1718-Piracy

Gov. Johnson’s Return.

Governor Robert Johnson wrote to the Proprietors, appealing for a frigate or two to cruise the Carolina coast to protect their commerce:

About fourteen days since, four sail appeared in sight of town, immediately took the pilot boat … and in a few days took eight or nine outward-bound vessels … Hardly a ship goes to sea but falls into the hands of the pirates.

1770-American Revolution – Foundations

News that Rhode Island had broken the Association led to the Sons of Liberty hanging an effigy between Dillon’s Tavern and Gray’s Tavern on Broad Street. The note attached read: Similar Treatment to all who Violate the Association. (Note: The Association was a 1769 agreement among the Colonies to not import British goods.)

The effigy was removed and placed in the Guard House. During the night, it was stolen, paraded around the town and burned on the Green. 

1773-American Revolution

Henry Laurens wrote:

I am more of opinion now, than ever, that there will be Bloodshed. God avert it. Innocent persons will fall a Sacrifice to the knavery & bad policy of wrong Heads on each Side & these will escape with the plunder.

1775-American Revolution – Arrivals

Lord William Campbell

Lord William Campbell arrived in Charlestown as the new Royal governor. Married to Sarah Izard, one of South Carolina’s most powerful families, Campbell expected his arrival to be greeted with typical fanfare – booming cannons and cheering crowds. However, arriving six weeks after the news of the massacre in Boston, with the rising revolutionary passions, he greeted with “sullen silence.”

Campbell moved into the Miles Brewton House at 27 King Street until his residence was ready at 34 Meeting Street. He quickly learned that he was little more than a figurehead, due to the power wielded by the Provisional Congress. Campbell knew of the political rift between the aristocratic low-country (more revolutionary) and the backwoods commoners (more loyal) in the South Carolina upstate. He flooded the backcountry with pamphlets claiming that the Provisional Congress could not be trusted and had taken illegal power.

He also began to coordinate with backcountry Loyalists.

1812-War of 1812.

The United States declared war on Great Britain.