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
Landgrave Colleton, mortified at the loss of power, and alarmed at the
bold and seditious spirit of the people, was not a little perplexed what
step to take in order to recal them to the obedience of legal authority.
Gentle means he perceived would be vain and ineffectual. One expedient
was suggested, which he and his council flattered themselves might be
productive of the desired effect, and induce the people through fear to
return to his standard, and stand by the person who alone had authority
to punish mutiny and sedition, which was to proclaim the martial law, and
try to maintain by force of arms the proprietary jurisdiction.
Accordingly, without letting the people into his secret design, he caused
the militia to be drawn up, as if some danger had threatened the country,
and publicly proclaimed the martial law at their head. His design,
however, did not long remain a secret, and, when discovered, served only
to exasperate the more. The members of the assembly met, and taking this
measure under their deliberation, resolved, that it was an encroachment
upon their liberties, and an unwarrantable exertion of power, at a time
when the colony was in no danger from any foreign enemy. The governor,
however, insisted on the articles of war, and tried to carry the martial
law into execution; but the disaffection was too general to admit of such
a remedy. In the year 1690, at a meeting of the representatives, a bill
was brought in and passed, for disabling Landgrave James Colleton from
holding any office, or exercising any authority, civil or military,
within the province: nay, so outrageous were they against him, that
nothing less than banishment could appease them, and therefore gave
notice to him, that, in a limited time, he must depart from the country.
[Sidenote] Seth Sothell chosen governor.
[Sidenote] His oppression and expulsion.
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