The Best of South Carolina

Trial of Stede Bonnet Prefatory Account

2015-01-29T22:45:00.002-05:00

Pursuit of Primary Text

The Pirate Stede Bonnet's short career ended in Charleston, South Carolina. The tales of his piracy, capture and execution vary in detail depending on who is telling the story. I find history most interesting when I read primary texts rather than an interpretation of history. To that end, I am reviewing a scanned copy of The Tryals of Major Stede Bonnet and Other Pirates available online Library of Congress.

The following is an in-progress transcription of the description of Crimes Bonnet and his crew were tried for. This Prefatory Account is taken from The Tryals of Major Stede Bonnet and Other Pirates.

The Trials of Major Stede Bonnet

And Other Pirates

Robert Tucker, William Scot, Job Bayley, John-William Smithy,Thomas Carman

John Thomas, William Morrifon, William Livers alias Evis, Samuel Booth, William Hemet, John LeVit, William Eddy alias Nedy, Alexander Amand, George Rofs, George Dunkin, John Ridge, Matthew King, Daniel Perry, Henry Virgin, James Robbins, James Mullet alias Millet, Thomas Rice, John Lope, Zachariah Long, James Wilson, John Brierly, Robert Boyd

Who were all condemned for Piracy.

AS ALSO

The Trials of Thomas Nichols, Rowland Sharp, Jonathan Clark, and Thomas Gerrat, for Piracy, who were Acquitted.

AT THE

Admiralty Sessions held at Charles-Town, in the Province of South Carolina, on Tuesday the 28th of October, 171 8 and by federal Adjournments continued to Wednesday the 12th of November, following.

To which is Prefix'd,

An Account of the Taking of the said Major Bonnet, and the rest of the Pirates.

LONDON

Printed for BEN J. COWSE at the Rose and Crown in St. Paul's Church Yard. M. DCC. XIX.

Prefatory Account

of the

Taking of Major Stede Bonnet, and the other Pirates by the two Sloops under the Command of

Col. William Rhett

As most Colonies in America have had their Trade interrupted by the Pirates that these three Years past have been so numerous and committed so many villainies, not only in destroying vessels and their Cargoes, but barbarously murdering many innocent. Persons of this Province of South Carolina in particular has had a great share of their insults, especially from one of the most noted among them, namely Major Stede Bonnet, Alias Captain Edwards, alias Thomas, late of Barbados: who, it seems, at his own cost and charges fitted from thence a large sloop called the Revenge with ten Guns, and about eighty men. After his leaving Barbados committed federal piracies, and came in August, 17 17 off of the Bar of South Carolina, and there took two Vessels bound in; one a Sloop with Negros, Rum and Sugar, Captain Joseph Palmer from Barbados; the other· a Brigantine, Captain Thomas Porter from New England, whom after he was plundered, they dismissed but the Sloop they went away with, and at an Inlet in North Carolina careened by her, and then burnt her.

In June last we were again visited by the same Pirate, but in a more formidable manner, having by that time increased their number to between three and four hundred fighting Men, and had with them a large Ship mounted with forty gungs, their former Sloop the Revenge, which was now called their Privateer, and two other Sloops, Prizes, which served them as Tenders. The Ship they called the Queen Anne's Revenge; and were all under the Comand of one Captain Teach, but better known by the Name of Black-Beard. Major Bonnet was on board, not in Command.

They were no sooner off the Bar, but they took five Prizes, viz. two ships bound from London, two bound out to the same place, and a small Coasting Sloop.

The next thing they had to do, was to know how to dispose of the vessels and prisoners and being then in want of medicines, they resolved to demand a chest from the government, and detain them till they were sent.

( iv)

Accordingly they sent one of their prisoners, (Mr. Marks) a gentleman that was a passenger (and bound to London) and two of their own people. Mr. Marks accordingly came up from Town, and had but twenty four hours limited for his return; and on the governor’s refusal to send the medicines, the pirates had unanimously resolved to murder all of the prisoners, and burn their Prizes.

On Mr. Marks' application to the Governor, (and the Pirates being too strong to cope with at the time) a chest of medicines was accordingly dispatched with him.

The Pirates on receiving them had a general consultation; but what the result was, is unknown. However, they hurried the prisoners to their vessels the next day, and made sail from this coast.

In about a month after we had Advice from North Carolina that these pirates having some difference among themselves, ran their ship and one of the Sloops on the shore of the coast; and afterwards the Captain (Blackbeard) cheated most of his crew of their share of the riches they had taken.

Upon this they separated. Bonnet got his own sloop the Revenge, and with about fifty of the oldest Pirates went to the old Trade. Blackbeard, with about thirty more, failed from thence on the same account in the other Sloop.

We heard nothing of them till about the beginning of September 1718 when we had a particular information that a Pirate Sloop of ten guns and fifty men was at Cape Fear River, to the Northward of this Port, with two Prizes, and had there begun to careen and refit. We did not doubt but then should then soon have another visit from them. To prevent which, Colonel William Rhett, of this Province, waited on the Governor, and generously offered himself to go with two Sloops, and attack this Pirate; which the Governor agreed to, and accordingly gave Colonel Rhett a Commission and full Power to fit such vessels as he thought proper for such a Design. In a few Days two Sloops were equipped and manned: The Henry with eight Guns and seventy Men, commanded by Capt. John Masters, and the Sea-Nymph with eight Guns and fifty Men, commanded by Captain Fayrer Hall, both under the entire Direction and Command of Colonel Rhett; who on the 10th of September went on board the Henry, and with the other Sloop failed from Charles-Town to Sullivan’s Island, to put themselves in order for the Cruise.

And just then arrives a small Ship from Antegoa, one Cook Master, who gave us an account, That in fight of our Bar he was taken and plundered by one Charles Vane a Pirate, in a Brigantine of twelve Guns and ninety Men, and who had also taken two other vessels bound in here ; one a small Sloop, Capt. Dill Master, from Barbados; the other a Brigantine, Capt. Thompson Mafier, from Guinea, with ninety odd negroes, which they took out of his vessel, and put on board another Pirate Sloop they then had under the Command of one Yeates, with fifteen Men: which was fortunate to Capt. Thompson's Owners. Yeates having often attempted to leave this Course of life took this opportunity; for in the Night he got away from the Brigantine, and earned the Sloop and Negroes into North Edisto River, to the Southward of this Port. The owners got their Negroes and Yeates and his Men had certificates given them from the government.

Vane, meanwhile continue cruising off our Bar, in hopes to catch Yeates: and it unfortunately happen that four Ships, bound to London, and who had waited some time for a fair wind, got then over the Bar, and two of them were taken namely, the Neptune, a large Pink with fifteen Guns, Capitan King Commander and the Emperor, with ten Guns, Capt. Power Commander; but both very deep loaded.

The Pirates gave out, while the prisoners were on board, that they design'd to go into some of our Rivers to the Southward, and there careen.

Colonel Rhett, upon hearing this, failed over the Bar the 15th of September with the two Sloops before mentioned; and having the Wind northerly went after the Pirate Vane, and scoured the Rivers and Inlets to the Southward. But not meeting with him, tacked and stood for Cape Fear River, in prosecution of his first Design: And on the 26th following in the evening entered the mouth of the river,

( v )

River, and saw over a point of Land three Sloops at Anchor, which were the Pirate and his two Prizes; but it happened in going up the River the Pilot ran both Sloops a-ground, and it was dark before they were on float, which hindered their getting up that Night. The Pirate soon discovered our Sloops, and not knowing who they were, they manned three Canoes, and sent them down the river, in order to view and take them, if they could; but they soon found that impractical, our people lying on their Arms all Night, and kept a strict watch. The Canoes returned, and the Pirates all that Night made Preparations for engaging; and the next Moring, Saturday the 27th of September, they got under Sail, and came down the River; and depending on their Sloops failing, designed only a Running-Fight. But our Sloops stood for him, and got on his each Quarter, with design to " board the Pirate: which he finding, edged in towards the Shore; and being warmly engaged, their Sloop· ran a-ground. Our Sloops being in the same shoal Water, were a-ground as soon as the Pirate; the Henry, in which Col. Rhett was, grounded within Pistol-shot of the Pirate, and on his Bow ; the other Sloop grounded right a-head of him, and almost out of gun-shots which made him of little Service to the Colonel while they lay a-ground.

At this time the Pirates had a considerable Advantage ; for their Sloop, after !he was a-ground, lifted from Colonel Rhett's, by which means they were all covered; and the Colonel's Sloop lifting the fame way, his Men were much exposed. Notwithstanding which, they kept a brisk Fire the whole time they thus lay a-ground, which was near five Hours. The Pirates made a Wiff in their bloody Flag, and beckoned with their Hats in derision to our People to come on board them; which they only answered with cheerful Huzza's, and told them it would soon be their Turn. And which was so in a little time; for Colonel Rhett was sirsi a-float, and got into deeper Water; and after mending the Sloop's Rigging, which, with the Sloop, was much shattered in the Engagement, they stood for the Pirate, to give a finishing stroke, and desired to go directly on board him; which he prevented by fending a Flag of Truce: and after some time capitulating, they surrendered themselves; and our People took possession of their Sloop; and went up the River, in order to refit and water; where they retook the two Prizes which the Pirate had taken two Months before. They were both Sloops; one belonging to Antegoa, Capt. Peter Manwarnvg Commander; the other to Pennsylvania Capt. Thomas Read Commander. Our People were well pleased to find this Pirate to be Major Bonnet, who had so often infested our coast He went. Then by the name of Capt. Thomas.

We had killed in the Action on board the Henry ten men, and fourteen wounded; on board the Sea-Nymph two killed, and four wounded. The Officers and Mariners in both Sloops behaved themselves with the greatest Bravery; and had not the Sloops so unluckily run a-ground, we should have taken the Pirate with much less loss of Men: But as he designed to get by them, and so make a Running-Fight, our Sloops were obliged to keep near him, to prevent his getting away. Of the Pirates there were seven killed, and five wounded, two of which died soon after of their wounds.

Colonel Rhett weighed the 30th of September from Cape Fear River, and arrived at Charles-Town the of October to the great Joy of the whole Province. Bonnet and his Crew two Days after were put on shore; and there not being a public Prison, the Pirates were kept at the Watch-House under a good Guard of the Militia: but Maj. Bonnet was committed into the custody of the Marshal at his House. And in a few Days after David Herriot the Master, and Ignatius Pelt the Boatswain, who were designed to be Evidence for the King again the other Pirates, were removed from the rest of the Crew to the said Marflial's House, and every Night two Sentinels set about the said House : But not with standing, all that Care, and the official Orders the Governor often gave the Marshal to take care of his Prisoners, on the 24th of October Major Bonnet and Herriot made their Escape, the Boatswain refusing to go with them. When the Account was brought the Governor that Bonnet had made his escape, he immediately issued out his Proclamation, and promised a reward to any that would retake him; and accordingly sent several Federal Boats with armed Men both to Northward and the Southward pursuit of them.

Bonnet stood to the Northward; but wanting Necessaries and the weather being bad he was forced back and so returned to his canoe on Sullivan’s Island near Charles-Town, to fetch him supplies. But there being some information given to the Governor, where it was thought they might find Bonnet they sent for Col. Rhett, and desired him to go in purist of Bonnet, and accordingly gave him commission for that purpose.

Where upon the col. with the proper craft and some men, went away that night for Sullivan’s Island. They searched very diligently for a long time before they found them.

But after discovering where they were, some of Colonel Rhett's men fired at them and killed the Master Herriot upon the Spot, and wounded one Negro and an Indian. Bonnet submitted, and surrendered himself; and the next morning, being November the 6^th, was brought by Colonel Rhett to Charles-Town, and by the Governor’s Order was committed into Custody, in order to his being brought to trial.

Stede Bonnet

2015-01-27T22:15:00.000-05:00

Stede Bonnet The Gentleman Pirate

Any tour guide worth his salt should know that Stede Bonnet was a terrible pirate. He was a wealthy planter in Barbados who had a terminal midlife crisis at 29. Why he bought a sailing ship named the Revenge, hired a crew left his wife and sons without saying goodbye in 1717, no one really knows. Some speculate that his radical career change was motivated by marital strife, the loss of a child and Jacobite leanings.

It didn't take long before playing pirate got Stede into big trouble when he took on a Spanish warship and was seriously injured in battle. When the Revenge and its injured captain reached Nassau, Bahamas, Edward Teach "Black Beard," took command of the ship. The "Gentleman Pirate," it is said, spent most of his convalescence in his cabin in his pajamas.

While Captaining The Royal James, Bonnet ran aground in the Cape Fear River where he and his crew was arrested by Col William Rhett. While being held in the provost marshal's house, in Charleston Bonnet escaped but was recaptured on Sullivan's Island. After a trial for piracy, Bonnet was hanged at Charleston's White Point Garden, on 10 December 1718.

Excerpt from Bonnet's plea begging Governor Robert Johnson to spare his life:

...to remove that, and all other Doubts with your Honour, I heartily beseech you'll permit me to live, and I'll voluntarily put it ever out of my Power by separating all my Limbs from my Body, only reserving the use of my Tongue to call continually on, and pray to the Lord, my God, and mourn all my Days in Sackcloth and Ashes...

For the "rest of the story" read Stede Bonnet Charleston's Gentleman Pirate and The Golden Age of Piracy both by Charleston's own "Capetian Byrd" Christopher Byrd Downey.

So Many Rhetts

2015-01-26T01:27:00.002-05:00

There are so many Rhetts associated with Charleston - it can be hard to keep them straight.

Colonel William Rhett - 1666-1722

Colonel of the Provincial Militia
While in command of the colony ships in 1706 William repelled a French and Spanish squadron's attach on Charleston
In 1718 he captured the gentleman pirate, Stede Bonnet
Buried across the street from St. Phillips Episcopal Church in Charleston, SC

Robert Barnwell Rhett (1800–1876)

This Rhett isn't really a Rhett - Born Robert Barnwell Smith, he and his brothers changed their last name to Rhett to their capitalize on their famous ancestor William Rhett.

What makes this Rhett notable? He was a:

Congressman

U.S. Senator

South Carolina attorney general

Secessionist "Fire Eater"

Co-Owner of Charleston Mercury

Buried in Magnolia Cemetery

Robert Barnwell Rhett Jr. 1828-1905

Editor of Charleston Mercury
Secessionist
Harvard Graduate
Managed father's Plantations
Member of SC Bar
Buried in Maple Hill Cemetery in Huntsville, AL

A.B. (Andrew Burnet) Rhett 1831-1879 - Married to Henrietta Aiken

A.B. and his wife Henrietta inherited the Aiken-Rhett house from Henrietta's father William Aiken
A.B's sons I'On Rhett and Andrew Burnet Rhett, Jr continued to live in the Aiken Rhett House after Henrietta and A.B. died.

Dr. Robert Barnwell Rhett 1883-1901

Buried in Magnolia Cemetery

Dr. Robert Barnwell Rhett 1891-1841

Served as a physician in with the British Military in WWI
Detained in a German Prison camp
Buried in St. Phillips - Charleston, SC

Rhett Butler from Charleston

Fictional charter from Gone With the Wind

The Fireproof Building

2013-12-05T00:39:00.000-05:00

There is no denying I love my Kindle, the idea of never being without a good book to read is comforting. Alas, even with access to thousands of works and its handy in-line dictionary my Kindle will never be the same as having a book.

Bibliophilia

I like, no I love my books. I like to read them, share them, and just know they are in my book shelf. For a long time there was something about being in a book store or a library surrounded with books that just made me feel warm and fuzzy. But times, they are a changing. Bookstores have been disappearing for the last two decades, my local library has an abysmal book selection, and has become little more than a free internet cafe. This story doesn't have a sad ending, I have found the perfect place to be in the midst of thousands of books. Enter the Fireproof Building.

Historic Archives

Build in 1827, the Fireproof Building, located on 100 Meeting Street, houses the archives of the South Carolina Historical Society. As a member I am able to access old volumes and vertical files that contain family papers that date back to the earliest days of Charleston. I won’t say that I believe in ghosts, but I feel like I am in rarefied air. Maybe it’s because so many published authors have done research at the table where I sit. Reading a pen and ink personal letter written over 250 years ago, makes me feel like I am the lingering spirit looking in on the private lives of Charleston’s early citizens.

Built to Last
Build to survive the fires that ravaged Charleston, the Greek Doric styled structure was designed with non-flammable materials. Outside the iron window sashes set into the building’s masonry set the building apart from its neighbors. Inside, the cantilevered stone staircase is worth climbing the steep stair case from Meeting Street to the front door. The sturdy building has survived fires, earthquakes and bombardments. I look forward to spending many hours peering into Charleston’s history. Ironically I am looking for information about the fate of another building in the earthquake of 1886.

Nathaniel Russell House - 51 Meeting Street

2013-11-19T01:02:00.004-05:00

Nathaniel Russel House

Location: 51 Meeting Street Charleston, SC

Construction: Circa 1809

Period: Post-revolutionary

Style: Adams

Restoration: Restored to Post Revolution Period

Ownership: Historic Charleston Foundation

What Makes The NRH Special?

From Nathaniel Russell’s initials on the front balcony to the grand self-supported staircase to the gold leaf details in the withdrawing room, this house is the expression of wealth. Initially built by a wealthy merchant, the Historic Foundation of Charleston provided the resources to preserve and restore this grand home.

The grand staircase was built on a cantilever system, with each step supporting the next. This enabled the staircase to rise three stories without the support of the walls.

On the second floor the Drawing Room a demonstration of symmetry, windows and details, details and details. The restoration is a testament to the dedication of the Historic Charleston Foundation. Once covered in layers of monochrome paint, the original colors in the room’s three dimensional crown trim have been restored.

In 1995 the foundation undertook grand scale research and restoration effort so that visitors experience the home as the Russell’s guest would have, with the welcome exception of climate control.

If you live in Charleston and are interested in wood, plaster, and stone work make an effort Masters of the Building Arts Festival.

Glasgow, Montana

2013-08-09T16:25:00.002-04:00

Today I am in Glasgow, Montana – home of the Scotties.
I was born in Glasgow and lived here until I was 12. My parents bought a home on nearby Fort Peck Lake just after I graduated where my mom still spends her summers. Glasgow is a small town, of just over 3,000, but it is still the county seat and the place where people from the communities and farms come to get their groceries.

The theater plays two movies at time, this week The Heat and Despicable Me 2 is playing. There is community swimming pool and Glasgow less than 20 miles from Fort Peck, known locally as “the lake”. Outdoor recreation is big out here, the hunting and fishing are great, and there is lots of space to ride a ATV or get out on the lake on a jet ski or a boat.

I really don’t know what teenagers do in this town, I couldn't stand to stay in town in the summer. I was always at camp or working on a ranch. When I was a kid, here, we rode our bikes all over, went to the pool and took part in summer programs at the local Civic Center. Now I spend my time in Montana with a let’s say, a more mature set who enjoy getting together for cards, playing or listening to music, and shooting the breeze. While I am here I expect to enjoy swimming in the lake, getting beat in the card game Whist and working on my mom’s to do list. Look for updates about dinosaurs, the construction of Fort Peck Damn and my attempt to make some outdoor irrigation revisions in mom's yard.

The Hunley Confederate Submarine

2013-08-02T19:41:00.003-04:00

If there is a quiz at the end a visit to Charleston, one of the questions would be “what is the Hunley.” If you already live in the Low Country and can’t answer a few questions about the confederate submarine, shame on you.

So what is the big deal? During the Civil War the Charleston icon was the first submarine to engage and sink a warship. The vessel was by privateers Horace Lawson Hunley, James McClintock, and Baxter Watson in Mobile, Alabama.

There is a mockup of the Hunley in front of the Charleston Museum and the Hunley museum has a model that visitors can climb in, sit on a bench and imagine what it would be like turn the crank to power its propeller. Even above water with one end cut off for easy access, it feels cramped with only a couple of my family members. I can’t imagine getting in the thing with seven or eight men with the intention of going underwater. Then I found out what happened to the Hunley’s first two crews.

The First Crew: While preparing to test the vessel, the skipper stepped on a lever causing it to skink. The skipper and two crew members escaped but five men were trapped and drowned.

The Second Crew: Hunley and seven other crewmen drowned when the submarine failed to surface during a mock attack.

I cannot, I absolutely cannot fathom how anyone could climb into the little craft knowing two crews had already drowned in it. Even with the Hunley’s tragic track record, eight more men volunteered and climbed through the hatch.

The Third Crew: The Union had setup up a naval blockade in Charleston’s harbor. With the mission to break the blockcade, the Hunley was launched into Charleston harbor with a crew of seven and Lieutenant George Dixion on the night of On February 17, 1864. After successfully completing its mission by sinking the USS Housatonic, the vessel surfaced and a signal was sited. After the blue light, the crew and the Hunley disappeared. What happed to the Hunley was a complete mystery until it was located in 1995, and raised in 2000.

Today, all three crews of the Hunley rest together in Magnolia Cemetery. A very interesting place in its own right.

The Hunley is a unique piece of history and the story of its recovery and preservation is interesting. You can visit the Hunley on Saturdays and Sundays at the Warren Lasch Conservation Center on 1250 Supply Street (on the old Charleston Navy Base) North Charleston, South Carolina 29405. See the Friends of the Hunley website for further information.

Summer in the Low Country

2013-08-01T22:40:00.002-04:00

When I am hot, I whine, and to be fair I whine when it is cold. It is no secret that the South is hot and humid. My husband loves to talk about how the first time he took me downtown in the summer, I had rivers running off my neck. True. I don’t want to be out in the heat during the day in the summer. I am not the only one. My husband, who seems to immune to the heat, recently led my daughter, her fiancé and I on a brisk (death) march around downtown Charleston. I kept ducking into stores to be asked by eager sales clerks if they could help me, each time I would reply, “I am just here for the air-conditioning.” My daughter got over heated and told her fiancé it would be best if he just stopped talking.

So – what do you do? Get up early, enjoy the outdoors in the early morning, and evening. Hit the beach where there is a breeze and water. Take a ghost tour of Charleston after dark or go walk on the Battery in the moonlight. There is always ice skating at the Carolina Ice Palace, but I have it on good authority that the staff will not allow skaters to just lay on the ice.

I recommend taking am evening sail on the he Palmetto Breeze. At least once a year we take the “Booze Cruise” around Charleston’s harbor. There is usually a nice breeze and Monday’s sailings include margaritas.

In the summer I visit air conditioned venues as often as possible and remind myself October through April promise beautiful weather.

Second Sunday on King Street

2013-07-27T19:14:00.002-04:00

On the second Sunday of every month, King Street in downtown Charleston is closed to vehicle traffic from 1-6. Our dogs love approve of the King Street restaurants that provide outdoor seating on Second Sundays. It means that we can bring our dogs and still enjoy getting a bit to eat. People drop popcorn too. Milo, our little Jack Russell turns into Pac Man snapping up any morsel that he comes across. The last time we counted, we saw 160 dogs that were out with their families enjoying the day.

I think the best time to hit Second Sunday on King Street is between Thanksgiving and Christmas when the weather is cool and more vendors and musical groups are out. Summer on King Street? Forget it! It is too hot for this girl.

Fresh off the Boat

2013-07-25T00:18:00.001-04:00

To be upfront, I am not a food critic or foodie. Mister Wylie will tell you I’d be happy to have popcorn every night – in fact he is out of town and that is exactly what I had for dinner tonight. Being content to eat exploded corn kernels with a dash of salt and a liberal dose of parmesan cheese, doesn’t mean that I don’t have a few favorites. Shrimp, crab, and banana pudding come immediately to mind – making me love the lowcountry. The fishing boats (moored in Shem Creek) in this post bring the freshest possible sea food to Charleston’s tables. Warning to Visitors: If you do not have access to fresh seafood at home – trying fresh off the boat seafood even once will forever leave you wanting.
When the subject of moving for the second time in three years came up, Clinton promised me that he would buy me shrimp every week. Charleston has made it easy for him to make good on his word. In the Low Country, local restaurants that serve big, fresh shrimp are abundant. The list of places I’ve gotten great shrimp is long, but includes Red’s Ice House, The Wreck of the Richard and Charlene, Gilligan’s, The Noisy Oyster, and Hyman’s Sea Food. If you want seafood, skip the franchised restaurants, their seafood probably won’t be local.

For me, a perfect Charleston meal starts with a bowl of She Crab Soup, has boiled or grilled shrimp as an entre’ and is brought to a perfect conclusion with a dish of banana pudding.

Brookgreen Gardens

2013-07-19T22:54:00.002-04:00

I am amazed how few native South Carolina residents have never visited this must see destination. With a collection approaching 1,500 works by American sculptors, the Archer and Anna Hyatt Huntington Sculpture Gardens is one of the most extensive sculpture collections in North America.

We visited Brookgreen gardens Easter of 2013, during an exceptionally cool spring. We were impressed with the tulips, and spring flowers even though our guide said that gardens were “behind” due to the cool weather. It didn’t take long to realize that we would come back frequently to see the changing colors in the gardens.

Established in 1931, Brookgreen offers its outstanding sculpture collection, exceptional gardens, a native animal zoo, and pontoon boat tours all on a 9,100-acre property. Of course I enjoyed the shade of the three hundred year old oak trees planted when the property consisted of four rice plantations. I appreciate mature landscaping, especially when it helps beat the heat.Brookgreen Gardens

Magnolia Cemetery

2013-07-15T02:25:00.001-04:00

If you visit me, expect to visit Magnolia Cemetery. An odd destination, perhaps, but Magnolia is no ordinary garden of stone. Initially we went to see where the three crews of the Hunley (a confederate submarine with its own story). We found unique mausoleums, an impressive variety of iron work and graves of notable historical figures.

Across from the Hunley crews I found the Rhett family plot, where Robert Barnwell Rhett the “Father of Secession” is buried. If you are interesting in R.B. Rhett, read A Fire-Eater Remembers: The Confederate Memoir of Robert Barnwell Rhett , and visit the the Aiken-Rhett House.

If you make the trip to visit Magnolia, be sure to stop to see the cross designed by Christopher Werner at the front gate of nearby St. Lawrence Cemetery. If you are a fan, like I am, of Christopher Werner’s work, stopping at the adjacent Bethany Cemetery is a must.

I tagged this post with gardens because the every year I make a point to visit mature camellias and azaleas when they are in bloom.

If you want to read more pickup or order City of the Silent: The Charlestonians of Magnolia Cemetery.

Boone Hall Plantation

2013-07-14T20:28:00.000-04:00

Boone Hall Plantation

The stunning avenue of oaks that line the shady lane into the plantation were planted in 1743. Spanish moss hangs from these huge trees welcoming visitors to the plantation’s center of activity. The crowds that turn out to the annual oyster roast have kept me away, but each year I look forward to visiting the site for a reenactment of the Battle of Successionville. At that time I enjoy visiting the camps setup for the Union and Confederate Armies, seeing ladies and gentlemen dressed in period finery and soldiers representing for both sides of our nation’s Civil War.

If you are a fan of “The Notebook” or the miniseries “North and South”, they were both filmed onsite. We like to visit in November when the Battle of Successionville is reenacted so that we get more for our admission dollars than the house tour and the Exploring the Gullah Culture performance.

A note about the battle of Successionville, it was originally fought in the heat of July in a swamp. Thanks Boone Hall for providing a pleasant location to be a battle spectator.

MIDDLETON PLACE

2013-07-14T18:03:00.002-04:00

In contrast with nearby Magnolia, Middleton’s gardens reflect a formal style. An aerial view of the gardens best illustrates the symmetrical layout of the gardens. A photographers dream, Middleton delivers sweeping vistas, water features to reflect angle oaks, buildings and host gators willing pose in the foreground.

I recommend getting an annual membership at least once to take advantage of a garden that changes with the seasons. The camellia collection is in bloom from November to February, azaleas in the spring are followed bulb flowers.

In addition to the gardens, Middleton offers a house tour, a nice dining experience and exposure to a number of farm animals. In the Stable Yard coopers, iron smiths, potters and other artisans provide living history demonstrations while sheep graze nearby.

I’ve yet to experience all that Middleton has to offer, with the many events offered at the plantation throughout the year I am glad I live close by. Middleton PlaceMiddleton Place

Magnolia Plantation and Gardens

2013-07-14T17:13:00.001-04:00

Magnolia boasts Americas largest and oldest Romantic Garden. Simply, a romantic garden is slightly overgrown, has wandering paths and is designed to make you forget everyday life. Magnolia does just that, inviting the visitor to go back in time and wander its shady lanes. To say the landscaping is mature is an understatement as the gardens were founded in 1676.

If you are local, I recommend getting an annual pass. Visit often. From season to season and in the spring, week to week the gardens offer a different experience. The azaleas are stunning in the spring, the camellias bring color to the winter months. Speaking of azaleas, the gardens have an unrivaled collection of azalea varieties. I know, I personally planted sixty or more myself as a garden volunteer.

Don’t forget your camera, the many bridges combine with water and foliage to create fantastic photo opportunities. A petting zoo is fun for adults and children alike, but the dogs will have to wait outside. Admission is $15 for adults, the home tour, swamp tour, boat tour are all extra. A family membership is well worth the hundred dollars.

The Powder Magazine

2013-07-13T14:48:00.002-04:00

The Powder Magazine is part of our “going downtown” routine. It is across the street from a convenient parking garage, we can grab a couple of bottles of cold water before hitting the streets and we like to chat with the museum staff.

The 300-year-old building houses a great little museum has a friendly staff that offer a taste of Charleston’s history and always good for site seeing and food recommendations. Full disclosure, we first met staff members Alan and John at the Magazine and became fast friends when my husband joined their Trivia team. Having a couple of history buffs is essential to a good trivia team.

Built when Charleston was still Charles Towne, the Powder Magazine was designed to protect surrounding area from a potential explosion of the loose gun powder that as stored inside. The thick walls were designed to contain an explosive force while the thin roof was design to collapse release loose sand extinguishing a potential fire.

The Powder Museum updated its exhibits this year for the celebration of its 300th birthday. The museum frequently hosts lectures and book signings. Recently Alan Stello released his first book, Arsenal of History: The Powder Magazine of South Carolina (War Era and Military) . I am pretty tickled that Alan added Clinton and I to the books acknowlegment page. We both enjoyed providing imput on an early draft.

I enjoyed meeting “Captain Byrd”, AKA Christopher Byrd Downy, author of Stede Bonnet: Charleston’s Gentleman Pirate, and Charleston and the Golden Age of Piracy (SC). -

After reading these books and taking a few tours with John, I enjoy telling our out of town guests the tale of the Gentleman Pirate and other pirate stories.

You will find The Powder Magazine’s site full of museum, local and regional information. It is very educator friendly, offering lesson plans on a host of historical topics.

The Powder Magazine is located at79 Cumberland Street Charleston, SC 29401

You can order online – or pick up these great reads at the Powder Magazine.

The Calhoun Mansion

2013-06-16T12:00:00.004-04:00

I enjoy visiting historical homes, and I have visited plenty, from homestead homes made from prairie rock to President Washington’s Mount Vernon home. Charleston offers a range of historic homes from the preserved Drayton Hall to the Edmondston-Alston House – but if time is short, the Calhoun Mansion is the house I take visitors to.

Why is the Calhoun Mansion so special? First it is the biggest – at 24,000 square feet, it is beautifully restored, and third it is full of an international collection of antique treasures.

On Sixteen Meeting Street the home is surrounded by Japanese water gardens complete with fountains and sculptures. Go around back to the gift shop to buy tour tickets for a modest $15 each.

The home is demonstration of wealth – The rope pattern around the doors and windows indicates that the original owner made his money in shipping. A basket weave pattern in the hardwood floor is another hallmark of wealth but that is only a hint of what is to come. Tiffany company lights fixtures and hand painted designs are found throughout. Enough about the bones of the house – the thing that sets this home apart is the phenomenal collection of antiques that the current owner has placed around the home. The current owners brought in tracker trailer loads of antiques and the collection is still growing. I could list the treasures that I found most interesting, but I would rather recommend you visit. The home has earned the nickname the OMG house – I agree, the first time I visited, I found myself so overcome with awe that tears literally streamed down my face.

Colonial Maritime Weekend - HMS Bounty

2012-05-13T23:17:00.000-04:00

The HMS Bounty was docked at the Charleston Maritime Center for Colonial Maritime Weekend so following the Gentleman Pirate Lecture at the Powder Magazine, walked over see tall ship.

The wooden ship was built in 1962 for the movie Mutiny on the Bounty” with Marlon Brando. Ok, I haven’t seen the movie, but I have seen Pirates of the Caribbean Dead Mans Chest with Johnny Depp as Captian Sparrow and the HMS Bounty in the role of the Edinburgh Trader. Now I can say I’ve been on a tall ship featured in a Johnny Depp Movie and I’ve ridden in a carriage pulled by a horse that in another of the Pirates of the Caribbean saga. In addition to the crew that actually sails the Bounty, the Charles Towne Few Pirate Crew was aboard in full pirate dress. Some salty looking characters I must say.

What happened to the original Bounty? Following the famous 1790 mutiny, it was burned and sank near a rocky point off Pitcairn Island. Given that island's population consists of the desendants of the mutiany, every year Pitcairn islanders build a cardboard Bounty and set it on fire to commemorate the mutiny. Our only connection to the Pitcarin island? Clinton has ordered Pitcarin honey from the island, a truly unique tropical tasting treat that he was very stingy with. In addtion to honey, the island is known for beautiful postal stamps and novelty coins.

Stede Bonnet Charleston's Gentleman Pirate

2012-05-12T17:01:00.002-04:00

Available May 15th on Amazon

Someone once told me "money can’t buy happiness, but it sure finances a hell of an illusion." I get the idea, but it doesn’t take me long to come up with a quick list of unhappy people with money too shoot the theory down.

Clinton and I attended a lecture at Charleston's Powder Magazine by the author of
Stede Bonnet Charleston’s Gentleman Pirate.

Captain Christopher Byrd Downey poses the question, what would happen if we pursued the fantasy of leaving our every day jobs in favor of taking to the sea for a life of as a pirate? In 1717 Stede Bonnet, a wealthy planter in Barbados sailed away from his wife and children to do just that. After being a mediocre (at best) pirate captain, Stede meets his super hero, the famous pirate Black Beard.

The story ends in the romantic Charleston Battery, with a not so romantic image of pirates in the tide.

Vulcan Iron Works

2012-02-24T20:00:00.000-05:00

This image caught my husbands eye, especially the canon cantilevered over the street. So the search began for information on the Vulcan Iron works, that once stood at 4 Cumberland Street in Charleston, SC. Clint easily found that the Stereograph was taken in 1865 and the business was owned by Archibald McLeish, (See Large Vulcan Iron Works)

Doing further research, Clint met a graduate student in the South Carolina room of the Charleston Library - while researching Drayton Hall hardware she had pulled up some information on McLein. Clint has "transcribed" the following advertisement from the an archived Charleston Post addtion.

ARCH'D M'LEISH

Would call the attention of his friends and the public generally to his exten-sive stock of WHEELWRIGHT WORK, got up with spe-cial care as to quality of Timber and Workmanship.--Having built and extensive store to put away work to season previous to ironing, gives it a decided advantage in respect to durability.

He has on hand from 50 to 60 Carts, from 20 to 80 Drays, from 10 to 12 Wagons, Run-ning Gears with Iron Axles, and otherwise well ironed, 175 to 200 pairs Cart, Wagon and Dray Wheels, a number of Carts well adapted to conveying marsh manure to high lands, being low and convenient to load, and tread of wheel broad so as not to cut soft roads, and likewise suitable for grading tracks of rail roads; a number of Trucks suitable for stores, wharves and rail road depots, a number of Barrows suitable for coading [sic] steamers and bricklayers' purposes.

He makes and repairs Hoisting Machines for stores, wrought iron Plows of all descrip-tions, with or without Stocks. For sale a well assorted stock of Southern and Northern Oak Plank from 1 to 4 inches thick, Oak Seating from 4 by 4 1/2 to 4 1/2 by 7 and 8 inches, Jersey Ash Plank from 1 1/4 to 4 inches thick, Hickory Plank from 1 1/2 to 3 inches thick, Bent Rims from 1 1/4 to 2 1/2 on tread, suitable for carriage, cart or wagon wheels, Red Elam Hubs, from 9 to 12 inches in di-ameter. Iron Axles from 1 3/4 to 2 1/2 inches, welded or otherwise suitable for carts, wagon or drays.

Feeling grateful to the public for past favors, I will en-deavor to give satisfaction to all who may please to favor me with their further orders.

ARCHIBALD McLEISH

4 CUMBERLAND-STREET

Raul's Taquria & Mexican Grill

2012-01-04T09:15:00.000-05:00

Raul's is hands down my favorite authentic Mexican resturant. I love Raul's Carne en su jugo - an amazing cross between a soup and a chili full of bacon, cilantro, onions,radishes, and avocado. I promise that if you visit once, you will be back.

http://raulsmexicangrill.com

The resturant features oringinal Day of the Dead murals.

Update - Raul closed his resturant on Rivers Ave. but plans to reopen in the Mt. Pleasant area. He currently does Pop Up Dinners around the Low Country.

Reading List

2011-01-26T22:30:00.000-05:00

Shem Creek by Dorothea Benton Frank
Fluffy read - about a woman who brings her daughters back to South Carolina and finds a new life.

South of Broad by Pat Conroy
Modern day story painted with Charleston as a canvas.

Some Sing Some Cry by Ntozake Shange and Ifa Bayeza

Novel written by two sisters, begins in post Civil War Charleston and follows a musical family through several generations.

Low Country Summer: A Plantation Novel by Dorothea Benton Frank

A Fire-Eater Remembers: The Confederate Memoir of Robert Barnwell Rhett
Memoir of Robert B. Rhett - I am still reading this - Got interested in R. B. Rhett when his name kept coming up all over Charleston. His is buried in Magnolia Cemetery.

A Separate Country by Robert Hicks
Based on the post Civil War life of Confederate General John Bell Hood. After the war, General Hood is first consumed with the desire to justify his actions during the war and later attempts to make amends for them.

Widow of the South by Robert Hicks
Based on the story of the Carrie McGavock, the woman a house that became a field hospital following the battle of Franklin. I've visited Carnton Plantation and McGavock Confederate Cemetery where under Mrs. McGavock's supervision unclaimed dead from the battle of Franklin were moved. The plantation is beautiful, but when I visit, I think of Confederate Generals laid out on the porch, a pile of amputated arms thrown the window of a make shift surgical suite, and the Mrs. McGavock walking the cemetery every day with her book of the dead.

Charleston Blacksmith: The Work of Philip Simmons by John Michael Vlach
Waiting to get this from Amazon - a book about the iron work of Charleston

Architects of Charleston by Beatrice St. Julien Ravenel
On my wish list.

Cypress Gardens, South Carolina

2011-01-26T15:25:00.000-05:00

With a little natural history and a nice walk in the woods the Cypress Gardens, South Carolina makes for a nice outing. Not to be confused water ski themed Cypress Gardens in Florida – the park is a serene setting to enjoy the beauty of a cypress swamp. We visited in the winter, so it was very quiet and we only saw a few birds outside. You can rent a boat or go on a guided boat tour – I’m looking forward to going back to do just that.

Domestic pets are allowed November-February - I guess this means you can bring your cat if you like, but I would think a dog would have a better time.

Cypress Garden Info

Colonial Dorchester State Park

2011-01-21T20:27:00.002-05:00

The bottom of a bell tower, and the oyster shell concrete (tabby) walls of a fort are all that remain of an formally laid out Anglican town. The founders of Colonial Dorchester set out from Dorchester, in the Massachusetts colony to bring the gospel to Carolina in 1695. The Puritan founders laid out one hundred and sixteen quarter acre lots on a grid near the banks of the Ashley River and named the new settlement after the town of Dorchester England. Today, though no structures remain individual lots are marked and a visitors can view an onsite diorama to get an idea of how the town may have appeared. The Parish of St. George bought lot 99 in the center of town and built a church, the bell tower that still remains was added to the church in 1751. I am impressed by the structure that survived a revolution, a civil war, a major earth quake, hurricanes and still stand after 260 years.

I like the park’s relaxing setting, the ruins and walking the tree lined lane that leads to the river. The park is dog friendly.

Fort Moultrie

2011-01-17T21:59:00.003-05:00

Located on Sullivan's Island, Fort Moultrie entry into the history books when it was attached on June 28^th , 1776 by British warships. The original fort was destroyed by time and a hurricane but new brick fort was built in 1809. The National Park System site has a complete history, but the fort’s role in the start of the Civil war is next event in its history that interests me. The Federal Garrison that occupied the fort when South Carolina succeeded from the Union decided that the fort was indefensible if your enemy was going to come by land. I overhear a tour guide in Charleston say that before abandoning the fort for Fort Sumter, they plugged up the canons, and burned what they could so the fort would be useless to the Confederacy.

I recommend visiting the fort on a warm clear day when you can look across the water. If you are going to visit the island I’d suggest leaving your dogs at home.

The Best of South Carolina

Trial of Stede Bonnet Prefatory Account

Pursuit of Primary Text

The Trials of Major Stede Bonnet

And Other Pirates

Stede Bonnet

Stede Bonnet The Gentleman Pirate

So Many Rhetts

The Fireproof Building

Nathaniel Russell House - 51 Meeting Street

Nathaniel Russel House

What Makes The NRH Special?

Glasgow, Montana

The Hunley Confederate Submarine

Summer in the Low Country

Second Sunday on King Street

Fresh off the Boat

Brookgreen Gardens

Magnolia Cemetery

Boone Hall Plantation

MIDDLETON PLACE

Magnolia Plantation and Gardens

The Powder Magazine

The Calhoun Mansion

Colonial Maritime Weekend - HMS Bounty

Stede Bonnet Charleston's Gentleman Pirate

Vulcan Iron Works

Raul's Taquria & Mexican Grill

Reading List

Cypress Gardens, South Carolina

Colonial Dorchester State Park

Fort Moultrie

I recommend visiting the fort on a warm clear day when you can look across the water. If you are going to visit the island I’d suggest leaving your dogs at home.

The Town of Sullivan’s Island web site make its dog rules clear:

"All dogs visiting the Island MUST have a dog permit. You may obtain a permit from Town Hall, 1610 Middle Street. Call (843) 883-3198"