Stunned by the news of the daring April 1775 raids on the Crown’s weapons and gunpowder, Lt. Governor William Bull issued a proclamation seeking answers.
Within the extensive collections at the Charleston Library Society is a set of original newspapers from 1775. The South Carolina and American General Gazette newspaper published for the week of April 21 – 28, 1775, includes Lt. Governor William Bull’s Proclamation seeking information on who might have perpetrated the thefts of the Crown’s weapons and gunpowder. Bull’s proclamation only recognizes two of the thefts since news of the third at Hobcaw Creek had yet to reach his desk. To incentivize the population, Bull included a 100 pound sterling reward for anyone who could provide information on the perpetrators. One hundred pounds sterling was a considerable sum in 1775 – roughly equal to $20,000 today. Despite this rich reward, no sources came forward to provide Bull with the information he so desperately sought.
Charleston Library Society
These 1775 newspapers are from the Charleston Library Society’s extensive special collections.
S I N C E I T S F O U N D I N G I N 1 7 4 8 the Library Society has continued to strengthen the intellectual and cultural fabric of the Lowcountry as a private lending library and comfortable gathering spot for reading, exploration of treasured collections, scholarly research and lively programs on literature, history, world affairs, and music. After 275 years, the Charleston Library Society remains the oldest cultural institution in the South and second-oldest circulating library in the country.