February 4, 1863, The Charleston Mercury
It is our sad office, today, to chronicle the death of the founder of this journal one who, for fourteen or fifteen years, was its editor and proprietor, and whose learning, talents and stainless character have adorned many positions of honor and usefulness, and wrought much good in this community.
The Hon. HENRY L. PINCKNEY was born September 24, 1794. He was the son of the Hon CHARLES PINCKNEY, and his wife, MARY ELEANOR LAURENS. His father was Father of the Constitution of the United States, having submitted to the Convention of 1787 the scheme of government, which was adopted in may parts literally, and throughout substantially, by that high body. His mother was the daughter of the Hon. HENRY LAURENS, who was President of the Continental Congress. The scion of these illustrious stocks showed great aptitude at school, and was graduated at the South Carolina college in 1812, with the first honors of his class, and a reputation for talent. He studied law under his brother-in-law, the distinguished ROBERT Y. HAYNE, but never practiced the profession.
In 1816 he was elected to the popular branch of the State Legislature, and was re-elected, serving for sixteen successive years; and again, after an interval, for two years more. During this time he was appointed Chairman of the leading Committee of Ways and Means, acting in that capacity for eight years. In 1830, and for four years, he was elected Speaker of the House. This was during the most exciting period of the Nullification controversy. THE CHARLESTON MERCURY was, throughout, the exponent of the State Rights, Free Trade Party of South Carolina. From the establishment of the paper until 1833, when Mr. PINCKNEY went to Congress, and it was bought for JOHN A. STUART, Esq., Mr. PINCKNEY was its owner and conductor. In the editorial columns, and in speeches, he consistently, boldly and ably opposed the protection of manufacturers by duties laid by Congress, not for revenue, but for the unconstitutional and illegal object of benefiting one class and section of the Confederacy at the expense of others. He advocated nullification of the oppressive and unlawful Tariff of 1828. The party and policy succeeded in the State in 1833, when Mr. CLAY’S Compromise and the concession of the Protective principle was made to South Carolina by the General Government.
Thus the matter was settled by an agreement to come down to the revenue standard in nine years of gradual reduction. To this conservative result, which might have reformed the Government and preserved the Union, had the obligation been kept, Mr. PINCKNEY and THE MERCURY, under his brilliant and able management, contributed in no small degree. The influence of the paper was felt not only in the State, but was acknowledged throughout the South.
In 1833 Mr. PINCKNEY represented this congressional District at Washington, having been elected without opposition. He served with reputation, as a State Rights Democratic Republican, during two terms. In 1837 he was superseded by the Hon. HUGH S. LEGARE on a close vote, the cause of opposition being a resolution to receive and lay on the table of the House the Abolition petitions brought forward by the Hon. JOHN QUINCY ADAMS, of Massachusetts. The course proposed by Mr. PINCKNEY was too considerate for his constituents’ approval, but was afterwards adopted by the Southern members.
In 1841, Mr. PINCKNEY was appointed Collector of the port of Charleston by President VAN BUREN. But in 1842 was removed from office by Mr. TYLER, on account of his having written a public letter in favor of Mr. VAN BUREN for the Presidency in opposition to Gen. HARRISON.
Besides the active and influential part taken by Mr. PINCKNEY in political affairs, he benefitted the community of Charleston in matters of civic importance. He wrote, in THE CHARLESTON MERCURY, urging the establishment of a Medical College here; and to his efforts, with those of Judge PRIOLEAU, we learn that the institution is chiefly due. We are also informed that to the influence of his strong pen in THE MERCURY, the revival of the Charleston College in its present state is largely owing. And, also, that his essays in THE MERCURY greatly contributed, with the support and practical exertions of Colonel RICHARD YEADON, to the establishment of the High School.
In 1829 Mr. PINCKNEY was elected Intendant of Charleston, and for several terms after his defeat for a seat in Congress. During his term of office, and principally through his influence and efforts, the Citadel was established. After the removal of the Federal troops, it was converted by the State into a Military Academy. To him, in great measure, the city is indebted for the new Guard House and the new Market Hall, for several new engine houses and a system of fire bells. Also, for improvements on several streets, and particularly South Bay Battery.
In 1845 Mr. PINCKNEY, having the option of the Collectorship, accepted the appointment of Tax Collector for the Parish of St. Philip and St. Michael, at the hands of Governor AIKEN. This office he retained until his death, by repeated election.
Mr. PINCKNEY was a man of clear, strong intellect – a debater of power and eloquence – a writer of elegance and cogent effect. He was courteous and amiable, kind and liberal in his disposition. His character was that of a conscientious, frank, and upright Christian gentleman. For thirty-two years he has been a member of the Independent or Congregational Church. For eighteen years he has led a life retired from the troubles and turmoil of politics and public affairs. But his earlier career was eminently busy, successful and beneficial to his country. He has gone to his rest. We could have wished him to survive the final triumph of his State Rights principles in the redemption of the South and the re-establishment of peace. But it cannot be. He has fallen ripe, in a good old age, and his memory will live after him in the public regret.