Page:Popular Science Monthly Volume 46.djvu/675

Rh clumsy and inconvenient medium of exchange for large amounts. We read that "the merchants of North Carolina and other distant points used to carry the money in boxes fitting under the seats of the 'sulkies' in which they traveled, so as to be taken out at night and put back in the morning."

The indigo itself was often used directly as a medium of purchase for other commodities. General Harrington at one time sent three four-horse wagonloads of indigo to Virginia, buying in exchange from fifteen to twenty negroes.

An interesting illustration of this use of indigo is connected with General Francis Marion. The incident occurred in 1783, just after the battle of Hobkirk Hill. A nephew of General Marion was to be sent to school in Philadelphia, and was accordingly fitted out with a wagonload of indigo which was to pay for his tuition and other school expenses. As the British then held possession. General Marion wrote to Lord Balfour in command in Charles-Town, asking a permit for the boy to pass through the British lines. General Marion's letter was sent by Balfour to Rawdon and was afterward countersigned by Cornwallis. The youth with his wagonload of indigo was allowed to proceed by the Charlotte route toward Philadelphia, but unfortunately he died before reaching his destination.

The history of the indigo industry would not be complete without a description of the old Winyaw Indigo Society of Georgetown. This society, named from the tribe of Indians who once occupied this part of the State, was originally a social club formed in 1740 by the planters of the Georgetown district. It met once a month to discuss the latest news from London, and also certain agricultural questions. The society was not incorporated until some years later, and then took the name "Winyaw Indigo Society," having in view the improvement of the indigo industry, and also certain educational aims.

The annual fees of the members were paid in indigo, and, as the expenses were light there had accumulated in 1753 a sum which seemed to require some special application. The president proposed that the surplus fund should be devoted to the establishment of a charity school for the poor. Ramsay tells us, nearly fifty years later: "The object of this society is now wholly confined to the education of orphan children. Since its commencement there have been educated and supported by its bounty between one hundred and two hundred children. From the continual accession of new members the funds are in a flourishing condition and enable the society to educate twenty children annually." The