In May, 1674, _Joseph West_, esq. was appointed governor of the southern colony, in the room of Sir John Yeamans, with whose conduct the proprietaries were dissatisfied. But the difficulty of establishing the colony was not overcome for years; not till the people repaired to it at their own expence, and men of estate ventured thither under the firm persuasion of being fairly treated. In expectation of such treatment, the dissenters, being harrassed by persecutions in England, and dreading a popish successor, emigrated to Carolina in great numbers, and made a considerable part of the inhabitants. They acquired the honor of introducing religion into the province, while they strengthened it also by their personal accessions. But the promising appearances of the country inviting many over of a very different stamp, after a while disturbances followed. The planters being informed that the _Oyster-Point_, so delightfully formed by the confluence of the rivers Ashley and Cooper, was more convenient than what was fixed upon eight years before, and the proprietaries encouraging their inclination, they began to remove, and in the subsequent year laid the foundation of the present Charles-Town, and built 30 houses [1680.] It was instantly declared the _port_ for the purposes of traffic, and the _capital_ for the administration of government. It was long unhealthy; but the adjacent country being now cleared and cultivated, it is allowed to enjoy the most salubrious air of Carolina. Though the province had been formed into manors and baronies, it was not till 1682, that it was divided into three counties. In the autumn of this year, governor West held a parliament; and afterwards immediately resigned his administration to Mr. Joseph Moreton. Thence commenced a reiterated change of governors. Cyrle, West, Kuerry, Moreton, were successively appointed. There was a similar change of every public officer. These changes produced turbulency and faction.