This biography breaks fresh ground about Colonial America and about James Glen, aiming to correct former misconceptions. Glen was appointed royal governor of Colonial South Carolina in 1738 and came to the colony in 1743 to serve until 1756, the longest tenure of any governor during its Colonial period. Two major themes are stressed: first, Glen had to protect the royal prerogative and follow the dictates of his commission in the face of persistent challenge from the assembly; and second, his role in Indian affairs was critical, and dominated much of his time and energy, because Glen had a keen interest in and an aptitude for Indian negotiations.