Johnson, Sir Nathaniel

On his arrival in South Carolina in November 1686, Colleton strictly enforced the antipiracy policy, apparently with some success. It soon became forgotten, though, as Colleton became embroiled in a furor generated by a pair of devastating Spanish raids on South Carolina in August and December of the same year.

In order to advance their interests, the Goose Creek Men formed an opposition faction that for decades exerted considerable influence in Carolina affairs. They were united by common economic interests, such as the trade in Indian slaves and trafficking with pirates. They viewed the Lords Proprietors as political and economic threats to their prosperity and independence.

The origin of the South Carolina rice industry is complex and controversial. Until relatively recently historians accorded Europeans primary credit for originating rice production in South Carolina. During the past few decades, however, some scholars have amassed evidence suggesting instead that Africans were the prime movers in the earliest days of rice cultivation in South Carolina.

According to its provisions, the act allowed dissenters to practice their faiths and participate in politics but they were denied public support for their churches or the right to perform marriages.

Like many proprietary governors, Robert Johnson struggled to balance proprietary demands with political realities in South Carolina.

Here, Carolina fur traders awaited them to receive payment on trade items sold to Indians the previous year on credit. Current purchases from the traders were made on credit to be paid for with the next season’s hunt.

Most of the eight original proprietors had remained staunch supporters of the Stuart monarchy after the execution of King Charles I in 1649, and others changed sides to become key figures in the restoration of his son in 1660.