Vital Statistics

Biography

A veteran of the Revolutionary War and a leading voice from the South, Charles Cotesworth Pinckney was a formidable presence at the Convention. He was a strong advocate for a powerful national government and played a key role in debates over the military and the power of the Senate. His contributions were vital in balancing regional interests while forging a single, indivisible nation. His famous declaration, 'Millions for defense, but not one cent for tribute!' as a diplomat to France captures the defiant, proud spirit he brought to the nation's founding.