An Historical Account of the Rise and Progress of the Colonies of South Carolina and Georgia: Volume I
(This collection of literature attempts to compile many of...)
This collection of literature attempts to compile many of the classic, timeless works that have stood the test of time and offer them at a reduced, affordable price, in an attractive volume so that everyone can enjoy them.
Alexander Hewat (or Hewatt) was an English historian and Presbyterian clergyman. He served as a pastor of the First Presbyterian, or Scots Church in Charleston, and was the author of various history books and sermons.
Background
Alexander Hewat was born c. 1745 in Roxburgh, Scotland. He came from a long line of Calvinist farmers, notaries and churchmen. The earliest record of the name appears to be a William Hewat (born about 1366); the UK National Archives show he bore witness to a grant of land and tenement at Nustede (Newstead) in 1387. Peter Hewat (born before 1482) was a Notary in Roxburgh Scotland; the National Archives of Scotland show he was a witness to an assignment of land to the church on 16 September 1503. James Hewat, was a Dominican Order friar in Dundee in the 1520s, and one of the earliest teachers of Calvin's doctrine in Scotland. In the conflicts between Catholic, Protestant and then Anglican and Puritan religions, Hewats often found themselves on the wrong side. In 1619 (the year before Mayflower) Peter Hewat a church leader, notary and member of the Parliament of Scotland, was exiled to Crossraguel Abbey (which had been given to him in 1612 by the king) after James VI of Scotland had become head of the official Anglican church as James I of England. By the 18th century Hewats were farming around Roxburgh when Alexander's grandfather James was expelled from his kirk for taking over other people's land. However, Alexander's father Richard (1707-1776) became an elder of the church and is described on his tombstone, still standing in Roxburgh churchyard, as "an honest and industrious man and a sincere and devout Christian".
Education
Hewat was educated at Kelso Grammar School and the University of Edinburgh.
In 1780 he was awarded the degree of Doctor of Divinity by the University of Edinburgh.
Career
Hewat emigrated to Charleston, South Carolina, in 1763, arriving in November of that year, and became pastor of the First Presbyterian, or Scots Church in Charleston, which he served for about twelve years.
According to tradition, he became intimate with the family of Governor William Bull. He was a royalist and, therefore, not in sympathy with the spirit of revolt in the colonies. As the Revolution approached and the conflict between the colonies and the mother country seemed inevitable he left South Carolina, probably in 1775, and went to England. There, in 1779, he published An Historical Account of the Rise and Progress of the Colonies of South Carolina and Georgia, in two volumes. It covers the period from the discovery of America to the repeal of the Stamp Act in 1766. In the preface Hewat stated: "The Southern provinces in particular have been hitherto neglected, insomuch that no writer has favored the world with any tolerable account of them. Therefore it is hoped, that a performance which brings those important, though obscure, colonies into public view, and tends to throw some light upon their situation, will meet with a favorable reception. "
Despite the assistance he is supposed to have obtained from his friend William Bull, Hewat was hampered by lack of historical material. The sources of colonial history were not published and the manuscripts were difficult to use even when they were available. The records in South Carolina were not accessible. He expressed his regret that he was sometimes obliged to have recourse to very confused materials, and he was sometimes mistaken in his statements; nevertheless his work is noteworthy as the first history of South Carolina.
He also published Sermons (1803-1805), which have been characterized as "chiefly on duties rather than doctrines". He appeared as a witness before the Royal Commission on the losses and services of American Loyalists in 1785. His interest in South Carolina continued until the end of his life.
In 1792 he was one of those requested to help select a pastor for his old charge, the Scots Church. Hewat corresponded with his old friends in America, and by his will left to the church in Charleston the sum of fifty pounds. which was received by its treasurer on October 4, 1829. Apparently his last years were spent in London and there, it is supposed, he died.
Hewat remained loyal to the King during the American Revolution, and as a result his property was seized and he was expelled in 1777.
Membership
Hewat was admitted to membership in the Saint Andrew's Society.
Connections
Hewat married Mrs. Barksdale, a widow from Carolina, who was visiting England for the sake of her children's health. She was probably the "Eliza, wife of Reverend Doctor Hewat" whose death is recorded in the Gentleman's Magazine for May 1814.