Turn 2 Results 1765-66

First of all, I want to apologize to all of my players.  Despite the current situation, my workload has actually increased.  I am grateful that I have a job I can continue to work on from home, I am more fortunate than my neighbors who work in manufacturing or other jobs.  But, I does interfere with gaming!

I have finally adjudicated turn 2, see HERE for the arguments.

Let's make the next arguments due at midnight EST Monday, 4/20, and you can post them in the comments for this post. It will be for Turn 3 1767-1768. Please continue to make 1 argument per turn, you guys are doing great (I hope I am not letting you down)

Here is a map with events from turns 1 and 2, I will produce this every turn going forward, click to enlarge.

Here is a summary of events:

• In 1765 Parliament passed a series of taxes to increase revenue from the colonies in order to refill the empire's coffers, but the large number of members of parliament who are friendly to the Low Country Planters included a provision specifically exempting Rice and Indigo from the new export duties.  This cuts significantly in to the revenue generated and creates friction between South Carolina and the other colonies for their preferential treatment.
• The new Royal Colonial Customs Service continues to reduce smuggling, which has some effect on the Low Country Planter's pockets, but that is partially offset by the continued flow of Rice and Indego from the colony.
• All is not quiet in the low country, though, as there is a sharp spike in the number of slaves attempting to run away to the backcountry or Cherokee lands.  Most are quickly recaptured and rumors abound that the Cherokee are responsible...
• In the backcountry, in direct violation of British Law, backcountry farmers violate the proclamation line and settle over the mountains, traveling along the "Cherokee Highway." Relations between the settlers and Cherokee are so far cordial, with Cherokee territory secure and the settlers having a safe passage west.
• Circuit Courts has also been established in the backcountry, which improves order in the region, as the farmers in the region no longer need to travel to Charles Town for legal redress or take the law into their own hands.
• In the midst of the turmoil of the increased raids by Creek Indians, slave escapes, and flouting of the law by backcountry settlers, a battalion of British Regulars (1st Battalion, 33rd Regiment of Foot) 500 men strong, lands in Charles Town to assist the colonial government in maintaining order.