, and had left him an eftate in Carolina. This nexv governor was a man of wifdom, integrity, and moderation ; but came out with fuch inftruclions as were'ill adapted to the circumftances and fituationof the colony. Soon after his arrival he perceived the difaffedlion of the people to the proprietary government, and the many difficulties with which he would have to ftruggle in the faithful difcharge of his duty. His council confifted of Thomas Broughton, Alexander Skene, Nicholas Trott, Charles Hart, James Kinloch, Francis Yonge, &c. fome bf whom were highly diffatisfied with the harfli treatment of the Proprietors. After calling an afiembly, the Governor, as ufual, fignified to them his efteem for the people, his love to the province, and his refolutions of purfuing fuch meafures as might be judged moft conducive to its peace and profperity. The affembly, in anfwer, exprefied great fatisfaftion with appointing a man of fo goo'd a character to that .high office 5 but, at the fame time, were not infenfible of the oppreffion of their landlords, nor of the many hardfhips they had to expet under their weak and contemptible govern ment.

ABOUT this time fome merchants and mailers of fhips, trading to America and the Weft Indies,- having
furTered

SOUTH CAROLINA.

235

differed much from the barbarity and depredations Of the of pirates, complained to the King in c6uncil of the t;e0^rse 07 heavy lofles the trade of the nation had fuftained from pirates, thofe public robbers, who had grown fo numerous and infolent, that unlefs a fpeedy check fliould be given to them, the navigation in thofe feas would be totally ruined. In confequence of which the King iffued a proclamation, promifing a pardon to all pirates who fliould furrender themfclves in the fpace of twelve months, and at the fame time ordered to Tea a force for fuppreffing them. As they had made the ifland of Providence their common place of refidenoe, Cap tain Woodes Rogers failed againft this ifland, with a few fhips of war, and took pofleffion of it for the Crowri. Except 6ne Vane, who with about ninety more made their efcape in a floop, all the pirates took the benefit of. the King's proclamation, and furren^ dered. Captain Rogers having made himfelf mafter of the ifland, formed a council in it, and appointed offi cers civil and military for the better government of its inhabitants. He built fome forts for its fecurity and defence, and fo ordered matters, that, for the future, the trade of the Weft Indies was well protected againft this lawlefs crew.

THOUGH the pirates on the ifland of Providence

were crufhed, thofe of North Carolina ftill remained,

and were equally infolent and troublefome. Vane,

who efcaped from Captain Rogers, had taken two

fhips bound from Charleftown to London. A pirate

floop of ten guns, cpmmanded by Steed Bonnet, and

another commanded by Richard Worley, had taken

pofleffion of the mouth of Cape Fear river, which place

was now the principal refuge left for thofe rogues.

G 2

Thai-

23$

THE HI TORY OF

Their .ftatipn there was fo lonvenient for blocking up the harbour of Oharleftpwn, that the trade of the co lony was greatly pbftru&ed by them. No fooner had one crew left the coaft than another appeared, fo that fcarcely one fliip coming in or going out escaped them. Governor Johnfpn, refolving to check their infolcnce, fitted out a fliip of force, gave the command of it to, William. Rhett, and fcnt him out to fea for the prote&ion of trade. Rhett had fcarcely got over the bar. when Steed Bonnet fpied him, but finding he was more than match for him, made all the fail he could for his refuge in Cape Fear river. Thither Rhett fol lowed him, took the fldop, and brought the comAnd their rnander and about thirty men with him toCharleftpwn, tirpation. Son z&$r $U Gpvernor Johnfon himfelf embarked, and failed in purfuit pf the other (lopp of fi? guns, commanded by Richard Worley, which, after a def. perate engagement off the bar of Charleftpwn, was alfp taken. The pirates fought like furies, until they were all killed or wounded, excepting Worley and another man, who even ;hen refufed to furrender, until they were likewife -dangeroyfly wounded. Thefe two men, together with their (loop, the Governor brought into Charleftown, where they were inftantly tried, condemned, and executed, to prevent tbeir dying of their wounds. Steed Bpnnet and his crew were alfa. ^ried, and all, except pne man, hanged, and buried on White Ppint, belpw high-water mark.

GOVJ-RNOR Jphnfbn, fprmerly a pppular man, was npw become much mpre fo, by his cpuragc in expoiing his perfon, and the fuccefs attending his expedi tion againft the pirates. The coaft being happily clear ed, and free fcope given to trade, afterwards no pirates
durft

SOUTH CAROLINA.

337

durft venture to fea in that quarter. This check, to-* gether with that they received among the iflands, ferved to extirpate thefe peftilent robbers, who had declared war againft all mankind; and, by redu cing themfelves to the favage ftate of nature, had Jed fuch lives as rendered them the common enemy pf every civilized nation. But thefe two expeditions from Carolina, though crowned with fuccefs, coft the poor province upwards of ten thoufand pounds, an additional burden which, at this juncture, it was jll qualified to fupport.

AT the fame time, Governor Johnfon had inftruc- Troubles fidns to reduce the paper currency circulating in the ^*J^* province, of which the mercantile intereft loudly com- rency. plained, as injurious to trade. He recommended to the aflembly to confider of ways and means for finking it, and told them they were bound in honour and juftice to make it good. The Indian war had occasioned a fcarcity of provifions; by the large emifiibns pf paper money it funk in value, and the price of produce arofe to an exorbitant height. As the va lue of every commodity is what it will bring at mar ket, fo the value of paper money is according to the quantity of commodities it will-purchafe. ven gold and filver, though the univerfal medium of com merce, grow lefs precious in proportion as their quan tity is increafed in any country. Both rice and naval ftores, however high, by doubling the quantity of paper money, though the commodities remain the fame as formerly, become ftill much higher. The mer chants and money-lenders were lofers by thofe large cmiflions 5 and the planters indebted tQ them, on the
other

238

THE HI TORY OF

other hand, were gainers by them. Hence great de bates arofe in the affembly about paper-money, be tween the planting and mercantile interefts. At this time the Governor, however, had fo much influence as to prevail with the affembly to pafs a law for fink ing and paying off their paper credit in three years, by a tax on lands and negroes. This act, on its ar rival in England, gave great fatisfaclion both to, the Proprietors and people concerned in trade, and the Governor received their thanks for his attention to the commercial interefts of the country.

THIS compliance of the affembly with the Gover nor's inftructions from England, and the good hu mour in which they at prefent appeared to be with government, gave him fome faint hopes, of recon-r ciling them by degrees to the fupreme jurifdicYion of the Proprietors, But their good temper was of fhort duration, and the next advices from England blafted all his hopes of future agreement. The plant ers finding that the tax-act fell heavy on them, began to grumble and complain of it-s injufticej and to contrive ways and means for eluding it, by ftamping more bills of credit. The Proprietors having in formation of this, and alfo of a defign formed by the affembly to fet a price on country commodities, and make them at fuch a price a good tender in law for the payment of all debts, they ftrictly enjoined their Governor not to give his affent to any bill fra med by the-affembly, nor to render it of any force in the colony, before a copy of the fame mould be laid be fore them. About the fame time the King, by his or der in council, fignified-to the'Proprietors, that they fhould repeal an at paffed in Carolina, of pernicious
confer

SOUTH CAROLINA.

239

confequence to the trade of the mother country, by which a duty of ten per cent, was laid on all goods of Britifli manufacture imported into that province. Accordingly this aft, together with that for regulat- Several ing elections, and another for declaring the right of law* TM~ aflembly for the time being to nominate a public re ceiver, were all repealed, and fent to Governor Johnfon in a letter, which enjoined him inftantly to diffolve the prefent aflembly and call another, to be chofen in Charleftown, according to the ancient ufage and cuftomS of the province. The Proprietors confidered themfelves as the head of the legiflative body, who had not only power to put a negative on all laws made in the colony of which they difapproved, but alfo to repeal fuch as they deemed of pernicious confequence.

GOVERNOR Johnfon, fenfible of the ill-humour which prevailed among the people at the proprietary government, and the ill confequences that would -at tend the immediate execution of his orders, fummoned his council together, to take their advice about what was moft proper to be done. When he communicated his orders and inftruftions from England, the majority of the council were aftonifhed at them. Trott, indeed, who was one of them, probably knew from what fpring they derived their origin, and to whofe advice and influence the repeal of thofe laws ought to be afcribed. But as the aflembly were at that time deli berating about the means of paying the provincial debt contracted by the expedition againft the pirates, and other contingent charges of government, it was agreed to poftpone the difibJuVion of the houfe until the bufinefs then before them fhould be finimed.
However,

24*5

THE HI >TGRY OF

However, the repeal of the duty-law being occafioned by an order from the King in council, they refolved to acquaint the affembly immediately with the royal dif. pleafure at that claufe of the law laying a duty on all goods manufactured in Great Britain, and recommend it to them to make a new act, leaving out that claufe which had given offence. Mean while, though great pains were taken to conceal the Governor's iriftrucWhich tions from the people, yet by fome means they were great dif- divulged, and kindled violent flames among them, affcftion. The affembly entered into a warm debate about the Proprietors right of repealing laws paffed with the affent of their deputies. Many alledged, that the de putation given to them was like a power of attorney fent to perfons at a diftaoce, authorifmg them to aft in their ftead; and infifted, that, according to the charter, they were bound by their affent to ads, as much as if the Proprietors themfelves had been prefent, and ratified and confirmed themt

Further troubles 4ians.

WHILE the colony was thus haraffed with fears

an(j trout,les from rigorous landlords, to enhance

their mifery, their favage neighbours werfc alfo now

and then making incurfions into their fettlementSj

and fpreading havock among the fcattered families.

At this time a fcalping party penetrated as far as the

Euhah lands, where having furprifed John Levit

and two of his neighbours, they knocked out their

brains with their tomahawks. They then feized Mrs;

Borrows and one of her children, and carried then*

off with them. The child by the way., finding him-

felf in barbarous hands, began to cry, upon which

they put him to death; The diftreffed mother, being

2

unabl?

SOUTH CAROLINA.

24*

unable to refrain from tears while her child was mur dered before her eyes, was given to under/land, that fhe muft not weep, if flic defired not to ihare the fame fate. Upon her arrival at Auguftine fhe would have been immediately fent to prifori, but one of the Yamaffee kings declared he knew her from her in fancy to be a good woman, interceded for her liber ty, and1 begged fhe might be fent home to her hufband. This favour, however, tlie Spanifh governor refufed to grant, and the garrifon feemed to triumph with the Indians in the number of their fcalps. When Mr. Borrows went to Auguftine to procure the releafe of his wife, he alfo was fliut up in prifon along with her, where he foon after died : but fhe furvived all the hard mips of hunger, licknefs, and confinement, to give a relation of her barbarous treatment. After her return to Carolina^ fhe reported to Governor Johnfon, that the Hufpah king, who had taken her prifoner and carried her off, informed her, he had orders from the Spanifh governor to fpare no white man, but to bring every negroe alive to Auguftine; and that rewards were given to Indians for their priforiers, to encourage them to engage in fuch rapaciou.s and murderous enterprizes.

BY this time Chief Juftice Trott being fufpefted of Corn-

holding a private correfpondence with the Proprietors, P'3TM1*

to the prejudice of the Caroiineans, had incurred their Q,;ef

.hatred and refentment. Richard AHein,Whitaker, and Juftic<?

other practitioners of the law, over whom he tyran- '

nized, charged him with >many bafe and iniquitous

practices. No lefs than thirty-one articles of com

plaint againft him were prefented to the affefnbly,

fctting forth, among other things, " That he had

Hh

" been

242

THE HI! TORY OF

" been guilty of many pirtial judgments; that he

*' had contrived many ways to multiply and increafe

" his fees, to the great grievance of the fubject, and

" contrary to acls of affembly; that he had contri-

" ved a fee for continuing caufes from one term to

" another, and put off the hearing of them for years;

" that he took upon him to give advice in caufes

" depending in his courts, and did not only ad as

" counfcllor in that particular, but alfo had drawn

" deeds between party and party, fome of which had

" been contefted before him as Chief Juftice, and in

" determining of which he had (hewn great partiali-

" ties; with many more particulars; and, laftly,

" complaining, that the whole judicial power of the

" province was lodged in his hands alone, of which

" it was evdent he had made a very ill ufe, he being

" at the fame time fole judge of the courts of Com-

" mon Pleas, King's Bench, and Vice-Admiralty;

" fo that no prohibition could be lodged againft the

" proceedings of the court, he being obliged, in fuch

" a cafe, to grant a prohibition againft himfelf; he

" was alfo, at the fame time, a member of the coun-

" cil, and of confequence a judge of the Court of

" Chancery."

'.

THOSE articles of complaint, though they took their rife from the bar, and might have proceeded in fdme meafure from envy, ill-will, or refentment, were neverthelefs too well grounded, and the fafts contain ed in the charge were fupported by ftrong evidence before the affembly. But as the Judge held his cominiffion from the Proprietors, he denied that he was accountable to the affembly for any part of his conduft in his judicial capacity; and declared that he would be
anfwer-

SOUTH CAROLINA.

243

anfwerable no where but in. England. The afiembly, however, fenfible that he held his commiflion only during good behaviour, fent a meffage to the Gover nor and Council, requefting they wpuld join them in reprefenting his partial and unjuft conduct in his of fice to the Proprietors, praying them either to remove him from his feat in the courts of juftice, or at leaft to grant him only one jurifdidtion, and the people liberty of appeal from his judgments. The Governor and major part of the council, convinced of the maleadminiftration of the Judge, agreed to join the Com mons in their reprefentation. But being fenfible of the great intereft the Chief Juftice had with their Lordfhips, they judged it moft prudent to fend one of their counfellors to England with their memorial, that it might find greater credit and weight, and the more certainly procure .redrefs; and Francis Yonge, a man of confiderable abilities, who had been prefent at all their debates, was pitched upon as one well qualified for giving their Lordfhips a faithful account of the whole matter. Accordingly Yonge, being furniflied with all the inftruclions, powers, and creden tials, neceflary to a commiffioner for the aggrieved party of the colonifls, fet fail for England, and arri ved in London early in the year 1719,

SOON after his arrival, he waited on Lord Carte-

ret, the Palatine; but as his Lordihip was prepa

ring to fet out on an embafly to the court of Swe

den, he referred him to the other Proprietors for

an anfwer to his representation. When the Prop^e-

tors met, Yonge prefented to them a memorial, fet- Laid be

ting forth, " That he had been appointed by the pr'oe *

Hh2

" Governor toi-s.

244.

THE HI iTORY OF

" Governor and Counc i of, South Carolina, to lay " before them, not only feveral als-of affembly paf. " fed there during their laft feflions for their appro" bation, but alfo to inform them of the reafons that f induced the Governor and Council to defer the ^ drflbiution of the affembly, in confequence of their " Lordfhips commands ; that he was inftrucled to ^ fliew their Lordlhips the arguments between the " upper and lower houfes of affembly, touching their " Lqrdfliips right of repealing laws ratified and con" firmed by their deputies; and prefeuted to them *' a fpeech made by Chief Juftice Trott at a general " conference of both houfes, together with 1 the an" fwer of the commons to it, and the feveral meffa" ges that paffed between them, which he hoped " would (hew their Lordfhips, that no arguments or " endeavours were wanting on their part, to aflert " the right the Proprietors had of repealing laws not " ratified by them.

" AT the fame time, he was defined to requeft their *' Lordfhips to augment their Secretary's falary, to " allow the members of the council fo much money " for the time and expence of attending the council " on their fervice; to eftablim cuflom-houfe officers at " Beaufort; to grant fix thoufand acres of land to the " three garrifons at Congarees, Savanna Town, and " Apalachicola; and liberty of appealing from erro" neous judgments in law, which at that'time- th: " people had not, the whole judicial power in all the " provincial courts being lodged in the hands of one " man." Then he delivered to them, a letter from Governor Johnfon, the articles of .complaint againft Chief Juftice Trott, and the. joint addrefs of the
Governor,

SOUTH CAROLINA.

-945

Governor, Council, and Affembly, praying to have him removed entirely from the bench, or confined to > fingle jurifdiftion.

THIS memorial, however, xvas far from fatisfying the Proprietors, forne of whom inferred from it, that the people feemed to be induftrious in fearching for caufes of diffatisfaelion, and grounds of quarrel with them, with a view to make off the proprietary author rity, and renounce their allegiance. Their letters from Trott ferved to confirm the truth, which inti mated that Yt>nge, though an officer of the Proprie tors, by mean fubtilty and chicane had affifted the people.in forming plaufible pretences for that purpofe. For three months Yonge attended the Palatine's court, to give the board all poffible information about the fiate of affairs in .heir colony, and to accomplifli the ends of his appointment. After all, he was given to Their an* underftand, that the bufinefs on which he was fent was weu extremely difagreeable to them; that both the trouble he had taken, and the office he had accepted as agent for the people, were inconfiftent-with his duty as one of their deputies, bound to act agreeable to their inftructions. They declared their difpleafure with the members pf the council who had joined the lower houfe in their complaints againft Trott, and removed them from the board, appointing others in their place, and'increafing the number of members; and told Yonge, that he alfo would have been deprived of his feat, but for the high refpeft they had for Lord Cartaret, the abfent Palatine, whofe deputy he was. With refpeft to Chief Juftice Trott, they had too much confidence in his fidelity and .capacity to remove him from his office. On the con trary, they fent him a letter, thanking him, for his ex
cellent

THE HI TORY OF
celletit fpeech in defence f their right ,of repealing all laws made in the coloay; together with a copy of the articles of complaint brought againft him, on purpofe to give him an opportunity of vindicating himfelf; at the fame time acquainting him, that it Was their opinion and order, that he withdraw from the council-board whenever appeals from his judg ments in the inferior courts {hall -be- brought before the' Governor and council as a court of chancery.
How far Governor Johnfon, in their opinion, had deviated from his duty, in joining the other branches of the legiflature in their reprefentation, may he And let- learned from the Proprietors letter, brought over to ^m ^Y Yonge, which runs in the following words: ** Sir, we <have received and perufed your letters and ** all your papers, delivered us by your agent Mr. ** Yonge; and though we are favourably inclined in " all our thoughts relating to our Governor, yet we *' ttiuft tell you, -*-e tbink you have not obeyed the ** orders and directions given you to diflblve that af" fembly and call another forthwkh, according t<? " the ancient ufage and cuftom of the province, and " to publifh our repeals of the afts of affembly im" mediately upon the receipt of our orders aforefaid; " but we (hall fay no more'on that fubjecl: now, not " doubting but, our Governor will pay more pun&u" al obedience to our orders for the future.
" THE Lords Proprietors right of confirming and " repealing laws was fo particular a privilege granted " them By the charter, that we can never recede
*' from it j and we do aflure you, we are not a little " furprifed

SOUTH CAROLINA,
<f furprifed that you have fuffered that prerogative of ours to be difputcd.
" WE have fent you herewith an inftrucUon under ** our hands and feals, nominating fuch perfons ag " we think fit to be of the council with you, fix of " whom and yourfelf, and no lefs number, to be a " quorum. Upon your receipt of this we hereby "require you to fumtnon the faid council, that they " may qualify themfelves according to law, and im" mediately fit upon the defpatch of bufmefs. We .' alfo fend you the repeal of the acts of affembly, " which we order you to publifh immediately upon " the receipt of this. We do affure Mr. Johnfon, " that we will ftand by him in all things that relate " to the juft execution of his office, and we are con'? fident that he will perform his duty to us, and fup* *' port our power and prerogatives to the beft of hii " abilities. If the affembly chofen according to your " pretended late act is not difiblved, as we formerly " ordered, and a new affembly elected, purfuant to " the aft formerly confirmed by the Proprietors, you '** are forthwith commanded to diffolve that affembly, " and to call another, according to the above-men" tioned al; and fo we bid you heartily farewel."
SUCH was the refult of Yonge's negociation in England. Governor Johnfon, who was well acquaint ed with the prevailing temper and difcontented fpirit of the people, plainly perceived, upon receiving thefe new orders and inftru&ions, what difficulties would attend the execution of them. The flame was alrea dy kindled, and nothing could be imagined more
likely

THEHISi'ORTOE

likely to add fewel to it .ban fuch rigour and op*

preflion. It is true, the Governor had received

authority, but he wanted power to aft agreeable to

their inftructions. Determined, however, to com-

ply with their commands, he fumrnoned his council

, e?s or twelve men whom the Proprietors had nominated,

com- who were, William Bull, Ralph Izard, NicholasTrott,

inands. Charles Hart, Samuel Wragg, Benjamin de la Con-

filiere, Peter St. Julien, William Gibbons, Hugh

Butler, Francis Yonge, Jacob Satur, and Jonathan

Skrine, fome of whom refufed, and others qualified

th'emfelves, to ferve. Alexander Skene, Thomas

Broughton, and James Kinloch, members of the

former council, being now left out of the new ap

pointment, were difgufted, and joined the people.

The prefent aflembly was diffolved, and writs were

iflued for electing another in Charleftown. according

to the cuftom and ufage of the province. The duty-

act, from which the clergy were paid, the garrifons

maintained, and the public debts in general were der

frayed, was repealed; the law refpecting the freedom:

of election was alfo repealed, by which the colonifts

were obliged to have recourfe to the oldj inconveni

ent and tumultuous manner of elections in Charles^

town: the act declaring the right of the commons W

nominate a public receiver wa& alfo annulled, and

declared to be contrary to the ufage and cuftom of

G^eat Britain. All laws refpecting the trade and

(hipping of Great Britainj which any future aflembly

might pafs, the Governor had inftructions to refufe

his aflent to, till approved by the Proprietors. The

provincial debts incurred by the Indian war, and the

expedition againft pirates, not only remained unpaid,

but no more bills of credit were allowed to be

i

ftamped.

SOUTH CAROLINA.

249

ftamped, for anfwering thole public demands. This council of twelve, ioftead of feven men, which was appointed, the colonifts confidered as an innovation in the proprietary government exceed ing the power granted their Lord/hips by their char ter, and therefore fubje&ing them to a jurifdi&ion foreign to the conftitution of the province. The complaints of the whole legiilatiire againft Chief Juftice Trott were not only difregarded, but that man, whom they confidered as an enemy to the country, was privately carefled and publicly applaud ed. All thefe things the colonifts confidered as ag gravated grievances, and what rendered them th more intolerable was the circumftance of being de prived of all hopes of redrefs.

IT may be thought fomewhat unaccountable and

aftonifliing, that the Proprietors fhduld have perfifted

in meafures fo difagreeable and oppreffive of them*

felVes, and fo rrianifeftly fubverfive of their authority

and power. Many were the hardships from the cli

mate, and the danger from favages, with which the

poor colonifts had to ftruggle; yet their landlords,

inftead of rendering their circumftances as eafy and

comfortable as poffible, feemed rather bent on croff-

ing their humours and doubling their diftrefs. The

people could now no longer regard them as indulgent

fathers, concerned for the welfare of their colony,

hut as tyrannical legiflators, that impofed more on

them than they were able to bear. Was it not the

duty of the Proprietors to Men to their juft com

plaints, and redrefs their heavy grievances ? Was it

not their intereft to confult the internal fecurity, and

by every means promote the fpeedy improvement and

Ii

population

250

THE HIST JRY OF

population of their colony \ What could more ef fectually anfwer thefe ends, than to cultivate the eftecin and preferve the affections of the people? Nothing elfe could render their government ftable and reipeclable. But, after all, perhaps the troubles and miferies the colonifls fuffered ottght to be afcribed to their Lordfhips fhameful inattention to provincial affairs, rather than to their tyrannical difpofition. Lord Carteret, the Palatine, held high offices of truft under the Crown, which occupied his chief ftudy and attention. Some of the Proprietors were minors, others pofi'effed eftates in England, the improvement of which engroffed their whole care and delight. Having reaped little or nothing from their American pofleffions, and finding them, every year becoming more troublefome and expenfive, it is probable they trufled the affairs of their colony to a clerk, or fecretary, who was no ways interefted in their profperity and fuccefs. With this fecretary Chief Juftice Trott had eftablifhed a correfpondence, of \vhofe wifdom and abilities the Proprietors entertained the higheft opinion, and in whofe integrity and fidelity they placed unlimited confidence. He held of them many offices of truft and emolument, which, together with his haughty and overbearing conduct, rendered him the object of popular envy and clatru,ur. The colonifts needed indulgence from their circumftances and fitualion ; Trott, being made totally dependent on the Proprietors will for the tenure of his office and the amount and payment of his falary, ftrongly fupported their power and prerogative. Hence thoie vari ous ftruggles between 'the Proprietors and people, \vhich were daily growing more feriou-s and violent,
and

SOUTH CAROLINA.

251

and threatened totally to fubvert the proprietary government.

ABOUT this time a rupture having taken place be- An in-

tween the courts of Great Britain and Spain, a pro- v*fion

}c& for attacking South Carolina and the ifland of ei from

Providence was fornjed at-the Havanna, and prepa- Spain,

rations were making there for the expedition. Go

vernor Johnfon, having received advice from England

of this defign, refolved immediately to put the' pro

vince in a pofiure of defence. For this- purpcfe he

.fummoned a meeting.of council, and fuch membeis

of afiembly as were in town, to inform them of the

intelligence he had received, and to defire their ad

vice and affiilance in cafe of any fudden emergency.

He told them of the fhattered condition of the fortifi

cations, and urged the neceffity of fpeedy reparations;

and for this end propofed a voluntary fubfcription,

beginning with a generous offer himfelf, as an exam

ple to others. He declared that one day's delay might

prove fatal to the province, as they were uncertain,

how foon the enemy might be at their door; and re

commended unanimity and defpatch. The aflembly

replied, that a fubfcription was needlefs, as the in

come of the duties would be fufficient to anfvver the

purpofe intended. The Governor pbjeded, that the

duty-law had been repealed, and none other yet fra

med in its place. To which the affembiy anfwered,

they had refolved to pay no regard to thole repeals,

and that the public receiver had orders from them

to fue every man that mould refufe to pay as that law

directed. Chief Juttice Trott told them, if any acYion

or fuit fhould be brought into his courts on that law,

Ii2

he

252

THE HIS TORY OF

he would give judgment fp ' the defendant. In fhort, the conteft between the two houfes at this meeting became warm, infomuch that the conference brokq up before any thing was conc.lu.ded with regard to the public fafety. The afiembly were obftinate, and. feemed determined to hazard the lofs of the province to the Spaniards, rather than yield to the council, and acknowledge the Proprietors right of repealing
their laws.

GOVERNOR Johnfon, however, at fuch a juncture, judging it prudent to be always in the beft pofture o,f defence; for uniting the ftrength of the province cal led a meeting of the field-officers of the militia, or dered them to review their regiments, and fixed a place of general rendezvous. Indeed fuch was the uneafy and diftracted ftate of the colony, that the Spaniards could fcarcely have attacked it at a time more feafonable for obtaining an eafy conqueft. At this meeting the field-officers of the militia received their orders with their ufual fubmiflion, and called together the different regiments, on pretence of train ing the men to expert ufe of arms, But before this; time the members chofen to ferve in aflembly, though they had not met in their ufual and regular way at Charleftown, bad neyerthelefs held feveral private meetings in the country, to concert meafures for An afTo- revolting from their allegiance. They had drawn up Formed a frnl ^ an aflci atJn fr uniting the whole province againft in oppofition to the proprietary government, which tfee Pi-- wa prop0fct][ to the people at this public meeting of the militia, as an opportunity the inoft favourable for procuring a general fiibfcription. The people*opprefled
and

SOUTH CAROLINA. and difcontented, with eagernefs embraced the prppofal, and, almoft to a man, fubfcribed the affociation, promifmg to ftand by each pther in defence of their rights and privileges, againft the tyranny of the Pro prietors and their officers. This confederacy was for med with fuch fecrefy and difpatch, that, befpre it reached the Governor's ears, almoft the whole inha bitants were concerned in it. The affembly, after ha ying thus brought the, people in general to .back them, had then nothing to do but to go on, in taking fuch, bold and vigorous fteps as feeroed b?ft calculated fojf accomplifliing their end.
CHAP.

3

CHAP.

T HE members of aflembly, as I already obferved, having formed their refolufion to revolt, and gone fo far as tp bring the people to (land by .and ftyjport them, uvfpite of every obftaele determined to proceed, until they fhould bring themfelyes under the protection of the King. A$ they had the whole ciyil power to encounter, and many difficulties t.q furmount, it may not be improper the more particularly to mark the various fteps they took, to acqojftplHh, this end. United in their view by the gfeatnefe of the danger, we fliall fee they regularly made the'ur attacks. They formed their outworks firft at a, diftanee, . then brought them gradually neayer.; and> M railed none but fuch as afterwards ferved t others in the difficult progrefs of their future opera tions.

AT the election of affembly in Charleftown^ Trott The peo-

and Rhett, who formerly had fuch influence and fway, p s en*

were now become fo obnoxious that they could not ment to

bring one man into the houfe. Alexander Skene,

formerly excluded from the council, was elected a

member of this new affembly, which was chofen on

purpofe to oppofe the civil officers, confidering him-

felf as ill ufed by the Proprietors, turned a zealous

and active perfon for pulling down the tottering fa

bric of their government. This man, together with

18

feveral

THE HI .TORY OF
feveral other members -f afiembly, held frequent meetings, to confider of all their grievances, and the encouragements they had received from time to time from Britain, refpecting the gregt end they now had in view. They recalled to mind what had pafled in the IJoufe of Peers during the reign of Queen Anne, how her maj'elty had then ordered her Attorney and Solicitor-general to confider of the moft effectual me thods of proceeding againft the charter. They knew alfo, that a bill had been brought into the Houfe of Commons, for reducing all charter and proprietary governments into regal ones. They had been inform ed that Lord Carteret, confcious of the inability of the Proprietors to defend their province in the Yamaffee war, had publicly applied for affiftance froirt the Britim government, and that the Lords of trade were of opinion, that the government of the province ihould belong to that power which bore the fefcpence of its protection. They had confidered all thefe things, and flattered themfelves with the hopes, that the King ivould take the colony under his care as fobn as they renounced allegiance to the Proprietors. And as the time drew nigh in which they expected an attack from a powerful nation, they concluded that the province needed affiftance of the Crown at the prefent, more than at any time paft. They had convinced the peo ple of the manifold advantages of the Britim conftitution, and the great happlnefs of thofe colonies which were under the immediate care and protection of the Crown, infomuch that they now defired nothing more upon earth, than to enjoy the fame invaluable privi leges.
To

SOUTH CAROLINA.

457

To thefe fecret meetings and tranfactions Governor

Johnfon, who lived at his plantation feveral miles,from

Charleftown, was an entire ftranger, until he recei

ved tke folloXving letter, bearing date November a8,

1719, and figned by Alexander Skene, George Lo- .

gan, and William Biakeway. " Sir, we doubt not ter to t^

*' but you haVe heard of the whole province enter- Governor

" ing into an aflbciation to ftand by their rights and la\I~-

" privileges, and to get rid of the oppreffion and at- defign.

" bitrary dealings of the Lords Proprietors. As we

" always bore you the greateft deference and fefpeft

" imaginable, we take this opportunity to let you

" know, that the committe of the people's reprefen*

tc tatives were laft night appointed to Wait on you.

" this morningj to acquaint you, that they have come

** to a refolution to have no regard to the Prbprie-

*' tors officers, iior their adminiftration: and withal

" to beg, that your honour will hold the reigns of

"government for the King, till his Majefty's pfea-

" fure be known. The great value the whole coun-

" try exprefs for your honour's perfon, makes them

*' deflrous to have nobody but yourfelf to govern

' them ; and as you muft be convinced, that no per-

" foHs Can be more paffionately fond of your go-

" vernment than oiirfelves, we hope you will not take

" amifs any advice given by faithful and affectionate

" friends; and therefore we take the liberty to tell

*' you freely, we Sre of opinion that your honour

' may take the government upon you, upon the of-

" fer of the people, for the King, and reprefent to

" the Proprietors, that rather than the whole coun-

" try fhould be in confufion, and want a governing

" power, you held it for their Lordthips, though ycTu

Kk

" were

258

THE HI TORY 0F

" were obliged to comr, y with the colohifts, who " were unanimoufly of opinion they would have net " Proprietors government. We could wifh for a " longer and better opportunity to explain this mat" ter to you; but it is impoffible, for the gentlemen " will be with you in two hours at fartheft. We " heartily wifh your honour the utmoft fuccefs, let it " go which way it will; but beg leave to obferve, " that your compliance will not only be the.greateft " fatisfa&ion to the province in general, but alfo to " your humble fervants."

Which THIS letter, though fraught with the higheft prolernoren- fe^10 " 8 f refpeQ: to the Governor, he neverthelefs deavours confidered as an infult; but efpecially the advice, to defeat. V(,jjjch ne deemed both highly derogatory to his
integrity as a man, and his fidelity as a governor. The bait thrown out to appearance was fpecious and flattering, yet the Governor had too much pene tration, not to fee under its falfe colours the na ked hook. The letter, however, ferved to give him notice of the afTociation, and the refolution of the people, which it was his duty by all means pcffible to defeat. For this purpofe he haftened to town, and fummoned his council, to take their advice in a cafe fo unexpected and alarming. Meeting accident ally with Alexander Skene, he informed him that the committee who were appointed to wait on him had changed their minds, and were gone to their refpective places of abode. Governor Johnfon, neverthe lefs, informed his council of the aflbciation, and required their advice and afliflance about the moft ef fectual methods of breaking it up, and fupporting the proprietary government. He perceived that, although
he

SOUTH CAROLINA.

159

lie was eatled Governor, yet Trott ruled the province, and therefore refolved to do nothing without his ad vice, that he might be equally refponfible with the reft for the ill confequences which he was apprehenfive would attend their future proceedings. The coun cil were not a little perplexed what ftep To take; but as the committee had altered their intention of wait ing on the Governor, they were of opinion that no notice mould be taken of their proceedings, until the affembly fhould meet in a legal manner, revive the matter, and bring it regularly before them; hoping that the people, upon more cool reflection, might; drop their dangerous refolution.

IN the mean time the members of afiembly were

ufing their utmoft diligence among the people of the

province to keep them firm to their purpofe, having got

almoft every perfon, except the officers of the Pro

prietors and a few of their friends, to fign the aflb-

ciation. All agreed to fupport whatever their repre-

fentatives fhould do for difengaging the colony fronv

the yoke of the Proprietors, and putting it under the

government of the King. Having thus fortified them-

felves by the union of the inhabitants, the afiembly

met on purpofe to take bolder and more decifive

Aeps: and being apprehenfive that the Governor

would diffolve them, fo foon as their proceedings

reached his ears, they inftantly came to the following

refolutions : " Firft, That the feveral laws pretended proceed-

" to be repealed are flill in force within the province, ings of

" and could not be repealed and made void and null ventjon *

" but by the General Affembly of this province, and

" that all public officers and others do pay due re-

Kk 2

" gardL '

2 6o

T H E H I i T O IIY O F

" gard to the fame accoi iingly. Secondly, That thq " writs, whereby the reprefentatives here met were " elecled, are illegal, becaufe they are figned by fuel} " a council as we conceive the Proprietors have not a " power to appoint; for that this council does confift " of'a greater number of meu;bcrs than that of the " Proprietors themfelves, which we believe is contrary " to the defign and original intent of their charter, and. " approaching too near the method taken by his ma" jefty and his predeceffors in his plantations, whom " they ought not to pretend to imitate or follow, his " majefty not being confined to any number of conn" fellors, but as lie thinks fit; but the Proprietors, " as fubjecls, we believe, are bound by their charter. " Thirdly, That we the representatives cannot aft at. *' an affembly, but as a convention delegated by th<; ' people, to prevent the ut'.er ruin of this government, " if not the lofs of the province> till his majelly's plea-. " fure be known : and, laiUy, That the Lords Pro prietors have by fuch proceedings unhinged the " frame of their governmcT.t, and forfeited their " right to the fame ; and that an addrefs be prepa" red, to defire the honourable Robert Johnfon, our " prefent Governor, to take the government upon " him in the King's name, and to continue the ad'* miniftration thereof until his majefty's pleafure be " known."

AGREEABLE to the laft refolution, an addrefs was drawn up, figned by Arthur Middleton as prefident and twenty-.two members of the convention. The Governor having fent them a mefiage, acquainting them that he was ready with his council to receive and order them to chufe a fpeakcr; they came to the
upper

SOUTH CAROLINA.

?<Si

upper houfe in a body, and Arthur Middleton addrefled the Governor in the following words: " I am " ordered by the reprefentatives of the people here " prefent to tell you, that, according to your honour's " order, we are come t.o wait on you: I am further " ordered to acquaint you, that we own your honour " as our Governor, you being approved by the King; " and as there was once in this province a legal " council, reprefenting the Proprietors as their de" puties, which being now altered, we dp not look " on the gentlemen prefent to be a legal council; fo " I am ordered to tell you, that the reprefentatives " of the people do difown them as fuch,. and will not *' al with them on any account."

THE Governor and Council, ftruck with filence The perand aftonifhment at the audacious fpirit of the con- PJ5x't]3r vention, and fufpedYmg that they were backed and Governor fupported by the voice of the people, were greatly andcou~ puzzled what rneafures they (hould take to recal them Cl " to the obedience of legal authority. Some were for oppofing violence to violence, and thought the bed way of bringing them back to their allegiance would be to terrify them with threats and confifcations. Others were of opinion, that the defection was too general to admit of fuch a remedy, and that mild expoftulations were more proper both for foftening their minds, and convincing them of their error; and fhould fuch gentle means fail, the Governor might then difiblve them, and for the prefent time put an end to the difpute. But, on the other hand, dangers hung over the country, and the only fund for repairing the fortifications being loft by the repeal of the general duty-law, money niuft be provided for the public pro
tection.

THE H'MTORY OF
te&ion. If the Governor! lould diffolve the houfe, how coukl the province be put inapoftureof defence againft a Spanifh invafion, with which it was threatened. If he fhould fuffer them to fit while they had refolved that the Proprietors had forfeited their right to the government, and refufed on any account to adl with his council, he might bo chargeable with a breach of his truft. The refult of their deliberations was, a mefTage from the Governor and council, defiring a conference wiih the houfe of affembly. To which they returned for anfwer, that they would not receive any meffage or pa per from the Governor in conjunclion with thefe gentlemen he was pleafed to call his council. Find ing them thus inflexible and refolute, the Governor was obliged to give way to the current, and there fore, in two days afterwards, fent for them in his own name, and fpoke to them to the following effect:

The Go- " WHEN I fent for you th? other day, I intended

vernor's to jj aVe defired you to have chofen your fpeaker,

recalling " to be prefented to me as ufual, and then I did

tJh"^e* peo

"*<

propofe to manner:

have fpoke

to

you

in

the

following

" YOUR being met together at a time when there " was never more occafion for a ready difpatch of " public bufinefs, and a good harmony betwixt thq " upper and lower houfe ; I muft recommend that to " you; and nothing will be wanting on my part to " promote a good'underftanding betwixt the Lords " Proprietors and the people, at prefent (to my great " affliction) I fear too much interrupted: I muft, " therefore, in the firft place, recommend to you, " that you will without delay, or other matter inter-
" vening,

SOUTH CAROLINA.
" vening, fall upon proper methods for raifing money " for finiftiing the repairs of the fortifications, and " providing (lores of war, which are much wanted. " The intelligence which I have of the defigns of " our enemies, which makes this work fo neceffary, " mail be laid before you.
" I AM forry the Lords Proprietors have been in" duced (by a neceffity, to defend and fupport their " juft prerogatives) at this jun&ure to difannul fome " of your laws ; if they, had not thought the letting " thofe a&s fubfift might have rendered their right " of repeal precarious, they would have fuffered " them ftill to continue. I hope from you, there" fore, a refpeftful behaviour towards them, that we " may not feel any more their difpleafure in fo fenfi" ble a manner, as the lofs (in this time of need) of " our duty-law, and which has alfo occafioned an " injunction to me and the council, from aUng with " an affembly who (hall difpute their Lordftiips un" doubted right of repealing laws, and appointing " officers civil and military.
" I FIND fome are jealous and uneafy on account " of rumours fpread, that you defign to alter the " tax-aft, for finking your paper currency. Public " credit ought to be facred, and it is a (landing ma" xim, That no ftate can fubfift longer than thsir " credit is maintained: I hope therefore you have " no fuch intentions, which would put me under n " neceffity of doing what I have never yet done ; I " mean, difagreeing with you. I expeft therefore " you will make good what the public is anfwerable " for, and proceed to fuch farther methods for pay-
11 g

THE HIS TORY OF
" ing our debts, as fhall be both honourable and " proper, and be.fi. adapted to our circumftances.
" THE alarm from the fouthward, about five k' months fince, obliged me to be in a pofture of " defence, and occasioned fome charges, the ac" counts of which lhall be laid before you; and I " defire you will provide for rhe difcharge of thetn: " I think alfo the militia-acts want fome amendments; " and that you mould contrive to keep a good watcli " in Charleftown.
" THIS is what I intended to have recommended " to you: but Mr. Middleton's telling me, in the u name of the reft, that you would not a6t with, " and your furprifmg niefiage fince, that you will " not receive any thing from me, in conjunction with " my council, has made it neceffary for me to take " this occafion of talking with that plainnefs and " freedom fo extraordinary a proceeding of yours " requires. And, firft, I muft take notice of your " meflage, wherein you fay, you own me as Gover" nor, becaufe I am approved of by the King; but " that you difown the council to be a legal one, nor " will aft with them on any account whatfoever; and " this is fubfcribed by all your members : but, upon *' examining, I find it to be pretty dark and evafivc, " and feems as if you would avoid expreffing in plain " terms, what I have too much caufe to fear is your " defign, I mean, to renounce all obedience to the " Lords Proprietors: and this I cannot but think " you propofe from all your words and a&ions. You " fay, you acknowledge me; becaufe I am approved " of by the King j but you take no notice of my
" commif-

SOUTH CAROLINA.
* commiffion from the Proprietors, which is what " makes me Governor. The confirmation of the " King, only fignifies his majefty's approbation of " the perfon the Lords Proprietors have conftituted; " but it is my commiffion and inftrucYion from them-, " that not only grants, but limits my power, and " contains the rules by which I muft aft, and are to " warrant and vouch my a&ions; therefore, to avoid " declaring in exprefs terms your renouncing the " Lords power, and at the fame time doing it in ef'" feel, is to create perpetual doubts and difputeSj " and is not acYmg with that fincerity and plainnefs " which ought to be ufed in all public debates, and " efpecially in matters of fo great concern as this is-j " and upon which fo great confequences depend.

" I DO require and demand of you, thereforej

" and expeft you will anfwer me in plain and pofitive

" terms, whether yovi own the authority of the Lords

" Proprietors as Lords of this province, and .having

" authority to adminilter or authorife others to ad-

" minifter the government thereof; faving the alle-

" giance of them and the people to his moft facred

" majefty King George ? Or, whether you abfolute-

" ly renounce all obedience to them, and thofe conv

" miffioned and authorifed by them ? Or, whether

" you admit their general power, and only difpute

" that particular branch of their authority, in confti-'

" tuting a council after the manner they have now

" done F If you deny their general power and au-

" thority in this province, and fay, that their Lord-

" fhips have forfeited their charter, as Mr. Berfisford

" aflerted, and you all acquiefced in ; then I demand

" of you, that you flgnify wherein the Lords have

LI

" forfeited

266

THEHIS'ORTOF

" forfeited their charter, a d what particular branch " thereof they have broken : and 1 demand of you, " that fuppofing (not granting) they have made a " forfeiture of their charter, by what power do you " prefume to renounce their authority, and to model " a government out of your own heads, before fuch " time as that, by a court having lawful jurifdiclion " of the fame, it fhall be adjudged that the Lords " have made^ forfeiture of their charter, and that " the powers granted them are null and void? If the " King is of opinion, that any corporation or fociety " have made a forfeiture of the rights and powers " granted by their charter, although his majefty may " have the advice of his Attorney and Solicitor" general, and his Judges and Council learned in " the law, that fuch a forfeiture has been made, *' (and this he may more reafonably depend on than " any advice or aflurance you can have) 5 yet, not" withftanding this, and his fupreme authority as *' King, he never difpoffefied the perfons of the pow" ers granted them, before a quo warranto or fome " other procefs had been brought, and judgment " obtained againft the fame. And if the King doth " not affume Inch a power, by what authority do you " affume it ?

" I DESIRE you further to confider the confequence " that attends that affertion, Of the charter being " forfeited, before judgment is given upon the fame, " For if it be fo, then the forfeiture muft be from " the time that the fa& was committed that caufed " the forfeiture ; and then you muft remember, that, " by the charter, the Lords have granted to them, " not only the power of ordering the government,
" but

SOUTH CAROLINA.

" but alfo the lands are granted to them by the faid

" charter; fo that if there is a forfeiture of the rights

" and prerogatives of the government, there is aifo

" a forfeiture of their rights to the lands; and fo all

" grants made by their authority of any lands, fince

" the fat committed that caufed the forfeiture, ac-

" cording to your own doctrine and aflertion, muft

" be null and void; and therefore, how many per-

" fons titles to their lands will become void, I leave

" you to confider. And though, it may be, you will

" aifign tome new late fact, that you fay will caufe

"' fuch a forfeiture, by which you may think to avoid

" the ill confequence that attends the titles to the

" lands; yet know, that the facts that you aflign

" may not be the only ones that may be thought to

" have made the forfeiture of their charter, And

" if your prefent aflertion is true, that they may be

" difpofleffed before a judgment; it may be, other

" perfons may affign other caufes of the forfeiture,

" befides thofe which you affign, which may have

" been committed many years ago: for you cannot

" but know there have been perfons in the province,

" that, for feveral years part, have publicly afferted,

" that the Lords have done facts, for which their

" charter was become forfeited. Which if fo, I leave

" you to confider what a gate you will leave open to

" call in queftion, nay, utterly deftroy, feveral hun-

" dreds of peoples titles to their lands. And though

" you have moft unjuftly and untruly fuggeiled to

" the people, to create a prejudice in them to the

" Lords Proprietors, that their Lord/hips defigned to

" difpute their titles to their lands; yat, by this af-

" fcrtion and practice, you are the perfons that will

L1 2

" not

268

THE HIS' ORY OF

'* not only call in queflloi , but effectually deftrey " their titles.

" AND if you perfift in difowning the council as " now authorifed, then 1 defire you further to con" fider, in what capacity 1 can act with you, and to " what purpofe you pretend to fit and tranfaft the *' public bufmefs of the province. You know very " well I an. not able to join with you in paffing any " law without the confe^t of my council; and furely '' you cannot pretend to pafs laws without me: and " what an abfolute occafion there is now to pafs <* fome laws, that the province may be put in a pof" ture of defence, and the contingent charges there" of defrayed, I leave you ferioufly to confider, and, '' hope you will not lofe the whole province to the *'' enemy, for your own humours*

" BUT I am further to tell you, that, in cafe you <' continue to deny the authority of the council, you " cannot properly ftyle yourfelves the reprefentatives " of the people ; for you know very well you were " chofen members of affembly, puriuant to, and by " virtue of the writs figned by myfelf and council; for " it is not the peoples voting for you that makes you " become their reprefentatives; the liege people of " this, or any other province, have no power to con" vene and chufe their reprefentatives, without being " authorifed fo to do by fome writ or order coming " from authority lawfully impowered. And if you " pretend that the writs figned by me, as Governor, 41 were fufficient: to that I anfwer, that I do not " pretend to any fuch authority, but jointly, and with " the confent of my council, it being the exprefs
" words;

SOUTH CAROLINA.

269

" words 6f my commiffion ; nor did I fign the writs " in any other capacity than in conjunction with my " council, who alfo figned the lame. But if my " %ning the writs were fufficient authority for the " people to chufe you,1 then you muft allow, that as " the power lies folely in me to call you, it lies alfo " foleiy in me to diflblve you; and therefore, if by " your actions you will force me to make ufe of that " power, I do hereby publicly proteft and declare, " you only muft be anfwerable for the ill confequen" ces that may attend fuch a diffolution, and for the " lofs of the lives and eftates of the King's fubjecls " in this province, by any attack that may be made " upon them by our public enemies the Spaniards, or " from the Indians, by reafon of the province's not " being put into fuch a pofture of defence as it oughrs " and would, if you proceeded to tranfact the public " bufinefs under a lawful authority; and this I would " have you ferioufly to confider of.

" NOTWITHSTAKDING ftories that have been in" duftrioufly fpread to prepofiefs the people, that you " are the only perfons who (land up for their rights " and privileges; by which, it may be, you have fo rt far engaged them in your favour, that you may " have their afliftance to enable you to commit any " aft of force or violence upon the government, " and the authority of the Lords Proprietors; yet " know, and be affured, that the matters in difpute " are of that confequence, that they muft and will " be decided by an authority in England, having *' lawful jurifdiction of the fame; and that there it " muft be law and right that muft juftify your claims, fl and not the confcnt and approbation of the people
"of

THE HIS TORY OF
" of Carolina, who will . ave no weight there, but " the right and merit of the caufe.
" I MUST farther mention to you, that it is noto" rioufly known, you have promoted two forms of " affociations, and have perfuaded the people to fign " them, How far you can be juftified at home, be*' hoves you to confider: but as 1 am fatisfied no " matter of fuch public concern ought to be carried " oh without my knowledge, fo I do hereby require " and demand of you, an attefted copy of both af*' fociatjons ; and though it may not concern me to " have the names of every individual perfon that has " figned them, yet I do infift upon it, that you do ** acquaint me which of your own members have " figned both, or either of them, as alfo the names *' of fuch perfons who have commiflions, or hold '*' any places civil or military under their Lordfhips, " or of fuch perfons who pracYife the law in their " Lordihips courts, and have figned them.
" To what is here demanded of you I do require " your plain and pofitive anfwer in exprefs terms, " and that you do in writing give me the fame in a " body, and under your hands.1'
THIS long and elaborate fpeech, which was alfo given them in writing, they were not long confidering of, but foon returned with the following meffage ; and {hewed him that they were neither Their to t>e fhaken by perfuafion, nor intimidated by threats, from their firm purpofe. " We have it. " already acquainted you, that we would not re-
" ceiye

SOUTH CAROLINA.

271

' ceive any meflage or paper from your honour, in " conjunction with the gentlemen you are pleafed " to call your council; therefore we muft now again " repeat the fame, and beg leave to tell you, that " the paper your honour read and delivered to us, " we take no notice of, nor fhall we give any farther " anfwer to it but in Great Britain."

IMMEDIATELY after this they came with the follow

ing addrefs to. the Governor, publicly avowing their

refolution to caft off all obedience to the proprietary

government, and urging and intreating him to com

ply with their defire, and take upon him the go

vernment of the province in the name of the King.

" It is with no fmall concern that we find our-

u felves obliged to addrefs your honour, in a matter

" which nothing but the abfolute neceffity of felf-

" prefervation could at this juncture have prevailed

" on us to do. The reafons are already by us made

" known to your honour and the world, therefore

" we forbear to rehearfe them ; but proceed to take

" leave to aflure you, that it is the greateft fatisfac-

" tion imaginable to us, to find throughout the whole

" country, that univerfal affeclion, deference and re-

" fpecl the inhabitants bear to your honour's perfon

" and with what paffionate defire they wifli for a con-

" tinuance of your gentle and good adminiftration ;

" and fince we, who are intruded with, and are the

" uffertors of their rights and liberties, are unani-

" moufly of opinion, that no perfon is fitter to go-

" vern fo loyal and obedient a people to his facred

" majefty King George, fo we mod earneflly defire

" and intreat your honour, to take upon you the

]9

" govern-

272

THE H STORY OF

" government of this pn vince, in his majefty's name, " till his pleafure (hall be known ; by which means, " we are convinced, that this (at prefent) unfortu" nate colony may flourifh, as well as thofe who feel " the happy influence of his majefty's immediate " care.

" As the well-being and prefervation of this pro" vince depends greatly on your honour's comply* " ing with our requefts, fo we flatter ourfelves, that " you, who have expreffed fo tender a regard for it " on all occafions, and particularly in hazarding your " own perfon in an expedition againft the pirates, " for its defence, an example feldom found in go" vernors; fo we hope, Sir, that you will exert " yourfelf at this juncture for its fupport; and we " promife your honour, on our parts, the moft faith" ful affiftance of perfons duly fenfible of your ho" nour's great goodnefs, and big with the hopes and " expectation of his majefty's countenance and protec" tion. And we farther beg leave to aflure yourho" nour, that we will, in the mofl dutiful manner, ad" drefs his moft facred majefty King George, for the *< continuance of your government over us, under '* whom we doubt not to be a happy people."

To this flattering addrefs the Governor returned the following anfwer; fuch as became his honour and TheGo truft. I am obliged to you for your good opinion of
anfwer. " me > ^ ut ^ hold my commiffion from the true and " abfolute Lords and Proprietors of this province *,
" who recommended me to his majefty, and I have " hi*
* This is the term the charter gi-res tbtaw.

SOUTH CAROLINA.

273

his approbation ; it is by that commiflion and *< power I aft, and I know of no power or authority " can difpoiTefs me of the fame, but thofe only who " gave me thofe authorities. In fubordination to " them I {hall always aft, and to my utmoft main" tain their Lordfliips juft power and prerogatives, " without encroaching on the people's rights and " privileges. 1 do not expecl or defire any favour "' from you, only that of ferioufly taking into your " confiderat'ion the approaching danger of a foreign " enemy, and the fteps you are taking to involve l yoiirfelves and this province in anarchy and con" fufion."

THE reprefentatives having now fully declared their The af-

intentions, and finding it impoffible by ail their art {eTMTM7 andiiadid,re-i* to win !ov_ er /th- e .(jovernor to a compli-i- danifcljolvtje,ae,

ance with their meafures, and to accept of the go- proceed-

1

O



/*

vernment only from his having the King's approba- tj!,fs _

tion, began to treat him with indifference and neglect, pie.

He, on the other hand, perceiving that neither harfh

nor gentle means could recal them to their duty and

allegiance, and that they became the more outrage

ous and ungovernable by his endeavours to this pur-

pofe, iffued a proclamation for diffclving the houfe,

and retired to the country. The reprefentatives or

dered his proclamation to be torn from the marihal's

hands, and proceeded next to avowed ufurpation.

They met upon their own authority, and in direct

bppofition to that of the Proprietors, and chole Co

lonel James Moore their Guvenw; who was a man

of a bold and turbulent dilpofuion, and excellently

qualified for being a popular leader in perilous ad

ventures. To Governor Johnfon he was no friend, -

M r.

having

THE HI,' TORY OF
having been by him rernc fed from his command of the militia, for warmly efpouiing the caufe of the people: to the Proprietors he was an inveterate ene my. In every new enterprise he had been a volun teer, and in whatever he engaged he continued to his purpofc fteady and inflexible. A day. was fixed by the Convention for proclaiming him, in name of the King, Governor of the province, and orders were iffued for directing all officers civil and military to con tinue in their different places and employments, till they (hall hear further from them.
GOVERNOR Johnfon, fome time before this, had appointed a day for a general review of the provincial militia; and the Convention, that they might have the opportunity of the people being under arms, and ready to forward their fcheme, fixed on the fame day for publicly proclaiming Moore. The Governor, how ever, having intelligence of their defign, fent orders to Colonel Parris, the commander of the militia, to portpone the review to a future day. Parris, though a zealous friend to the revolution, in anfwcr affured him his orders fhould be obeyed. Notwithitanding this affurance, on the day fixed, when Governor John fon came to town, he found to his furprife the militia drawn up in the market fquare, colours flying at the forts, and on board all the {hips in the harbour, and great preparations making for the proclamation. Exafperated at the infults offered to his perfon and au thority, he could fcarcely command" his temper and reftrain his refentment. Some he threatened to chsftife for flying in the face of government, to which they had fworn allegiance and fidelity. With others he cool ly reafoned, and endeavoured to recal them by repre-
fen ting

SOUTH C A R O L I N A.

275

fenting the fatal confequences that would certainly attend fuch rafh proceedings. But advancing to Parris, who had betrayed him, he afked him, how he durft appear in arms contrary to his orders ? and . commanded him, in the King's name, inftantly to difperfe his men. Colonel Parris infolentiy replied, lie was obeying the orders of the Convention. The Governor in great rage walked up towards him ; upon which Parris immediately commanded his men to prefent, and bid him at the peril of life advance no nearer. The Governor expected, during this ftruggle, that fome friends would have flood by him, cfpecially fuch as held offices of profit and truft under the Proprietors, or that the militia would have laid down their arms at his command : but he was difappointed; for all either flood filent, or kept firm to the ftandard of the Convention. However, to amufe him, and prevent his taking any rafh ftep in the heat of paffion, John Lloyd, one of their party, was fent, out of pretence of friendfhip, to walk and converfe with the Governor. Vain indeed were the efforts of a fingle arm, in fo general a defection. Even Trott and Rhett, in this extremity, forfook him, and kept at a diltance, the filent and inactive fpectators of their matters ruined authority.

AFTER this the members of Convention attended, James and, efcorted by the militia, publicly marched to the

fort, and there declared James Moore governor of

the province in name of the King, which was follow- nor.

ed by the loudeft acclamations of the populace. Upon

their return, they next proceeded to the clcclion of

twelve counfellors, of whom Sir Hovenden Walker

M HI i

v.as

;6

THE HI TORY OF

\vas made prefident. In Hs, however, it is remark able, that they afTumcd a right and power to themfclve's which they had refilled to the Proprietors, and made one of the principal articles of complaint againd them. So that thcIV rcvoli.uiom.TK had now their Governor, Council ami (.'.wv.mtion, and all of their own free election. In confi.-qucncc of which the de legates met, and, in the fir!' place, rd'olvi-d to publifh The de- their declaration, to the following dfc ct: " Whereas o^thc* " ^1C PrPri etors ' th'is province have of late anV Conven- " med to. themfclves an arbitrary and illegal power, Of repealing fuch laws as the General Affembly of " this fettlement have thought fit to make for the " prefervation and defence thereof, and acted in ma" ny other things contrary to the laws of England, " and thr charter to them and us, freemen, granted; " whereby we are deprived of thofe meafures we " had taken for the defence of the fettlement, being " the fouth-\yeft frontier of his majefty's territories " in America, and thereby left naked to the attacks " of our inveterate enemies and next-door neigh" bours the Spaniards, from whom, through the " divine Providence, \ve have had a iiiirncuioiis tie" liverance, and daily expel to be invaded by them, " according to the repeated advices we have from *' time to time received from fcveral places : And " whereas, purfuant to the inftrucYions and authori" ties to us given, and truft in us repofed by the in" habitants of this fettlement, and in execution of " the refolutions by us made, we did in due form " apply ourfelves in a whole body, by an addrefs, to " the honourable Robert Johnfon, appointed gover'*' r.or of this province by the Lords Propnt-fors, and
" dcfircd

SOUTH CAROLINA.

27?

** defired him, in name of the inhabitants of this " province, to take upon him the government of the " fame, and in behalf of his majefty the King " of Great Britain, France, and Ireland, until his " majefty's pleafure had been known, which the " faid Governor refufing to do, exclufive of the pre*' tended power of the Lords Proprietors over the " fettlement, has put us under the neceffity of apply" ing to feme other perfon, to take upon him, as " Governor, the adminiftration df all the affairs civil " and military within the fettlement, in the name " and for the fervice of his moil fecred majefty, as * well as making treaties, alliances and leagues with " any nation of Indians, until his majefty's pkafure " herein be further known.: And whereas James " Moore, a perfon well affected to his prefent maje" fty, and aifo zealous for the intereft of the fettle" ment, now in a finking condition, has been pre*' vailed with, purfuant to fuch our application, to f take upon him, in the King's name, and for the " King's fervice and fafety of the fettlement, the " above-mentioned charge and truft: We therefore, f whofe names are hereunto fubfcribed, the repre(t fentatives and delegates of his majefty's liege peo*' pie and free-born fubjefts of the faid fettlement, " now met in convention at Charleftown, in theif ^ names, and in behalf of his facred Majefty George, " by the grace of God king of Great Britain, France, ft and Ireland, in consideration of his former and " many great fervices, having great confidence in " his firm loyalty to our moft gracious King George, " as well as in his conduct, courage, and other great " ablit-ies; do hereby declare the faid James Moore " his majefty's Governor of this fettlement, inverted
" with

THE HI, TORY OF
" with all the powers am authorities belonging and " appertaining to any of his majefty's governors in " America, till his majefty's pleafure herein (hall be " further known. And we do hereby for ourfelves, " in the name and on the behalf of the inhabitants " of the faid fettlement, as their reprefentatives and " delegates, promife and oblige ourfdves mod ib" lemnly to obey, maintain, affift and fupport the *' faid James Moore, in the adminiftration of all af" fairs civil and military within this fettlement, as " well as in the execution of all his functions afore" faid, as Governor for his facred majefty King " George. And further, we do expect and coin" mand, that all officers both civil and military with" in the fettlement, do pay him all duty and obedi" ence as his majefty's Governor, as they fhall an" fvver to the contrary at their utmo'l peril. Given " under our hand, at the Convention, this 2: ft day "of December, 1719."
GOVERNOR Johnfon, after this public and folemn declaration, perceiving his power totally overthrown, and the current too violent and ftvong for him to withftand, had little hopes of recalling them to the obedience of proprietary authority. Still, however, he flattered himfelf, that inch men as had ufurped the government in oppofition to h\\-fui authority would not long remain in a ftate of union, harmony and peace among themfelves. The finl unpopular ilep of their Governor might create difturbance and difaffection; the firft difference among the leading men might di vide them into parties: he determined to wait for fucli occurrences, and to improve them towards recover-
- ing

SOUTH CAROLINA.
ing his power and command. In the mean time he called together the civil officers of the Proprietors, and ordered them to fecure the public records, and fliut up all offices againfl the revolutioners and their adherents.
THAT the proprietors in England might have no tice of what had happened through a proper channel, *I "e "" Governor Johnfon drew up a ftate of the whole pro- tranfmits ceedings, and tranfmitted it them. He told them that an ac-_ the colonifts had long laboured under difficulties and ^"^hole hardfliips, by debts contracted in the Indian war, and 'proceedin protecting their trade againft pirates; that an un- thFProhappy difference had broke out between their Lord- prietors. fhips and the people, about the privileges of their charter; that fome of the richeft of the inhabitants had perfuaded the reft, that neither they themfelves nor their pofterity could ever be fafe in their perfons, or fecure in their properties, without the protection of the crown : That they had therefore with one accord difclaimed and renounced all obedience to their Lordfhips, and put themfelves under the care and government of the King ; that he, though earneftly foliated by them, had refuied to govern them in any other way, than as commiffionecl and ap pointed by the Lords proprietors; that the people ior that rcitfon had fhaken oft" his author i-t.yj and chof-n another Governor for themfelves in name and behalf of the King : In fliort, that the revolution was in no ways occafioned by his imprudence or mal-adminillration, and therefore he hoped, what ever might be the iffiie, that their Lord (hips would ufe thei-r iniereft to continue him in the government t the province. To the fame purpofc- he wrote to
the

THE HIS roar OF
the Lords Commiffioners if trade and plantations, who were no friends to the proprietary governments in America, and waited for fucli a favourable feafon as now offered in Carolina to purchafe every one of them for the crown.

IN the mean time the members of the popular le-

giflature were going on, and with all their diligence

and {kill regulating public affairs. The reprefenta-

tives of the people took a diflike to the name of a

Convention, as different from that of the other regal

governments in America, and therefore voted them-

felves an Affembly, and aflumed the power of appoint

ing all public officers. In place of Nicholas Trottj

they made Richard Allein Chief Juftice. Another per-

fon was appointed Provincial Secretary, in the room

of Charles Hart. But William Rhett and Francis

Yonge, by becoming obfequious to the humours of

the revolutioners, fecured to themfelves the fame

offices they held from the Proprietors. Colonel

Barnwell was chofen agent for the province, and em

barked for England, with inftructions and orders to

apply only to the King, to lay a ftate of their pub

lic proceedings before him, praying him to take the

province under his immediate care and protection.

The Re- ^ new duty-law and others for railing money to

volution- defray the various expences of government were pa'fers ap- .fccj t -j-fa fortifications at Charleftown they ordered

officers, to be immediately repaired, and William Rhett,

and eila- whorn every one efleemed a friend to the rcvoluabulitfhhotrhietyir, ti. on, was nomi.natedi Iicfrpecnlor-gcn erali crc thre t'tepairs.

To their new Governor they voted two thoufand

five hundred pounds, and to their Chief Jufiice'

.tight hundred current money, as yearly falarics. To

2

their

SOUTH CAROLINA.

281

their agent in England one thoufand pounds fterling was tranfmitted: and to defray thofe and the other expences of .government, a law .was pafied for laying a tax on lands and negroes, to raife thirty thoufand pounds Carolina-money, for the fervice f the current year. In (hort, this popular affembly impofed fuch burderts on their conitituents, as under the proprietary government would have been deem ed intolerable grievances.

IN confequence of the rax-acl:, when they began to levy thoie heavy taxes, Governor johnibn and fome of his party refufed to pay, giving for reafon. that the aft was not made by lawful authority. On ac count of his particular circumftances, Mr. johnfon was exempted; but they refolved to compel every other perfon to fubmit to their jurifdiction, and yield implicit obedience to their laws. They forcibly feized the effefts or negroes of fuch as refufed;, fold them at public auclion, and applyed the money for the pay ment of their taxes. Thus, in fpite of all oppofition, they eftabliflied themfelves in the full pofiefiion of government, both in their legiflative and executive capacities.

GOVERNOR Johnfon, though obliged to ftand at a In vain

diftance, carefully obferved their progrefs, and was not the ^"

a little mortified by their great fuccefs. He however ftill tempts to

perfifted in throwing every obftacle poffible in their way: difconcert

he wrote to William Rhett, who was not only the Pro- em'

prietors Receiver-general, but alfo Comptroller of the

cuftoms, a letter to the fol lowing erFecl; informing him,

That " as the people had found means to hinder all ma-

" fters of fliips from coming to him as the Governor for

Nn

" clearances.

THE HIS f DRY OF
"clearances, and from clt ring in the lawful fecreta" ry's offices, notwithftandmg the laws of trade made " fuch neglects the forfeiture of fhip and cargo, and the " naval officer, by his orders, did all he could to induce " them to act according to law: and as he was fenfi" ble that the defection was fo general, and his au" thority fo deprefled, that he had no power left to " punifh them for difobedience ; he therefore could " think of no other way to oblige them to their duty " but by {topping their obtaining clearances from the " cuftom-houfe officers, until they paid their diky to "him as the lawful governor of the province. He " therefore defired Mr. Rhett would confult his pow" ers and inftruflions as Surveyor and Comptroller " of the cufloms, and aft in this affair as he mould " think agreeable to them, to the laws of trade, " and to the ferviee of his majefty, and of the " Lords Proprietors." Indeed it muft be acknow ledged, had Rhett fo far confulted the intereft of the Proprietors, as to have commanded the officers of the cuftoms to do their duty, according to the Governor's project, it would have given the revolutioners no finall trouble. They would have had the mortification to fee the matters of fhips difowning their authority, and going only to that office where they could obtain authentic and legal clearances. The fees due to the Governor and Secretary would alfo have gone in their ufual channel, which otherwife were transferred to fuch perfons as had no juft right, nor Rhett re- evcn tne final left pretenfions to them. But Rhett's endience to mty to ^e Governor, and his profpecls of profit from hisordeis. the prevailing party, induced him to negleft the duties of his ftatibn. He had already joined, or at leaft feemed1 to join, the revolutioners, being determined
to

SOUTH CAROLINA.

283

to retain at all events his places of profit and emolu ment. The countenance and encouragement he had given the people, they confidered as a justification of their meafures-, and though they had pafled" a vote, that no perfon who held an office under the Proprie tors fiiould be permitted to contiwue in it, yet, as they found Rhett fo obfcquious to their, views, they thought proper to difpenfe with it for an acquifition of fuch importance. They not only allowed him to continue in his former offices, but alfo made him Lieutenant-General of the militia, and Overfeer to the works in repairing the fortifications. So tjiat, inftead of giving afiiftance to Governor Johnfon for fupporting the intereft. and power of the proprietary government, he fhamefully deferted him, betrayed his truft, and joined the revolutio.ners,

RHETT, neverthelefs, to the aftonifhment of eve- And pre-

ty one, ftill maintained his credit with the Proprie- *cn'" tilc

tors, and had the art to perfuacle them he had done dence of

all out of zeal for the fervice of his majelly, and for the Pro-

the good of the province. He wrote them two letters, pl "" r"

giving them an account of all that had happened, and

affuring them he had accepted of a commiinon from

Mr. Moore, in order the more effectually to promote

their intereft, by giving him an opportunity of con-

verfing freely with the people, and periaading them

to return to their duty and allegiance. He rcprefent-

ed the inflexibility of Governor Johnfon as one fource

of the difcontent and defcdion of the people, and

utterly inconfiftent with good policy. He told them,

that there are times when the minds of men \viil not

bend to authority, when the rigid exertion cf power

defeats its end, and when lenity bcconu-s a more

Kn2

cfS;-ciou3

284

THE HIST ORY OF

efficacious remedy againft di affection to government than feverity. The Proprietors believed him, and fuch was their confidence in his honour and fidelity, that they fent him a letter expreffing their approba tion of his conduit, in the following words: " We " have received your letters, wherein you give us a " melancholy account of the prefent confufed govern" ment of our province, and of the great confterna *' tion of the inhabitants, from the dreadful appre" henfion they have of a foreign invafion. But fince " they have been fo unfortunate as to bring them" felves into fo much confufion, we are not a little " pleafed that your zeal for the fervice of his majefty, " and the fafety of the province, has engaged you " to take upon you the command of the forces; for " as, by your command of the faid forces, you for-T " merly defended and faved the country from the in" fults of an invading enemy, fo we doubt not but " you will again ufe your utmoft fltill to free your " fame fellow-fubjecls from the imminent danger " they at prefent labour under. And fince you have " taken upon you the fame command, we earneftly " intreat you, that, with the greateft application, you " will continue your endeavours in that command " fof the fafety and prefervation of the province, " until you fhall hear farther from us: We wifh you " all imaginable fuccefs, and bid you heartily fare" well."

IN the mean time Governor Johnfon received cer tain advice, that the Spaniards had failed from the Havanna with a fleet of fourteen fliips, and a force confiding of twelve hundred men, againft South Ca rolina and Providence liland, and it was uncertain
wbkk

SOUTH CAROLINA.

485

<yhich of the two they would firft attack. At this Further time of.i.m.m.inent d,anger th, e G,-,overnor again attempt- Oaftttehme6potsed to recal the people to fubje&ion and obedience, vernor to and fent the following letter to the Convention. " I " flatter myfelf that the invafion which at prefent " threatens the province, has awakened a thought in f you of the necefiity there is of the forces afting " under lawful authority and commiffion. The in*' conveniences and confufion of not admitting it are " io obvious, I need not mention them. I have hi" therto borne the indignities put upon me, and the ?' lofs I fuftain by being out of my government, with " as much temper as the nature of the thing will " admit of, till fuch time as his majefty's pleafure " fhall be known. But to have another man to af" fume my authority when danger threatens the pro" vince and action is expected, and to be deprived " of the opportunity of ferving the public in my ftaf< tion, as I am indifpenfibly bound to do upon fuch " occafions, I being anfwerable to the King for any " negleft regarding the welfare of the province, is " what I cannot patiently endure. I am willing with <' my council to confult and advife with you for the " good and fafety of the country in this time of im'' minent danger, as a Convention of the people, as ' you firft called yourfelves; nor do I fee, in this " prefent juncture of affairs, any occafion for forma?' lity in our proceedings, or that I explain by whofe " authority I ad in grants of commiffions or other (< public orders. Mr. Moore's commiffion you have " given him does not pretend to fay that it is derived " from the King. You have already confcffed I am " inverted with fome authority of which you approve, " and that is enough. What 1 iniift upon is, to be
" allowed

286

THE HIST )RY OF

" allowed to ad as Governoi , becaufe I have been " approved of by the King. I do not apprehend " there is any neceffity of doing any thing at prefent " but what relates to military affairs ; and 1 do be" lieve people will be better fatisfied, more ready to " advance neceffaries, to truft the public, and obey " my commands, by virtue of the King's authority " which I have, if left to their liberty, than the orders "of any other perfon in the province ; and in a fhort " time we may expect his majefty's pleafure will be " known. If my reafons have not the weight with " you I expecl they fhould, you ought at leaft to put " it to the vote, that, if a majority mould be againft " it, I may have that to juftify myfelf to the King " and the world, who ought to be fatisfied that I have " done all I can for ferving the country, and diichar-
tne duty of my ftation."

BY this letter Governor Johnfon thought to alarm and terrify the people, by reprefenting the dangerous confequences of military operations under unlawful authority; but they remained firm to their purpofe, and the Convention, without taking any notice of it, continued to do bufinefs with Mr. Moore as they had begun. Sir Hovenden Walker, the Prefident of their Council, being difgufted at their pro ceedings, left them and retired to his plantation ; but they chofe Richard Allein in his {lead, and proceeded to concert meafures for the public de fence. They proclaimed the martial laW, and or dered all the inhabitants of the province to Charlestown for its defence. AH the officers of the militia accepted their cormniffions from Mr. Moore, and en
gaged to ftand by him againft all foreign enemies. Far-

SOUTH CAROLINA.

487

For two weeks the Provincial militia were kept under arms at Charleftown every day expecting the ap pearance of the Spanifh fleet ; which they were in formed had failed from the Havanna. Happily for them, to acquire pofieffion of both fides of the Gulf of Florida, and fecure the navigation through this ftream, the Spaniards had refolved firft to attack Providence, and then to proceed againft Ca-relina: but by the conduct and courage of Captain Rogers, at that time Governor of the ifland, they met with a fharp repulfe at Providence, and foon after ehey loft the greateft part of their fleet in a ftorm.

THE Spanifli expedition having thus proved abor

tive, the Flamborough man of war, commanded by

Captain Hildeiley, returned to her ftation at Charles*

town from Providence Ifland. About the fame time

his Majefty's fhip Phoenix, commanded by Captain

Pierce, arrived from-a cruize. The commanders of

thefe two men of war were carrefled1 by both par

ties, but they publicly declared for Governor John-

fon as the magiftrate inverted with legal authority;

Charles Hart, fecretary of the province, by orders

from the Governor and Council, had fecreted and

fqcured the public records, fo that the revolutioners

could not obtain poflefiion of them. The clergy

refufed to marry without a licence from Governor

Johnfon, as the only legal Ordinary of the province.

Thefe inconveniencies having begun to operate,

rendered feveral of the people more cool in their af-

feftion for the popular government. At this June- The Go-

ture Governor.Johnfon, with the afliftance of the cap- ^"at-*

tains and crews of the (hips of war, made his laft and tempt to

boldeft effort for fubje&ing the colonifts to his autha-

20

ty rity.

US

THEHISfORYOF

rity. He brought up the fhips of war in front tit Charleftown, and threatened their capital with im; mediate deftruftion, if they any longer refufed obe dience to legal authority. But the people having both arms in their hands for defence, and forts in their pofieffion to which they could retreat;, bid defiance to his power, and fhewed him plainly that they were neither to be won by flattery, nor terrified by threats, to fubmit their necks any more to the pro prietary yoke; and therefore for the future Governor Johnfon dropt all thoughts of making any more at tempts for that purpofe.

NICHOLAS TROTT nowobferving the frame of the

proprietary government totally unhinged, and a ri

val Judge planted in his room, refolved to return

to England. But before he embarked he wrote

to Governor Johnfon, acquainting him with his re-

folution, and promifing, if he would contribute ten

wards defraying his expences, he would give the

Proprietors fuch a favourable account of his con-

<lucl: and fervices, as would enfure to him the con

tinuance of his office. But the Governor being na

ftranger to the character of the Judge^ and being

convinced that both the revolt of the people, and

fubverfion pf government, were in a great mea-

fure to be afcribed to his pernicious policy and fe-

cret correfpondence with his friend the fecretary to

the Proprietors, difdainfully rejected his intefeft and

friendfhip. To which difrefpecl: for the Judge^

however, Mr. Johnfon attributed many of the in

jurious fufpicions the- Proprietors entertained of

his honour and fidelity, and that fhameful negleft

which he was afterwards treated by them*

d

They

SOUTH CAROLINA.

289

They had wrote him no anfwer to his letters re- Injurious

fpe&ing the violent fteps the people had taken, or ^-J^rcTM

ever informed him whether his conduft during thofe gard to

popular commotions had met with their approbation *j^c^*

or difapprobation. Some of them even alledged that the Go-

he was privy to the defigns of the malecontents; vernor-

and gave them too much countenance and indul

gence. But every principle of honour, duty and

intereft forbade fuch a conriivance, and the upright

and refpectable character he maintained, rendered

fuch fufpicions groundlefs and unmerited. That he

fhould join with a difaffe&ed multitude in fchemes

of oppofition, to diveft himfelf of his government,

was a thing fcarcely to be fuppofed. That he mould

firft wink at the fubverfion of the proprietary govern

ment, and afterwards refufe to govern them for the

King, when folicited fo to do by the reprefcntativcs

and whole body of the people, \vas a thing very im

probable. When he arrived in the province, he found

the inhabitants difcontented and unhappy;, but little

fufj$ecl.ed then they had any views of renoun

cing their allegiance to the Proprietors; and the

various arts the people ufed to conceal from him

their defigns, were proofs they had every thing to

fear> and nothing to hope for from their Governor.

The many attempts made to defeat their meafures

were alfo evidences of his' fidelity to their Lordfhips,

and firmnefs in fupport of their government. He

indeed differed with Trott and Rhett, the two favou

rites of the Proprietors, and perhaps to this, among

other caufes, the negledl with which he was treated

by their Lordfhips may be afcribed. For as they

difcovered on all occafions fuch a partial regard to

thefe men, and placed fuch unlimited confidence

Oo

in

THE HIS TORY OF
in them, the perfon who di j'eredfrom them, however fair and unbleniifhed his character, however firmly attached to their intereft, was not likely, in fuch circumftances of trouble and difficulty, to efcape all injurious fufpicions. We have blamed the Pro prietors in many refpefts with regard to the management jf. their colony, and we cannot think them worthy of praife in withdrawing their coun tenance and friendfhip from a Governor, who manifeRed fuch zeal and refolution in fupport of their authority. Being equally fubjecl to the laws of their country with the Garolineans over whom -they ruled,, their power was likely to be feeble, even when exercifed in the nioft.'prudent and gentle manner; but more efpecially when executed with rigour. Britifii fubjecls in general abhor oppreffion, even from a fupreme, and it could fcarcely be expe&ed they would tamely fubnlit to it,' from a fubordinate jurifdidion.
IN the mean time the agent for Carolina had pro cured a hearing from the Lords of the regency and council in England, the King being at that time in Hanover; who gave it as their opinion, that the Proprietors had forfeited their charter, and ordered the Attorney-general to take out a fcire facias againft it. In confequence of which, in September Francis 1720, they appointed General Francis Nicolfon proanpoint- v ^ona^ Governor of the province, with a commifedCover- fion from the King. Nicolfon was a man poffeiTed. rneogrebnyctyh.e Qf ajj tke honourable pr rinciples of a good foldier. He was generous, bold, and fleady. He had been Gover nor of feveral different colonies, and it was thought his knowledge and experience in provincial affairs would render him well qualified for the important truft.
He

SOUTH CAROLINA.

291

He knew his duty as commander and chief, and was afraid of neither dangers nor difficulties in the execution of it 5 a warm friend to the King, and deeply concerned for the profperity of his country : fcarcely could they have pitched upon a man more fit to govern the province in fuch a confufed and iniferable ftate.

UPON a review of thofe paft tranfaclions, and the General

various caufes which concurred for bringing about onsontiie -

this event, which 1 have narrated the more fully whole

and

circumftantially

on

account

of

the

interefting

tranfactions.

nature and important confequences of the change,

we may obferve, that although the conduct of the

Carolineans during this violent ftruggle cannot,

ftriSJy fpeaking, be deemed legal, equitable and

juft, yet neceffity, which has no law, and felf-prefcr-

vation, the moft powerful principle of affion, both

ftrongly plead in their vindication. When the Pro

prietors firft applied to the King for a grant of this

large territory, at that time occupied by heathens,

it is faid they were excited thereto by their zeal for

the propagation of the Chriftian faith; yet it is now-

plain that they have either ufed no endeavours for

that purpofe, or they have been utterly ineffectual.

The Society for the propagation of the Gofpel have

indeed employed and fupported miflionaries- for the

converfion of thofe heathens; yet it is a lamentable

truth, that their bed endeavours have been vaftly

inadequate to the extent of the work, and therefore

their fuccefs has proved fmall and inconfiderable.

The Proprietors by their charter were empowered

to build churches and chapels within the bounds

of their province for divine worfhip; yet they

Oo 2

have

20.2

THE H STORY OF

have left the burden c f this work entirely to the inhabitants, who have received no encouragement nor affiftance, except from the incorporated So ciety, towards its accomplimment. They were impowered by their charter to erecl: caflles and forts for the protection and defence of the colony; but all thofe the people have alfo been obliged to raifc. at their own expence. By the charter his Malefty faved to himfelf, his heirs arid fucceffors, the, ibvereign dominion of the province, and the faith and allegiance of his fubjeds, the inhabitants of it, declaring them to be the liege people of the crown of England ; yet the Proprietors have aflumed to themfelves a defpotic authority in repealing and abrogating, by themfelves alone, laws made by the Affembly, and ratified by their deputies in Caro lina. They not only tyrannized over the poor colony, but alfo employed and protected officer* ten times more tyrannical than themfelves. When the whole Icgiflature complained of Chief Juflice Trott, they paid n,o regard to their complaints, and abfolutely refufed to circumfcvibe his jurifdiftion, or remove him from the bench. In times of immi nent danger, when the colony applied to them for affiflance, they were either unable or unwilling to bear the expence of its protection. When the Af fembly allotted the Indian lands obtained by conquefl for the encouragement of fettlcrs, to ftrengthcn the Provincial frontiers, the Proprietors claimed the fole right of difpohng of thofe lands, and fruftiated their plans of public fecunty. When the trade of the province was infefled and ruined by pirates, they could neither obtain a force fufficient to extir pate them, nor a ccnirrmation of their laws made {or
defraying

SOUTH CAROLINA.

493

defraying the expence of fuch expeditions as the co lony fitted out againft them. The current money of the province, Stamped for anSwering its public exigen ces, was, at the requeft of the merchants of London, cried down and cancelled. In fhort, the people faw no end of troubles and dangers. Sad exigence dic tated the neceffity of fome remedy againft their poli tical evils. No remedy under heaven appeared to them fo proper and effectual as that of throwing themfelves under the immediate care and protection of the crown of Great Britain. For under the excellent constitution of England, where the fupreme power was both able and willing to protect them againft every enemy, they evidently perceived they could only live happy and fecure ; therefore, lick of the feeble proprietary government., the people, after many violent Struggles and convulsions, by one bold and irregular effort entirely (hook off the yoke, and a revolution, fruitful of happy confequences, took place, to their great relief and unfpeakablc fatisfaftion.

THE Proprietors, after long trial and frequent amendrnents, now finding that fine-fpun fyftem, by which they flattered themfelves with having avoided the inconveniencies and fupplied the defects of the Englifh form of government, ufelefs and impracticable, were at length convinced, that it was a much eafier thing to find fault with the constitution of Old England than to mend it. They now perceived that all fajpis of government muft be made for men as they really are, and not for them as they ought to be, and that it was impoliible for the wifelt legislators upon earth to mould men into any form they pleafed by laws
and

THE HI'5 TORY OF
and regulations. From ti e firft fettlement of thi< colony, one perpetual itruggle has fubfifted between the Proprietors and poffeffors of the province. A divifion fomewhat fimilar to that of the "conn and country parties in England, early fprung up in the fettlement, and kept it in continual ferment and agi tation. The exertions of proprietary power and pre rogative, the people confidered as inconfiftent with their rights and privileges; hence they became tur bulent and feditious, and were feldom fatisfied with their governors in their public capacity, however efteemed and beloved as private men. The hands of government were always weak, and the inftrucYions and regulations received from England were, for the mod part, ill adapted to the local circumftances of the people, and the firft flate of colonization. The pa latines in England and Germany, whole jurifdidlion and authority have been eftabliflied by time, and whofe governments have acquired firmnefs and (labi lity, would probably have deemed this ufurpation illegal and rebellious, and punifhed the authors and abettors of it. No doubt a firm yet moderate oppofition to the meafures of government in defence of the rights and liberties of the people, differs as much from ufurpation, as a wholefome remedy to a difordered conftitution differs from deadly poifon. But the great diftance, dangerous circutnitatices, and complicated hardihips of the Carolineans; the negligence, bad poli cy and tyranny of the Proprietors; all concurred to ren der their ufurpation not only excufeable, but abfolutely neceflary. The Revolution in England had exempli fied and confirmed the doctrine of refinance, when the executive magiftrate prefumes to violate the fun
damental

SOUTH CAROLINA.

295

damental laws, and fubvert the conftitution of the nation. The Proprietors had done ads, which the Lords in regency had declared amounted to a forfei ture of their charter, and had ordered a writ of fare facias to be taken out, for repealing their patent and rendering the grant void and null. By which means all political connection between the Proprietors and people of Carolina was now entirely diflblved, and a new relation formed, the King having taken the province under his immediate care and protection, and made it a part of the Britifh empire.

ABOUT the beginning of the year 1721, Francis , Nicolfon arrived in Carolina, and having the fanlion r;vai oc. of the Britifh government for his appointment, Mr. cafions Johnfon acquiefced in his authority, and made no mon j0y. more efforts in behalf of the Lords Proprietors. The people in general congratulated one another on the happy change, and received General Nicolfon with the moft uncommon and extravagant demonftrations of joy. The voice of murmur and difcontent, together with the fears of danger and oppreffion, were now banifhed from the province. Happy under the royal care, they refolved to forget all former an'unofities and divifions, and bury all paft offen ces in eternal oblivion. The only contention now remaining was, who fhould be the moft faithful fubje&s of his majefty, and the moft zealous in promoting the union, peace and profperity of the fettlement. From a confufed and diftrafted ftate they now looked upon themfelves as happily delivered, and anticipated in imagination all the bielfings of freedom and fecurity, followed by indufty and plenty,
approaching,

296*

THE HIS' ORY OF

approaching, and as it we 2 ready to diffufe their happy influence over the country.

SOON after his arrival, Governor Nicolfon iflued

writs for the election of a new affembly, who now en

tered with great temper and cheerfulnefs on the regu

lation of provincial affairs. They chofe James Moore,

their late popular governor, fpeaker of the houfe, of

whom the Governor declared his entire approbation.

The pco- The firft bufinefs they engaged in, was to make an

perecog- ^Q.^ declaring they recognized and acknowledged his

Georgeas facred majefty King George to be the rightful Sove-

theirJawrfeuilgfno.ve-

rejgn of a,,'l tne

dGomrei.anti.oBnrsitaainnd,

France, and Ireland, provi.nces ,belongi.ng

and of to the

empire, and in particular his undoubted right to the

province of Carolina. All actions and fuits at law

commenced on account of the late adminiftration of

James Moore by particular perfons, creating mifun-

derftandings and animofities among the people, were

declared void and null, till his majefly's pleafurc

touching fuch adminiftration fhall be known ; but all

judicial proceedings under the fame adminiftration

were confirmed ; which acls were at this time judged

proper and neceffary for eftablifliing harmony and

tranquillity among the inhabitants. The two parties

formerly fubfilting, the one compofed of a few ad

herents to Governor Johnfon, and the other of the

followers of James Moore, Nicolfon had the good

fortune to unite, and, by the wifdpm and equity of

his adminiftration, to render both equally happy and

contented under the royal government and protec

tion*

t

EEFORI

SOUTH CAROLINA.

297

BEFORE Governor Nicolfon left England, a fufpenfion of arms between Great Britain and Spain had been publifhed, and^ by the treaty of peace which af terwards took place, it was ftipulated and agreed, that all fubje&s and Indians living under their diffe rent jurifdiflions fhould ceafe from a<Ets of hoftilityi Orders were fent out to Don Antonio Navidez, go vernor of Florida, to forbear molefting the Carolineans; and the British governor had alfo inftrucYions to cultivate the friendfhip and good-will of the Spanifh fubje&s and Indians of Florida. In conrequence of which, Governor Nicolfon, who was no ftranger The Go to the manners of favages, refolved to apply himfelf 1^^" with great zeal and fpirit to the regulation of Indian Indian affairs, and to enter into treaties of friendfhip and affair'alliance with the different tribes around the fettlement. As moft of their troubles from Indians had been occafioned by Europeans taking povTemon of lands claimed by them, without their permiffion or confent; to prevent quarrels and mifchiefr the firft objecl that demanded his attention was to fix the limits and extent of their territories, and then to forbid encroachments on their hunting grounds. With thefe views he fent a meflage to the Cherokees, (a powerful nation, computed at this time to confift of no lefs than fix thoufand bowmen), acquainting them, that he had prefents to make them, and would meet them at the borders of their territories, to hold a general congrefs 'with them, in order to treat of mutual friendlhip and commerce. They rejoiced at a propofal which plainly implied they were a free and reipe&able people, and immediately the chiefs of thirtyfeven different towns fet out to meet him.

Pp

AT

29$

THE HIS 'ORY OF

AT this congrefs the Governor having made them feveral prelents, and finoked the pipe of peace with them, marked the 'boundaries of the lands between them and the Englifh fertlers. He regulated all weights and meafures, that juftice might be done them in the way of traffic. He appointed an agent to fuperintend their affairs, and, to unite them under a common head, propofed to nominate one warrior as commander and chief of the whole nation, before whom all complaints were to be laid, and who was to acquaint the Governor with every injury done them. With the confent of all prefent Wrofetafatow was declared chief warrior of the Cherokee nation, with full power to puniih all guilty of depredations and murders, and to obtain fatisfa&ion for every injury done to Indians from the Britifh fettlers. After which the Indians returned to their towns, highly pleafed with their generous brother and new ally. The Go vernor then proceeded to conclude another treaty of commerce and peace with the Creeks, who were alfo at that time a numerous and formidable nation. He likewife appointed an agent to refide among them, whofe bufinefs was to regulate Indian affairs in a friendly and equitable manner, and fixed on Savanna river as the boundary of their hunting lands, beyond which no fettlements were to extend. Such negotiations were in many refpe&s ufef'ul and important; for when Europeans take poiTeffion of lands contrary to the inclination, and without the permiflion and confent of thefe free and independent nations who claimed them as their property, it would puzzle a wife man to vindicate their tenure on any principles of equity and juftice.

HAVIN*

SOUTH CAROLINA.

299

HAVING now fecured the province as well as poffi- And pro-

ble againft external foes, Governor Nicolfon turned j-!jo*sipl

his attention next to internal regulations, particularly flitutio;.s.

to fuch as refpecled the religious inftruclion of the

people. For though he was bred a foldier, and was

profane, paffionate and headftrong himfelf, yet he was

not infenfible of the great advantage of religion to

fociety, and contributed not a little to its intereft in

Carolina, both by his public influence and private

generoiity. The number of inhabitants in each pa-

rifh being confiderably increafed, it was found necei-

fary to enlarge feveral churches for their accommo

dation. The inhabitants of St. Paul's pariih, many of

whom, having had their houfes burnt, and otherwife

(uflered heavy lofles in the YamaiTee war, were obliged to apply to the public for afiifh-mce in this laudable

defign. The parifh of St. George was feparated and

taken out of that of St. Andrews by an act of aflem-

bly, and a new church was built at a finall village

called Dorchefter, by public allowance and private

contributions. The inhabitants in and about George

town, who had long lived without the benefit of public

worfhip, infomuch that the appearance of religion

among them had almoft entirely vaniihed, claimed

particular attention. To erect a church in this quar

ter the Governor propoied a private fubfcriptioo,

and fet the example by largely contributing towards

the public inftitution. He made application to the

Society in England for propagating the Gofpd, and

they fupplied the province with clergymen, giving

each of them an yearly allowance over and above

the provincial falary. As no public fchools had yet

been inftituted for the inftruclicn of youth in the

principles of virtue and religion, the Governor

Pp 2

urgra

300

THE HISTORY OF

urged alfo the ufefulnefs ai i neceffity of fuch provin, cial eOabliftiments. It was alledged, that the want of early in ft ruction was one of the chief fources of im piety and immorality, and if they continued any longer to neglett the rifing generation, piety and Chrifti-anity would infenfibly decay, and they would foon have a race of white people in the, country equally ignorant as the brown Indians. Animated by the example, and afiifted by the generofity of their Governor, the colonifis therefore in good earneft engaged in providing feminaries for the religiqu* education of youth. Hefides general contributions, feveral particular legacies were alfo left for this purpofe^ Mr. Whitmarfli 'left five hundred pounds to St. Paul's parifh, for founding a free fchool in it. Mr. Ludlam^ the Society's miffionary at Goofe-creek, bequeathed all his eftatc. which, was computed to amount to two thoufand pounds Carolina currency, for the fame purpofe. Richard Beresfords, by his will, bequeathed the annual profits of his eflate to be paid to the veftry of St. Thomas parifli in trull, until his fon, then eight years pf age, mould arrive at the age of twenty-one years; directing them to apply one third of the yearly pro fits of this estate for the fupport of one or more fchool matters, who Ihould teach reading, accounts, mathematics, and other liberal learning; and the of her two thirds for the fupport, maintenance, and education of the poor of that p;arim. The veftry accordingly received from this ellate fix thoufand five hundred pounds Carolina, money, for promoting thofe pious and charitable purpofes. The Society in England fent out teachers, money and books, and affifted greatly, by their zeal and bounty, towards the religious imlrncYion of the people. So much
mu(t

SOUTH CAROLINA.
jnuft be faid for the honour of Governor Nicolfofl whofe liberality was confpicuoufly difplayed in behalf of thofe religious inftitutions, and whofe exam ple excited that fpirit of emulation among the people for promoting them. In Charleftown, and in feveral other parifhes in the country, public fchools were built and endowed d.uringjiis government, and every friend to knowledge and virtue, every well-wifher to pofterity, feemed to promife themfelves the grcateft advantages from fuch wife and public-fpirited defigns.
THOUGH religion, rightly underftood and generally pracTifed, is productive ef the mod falutary and beneficial confequences to fociety, yet nothing has a more pernicious influence than miftaken notions of it. Of all kinds of delufion, religious enthufiafmis the moft deplorable, and has often been attended with the moft mejancholy and difmal efie&s. By abufing the beft things, they may be made the innocent occafion of the worft. Many calamities have hap* pened in the world, even on account of religion, yet the fatal confequences ought not to be charged to that divine inftitution which naturally breathes benevolence, gentlenefs and peace, but to the ignorance and corrup tion of human nature, which pervert and abufe it* Enthufiafts generally agree in two articles: they difclaim the power and authority of the civil magiftrate, and miftake their own wild fancies, the fruits of a diftempered brain, far the impulfes of the Divine Spirit, both of which are big with the moft fatal confequences to fociety. The defperate fanatic Venner, in the reign of Charles the fecond, was not more tranfported with re ligious phrenzy and madnefs, than an unfortunate fa mily in Carolina at this time happened to be: For the credit of the province, it were to be \viihed that fuch
an

THEHISTJRYOF
an incident lay buried in etCk lal oblivion ; but hiilory claims the privilege of exhibiting examples of dif ferent kinds for public inftrucYion. If good exam ples ferve as a fpur to ftimulate men to virtue and religion, bad ones, on the contrary, may alfo ferve, like beacons upon a rock, to warn men of danger and delufion.
The en- " TH E family of Dutartres confiding of four fons ofUtheffe- " and four daughters > wefe defcendents of French mily of " refugees, who came into Carolina after the rcvoDutartre. catjon of the efo& of Nantz . They lived in
" Orange-quarter, and though in low circumftan" ces always maintained an honefl character, and " were efteemed by their neighbours perfons of " blamelefs and irreproachable lives. But at this " time a (trolling Moravian preacher happening to " come to that quarter where they lived, infmuated " himfelf into their family, and partly by converfa" tion, and partly by the writings of Jacob Behman, " which he put into their hands, filled their heads " with wild and fantaftic ideas. Unhappily for the " poor family thofe ftrange notions gained ground " on them, infomuch that in one year they began ~" to withdraw themfelves from the ordinances of " public worfhip, and all converfation with the world " around them, and ftrongly to imagine they were " the only family upon earth who had the know" ledge of the true God, and whom he vouchfafed " t,6 inftruQ:, either by the immediate impulfes of " his Spirit, or by figns and tokens from heaven. " At length it came to open vifions and revelations. " God raifed up a prophet among them^ like unto '' Mofes, to whom he taught them to hearken.
" This

SOUTH CAROLINA.

303

" This prophet was Peter Rombert, who had mar" ried the eldeft daughter of the family when a wi" dow. To this man the Author and Governor of " the world deigned to reveal, in the plaineft man" ner, that the wicked riefs of man was again fo " great in the world, that as in the days of Noah he " was determined to deftroy all men from off the face " of it, except one family whom he would fave for " raifing up a godly feed upon earth. This reve" lation Peter Rombert was fure of, and felt it as " plain as the wind blowing on his . body, and the " reft of the family, with equal confidence and pre" fumption, firmly believed it.

" A FEW days after this, God was pleafed to re* veal .himfelf a fecond time to the prophet, fay" mg, Put away the woman whom thou haft for thy " wife, and when I have deftroyed this wicked ge" nerationy I will raife up her firtt hufband from the " dead, and they ihall be man and wife as before, " and go chou and take to wife her youngeft filter, " who is a virgin, fotfhaHthe chofen family be re" ftored entire, and the holy feed preferred pure " and undented in it. At firft the father, when he " heard of this revelation, was ftaggered at fo ex" traordinary a command from heaven; but the pro" pjiet affured him that God would give him a fign, " which accordingly happened ; upon which the old " man took his youngeft daughter by the hand, " and gave her to the wife prophet immediately for " his wife, who without further ceremony took the " damfel and deflowered her. Thus for fome time " they continued in acts of inceft and adultery, un-
'" til ,

$04

THE HIS TORY OF

" til that period which i iade the fatal difcoveryj " and introduced the bloody fcene of blind fanati- " cifm and madnefs.

" THOSE deluded wretches were fd far pofiefled

<f with the falfe conceit of their own righteoufnefs

" and holinefs, and of the horrid wickednefs of all

" others, that they refufed obedience to the civil

" magiftrate, and all laws and ordinances of men.

" Upon pretence that God commanded them to bear

M no arms, they not only refufed to comply with

" the militia law, but alfo the law for repairing the

" high-ways. After long forbearance, Mr. Sim--

" mons, a worthy magiftrate, and the officer of the

" militia in that quarter, found it necefiary to iffue

" his warrants for levying the penalty of the laws

" upon them. But by this time Judith Dutartre, the

" wife the prophet obtained by revelation, pro

" ving with child, another warrant was iffued for

" bringing her before the Juftice to be examined,

" and bound over to the general feffions, in confe-

" quence of a law of the province, framed for pre-

" venting baflardy. The conftable having received

" his warrants, and being jealous of meeting with

u no good ufage in the execution of his office, pre-

" vailed on two or three of his neighbours to go

" along with him. The family obferving the con-

" ftable coming, and being apprized of his errand,

" confulted their prophet, who foon told them that

" God commanded them to arm and defend them-

" felves againft perfecution, and their fubflance a-

" gainft the robberies of ungodly men ; affuring

" them at the fame time that no weapon formed a-

" gainfl them fhould profper. Accordingly they did

2

" fa,

SOUTH CAROLINA.

3*5

" fo, and laying hold of their arms, fired on the con" (table and his followers, and drove them out of " their plantation. Such behaviour was not to be " tolerated, and therefore Captain Simmons gathered " a party of militia, and went to protect the confta" ble in the execution of his office. When the de" luded family faw the Juftice and his party ap" preaching, they (hut themfelves up in their houie, " and firing from it like furies, (hot Captain Simmons " dead on the fpot, and wounded feveral of his party. " The ir.ilitia returned the fire, kille4 one woman " within the houfe, and afterwards forcibly entering it, " took the reft prifoners, fix in number, and brought " them to Charleftown.

", AT the Court of general feffions, held in Sep- Their

" tember 1724, three of them were brought to tnal. an<* " triali, froundi gui-lity andi condiemnedi. A.1la1s! mi- cnantidoenm. -

" ferable creatures, what amazing infatuation pof-

" fefled them ! They pretended they had the Spi-

" rit of God leading them to all truth, they knew

" it and felt it: but this fpirit, inftead of influencing

" them to obedience, purity and peace, commanded

" them to commit rebellion., inceft, and murder.

" What is ftill more aftoniihing, the principal per-

" fons among them, I mean the prophet, the father

"of the family, and Michael Boneau, never-were

" convinced of their delufion, but perfifted in it un-

" til their lad breath. During their trial they ap-

" peared altogether unconcerned and fecure, afnriu-

" ing that God was on their fide, and therefore

"they feared not what man could do unto them.

" They freely told the inceiluous (lory in open court

" in all its circuinfrances and aggravations, with a

C^.q

" good

THE HIS .'ORY OF
" good countenance, and ery readily confeffed the " facts refpecYmg their rebellion and murder, with " which they flood charged, but pled their autho" rity from God in vindication of themfelves, and " infilled they had done nothing in either cafe but " by his exprefs command.
" As it is commonly the duty of clergymen to vifit " perfons under fentence of death, both to convince " them of their error and danger, and prepare them " for death by bringing them to a penitent difpofition; " Alexander Garden, the epilcopalminifler of Charles" town, to whom we are indebted for this account, " attended thofe condemned perfons with great dili" gence and concern. What they had affirmed in the " court of juftice, they repeated and confeffed to him " in like manner in the prifon. When he began to " reafon with them and to explain the heinous na" ture of their crimes, they treated him with dif" dain. Their motto was, Anfwer him not a word; " who is he that iliould prefume to teach them, '* who had the Spirit of God fpeaking inwardly to " their fouls. In all they had done, they faid they " had obeyed the voice of God, and were now a"bout to fuffer martyrdom for his religion. But " God had affured them, that he would either work " a deliverance for them* or raife them up from the " dead on the third day. Thefe things the three " men continued confidently to believe, and not^ " withflanding all the means ufed to convince them " of their miftake, perfifled in the fame belief un" til the moment they expired. At their execution " they told the fpectators with fe.eming triumph, they " fliould foon fee them again, for they were certain " they fhoukl rife from th.c dead on the third day.
" WlTft

SOUTH CAROLINA.

307

" WITH refpeft to the other three, the daughter " Judith being with child, was not tried, and the two " fons, David and John Dutartre, about eighteen and " twenty years of age, having been alfo tried and " condemned, continued fullen and referred, in " hopes of feeing thofe that were executed rife from " the dead, but being difappointed, they became, or " at lead feemed to become, fenfible of their error, " and were both pardoned. Yet not long after" wards one of. them relapfsd into the fame fnare, " and murdered an innocent perfon, without either " provocation or previous quarrel, and for no other " reafon, as he confeffed, but that God had com" manded him fo to do. Being a fecond time brought " to trial, he was found guilty of murder and con" de'mned. Mr. Garden attended him again under " the fecond fentenc^, and acknowledged, with " great appearance of fuccefs. No man could ap" pear more deeply fenfible of his error and delu" fion, or could die a more fmcere and hearty pe" nitent on account of his horrid crimes. With " great attention he liftened to Mr. Garden, while " he explained to him the terms of pardon and " falvation propofed in the Gofpel, and feemed to " die in the humble hopes of mercy, through the " all-fufficient merits of a Redeemer."

THUS ended that tragical fcene of fanaticifm, in

which feven perfons loft their lives, one was killed,

two were murdered, and four executed for the mur

ders. A fignal and melancholy jnftance of the

weaknefs and frailty of human nature, and to what

giddy heights of extravagance and madnefs, an in

flamed imagination will carry unfortunate mortals. "

2

It

308

THE H I S T > R Y O F

It is hard for the wifdom of men to conceive a re medy for a diftemper fuch as religious infatuation. Severity and perfccution commonly add ftrength to the contagion, and render it more furious. Indul gence and lenity might perhaps pro,ve mere effi cacious, as the fwellings of phrenzy would in time fubfide, in proportion a they exceed the bounds of nature. Had they given this unhappy fa mily time for cool thought and reflection, it is not 'improbable that thofe clouds of delufion which overfpread their minds might have difper-fed, and they might have returned to a fenfe of their frailty and error. But it belongs to the civil power to pro hibit wild enthufiafts and mad vifionaries from fpreading doctrines' among vulgar people, deftrutlive of civil order and public peace. The majority of man kind every where are ignorant and credulous, and therefore are objects of companion, and ought to be protefted agairift the baleful influence of fuch men as feduce them from their duty and fubjeelion to legal authority, by poifoning their minds with notions hurtful to themfelves and others.

EroTi-efs ABOUT this time the number of white inhabitants, 6f 'he including men, women, and children, was computed co any. tQ amouRt to fourteen thoufand, an incrcafe, in the
fpace of fifty-four years after the arrival of the firft colony, very linall and inconfiderable, and occafipned, no doubt, both by the unheakbinefs of the cli mate and by the difcouragements and troubles which prevailed during the proprietary government. The province now furnifhed the inhabitants with provifions in abundance, and exported what it could fp'are to the Weft Indies. The white inhabitants lived frugally, as
luxnrj"

SOUTH CAROLINA.

305

'luxury had not yet crept in among them, and, except a little rum and fugar, tea and coffee, were content ed with what their plantations afforded. Maize and Indian peafe feemed congenial with the foil and cli mate : and as they had been cultivated by the favages for provifion, they were found alfo to be excellent food for European labourers, and more wholefome and nouriftiing than rice. Maize delights not to grow on a watry foil, but on dry and loofe land, fuch as the higher fpots on the maritime parts of the province. As the ufe of the plow could not be introduced until the lands were cleared of the roots of trees, to prepare a field for planting it great labour was requifite. They commonly made ridges with the hoe about fivefeet afunder, upon the top of which they planted the fe,ed three inches deep. One gallon of maize will fow an acre, which, with fkilfal management on good lands, will yield in favourable feafons from thirty to fifty bufhels. While it grows it requires to be frequently weeded, and the earth carefully thrown up about the root of the plant, to facilitate its progrefs. As it rifes high, at the root of it the Indian peafe. are ufually planted, which climb up its ftalk like a vine, fo that the lands yield a double crop. From the ftem of maize large blades fpring, which the planters carefully gather, and which, when properly cured, the horfes or cattle will prefer before the fineft hay. Thefe two articles, maize, Indian, peafe, together with the Spanifh potatoes, art the chief fubfiftence of their flaves, confiding chiefly of negroes and a few Indians, and who, at this time, men, women, and children, amounted to between fixteen and twenty thoufand.

3io

THE HIS r ORY OF

IN the year 1724, four h indrcd and thirty-nine flavcs, as alfo Britifh goods and manufactures of dif ferent kinds, to the amount of between fifty and fixty thoufand pounds fterling, were imported into the province In exchange for thefe flaves and commodifies, eighteen thoufand barrels of rice, and about fifty-two thoufand barrels of pitch, tar and turpentine, together with deer-fkins, furs, and raw filk, were ex ported to England. This trade was carried on almoft entirely in Britifh mips, and employed a number of hands. The Carolineans alfo traded to the Weft In dies, and feveral fmall mips and. {loops were employed in carrying provifions, lumber, ftaves and naval ftores to thefe iflands, which they bartered for fugar, rum, molaffes, coffee, cotton, and Spanifli gold and filver. To New England, New York, and Pennfylvania, they fent fome rice, hides, deer-fkins, tar and pitch, which they exchanged for flour, fait fifh, fruit, beer, and cyder,

ALL gold and filver that came into the province from the Weft Indies they commonly fent into Bri tain, to anfwer the demands againft them ; and bills of credit continued increafing and circulating, for the convenience of domeflic commerce. Forty thou fand pounds were iffued during Nicolfon's govern ment, over and above former emiffions, by which increafe the exchange with Britain, and the price of produce arofe in one year from five to fix hundred per cent. This has never failed to be the confequence of iffuing large quantities of paper money in Carolina : for whenever this currency was per mitted to increafe beyond what was neceffary for the purpofes of commerce, it funk in value, and
pro-

SOUTH CAROLINA.

311

proportionally increafed the nominal price of provifions and labour; and of courfe fhould it by any accident be diminifhed, the price would again fall. Befides this, when the imports happened to ex ceed the exports, the great demand for bills of ex change railed the price of them, and helped to increafe the depreciation. of the current money of the province.

AMONG other traders, at this time Othneal .Beale The ad-

commanded a fhip in the Carolina trade ; and while

0

failing from Charleftown to London, not being Beale.

provided with a Mediterranean pafs, he was takeri

by an Algerine rover, who determined to carry him

to Barbary, and for this purpofe took the Englifh

failors 'on board, and manned Captain Beale's fhip

with Algerines, giving them orders to follow him to the

Mediterranean fea. Soon after, a ftorm arifing in

the night feparated the two fhips, and Captain Beale

being the only perfon on board that underftood navi

gation, refolved to avail himfelf of the advantage,

and accordingly, inftead of failing for Africa, fleered.

direftly for England. Upon his arrival the Algerine

failors were furprized, but not at all difpleafed ; they

even confefTed to their ambaflador the kind ufage

they had received ; upon which Captain Beale had all

he loft returned by agreement, together with thanks

for his humanity. This bold adventure likewife pro

cured the captain the honour of an introduction to

the King, who expreffed a defire of feeing him, and

ordered Lord Carteret, then Secretary of flare,

to make him a handfome prefent on the occafion.

This memorable anecdote being publiflied, ferved to

mark him for a man of addrefs and courage in -

Carolina,

3 i2

THE HISTC RY OF

Carolina, where he afterwards ook up his refidence, and in time arrived at the chief command of the militia, was made a member of his majefty's council, and died at the age of eighty-five, a rare inftance of longevity in that country.

Arthur Middleftoidnenptr.e-

I NT the year 1725, Governor Nicolfon having o'btained leave from his majefty, returned to Great B_ ri. tai. n, and, the government d,evol,vedi on A, rth, ur Middlcton, prefideut of the council. Mr. Middieton, though of a referved and mercenary difpofition, was a fenfible rnan, and by no means ill qualified for go verning the province. But having fucceeded a man who liberally fpent all his falary and perquisites of of fice in promoting the public good, he was neither fo much diftinguiihed nor refpe&ed among the colonifts. Being poflefied of a moderate fortune, his chief ftudy was to improve it, and he feemed to afpire after the character of a rich man in private life, ra ther than that of a popular governor and generous benefa&or. As he had taken an a<5live part againft the proprietary government, he was not infenfible of the advantages now gained from the countenance given them by the crown, and was equally careful to promote loyalty to the King as the freedom and fafety of his fellow-fubjedts.

AT this time the boundaries between the provinces

of Carolina and Florida were neither clearly marked nor

well underftood, as they had never been fettled by any

public agreement or treaty between England and Spain.

To prevent negroes efcaping to the Spanifh territories,

and overav/e the Indians under the Spanim juridic-

tion,, the Carolineans had built a fort on the forks of

i

the

SOUTH CAROLINA.

313

the river Alataraaha, and fupportcd a fmall garrifon

in it. This gave umbrage to the governor of Augu-

(line, who complained of it to the court of Madrid, ries be-

reprefenting it as an encroachment on the dominions twe,enCa~ orrSpa.in, and i. ntended, to r_ed, uce thi_e TIndvians frrom their Frololirniadaan. d

allegiance to his Catholic Majefty. The Spanifli ambaf-

fador at London lodged the complaint before the court

of Britain, and demanded that orders be fent out to

Carolina immediately to demolish that fort. To pre

vent any interruption of the good correfpondence then

fubfifting between the two courts, it was agreed to

fend orders to both governors in America to meet in

an amicable manner, and fettle the refpeflive boun

daries between the Britifh and Spanifh dominions

in that quarter. Accordingly foon after Don Fran-

cifco Menandez, and Don Jofeph de Rabiero, came

to Charleftown, to hold a conference with the pre-

fident and council of Carolina about this matter. At

their meeting, Mr. Middleton fhewed thofe deputies,

that this fort was built within the bounds of the char.

ter granted to the Proprietors, and that the preten-

fions of Spain to fuch lands were vain and ground-

lefs. At the fame time he told them, that the fort

on the river Alatamaba was creeled for defending

themfelves and their property againft the depreda

tions of Indians living under the jurifdiclion of Spain.

Then he begged to know from them their reafons for

protecting felons and debtors that fled from Carolina.

to them, and for encouraging negroes to leave their

matters and take refuge at Auguftine, while peace

fubfifted between the two crowns ? The deputies re

plied, That the governor of Florida would deliver up

all felons and debtors; but had exprefs orders for

twenty years paft, to detain all fiaves who ihould fly.

Rr

to

314

THE HIST RY OF

to Auguftine far liberty and , rotetion. Middleton declared he looked on fuch injurious orders as a breach of national honour and faith, efpecially as negroes were real property, fuch as houfes and lands, in Car rolina. The deputies anfwered, That the defign of the King of Spain was not to injure private men having ordered compenfation to be made to the mafters of fuch flaves in money ; but that his humanity and religion enjoined him to iflue fuch orders for the fake of converting flaves to the Chriftian faith. In fhort, the conference ended to the fatisfacYion of neither party, and matters remained as they were i but foon after, the Englifli fort, built of wood, was burned to the ground, and the fouthern frontiers of Carolina were again left naked and defencelefe.

Colonel ^ s no ^nal agreement, with refpeft to the limits of Palmer the two provinces had been concluded, the Indians in "rifak M a"' ance w'tn Spain continued to. harafs the Britifh fet-^ the Spa- tlements: particularly the Yamaffees, as ufual, penetramards. t;ng into Carolina infcalping parties, perfifted in killing
white men, and carrying off every negroe they could catch. Though the owners of flaves had been allowed from the Spanifh government a compenfation in money for their loffes, yet few of them ever received it. At length Colonel Palmer refolved to make reprifals on thofe plunderers, fince no adequate recompence could otherwife be obtained. For this purpofe he gathered toge-. ther a party of militia and friendly Indians, confiding in all of about three hundred men, and entered Florida, with a refolution of fpreading defolation throughout the province. He carried his arms as far as the gates of Auguftine, and compelled the inhabitants to take refuge in their caflle. Scarce a houfe or hut in
the

SOUTH CAROLINA.

3*5

the colony efcaped the flames. He deftroyed their provifions in the fields, and drove off their cattle, hogs and horfes. Some Indians he killed, and others he made prifoners. In fhort, he left the people of Florida little property, except what was protected by the guns of their fort, and by this expedition con vinced the Spaniards of their weaknefs, and the bad policy of encouraging Indians to moleft the fubjefts of Britain. He (hewed them that the Carolineans could prevent the cultivation and fettlement of their province whenever they pleafed, and render the improvement of it impracticable, on any other than peaceable terms with their neighbours.

BUT by this time the Spaniards were not the

only neighbours that created trouble to the Caroli- c^jj.

neans. The French fettled in Louifiana were alfo ad- ment

vancing nearer them, and ufmg all their art and ad- S. e,

drefs for gaining the intereft and affe&ions of thefe in Lou,

favage nations. They erected a ftrong hold, called Fort

Alabama, high up on Mobile river, which was ex

cellently fituated for opening and carrying on a cor-

refpondence with the mod powerful nations around

the Britifh fettlement. The Carolineans had good

reafon to be on their guard againft the influence of

thefe infmuating and enterprifing neighbours. The

tribes of Upper Creeks, whofe hunting lands ex

tended to their fort, were foon win over by promifes

and largefles to an alliance with them. The Che-

rokees indeed lived at a greater diftance from them,

and yet by means of Creeks and other emiflaries,

whom they fent among them, they endeavoured alfo

to bring them over to their intereft. The river Mif-

fiffippi being navigable a great way from its mouth,

11 r 2

opened

ji6

THE HIST JRY OF

opened a communication wu i the Cho&aws, Chikefaws, and other nations refiding near it. So that the French had many excellent opportunities of feducing Indians from their alliance with Britain. The prefident of Carolina employed Captain Tobias Fitch among the Creeks, and Colonel George Chicken among the Cherokees, to keep thefe tribes fteady and firm to the Britifh intereft. Thefe agents, how ever, during the whole time Mr. Middleton prefided over the colony, found no fmall difficulty in counteracting the influence of French policy, and preventing their union and alliance with thefe enemies. From this period the Britifh and French fettlers in America became competitors for power and influence over Indian nations, the one or the other of whom were always expofed to danger and trouble from them, in proportion to the fuccefs of their rivals. Now the Carolineans were farther from peace and fafety than ever. The French fupplied thefe favages with tomahawks, mufkets, and ammunition, by which means they laid afide the bow and.arrow, and became more dangerous and formidable ene mies than they had been in any former period*

DURING the fummer 1728, the weather in Ca rolina was obferved to be uncommonly hot, by which the face of the earth was entirely parched, the. pools of {landing water dried up, and the beafts of the field were reduced to the greateft diflreTs. After fuch a long and general drought the inhabitants having ufually obferved hurricanes and tormadoes to follow in autumn, they began accord ingly to look out with fnperftitious dread fr them, as that feafon of the year approached. Accordingly

SOUTHCAROLINA.
a dreadful hurricane happened in the end of Auguft, and occafioned an inundation, which overflowed the town and the low lands, and did incredible damage to the fortifications, houfes, wharfs, fhipping, and corn fields. The ftreets of Charleftown were covered with boats, boards, ftaves, and the inhabitants were obliged to take refuge in the higher {lories of their dwellinghoufes. Twenty-three fliips were driven a-fhore, moft of which were either greatly damaged, or dafhed to pieces. The Fox and Garland men of war, Rationed there for the protection of trade, were the only (hips that rode out the ftorm. This hurricane, though it levelled many thoufand trees in the maritime parts, yet fo thick was the foreft, that it was fcarcely perceived an hundred miles from the fliore. But as fuch violent dorms are probably occafioned by the rarefaction of the air, with exceffive heat, they arc feldom of long duration, for having reftored the equipoife in the atmofphere, the wind commonly fliifts, and the tempeft ceafes.
THE lame year an infeftious and peftilential dif- . , temper, commonly called the Yellow Fever, broke Yellow out in town, and fwept off multitudes of the inha- Feverbitants, both white and black. As the town de pended entirely on the country for frefh provisions* the planters would fuffer no. perfon to carry fupplies to it, for fear of catching the infedtion, and bringing it to the country. The phyficians knew not how to treat the uncommon diforder which was fo fuddenly caught, and proved fo quickly fatal. The calamity was fo general, that few could grant amftance to their diltreffed neighbours, however much needed and earneftly defired. So many funerals happening every
day,.

3*8

THE HIST JRY OF

<lay, while fo many lay fick, white perfons fufficlent for burying the dead were fcarcely to be found; and though they were often interred on the fame day they died, fo quick was the putrefaction, fo offenfive and infectious were the corpfes, that even the neareft re lations feemed averfe from the necefiary duty.

AFTER all, one memorable event diftinc;uimed this The Pro- year> which was attended with many beneficial confevincepur- quences to the province. An aft of parliament paffed the C r *n Britain for eftablifhing an agreement with feven crown. of the Proprietors for a furrender of their right and
intereft, not only in the government, but alfo in the foil and lands of the province, to the King. The purchafe was made for feventeen thouiand five hundred pounds fterling, to be paid before the end of September 1729, free of all deductions j after ^hich payment, the province was to be veiled in the Crown of Great Britain. At the fame time feven-eight part;s of the arrears of quit-rents, due from the colonifts to the Proprietors, amounting to fomewhat more than nine thoufand pounds fterling, were alfo purchafed fer the crowrj for five thoufand ; fo that feven^ eight parts of this vaft territory coft no more than twenty-two thoufand five hundred pounds. But, in this at of parliament there is a claufe, referring to John Lord Carteret the remaining eight mare of the property and arrears of quit-rents, which continues to this day legally vefted in that family, only all his fhanr in the government he furrendered to the crown. The Proprietors who fold their (hares at this time, were Henry Duke of Beaufort, William Lord Craven, JajJies Bertie, Dodington Greville, Henry Bertie, Mary Danfon, Elifabeth More, Sir John Colleton,
John

SOUTH CAROLINA.

319

John Cotton, and Jofeph Blake, who before the furrender were poffefied, either in their own right or in truft, of feven eight parts of the government and property of the province. This furrender was made to Edward Bertie, Samuel Horfey, Henry Smith, and Alexis Clayten, in truft for the crown. In confequence of the powers granted to his Majefty by this ad of parliament, he claims the preroga tive of appointing Governors to both South and North Carolina, and a council fimilar to the other regal governments in America,

THE END OP VOLUME FIRST.
22

THE FIRST SET OF THE FUNDAMENTAL CONSTITUTIONS
oF
SOUTH CAROLINA.
As COMPILED BY Mr. JOHN LOCKE.

O UR SOVEREIGN LORD THE KING having, out of his royal grace and bounty, granted unto us the province f CAROLINA, with all the royalties, properties, jurifdiftions and privileges of a county palatine, as large and ample as the county palatine of Durham, with other great privileges 5 for the better fettlement of the government of the faid place, and eftablifhing the intereft of the Lords Proprietors with equality, and without confnlion; and that the government of this pro vince may be made moft agreeable to the monarchy under which we live, and of which this province is a part; and that we may avoid creeling a numerous democracy t we the Lords and Proprietors of the province aforefaid, have agreed to this following form of government, to be perpetually eftabliftied amongii us, unto which we do oblige ourfelves, our heirs and fucce/Tors, in the mofl binding ways that can be devifed.

I. TnE-eldeft of the Lords Proprietors fhall be Palatine; and, upon the deceafe of the Palatine, the eldeft of the feven ifurviving proprietors fhall always Tucteed hiin.

II. THERE fliall be feven other chief offices erected, viz.

the admirals, chamberlains, chancellors, conftables, chief

juftices, high ftewards, and treasurers; which places (hall be

enjoyed by none but the Lords Proprietors, to be affigned at

firft by lot; and upon the vacancy of any one of the feven

great offices by death, or otherwife, the eldeft proprietor {hall

have his choice of the faid phce.

VOL. I.

Sf

II

THE LA / S OF
III. THE whole province (hi* be divided into counties; each county (hall confift of eig.it figniories, eight baronies, and four precincts 5 each precinct ftiall confift of fix colonies.
IV. EACH figniory, barony, and colony, {hall confift of twelve thotifand acres; the eight figniories being the fhare of the eight proprietors, and the eight baronies of the nobility, both which (hares, being each of them one fifth part of the whole, are to be perpetually annexed, the one to the proprie tors, the other to the hereditary nobility, leaving the colonies, being three fifths, aroongft the people , that fo in fetting out, and planting the lands, the balance of the government mgy be preferved.
V. AT* any time before the year one thou&nd feven hun dred and one,, any of the Lords Proprietors fhall have power to relinquifh,. alienate, and difpofe, to any other perfon, his proprietorftvip, and all the figniories, powers, and intereft, thereunto belonging,, wholly and entirely together, and not otherwife. But, after the year one thonfand feven hundred, thofe who are then Lords Proprietors fhall not have power to alienate or make over their proprietorfhip, with the figniories and privileges thereunto belonging, or any part thereof, to any perfon whatfoever, otherwife than as in . xvm ; but it fhall all defcend unto their heirs male, and, for want of heirs male, it fhall all defcend on that Landgrave or Caflique of CAROLINA, who is defcended of the next heirs female of the Proprietor; and, for want of ftrch heirs, it fhall defcend on the next heir general; and, for want of fuch heirs, the remaining feven proprietors {hall, upon the vacancy, chufe a Landgrave to fuceeed the deceafed proprietor, who being chofen by thq majority of the feven furviving proprietors, he and his heirs fucceflivcly frull be proprietors, as fully to all intents and purpofes as any of the reft.
VT. THAT the number of eight proprietors may be confiantly kept; if, upon the vacancy of any proprietorfhip, the feven furviving proprietors ftiall not chnfe a Landgrave to be a
proprietor,

CAROLINA.

3*3

proprietor, before the fecond biennial parliament after the vacaney; then the next biennial parliament but one after fuch vacancy, fhall have power to chufe any landgrave to be a. proprietor.

VII. WHOSOEVER after the year one thoufand feven hun dred, either by inheritance or choice, (hall fucceed any pro prietor in his prbprietorfhip, and figniories thereunto belong ing ; fhall be obliged to take the name and arms of that pro prietor whom he fucceeds; which from thenceforth fhall be the name and arms of his family and their posterity,

VIII. WHATSOEVER Landgrave or Caffique lhall any way come to be a proprietor, fhall take the figniories annexed to the faid preprietorfhip; but his former dignity, with the ba ronies annexed, ftiall devolve into the hands of the Lords Proprietors.
*
IX. THERE fhall be juft as many landgraves as there are counties,, and twice as many caffiques, and no more. Thefe ihall be the hereditary nobility of the province, and by right of their dignity be members of parliament. Each Jandgrare fhall have four baronies, and each cffique two baronks, he reditarily and unalterably annexed to, and fettled upon, the, faid dignity.

X. THE firft landgraves and caffiques of the twelve firft, counties to be planted, fhall be nominated thus; that is to fay, of the twelve landgraves the Lords Proprietors fhall each of them feparately for himfelf nominate and chyle one; and the remaining four landgraves of the firft twelve, fhall be nomi nated and chofen by the Palatine's court. In like manner of the twenty-four firft caffiques, each proprietor for himfelf fhall nominate and chufe two, and the remaining eight ftiall be nominated and chofen by the Palatine's court; and when the twelve firft counties fhall be planted, the Lords Proprie tors fhall again-in the fame manner nominate and chufe twelve more landgraves, and twenty-four caffiques, for the twelve
Sfa

324

THE LA 7 S OF.

rjcxt counties to be planted; that is to fay, two thirds of each, number by the fingle nomination of each proprietor for himfelf, and the remaining one-third by the joint pledlion of the, Palatine's court, and fo proceed in the. fame manner till the whole province of CAROLINA be iet out and planted, accord ing to the proportions in thefe FUNDAMENTAL CONSTI TUTIONS.

XL ANY landgrave or caflique at any time before the year. one thoufand feven hundred and one, (hall have power to alienate, fell, or make over, to any other perfon, his dignity, with the baronies thereunto belonging, all entirely together. But, aftec the year one thoufand feven hundred, no landgrave or caflique (hall have power to alienate, fell, make over, or. let, the hereditary baronies of his dignity, or any part there of, therwife than as in . xvm; but they (hall all entirely, with the dignity thereunto belonging, defcend unto his heirs Wale; and, for want of heirs male, all entirely and undivid ed, to the next heir general; and, for want of fuch heirs, Aiall devolve into the hands of the Lords Proprietors.

XII. THAT the due number of landgraves and cafliques may be always kept up; if, upon the devolution of any landgravefhip or cafliqueftiip, the Palatine's court (hall not fettle the devolved dignity, with the baronies thereunto annexed, before the fecond biennial parliament after fuch devolution; the next biennial parliament but one after fuch devolution (hall have power to make any one landgrave or caffique in the room, of him, who, dying without heirs, his dignity and baronies;
devolved.

XIII. No one perfon (hall have more than one dignity, with the (igniories or baronies thereunto belonging. But whenfoever it (hall happen that any one, who is already pro prietor, landgrave, or ca(fiquc> (hall have any of thefe dig nities defcend to him by inheritance; it (hall be at his choice to keep which of the dignities, with the land annexed, he (hall likebeft} but ftiall leave the other, with the lands an
nexed,

CAROLINA.

325

nexed, to be enjoyed by him, who, not being his heir appa rent and certain fucceflbr to his prefent dignity, is next of
blood.

XTV. WnosoEVERf by the right of inheritance, (hall come to be landgrave or cafTique, fliall take the name and arms of his predeceflbr in that dignity, to be from thence forth the name and arms of his family and their pofterity.

XV. SINCE the dignity of proprietor, landgrave, or cat fique, cannot be divided, and the figniories or baronies there unto annexed muft for ever all entirely deicend with, and ac company that dignity j whenfoever, for want of heirs male, it /hall defcend on the ifiqe female, the eldeft daughter and her heirs {hall be preferred, and in the inheritance of thofe dignities, and the figniories or baronies annexed, there (hall be no co-heirs.

XVI. IN every figmiory, barony and manor, the relpec"Kve lord (hall have power, in his own name, to hold court-leet there, for trying of all caufes both civil and criminal; but where it (hall concern any perfon being no inhabitant, va/Tal, or leet-man of the faid figniory, barony, or manor, he, upon, paying down of forty {hillings to the Lords Proprietor's ufe? {hall have an appeal from the figniory or barony-court to the county-court, and from the manor-court to the precinctcourt.

XVII. EVERT manor ftiall confift of not lefs than three thoufand acres, and not above twelve thoufand acres, in one entire piece and colony; but any three thoufand acres or more in one piece, and the pufleflion of one man, {hall not be a manor, unlefs it be conftituted a manor by the grant of the Palatine's court.

XVIII. THE lords of figniories and baronies {hall have power only of granting eftates not exceeding three lives, or
thirty-

3.2

THE LA '''S OF

thirty-one years, in two thirds of 'ie faid figniorics or baro nies, and the remaining third fhall be always demefue.

XIX. ANY lord of a manor may alienate, fell, or difpofe, te-aay other perfon and his heirs for ever, his manor, all entkely together, with all the privileges and leet-mcn thereunto belonging, fo far forth as any colony lands ; but no grant of any part thereof, either is fee, or for any longer term than three lives, or one and twenty years, fhall be good againft the next heir.

XX. No ma.nor, for want of ifTne male, fhall be divided amongfl co-heirs ; but the manor, if there be but one, fhall all entirely defcend to the eldefl daughter and her heirs. If there be more manors than one, the eldefl daughter firft fhall have her choice, the fecond next, and fo on, beginning again at the eldefl, till all the manors be taken up; that fa the pri vileges which belong to manors being indivifible, the lands of the- manors, to which they are annexed, may be kept entire, and the manor not lofe thofe privileges, which, upon parcelling out to feveral owners, mull necefla-rily ceafe.

EVERY lord of a manor, within his manor,, (hall have all the powers, jurifdiftions, and privileges, which a landgrave or caffique hath in his baronies.

XXII. IN every figniory, barony, and manor, all the leetnien fhall be under the jurifdiction of the refpeftive lords of the faid figniory, basony,- or manor, without appeal from him. Nor fhall any leet-man, or leet-woman, have liberty to gp off' from the land of their particular lord, and live any vyhese elie,. without licence obtained from their faid lord, undef Hand and feal,

XXIII. ALL the children of leet-men fhall be leet-meo, a.nd fa to iiil generation^,

XXIV. No

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XXIV. No man (hall be capable of having a court-leet, or leet-men, but a proprietor, landgrave, caffique, or loidof a manor.

XXV. WHOEVER (hall voluntarily enter himfelf a leetman, in the regiftry of the county-court, lhall be a leet-maa.

XXV-I. WHOEVER is lord of leet-men, (hall, upon the marriage of a leet-man or leet-woman of his, give them tea acres of land for their lives; they paying to him thereforenot more than one eighth part of all the yearly produce and growth of the faid ten acres.

XXVII. No landgrave or caffique Aull be tried for any criminal cado, in any but the chief juflice's court, and that by a jury of his peers.

XXVIII. THERE flxall be eight fupreme courts. The firft called the Palatine's court, eonfifting of the palatine and the other ftven proprietors. The other feven courts of the other feven great officers, (hall confift each of them of a proprietor, and fix counfellors added to him. Under each of thefe latter feven courts, (hall be a college of twelve affiftants. The twelve affiftants of the feveral colleges (hall be chofen, two out of the landgraves, caffiques, or eldeft fons of proprietors, by the Palatine's court; two out of the landgraves, by the landgraves chamber; two out of the caffiques, by the caffique's chamber; four more of the twelve (hall be chofen by the commons chamber, out of fuch as have been, or are, members of parliament, flieriffs, or juftices of the county court, or the younger fons of proprietors, or eideft fons of landgraves or caffiques; the two other fhall be chofen by the palatine's court, out of the fame fort of perfons, oat of which, the commons chamber is to chufe.

XXIX. Ou T of thefe colleges (hall be chofen at firft, by the Palatine's court, fix counfellors, to be joined with each proprietor in his court; of which fix, one (hail be of thofe
who

3 a8

tH E LAW 5 O F

who were chofen in any of the a Jeges by the Palatine's court, out of the landgraves, cafliques,. or eldeft fbns of pro prietors ; one out of thofe who were chofen by the land graves chamber; and one out of thofe who were chofen by the caffiques chamber; two out of thofe who were chofen by the commons chamber; and one out of thofe who were cho fen by the Palatine's court, out of the proprietors younger fons, or eldeft fons of landgraves, cafliques, or Commons, qualified as aforefaid.

XXX. WHEN it fhall happen that any counsellor dies, and thereby there is a vacancy, the grand council fliall have power to remove any counfellor that is willing to be removed out of any, of the proprietors courts to fill up the vacancy; provided they take a man of the fame degree and choice the other was of, whofe vacant place is to be filled up* But if no counfel lor confent to be removed, or upon fuch remove; the laft re maining vacant place, in any of the proprietor's courts, (hall be filled up by the choice of the grand council, who fiiall have power to remove but of any of the colleges^ any affiftant, who is of the fame degree and choice that counfellor was of, into whofe vacant place he is to fucceed. The grand council alfo fhall have power to remove any affiftant, that Is willing, out of one college into another, provided he be of the fame degree and choice. But the laft remaining vacant place in any college, fliall be filled up by the fame choice^ and-out of the fame degree of perfons the affiflant was of, who is dead or removed. No place fliall be vacant in any proprietor's court above fix months. No place fliall be va cant in any college longer than the next feffion of parlia
ment*

XXXL No man, being a member of the grand council,

or of any of the feven colleges, fliall be turned out but for

mifdemeanour, of which the grand council /hall be judge ;

and the vacancy of the perfon fo put out fhall be filled, not

by the election of the grand council, but by thofe who firft

chofe him, and out of the fame .degree he was of who is ei-

i

pelled.

CAROLINA.

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pelleJ. But it is not hereby to be underftood, that the grand council hath any power to turn oot any one of the Lords Proprietors or their deputies, the Lords Prtfprieiors having in therafelves an inherent original right.

XXXII. ALL elections in'the parliament, in the leveral chambers of the parliament, and in the grand council, fliall. be 'paifed by balloting.

XXXIII. THE Palatine's court (hall confifl of the Palatine and feven proprietors, wherein nothing {ball be acted without the prefence and content of the Palatine or his deputy, and three others of the proprietors or their deputies, This court fhall have power to call parliaments, to pardon all offences, to make elections of all officers in the proprietor's difpofe, and to nominate and appoint Port Towns; and alfo (hall have power by their order to the trenfurer to dtfpoie of all public treafure, 'excepting money granted by the parliament, and by them directed to fame particular public ufe; and alfo (ball have a negative upon all acts', orders, Totes and judgments, of the grand council and the parliament, except only as in ". vi. and 'Xi'r; and Ih'all have all the powers granted to the Lords Proprietors, by their'patent from Ouk SOVEREIGN LORD THE KING, except in fuch things as are limited by thefe FUNDAMENTAL CONSTITUTIONS,

XXXIV. THE Palatine himfeif, -when he in perfon (hall be either in the army or in any of the proprietors courts, fliall then have the power of general, or of that proprietor, in whoie court he is then prelem$ and the proprietor, in whofe ourt the Palatine then prefides, flialJ during his prefence there be but as one of the council.

XXXV. THE chancellor's court, confifting of one of the

proprietors, and his fix connfellors, who fliall be called vice-

chancellors, fliall have the cuftody of the feal of the palati

nate, under which all charters of lands, or otherV'ife, com-

ouflions and grants of the Palatine's court, fliall pafs. And

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it (hall not be lawful to put the feal of" the palatinate to any writing, which is not figned by the Palatine or his deputy, and three other proprietors or their deputies. To this court alfo belong all ftate matters, difpatchesj and treaties with the neighbour Indians. To this court alfo belong all invafions of the law, of liberty of confcience, and all disturbances of the public peace, upon pretence of religion, as alfo the licence of printing. The twelve afiiftants belonging to this court (hall be called recorders.

XXXVI. WHATEVER pafles under the feal of the pala tinate, (hall be regiftered in that proprietor's court, to which the matter therein contained belongs.

XXXVII. THE chancellor or his deputy ftiall be always fpeaker in parliament, and prefident of the grand council, and, in his and his deputy's abfence, one of his vice-chancellors.

XXXVIII. THE chief juftice's court, confifting of one of the proprietors and his fix counfellors, who ftiall be called juftices of the bench, {hall judge all appeals in cafes both civil and criminal, except all fuch cafes as (hall be under the jurlfdiclion and cognizance of any other of the proprietor's courts, which (hall be tried in thofe courts refpeftively. Th? government and regulation of the regiftries 6'f writings and contracts;, ftall belong to the jurifdiclion of this court. The twelve affiftants of this court {hall be called matters.

XXXIX. THE constable's court, confifting of one of the proprietors and his fix counfellorSji who ftiall be .called marihals, ftiall order and determine of all military affairs by land, and1 all land-forces, arms, ammunition, artillery, garrifons, forts, Sic. and whatever belongs unto war. His twelve affiftants Ihall be called lieutenant-generals;

XL. IN time of adhu'. war, the conftable, whilft he is in the army, -Ihall be general of the army, and the fix counfeJ-
lors, or fuch of them as the Palatine's court ftiall for that time

CAROLINA.

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time or fervice appoint, fhall be the immediate great officers under him, and the lieutenantrgenerals next to them.

XLL THE admiral's court, confifting of one of the pro prietors, and his fix counfellors, called confuls, fhall have the care and infpeclion over all ports, moles, and navigable rivers, fo far as the tide flows, and alfo all the public fliipping of CAROLINA, and ftores thereunto belonging, and all maritime affairs. This court alfo fhall have the power of the court of admiralty; and (hall have power to conftitute judges in port-towns, to try cafes belonging to la\y-merchant, as fhall be moft convenient for trade. The twelve affiftants, belonging to this court, fhall be called proconfuls.

XLII. IN time of actual war, the admiral, whilft he is at fea, fhall command in chief, and his fix counfellors, or fuch of them as the Palatine's court fhall for that time and fervice appoint, fhall be the immediate great officers under him, and the proconfuls next to them.

XLIII. THE treafurer's court, confining of a proprietor and his fix counfellors, called under-treafurers, (hall take care of all matters that concern the public revenue and treafury. The twelve affiftants fhall be called auditors.

XLIV. THE high-fteward's court, confiffing of a proprie

tor and his fix counfellors, called comptrollers, fhall have the

care of all foreign and domeftic trade, manufactures, public

buildings, work-houfes, high-ways, pafTages by water above

the flood of the tide, drains, fewers, and banks againft in

undations, bridges, pofl, carriers, fairs, markets, corruption

or infection of the common air or water, and all things in

order to the public commerce and health; alfo fetting out

and furveying of lands; and alfo fetting out and appointing

places for towns to be built on in the precincts, and the pre-

fcribing and determining the figure and bignefs of the faid

towns, according to fuch models as the faid court fhall order;

contrary or differing from which models it fhall not be law-

Tt 2

ful

T HE L A .1 S OF
ful for any one" to build in any to >i. This court fhali have, power alfo to make any public Luilding, Of any new high way, or enlarge any old high-way, upon any man's land whatfoever; as alfo to fliak-e cuts, channels, banks, locks, and bridges, for making rivers navigable, or for draining fens,, or any other public uft. The damage the owner of fuch lands (on or through which any fuch public things (hall be made) fliall receive thereby, fliall be valued:,, and fatisfac^ion made by fuch ways as the grand council (frail appoint. The twelve affiftants, belonging to this court, fbajl be called furveyors.
XLV. THE chamberJain!s court, confifling of a proprie tor and his fix councilors, called vice-chamberlains, fljall have the care of all ceremonies, precedency, heraldry, re ception of public meflengers, pedigrees, the regiftry of aU births, burials, and marriages, legitimation, and all czCes. concerning matrimony, or arifing from itj and (hall alfo have power to regulate all fafliions, habits, badges, games and fports. To this court alfo it fhall belong to convocate the grand, council. The twelve afliftants, belonging to this court, fliall be called provofts.
XLVI. ALL caufes belonging to, or under the jurifdj&ion of, any of the proprietors courts, (hall in them refpeftively be triedj and ultimately determined, without any farther ap peal.
XLVH. T,HE proprietors courts fliall have a power to mi tigate all fines, and fuipend all executions in criminal caufes, either before or after fentence, in any of the other inferior courts refpetively.
XLVIII. IN all debates, .hearings, or trials, in any of the proprietor's courts, the twelve afiiftants belonging to the faid courts rei'pe^Hvely, fliall have liberty to be prefent, but (hall not interpofe, unleft their opinions be required, nor have any vote at all; but their bufinefs fhall be, by the direction of the
rclpeftive

CAROLINA.

333

refpecYive courts, to prepare fuch bufmefs as (liall be commit ted to them ; as alfo to. bear fuch offices, and difpatch fuch affairs, either where the court is kept pr elfewhcre, as the court (hall think fit.

XLIX. IN all the proprietors courts, the proprietor, and any three of his counfellors, fhall make a quorum; provided always, that, for the better difpatch of bufmefs, it fhall be in the power of the Palatine's court, to direft what fort of caufes ihall be heard and determined by a quorum of any three.

L. THE grand council fhall confift of the Palatine and feven proprietors, and the forty-two counfellors of the feveral proprietors courts, who fhall have power to determine any controvcrfies that may arife between any of the proprietors courts, about their refpedtive jurifdiftions, or between the members of the fame court, about their manner and methods of proceeding ; co make peace and war, leagues, treaties, &c. with any of the neighbour Indians ; to iflue out their general orders to the confhble's and admiral's courts, for the raifing, difpofing, or difbanding the forces, by land or by fca.

LI. THE grand council fhall prepare all matters to be. propofed in parliament. Nor fhall any matter whatfoever be propofed in parliament, but what hath firft pafled the grand council; which, .after having been read three feveral days in the par"liament, fliall by majority of votes be pafled or re-

LII. THE grand council fliall always be judges of all cau fes and appeals that concern the Palatine, or any of'the Lords Proprietors, or any counfellor of any proprietor's court, in any caufe, which otherwife fhould have been tried in the court in which the faid counfellor is judge liimfelf.
LHI. THE

334

HE L A \ S OF

LIII. THE grand council, by i -ir warrants to the treal'urer's court, (hall diipofe of all the i. loney given by the parlia ment, and by them directed to any particular public ufe.

LIV. THE quorum of the grand council (hall be thirteen, whereof a proprietor or his deputy fliall he always one.

LV. THE grand council (hall meet the fjrft Tuefday in every month, and as much oftener as either they fliall think fit, or they (hall he conyocated by the chamberlain's court.

LVI. T:IE Palatine, or any of the Lords Proprietors, (hall have power under hand and feal, to be regifter'ni in the grand council, to make a deputy, who fliall have the fame power to all intents and purpofes as he himfelf who deputes him; ex cept in confirming afts of parliament, as in . LXXVI, and except alfo in nominating and chufing landgraves and catfiques, as in . x. All fuch deputations ftiall ceafe and de termine at the end of four years, and at any time fliall be revocable at the pleafure of the deputator.

LVII. No deputy of any proprietor fliall have any power whilft the deputator is in any part of CAROLINA, except the proprietor, whofe deputy h.e is, be a minor.

LVIII. D.uRiNG; the minority of any proprietor, his guar dian (hall have power to Conftitute and appoint his deputy.

LIX. THE eldeft of the Lords Proprietors, who ftiall be. perfonally in CAROLINA, fliall of courfe be the Palatine's deputy, and if no proprietor be in CAROLINA, he fliall chufe his deputy out of the heirs apparent of any of the proprietors, if any fuch be there; and if there be no heir apparent of any of the Lords Proprietors above one and twenty years old in CAROLINA, then he fhall chufe for deputy any one of the landgraves of the grand council; and till he have by depu tation under hand and feal chofen any one of the forementioned heirs apparent or landgraves to be his deputy, the eld-
eft

CAROLINA.

33 j

t-ft man of the landgraves, and> for want of a landgrave, the ddeft man of the caffiques, who fhall be perfonally in'CARO-
fhall of courfe be his deputy.

LX. EACH proprietor's deputy fhall be always one of his own fix couhfellors reflectively', and in cafe any of the proprifctors hath not, in his abfence out of CAROLINA, a depu ty, commiffioned under his hand and feal, the eideft noblemari of his court fhall of courfe be his deputy.

LXI. Is every county there fhall be a court, cdnfifting of a fheriff, and four juftices of the county^ for every precinct one. The fherifF fhall be an inhabitant of the county, au4 have at leafl five hundred acres of freehold within the laid county; and the juftices fhall be inhabitants, and have eacli of them five hundred acres a-piece freehold within the pre cinct for which they ferve reflectively. Thefe five fhall be chofen and commiffioned from time to time by the Palatine's court.

LXII. FOR any perfonal caufes exceeding the value of two hundred pounds fterlihg, or in title of land, or in any crimi nal caufe; either party, upon paying twenty pounds fterling to the Lords Proprietors ufe, fhall have liberty of appeal from the county-court unto the refpeftive proprietor's court.

LXIII. IN tvery precindt' there fliall be a court confifling of a fteward and four juftices of the precinct, being inhabi tants, and having three hundred acres of freehold within the laid precinft, who fhall judge all criminal caufes; except for treafbn, murder, and any oiher offences puriifhable with. death, and except all criminal caufes of the nobility ; and fhall judge alfo all civil caufes whatfoever ; and in all perfonal actions not exceeding fifty pounds fterling, without appeal; but where the caufe (hall exceed that value, or concern a title of land, and in all criminal caufes ; there either party, upon paying five pounds fterling to the Lords Proprietors uie, fliall have liberty of appeal to the county-court.
LXIV. No

336

T HE L AW OF

LXIV. No caufe'fhall be twice tr. 1 in any one court, up on any reafou or pretence whatfoever.

LXV. FOR treafon, murder, and all other offences punifiiable with death, there {hall be a commiffion, twice a year at lead:, granted unto one or more members of the grand coun cil or colleges, -who fliall come as itinerant judges to the feve ral counties, and with the {lieriff and four juftices (hall hold affizes to judge all fuch caufes; but, upon paying of fifty pounds fterling to the Lords Proprietors ufe, there fliall be liberty of appeal to the refpeftive proprietor's court.

LXVI. THE grand jury at the feveral affizes, r'! "1, upon their oaths, and Under their hands and feals, deliver in to the itinerant judges a prelentmeht of fuch grievances/ inifdemeanors, exigences, or defeats, which they think rieceffary for the public good of the county; which preferments fiiall, by the itinerant judges, at the end of their circuit} be delivered in to the grand council at their next fitting. And whatfbevef therein concerns the execution of laws already made; the fcVe'ral proprietors courts, in the matters belonging to each of them refpeclively, fliall take cognizance of it, and give fuch order about it, as fliall be effectual for the due execution of the laws. Bat whatever concerns the making of any hew law, fli'all be referred to the feveral refpeftive courts to which that matter belongs, and be by them prepared and brought to the gian'd couhcih

LXVII. FOR terms, there fhall be quarterly fuch a certain number of days, not exceeding one and twenty at any one tiihej as the feveral refpeftive courts {hall appoint. The time for the beginning of the term, in the precinift-court, fliall1 be the firfr, M'cndny in January, April, July, and Oftober ', in the county-court, the firft Monday in February, May, Auguft, and November 5 and in the proprietors courts, the firft Monday in March, Tline, September, and December.

LXVIII. Ix

CAROLINA.

337

LXVIII. IN the precinct-court no man fliall be a jnry-maa under fifty acres of freehold. In the county-court, or at the aflizes, no man (hall be a grand juryman under three hun dred acres of freehold 5 and no man (hall be a petty jury-man under two hundred acres of freehold. In the proprietors courts no man (hall be a jury-man under five hundred acre* of freehold.

LXIX. EVERY jury (hall coniift of twelve nen; and It fliall not be neceffary they fhould all agree, but the Verdict fliall be according to the confent of the majority.

LXX; IT fliall be a bafe and vile thing to plead for money cr reward; nor (hall any one (except he be a near kinfman, not farther off than coufin-german to the party concerned) be permitted to pltad another man'3 caufe, till, before the judge in open court, he hath taken an oath, that he doth not plead for money or reward, nor hath nor will receive, nor directly nor indirectly bargained with the party, whofe caufe he is going to plead, for money or any other reward for pleading his caufe.

LXXL THERE fhall be A parliament, confifting of the proprietors or their deputies, the landgraves and caffiques, and one freeholder out of every precinct, to be chofen. by the freeholders of the iaid precinct refpectively. They (hall fit ftll together in one roomy and have every member one vote.

LXXIL No man (hall be chofen a member of parliament, who hath lefs than five hundred acres of freehold within the precinct for which he is chofen} nor (hall any have a vote in chufiog the faid member that hath lefs than fifty acres of free hold within thd faid precinct;

LXXIII. A NEW parliament (hall be adeitibled the firft

Monday of the month of November every fecond year, and

./hall meet and fit in the town they laft fat in, without any

fnmmohs, unlefs by the Palatine's court they be fummoned to

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33$

T H E L A S OF

meet at any other place. And it .here (hall be any occaflon

of a parliament in thefe intervals, it (hall be in the power of

the Palatine's court to afiembie' them in forty days notice,

and at fuch time and place as the (aid court fliall think fit;

and the Palatine's court ihall have power to diflblve the laid

parliament when they .(hall think fit.

'

LXXIV. AT the opening of every parliament, the firfl thing'that', (hall be done, fliall be the reading of thefe FUN DAMENTAL CONSTITUTIONS, which the Palatine and proprietors, and the reft of the members then prefent, (hall nibfcribe. Nor (hdl any perfon whatfoever fit or vote in the parliament, till he hath that feffion fubfcribed thefe FUNDA MENTAL CONSTITUTIONS, in a book kept for that purpofe by the clerk of the parliament.

LXXV. IN order to the due election of members for the biennial parliament, it (hair be lawful for the freeholders of the refpecVive precin&s to meet the firft Tuefday in Septem ber every two years, in the fame town or place that they laft met in, to chufe parliament-men ; and there chufe thofe mem bers that are to fit the next November following, unlefs the fteward of the precincT: {hall, by fufficient notice thirty days before, appoint fome other place "for their meeting, in order to the election.'

LXXVI. No aft or order of parliament fliall be of any force, unlefs it be ratified in open parliament during the fame

feffion, by'the Palatine or his deputy, and three more'of the

Lords Proprietors or their deputies; and then not to continue longer in force but until the next biennial parliament, unlefs

in the mean time it be ratified under the bands and feals of

the Palatine himfelf, and three more of"the Lords Proprietors

themfelves, and by their order publiflied at the next biennial

parliament.

' '. .'

LXXVil. ANY 'proprietor or his deputy may enter his proteftatkm againfl any aft of the parliameat, before the Pa
latine

CAROLINA.

339

latine or his deputy's confent be given as aforefaid; if he (hall conceive the faid act to be contrary'to this eftablifhmerit, or any of thefe FUNDAMENTAL CONSTITUTIONS of the go vernment. And in fuch cafe, after full and free debate, the feveral eftates fliall retire into four feveral chambers; the Pa latine and proprietors into one; the landgraves into another; the caffiques into another; and thofe chofen by the precincts into a fourth : and if the major part of any of the: four eftates fliall vote that the law is not agreeable to this eftablifhment, and thefe FUNDAMENTAL CONSTITUTIONS of the govern ment, then it ftiall pafs no farther, but be as if it had never been propofed.

LXXVUI. THE quorum of the parliament (hall be one half of thofe who are members, and capable of fitting in the houfe that prefent feflien >f parliament. The quorum of each of the chambers of parliament fliall be one half of the members of that chamber.

LXXIX. To avoid multiplicity of laws, which by degrees always change the right foundations of the original .govern ment, all acts of parliament whatfoever, in whatfoever form pafled or enacted, ftiall, at the end of an hundred years after their enacting, refpectively ceafe and determine of themfclves, and without any repeal become null and void,, as if. no fuch afts of laws had ever been made.

LXXX. SINCE multiplicity of comments, as well as of laws, have great inconveniences, and ferve only to obfcure and per plex; all manner of comments and expofltions on any part of thefe FUNDAMENTAL CONSTITUTIONS, or any part of the common or ftatute law of CAROLINA, are abfolutelv prohibited.

LXXXI. THERE fliall be a regiflry in every precinct,

wherein (hall be enrolled all deeds, leafes, judgments, niort-r

gages, and other conveyances, which may concern any of the

land within the faid precinct; and all Fuch .conveyances not

Uu 2

io

THE L "AW! OF.
io entered or regiftered, (hall not . e of force ngainft any perfon nor party to the faid contrail or conveyance.
LXXXII. No man (hall be regifter of any precincl, who hath not at leaft three hundred acres of freehold within the faid precinft.
LXXXIII. THE freeholders of every precinft flinll nomi nate three men; out of which three, the chief juftice's court fliall chufe and commiflion one to be regifter of the faid prec.inft, whilft he (hall well behave himfelf.
LXXXIV. THERE (hall be a regiftry in every flgniory, barony, and colony, wherein fliall be recorded all the birrhs, marriages and deaths, that (hall happen within the refpeclive (igniories, baronies, and colonies.
LXXXV. No man (hall be regifter of a colony, that bath not above fifty acres of freehold within the faid colony.
LXXXVI. THE time of every one's age, that is born in CAROLINA, (hall be reckoned from the day that his birth is entered in the regiftry, and not before.
LXXXVII. No marriage (hall be lawful, whatever contraft and ceremony they have ufed, till both the parties mu tually own it before the regifter of the place where they were married, and he regifter it, with the names of the father ami mother of each party.
LXXXVIII. No man (hall adminifter to the goods, or have right to them, or enter upon the eftate of any perfon deceafed, till his death be regiflered in the refpeclive regiftry.
LXXXIX. HE that doth not enter in the refpecYive regiflry the birth or death of any perfon that is bbrn or dies in $is houfe or ground, (hall pay to the faid regifler one (hilling

CAROLINA.
per week for each fuch negleft, reckoning from the time of each birth or death refpeftively, |o the time of regiftering it.
XC. IN like manner the births, marriages, and deaths of the Lords Proprietors, Landgraves, and Caffiques, (hall be r,egiflered in the chamberlain's court.
XCL THERE fliall be in every colony one conftable, to be chofen annually by the freeholders of the colony; his efhite fhall be above a hundred acres of freehold within the faid colony, and fuch fubordinate officers appointed for his afliftance as the county-court /hall find requisite, and fliall be eftablifhed by the faid county-court. The election of the Jiibordinate annual officers (hall be aHb in the freeholders of the colony.
XCII. ALL towns incorporate fhall be governed by a Mayor, twelve Aldermen, and twenty-four of the commoncouncil. The faid common-council ftiall be chofen by the prefent houfholders of the faid town 5 the aldermen fliall be chofen out of the common-council; and the mayor out of the aldermen, by the Palatine's court.
XCIII. IT being of great confequence to the plantation, that Port-Towns friould be built and preferved; therefore, whofoever fhall lade or unlade any commodity at any other place but a Port-Town, (hall forfeit to the Loi\J s Proprietors for each tun fo laden or unladen, the fum of ten pounds fteriing; except only fuch goods as the Palatine's court fliall liccnfe to be laden or unladen elfewhere,
XCIV. THE firft port-town upon every river fhall be in a colony, and be a port-town for ever.
XCV. No man (hall be permitted to be a freeman of CAROLINA, or to have any eftate or habitation within it, that-doth not acknowledge a GOD 5 and that God is publiciv and folemnly to be worfhipped.
XCVI. [As

342

THE L WS 0F

XCVI. [As the country cc nes to be fufficiently planted

and diftributed into fit divifions, it fhall belong to the parlia

ment to take care for the building of churches, and the pub

lic maintenance of divines, to be employed in the exercife of

religion, according to the church of England; which being

the only.true and orthodox, and the national religion of all

the king's dominions, is fo alfo of CAROLINA ; and therefore

it alone (hall be allowed to receive public maintenance, by

grant of parliament * ].



XCVII. BUT fince the natives of that place, who will be concerned in our plantation, are utterly Arangers to Chriflianity, whofe idolatry, ignorance, or miflakei gives us no right to expel, or ufe them ill; and thofe who remove from other parts to plant there, will unavoidably be of different opinions concerning matters of religion, the liberty whereof they will expeft to have allowed them, and it will not be reafonable for us on this account to keep them out; that civil peace may be maintained amidft the diverfity of opinions, and our agree ment and compact with all men may be duly and faithfully obferved; the violation whereof, upon what pretence foever, cannot be without great offence to almighty God, and great fcandal to the true religion, which we profefs; and alfo that Jews, Heathens, and other diflenters from the purity of Chriftian religion, may not be feared and kept at a diftance from it, but, by having an opportunity of acquainting themfelyes with the truth and reafonablenefs of its doctrines, and the peaceablenefs and inofFenfivenefs of its profeflbrs, may by good.ufage and perfuafion, and all thofe convincing methods of gentlenefs and meeknefs fuitable to the rules and defign of the gofpel, be won over to embrace and unfeignedly receive the truth; therefore any feven or more perfons agreeing in. any religion, (hall conftitute a church or profeffion, to which they mall give fome name, to dutinguifh it from others.

* This article was not drawn up by Mr. LOCKE; but inferted by Tome

of the chief of the proprietors, againft his judgment; as Mr. LOCKE him-

fclf informed one of his friends, ta whom he prefentcd a copy of iheft

Confiitutious.

XCVIII. THE

CAROLINA.

343

XCVHI. THE terms of admittance and communion with any church or profeflion, Shall be written in a book, and therein be fubfcribed by all the members of the faid church or profeffion; which book (hall be kept by the public regifter of the precinft where they refide.

XCIX. THE time of every one's fubfcrtption and admit tance (hall be dated in the faid book of religious record.

C. IN the terms of communion of every church or profeClion, thefe following (hall be three > without which no agree ment or aflembly of men, upon pretence of religion, (hall be accounted a church or profeffion within thefe rules:
1. " That there is a GOD. 2. " That GOD is .publicly to be wbr/hipped. 3. " That it is lawful and the duty of every man, being '* thereunto called by thofe that govern, to bear witnefs to " trqth; and that every church or profeffion /hall, in their " terms of communion, fet down the external way whereby " they witnefs a truth sts in the prefence of GOD, whether " it be by laying hands on, or kiffing the Bible, as in the ** church bf England, or by holding up the hand, or any " ether fenfible way."

CI. No per/on above fevemeen years of age fliall hare any benefit or protection of the- law, or be capable of any place of profit or honour, who is not a member of fome church or profeffion, having his name recorded itt fom one, and but one religious record at once.

CII. No perfon of any other church or profeffion /hall difturb or moleft any religious aflembiy.

ClII. No perfon whatfoever ihall fpeak any thing in their religious aflembly irreverently or feditloiifly of the govern ment, or governors, or ftate matters.

CIV. AN*

344

T HE LAW .OF

CIV. ANY perfon fubfcribing the erms of cpnimnniofi in

the record of the faid church or profeffion, before the pre~

tinft regifter, and any five members of the faid church or

profeffion, fhall be thereby made a member of the faid church

or profeffion.

,

CV. ANY perfon ftriking out hisown name out of any reli gious record^ or his name being ftruck out by any officer, there unto authorifed by each church or profeffion reflectively, fhall ceafe to be a member of that church or profeffion.

CVI. No man fhallufe any reproachful, reviling, or abu-

five language, againft the religion of any church or.profet-

fion; that being the certain way of disturbing the peace, and

of hindering the converfion of any to the truth, by engaging

them in quarrels and ammo/hies, to the hatred, of the pro-

fefTors and chat profeffion> which otherwife they might, be

brought to aflent to.

. ,

CVII. SINCE charity obliges us to wifh well to the fouls

f all men, and religion ought to alter nothing in any man's

civil eftate or right, it fhall be lawful for flaves, as well as

others, to eater themfelves, and be of wirat church or pro

feffion any of them fhall think beft, and therefore be as ful

ly members; as any freeman. But yet no Have fhall hereby

be exempted from that civil dominion his mafter hath over

him, but be in all other things in the fame Irate and condi

tion he was in before.

,

CVIII. ASSEMBLIES, upon what pretence foever of religi on, not observing and performing the aborefaid rules, ftrall not be efteemed as churches* but unlawful meetings, and be punifhed as other riots.

C1X. No perfon whatsoever fhall difturb, mbleftr or perfecute another for his fpeculative opinions in religion, or his way of worfhip.

CX. EVERY

CAROLINA.

345

CX. EVERY freeman of C ROI.INA (hall Have abfolnte power and authority over his i.egro (laves, of what opinion or religion foever.

CXI. No caufe, whether civil or criminal, of any freemrrn, ihall be tried in any court of judicature, without a jury of his peers.

CXH. No perfon whatfoever /hall hold or claim any land in CAROLINA by purchafe or gift, or olherwife, from the natives, or any other whatfoever $ but merely from and un der the Lords Proprietors; upon pain of forfeiture cf all his eftatc, rnoveitble or iminoveable, and perpetual banifhment.

CXIII. WHOSOEVER (hall pofiefs any freehold in CARO LINA, upon what title or grant foever, (hall, at the fartheft, from ,and after the year one thoufand fix hundred and eightyjbine, pay yearly unto the Lords Proprietors for each acre of land, Englifh meafure, as much fine fiber as is at this prefent hi one EngliflV penny, or the value thereof, to be as a chief rent and acknowledgment to the Lords Proprietors, their heirs and fucceffors, for ever. And it (hall be lawful for the Palatine's court, by their officers at any time, to take a new furvey of any man's land, not to out him of any part of his pofieilion, but that by. fuch a furvey the juft number of acres he poffefleth may be known, and the rent thereupon due may be paid by him.

CXIV. ALL wrecks, mines, minerals, quarries of gerus, and'precious ftones, with pearl-fifhing, \vhale-fifhing, and one half of all ambergrcafe, by \vhomibever found, fliaJl \vholly belong to the Lords Proprietors.

CXV. ALL revenues and profits belonging to the Lords

Proprietors in common fliall be divided into ten parts, where

of the Palatine (hall have three, and each proprietor one;

but if the Palatine fliall govern by a. deputy, his deputy fliall

Vor.. I.

Xx

have

346

THE L A\ S Q F

have one of thofe three tenths, ai 1 the palatine the other two tenths.

CXVI. ALL inhabitants and freemen of CAROLINA above ftventeen years of age, and- under fixty, (hall be bound to bear arms, and ferve as Ibldiers whenever the grand council lhall find it neceflary.

CXVII. A TRUE copy of thefe FUNDAMENTAL CON STITUTIONS fliall be kept iq a great book by the regifter of every precinct., to be fubfcribed before the faid regifter. Nor fhall any perfon, of what condition or degree foever, above feventeen years old, have any eftate or po/Teilion m CARO LINA, or protection cr benefit of the law there, who hath not before a precinct regifter fubfcribed thefe FUNDAMEN TAL CONSTITUTIONS in this form :
" I A. B. do promife to bear farth and true allegiance to " our foyereign lord king CHARLES the Second, his " heir? and fucceflbrs; and will be true and faithful to " the Palatine and Lords Proprietors of CAROLINA, " their heirs and fucceflbrs; and with my utmofl power " will defend them, and maintain the government ac" cording to this efkblifhment in thefe FUNDAMEN" TAL CONSTITUTIONS."

CXVIII. WHATSOEVER alien (hall, in this form, before sny precinct regifter, fubfcribe thefe FUNDAMENTAL CON STITUTIONS, fliall be thereby naturalized.

CXIX. IN the fame manner fhall every perfon, at his ad mittance into any office, fubfcribe thefe FUNDAMENTAL CONSTITUTIONS.

CXX. THESE FUNDAMENTAL CONSTITUTIONS, in number a hundred and twenty, and every part thereof, fliall be and remain the facred and unalterable form and rule of government of CAROLINA for ever. Witnefs our hands and feals, the firft day of March, 1669.
RULES

CAROLINA.

347

RULES OF PRECEDENCY.
I. THE Lords Proprietors; the eldeft in age firft, and fo in order.
II. THE eldeft fons of the Lords Proprietors; the eldeft in age firft, and ib in order.
HI. THE landgraves of the grand council; he that hath been longeft of the grand council firft, and fo in order.
IV. THE caffiques of the grand council; he that hath been longeft of the grand council firfi, and fo in order.
V. THE feven commoners of the grand council that have been )ongeft of the grand council; he that hath been longeft of the grand council firft, and fo in order.
VI. THE younger fons of proprietors; the eldeft firft, and fo in order.
VII. THE landgraves; the eldeft in age firft, and fo in order.
VIII. THE feven commoners, who, next to thofe beforementioned, have been longeft of the grand council j he that hath been longeft of the grand council firft, and fo in order.
I.. THE caffiques; the eldeft in age firft, and fo in order.
.. THE feven remaining commoners of the grand council; he that hath been longeft of the grand council firft, and fo in order.
XL THE male line of the proprietors.
TH E reft (hall be determined by the chamberlain's court