Revolutionary War Historical Article
Charles Pinckney of South Carolina: Signer of the Constitution of the United States
Editor's Note: This article was reprinted from the November 1984 Edition of the Valley Compatriot Newsletter
Charles Cotesworth Pinckney (1746-1825) went with his parents to
London when his father was appointed
Agent for South Carolina in 1753. He
was educated at the Westminster School, and
Oxford. Studied law at the Middle Temple
and military science at the Military Academy
at Caen, France. On January 27th, 1769 he
was admitted to the English Bar, and returned
to his native South Carolina where he set up
a law office.
He was not a brilliant lawyer, but his impressive appearance, his cultured background, and his being a sound judge of men and movements made him prominent in public affairs. He further strengthened his position by marrying Sarah the sister of Arthur Middleton.
At the outbreak of the Revolution, he became a Senior
Captain of the First Regiment of South Carolina Troops, and shortly
thereafter was promoted. He served under General William Moultrie
in the defense of Fort Sullivan (later re-named Fort Moultrie). On
September 16th, 1776 he was promoted to Colonel, but took leave of
his Regiment to serve as Aide-de-Camp to General Washington. He
was in that position during the Battles of Brandywine and Germantown,
He then led his Regiment in the abortive expedition against Florida
in 1778.
He continued his political advances in South Carolina during
his military service. He had started his political career as a member
of the Provincial Assembly in 1769, He advanced in the normal
sequence of promotions and became President of the South Carolina
Senate in January 1779.
On May 11th and 12th of 1779, he became involved in the
alarms occasioned by General Augustine Prevost's appearance before
Charleston. During the Charleston campaign the next year he became
Commander of Fort Moultrie, where there was little action. When
General Lincoln surrendered Charleston he was taken prisoner by the
British. He was sent to Philadelphia and suffered (according to
Lossing) while a prisoner. He was exchanged in February 1782.
On February 3rd, 1783, he was promoted to Brigadier General.
After taking part in the Federal Convention in 1787 he went
to the Constitution Convention where he was one of the signers. He
established some kind of record for declining Presidential appointments. In 1791 he declined command of the Army (General St. Clair
was appointed). He turned down Washington's plea that he become a
Justice of the Supreme Court, twice he refused the post of Secretary
of War and once the position of Secretary of State. He finally
accepted the Ambassadorship to France as Monroe's successor. He was
Commissioned Major General on 19 July 1798 and served until 15 June
1800 commanding the forces in Virginia and Kentucky. He was the
Federalist nominee for Vice President and candidate for president in
1804 and 1808.
