John Rutledge stands as a towering figure in the formative years of the United States. From his early success as a lawyer in South Carolina to his crucial contributions to the Continental Congress and the Constitutional Convention, Rutledge’s dedication to the burgeoning nation was unwavering. His life and career offer a compelling insight into the challenges and triumphs of establishing a new republic.
Early Life and Legal Acumen of John Rutledge
Born into a prominent South Carolinian family, John Rutledge (born 1739) was the eldest son of Dr. John Rutledge and Sarah Hext. His path to influence began with a rigorous education in law. He initially studied under his uncle, Andrew Rutledge, and James Parsons in Charleston, gaining foundational knowledge before seeking further refinement at the prestigious Middle Temple in London. This formal legal training in London, a hub of legal tradition, equipped him with a deep understanding of jurisprudence.
Admitted to the South Carolina Bar in 1761, John Rutledge swiftly distinguished himself. His legal skills and sharp intellect made him one of the most sought-after attorneys in the colony. This early career success not only established his reputation but also provided him with a platform to engage with the political issues brewing in the colonies. In 1763, Rutledge married Elizabeth Grimké, and their marriage produced ten children, with eight surviving to adulthood, grounding him further in the South Carolinian society he would come to represent.
John Rutledge’s Entry into Colonial Politics and Resistance
Rutledge’s political career commenced alongside his burgeoning legal practice. He served in the Commons House of Assembly from 1761 to 1775, rapidly rising to a position of leadership. During this period, tensions between the colonies and Great Britain escalated, and John Rutledge emerged as a staunch defender of colonial rights.
He vociferously opposed British policies that he deemed unjust, including the Stamp Act, Townshend Acts, and Tea Act. Rutledge articulated the colonists’ grievances and championed their rights as British subjects. His commitment to colonial rights led to his representation of South Carolina at the Stamp Act Congress in 1765, a pivotal moment of intercolonial cooperation against British taxation without representation.
As a delegate to both the First and Second Continental Congresses, John Rutledge continued to advocate for the colonies. While initially hoping for reconciliation with Great Britain, he prioritized the defense of colonial liberties. As events unfolded and the possibility of peaceful resolution diminished, Rutledge, though reluctantly, recognized independence as the necessary course of action. His brother, Edward Rutledge, played a key role in swaying the South Carolina delegation to unanimously support independence, demonstrating the Rutledge family’s significant influence in the move towards revolution.
Leadership During the American Revolution in South Carolina
With royal authority collapsing, John Rutledge supported the move towards establishing new, self-governed states. He advocated for constitutions created by the people, not dictated by royal charters. In November 1775, he left the Continental Congress to bring this vision to South Carolina.
Rutledge was instrumental in drafting the South Carolina Constitution of 1776. Elected as president (later governor) of South Carolina in March 1776, he assumed executive leadership of the newly formed state. Under his guidance, South Carolina successfully defended Charleston against a British attack in June 1776, a crucial early victory. He also effectively managed internal threats, suppressing a Cherokee uprising later that summer, showcasing his ability to govern during wartime.
In March 1778, Rutledge resigned his governorship in protest of a new state constitution he disagreed with. However, his leadership was so valued that he was re-elected governor under the very constitution he opposed in February 1779. When the British captured Charleston in 1780 and occupied much of South Carolina, Governor Rutledge became a symbol of resistance. Escaping capture, he functioned as a de facto government in exile, tirelessly working to sustain the fight. He traveled to Philadelphia twice to appeal for aid from the Continental Congress and spent considerable time with the Continental Army in the South, organizing and supplying South Carolina’s militia. His efforts were vital in maintaining resistance and eventually paving the way for military successes that allowed for the restoration of state government. In January 1782, he handed over the governorship to his successor, John Mathewes, having steered South Carolina through its darkest period of the Revolution.
Shaping the Nation: From Congress to the Constitutional Convention
Following his pivotal role in South Carolina during the Revolution, John Rutledge returned to the national stage. He served again in Congress from 1782 to 1783, bringing his wartime experience and political acumen to the challenges of the newly independent nation. His time in Congress reinforced his conviction that the Articles of Confederation were inadequate and that a stronger central government was essential for the long-term stability of the United States.
In the 1780s, he also accepted an appointment to the South Carolina Court of Chancery, and remained active in the state legislature, further solidifying his influence within South Carolina. His national perspective and legal expertise made him a natural choice as one of South Carolina’s delegates to the Constitutional Convention in 1787.
At the Constitutional Convention, John Rutledge emerged as a key figure in shaping the framework of the US government. He advocated for a national government with increased, but carefully limited, powers. He envisioned a robust executive branch and a Congress composed of individuals of stature, insulated from the fleeting passions of public opinion to ensure stability and reasoned governance. As chairman of the Committee of Detail, Rutledge played a significant role in drafting key provisions of the Constitution. This included defining the powers of Congress, including the contentious issue of taxation of exports, and the moratorium on the national prohibition of slave imports until 1808, reflecting the complex compromises necessary to forge a unified nation. Despite his own views on slavery (as indicated by the quote regarding South Carolina and Georgia’s interests), he prioritized the creation of a workable union. Rutledge was instrumental in advocating for the Constitution’s ratification in South Carolina, leveraging his considerable influence to ensure its adoption.
Supreme Court and Tragic Final Years of John Rutledge
In 1789, John Rutledge’s contributions were recognized with his appointment as one of the first justices of the US Supreme Court. However, he resigned from this position in 1791 to become chief justice of South Carolina, preferring to exert his influence closer to home. He served as Chief Justice of South Carolina until 1795.
The early 1790s brought a cascade of personal hardships for John Rutledge. He faced mounting debts that threatened to bankrupt him. His health deteriorated significantly, and the sudden death of his wife, Elizabeth, in 1792 plunged him into deep depression.
Unaware of the extent of Rutledge’s personal struggles, President George Washington nominated him as Chief Justice of the US Supreme Court in 1795, seeking to place a respected and experienced legal mind at the head of the judiciary. However, before learning of his nomination, Rutledge publicly criticized the Jay Treaty with Great Britain. This outspoken criticism of the treaty, combined with emerging reports of his depression and financial difficulties, fueled opposition from the Federalist-dominated Senate. They ultimately rejected his nomination.
Likely before receiving news of his rejection, a deeply despondent John Rutledge attempted suicide. Following this tragic event, he resigned from the South Carolina Supreme Court due to failing health. Apart from a brief return to the South Carolina House of Representatives, John Rutledge remained in retirement until his death on July 18, 1800. Despite the tragic end to his public life, John Rutledge’s legacy as a pivotal Founding Father, a champion of liberty, and a key architect of the United States endures.
