That he took an early and deep concern in the contest may be inferred from his character.

That he should not have become an active politician may also be inferred from his known modesty, and the general reserve of his deportment in society.
He was no orator, and no doubt felt quite as awkward in debate as Washington.

But his opinions were well known; he was not the person about whose ways of thinking, in trying times, his neighbors could entertain either doubt or discussion.

He formed his opinions as promptly as he fought for them, and his character was above concealment.

We find him accordingly, in 1775, returned to the Provincial Congress of South Carolina, as a member from St.John, Berkeley.* This Congress distinguished itself by committing the people of South Carolina to the final destinies of the Revolution.