An Historical Account of the Rise and Progress of the Colonies of South Carolina and Georgia, Volume 1Hewatt, Alexander
History
An Historical Account of the Rise and Progress of the Colonies of South Carolina and Georgia, Volume 1
Hewatt, Alexander
Georgia -- History -- Colonial period, ca. 1600-1775; South Carolina -- History -- Colonial period, ca. 1600-1775
Governor Johnson, some time before this, had appointed a day for a
general review of the provincial militia; and the Convention, that they
might have the opportunity of the people being under arms, and ready to
forward their scheme, fixed on the same day for publicly proclaiming
Moore. The Governor, however, having intelligence of their design, sent
orders to Colonel Parris, the commander of the militia, to postpone the
review to a future day. Parris, though a zealous friend to the
revolution, in answer assured him his orders should be obeyed.
Notwithstanding this assurance, on the day fixed, when Governor Johnson
came to town, he found to his surprise the militia drawn up in the market
square, colours flying at the forts, and on board all the ships in the
harbour, and great preparations making for the proclamation. Exasperated
at the insults offered to his person and authority, he could scarcely
command his temper and restrain his resentment. Some he threatened to
chastise for flying in the face of government, to which they had sworn
allegiance and fidelity. With others he coolly reasoned, and endeavoured
to recal them by representing the fatal consequences that would certainly
attend such rash proceedings. But advancing to Parris, who had betrayed
him, he asked him, how he durst appear in arms contrary to his orders?
and commanded him, in the King's name, instantly to disperse his men.
Colonel Parris insolently replied, he was obeying the orders of the
Convention. The Governor in great rage walked up towards him; upon which
Parris immediately commanded his men to present, and bid him at the peril
of life advance no nearer. The Governor expected, during this struggle,
that some friends would have stood by him, especially such as held
offices of profit and trust under the Proprietors, or that the militia
would have laid down their arms at his command: but he was disappointed;
for all either stood silent, or kept firm to the standard of the
Convention. However, to amuse him, and prevent his taking any rash step
in the heat of passion, John Lloyd, one of their party, was sent, out of
pretence of friendship, to walk and converse with the Governor. Vain
indeed were the efforts of a single arm, in so general a defection. Even
Trott and Rhett, in this extremity, forsook him, and kept at a distance,
the silent and inactive spectators of their masters ruined authority.
[Sidenote] James Moore proclaimed Governor.
[Sidenote] The declaration of the Convention.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
Reviews
Reviews
No reviews yet
Be the first to share your thoughts on this work.
Elsewhere in the archive
Join the Discussion
Join the discussion
Sign in to leave a comment or review.
Sign InorCreate an account