1749–Slavery

The Assembly passed an addition to the Negro Act of 1740 which decreed death for any Negro who administered poison to any person.

1778-American Revolution – South Carolina Navy

Commodore Alexander Gillon led a South Carolina naval excursion and captured two British vessels.

1822-Denmark Vesey Rebellion

The trials of the conspirators began. Rolla Bennett, “the slave of his Excellency, Governor Bennett” was called before the court.  A slave named Joe LaRoche entered the room, swore on the Bible and testified that Rolla had asked him to join the rebellion three weeks ago. He testified, “I told him it could not be done and that our parents for generations back had been slaves, and we had better be contented.” Rolla testified as:

I know Denmark Vesey, on one occasion he asked me, what news? I told him; none. He replied, we are free, but the white people here won’t let us be so; and the only way is, to raise up and fight the whites. I went to his house one night, to learn where the meetings were held … Vesey told me, he was the leader in this plot … Vesey induced me to join. When I went to Vesey’s house, there was a meeting there, the room was full of people, but none of them white … He was the first to rise up and speak, and he read to us from the bible, how the children of Israel were delivered out of Egypt from bondage; he said, that the rising would take place last Sunday night, (the 16th June,) …

 In the official report, Negro Plot: An Account of the Late Insurrection Among a Portion of the Black in Charleston, South Carolina it was concluded:

Rolla represented himself as the commander of the force which was to rendezvous in the vicinity of his master’s mills, & explained to the witness fully the order of attack; the division of the forces; and said, “that his troops, in their way into town, would fix his old buck (his master) and the intendant.” On being asked whether it was intended to kill the women and children, he remarked when we have done with the men we know what to do with the women.

Rolla was pronounced “unanimously guilty” and ordered to “prepare for death.”

Batteau Bennett was tried next. From the Negro Plot:

It was proved that Batteau confessed to two persons, (both of whom were introduced as witnesses,) that he belonged to the conspiracy … He stated he was to head a party near Canon’s bridge, and that he expected aid from the country. Batteau was found guilty, and sentenced to be executed on the 2d of July.

  Next on trial was John Horry, the slave of former indendent, Elias Horry. John had been arrested at his master’s house at 59 Meeting Street. John, a coachman for the Horry family, testified that “As soon as the slaves took the streets, he planned to go up stairs and kill his master and family.”

Horry asked, “Tell me, are you guilty? For I cannot believe it unless I hear you say so. What were your intentions?

John replied, “To kill you, rip open your belly & throw your guts in your face.”

Stephen Smith, Peter Poyas and Ned Bennett were also found guilty and sentenced to be hanged on July 2.

Branford-Horry House, Charleston, SC, inherited by Elias Horry in 1801.

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.