South Carolina Delegates to the First Continental Congress
The First Continental Congress convened in Philadelphia on Monday, September 5, 1774. The colonial delegations were introduced in geographical order, from North to South. The South Carolina delegates were the eleventh group to introduce themselves and have their letter of introduction read (the North Carolina delegates were not present at the first meeting). The South Carolina delegates who attended the first meeting were:
- Henry Middleton
- Edward Rutledge
- Christopher Gadsden
- Thomas Lynch
- John Rutledge
The South Carolina Letter of Introduction
In the commons, house of Assembly, Tuesday, the 2d day of August, 1774.
Colonel Powell acquainted the house, that during the recess of this house, viz: on the 6th, 7th & 8th days of July last at a general meeting of the inhabitants of this colony, they having under consideration the acts of parliament lately passed with regard to the port of Boston and Colony of Massachusetts-Bay as well as other American grievances, had nominated and appointed the honble. Henry Middleton, John Rutledge, Thomas Lynch, Christopher Gadsden, & Edward Rutledge, Esqrs. deputies on the part and behalf of this Colony, to meet the deputies of the other Colonies of North America, in general Congress, the first Monday in September next at Philadelphia, or at any other time and place that may be generally agreed on, there to consider the acts lately passed, and bills depending in parliament with regard to the port of Boston and Colony of Massachusetts-Bay, which acts & bills in the precedent and consequences affect the whole Continent of America — also the grievances under which America labours, by reason of the several acts of parliament that impose taxes or duties for raising a revenue, and lay unnecessary restraints and burdens on Trade; and of the statutes, parliamentary acts, and royal instructions, which make an invidious distinction between his majesty’s subjects in Great-Britain and America, with full power and authority to concert, agree to, and effectually prosecute such legal measures, as in the opinion of the said deputies, and of the deputies so to be assembled, shall be most likely to obtain a repeal of the said acts, and a redress of those grievances: and thereupon moved that this house do resolve to recognize, ratify, and confirm said appointment of the deputies for the purposes aforesaid.
Resolved, N.C.D. That this house do recognize, ratify, and confirm the appointment of the said deputies for the purposes mentioned in the said motion.
Attested, Thomas Farr, Junr. Clerk.
Biographies
Christopher Gadsden
Christopher Gadsden was a successful merchant from Charleston, South Carolina. He is important because he was vocal in his opposition to British laws and participated in many key events that shaped the American Revolution, including the Stamp Act Congress, First Continental Congress, Second Continental Congress, and the Constitutional Convention. Gadsden also designed the famous “Gadsden Flag” for the United States Marines. As a member of Congress, he signed the Aricles of Association, establishing the Continental Association.
Thomas Lynch Sr.
Thomas Lynch Sr. was a successful planter from Charleston, South Carolina. Lynch participated in many key events that shaped the American Revolution, including the Stamp Act Congress, First Continental Congress, and Second Continental Congress. He signed the Articles of Association.
Henry Middleton
Henry Middleton was a planter and politician. He briefly served as President of the First Continental Congress and signed the Articles of Association. Middleton was elected to the Second Continental Congress but opposed independence and resigned. He was replaced by his son, Arthur Middleton, who supported the measure. Despite this, Henry remained aligned with the Patriot Cause and helped organize the South Carolina state government.
Edward Rutledge
Edward Rutledge is a Founding Father. He was elected to the First Continental Congress, where he signed the Articles of Association, and the Second Continental Congress, where he signed the Declaration of Independence. His brother was John Rutledge.
John Rutledge
John Rutledge is a Founding Father. He participated in key events that shaped the American Revolution, including the Stamp Act Congress, First Continental Congress, Second Continental Congress, and Constitutional Convention. Rutledge signed the Articles of Association but was not present for the debate on independence. Later, he participated in the Constitutional Convention in Philadelphia in 1787 and signed the United States Constitution.
Notes
- “Colonel Powell,” mentioned in the letter of introduction, was George Gabriel Powell, who immigrated to South Carolina from the island of St. Helena in 1748. Powell was the first Speaker of the South Carolina Provincial Congress.
