The General Assembly chose him to be Governor of South Carolina in 1802 for a two-year term. During his time as governor, the legislature repealed laws against the traffic of slaves, but prohibited the importation of slaves under the age of fifteen from other states.
The General Assembly appointed him Governor of South Carolina in 1802 for a two-year term. During his tenure as governor, the legislature repealed laws against the trade of slaves but prohibited the importation of enslaved individuals under the age of fifteen from other states.