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
[Sidenote] A.D. 1671.
[Sidenote] And is appointed governor.
Soon after his arrival in Carolina, Governor Sayle fell a sacrifice to
the hardships of the climate. Upon his death the council met, and Sir
John claimed the office of vice-palatine in consequence of his rank,
being the only landgrave resident in the colony. But the council, who
were empowered to elect a governor in such a case, chose to prefer Joseph
West, until a special appointment arrived from England. West was a
popular man, much esteemed among the colonists for his activity, courage,
and prudence. However, he did not long remain in office, for the first
vessel that arrived from England brought a commission to Sir John
Yeamans, constituting him governor of the colony.
[Sidenote] Various causes contribute to the settlement
of the country.
Here it may be remarked, that various causes contributed towards the
population of this settlement, as well as those in the more northern
climates. After the Restoration, a total change in the manners of the
English nation took place, and many of the people from the strictest
rigour and severity in point of morals, became profane, dissolute and
abandoned. The Cavaliers, who had suffered during the usurpation, began
to retaliate on the Puritans, and having obtained the ascendency over
them in public affairs, on all occasions treated them with severe
ridicule and supercilious contempt. On the other hand, the morose
republican party, highly offended at the licentious manners and growing
wickedness of the times, ardently wished for some distant retreat to
shelter themselves from the storm of divine judgments which they believed
hung over the corrupted and profligate nation. To prevent disturbances
from these different parties, Lord Clarendon, and many more of the king's
council, from maxims of policy, encouraged emigration, which they
considered as a sovereign remedy for political disorders. A new field was
opened in Carolina for discontented and turbulent spirits, to whom the
proprietors promised grants of land, upon condition they would transport
themselves and families to that quarter. They knew that industry was a
good cure for enthusiasm, and that enthusiasm was an excellent spur to
new and hazardous undertakings. The privilege of liberty of conscience
allowed to every one by the charter equally suited all parties, and
proved a great encouragement to emigration. New-England indeed had drawn
over many of the warmest and most turbulent republicans, and proved a
happy shelter to some against the terrors of future reckonings. Still,
however, multitudes remained in the nation, who, being discontented with
their present circumstances, were willing to seek for liberty of
conscience in the deserts of America. Accordingly, many dissenters
embraced the offers of the proprietors, and the infant colony received
its earliest acquisitions from this restless and troublesome party.
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.
Join the Discussion
Join the discussion
Sign in to leave a comment or review.
Sign InorCreate an account