CHAPTER XXI.

THE COLONY OF SOUTH CAROLINA.

1665-1775.

The Carolinas receive two Different Charters from the Crown of Great Britain.--Era of Slavery Legislation.--Law establishing Slavery.--The Slave Population of this Province regarded as Chattel Property.--Trial of Slaves.--Increase of Slave Population.--The Increase in the Rice-Trade.--Severe Laws regulating the Private and Public Conduct of Slaves.--Punishment of Slaves for running away.--The Life of Slaves regarded as of Little Consequence by the Violent Master Class.--An Act empowering two Justices of the Peace to investigate Treatment of Slaves.--An Act prohibiting the Overworking of Slaves.--Slave-Market at Charleston.--Insurrection.--A Law authorizing the carrying of Fire-Arms among the Whites.--The Enlistment of Slaves to serve in Time of Alarm.--Negroes admitted to the Militia Service.--Compensation to Masters for the Loss of Slaves killed by the Enemy or who desert.--Few Slaves manumitted.--From 1754-76, Little Legislation on the Subject of Slavery.--Threatening War between England and her Provincial Dependencies.--The Effect upon Public Sentiment. 289