Ramsay on the Election Law of 1716 and Revolution of 1719

 

Ramsay, David, The History of South Carolina, From Its First Settlement in 1670, to the Year 1808, Vols. I and II (1809)

 

The struggle between the proprietors and possessors of the soil became daily more serious. The provincial assembly passed about this time some very popular laws. One for the better regulation of the indian trade, by which commissioners were nomina ted to carry it on and to apply the profit arising from it to the public benefit and defence. Another was for regulating elections ; by which it was enacted " that every parish should send a certain number of representatives, not exceeding thirty - six in the whole, and that they should be ballotted for at the different parish churches. ”

Pastor Alexander Hewat on Causes of the Revolution

Hewatt, Alexander, An Historical Account of the Rise and Progress of the Colonies of South Carolina and Georgia, Volumes I and II (1779)

 

Such, at this period, was the happy situation of the people and province of South Carolina ; safe under the royal care and protection, and advancing to an opulent state by the unlimited credit and great indul gence granted by Britain. However, if we proceed a little farther, we shall see the face of things gradually changing. We shall behold the mother country, as wealth of her colonies increased, attempting some alteration in their political and commercial system:  and the different provinces, infected with pride and ambition, aspiring after independence. Let us take a flight view of the causes of that unhappy quarrel which at this time began between them, and after wards proceeded to such a degree of violence as to threaten a total diffolution of all political union and commercial intercourse.

Pastor Alexander Hewatt on Agriculture & Ag Practices

  Hewatt, Alexander, An Historical Account of the Rise and Progress of the Colonies of South Carolina and Georgia, Volumes I and II (1779)

At present the common method of cultivation is as follows. After the planter has obtained his tract of land, and built a house upon it, he then begins to clear his field of that load of wood with which the land is covered. Nature points out to him where to begin his labours; for the soil, however various is everywhere easily distinguished, by the different kinds of trees which grow upon it. Having cleared his field, he next surrounds it with a wooden fence, to exclude all hogs, sheep and cattle from it. This field he plants with rice or indigo, year after year, until the lands are exhausted or yield not a crop sufficient to answer his expectations. Then it is forsaken, and a fresh spot of land is cleared and planted, which is also treated in like manner, and in succession forsaken and neglected.

Pastor Alexander Hewatt on the 1761 Tornado

 Hewatt, Alexander, An Historical Account of the Rise and Progress of the Colonies of South Carolina and Georgia, Volumes I and II (1779)

 

Hewat on the May 1761 Tornado (called a whirlwind)

 

It appeared at first to the west of the town, like a large column of smoke, approaching fast in an irregular direction. The vapour of which it was composed resembled clouds rolling one over another in violent tumult and agitation, assuming at one time a dark, at another a bright alarming colour. Its motion was exceedingly swift and crooked. As it approached the inhabitants were alarmed with an uncommon sound, like the continual roaring of distant thunder, or the noise made by a stormy sea beating upon the shore, which brought numbers of people to witness the dreadful phenomenon. While it passed down Ashley river, such was its incredible velocity and force, that it plowed the waters to the bottom, and laid the channel bare. The town narrowly and providentially escaped, but it threatened destruction to a fleet consisting of no less than forty sail of loaded ships, lying at anchor in Rebellion road, about four miles below the town, and waiting a fair wind to sail for England. When it reached the feet, five vessels were sunk in an instant by it, and his Majesty's ship the Dolphin, with eleven others, were dismalted. 

Pastor Alexander Hewatt on the Cherokee War & Its Aftermath

 

Hewat on Cherokee War

Alexander Hewatt, An Historical Account of the Rise and Progress of the Colonies of South Carolina and Georgia, Vol. II (1779)

The lower towns had all been destroyed by Colonel Montgomery ; the warriors in the middle settlements had lost many friends and relations ; and several Frenchmen had crept in among the uppertowns and helped to foment their ill humour against Carolina. Lewis Latinac, a French officer, was among them, and proved an indefatigable instigator to mischief. He persuaded the Indians that the English had nothing less in view than to exterminate them from the face of the earth ; and, furnishing them with arms and ammunition, urged them on to war. At a great meeting of the nation he pulled out his hatchet, and, striking it into a log of wood, called out, Who is the man that will take this up for the King of France? Salouè, the young warrior of Eltatoe, instantly laid hold of it, and cried out,

“I am for war. The spirits of our brothers who “ have been slain call upon us to avenge their death. He is no better than a woman that refuses “ to follow me. ” Many others seized the tomahawk, yet dyed in British blood, and burnt with impatience for the field.

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[1761 Cherokee sue for peace]

ACCORDINGLY Attakullakulla and the other chieftains, being furnished with a safeguard, set out for Charlestown to hold a conference with Mr. Bull, who, on their arrival, called a council to meet at Ashley Ferry, and then spoke to the following effect.

“Attakullakulla, I am glad to see you, and as I have always heard of your good behaviour, as that you have been a good friend to the English, " I take you by the hand, and not only you but all “ those with you also, as a pledge for their security " whilst under my protection. Colonel Grant acquaints me that you have applied for peace ; now « that you are come, I have met with my beloved “ men to hear what you have to say, and my ears are open for that purpose. ”

Then a fire was kin dled, the pipe of peace was lighted, and all sinoked together for some time in great filence and solem pity.

Then Attakullakulla arofe, and addressed the Lieu. tenant - Governor and Council to the following effect. “ It is a great while since I last saw your honour ; now I am glad to see you, and all the beloved men present ~ I am come to you as a messenger 6 from the whole nation - I have now seen you, “ smoked with you, and hope we shall live together “ as brothers. - When I came to Keowee, Colonel “ Grant sent me to you - You live at the water side, " and are in light - We are in darkness, but hope “ all will be yet clear with us. I have been con stantly going about doing good, and though I am " tired, yet I am come to see what can be done for my people, who are in great distress. ” Here he produced the strings of wampum he had received from the different towns, denoting their earnest desire of peace; and then added, “ As to what has happened, I believe it has been ordered by our " Father above.- We are of a different colour from - the white people — They are superior to us - But one God is father of all, and we hope what is past will be forgotten. — God Almighty made all “ people - There is not a day but some are coming " into, and others are going out of, the world. “ The great King told me the path should never be “ crooked, but open for every one to pass and re “ pass.- As we all live in one land, I hope we shall “ all live as one people. ” After which peace was formally ratified and confirmed by both parties, and their former friendship being renewed, all hoped that it it would last as long as the sun shall shine and the rivers run.

Thus ended the Cherokee war, which was among the last humbling strokes given to the expiring power of France in North America, and Colonel Grant returned to Charlestown to wait further orders. But no sooner was peace concluded, and the province secured against external enemies, than an unhappy difference broke out between the two principal com manders of the regular and provincial forces.

Colonel Grant, a native of Scotland, was naturally of a high spirit, to which he added that pride of rank which he held among those British soldiers who had carried their arms triumphant through the continent. During this expedition it is probable that he scorned to ask the advice of a provincial officer, whom he deemed an improper judge of military operations, and claimed the chief glory of having restored peace to the province. Colonel Middleton was equally warm and proud, and considering such neglect as an affront, resented it, and while some reflections were cast upon the provincial troops, being the chief in command, he thought himself bound to stand forth as a champion for the honour of the province.

This ill - humour, which ap peared between the officers on their return to Charles town, was encouraged and fomented by persons delighting in broils, who, by malicious surmises and false reports, helped to widen the difference. The dif pute became serious, and was carried on for some time in the public papers by mutual charges of misconduct, and at length terminated in a duel. Mr. Middleton called out Colonel Grant to the single combat, after they had both given the best proof of their courage against the common enemy. The duel, however, happily terminated without bloodshed, and not a little to the credit of the Scots officer, though his antago- : nist fhewed no less spirit in the field of honour, false, ly fo called, than in defence of his country. The citizens of Charlestown feemed interested in the dir pute, and each spoke of the conduct of the two offi cers as they were differently affected.

Indeed, how. ever much we may applaud the brave man who is first in the field in defence of his country, with justico we with - hold our praises from him that is first at the single combat with a private friend. Colonel Grant, with great reason, considered such treatment, after having brought the enemies of the colony to the most advantageous terms of peace, as a base recompence for his services. From this period a party - spirit ap peared in Carolina. All the malicious aspersions and inflammatory accusations against the inhabitants of North Britain, which were at this time wantonly and wickedly published in England, were greedily swal lowed by one party in the province, and industri. oully propagated. Prejudices were contracted, che rished, and unhappily gained ground among the peo ple. Terms of reproach and abuse were collected from those factious publications in London and poured indiscriminately upon all the natives of Scotland, who were by no means backward in retorting the abuse.

In a growing province, where the utmost harmony and liberality of sentiment ought to have been cherished by all, as the most certain means of promoting the public strength and prosperity, such a party - spirit was attended, as might have been expected, with the most pernicious consequence.

Pastor Alexander Hewat on Rivers, Water Carriage and Trade Competition

  Hewatt, Alexander, An Historical Account of the Rise and Progress of the Colonies of South Carolina and Georgia, Volumes I and II (1779)

 

The low country being everywhere interspersed with navigable rivers and creeks, the expense of conveying his rice to the market, which otherwise would have been intolerable, was thereby rendered easy. Having provisions from his estate to support his family, and labourers, he applies his whole staple commodities for the purposes of answering the demands of the merchant and money-lender. He expects that his annual produce will not only answer those demands against him, but also bring an addition to his capital, and enable him to extend his hand still farther in the way of improvement. Hence it happened, that in proportion as the merchants extended credit to the planters, and supplied them with labourers for their lands, the profits returned to the capital yearly according to the increased number of hands employed in cultivation. 

It is no easy thing to enumerate all the advantages of water carriage to a fruitful and commercial province. The lands are rendered more valuable by being situated on navigable creeks and rivers. The planters who live fifty miles from the capital, are at little more expense in sending their provisions and produce to its market, than those who live within five miles of it. The town is supplied with plenty of provisions, and its neighbourhood prevented from enjoying a monopoly of its market. 

By this general and unlimited competition the price of provisions is kept low, and while the money arising from them circulates equally and universally through the country, it contributes, in return, to its improvement. The planters have not only water carriage to the market for their staple commodities, but on their arrival the merchant again commits them to the general tide of commerce, and receives in return what the world affords profitable to himself, and useful to the country in which he lives. Hence it happened, that no town was better supplied than Charlestown with all the necessaries, conveniencies, and luxuries of life.

 

 

Pastor Alexander Hewatt on mercantilism, Trade, & Colonial Economy

  Hewatt, Alexander, An Historical Account of the Rise and Progress of the Colonies of South Carolina and Georgia, Volumes I and II (1779)

The Carolincans received protection to trade, a ready market, drawbacks and bounties, by their political and commercial connection with the mother country. The duties laid on many articles of foreign manufacture on their importation into Britain were drawn back, sometimes the whole, almost always a great part, on their exportation to the colonies. These drawbacks were always in favour of the consumers, and supplied the provincial markets with foreign goods at a rate equally cheap as if they had been immediately imported from the place where they were manufactured. Hence the colonists were exempted from those heavy duties which their fellow subjects in Britain were obliged to pay, on most articles of foreign manufacture which they consumed. Besides, upon the arrival of such goods in the country, the planters commonly had twelve months credit from the provincial merchant, who was satisfied with payment once in the year from all his customers.

Pastor Alexander Hewatt on Fort Johnson and the Hornwork

Hewatt, Alexander, An Historical Account of the Rise and Progress of the Colonies of South Carolina and Georgia, Volumes I and II (1779)

The harbour is also tolerably well fortified, the King having at different times presented the province with great guns for that purpose. Towards Cooper river the town is defended by a number of batteries, infomuch that no ships of an enemy can approach it without considerable hazard. 

Pastor Alexander Hewatt on Thunderstorms, Hurricanes and Lightning Rods

  Hewatt, Alexander, An Historical Account of the Rise and Progress of the Colonies of South Carolina and Georgia, Volumes I and II (1779)

It has been also remarked, that the province is subject to violent storms of lightning and thunder throughout the year; but from the end of April until October they are very frequent and terrible. There are few nights during the summer in which lighting is not visible in some part of the horizon. Sometimes indeed those storms are of short duration, particularly when they come attended with brisk gales of wind; but when that is not the case, they will often last for four or five hours. While the clouds are gathering, it is surprising how quickly the atmosphere, which was formerly serene, will be covered with darkness.

Pastor Alexander Hewat -- Culture, Fashion, Food & Living in Chas.

 

 Hewatt, Alexander, An Historical Account of the Rise and Progress of the Colonies of South Carolina and Georgia, Volumes I and II (1779)

 All who possess lands and negroes apply their chief attention to the improvement of their fortune, regardless of the higher walks of science. They commonly marry early in life, and of course are involved in domestic cares and concerns before their minds have had time to ripen in knowledge and judgment. In the progress of society they have not advanced beyond that period in which men are distinguished more by their external than internal accomplishments. Hence it happens, that beauty, figure, agility and strength form the principal distinctions among them, especially in the country. Among English people they are chiefly known by the number of their slaves, the value of their annual produce, or the extent of their landed estate.

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Fashion

For the most part they are lively and gay, adapting their dress to the nature of the climate in which they live, and discover no small taste and neatness in their outward appearance. Their intercourse and communication with Britain being easy and frequent, all novelties in fashion, dress and ornament are quickly introduced; and even the spirit of luxury and extravagance, too common in England, was beginning to creep into Carolina.  

Pastimes

Almost every family kept their chaises for a single horse, and some of the principal planters of late years have imported fine horses and splendid carriages from Britain. They discover no bad taste for the polite arts, such as music, drawing, fencing and dancing; and it is acknowledged by all, but especially by strangers, that the ladies in the province considerably outshine the men. They are not only sensible, discreet and virtuous, but also adorned with most of those polite and elegant accomplishments becoming their sex. The Carolineans in general are affable and easy in their manners, and exceedingly kind and hospitable to all strangers.

Average Age

There are few old men or women to be found in the province, which is a sure sign of the unhealthiness of the climate. We cannot say that there are many in the country that arrive at their sixtieth year, and several at thirty bear the wrinkles, bald head and grey hairs of old

Wealth and Class

As every person by diligence and application may earn a comfortable liveli. hood, there are few poor people in the province, except the idle or unfortunate. Nor is the number of rich people great ; most of them being in what we call easy and independent circumstances. It has been remark ed, that there are more persons possessed of between five and ten thousand pounds sterling in the province, than are to be found anywhere among the same number of people.

In respect of rank, all men regarded their neighbour as their equal, and a noble spirit of benevolence pervaded the society. In point of industry the town was like a beehive, and there were none that reaped not advantages more or less from the flourishing state of trade and commerce. Pride and ambition had not as yet crept into this community ; but the province was fast advancing to that state of power and opulence, when some distinctions among men necessarily take place. their way

Lifestyle, Food and Drink

With respect to the manner of living in Charlestown, it is nearly the same as in England; and many of living circumstances concur to render it neither very difficult nor expensive to furnish plentiful tables. They have tea from England, and coffee, chocolate and sugar from the West Indies, in plenty. Butter is good, especially at that season when the fields are cleared of rice, and the cows are admitted into them ; and it is so plentiful that they export a good deal of it to the Leeward Islands. 

The province produces some flour for bread ; but it being of an inferior quality, the inhabitants chiefly make use of that imported from New York and Philadelphia. In the market there is plenty of beef, pork, veal, poultry and venison, and a great variety of wild-fowls and salt-water fish. The mutton from the low lands is not so good as that from the hills in the interior parts, but as the back country is now well settled, it is hoped that the market in time will be likewise well supplied with mutton from it. They have also a variety of the finest fruits and vegetables in their season.

Their principal drink is punch, or grog, which is composed of rum well diluted with water.  With respect to wine, Madeira is not only best suited to the climate, in which it im proves by heat and age, but also most commonly used by the people in general, though French, Spa nish and Portuguese wines are likewise presented at the tables of the most opulent citizens. Besides these, they have porter and beer from England, and cyder and perry from the northern colonies. 

Where rum is cheap, excess in the use of it will not be uncommon, especially among the lower class of people ; but the gentlemen in general are sober, industrious and temperate. In short, the people are not only blessed with plenty, but with a disposition to share it among friends and neighbours ; and many will bear me witness, when I say, that travellers could scarcely go into any city where they could meet with a society of people more agreeable, intelligent and hospitable than that at Charlestown.

 

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Pastimes

Those planters who had arrived at easy or affluent circumstances employed overseers ; and having little to do but to ride round their fields now and then, to see that their affairs were not neglected, or their slaves abused, indulge themselves in rural amusements, such as racing, mustering, hunting, fishing, or social entertainments. For the gun and dog the country affords some game, such as small partridges, woodcocks, rabbits, & c. but few of the planters are fond of that kind of diversion. To chace the fox or the deer is their favourite amusement, and they are forward and bold riders, and make their way through the woods and thickets with astonishing speed. The horses of the country, though hardy and serviceable animals, make little figure ; and therefore, to improve the breed, many have been of late years imported from England. The planters being fond of fine horses, have been at great pains to raise them, so that they now have plenty of an excellent kind, both for the carriage and the turf.

Pastor Alexander Hewat - Creating Wealth by Lending

 Hewatt, Alexander, An Historical Account of the Rise and Progress of the Colonies of South Carolina and Georgia, Volumes I and II (1779)

Creating Wealth

Or, if the poor emigrant be an artificer, and chuses to follow his trade, the high price of labour is no less encouraging. By the indulgence of the merchants, or by the security of a friend, he obtains credit for a few negroes. He learns them his trade, and a few good tradesmen, well employed, are equal to a small estate. 

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Having got some hands, instead of a labourer he becomes an undertaker, and enters into contract with his employer, to erect his house; to build his ship; to furnish his plantations with shoes, or the capital with bricks. In a little time he acquires some money, and, like several thers in the city whose yearly gain exceeds what is requisite for the support of themselves and families, lays it out on interest. Ten and eight per cent given for money, proved a great temptation , and induced many who were averse from the trouble of settling plantations, or were unable to bestow that attention to them which they demanded, to take this method of increasing their fortune. 

If the money lender followed his employment in the capital , or reserved in his hands a sufficiency for family use , and allowed the interest to be added yearly to the capital stock , his fortune increased fast , and soon became considerable . Several persons preferred this method of accumulating riches to that of cultivation , especially those whom age or infirmity had rendered unfit for action and fatigue. money in NOTWITHSTANDINS the extensive credit commonly allowed the planting interest by the merchants , the number of borrowers always exceeded that of the lenders of money. Having vast extent of territory, the planters were eager to obtain numbers of labourers, which raised the demand for money, and kept up the high rate of interest . The interest of every country is for the most part according to the demand, and the demand according to the profits made by the use of it. The profits must always be great where men can afford to take money at the rate of eight and ten percent. and allow it to remain in their hands upon compound interest .

In Carolina labourers on good lands cleared their first cost and charges in a few years , and therefore great was the demand for money in order to procure them.