“P” is for Pinckney, Henry Laurens (1794-1863)

“P” is for Pinckney, Henry Laurens (1794-1863). Legislator, congressman, editor. A graduate of the South Carolina College, Pinckney was elected by St. Phillip’s and St. Michael’s Parishes to the S.C. House of Representatives where he served from 1816-1828, including two terms as Speaker. As editor of the Charleston Mercury (1822-1832), Pinckney made the newspaper one of the most influential states’ rights and proslavery organs in the South. An ardent ally of John C. Calhoun and supporter or nullification, he was elected to the U.S. House of Representatives in 1832. In 1836, he introduced a series of resolutions in the House that Congress all abolitionist petitions should be tabled immediately following their reception. The infamous “gag rule” would evoke years of bitter debate in Congress. Defeated for re-election, Henry Laurens Pinckney was elected mayor of Charleston in 1837.