1978 Pierce Butler

Cover Honors Founding Father Pierce Butler

Own this cover picturing Pierce Butler (1744-1822).  The 15-Star Fort McHenry stamp is tied to the cover with a Charleston, South Carolina, postmark.  Butler spent much of his life in that city.  The date on the postmark represents the 234th anniversary of his birth.

Butler came from Ireland and served ...  more

Cover Honors Founding Father Pierce Butler

Own this cover picturing Pierce Butler (1744-1822).  The 15-Star Fort McHenry stamp is tied to the cover with a Charleston, South Carolina, postmark.  Butler spent much of his life in that city.  The date on the postmark represents the 234th anniversary of his birth.

Butler came from Ireland and served in the British Army.  In 1773, he resigned his position and settled in South Carolina.  Because of his military service, he was asked by the state’s governor to help reorganize South Carolina’s defenses.  When the British began attacking in the south, Butler joined the militia that was trying to overcome the British invasion. 

After America gained its independence, Butler represented South Carolina at the Constitutional Convention in 1787.  He believed in a strong union for the defense of new nation, but also was concerned about states’ rights especially the protection of slavery.  He was later elected to the US Senate and his state’s legislature.