Beaufort Republican. [volume] (Beaufort, S.C.) 1871-1873, 1873-01-16

water; while the work higher up the
river, on Port Royal island, and some
times called Smiths Fort, is defence
against approaches by water; and is
built of tabby, material Of compara-
lively recent invention and largely used
by the Spaniards of Florida, where it is
found in great abundance, but Of inferior
quality, being the product OF natures
hand, and there called "Coquina.' Did
not this natural concrete give rise to the
artificial combination of the same, or
similar ingredients? Not few dwellings
and other buildings on our southern coast
are constructed Of this artificial concrete
called "tabby." 1t has been objected
that the creek referred to above does not
admit boats at low water, and could
never, therefore, have been chosen by
Ribault for the settlement of his follow
ers. Allowance must be made for the
filling up which is always going on, and
which is prodigiously accelerated by the
plough and other agricultural imple-
ments, especially in soil so loose and
sandy as that of our islands. This shall
lowing of our salt water streams is ap.
preciable to many of US within our own
recollection. How considerable then,
after the lapse of three centuries Old
Daddy Ben, late venerable resident of
Paris Island, told me more than thirty
years agD, that when he was a boy, boats
of the largest size, assembled atlow water,
to what he signifcantlycalled ''the fort.
Some, still fondly clnging to the idea
that Smith Fort was Ribault' ''Charles
Fort" the late Col. Geo. p. Elliott, the
protector of our P. R. r. r., determin d
to explore the work on Paris island, and
thus set the matter at rest. According
ly, about fifteen years ago, he visited the
alleged site and finding the situation and
measurement to correspond so exactly
with the account given in the rare vol
ume above referred to, he resolved to
verify every thing: ifpossible, by excava-
tions. He was richly rewarded. He
unearthcd numerous fragments Of French
pottery, and discovered the old gateway.
with its charred posts, of our durable
cedar, portions Of the hinges being still
attached.
Having thus, rs I believe, established
beyond farther controversy the fact
that Charles Fort was built on Paris,
and not on Port Royal island it re-
mains for another occasion to notice the
works foun higher mp the river. These
followers Of Ribault having been reduced
to extreme want in consequence Of the
refusal Of the Indians to supply pro-
visions, after much suffering resolved TO
abandon the situations during the absence
Of their leader. Admiral Coligny
renewed the enterprise and sent Laudon-
Mere with three ships and Il number Of
enthusiastic followers, attracted by the
report of abundance, and Of gold Ther
landed at "the River oe May,' l5G4)
and there fortified themselves. a similar
fate awaited them; but Ribaut returned
in 1865 with other adventures and their
families. He brought also supplies, in
Guiding implements Of husbantry. On
his arrival, he found the settlers prepar-
ing TO desert the country. Pedro
Melcndez arrived soon after from Spain.
and before the expiration of the year,
put to the sword by order of Philip H.,
almost all the colonists. Dominic de
Gourgues, in 1868, with three ships, ar
rived on the coast, and capturing two or
shree of the Spanish forts, executed, in
turn all their occupants. History refers
both these butcherics to the coast Of
Florida but if so, who then were the
builders of our "Old Spanish Fort
called also Smith Fort?' The latter
name has long attached to it as the
nror erty of the late John j. Smith, q
wealthy and most cstimable citizen, who
survived the recent war, but to see his
beautiful country seat in the possession
of another, under the tax act of 1861.
This eminent christian has but latel!
been called from orr midst to reap the
reward of we'll spent life. His works
of charity were continued even after the
cruel reduction Of his worldly wealth
but he had laid up for himself treasure
in heaven, where neither moth nor rus,
doth corrupt, and where thieves do not
break through nor steal" | have di
crossed from my purpose to pay this
light tribute to the memory Of good
man.
We have no historical record of the
century succeeding these Lutcherles
English and French adventures con-
iinucd to seek the New World; bu,
directed their voyages to the more
northern shores: as did also the Swedes
Holanlcrs and others Little is definite
" known of the condition Of our southern
coast, thus abandoned to the Spanish
crown until 1868, when the grant Of 1865
to the Earl of Clarendon, was 50 enlarged
as to extend the western limit Of Caro-