USA > South Carolina > School history of South Carolina > Part 14
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was practicable. It was also orderent that only the vote- -hold In received of those who fell weer taken British pro tto er of those who, having taken it, had rejoint their " antrymon before September 27. 175%.
I A fingerof Ass mably was chron which envogel at lack mettenth. a village on the Editor about twenty the miles from the sig and about thirty five from Charlestown. It was at
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HISTORY OF SOUTH CAROLINA.
this time necessary to choose another governor. The choice fell upon Christopher Gadsden. but he declined serving on account of age and John Matthews was elected Vacancies were filled in the d'Avvent departments, and civil government was re-established in all its branches. At this session laws wore passed for confisexting the estates and banishing the persons of those who had been the active derided friends of the British government, and for amercing the estates of some . others, thus making them pay in money for - miers which they had not resolered to the country when the stilte was so sorely in need of such services. There were 237 persons or estates included in the first class, and >> in the last. Some who could not help themselves, and did not all the British freely mal willingly. were overlooked and massel wirhont punishment. Some persons who favore? these laws were moved by a spirit of revenge or averice. But the majority thought them necessary for the safety of the state. as the state hal no resources, no means of raising supplies for defending itself.
S. When the Assembly passed these laws it was not known that the enemy would so soon leave the cenatry, and that war would close. But soon afterwards it bonne known. This gave serious alarma to all lovalists. Mary know that they had good cause to fear the vengeance of their country- men. especially the party wieder Major Gainey on the Little Peedee. These bad a magnanimous enemy in General Ma rion, and, notwithstanding their many evil and wicked acts. through his intheuce they received a full pardon for all treasons against the state, the security of their property and the protection of the laws, on the condition of their giving up their plunder. abjuring the king of Great Britain, and behaving as prietablo citizens of the state. But if they pro- forred remaining subjects of forest Batala, they had permis sion to ge within the British lines, and to sell or take their
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THE REVOLUTIONARY WAR.
property with them. Theso lenient measures had a good effect. Some became good whigs, and all conducted them- -elves well
0. After the war was over the people, instead of repining at their losses, went bravely to work to repair them. The adherents of the royal government were treated with leniency by the state, though some persons felt and exhibited a disno -. sition to banish and proscribe. It was, indeel. bard to
. subdue. altogether. private feelings for the pool of the state. But it was done, and more than Laif the number of the banished wore permitted to return. Thirty one were fully restored to citizenship, and bad their property resterel. Thirty-three were disqualified from delling any place of trust for seven years: and they with sixty-two others, were relieved from confiscation of their property on condition of paying a line of 12 per cent. of the value thereof.
10. The stets though badly in d . pastorel confirmar property in its actual possession to the value, very nearly. of half a million pounds sterling. Edoons Barke. an Irish you- theman from the West Indies, bad grent kadence in Bringing abont a state of gool feeling towards the loyalist- In a well written pamphlet be advocated the policy of a general amnesty and of forgetting all that bad taken place during the struggle of the war Political distinctions gradually reas de personal animosities diet away, and all jene heartily in promoting the interests of the common country
QUESTIONS. - 1. Give the condition of Greene & troops.
2. Tell about the plot to betray and deliver General Greene to the british.
3. What can you say of Governor Matthews melhores to furnish sup- plies to the American soldiers ?
4. Describe the evacuation of Charlestown. Tell what you can of the provisional sti les et prace signed at Pris
5. What do you say of Governor Rutledge's provision of par ton . What effect did it have ?
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HISTORY OF SOUTH CAROLINA.
6. Tell what you can of the condition of affairs towards the close of the year 1781. What can you say of writs for a new election issued by Rut- ledge?
7. Tell of the meeting of the general assembly and the election of a governor? What laws were passed at this session ?
8. What can you say of the alarm of the loyalists? What of Marion's magnanimity ?
9. Relate what you can of the conduct of the people after the war was over.
10. Tell what Edanus Burke did.
CHAPTER XXXVII
EVENTS FOLLOWING THE WAR. FORMATION OF CON- STITUTION.
1. The war was over. The independence of the United States, the thirteen, of which South Carolina was one, had been acknowledged by Great Britain, and they had assumed a place amongst the nations of the world. The people of the states had many troubles vet before thom. anl many difficulties to overcome. before they could settle down into peace and prosperity. It was some time before the ill- feeling and the enmity between the whigs and tories diel out, but it finally passed away, or at least subsided so that neighbors were really neighbors, and many of the tories, or their descendants in time were called to fill offices of trust and honor and profit.
2. From 1793 to ITS, Benjamin Guerand was governor. The most important events of his administration wore the in- corporation by act of the legislature of Charlestown and the changing of the name to Charleston: Statesbury was founded by General Sund y: the cultivation of cotton was begun on a small scaley a kiss and tothedb began to la enlivated pretty extensively, and codiumed to be staple prolet for a good many years. For several years after the people began the
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EVENTS FOLLOWING THE WAR.
planting of cotton. they knew of no method of separating the seed from the lint other than picking them out with the fingers. Certainly a very tedious process, and had there been no machine invented for separating them. the cultivation of cotton could never have been the great industry that it soon bocame, and is likely to remain.
3. The cotton gin was invented by Ell Whitney. in 1793. und, as has always been understood, at the house of the widow of General Greene, from a suggestion made by her as to the possibility of devising such a machine. It seems that they were then engaged in the tellous process of cotton picking, and this bint set Whitney's active brain at work. Cotton was cultivated in the colbay of Virginia as far back as the year 1021. It was first exported from the country in 1747.
4. To us of this late day, since the great revolutions that have taken place. it seems a little strange to read, that on March 21, 1764. during Guerard's administration, the legisla- tore of South Carolina possed an act investing in the United States, in congress assembled, power to levy, for the use of the United States certain duties upon goods imported into the state from any foreign port. island. or plantation. And also an act to authorize the United States, in congress as- -ombled, to regulate trade from and with the British Wost Indies.
5. In the beginning, the thirteen states of this Union were sovereign. each a little nation. The constitution of the United States, and the union formed under that constitution, were the creation and creatures of the states. acting as states. and were formed and made for the joint and mutual benefit of all. The young readers, the students of this book, Should bear in mind and never forget. that, when their fathers in IMid seceded from the Union. whether such secession was grounded upon good cause or not. and even granting that
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HISTORY OF SOUTH CAROLINA.
they did wrong. they ouly asserted an ancient fight inherout in the states as states.
6. March 11. 1786, an act was passed to authorize ih United States in congress assembled, to regulate the trule of the United States with foreign nations. On March S, the year following. this act was amended. It is proper to say. however that these acts were all passed before the adoption of the Federal Constitution. They were then still working under the old original, articles of confederation. which were soon found to be insufficicat, on trial after the war. These facts are cited here to show the original status of the states. which is now well nigh forgotten.
7. William Moultrie was governor from 1755 to 1757. W. find that about this time the interests of education were not neglected. nor were the calls of benevolence disregarded. Au act was passed on March 17. 1755, for erecting and estab- Jishing a college at the village of Winnsborongh, in the district of Camden; a college in or near the city of Charles- ton, and a college of Ninety-Six. in the district of Ninety- Six. in the state of South Carolina. On February 27. of the same year, was incorporated the Camden Orphan Society: and also the Friendly Cambridge Society, in Ninety-Six Dis- trick. And on March 7. 17:9, was incorporated the Clar- mont Society for the purpose of endowing a seminary of learning at Statesburg. An orphan house was established in Charleston in 1762 and incorporatel in 1756.
S. During Governor Moultrie's term. the town or city of Columbia was laid out and made the seat of government. The central situation of Columbia, and its balmy, healthful breezes, make it eminently suitable for the capital of the state.
9. About this time. 1755 to 1757. the Methodists first made their appearance in the state as a religionis fraternity. They were then. at times very remarkable for their zeal:
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FORMATION OF THE CONSTITUTION.
indeed. they have not altogether lost it vet. At that day they sometimes met with rather rough treatment. Rev. Mr. Dougherty was once very nearly drowned beneath a pump. for some utterances, or supposed utterances of his, and probably would have been, had he not fortunately been rescued by the strong limbs of a strong-minded woman. a member of hus church, who took him under her protection. As it was, he suffered so much from the application of the cold water that is i, doubtful whether he ever entirely recovered from the effects.
10. During the administration of Themas Pinckney, from 1787 to 1750, a law was passed for the relief of debters. known as the jostalment law, whereby a debtor was allowed the privilege of paying the debt by instalments. The last instalment was made payable on March 25, 1793.
11. At the same time a low was passed forbidding the importation of slaves for the term of three years, under the penalty of the forfeiture of the slave or slaves so im- ported -- unless Imported by persons merely paving through the state with their property.
12. In 175> the constitution of the United States was formed, and went into operation March 4. 1759. The delegates from South Carolina were John Rutledge. Pierce Butler, Charles Pinckney, and Charles Cotesworth Pinckney. On December 1. 1759, the records and archives of the state were removed to Columbia, the new capital: and the first legislature met there Jannary Ist, 1790. The new constitution of the state, which remained the constitution. with some slight amendments, until after the war of Se- cession, was ratified June 3d of the same year.
13. According to the United States census taken in 1700,. the population of the state was 140, 175 whites. 107.074 slaves, and 1.501 free blacks and porsons of color: total, 249,078.
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HISTORY OF SOUTH CAROLINA.
14. Charles Finckney was governor from 1759 to 1792. and on March 7. 1759. by an act of the legislature, th. districts of Greenville and Pendleton were admitted to rep- presentation in the General Assembly of the state, Each la? One sanator and three representativos
QUESTIONS. - I. What were the feelings of the whigs and tories for each other at the close of the war?
2. What were the most important events of Governor Guerard's admin- istration :
3. Tell what you can of the carly cultivation of cotton.
4. What can you say of the power to levy duties granted by the state to the United States during Guerard's administration?
5. Tell what you out of the sovereignty of each of the thirteen states before the Ception of the Constitution of the United States.
6. What act was passed in 12- 5 in regard to ul. with foreign nations
7. What provisions for education were made while Moultrie was got- ernor? What benevolent societies were organized ?
a. What place was made the seat of government during Moultrie's term as governor? What place had been the seat previously ?
9. When dil the Methodists first make their appearance in the state. What can you way of their characteristics? What treatment di Rev. Mr. Dougherty receive? Why?
Io. What was the instalment law ?
r. What law was passed at this time in regard to the importation of slaves ?
12. When was the Constitution of the United States ad sted: When did it go into effect? When was the seat of government removed is Columbia? How long did the State Constitution adopted in 1790 roman în force ?
13. What was the population of the state as given by the census of ITOr!
If. Tell what you can of the admission of Greenville and Pendleton to representation in the General Assembly.
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VISIT OF GENERAL WASHINGTON.
CHAPTER XXXVIIL
VISIT OF GEN. WASHINGTON TO THE STATE. FOUND- ING OF THE SOUTH CAROLINA COLLEGE, ABOLI- TION OF COUNTY COURTS. WAR OF 1812.
1. The Roman Catholics were first organized as a church in South Carolina in the year 1791, though there had been individual members of that church for some time previous to that year.
2. During the administration of Arnoldus Vanderhorst. from 1792 to 1794, the right of primogeniture was abolished, and the equal distribution of the estates of all persons dying inter- tate amongst the heirs at law, was granted and allowed. Before that time the eldest son had peculiar rights and priv- il ogr. s. Since that time the oldest and the youngest ar- egaal. 3. In the early part of the year 1791. George Washington. President of the United States, with his secretary, Mr. Jack- son, vi-itel the city of Charleston, where he rema'nel until May 9th. On that day he left for Savantth, escorted on his way to Ashley Ferry by the governor, Generals Moultrie, Pinckney, and other distinguishel citizens. During his stay he visited the public buildings and military works of the city. On his return northward he passed from Augusta to Colum- bia, Camden, and Charlotte. He was in Columbia May 22nd. 23d, and 24th, 1791.
4. In 1792 the yellow fever prevailed in Charleston, and during the four months in which it raged 105 persons died of it. It again visited the city in 1799, but was not so fatal this time as in former years. During this latter outbreak 96 persons, mostly of European birth, died.
5. William Moultrie was the second time governor, from 1794 to 170G. There was considerable increase in the culti- ration of cotton, notwithstanding the tedious process of sepa- rating the lint from the seed by picking it with the fingers. 12
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HISTORY OF SOUTH CAROLINA.
The cotton gin had been invented. and probably as early as 1796 one had been used in this state, for in that year there were 6.000,000 pounds exported from the United States. 6. While on the subject of cotton it is proper to mention that the first exportation of cotton occurred from the port of Savannah in 1784, one year after the declaration of peace. This export consisted of ten bales, and we have the testimony of history for this statement, that the sailing vessel upon which these bales were carried to the port of Liverpool was detained there and the captain of the vessel arrested on the charge of attempting a fraud upon the public. the gravamen. as the lawyers say, of the charge being that it was impossible that so large an amount as ten bales could be produced in the United States. In 1791 there were exported 1>0.318 pounds of cotton from this country. In 1586 there were 2,055,074,019 pounds. The increase can hardly be so great for the next hundred years.
7. No noteworthy or very remarkable events occurred during the administration of Charles Pinckney, who was governor from 1700 to 1708, except the burning for the second time of the French Protestant church in Charleston, which was rebuilt during the next two years. .
S. Edward Rutledge was elected governor in 1795. but dy- ing in 1799 his unexpired term was filled out by John Dray ton, who was afterwards elected for the full term of 1500-2. The legislature established the office of comptroller-general. The state was divided into 24 counties. districts, and parishes. Three years afterwards another arrangement was made by which the state was divided into 28 districts, one of which Pendleton, was some years afterwards divided into two, Ander son and Pickens. This arrangement continued until after the war of Secession, when a further division was made, which makes the state to consist, at this time, of 35 counties. Abbeville, Aiken, Anderson, Barnwell. Beaufort, Berkeley.
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ABOLITION OF COUNTY COURTS.
Charleston, Chester, Chesterfield, Clarendon, Colletoo, Darling- ton, Edgefield. Fairfield, Florence, Georgetown. Greenville, Hampton, Horry. Kershaw, Lancaster, Laurens. Lexington, Marion, Marlborough. Newberry, Oconee, Orangeburg, Pickens, Richland. Spartanburg. Sumter, Union, Williamsburg. York, The name was changed from district to county by the consti- tution of 1965.
9. During the administration of John Drayton. from 1800 15 1502. the court; courts were abolished and district court- were established in their stead. The South Carolina College was founded by the legislature in 1501. and an annual fund appropriated for its benefit. The Santoe canal was finished and went into operation in 1501. Money has always been freely given by the people through the legislature, for any and all purposes of great practical and public utility. whether for education or for internal improvements. Daring this time there were no railroads, nor for many years after. The appli- cation of steam to purposes of locomotion on land was entirely unknown. The state in recent years has expenlel a large amount on a canal at Columbia. It is not for navigation, but to furnish motive power for manufacturing enterprises. It has been completed.
10. According to the United States census of 1:00 the popu- lation of South Carolina was 196.255 whites, 141.151 slaves. and 3,155 free blacks and persons of color. Total. 345.591
11. James B. Richardson was next governor. from 1502 to 1804. During lis admistration vaccination was introduced into the state by Dr. David Ramsay, the historian. This great preventive of smallpox met with considerable opposition at first. It was thought to be tempting Providence to commu- nicate a disease to a person who might possibly escape it if not personally emmmunicated. And, indeed it is trup that death does semaines occur, and also, perhaps sometimes a permanent diseased condition of body, from the use of vaccine matter taken from unhealthy subjects.
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HISTORY OF SOUTH CAROLINA
12. On September 5, 1504, during the governorship of Paul Hamilton. Charleston was visited by a dreadful hurricane, which destroyed a large amount of property. When Paul Hamilton retired from office at the close of the year 1508. there were debts due the state to the amount of $734, 785. This happy condition of affairs was due largely to his own skill as a financier. he having been comptroller-general pre- vious to his election as governor.
13. During the administration of Charles Pinckney. from 150G to ISOS, who was now for the third term governor. suffrage was made free to all white men. citizens of the state. no regard being had to property. Persons guilty of infamous crimes, and lunatics and idots were. of course, not permittel to vote: the first on account of danger to the stare. and the other because mentally incompetent. This is manhood suffrage. We have no womanhood suffrage. In that respect a woman is not a citizen.
14. John Drayton was next governor from ISOs to IS10 In 1510 by the United States census, the population of the state was found to be 214,166 whites. 196,365 slaves, and 4,554 free blacks and persons of color. Total, 413.015.
15. A generous free school system for poor children was established in 1811. This was very different from the common or public school system in operation at this time. Then it was thought to be the duty of every man, who was able. to educate his children, and to educate them well, and that free tuition should be given to those, and to those only. who were not able to obtain an education otherwise-orphans without means and the children of the poor. Whether the present system is better than the old or not. the old can never be restored. But liberal provision was then made to help those who could not help themselves, as the educational statistics show.
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THE WAR OF 1812.
QUESTIONS. - I. When was the Roman Catholic church Orst established in the state?
2. What change was made in the law of primogeniture during Van der- horst's administration ?
3. Relate what you can of Washington's visit to the state.
1. Give an account of the yellow fever in Charleston in 1792 and 1799.
5. What can you say of the condition of cottou at this time ?
6. Tell what you can of the first exportation of cotton from this country.
7. What noteworthy event occurred during Pinckney's administration?
S. What division of the state was made during Rutledge's administra. tion ? How many counties ar. there now ?
9. What changes were made in the law courts during Drayton's admin- istration ? When was South Carolina College founded ? When was the Santee canal finished ? What can you say of the Columbia canal ?
IO. What was the population of the state as given by the census of Isoo.
II. Wher was vaccination first introduced into the state ?
12. Describe the Charleston hurricane of iso .. What was the financial condition of the state at the close of Hamilton's administration ?
13. What qualifications were made necessary in order to ate during Pinckney's third alministration ?
14. What was the population of the state as given by the census of Isic? 15. Describe the free school system established in ISrr.
CHAPTER XXXIX.
SECOND WAR WITH GREAT BRITAIN, COMMONLY KNOWN AS THE WAR. OF 1812.
1. Henry Midleton was governor from 1>10 to 112 and was succeeded by Joseph Alston. While Joseph Alston was governor, from 1912 to 1814. the Bank of the State was established. . Commissioners were appointed to determine the boundary lines between the states of North and South Caro- lina. The lines were run and the boundaries established.
2. On June 12, 1-12, war was declared by the Congress of the United States against Great Britain. From the close of the war of the Revolution, there never had been a warm feeling of friendship for Great Britain: al the course of
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HISTORY OF SOUTH CAROLINA.
that country towards the United States had not been such as to encourage friendly feelings. The right to search American vessels for English sailors, claimed by Great Britain. was very annoying. as were other measures adopted by that country.
3. Great Britain, too, was at war with France, and the people of all the states, as was very natural, had great sym- pathy for that country, for France had come to the help of the United States when they sorely . needed help. The- conduct of officers commanding British vessels at sea had for several years been very aggravating.
4. In June, 1807, a , British armed vessel. named the Leopard. fired into the Cuited States ship. Chesapeake, an l killed three men and wounded IN others. The reason assignel for this outrage, was the wish to recover certain British seamen alleged to be on board the American vessel. The Chesapeake, not being prepared for action. surrenderel. Another event of a similar character, but with a different result, took place May 16. Isll. off the coasts of Virginia Commodore Rodgers, in command of the United States ship. President. met a vessel in the dusk of the evening and bailed it, but received no answer. After awhile the other vessel hailed him with a shot which struck his mainmast. He cheerfully accepted this mode of salutation. and returned it with a hearty broadside. He kept up his compliments until the other vessel surrendered to his politeness, when be found that he had been exchanging courtesies with the British sloop of war, Little Belt, which had lost 32 men killed and wounded.
5. These, with many other canses of complaint. forced Congress to declare war. This was not of long duration, and affected South Carolina very little besiles the inconveniences incident to an interruption of commerce. Occasional descents were miade upon the coasts, and the ports of the state were
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THE WAR OF 1812.
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