CHAP. II.

During the period of the usurpation in England, popular anarchy

prevailed, and levelled all ranks and distinctions throughout the nation.

The lineal heir of the crown being expelled, Oliver Cromwell, that

ambitious and crafty leader of the people, seized the reins of

government, and ruled England with a rod of iron for several years. The

nobles bowed to a fanatic, and the republican part of the constitution

preponderated to such a degree, that the other two became as nothing in

the balance.

When the restoration took place, to the great joy and happiness of the

nation, the nobles and royalists again stood forth, and assumed their

former dignity and weight in the government of their country. Domestic

peace being re-established on the solid foundation of regal and

constitutional authority, England, amidst other national objects, turned

her views toward the improvement of commerce, navigation, and her

colonies.

Hitherto the extensive territory of North America had been divided into

two districts, 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, belonged to the northern, and all those to

the southward, as far as the Gulf of Florida, to the southern district.

And though the first European settlement in America was attempted in

Florida by the French, yet they were compelled to relinquish that place;

and the English, preferring what they esteemed a more favourable climate,

had hitherto neglected it.

[Sidenote] The first proprietors and their charter.

After the restoration, England began to recognize her claim to a large

territory in the southern district. In the year 1662, Edward Earl of

Clarendon, George Duke of Albemarle, William Lord Craven, John Lord

Berkeley, Antony Lord Ashley, Sir George Carteret, Sir William Berkeley,

and Sir John Colleton, being apprized of the excellent soil of this

country, united and formed a project for planting a colony in it. Upon

application to the crown for a charter, Charles granted them all the

lands lying between the thirty-first and thirty-sixth degrees of north

latitude. Two years afterwards he confirmed this grant, and by a second

charter enlarged the boundaries of it, from the 29th degree of north

latitude to 36 degrees 30 minutes, and from these points on the sea-coast

westward in parallel lines to the Pacific ocean. Of this immense region

the king constituted them absolute lords and proprietors, saving to

himself, his heirs and successors the sovereign dominion of the country.

At the same time he invested them with all the rights, jurisdiction,

royalties, privileges and liberties within the bounds of their province,

to hold, use and enjoy the same, in as ample a manner as the bishop of

Durham did in that county palatine in England. This province they were to

hold and possess of the king, his heirs and successors, as of his manor

of East Greenwich in Kent, not _in capite_, or by knight's service, but

in free and common soccage.

These absolute lords and proprietors were by their charter empowered to

enact, and, under their seal, to publish any laws or constitutions they

judged proper and necessary to the public state of the province, with the

assent, advice and approbation of the freemen of the colony; to

constitute counties, baronies and colonies within the province; to erect

courts of judicature, and appoint civil judges, magistrates and officers;

to erect forts, castles, cities and towns; to make war; to levy, muster

and train men to the use of arms, and, in cases of necessity, to exercise

the martial law; to confer titles of honour, only they must be different

from those conferred on the people of England; to build harbours, make

ports, and enjoy customs and subsidies, which they, with the consent of

the freemen, should impose on goods loaded and unloaded; reserving the

fourth part of the gold and silver ore found within the province to the

crown. By the said charter the king granted them the patronage and

avowson of all churches and chapels, to hold and exercise the same

rights, powers and privileges as the bishop of Durham did in England: but

as it might happen that several of the inhabitants could not in their

private opinions conform to the exercise of religion, according to the

liturgy and ceremonies of the church of England; the proprietors had

power and authority granted them, to allow the inhabitants of the

province both indulgences and dispensations, as they in their discretion

should think proper and reasonable; and no person, to whom such liberty

should be granted, was to be molested, punished, or called in question

for any differences in speculative opinions with respect to religion; so

that all persons, of what denomination soever, had liberty to enjoy their

own judgments and consciences in religious concerns, provided they

disturbed not the civil order and peace of the province. And as the

assembly of freeholders could not be immediately called, the proprietors

had power granted them to make such orders and ordinances as might be

necessary to the government of the people and the preservation of peace,

and as were not repugnant to the laws and statutes of England. Liberty

was given to the king's liege subjects to transport themselves and

families to settle the province, only they were to remain immediately

subject to the crown of England, and to depend thereon for ever; and were

not compellable to answer to any cause or suit in any other part of his

majesty's dominions but in England and Wales.

[Sidenote] Of the foundamental constitutions.

Agreeable to the powers with which the proprietors were invested by their

charter, they began to frame a system of laws for the government of their

colony; in which arduous task they called in the great philosopher John

Locke to their assistance. A model of government, consisting of no less

than one hundred and twenty different articles, was framed by this

learned man, which they agreed to establish, and to the careful

observance of which, to bind themselves and their heirs for ever. But

there is danger of error, where speculative men of one country attempt to

sketch out a plan of government for another, in a different climate and

situation. This legislator must be acknowledged to have possessed great

abilities and merit; yet his fine-spun system proved in effect useless

and impracticable. Several attempts were afterwards made to amend these

fundamental constitutions, but all to little purpose; the inhabitants,

sensible of their impropriety, and how little they were applicable to

their circumstances, neither by themselves, nor by their representatives

in assembly, ever gave their assent 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 useful,

they adopted at the request of their governors; but observed them on

account of their own propriety and necessity, rather than as a system of

laws imposed on them by British legislators.

As the proprietors were so fond of these constitutions, and expressed so

much zeal for their establishment, it may not be improper to give a short

and imperfect view of them, especially such as were allowed to take place

in the government of the colony. The eldest of the eight proprietors was

always to be Palatine, and at his decease was to be succeeded by the

eldest of the seven survivors. This palatine was to sit as president 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 stand in room of the king, and give

their assent or dissent to all laws made by the legislature of the

colony. The palatine was to have power to nominate and appoint the

governor, who, after obtaining the royal approbation, became his

representative in Carolina. Each of the seven proprietors was to have the

privilege of appointing a deputy to sit as his representative in

parliament, and to act agreeable to his instructions. Besides a governor,

two other branches, somewhat similar to the old Saxon constitution, were

to be established, an upper and lower house of assembly; which three

branches were to be called a Parliament, and to constitute the

legislature of the country. The parliament was to be chosen every two

years. No act of the legislature was to have any force unless ratified in

open parliament during the same session, and even then to continue no

longer in force than the next biennial parliament, unless in the mean

time it be ratified by the hands and seals of the palatine and three

proprietors. The upper house was to consist of the seven deputies, seven

of the oldest landgraves and cassiques, and seven chosen by the assembly.

As in the other provinces the lower house was to be composed of the

representatives from the different counties and towns. Several officers

were also to be appointed, such as an admiral, a secretary, a chief

justice, a surveyor, a treasurer, a marshal, and register; and besides

these, each county was to have a sheriff and four justices of the peace.

Three classes of nobility were to be established, called Barons,

Cassiques, and Landgraves; the first to possess twelve, the second

twenty-four, and the third forty-eight thousand acres of land, and their

possessions were to be unalienable. Military officers were also to be

nominated, and all inhabitants from sixteen to sixty years of age, as in

the times of feudal government, when summoned by the governor and grand

council, were to appear under arms, and, in time of war, to take the

field.

With respect to religion, three terms of communion were fixed: First, To

believe that there is a God; Secondly, That he is to be worshipped; And,

thirdly, That it is lawful and the duty of every man when called upon by

those in authority, to bear witness to the truth. Without acknowledging

which, no man was to be permitted to be a freeman, or to have any estate

or habitation in Carolina. But persecution for observing different modes

and ways of worship, was expressly forbid, and every man was to be left

full liberty of conscience, and might worship God in that manner which he

in his private judgment thought most conformable to the divine will and

revealed word. This was the opinion of Mr. Locke with respect to

religious matters. He chose the word of God for his rule of life, and was

used to say, "That, at the day of judgment, it would not be asked whether

he was a follower of Luther or Calvin; but whether he embraced the truth

in the love of it."

[Sidenote] William Sayle visits Carolina.

Notwithstanding these preparations, several years elapsed before the

proprietors of Carolina made any serious efforts towards its settlement.

In 1667, they fitted out a ship, gave the command of it to Captain

William Sayle, and sent him out to bring them some account of the coast.

In his passage Captain Sayle was driven by a storm among the Bahama

islands, which accident he improved to the purpose of acquiring some

knowledge of them; particularly the island of Providence, which he judged

might be of service to the intended settlement of Carolina; for, in case

of an invasion from the Spaniards, this island, fortified, might be made

to serve either as a check to the progress of their arms, or a useful

retreat to unfortunate colonists. Leaving Providence, he sailed along the

coast of Carolina, where he observed several large navigable rivers

emptying themselves into the ocean, and a flat country covered with

woods. He attempted to go ashore in his boat, but observing some savages

on the banks of the rivers, he was obliged to drop his design; and, after

having explored the coast and the mouth of the rivers, he took his

departure and resumed to England.

[Sidenote] And is appointed the first governor of it.

His report to his employers, as might naturally be expected, was

favourable. He praised their possessions, and encouraged them to engage

with vigour in the execution of their project. His observations

respecting the Bahama islands induced them to apply to the king for a

grant of them. Charles bestowed on them by patent all those islands lying

between the 22d and 27th degrees of north latitude. Nothing then remained

but to make preparations for sending a colony to Carolina. Two ships were

procured, on board of which a number of adventurers embarked, with

provisions, arms, and utensils requisite for building and cultivation.

William Sayle, who had visited the country, was appointed the first

governor of it, and received a commission, bearing date July 26, 1669.

The expences of this first embarkation amounted to twelve thousand

pounds, which vigorous effort was a proof that the proprietor entertained

no small hopes with respect to their palatinate. The number of men,

however, must have been inconsiderable, and no ways adequate to the

undertaking, especially when we consider the multitude of savages that

ranged through that extensive wilderness.

[Sidenote] Settles his colony on Ashley river.

In what place Governor Sayle first landed is uncertain; but he was

dissatisfied with his first situation, and, moving to the southward, took

possession of a neck of land between Ashley and Cooper rivers. The

earliest instructions we have seen upon record were directed to the

governor and council of Ashley river, in which spot the first settlement

was made that proved permanent and successful. This place, however, was

more eligible for the convenience of navigation than for the richness of

its soil. But to struggle amidst a complication of difficulties and

dangers was the lot of such adventurers; to surmount which, at this early

period, no small degree of fortitude, patience and perseverance must have

been requisite.

[Sidenote] Hardship of the first settlers, from the climate.

New settlers in all countries and climates are subject to many hardships,

especially such as are in low and indigent circumstances; but those of

the first settlers of Carolina must have equalled, if not surpassed,

every thing of the kind to which men in any age have been exposed. To

fell the trees of the thick forest, and build habitations for themselves,

would probably be their first employment, before they began to clear

their spots of ground for raising the necessaries of life. In such a low

country, and warm climate, even this task must have been a considerable

burden. But Carolina, like other level countries overflowed with water,

is productive of many disorders, such as putrid fevers, agues,

dysenteries, and the like; and to fix habitations on such places where

the exhalations from stagnated waters and marshy swamps poisoned the air,

must have rendered them extremely unwholesome. During the summer months

the climate is so sultry, that no European, without hazard, can endure

the fatigues of labouring in the open air: for the most part, the weather

during this season is very clear and serene, excepting when a

thunder-storm happens, which cools the air, suddenly stops perspiration,

and becomes exceedingly dangerous to labourers of little precaution.

Besides, the violent heat continues through the night, and denies the

weary workman the natural refreshment of sleep. The autumn introduces

cool evenings and mornings, while the noon-day is intolerably warm; which

change, together with the thick fogs that commonly fall at this season,

rendered it the most unhealthy division of the year. In winter, though

the degree of cold is not so great as in the more northern climates of

America, yet it is severely felt by the human body, exhausted and relaxed

with the summer heat; and when the wind shifts suddenly from any quarter

to the north-west or north, it blows extremely sharp and piercing, brings

along with it sometimes frost and snow, and renders the warmest clothing

requisite. The spring is the most temperate and delightful season of the

year: it begins early, and diffuses its enlivening influence over the

fields and forests. Experience had not yet taught the young colonists the

methods either of improving the advantages, or guarding against the

disadvantages of the climate, and therefore it is no wonder that they

found themselves involved at this period in a complication of hardships.

[Sidenote] And from the Indians.

To enhance their distress, they were surrounded with tribes of warlike

savages, who viewed them with a jealous eye, and were by no means pleased

at the encroachments made on their natural possessions. The tribes called

Stonoes and Westoes were particularly troublesome. The colonists, indeed,

were furnished with arms and ammunition from the storehouse of the

proprietors, yet as they lived in the midst of perpetual alarms, their

condition must have been deplorable. Nor did the musket give those

strangers to the woods such an advantage over the bow and arrow in the

hands of the Indians, as some people may be apt to imagine. The savage,

quick-sighted, and accustomed to perpetual watchfulness, springs from his

den behind a bush, and surprizes his enemy with the pointed arrow before

he is aware of danger. He ranges through the trackless forest like the

beasts of prey, and safely sleeps under the same canopy with the wolf and

bear. His vengeance is concealed, and sends the tidings in the fatal

blow. The first settlers were obliged to stand in a continual posture of

defence; and as they could not be supposed to understand the political

methods of managing their barbarous neighbors, they must have been

subjected to all the hardships arising from their ignorance and dangerous

condition.

While one party was employed in raising their little habitations, another

was always kept under arms, to watch the motions of these Indians. The

governor shared those hardships along with his fellow adventurers, and by

his example animated and encouraged them to perseverance. The only fresh

provisions they could procure were fish from the river, and what game

they could kill with their gun. While the settlers were struggling under

the difficulties inseparable from the first state of colonization, the

ship Blessing, belonging to the proprietors, commanded by Captain

Matthias Halstead, happily arrived, and brought them a seasonable supply

of necessaries. At the same time deputies from the other proprietors came

over, to assist the governor in the discharge of the duties of his

office. They brought with them twenty-three articles of instruction,

called Temporary Agrarian Laws, intended for the equitable division of

lands among the people; but whatever difficulties or inconveniencies

might occur in the execution of them, the governor had directions to

represent them to the proprietors, who had reserved to themselves the

sole power of making alterations in them. At the same 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 Charlestown, in honour of the king.

Captain Halstead was employed, during his stay, in sounding the rivers,

for the benefit of navigation, which were found sufficiently deep, and

excellently calculated for the purposes of trade.

[Sidenote] Sir John Yeamans arrives at Carolina.

About this time the Duke of Albemarle, who was the first palatine, died,

and was succeeded by the Earl of Craven, as eldest proprietor. John

Locke, Sir John Yeamans, and James Carteret, were created landgraves, to

make part of the nobility required by the fundamental constitutions. Sir

John was the eldest son and heir of Robert Yeamans alderman of Bristol,

who was imprisoned and executed in 1643, by order of Nathaniel Fienes,

son to Lord Say, who had been appointed governor of Bristol by the

parliament. His son, Sir John, was afterwards advanced to the dignity of

baronet by King Charles the second in 1664, as a reward for the steady

loyalty and heavy sufferings of his father. But as the violence of the

preceding times, which had deprived Sir John of his father, had also

injured him in his private fortune, he embarked for the island of

Barbadoes, at that time in a flourishing condition, to hide his poverty

from his acquaintance in England, and endeavour to acquire a fortune

suitable to his dignity. When Carolina was settled, having received a

grant of a large tract of land from the proprietors, he, with several

respectable followers, retired to that infant colony, to forward by his

presence and example, the interest of his generous and beloved friends,

from whom he had received great encouragement and assistance.

[Sidenote] A.D. 1671.

[Sidenote] And is appointed governor.

Soon after his arrival in Carolina, Governor Sayle fell a sacrifice to

the hardships of the climate. Upon his death the council met, and Sir

John claimed the office of vice-palatine in consequence of his rank,

being the only landgrave resident in the colony. But the council, who

were empowered to elect a governor in such a case, chose to prefer Joseph

West, until a special appointment arrived from England. West was a

popular man, much esteemed among the colonists for his activity, courage,

and prudence. However, he did not long remain in office, for the first

vessel that arrived from England brought a commission to Sir John

Yeamans, constituting him governor of the colony.

[Sidenote] Various causes contribute to the settlement

of the country.

Here it may be remarked, that various causes contributed towards the

population of this settlement, as well as those in the more northern

climates. After the Restoration, a total change in the manners of the

English nation took place, and many of the people from the strictest

rigour and severity in point of morals, became profane, dissolute and

abandoned. The Cavaliers, who had suffered during the usurpation, began

to retaliate on the Puritans, and having obtained the ascendency over

them in public affairs, on all occasions treated them with severe

ridicule and supercilious contempt. On the other hand, the morose

republican party, highly offended at the licentious manners and growing

wickedness of the times, ardently wished for some distant retreat to

shelter themselves from the storm of divine judgments which they believed

hung over the corrupted and profligate nation. To prevent disturbances

from these different parties, Lord Clarendon, and many more of the king's

council, from maxims of policy, encouraged emigration, which they

considered as a sovereign remedy for political disorders. A new field was

opened in Carolina for discontented and turbulent spirits, to whom the

proprietors promised grants of land, upon condition they would transport

themselves and families to that quarter. They knew that industry was a

good cure for enthusiasm, and that enthusiasm was an excellent spur to

new and hazardous undertakings. The privilege of liberty of conscience

allowed to every one by the charter equally suited all parties, and

proved a great encouragement to emigration. New-England indeed had drawn

over many of the warmest and most turbulent republicans, and proved a

happy shelter to some against the terrors of future reckonings. Still,

however, multitudes remained in the nation, who, being discontented with

their present circumstances, were willing to seek for liberty of

conscience in the deserts of America. Accordingly, many dissenters

embraced the offers of the proprietors, and the infant colony received

its earliest acquisitions from this restless and troublesome party.

Other reasons of state contributed to render those new settlements

seasonably useful and important to the king. Several of his zealous

friends had been ruined by their steady adherence to his family during

the civil war, which had subverted the English monarchy; many brave

officers and soldiers of the royal army had been reduced to indigent

circumstances, for whom the king could make little provision in England;

these useful subjects and faithful friends merited the compassion of

their country, and being inured to face dangers, for landed estates were

willing to accept of grants in the neighbourhood of Indian savages. By

this time several of the settlers in Virginia and Barbadoes had been

successful, and having surmounted the difficulties attending the first

state of colonization, were living in easy and plentiful circumstances.

The lands of Carolina were esteemed equal, if not superior in value, to

those of the northern colonies. Here the servants of the king could

provide for his friends without any expence to the nation, and by this

means not only secured their attachment, but also extended his power.

Grants of land were allowed them in Carolina by the proprietors, where it

was thought they might in time enrich themselves, and become beneficial

to the commerce and navigation of the mother country.

From this period every year brought new adventurers to Carolina. The

friends of the proprietors were invited to it, by the flattering

prospects of obtaining landed estates at an easy rate. Others took refuge

there from the frowns of fortune and the rigour of unmerciful creditors.

Youth reduced to misery by giddy passion and excess embarked for the new

settlement, where they found leisure to reform, and where necessity

taught them the unknown virtues of prudence and temperance. Restless

spirits, fond of roving abroad, found also the means of gratifying their

humours, and abundance of scope for enterprise and adventure. It cannot

be deemed wonderful if many of them were disappointed, especially such as

emigrated with sanguine expectations. The gaiety, luxury and vices of the

city were bad qualifications for rural industry, and rendered some

utterly unfit for the frugal simplicity and laborious task of the first

state of cultivation. An hardy race, inured to labour, hunger, and

fatigue, were best adapted for making impressions on the thick forest,

and not such emigrants as left the city, tinctured with its vices and

fond of luxury and ease. Nor could the Puritans, who settled before

them, promise themselves much greater success than their neighbours;

though more rigid and austere in their manners, and more religiously

disposed, their scrupulosity about trifles and ceremonies, and their

violent and litigious dispositions, created trouble to all around them,

and disturbed that general harmony so necessary to the welfare and

prosperity of the young settlement. From the various principles which

actuated the populace of England, and the different sects who composed

the first settlers of Carolina, nothing less could be expected, but that

the seeds of division should be imported into that country with its

earliest inhabitants.

We are apt to attend chiefly to the desolating wars, or the great and

surprising revolutions which happen to kingdoms in their populous and

advanced state, and to pass over the events of their rise and progress as

trifling and inconsiderable; but as the greatest nations upon earth have

gradually sprung from such beginnings, it is no less curious and

instructive to view the smaller transactions of their infant state, than

the grander events of their mature age. Kingdoms in the political world,

like plants in the vegetable, have their stages of rise, progress,

perfection, and decline; and, in the fields of nature, it is equally

pleasant to mark the buds of the spring, as the bloom of summer, or the

decay of autumn.

[Sidenote] America peopled in an improved age.

One advantage certainly attended the various settlements in America, of

which no European state can boast. Being peopled from civilized nations

in an enlightened age, when records are carefully kept and faithfully

preserved, the events of their rise and progress, though not so

important, were equally clear as those of their more perfect state:

whereas the history of the origin of eastern nations could only be

transmitted to future generations by the songs of bards or oral

tradition. Ignorance of geography, and the art of printing not being then

invented, must have rendered the transactions of rude and barbarous ages

so precarious and obscure, that if the dead of past ages were to revive,

they could scarcely be able to recognize the complexion of their own

time. Even in the ages preceding the invention of printing, and the happy

Reformation, many events lie buried in darkness and oblivion. The small

knowledge which then existed being confined to the clergy, their accounts

do not merit entire credit; for the various orders of ecclesiastics at

that time were too much under the influence of monkish pride and

superstition, to transmit faithful memorials to posterity.

[Sidenote] The first treaty with Spain respecting it.

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 she had already gained in it. However, a few years

after Carolina was settled, Sir William Godolphin concluded a treaty with

Spain, in which, among other articles, it was agreed, "That the King of

Great-Britain should always possess, in full right of sovereignty and

property, all the countries, islands, and colonies, lying and situated in

the West Indies, or any part of America, which he and his subjects then

held and possessed, insomuch that they neither can nor ought thereafter

to be contested on any account whatsoever." The Bucaniers, who had for

many years infested Spanish America, were now cut off from all future

protection from the English government in their hostile invasions of

these dominions, and all commissions formerly granted to such pirates,

were recalled and annulled. By this treaty, the freedom of navigation in

these American seas was opened to both nations; and all ships in

distress, whether from storms, or the pursuit 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 assistance, and to be

permitted to depart without molestation. These things merit particular

notice, as by this treaty Spain evidently gave up all future pretensions

to the country of Carolina granted to the proprietors by the king; and

this freedom of navigation, provided for in such express terms, was

violated, as we shall afterwards see, by the Spaniards, and proved the

occasion of a bloody war between the two nations. Not long after this, a

treaty of neutrality between Britain and France was also concluded; by

which negotiations the possessions of Great Britain, France, and Spain,

in the western world, were better ascertained; and the freedom of

commerce and navigation was more firmly established by those three great

potentates, than had taken place in any former period.

[Sidenote] A council of commerce is instituted.

It is not improbable that King Charles the second, during his exile, had

acquired in Holland some knowledge in trade, and seen the vast advantage

resulting from it to that republic; for after his return to his native

dominions, he made the naval strength of England, and her commercial

affairs, the principal objects of attention. He instituted a select

council of commerce, consisting of a president, vice-president, and nine

counsellors, for the encouragement of trade, navigation and the colonies.

Instead of the former method, of referring all commercial concerns to a

fluctuating committee of the privy-council, this institution was intended

to chalk out a particular line of duty, which was to engage the whole

attention of that board. But the king was so immersed in private luxuries

and pleasures, that it was difficult to keep him steady and firm to any

laudable public regulation. The annual expence attending this excellent

institution he soon found was too heavy, and therefore it was dropt, and

the affairs of commerce returned to their former tedious and fluctuating

channel.

[Sidenote] A legislature is formed in the colony.

In Carolina Sir John Yeamans had entered on the government with an

uncommon zeal for the success of the settlement, and a grateful anxiety

to discharge the duties of his trust with fidelity and honour. The

proprietors, fond of their new form of government, had instructed him to

use his endeavours to introduce it, as the most excellent of its kind,

and wisely adapted to promote the prosperity and happiness of the people.

Accordingly, Sir John summoned the people together, ordered the

fundamental constitutions to be read, and representatives to be elected.

The province was divided into four counties, called Berkeley, Colleton,

Craven, and Carteret counties. The people, who had hitherto lived under a

kind of military government, now began to form a legislature for

establishing civil regulations. Ten members were elected as

representatives for Colleton, and ten for Berkeley counties. A committee,

consisting of Stephen Bull, Ralph Marshal, and William Owen, were

nominated for framing some public regulations. Three acts were proposed

by them as beneficial; the first, to prevent persons leaving the colony;

the second, to prohibit all men from disposing of arms and ammunition to

Indians; and the third, for the regular building of Charlestown.

[Sidenote] Its troubles from the Spaniards.

Notwithstanding the public treaty already mentioned, a religious society

of the Spanish nation laid claim to the large territory of Florida, not

only on the foot of prior discovery, but also by virtue of a grant from

the pope; and the garrison kept at Augustine regarding the British

settlement as an encroachment on their possessions, were disposed to

throw every difficulty in the way of the Carolineans, in order to compel

them to relinquish the country. They encouraged indented servants to

leave their masters, and fly to them for liberty and protection. They

instilled into the savage tribes the most unfavourable notions of British

heretics, and urged them on to the destruction of the colony. Good policy

required that the governor should keep a watchful eye on the motions of

such neighbours, and guard his weak and defenceless colony against the

pernicious designs of their Spanish rivals. Some men he discovered who

were attempting to entice servants to revolt; these were ordered to

receive so many stripes. Others, in defiance of the feeble power of the

magistrate, took to such courses as were subversive of public peace and

justice. 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 purposes of culture. Until the fields were cleared the

brute creation could afford the planters no assistance; the weak arm of

man alone had to encounter all the hardships of clearing and cultivation,

and the thick forest seemed to bid defiance to his strength. Hard indeed

was the task of these labourers while employed in felling the large and

lofty trees, and all the while exposed to the heat of an inclement sky,

and the terrors of barbarous enemies; with great truth it may be said of

them, that they purchased their scanty morsel with the sweat of their

brows. After all, the provisions they raised were exposed to the

plundering parties of savage neighbours, and one day often robbed them of

the dear-bought fruits of their whole year's toil.

[Sidenote] Its domestic troubles and hardships.

It is no easy matter to describe the dreadful extremities to which these

poor settlers were sometimes reduced. During the government of Sir John

Yeamans a civil disturbance broke out among the colonists, which

threatened the ruin of the settlement. At such a distance it was very

difficult for the proprietors to furnish their colony with regular

supplies; and the spots of sandy and barren land they had cleared poorly

rewarded their toil. Small was the skill of the planter, and European

grain, which they had been accustomed to sow, proved suitable to neither

soil nor climate. The emigrants being now, from sad experience, sensible

of difficulties inseparable from their circumstances, began to murmur

against the proprietors, and to curse the day they left their native

land, to starve in a wilderness. While they gathered oysters for

subsistence with one hand, they were obliged to carry their muskets for

self-defence in the other. A great gun had been given to Florence

O'Sullivan, which he placed on an island situate at the mouth of the

harbour, to alarm the town in cases of invasion from the Spaniards.

O'Sullivan deserted his island, being ready to perish with hunger, and

joined the discontented party in the town. The people became seditious

and ungovernable, and threatened to compel the governor to relinquish the

settlement: even Mr. Culpepper the surveyor-general, joined them in their

complaints and murmurs. The greatest prudence and courage were requisite

to prevent tumults, and animate the colonists to perseverance. Florence

O'Sullivan was taken up by the marshal on a charge of sedition, and

compelled to find security for his future good behaviour. One sloop,

commanded by Joseph Harris, was despatched to Virginia, another to

Barbadoes, to bring provisions. Happily before their return a seasonable

supply arrived from England, together with a number of new settlers,

which revived the drooping spirits of the people, and encouraged them to

engage in more vigorous efforts. The governor, sensible of the hardships

the people had suffered, the more readily forgave them for their past

misconduct; but as Mr. Culpepper held an office from the proprietors, he

sent him to England to be tried by them for joining the people in

treasonable conspiracies against the settlement.

The garrison at Augustine having intelligence from servants who fled to

them of the discontented and miserable situation of the colony in

Carolina, advanced with a party under arms as far as the island of St.

Helena, to dislodge or destroy the settlers. Brian Fitzpatrick, a noted

villain, treacherously deserted his distressed friends on purpose to join

their enemies. However, Sir John Yeamans having received a reinforcement,

set his enemies at defiance. Fifty volunteers, under the command of

Colonel Godfrey, marched against the Spaniards, who, on his approach,

evacuated the island of St. Helena, and retreated to Augustine.

[Sidenote] A war among the Indians seasonable for the settlement.

At this period, to form alliances with Indian tribes was an object of

great importance with the governor and council. One circumstance proved

favourable to the colony at the time of its settlement. The Westoes, a

powerful and numerous tribe, who harboured an irreconcileable aversion to

the white faces of strangers, would have proved a dangerous enemy to

them, had not their attention been occupied by the Serannas, another

Indian nation. A bloody war between these two tribes providentially

raged, and was carried on with such fury, that in the end it proved fatal

to both. This served to pave the way for the introduction and

establishment of this British settlement, which otherwise might have

shared the same unhappy fate with the first adventurers to Virginia. Many

tribes besides that might no doubt have extirpated the colony, but it is

probable the governor studied by every means to avoid giving them any

provocation, and to conciliate their affection and esteem.

[Sidenote] Of Indians in general.

While we now and then turn our eyes to those wild hunters who ranged

through the American woods, we must guard against such false and horrid

descriptions of them, as some who have suffered from their warlike temper

have exhibited to the world. Many authors have discovered unreasonable

prejudices against them, and shewn that they either wanted judgment to

distinguish, or candour to make due allowances for, the failings peculiar

to all nations in the same rude and uncultivated state. When Julius Cesar

carried the Roman arms into Britain, and Germanicus over-run the forests

of Germany, did they not find the silvestres of those countries little,

if at all, more civilized than the brown natives of America? If the

Indians were offended at the encroachments made by strangers on lands

which they had possessed unmolested for time immemorial, that is nothing

wonderful or uncommon. Lands may be called the first property of all

nations on the face of the earth. While unacquainted with the advantages

of pasturage and agriculture, a greater extent of hunting lands are

requisite for their subsistence. Through this territory, now possessed by

Europeans, they had been accustomed to range, independent, fearless and

free. If they were ready to defend their property at the risque of life,

this practice is nothing more than what all nations in the same barbarous

state have followed. Until laws were made to prevent and redress wrongs,

and men delivered up their arms to the civil magistrate, have they not,

in every age, had recourse to forcible means for the defence of their

property? The natives of Carolina were doubtless displeased at the

encroachments of strangers on their inheritance, and if they had not

advanced a single step towards civilization, no man can reasonably expect

from them a conduct incompatible with their natural circumstances. The

woods abounded with deer and buffaloes, which, when young, might have

been domesticated; but on such employment no Indian had entered; it

probably appeared to him equally despicable as that of agriculture.

[Sidenote] The occasion of Europeans being peaceably admitted among

them.

The first bond of union and affection between Europeans and Americans was

conveniency. At this early period, to the Indian a knife, a hatchet, or a

hoe, was a useful and invaluable acquisition. He observed with what

facility the strangers supplied their wants, which were many in

comparison with his, by means of the various implements they used. The

woods fell before the axe, the earth opened before the hoe or the spade;

and the knife was useful on numberless occasions. He admired the skill of

white men in making those implements of ease and profit, and voluntarily

offered them his deer skins, the only riches he had which could procure

them. The love of ease was as natural to the one as the other, and he

would rather give them the profits of a year's hunting than want such

instruments. Having obtained these in process of time, he found the

tomahawk and musket equally useful; these he also coveted, and could not

rest till he obtained them. What was at first only convenient, as his

wants increased, became absolutely necessary, by which means the original

bond was strengthened and confirmed. As the channel of commerce opened,

the Indian found that he was not only treated with friendship and

civility, but that the white people were equally fond of his skins, 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 forest, peaceably to admit stranger differing so much

in complexion, language and manners, among them and allow them to clear

and cultivate their lands.

From the ignorance of Englishmen with respect to the policy and customs

of these wild tribes, they must have been exposed to numberless dangers

in the earlier periods of their commercial intercourse. At first, the

rude manners of the western savages must have been equally strange to the

European, as the civilized manners of eastern nations to the Indian. The

commerce itself served to enhance the danger; for although Indians lived

much dispersed, yet they united under one chief, and formed different

towns, all the lands around which they claimed as their property. The

boundaries of their hunting grounds being carefully fixed, each tribe was

tenacious of its possessions, and fired with resentment at the least

encroachment on them. Every individual looked on himself as a proprietor

of all the lands claimed by the whole tribe, and bound in honour to

defend them. This may serve to account for many umbrages (which we shall

afterwards have occasion to mention) taken by Indians in general at

purchases made and titles obtained by private persons, and even by

particular provinces: for no Indian, however great his influence and

authority, could give away more than his own right to any tract of land,

which, in proportion, is no more than as one man to the whole tribe. To

all such gifts the concurrence and consent of the whole nation must be

obtained. Here a large source of difference and quarrels opened, and a

foolish bargain of an individual often exposed the European settlers to

the fury and vengeance of the whole clan.

[Sidenote] General remarks on the manners, government and religion,

_&c._ of the Indians.

Those inhabitants, like beasts of prey, traverse the forest, and while

they neither encroach on their neighbours territories, nor are at war

with another tribe, enjoy freedom in the most extensive sense of the

word. In stature they are of a middle size, neither so tall nor yet so

low as some Europeans. To appearance they are strong 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 deformed, deformities of nature being confined to the

ages of art and refinement. Their colour is brown, and their skin shines,

being varnished with bears fat and paint. To appearance the men have no

beards, nor hair on their head, except a round tuft on its crown; but

this defect is not natural, as many people are given to believe, but the

effect of art, it being customary among them to tear out such hair by the

root. They go naked, except those parts which natural decency teaches the

most barbarous nations to cover. The huts in which they live are foul,

mean and offensive; and their manner of life is poor, nasty and

disgustful. In the hunting season they are eager and indefatigable in

pursuit of their prey; when that is over, they indulge themselves in a

kind of brutal slumber, indolence and ease. In their distant excursions

they can endure hunger long, and carry little with them for their

subsistence; but in days of plenty they are voracious as vultures. While

dining in company with their chieftains, we were astonished at the vast

quantity of meat they devoured. Agriculture they leave to women, and

consider it as an employment unworthy of a man: indeed they seem

amazingly dead to the tender passions, and treat their women like slaves,

or beings of an inferior rank. Scolding, insults, quarrels, and

complaints, are seldom heard among them: on solemn occasions they are

thoughtful, serious, and grave; yet I have seen them free, open and merry

at feasts and entertainments. In their common deportment towards each

other they are respectful, peaceable, and inoffensive. Sudden anger is

looked upon as ignominious and unbecoming, and, except in liquor, they

seldom differ with their neighbour, or ever do him any harm or injury. As

for riches they have none; nor covet any; and while they have plenty of

provisions, they allow none to suffer through want: if they are

successful at hunting, all their unfortunate or distressed friends share

with them the common blessings of life.

Although in some particular customs the separate tribes of Indians differ

from each other, yet in their general principles and mode of government

they are very similar. All have general rules, with respect to other

independent tribes around them, which they carefully observe. The great

concerns relating to war or peace, are canvassed in assemblies of

deputies from all the different towns. When injuries are committed, and

Indians of one tribe happen to be killed by those of another, then such a

meeting is commonly called. If no person appears on the side of the

aggressors, the injured nation deputes one of their warriors to go to

them, and, in name of the whole tribe, to demand satisfaction: if this is

refused, and they think themselves able to undertake a war against the

aggressors, then a number of warriors, commonly the relations of the

deceased, take the field for revenge, and look upon it as a point of

honour never to leave it till they have killed the same number of the

enemy that had been slain of their kinsmen. Having accomplished this,

they return home with their scalps, and by some token let their enemy

know that they are satisfied. But when the nation to whom the aggressors

belong, happen to be disposed to peace, they search for the murderers,

and they are, by the general judgment of the nation, capitally punished,

to prevent involving others in their quarrel; which act of justice is

performed often by the aggressor's nearest relations. The criminal never

knows of his condemnation until the moment the sentence is to be put in

execution, which often happens while he is dancing the war dance in the

midst of his neighbours, and bragging of the same exploit for which he is

condemned to die.

In different ages mankind in similar circumstances, with respect to their

progress in improvements, bear a striking resemblance one to another. The

accounts of rude and barbarous Indians may be so far curious and

instructive, as they serve to throw light on several earlier periods of

history, both sacred and profane. The American savages almost universally

claim the right of private revenge. It is considered by them as a point

of honour to avenge the injuries done to friends, particularly the death

of a relation. Scalp for scalp, blood for blood, and death for death, can

only satisfy the surviving friends of the injured party. The same law of

retaliation was established among the ancient Jews and Romans. But should

the wise and aged men of weight and influence among Indians interpose, on

account of some favourable circumstances on the side of the aggressor,

perhaps satisfaction may be made by way of compensation. In this case,

some present made to the party aggrieved serves to gratify their passion

of revenge, by the loss the aggressor sustains, and the acquisition of

property the injured receives. Should the injured friends refuse this

kind of satisfaction, which they are entirely at liberty to do, then the

murderer, however high his rank may be, must be delivered up to torture

and death, to prevent the quarrel spreading wider through the nation.

This custom of making compensation also prevailed among European nations

in their earlier and more uncultivated ages. In the time of Tacitus, the

relations of the maimed or murdered person, among the Germans, were

obliged to accept of a compensation, and restrain the spirit of revenge.

During the Anglosaxon period in England, laws were made to determine the

various fines for murder, man-slaughter, wounds and other injuries, and

prices were fixed on the heads of men according to their rank. In case of

adultery among Indians, the injured husband considers himself as under an

obligation to revenge 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 first opportunity that offers of killing him, without any danger from

his tribe. Then the debt is paid, and the courage of the husband proved.

This is more severe than the law of Ethelbert, which admitted of a fine

from the adulterer, and obliged him to purchase another wife for the

injured husband.

With respect to internal government, these savages have also several

customs and regulations to which the individuals of the same tribe

conform. Personal wisdom and courage are the chief sources of distinction

among them, and individuals obtain rank and influence in proportion as

they excel in these qualifications. Natural reason suggests, that the man

of the greatest abilities ought to be the leader of all possessed of

inferior endowments; in him they place the greatest confidence, and

follow him to war without envy or murmur. As this warrior arrives at

honour and distinction by the general consent; so, when chosen, he must

be very circumspect in his conduct, and gentle in the exercise of his

power. By the first unlucky or unpopular step he forfeits the goodwill

and confidence of his countrymen, upon which all his power is founded.

Besides the head warrior, they have judges and conjurers, 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 voice is heard, and at their public

deliberations the best speakers generally prevail. When they consult

together about important affairs, such as war or peace, they are serious

and grave, and examine all the advantages and disadvantages of their

situation with great coolness and deliberation, and nothing is determined

but by the general consent. When war is the result of their councils, and

the great leader takes the field, any one may refuse to follow him, or

may desert him, without incurring any punishment, but by such ignominious

conduct he loses his reputation, and forfeits the hopes of distinction

and preferment. To honour and glory from warlike exploits the views of

every man are directed, and therefore they are extremely cautious and

watchful against doing any action for which they may incur public censure

and disgrace.

The Indians, like all ignorant and rude nations, are very superstitious.

They believe that superior beings interfere in, and direct, human

affairs, and invoke all spirits, both good and evil, in hazardous

undertakings. Each tribe have their conjurers and magicians, on whose

prophetic declarations they place much confidence, in all matters

relating to health, hunting, and war. They are fond of prying into future

events, and therefore pay particular regard to signs, omens, and dreams.

They look upon fire as sacred, and pay the author of it a kind of

worship. At the time of harvest and at full moon they observe several

feasts and ceremonies, which it would seem were derived from some

religious origin. As their success, both in warlike enterprises and in

procuring subsistence depends greatly on fortune, they have a number of

ceremonious observances before they enter on them. They offer in

sacrifice a part of the first deer or bear they kill, and from this they

flatter themselves with the hopes of future success. When taken sick they

are particularly prone to superstition, and their physicians administer

their simple and secret cures with a variety of strange ceremonies and

magic arts, which fill the patients with courage and confidence, and are

sometimes attended with happy effects.

[Sidenote] A Dutch colony brought to Carolina.

During the time Sir John Yeamans was governor of Carolina, the colony

received a great addition to its strength from the Dutch settlement of

Nova Belgia, which, without any resistance, surrendered to the armament

commanded by Sir Robert Carr, and became subject to England. Charles the

second gave it to his brother the Duke of York, who called the province

New-York, and governed it on the same arbitrary principles which

afterwards rendered him so obnoxious to the English nation. After the

conquest many of the Dutch colonists, who were discontented with their

situation, had formed resolutions of moving to other provinces. The

proprietors of Carolina offered them lands and encouragement in their

palatinate, and sent their ships Blessing and Phoenix and brought a

number of Dutch families to Charlestown. Stephen Bull, surveyor-general

of the colony, had instructions to mark out lands on the southwest side

of Ashley 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 first colony of Dutch who settled in

Carolina, whose industry surmounted incredible hardships, and whose

success induced many from ancient Belgia afterwards to follow them to the

western world. The inhabitants of James-town, afterwards finding their

situation too narrow and circumscribed, in process of time spread

themselves through the country, and the town was totally deserted.

[Sidenote] A.D. 1674. Joseph West made governor.

About the year 1674, Sir John Yeamans being reduced to a feeble and

sickly condition by the warm climate, and his indefatigable labours for

the success of the settlement, returned to Barbadoes, where he died.

After his departure the grand council again chose Joseph West governor;

and the palatine confirmed the election. A meeting of all the freemen was

called at Charlestown, where they elected representatives, for the

purpose of making laws for the government of the colony. Thomas Gray,

Henry Hughs, Maurice Mathews, and Christopher Portman, were chosen

deputies from the people, and took their seat at the upper house of

assembly. These new members were obliged to take an oath, that they

should shew equity and justice to both rich and poor, without favour or

affection; that they should observe the laws of England, and those that

should hereafter be established in the colony; that they should obey the

rules and directions of the proprietors; that they should not divulge the

secrets of the grand council, without sufficient authority from that

board. A question being put, whether the deputies of the proprietors

should take the same oath? it was judged unnecessary, as they held their

appointments during pleasure, and were immediately answerable to the

proprietors for their conduct. Now the colony had its governor, its upper

and lower house of assembly, which three branches took the name of

Parliament, agreeable to the constitutions. This was the first parliament

that passed acts which are ratified by the proprietors, and found on

record in the colony.

[Sidenote] Variances break out in the colony.

It might have been expected, that these adventurers, who were all

embarked on the same design, would be animated by one spirit, and zealous

above all things to maintain harmony and peace among themselves; they had

all the same hardships to encounter, the same enemies to fear, and the

same cause, the prosperity of the settlement, to promote. In such

circumstances, the governor had good reason to hope, that one common

desire of safety, and principle of love and friendship, would pervade the

whole colony; yet nothing is more certain than that the contrary effect

took place. The most numerous party in the country were dissenters, of

various denominations, from the established church of England; which body

of men, whatever high pretensions they may affect to superior sanctity of

manners, have not always been found the most peaceable members of

society. A number of cavaliers having received grants from the

proprietors, had now brought over their families and effects, and joined

the Puritans in Carolina. The latter were looked upon by the proprietors

with a partial eye, as men of honour, loyalty and fidelity, and met with

great indulgence and encouragement; by which means they thrust themselves

into offices of trust and authority. The Puritans, on the other hand,

viewed them with the eye of envy and jealousy, and having suffered from

them in England, could not bear to see the smallest share of power

committed to them in Carolina. Hence the seeds of strife and division,

which had been imported into the colony, began to spring forth, and, as

if brought to a warmer and more fertile soil, to grow so rank as to

promise little peace and happiness to the young settlement. No common

dangers or difficulties could blot out of their memories the prejudices

and animosities contracted in England: the odious terms of distinction

were revived 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 ecclesiastical power, were jealous above all things of

religious liberties, and could bear no encroachment on them. The governor

found that matters of religion were tender points, and therefore wisely

avoided all deliberations about them, chusing rather to leave every man

to his free choice, than propose an establishment of any kind, which he

saw would occasion trouble and division among the people.

Another source of difficulty arose to government from the different

manners of these colonists. These emigrants were not a people accustomed

to rural labours and frugal simplicity, but many of them pampered

citizens, whose wants luxury had increased, and rendered them impatient

of fatigue and the restraints of legal authority. The sober and morose

life, the stiff and rigid morals of the Puritans, were made the objects

of ridicule by their neighbours, and all the powers of wit and humour

were employed in exposing them to public derision and contempt. Their

levelling spirit, republican principles, and contentious disposition,

they declared merited the hatred and abhorrence of every man of honour

and honesty, as they had served to produce in England that race of sly,

deceitful and hypocritical wretches, who had been the curse and scourge

of the nation. The Puritans, on the other hand, possessed of no small

share of rancour and malevolence, and exasperated by their licentious

manner and grievous abuse, violently opposed their influence among the

people. Hence arose a number of difficulties in framing laws, in

distributing justice, and in maintaining public order and tranquillity.

Governor West, observing those dissentions breaking out in the

settlement, was at no small pains to keep them within the bounds of

moderation, but having a council composed of ambitious cavaliers, was

unable entirely to check the disorder. In spite of his authority, the

Puritans were treated with insolence and neglect, and the colony,

distracted with domestic differences, were ill prepared for defence

against external enemies: not only so, but such divisions occasioned a

neglect of industry and application, which prevented the country from

making that progress in improvement which might have been expected from

its natural advantages.

[Sidenote] A trade in Indians encouraged.

At this unfavourable juncture the Indians, from Stono, came down in

straggling parties, and plundered the plantations of the scanty and

dearly earned fruits of labour and industry. Being accustomed to the

practice of killing whatever came in their way, they ranked the planter's

hogs, turkeys and geese among their game, and freely preyed upon them.

The planters as freely made use of their arms in defence of their

property, and several Indians were killed during their depredations. This

occasioned a war, and the Indians poured their vengeance

indiscriminately, as usual, on the innocent and guilty, for the loss of

their friends. Governor West found it necessary to encourage and reward

such of the colonists as would take the field against them for the public

defence. Accordingly, a price was fixed on every Indian the settlers

should take prisoner, and bring to Charlestown. These captive savages

were disposed of to the traders, who sent them to the West-Indies, and

there sold them for slaves. This traffic was deemed by some an inhuman

method of getting rid of troublesome neighbours; yet, at this period, the

planters had some reasons 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 immediate reward for Indian prisoners, and while it

encouraged bold adventurers, it was made a profitable branch of trade.

Whether the rum which was imported into the colony, in return for these

Indians, proved of beneficial consequence or not, we shall not pretend to

determine, as this depended on the use or abuse that was made of it.

Where the water is bad, a little rum mixed with it is accounted wholesome

and nourishing; but excess in drinking, every where, destroys the

constitution, and proves a fruitful spring of pains, diseases, and death.

[Sidenote] A general description of the climate.

Though Carolina lies in the same latitude with some of the most fertile

countries on the globe, yet he is in danger of error who forms his

judgment of its climate from the latitude in which it lies. Many local

circumstances concur to occasion a difference between it and Palestine,

the north of Egypt, or the dominions in the same latitude in China.

Besides the bleak mountains, frozen lakes, and the large uncultivated

territory over which the north and northwest winds blow in winter, by

which they are rendered dangerous; when the extreme heat of summer is

united with a low marshy soil, where the water stagnates, and the

effluvia arising from it thicken and poison the air, it must prove the

occasion of a numberless list of fatal distempers. This last circumstance

serves to decide the healthiness of climates in every latitude. Sudden

changes from heat to cold are every where dangerous; but, in countries

where little caution is used in dress, they must often prove fatal. The

winds in Carolina are changeable and erratic, and, about the vernal and

autumnal equinoxes, commonly boisterous. In summer, they are sultry and

suffocating; in winter, cold and dry. Beyond doubt, the flat maritime

part is a most unhealthy situation, and the first settlers could scarcely

have been cast ashore in any quarter of the globe where they could be

exposed to greater hazards from the climate.

[Sidenote] Of the the country.

Yet the country, low and unhealthy as it is, affords many advantages for

commerce and navigation. As you approach towards the shore, the sea

gradually ebbs, which furnishes good soundings for the help of

navigators. For eighty, and in some places an hundred, miles from the

Atlantic, the country is an even plain, no rocks, no stones, scarce a

hill of any height is to be seen. Backwards from this the lands begin to

rise gradually into little hills and beautiful inequalities, which

continue increasing in height and variation until you advance to the

Apalachian mountains, three hundred miles and more from the sea. Here a

vast ridge of mountains begins, and runs through North America, in the

bowels of which no man can say what riches lie in store. These mountains

give rise to four large rivers, called by their Indian names, Alatahama,

Savanna, Santee and Pedee. Among the hills these rivers are composed of

different branches, and run in a rapid course; but lose their velocity

when they reach the plains, through which they glide smoothly along, in a

serpentine course, to the ocean. Up these large rivers the tide flows a

considerable way, and renders them navigable for ships, brigs, sloops and

schooners, and smaller craft force their way still higher than the tide

flows. Besides these large rivers, the hills in the heart of the country

give rise to others of a secondary size, such as Ogetchee, Cusaw,

Cambahee, Edisto, Ashley, Cooper, and Black rivers; all which are also

navigable many miles from the ocean. The coast is also chequered with a

variety of fine islands, around which the sea flows, and opens excellent

channels, for the easy conveyance of produce to the market.

[Sidenote] Of its soil and lands.

By the different trees which cover the lands the soil is distinguished,

which in some places is very rich, and in others very poor. Where the

pine-trees grow the ground is sandy and barren, and produces little

except in rainy seasons. The oaks and hickories delight to grow in a

lower and richer soil, running in narrow streaks through the different

eminences, which grounds, when cleared and cultivated, amply reward the

industrious planter. The cypresses and canes chuse a still deeper and

more miry soil, which is exceedingly fruitful, having had the fruits and

foliage of trees from the higher grounds flowing into it from the

creation. The river swamp lands, by proper culture and judicious

management, are of inexhaustible fertility. The savannas and open plains

are of a deep fat and greasy mould, which when drained and freshened,

become also fruitful and excellent parts of a plantation. The marshy

grounds, some of which are fresh and others salt, are much neglected, yet

they yield a kind of grass grateful to some animals, and are used as yet

only for pasturage. Many years elapsed before the planters found out the

different grains suited to those different soils, and we shall take

occasion to mention them as time and experience taught them the useful

discoveries. The soil of the hilly country differs from all these; for

there, in the vallies between the hills, a black and deep loam is found,

probably formed of rotten trees and vegetables, which the showers and

floods have carried into them from the adjacent heights. Marble, clay,

chalk and gravel grounds are also observed among these hills in the

middle of the country, and a variety of soil nearly similar to that found

in Europe.

[Sidenote] Of its storms and natural phenomena.

At this period Carolina, in her natural and rural robes, to an ingenious

stranger must have exhibited a noble and striking appearance, as all

objects of nature do in their primeval state. Still we may fancy what new

scenes would command his attention, and excite his admiration. A

thunder-storm here is a grand phenomenon, especially in the night; it is

said to be the voice of the supreme Author of nature, whose command all

the various elements obey, and it speaks his majesty and glory in the

loudest and most exalted strain. The frequent balls of fire bursting from

cloud to cloud; the forked flashes darting from the clouds to the earth,

and from the earth to the clouds alternately, illuminating the whole

surrounding atmosphere, and men, like so many worms, crawling in the dust

in the midst of flaming fire, form a magnificent and striking scene. The

continual muttering noise of thunder at a distance the dreadful explosion

on the right hand, the repercussive roar on the left, while the solid

foundations of the earth shake, and the goodly frame of nature seems

ready to dissolve, to the eyes of an intelligent stranger must have

appeared awful and great. The beasts of the field retire from the

thicket, and shew evident symptoms of silent awe and astonishment during

the storm, and man's ultimate source of confidence is in the divine

protection. In every quarter you meet with the blasted trees of the

forest, which wither and decay at the lightning's stroke. No earthquakes,

such as are commonly known in the West-India islands, have ever been felt

here; but whirlwinds sometimes have made avenues through the thick

forest, by levelling the loftiest trees, or sweeping them away before

them like chaff. These terrible blasts are generally confined to a

narrow tract, and run in an oblique and crooked direction. Hurricanes

have also often visited the country and through such low and flat lands

have spread their defolation far and wide.

In travelling along the coast of Carolina, partly by water and partly by

land, the stranger has an excellent view of the natural beauties, and

rural inhabitants of the forest. At a distance the marshes and savannas

appear like level meadows, with branches or creeks of the sea running

through them. On one hand the evergreen pines appear, and engross almost

the whole higher lands of the country; on the other the branching oaks

and stately hickories stand covered with mossy robes: now he passes a

grove covered with cypress; then the laurels, the bays, the palmetoes,

the beech or mulberry-trees surround him, all growing as the hand of

nature hath wildly scattered them. In the spring the dogwood,

cherry-trees, and many others blossom, and, together with the jessamines,

perfume the air; while the luxuriant vines climb over the loftiest trees,

and bushes or shrubs of humbler growth fill up the thicket.

At this early period the rude hunters, though masters of the woods,

while they attracted the attention of the stranger, must also 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 savanna. Above

his head the feathered tribes, more remarkable for the splendour of their

plumage than the harmony of their notes, would fly; whilst under his feet

would crawl innumerable reptiles and insects. Here it may not be improper

to enumerate some of the different kinds of living creatures found in the

country, and leave the particular description of them to the natural

historian.

[Sidenote] Of its animals.

Beyond doubt Carolina teems with animals both of the useful and hurtful

kind. The alligator, probably a species of the crocodile, is found here

nigh the rivers and ponds, and is very destructive to young creatures

about a plantation. He is perhaps the largest animal, except the

crocodile in Africa, of the ovarious kind. The bear is a fierce animal,

but in many respects a rich prize to the Indian hunter. The beaver is

also a native of Carolina, and his fur is a precious article of American

commerce. The racoon and oppossum are also natives of the country, and

scarcely found in any other continent. The latter demands the particular

notice of naturalists; its young are said to breed at the female's teats,

which is furnished with a double belly, into one of which, on the

appearance of danger, the young ones retreat, and are saved 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 hunter pours his vengeance. Squirrels of various kinds and

different hues are numerous here; one of which is called the flying

squirrel, not from its having wings like a bird, but from its being

furnished with a fine loose skin between its fore and hind legs, which it

contracts or expands at pleasure, and which buoys it up, and enables it

to spring from branch to branch at considerable distances, with amazing

nimbleness.

[Sidenote] Of its fishes.

In the mouth of the rivers, and on the coast, the shark, the porpoise,

the sword, the guarr, and devil fishes, are all found, but in no respects

rendered useful. However, the sea coast and rivers furnish a variety of

fine fish for human use, both of the salt and fresh-water kinds. The

angel fish, so called for their uncommon splendour; the sheephead, so

named from its having teeth like those of sheep; the cavalli, the mullet,

the whiting, the plaice, and young bass, are all esteemed delicate food.

Besides these, porgy, shads, trout, stingre, drum, cat, and black fish,

are all used, and taken in great abundance. The fresh-water rivers and

ponds furnish stores of fish, all of which are excellent in their season.

The sturgeon and rock fish, the fresh-water trout, the pike, the bream,

the carp and roach, are all fine fish, and found in plenty. Nigh the

sea-shore vast quantities of oysters, crabs, shrimps, _&c._ may be taken,

and sometimes a kind of turtle.

[Sidenote] Of its birds.

There were also vast numbers of winged fowls found in the country, many

of which for human use and subsistence. Besides eagles, falcons,

cormorants, gulls, buzzards, hawks, herons, cranes, marsh-hens, jays,

woodpeckers; there are wild turkeys, pigeons, black-birds, woodcocks,

little partridges, plovers, curlieus and turtle-doves, in great numbers;

and also incredible flocks of wild geese, ducks, teal, snipes, and

rice-birds. There has been found here, nigh rivers, a bird of an amazing

size, some think it a species of the pelican. Under its beak, which is

very long, it is furnished with a large bag, which it contracts or lets

loose at pleasure, to answer the necessities or conveniences of life. The

summer duck is a well known and beautiful creature, and has got this name

to distinguish it from others of the same species, which continue not in

the country during the summer months, but search for a cooler retreat.

The mockbird of Carolina is a fine bold creature, which mimics the

various voices of the forest, both in captivity and in the enjoyment of

natural freedom. The red bird is exceedingly beautiful, and has a soft

melodious note, but with few variations. The humming bird is remarkable

for its small size, flies from flower to flower like a bee, and is

sometimes caught by children while lying buried in a large flower it is

sucking out the juice. Its nest is very curious, and discovers amazing

art and contrivance. These are some of the feathered inhabitants of this

forest, among which there is little melody, and, were it otherways, the

music would all be lost, by the continual croaking of frogs, which swarm

in millions over the flat country.

[Sidenote] Of its snakes and vipers.

While ranging over the natural field, there is no reptile merits more

particular notice than the rattle-snake, which is one of the most

formidable living creatures in the whole universe. Providence hath kindly

furnished him with a tail which makes a rattling noise, and no doubt was

intended to warn every other creature of the danger of approaching nigh

him. He indeed possesses that noble fortitude, which is harmless unless

when provoked and molested. He is never the aggressor, and seems averse

from making use of his weapons of destruction. He flies from man; but

when pursued, and he finds he cannot escape, he instantly gathers himself

into a coil, and prepares for self-defence. He has a sharp and sparkling

eye, and quickly spies any person approaching towards him, and winds his

course out of the way into some thicket or concealed place. The greatest

danger is, when we inadvertently trample upon him as he lies coiled among

the long grass or thick bushes. On each side of his upper jaw he has two

long fangs, which are hollow, and through which he injects the poison

into the wound they make. When he penetrates a vein or nerve sudden death

ensues, unless some effectual remedy be instantly applied. The usual

symptoms of being bit by him are, acute pains from the wound,

inflammatory swellings round it, sickness at the stomach, and convulsive

vomitings. In all countries, however, where venomous creatures exist, the

hand of nature hath kindly planted some antidote against their poison,

which it is the business of rational creatures to investigate and apply.

Even the rude and ignorant Indians were not strangers to the method of

curing the wounds of this dreadful reptile; as quickly as possible, after

being bit, they swallowed a strong doze of the decoction of snake-root,

which they found every where growing in the woods, which caused them to

vomit plentifully; at the same time, having sucked the poison out of the

wound, they chewed a little snake-root, and applied it externally to it.

This remedy, when timely applied, sometimes proved efficacious, which

induced the early settlers of Carolina to follow their example. Besides

the rattle-snake, the black and brown vipers have fangs, and are also

venomous. The horn-snake is also found here, which takes his name from a

horn in his tail, with which he defends himself, and strikes it with

great force into every aggressor. This reptile is also deemed very

venomous, and the Indians, when wounded by him, usually cut out the part

wounded as quickly as possible, to prevent the infection spreading

through the body. There are, besides these, a variety of other snakes

found here, such as the green, the chicken, the copperbelly, the wampum,

the coach-whip and corn snakes; all of which are esteemed harmless

creatures.

[Sidenote] Of its insects.

Innumerable are the insects in Carolina, as might naturally be expected

from the heat of the climate. The bees are found in several places, and

they chuse the hollow trees for their habitation, but whether imported or

not is uncertain. The fire-fly, so called from its emitting sparks of

fire in the night, resembling flashes from the strokes of steel upon

flint, is a curious creature. About the beginning of summer, when these

insects are very numerous, they illuminate the woods, and strike a

stranger with astonishment. Millions of pestiferous gnats, called

Musketoes, are hatched during the summer, and swarm over the country in

such numbers, that, during the day, it requires no small trouble for the

inhabitants to defend themselves in every quarter against them; and,

during the night, gause pavilions are necessarily used, to exclude them

from their beds, without which it is impossible to enjoy undisturbed

repose. The sand-flies are also vexatious insects, and so minute, that

one would imagine it needless to provide any defence against them; yet,

wherever they bite, their poison occasions itching and painful

inflammations. Besides these, there are ticks, flies, wasps, and many

more insects which are very troublesome. To these plagues, with which

this country is cursed, we may also add the water wood-worms, which

infest the rivers as far as the salt-water flows, eat the bottoms of

vessels into the form of honey-combs, and prove extremely destructive to

shipping.

[Sidenote] A.D. 1682. Joseph Morton made governor.

About the year 1682, Governor West having incurred the displeasure of the

proprietors, Joseph Morton, who had lately been created a landgrave,

received a commission from Lord Craven, investing him with the government

of the colony. About the same time, Joseph Blake sold his estate in

England, and with his family and several substantial followers retired to

Carolina. Lord Cardross also, a nobleman of Scotland, having formed a

project for carrying over some of his countrymen to Carolina, embarked

with a few families, and made an attempt to establish a colony on

Port-Royal Island: but observing the government in a confused and

fluctuating state, he soon after returned to Britain. The island on which

he left his few followers having excellent conveniencies for navigation,

was a place of all others in the country the most advantageous for a

settlement; but, to effect it, a greater number of emigrants was

absolutely requisite. The Spaniards sent an armed force, and dislodged

the Scotch settlers, after which no attempts were made for many years

towards establishing a colony in that quarter.

[Sidenote] Pennsylvania settled.

About the same time, William Penn, an eminent quaker, obtained a grant

from the king of a large territory in the middle of North America, which

he called Pennsylvania, and which he resolved to settle on the enlarged

bottom of universal benevolence, friendship and humanity. Not satisfied

with the title he held from the crown to this extensive territory, he

thought himself bound in conscience to purchase one also from its natural

possessors, and therefore gave the Indians some consideration for their

property; by which means he obtained not only an equitable right, but

peaceable possession. At first, it is probable, he intended his province

as an asylum for the hamlets and peaceable people of his own persuasion,

who were oppressed in Britain, and persecuted in a degree equal to the

Spanish inquisition in New England; yet, so liberal were his principles,

that he opened a door to mankind in general who were unhappy in their

external circumstances, and persecuted for their conscientious opinions.

His plan of settlement was so large, and the regulations he established

for preventing idleness, luxury and vice, were so wise and judicious, as

soon to attract the eyes and admiration of vast numbers of men in the

different quarters of Europe. Multitudes flocked to Pennsylvania, and sat

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 simplicity of manners for several years prevailed in the

settlement. It remained for the future ages of pride, luxury and

ambition, to defeat the wise maxims of this legislator. A plan of a city

was framed, which, for order, beauty and magnificence, was excelled by

none upon earth. Indeed, every thing relating to the first settlement of

that province was conducted with such wisdom and equity, that it could

not fail of speedy population and improvement. The industrious planters

and merchants of Pennsylvania, soon advanced to an easy and independent

state; an advantage far from being common to the other British

settlements in America, and therefore to be ascribed chiefly to their

general harmony, temperance and application.

The colony of Carolina, though planted at an earlier period, from various

causes and impediments, advanced by slower steps in population and

improvement. Pennsylvania, being farther removed from the equator, was

considered as a better climate. The lands were found better adapted to

British grain, and more favourably situated for cultivation. Like a

younger beauty, she attracted the eyes of many admirers, and promised to

be a powerful rival to Carolina. She flattered her labourers with the

prospects of longer life, and with the hopes of greater increase in those

kinds of grain they had been accustomed to cultivate in Europe. Her

institutions, with respect to government, were more applicable and

prudent; her planters, blessed with health and good-humour, laboured with

greater pleasure and success: the tribes of savages around her, being

more gently used, were more peaceable. Hence it happened, that the

Pennsylvanians, having fewer obstacles to surmount than their southern

neighbours, prospered in a more rapid manner.

[Sidenote] The proprietors forbid the trade in Indians.

The proprietors of Carolina had indeed instructed Governor Morton to take

all Indians within four hundred miles of Charlestown under his

protection, and to treat them with humanity and tenderness; but such

instructions were very disagreeable to many of the people, especially to

those members of the council who were concerned in the Indian trade, and

therefore great opposition was raised to the execution of them. Maurice

Mathews, James Moore, and Arthur Middleton, members of the council,

warmly opposed the governor, while he proposed regulations for the

peaceable management of Indians, and considered the proprietors as

strangers to the interest of their colony by such impolitic restrictions.

The people, who had lost some friends and relations by the savages were

also greatly irritated against them, and breathed nothing but vengeance

and implacable resentment. These members of the council were removed from

it for their disobedience; nevertheless they had such influence among the

people, as to occasion great trouble to the governor, and totally to

subvert his authority; in consequence of which, Joseph West appeared

again at the head of the colony, and gave his assent to several laws made

in it. During which time the people followed their former practice, of

inveigling and kidnapping Indians where-ever they found them, and shipped

them off to the West Indies, without any restraint from government.

[Sidenote] The toleration of pirates in Carolina.

Soon after Governor West was superseded by Sir Richard Kirle, an Irish

gentleman, who died six months after his arrival in the country. After

his decease, Colonel Robert Quarry was chosen his successor. During the

time of his government, a number of pirates put into Charlestown, and

purchased provisions with their Spanish gold and silver. Those public

robbers, instead of being taken and tried by the laws of England, were

treated with great civility and friendship, 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 toleration from these

plunderers of the Spanish dominions; or whether he was afraid to bring

them to trial from the notorious courage of their companions in the West

Indies, we have not sufficient authority to affirm; but one thing is

certain, that King Charles II. for several years after the restoration,

winked at their depredations, and many or them performed such valiant

actions as, in a good cause, had justly merited honours and rewards. Even

as the case was, Charles, out of mere whim, knighted Henry Morgan, a

Welshman, who had plundered Porto Bello and Panama, and carried off large

treasures from them. For several years so formidable was this body of

plunderers in the West Indies, that they struck a terror into every

quarter of the Spanish dominions. Their gold and silver, which they

lavishly spent in the colony, ensured to them a kind reception among the

Carolineans, who opened their ports to them freely, and furnished them

with necessaries. They could purchase the favour of the governor, and the

friendship of the people, for what they deemed a trifling consideration.

Leaving their gold and silver behind them, for clothes, arms, ammunition

and provisions, they embarked in quest of more. However, the proprietors,

having intelligence of the encouragement given to pirates by Governor

Quarry, dismissed him from the office he held; and, in 1685, Landgrave

Joseph Morton was reinstated in the government of the colony.

[Sidenote] Cause of migration from England.

During the reign of King James II. the hardships under which the people

of Britain laboured, and the troubles they apprehended, brought much

strength to the colonies. The unsuccessful or unfortunate part of mankind

are easily induced to emigrate; but the oppressed and persecuted are

driven from their country, however closely their affections may cleave to

it. Such imprudent attempts were made by this prince against what the

nation highly revered, that many Protestants deserted it, preferring the

hardships of the first state of colonization abroad, to oppression at

home. So far was he from concealing his attachment to the Popish

religion, that he gloried in the open profession of it, and took every

opportunity of transferring both the legal authority and military command

into the hands of such men as were best affected to that religion, and

would most readily contribute their assistance towards the accomplishment

of his favourite design. The Protestants in general were alarmed, and

filled with the most gloomy apprehensions from the bloody and persecuting

spirit of the Popish faction. They foresaw the subversion of their

religion and liberties, and fled over the Atlantic from the approaching

rigours of persecution, being determined to submit to any hardships

abroad, rather than to the establishment of Popery in England.

[Sidenote] Cause of migration from France.

The next acquisition America gained, was from the revocation of the edict

of Nantz; in consequence of which the flames of persecution broke out in

France, and drove many of its best subjects out of that kingdom. These

Protestant refugees were beneficial in many respects to England and

Holland, and served greatly to promote the trade and manufactures of

these nations. Among the other colonies in America which reaped advantage

from this impolitic measure of France, Carolina had a large share. Many

of the Protestant refugees, having purchased lands from the proprietors,

embarked with their families for that colony, and proved some of its best

and most industrious inhabitants.

[Sidenote] The European animals increase.

Small was the progress in cultivation which the colonists 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 increased in an amazing

manner, and thrived exceedingly well in their forest. Having little

winter, the woods furnished them with both shelter and provisions all the

year; neither houses nor attendants were provided for them, but each

planter's cattle, distinguished only by his mark, every where grazed with

freedom. Hogs still fared better, and increased faster. The woods

abounded with acorns, and roots of different kinds, on which they fed and

fattened, and were reckoned most excellent food. Stocks of cattle, at

this period, were a great object with the planters, for several reasons.

Little labour was requisite to raise and render them profitable. The

planters were at no trouble in building houses for them, nor at any

expence in feeding them. If either cattle or hogs were fed, it must only

have been intended to accustom them to keep nigh their owner's abode, or

to return under his eye every evening. Besides, a planter fond of hunting

might supply his family with game through the year, with which the woods

abounded, and save his stock. Horses were also bred in the same manner,

and though they degenerated greatly, they multiplied fast. No part of the

world could prove more favourable to poultry of all kinds. By the trade

of the colony to the West Indies, they had rum and sugar in return for

their lumber and provisions; and England supplied them with clothes,

arms, ammunition, and utensils for building and cultivation, in exchange

for their deer-skins, furs, and naval stores.

[Sidenote] The manner of obtaining turpentine in Carolina.

Turpentine is the gum in a liquid state of that species of the pine tree

called Pitch-pine, extracted by incision and the heat of the sun, while

the tree is growing. The common manner of obtaining it is as follows:

about the first of January the persons employed in making turpentine

begin to cut boxes in the trees, a little above the ground, and make them

large or small in proportion to the size of the tree; the box of a large

tree will hold two English quarts, of a middling tree one, and of a small

one a pint. About the middle of March, when the weather becomes warm,

they begin to bleed, which is done by cutting about an inch into the sap

of the tree with a joiner's hatchet; these channels made in the green

standing tree, are framed so as to meet in a point where the boxes are

made to receive the gum; then the bark is peeled off that side of the

tree which is exposed to the sun, that the heat may extract the

turpentine. After bleeding, if rain should happen to fall, it not only

condenses the sap, but also contracts the orifices of the vessels that

discharge the gum, and therefore the trees must be bled afresh. About

fourteen days after bleeding the boxes will be full of turpentine, and

must be emptied into a barrel. When the boxes are full, an able hand will

fill two barrels in a day. A thousand 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 frost comes, which chills the sap, and

obliges the labourer to apply to some other employment, until the next

season for boxing shall approach. The oil of turpentine is obtained by

distillation; and rosin is the remainder of the turpentine, after the oil

is distilled from it.

[Sidenote] And of making tar and pitch.

From the same pine trees tar and pitch are also made, but by a different

mode of operation. "For extracting tar they prepare a circular floor of

clay, declining a little towards the centre, from which there is laid a

pipe of wood, extending almost horizontally two feet without the

circumference, and so let into the ground, that its upper side 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 lowest part, and from

thence along the pipe into the barrels. Matters being thus prepared, they

raise upon the clay floor a large pile of dry pine-wood split in pieces,

and inclose the whole pile with a wall of earth, leaving only a little

hole in the top, where the fire is to be kindled; when that is done, and

the inclosed wood begins to burn, the whole is stopped up with earth,

that there may be no flame, but only heat sufficient to force the tar out

of the wood, and make it run down to the floor. They temper the heat as

they think proper, by thrusting a stick through the wall of earth, and

letting the air in at as many places as they judge necessary. As to

Pitch, it is nothing more than the solid part of the tar separated from

the liquid by boiling."

As Carolina abounds with this kind of pine trees, vast quantities of

pitch, tar, and turpentine might have been made in it. At this early

period the settlers, having little strength to fell the thick forest and

clear the lands for cultivating grain, naturally applied themselves to

such articles as were in demand in England, and for procuring which

moderate labour was requisite. Lumber was a bulky article, and required a

number of ships to export it. Naval stores were more valuable and less

bulky, at the same time that the labour necessary to obtain them was

easier, and more adapted to European constitutions. The province as yet

could supply Britain with a very inconsiderable quantity of naval stores;

but by encouraging the planters in preparing them, the expence of its

vast importations from the Baltic might have been in some measure saved

to the nation.

[Sidenote] A difference with the civil officers.

Though Governor Morton was possessed of a considerable share of wisdom,

and was connected with several respectable families in the colony, yet so

inconsistent were his instructions from England, with the prevailing

views and interests of the people, that he was unable, without great

trouble, to execute the duties of his trust. He was a man of a sober and

religious temper of mind, and had married Mr. Blake's sister, lately

arrived from England, by which alliance it was hoped the hands of

government would be strengthened, and a check given to the more

licentious and irregular party of the people. His council was composed of

John Boone, Maurice Mathews, John Godfrey, Andrew Percival, Arthur

Middleton, and James Moore, _&c._; some of whom differed widely from him

in opinion with respect to public measures, and claimed greater

indulgences for the people than he had authority to grant. Hence two

parties arose in the colony: one in support of the prerogative and

authority of the proprietors, the other in defence of the liberties of

the people. The former contended, that the laws and regulations received

from England respecting government ought to be strictly and implicitly

observed: the latter kept in view their local circumstances, and

maintained, that the freemen of the colony were under obligations to

observe them only so far as they were consistent with the interest of

individuals and the prosperity of the settlement. In this situation of

affairs, no governor could long support his power among a number of bold

adventurers, who improved every hour for advancing their interest, and

could bear no restraints which had the least tendency to defeat their

favourite views and designs: for whenever he attempted to interpose his

feeble authority, they insulted his person and complained of his

administration, till he was removed from his office.

[Sidenote] James Colleton made governor.

The proprietors also finding it prudent to change their governor so soon

as he became obnoxious to the people, James Colleton at this time was

appointed to supersede Joseph Morton. He was a brother to Sir Peter

Colleton, one of the proprietors, but was possessed neither of his

address nor abilities for the management of public affairs. He left

Barbadoes and retired to Carolina, where he built an excellent house on

Cooper River, in hopes of settling in that country, and long enjoying, by

the influence of his brother, the emoluments of his office in

tranquillity and happiness. To give him the greater weight, he was

created a landgrave of the colony, to which dignity forty-eight thousand

acres of land were unalienably annexed: but to his mortification he soon

found, that the proprietary government had acquired but little firmness

and stability, and, by his imprudence and rigour, fell into still greater

disrespect and contempt.

[Sidenote] A.D. 1687.

About the year 1687, having called an assembly of the representatives, he

proposed to make some new regulations respecting the government of the

colony. Having examined the fundamental constitutions, and finding the

people disposed to make many objections to them, he thought proper to

nominate a committee, to consider wherein they were improper or

defective, and to make such alterations and amendments in them as they

judged might be conducive to the welfare of the country. This committee

consisted of the Governor, Paul Grimball, the secretary, William Dunlop,

Bernard Schinking, Thomas Smith, John Far, and Joseph Blake. Accordingly,

by these men a new code of laws was framed, consisting of many articles

different from the former, which they called _Standing Laws_, and

transmitted to England for the approbation of the proprietors. These

standing laws, however, the proprietors rejected, and insisted on the

observance of the fundamental constitutions; and all the while the people

treated both with equal indifference and neglect.

[Sidenote] His difference with the house of assembly.

At this early period a dissatisfaction with the proprietary government

appeared, and began to gain ground among the people. A dispute having

arisen between the governor and the house of assembly about the tenures

of lands and the payment of quitrents, Landgrave Colleton determined to

exert his authority, in compelling the people to pay up their arrears of

quitrents, which, though very trifling and inconsiderable, were

burdensome, as not one acre out of a thousand of these lands for which

quitrents were demanded yielded them any profit. For this purpose, he

wrote to the proprietors, requesting them to appoint such deputies as he

knew to be most favourably disposed towards their government, and would

most readily assist him in the execution of his office. Hence the

interest of the proprietors and that of the people were placed in

opposite scales, and the more rigorously the governor exerted his

authority, the more turbulent and seditious the people became. At last

they proceeded to avowed usurpation: they issued writs in their own name,

and held assemblies in opposition to the governor and the authority of

the proprietors. Letters from England, containing deputations to persons

obnoxious to the people, they seized and suppressed, and appointed other

men better affected to the popular cause. Paul Grimball, the secretary of

the province, they imprisoned, and forcibly took possession of the public

records. The militia act they refused to settle, because recommended by

the governor, even though their own security depended on it. In short,

the little community was turned into a scene of confusion, and every man

acted 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 loss of power, and alarmed at the

bold and seditious spirit of the people, was not a little perplexed what

step 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 suggested, which he and his council flattered themselves might be

productive of the desired effect, and induce the people through fear to

return to his standard, and stand by the person who alone had authority

to punish mutiny and sedition, which was to proclaim the martial law, and

try to maintain by force of arms the proprietary jurisdiction.

Accordingly, without letting the people into his secret design, he caused

the militia to be drawn up, as if some danger had threatened the country,

and publicly proclaimed the martial law at their head. His design,

however, did not long remain a secret, and, when discovered, served only

to exasperate the more. The members of the assembly met, and taking this

measure under their deliberation, resolved, that it was an encroachment

upon their liberties, and an unwarrantable exertion of power, at a time

when the colony was in no danger from any foreign enemy. The governor,

however, insisted on the articles of war, and tried to carry the martial

law into execution; but the disaffection was too general to admit of such

a remedy. In the year 1690, at a meeting of the representatives, a bill

was brought in and passed, for disabling Landgrave James Colleton from

holding any office, or exercising any authority, civil or military,

within the province: nay, so outrageous were they against him, that

nothing less than banishment could appease them, and therefore gave

notice to him, that, in a limited time, he must depart from the country.

[Sidenote] Seth Sothell chosen governor.

[Sidenote] His oppression and expulsion.

During these public commotions Seth Sothell, pretending to be a

proprietor by virtue of some regulations lately made in England, usurped

the government of the colony. At first the people seemed disposed to

acknowledge his authority, while the current of their enmity ran against

Landgrave Colleton; and as he had stood forth as an active and leading

man in opposition to that governor, and ratified the law for his

exclusion and banishment: but afterwards, finding him to be void of every

principle of honour and honesty, they persecuted him also with deserved

and implacable enmity. Such was the insatiable avarice of this usurper

that his popularity was of short duration. Every restraint of common

justice and equity was trampled upon by him; and oppression, such as

usually attends the exaltation of vulgar and ambitious scramblers for

power, extended her rod of iron over the distracted colony. The fair

traders from Barbadoes and Bermuda were seized as pirates by order of

this popular governor, and confined until such fees as he was pleased to

exact were paid him: bribes from felons and traitors were accepted to

savour their escape from the hands of justice: plantations were forcibly

taken possession of, upon pretences the most frivolous and unjust, and

planters were compelled to give bonds for large sums of money, to procure

from him liberty to remain in posession of their property. These, and

many more acts of the like atrocious nature, did this rapacious governor

commit, during the short time of his administration, to increase his fees

as governor and proprietor. At length the people, weary of his grievous

impositions and extortions, agreed to take him by force, and ship him off

for England. Then, to his other ill qualities he added meanness of

spirit, and humbly begged of them liberty to remain in the country,

promising to submit his conduct to the trial of the assembly at their

first meeting. When the assembly met, thirteen different charges were

brought against him, and all supported by the strongest evidence: upon

which, being found guilty, they compelled him to abjure the government

and country for ever. An account of his infamous and wicked conduct was

drawn up and sent to the proprietors, which filled them with astonishment

and indignation. He was ordered to England, to answer the accusations

brought against him before the palatine's court, and, in case of refusal,

was given to understand it would be taken as a further evidence and

confirmation of his guilt. The law for disabling Landgrave James Colleton

from holding any authority civil or military in Carolina, was repealed,

and strict orders were sent out to the grand council, to support the

power and prerogative of the proprietors. To compose the minds of the

people, they declared their detestation of such unwarrantable and wanton

oppression, and protested that no governor should ever be permitted to

grow rich on their ruins; enjoining them, at the same time, to return to

the obedience of their magistrates, and subjection to legal authority.

Hitherto this little community has been a scene of continual contention

and misery. The fundamental constitutions, which the proprietors thought

the most excellent form of government upon earth, have been little

regarded. The governors have been either ill qualified for their office,

or the instructions given them have been unacceptable to the people. The

inhabitants, far from living in friendship and harmony among themselves,

have also been seditious and ungovernable. Indeed, while the proprietary

government shall continue to be thus weak and unstable, its authority

will be little respected; while the encouragement given to civil officers

and magistrates is trifling and inconsiderable; men of judgment and

ability will not throw away their time and pains for supporting the

honour and authority of others, which might be otherwise employed to

purposes more advantageous to themselves. The titles of Landgraves and

Cassiques will not compensate for the loss of such time and labour,

especially when they come only joined with large tracts of land which,

for want of hands, must lie uncultivated. The money arising from

quitrents and the sale of lands was inconsiderable, hard to be collected,

and by no means adequate to the support of government. The proprietors

were unwilling to involve their English estates for the improvement of

American property; hence their government was feeble and ill supported in

Carolina, and there is reason to fear it will become more so, in

proportion as the colonists shall become richer and more independent, and

the country shall advance to a more populous and better cultivated state.