When Charleston, South Carolina was incorporated in 1783 the city was divided into thirteen wards. Each ward elected one warden (alderman) at a municipal election held every September by the churchwardens of the parishes of St. Philip and St. Michael. A second and third election were soon afterwards held to select an intendant (mayor) from among the wardens and to fill the vacancy.
From the description of Poll list for the election of intendant and wardens, 1787. (The South Carolina Historical Society). WorldCat record id: 32144884