Subject: Information wanted-Stuart Town 1684 From: Klbusby Date: August 02, 1999 Hi, I have been reading several books on South Carolina History. In my reading, I have found the mention of Stuart Town, which was located on Port Royal Island from November 1684 until August 17, 1686. This town was formed by Scottish colonists, who followed Henry Erskine, third Lord Cardross. They sailed to South Carolina on the ship Carolina Merchant from Gourock Bay on the Clyde in Scotland on July 21, 1684. The ship was commanded by Captain James Gibson. There were 148 colonists. None of the colonists died at sea however one died when they first arrived in SC. Several colonists deserted their group. The end of this town came on August 17, 1686 when the Spanish sent a force of 100 Spainards under Thomas de Leon and a force of Indians(total number between the two groups was 200 men) to destroy the town. The Spanish considered this as part of their territory. For three days the town was ransacked and burned and animals slaughtered. Two men and a boy were captured and held as prisoners. Other settlers hid in the woods. The Spanairds then went on to plunder surrounding islands, including Edisto Island on which the home of Paul Grimball, Secretary of the Providence was burned. On August 26, 1686 a hurricane hit the area. What was left of Stuart Town was completely destroyed along with Port Royal Island. In a letter to the Lord Proprietors and other leaders of the Carolina province, Rev. William Dunlop, an associate of Lord Cardross, told of the destruction caused by both the Spainards and the hurricane. He wrote "In some places for 3 or 4 miles together there is scarce one great tree standing, all pathes being so impassable that there is no traveling on horseback and scarce any on foot". He further writes "We have too great reason to fear the near approach of famin to compleat our miseryes". The governmental seal for Stuart Town is suppose to be located at the Charleston Museum. Does anyone know anything else about Stuart Town and its colonists? What happened to the survivors? Where did they go? Was any help given to them by the government in, such as protection, five cannons had been ordered to be delivered and mounted at Stuart Town in November 1685, were they there? At the time of the Spanish raid did others come to the aid of Stuart Town? Does anyone know of a passenger list for the Carolina Merchant or where I might locate it? Any help is appreciated, Karen ==== SCROOTS Mailing List ==== Go To: #, A, B, C, D, E, F, G, H, I, J, K, L, M, N, O, P, Q, R, S, T, U, V, W, X, Y, Z, Main |