USA > South Carolina > School history of South Carolina > Part 6
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4. The pirates belonged to different nations. Portugal. Spain, France. and England. They took several ships belonging to Charlestown. They did not bateher the crews. but put them on shore and kept the vessels as prizes. After awhile they gharreled amongst themselves about the division of the spoils. The Englishmen. nine in muaber, boing the weaker party. were turned adrift in a brig boat. They landed at Sowee Bay and traveled to Charlestown, representing themselves as having been shipwrecked. Oa their arrival at Charlestown they were recognized by some masters of vessels, who had been their
TROUBLE WITH PIRATES.
prisoners, and upon their testimony the pirates were arrested, tried, convicted, and condemned to death. Seven out of the nine were banged.
5. Early in the eighteenth century the Island of Providence became a receptacle and place of refuge for vagabonds of all sorts, and naturally the headquarters of the pirates. The trade of Carolina suffered greatly. From the year 1717 to 1721. in the short term of four years there were between thirty and forty vessels taken on that coast. During this time the pirates reigned as masters of the Gulf of Florida. plundering ships of all nations.
6. North Carolina also became a place of refuge for pirates, who carried their prizes into Cape Fear river, or to the Island of Providence, whichever they found more convenient at the time. Their numbers continued to increase until finally, when it became absolutely necessary to suppress them, it required. a considerable force to do it.
7. English merchants, and masters of vessels trading with America, suffered so much that they complained to the king of their heavy losses. The king thereupon issued a proclama- tion promising a parlon to all pirates who would surrender within twelve months and cease to rove the seas as freelooters. At the same time he ordered out a force sufficient to suppress them and compel obedience.
8. Captain Woods Rogers was sent to the Island of Provi- dence, the pirate headquarters in the West Indies, with a few ships of war. He took possession in the king's name, formed a council, appointed civil and military officers for the better government of the inhabitants, and so completely put a stop 1) piracy from that quarter, that thereafter the trade with the West Indies was well protected.
9. But the pirate, Captain Vane, with about !) un, made Mis escape from Captain Rogers, having made up his mind not to surrender, but to continue his old way of life. These
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made their headquarters at the mouth of Cape Fear river. North Carolina, from which place they continued their depre- dations.
10. Vane, with his 90 men. joined the celebrated Stero Bonnett and another pirate, Captain Richard Worley. They had two sloops. and their position was so convenient for blocking up the harbor of Charlestown that trade sufferel greatly from the villainous interference. Finally Governor Johnson fitted out a ship and gave the command to Captain William Rhett, who chased Steed Bonnett to his refuge at the month of Cape Fear river. captured his sloop and brought him and about 30 of his men to Charlestown
11. Soon after this Governor Johnson himself sailed it pursuit of Richard Worley, who had command of the other pirate sloop of six guns. After a desperate resistance, whe! all the pirates were either killed or wounded. except Worley and our other man, and these only surrendered when the; could fight no more. Johnson got possession. The sloop. with these two wounded meu on board, was brought to Charles- town, where Worley and his fellow pirate were immediately tried, convicted, and put to death, they not being permitted to die of their wounds, As they would certainly have done.
12. Steed Bonnett and his crew were also tried and found guilty, and all. with the exception of one man, were executed. They were buried at White Point below high water mark.
13. These two expeditions against the pirates cust the prov ince ten thousand pounds sterling. But piracy was completely suppressed. and since that time no armed soa robbers have appeared in that quarter.
QUESTIONS. - 1. What other enemies had the colonists besides the Spaniards and Indians?
2. What erfeet lrul the wars of the irth and foth centuries- Hon were the pirates fints ceived by the colonists ? "Why? 3. What made them to see the evil effects of their course ?
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EVENTS PRECEDING THE REVOLUTION.
1. To which nations did the pirates belong ? What did they take from the colonists ? Give an account of the quarrel between the pirates, What became of the Englishmen ?
5. What is sail of Providence Island ? How many vessels were taken by pirates in four years ?
6. What stronghold hal the pirates in North Carolina ?
7. Why did certain English merchants complain to the king? What did the king do:
8. Who was sent to the West Indes to suppress piracy? What meas- ures did he take ? With what result ?
9. To what place did the pirate. Captain Vane, move his headquarters?
10. What noted pirates did Vane join? What place suffered from their depredations ? Whom did Governor Johnson seul against the pirates ? Give the result ?
IT. Whom did Governor Johnson sall in pursuit of? Give an account of the encounter and its results ? What became of Worley ?
12. What was the fate of Steed Bonnett and his crew :
13. What did these expeditions cost the colony? Was piracy sup- pressed ?
CHAPTER XVI
EVENTS IMMEDIATELY PRECEDING THE REVOLUTION.
1. In the year 1768, after the close of the war with France and Spain, and after the acquisition of contiguous territory frout those two powers, and of lands from the Indians by their expulsion from the territory of Carolina westward. it might have been thought that a long period of peace and prosperity had begun for the colony. But it was not to be so.
2. The Caroliniaus were loyal and desired no change. The trade with the mother country was very profitable to them. as they imported from Great Britian many articles of prime necessity, which they could not make at home, but which They could easily pay for by the products of their fields and forests. This they had a good market for thele surplus pro-
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HISTORY OF SOUTH CAROLINA.
ducts. and at the same time the trade between the two countries was profitable to both.
2, Although this is true, and although the Carolinians were satisfied with their condition, and did not dream of. nor desire independence, yet, at the same time, they felt a grow- ing seuse of their importance, and of the ancient spirit of British independence. They were not, and were not willing to be made the mere puppets and creatures of arbitrary power. Unfortunately for the supremacy of Great Britian in America, the government of that country began to entertain the feeling that it would be only right and proper for all parts of the British empire, as integral members thereof. to bear a portion of the burdens of the general government.
4. This claim seeming reasonable and just. it would follow that the parliament of Great Britain, and the supreme power. would have the right to impose taxes and collect revenue for all purposes of government. Undoubtedly the doctrine is sound, if all parts of the empire had their due proportion of representation in the parliament, so that they could have a voice in the matter But taxation without representation was quite a different thing. This was naturally considered oppres- sive, and the idea was exceedingly hateful to the free spirit of the colopies. The chief excellence of the British constitu- tion consists in the right of the people to grant or withhold money, to impose, or to refuse to impose taxes, and to have a voice in making the laws by which they are, or are to be governed. Taxation without representation takes away all these rights at once, binds them hand and foot, and places them at the merey of arbitrary power.
5. The first law enacted by the British parliament that rouses general opposition in the colonies was the Stamp Act passed in the year 1765. By this it was enacted that all writings such as notes, contracts, &c. in daily use amongst a trading people, should be void and of no effect in law
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EVENTS PRECEDING THE REVOLUTION.
unless made on stamped paper or parchment, for which a tux was charged by the parliament. This tax was so cxten- sive in its operation, touching as it did all public and private business, that it mast with almost universal opposition in the colonies. The opposition and clamor were so great that ou the 17th of March. 1706, the act was repealed. Although the
Stamp Act was repealed, yet the idea of taxing the American colonies without their consent was not given up. Parliament still claimed the right to tas them, and in 1767 they imposed i tax on all glass paper, tea, and painters' colors brought into the colonies. The colonists again petitioned for relief. They also agreed amongst themselves. as they had done before, to import no more goods of British make.
6. By the firm stand of the colonists the parliament was induced to remove all the taxes, except the duty of three pence a pound on ta. The colonists then determined to use no more tea, but in all other matters renewed their commer- cial intercourse with the mother country. So the tax ou tea brought in no revenus, and came to nothing, as the people
would take no toa. But a scheme gy- devised in 1773 by the West India Company to render inoperativo their resolu- tion to take no more tra. That company sent large quantities of tea to America to be sold on its own account. and, of course, would pay no tax on its landing in America. But the colonists reasoned that the tax was inseparable from the price of the tea, was bound up with it, and that they could not use the tea without paying the tax. So they determined not to use this tea, nor any, while the tax remainedl.
7. In Charlestown and other places in South Carolina, the cargoes of tea were landed and stored, but the holders of it were not permitted to offer it for sale. In some places the landing of it was forbidden and the vessels containing it were obliged to tak > it back to England or to sotad other part of the world. In Boston, Mass., more violent measures were
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resorted to. In that city a party of men disguised as Indians. painted in war paint. with clubs on their shoulders. went on board the vessels in the barbor. in which the tea was, and threw it overboard. This was certainly a very high-handed measure. It was a trespass on private property and provoked the British parliament to take vengeance on that rebellious and self willed town. An act was immediately passed by which the port of Boston was practically blockadedl by being prohibited from shipping or landing any goods. wares, or merchandise. Other acts of the same nature soon followed.
M. An art for the better regulation of the government of Massachusetts was passed. By this act the whole executive government was taken from the people, and the nomination of ull officers was vested in the king or his governor. Au- other act was soon passed in which it was provided that if any person was indicted for murder the governor might send him to another colony, or to Great Britain, to be tried.
9. These proceedings threw the inhabitants of Boston into the greatest consternation: for they saw the. if these things were to continue their rights and liberties were all gone. Town meetings wore held. and at one of them. May 18th. 1774. the following vote was passed: "That it is the opinion of this town. that if the other colonies come into a jotat resolution to stop all importation from Great Britain. and exportation to Great Britain and the West Indies, till the act for blocking up ta's barbor be repealed, the same will prove the salvation of North America and her liberties. On the other haut. if they continue their exports and imports. there is high reason to fear that fraud. power. and the most odious oppression, will rise trium phant over justice. right. social happiness, and freedom. And. moreover, that the vote be transmitted by the moderator to all our sister colonies in the name and behalf of this town "
10. A copy of this resolution was sent to all the provinces.
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EVENTS PRECEDING THE REVOLUTION.
When it was received in South Carolina, at Charlestowo, it was thought by the principal inhabitants there. to whom it had been sent, to be a matter of too grave importance to be decided by them alone, or by the people of Charlestown. It was therefore determined to request a general meeting of the people of the colony. Circular letters were sent to every parish and district In the province.
QUESTIONS .-- 1. Why should the Carolinians have expected a period of rest at this time?
2. What was the feeling of the Carolinian, toward the northern coun- try? What is sakl of trade between the two countries ?
3. Did the colonists at this time desire independence ? What thought did the British government begin to entertain ?
1. Do you think that all parts of a nation ought to pay a portion of the taxes ? Ought the colonists to have been taxed, and if not why not ? What is the chief excellence of the British constitution ?
5. What was the Stamp Act? When was it passed? Why was the act repealed ? On what articles dil the British government now impose a tax? What did the colonists resolve to do ?
6. What effect did the firm stand taken by the colonists have on the parliament? Tell what you know of the East India company ?
7. What was done with the tea sent to Charlestown and other places? In Boston ? How did parliament take vengeance on the people of Boston ?
S. How did parliament now propose to govern the colony of Massa- chusetts ?
9. What effect did these proceedings have on the people of Boston ? What resolution was passed ?
10. When a copy of the resolution was sent to Charlestown, what did the people them decide to do?
CHAPTER XVIL
EVENTS PRECEDING THE REVOLUTION CONTINUED.
1. In response to the invitation from Baton a great number. some from almost every part of South Carolina, mot in Charles- town on the 6th of July, 1774. The proceedings of the British
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HISTORY OF SOUTH CAROLINA.
parliament against Boston and Massachusetts were related to this convention of the people, when they, without one Cissent. ing voice, adopted resulntious declarative of their rights and also for supporting the people of Boston.
2. They alex pand a revolution declaring "that the late net of shutting the port of Boston, sul the other late acts relative to Doster and the province of Massachusetts are calculated to deprive many thousand Americans of their properties and privileges, in a most cruel. oppressive, and un constitutional minner: as most dangerous preceleurs, and though leveled immediately at the people of Boston. very manifestly and plainly show. If the inhabitants of that town are intimidated into a mean submission to sull acts, that the like are designed for all the colonies: when, not even the shadow of liberty to his person, or of security to his property. will be left any of his majesty's subjects melding on the American continent."
8. They resolved farther to assist and apport, by all lawful means in their power, the people of Besten: and to endeavor to procure a replied of those acts afmeting the rights and liberties of the people in general. To this and they concluded and backed their rosolutions by sending delegates, or doputies. to most delegates from the other colonies at Philadelphia, to consider time state of affairs and to decide what was best to be done. The deputies frota South Carolina where Heury Mid- Heton. John Rutledge, Christopher Galsdes, Thomas Lynch, and Edward Rutledge. They immediately saded for Photell phia, at which place the first continental congress assembled. This congress having tinisbel their deliberations on the 20th October, 17Th, the South Carolina delegates returned home and gave an account of the proceedings of the congress, which were approved by the people through their repusata- tives in e promteint congress which was called.
4. As the measures to be adopted depended entirely apon
EVENTS PRECEDING THE REVOLUTION.
the consent of the people for their validity, representatives were called from every partch and district in the province, so that the general voice of the people, as far as possible, might he had. The assembly, consequently, consisted of a very large number, not less than one hundred and eighty four. They mot in Charlestown on the 11th of January. 1775. They approved unanimously the proceedings of the continental congress and passed other suitable resolutions: concluding their proceedings by recommending the people to practice the use of fireanius, and to set apart a day for fasting, humiliation. and prayer. The day set apart for prayer was the 17th of February. ATT. The recommendation for arming and praying were both carried into effect with equal zeal.
5. Volunteer companies were formed, and oven the very boys and chillren went through their mimie drills. The first of February. 1775. was the day fixed by the continental congress for the cessation of the importation of goods from Great Britain. Several vessels with cargoes of goods arrived in the harbor of Charlestown after that period, the merchants thinking that the interests of trade would be greater than. those of patriotism. But in this they found themselves in error. They were not permitted to land a single article, and they were under the necessity of either throwing their goods overboard or of sending them back.
5. South Carolina did not desire war, nor did the people at that time desire independence, or separation from Great Britain. Why should they: But they hoped that by opph- sition of this kind the offensive acts would be repealed. as others had been twice before. For the first three months in 1775 they entertained the hope that everything would be peaceably settled. But on the 19th of April, 1775. a packet from London reached Charlestown which rudely dispelled the. pleasing boye. The despatches which came by that packet contained abundant evidence that the government of Great
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HISTORY OF SOUTH CAROLINA.
Britain had determined to reduce America to obedience by force
7. On the same day, April 19th. 1775. was fought the battle of Lexington, in which was shed the first blood of the Revo- lution. The resort to military force proved that all hope of accommodation was at an end. In spirit the Carolinians were ready for war, but not in material. They had neither arms nor ammunition: but there were twelve hundrel muskets in the royal magazine, and these they determined to seize. Ou the night after the intelligence of the battle of Lexington was received. the arsenal was entered by disguised and unknown persons and all the arms and anmunition were taken away and distributed where they would be most bene- ficial to the people. The provincial congress was again assembled and a declaration of association was drawn up and signed and sent to all parts of the province for signatures.
`. The signers pledged themselves "to be ready to sacrifice life and fortune to secure the freedom and safety of South Carolina: holding all persons inimical to the liberties of the .colonies who shall refuse to subscribe to the association." William Bull, lieutenant-governor. refused to sign it. though he was a native of the province. The congress resolved to raise two regiments of foot and a company of rangers and to put the province in a state of defence. The enthusiasm was so great that in a few weeks after the battle of Lexington the leaders had an army and treasury at command.
9. On the arrival of Lorl William Campbell. governor of the province, who came from England about this time, the provincial congress waited upon him with congratulations, and to explain the reasons for what they had been doing. He dodaged that he was not competent to judge of the disputes between Great Britain and ber colomiers, and refused to Pogrze aus representatives of the people, except in the constitutional assembly in this he was right as governor under the king.
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EVENTS PRECEDING THE REVOLUTION.
10. At this time the quantity of powder in the province did not exceed three thousand pounds, and the people de- termined to get a supply by any means possible. Learning that a British sloop with a large supply on board lay near the bar of St. Augustine. twelve persons sailed from Charles- town and took the sloop. although there were many solliers on board. They spiked the guns of the sloop; took out fifteen thousand pounds of power to their own vessel and sailed for Beaufort, where they arrived in safety. while their pursuers were waiting for them at the bar of Charlestown.
11. This powder was sent to Massachusetts. where the need was greatest just at that time. They next took possession of Fort Johnson: the British soldiers, who occupied it, disman- dling it and retiring to their ermed ships which lay in the harbor. Captain Heyward, with the Charlestown artillery. occupied the fort inimmediately, and by sunrise next morning had three guns realy for action. Colonel Monltri - mounted some heavy guns at Haddrell's Point and drove the British vessels out to sea. Forts on James Island. Sullivan's Island. Haddrell's Point, and other places were constructed. The militia were trained, the troops were disciplined, and all was lone that could be done to put the province in a state of d-fence.
12. The play was began and now the country waited with a great degree of anxiety the progress of events.
QUESTIONS. - 1. When and where did a lige number meet in response to the invitation from Boston ? What was done at the meeting ?
2. Tell something of the resolution that was passed.
3. What further did they resolve to do? How dul they back their resolutions? Who were the deputies from South Carolina? Where did the first continental congress meet :
Dil the people approve the action of the congress? What did the worldly which met in Charlestown with Tanuary, 17-5, recommend ?
: What day was fixed by the congress to case importing goods? Is it what the merchants of Charlestown did, and the result.
HISTORY OF SOUTH CAROLINA.
6. What did the colonists think the position they hal taken wou! lead to? What happened on the roth of April, 1775, to dispel the pleas- ing hope of peace ?
: What happened elsewhere on the same day ? Were the Carclinial. ready for war? Why not? What was done on the night after the news of the battle of Lexington was received ?
S. What was lone at the next provincial congress? What dil the signers pledge themselves to do?
9. What is said of Lord William Campbell who became governor of the province about this time?
To. What was sporce at this time ? How was a supply secured ?
Ir. Tell about the capture of Fort Johnson. Where were other forts constructel?
CHAPTER XVIII
THE EXTINCTION OF ROYAL AUTHORITY, PROGRESS OF EVENTS.
1. As we have seen, during the early mouths of 1775 hopes were still entertained by the Carolinians that the British government would recode from its position, and that there might still be a peaceful settlement of the troubles. But these Lopes speedily vanished, and the patrictic leaders of the resistance movement scon saw that Great Britain nieaut to whip than into absolute submis ion. They saw that armel resistance to arbitrary power was considered rebellion. and coull enl ouly in submission 'and death for high treason. oc the entire independence of the colonies.
2. His Majesty's judges made their last circuit in the spring of 1773. At this time William Henry Drayton was one of the assistant judges, and the only one who was a native of Carolina. In his charges to the grand juries he inculcated the same sentiments of patriotism that the popular leader- were toweblog everywhere. He was soon elected president of the South Cardina Congress, and he devoted all his great abilities to the support of the measures adopted by his country
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EXTINCTION OF ROYAL . AUTHORITY.
for defence. His colleagues on the bench, having refused to sign the paper of association, were disarmed and advertised as enemies to the liberties of their country. Not long after- wards Mr. Drayton was made chief justice of the province,
3. Throughout the year 1775. and during the early part of 1776, all the popular assemblies avowed their allegiance to Great Britain, even while they were arming themselves to resist her authority. They justitied themselves by the plea that they were not resisting the king, but the unlawful exer- eise of authority of the king's ministers. The officers of the regular troops, raised by the South Carolina Congress, were commissioned by Lord William Campbell, the royal governor. in assembly was also called by him, , and he transacted busi- ness with those officers of the new regiments, who were also members of the new legislature. But he dissolved the legis- lature on the 15th of September, 1775. and never again called thein together.
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