Charlestown, June 21, 1776.

SIR: I hope you will excuse the style of my last letter. I must once more repeat that it did not arise from any diffidence in your judgment, zeal, or spirit; but merely from an apprehension that your good nature and easy temper might, in some measure, counteract those good qualities which you are universally known to possess. As you seem sensible that it is necessary to exert your powers, I do not, I cannot wish this important post in better hands than yours: once more, therefore, excuse my manner of writing. I wish Mr. Bellamy had (when he was desired to give in a list of all he wanted) left nothing to ask for at this time. Mr. Cochran is now employed in finding out the planks he requests; you shall have it as soon as possible. Captain Tuffts was ordered to put himself under the command of General Armstrong. I shall write to the General to-night, to order him to station him in such a manner as to be of the greatest use to you, as likewise to spare you all the necessary assistance. To-morrow I expect Muhlenburg’s Regiment, and I flatter myself that we shall be able to devise some means of baffling the enemy, should your post be really their object.

I am, sir, with the greatest respect, your most obedient, humble servant,

CHARLES LEE.

To Colonel Moultrie, Fort Sullivan.

P. S. We have hoes and spades, but no helves to them; so General Armstrong must return those he borrowed. We shall endeavour to replace them.

Charlestown, June 22, 1776.

SIR: Enclosed is a letter for Colonel Thompson; I send it open that you may read it; for allowing for the difference of his circumstances as a Rifle officer, the spirit of the order is to extend to the whole; no vague uncertain firing, either of rifles, muskets, or cannon, is to be permitted. Soldiers running at random, wherever their folly directs, is an absolute abomination not to be tolerated. For Heaven’s sake, sir, as you are in a most important post—a post where you have an opportunity of acquiring great honour—exert yourself. By exerting yourself, I mean, when you issue any orders, suffer them not to be trifled with. Everybody is well persuaded of your spirit and zeal, but they accuse you of being too easy in command; that is, I suppose, too relaxed in discipline—than which, in your situation, give me leave to say, there is not a greater vice. Let your orders be as few as possible, but let them be punctually obeyed. I would not recommend teasing your men and officers with superfluous duties or labour; but I expect that you enforce the execution of whatever is necessary for the honour and safety of your garrison. Should any misfortune happen which can be attributed to negligence or inertness on this head, the weight of censure will scarcely fall less heavily upon you, than should it arise from a deficiency of courage; but as you are known to possess sufficiently of this last attribute, your friends are only apprehensive on the other score. You will excuse the prolixity and didactic style of this letter, as it arises not only from my anxiety for the publick, but in some measure for my concern for the reputation of a gentleman of so respectable a character as Colonel Moultrie; but enough of this at present.

Before you employ your Engineer in any work, satisfy yourself well that he understands the principle of the work he undertakes, and the mode of executing it. For instance, does he understand what is the necessary degree of talus for the traverse in the fort? If I recommend the construction of an advanced fleche on the right flank of your fort to impede the enemy’s approaches, will he comprehend it? If he does not, I will send Mr. Byrd. I shall order some timber for this purpose to be carried to you. I desire you will post a commissioned officer (and a good officer) at the beach, to prevent the monstrous disorders I complain of.

I am, sir, your most obedient servant,

CHARLES LEE.

To Colonel Moultrie, Sullivan’s Island.

Haddrell’s Point,* June 25, 1776.

DEAR COLONEL: This moment I was about to write you to learn the occasion and utility of the firing from the Point. I hope some of your officers have been up to see and give the necessary directions. The Baron’s conjectures may be right, but their breastworks may as naturally be designed as a defence against any effort made upon our part. I am of opinion they will not attempt to land on Sullivan’s Island, until the armed vessels are first before your fort.

The state of the bridge and marsh is like to give me great trouble. Part of the last detachment I ordered to your Island has this morning absolutely refused, until the passage between the two places is safely passable. I am a little surprised that your Sergeant, agreeable to orders of yesterday, did not meet the men I sent to stake out the best path through the marsh on your side the bridge; nor could the men I sent find any boards laid down, as you remember was ordered on Saturday night. This is the third day that, for want of boats, I could not get this detachment over—now part have refused. I sent an express to General Lee, and, in the mean time, desire to know whether any new amendments for the bridge are going on on your side the water, and further notice as the movements of the enemy may require. I am obliged to throw up works in a kind of chain, near four miles from this camp; the enemy constantly striving to find new landing places on the main.

I am, dear sir, yours,

JOHN ARMSTRONG.

Charlestown, June 23, five o’clock.

SIR: I have sent Captain Cochran (a very active man) to your Island, to devise the means of establishing a second communication with the continent. Pritchard’s flat, he says, is already at the Island. Muhlenburg’s Regiment will be here to-night; we shall be then very strong. I will be down with you to-morrow, with a body of workmen, and put you, I hope, in a state of great security. Upon the whole, I think you will be safe, if your people do their duty. There can be nothing to fear to-night. I hope your garrison will remain in spirits. On my part, I promise every attention; and am, with the greatest truth, yours,

CHARLES LEE.

To Colonel Moultrie.

Charlestown, June 25, 1776.

SIR: The gentleman that delivers you this letter is Baron Massenbaugh, one of the Continental Engineers. I desire you will furnish him with the number of workmen, and with every material he may require to carry on his works. I am, sir, your most obedient, humble servant,

CHARLES LEE.

To Colonel Moultrie, Sullivan’s Island.

SIR: I have sent you the carpenter; it is your fault if he escapes again; keep a guard over him. Send the express boat back immediately. Yours,

CHARLES LEE.

To Colonel Moultrie.

P. S. Finish the bridge.

Charlestown, June 27, 1776.

DEAR SIR: Could you not contrive this night to take up the enemy’s buoys? I have ordered General Armstrong to send a hundred volunteers to ease Colonel Thompson’s Regiment of their heavy duty; for I find that a part of Colonel Horry’s Regiment had most magnanimously refused to take this duty on them; we shall live I hope to thank them. I am in hopes your bridge will be finished this night; you can then be reinforced at pleasure.

To Colonel Moultrie.

Charlestown, June 27, 1776.

DEAR SIR: Some boats will possibly pass by you to-night from town on a scouting expedition, before twelve o’clock at night; their orders are to intercept some of the enemy’s boats, and gain some important intelligence; I must desire, therefore, that you enjoin the whole sentinels on your Island not to challenge any boats passing from town, or to fire upon them, which would defeat the whole scheme; on their return, if they meet with any success, they shall have orders to greet you with two cheers; and if the wind or tide is against their return to town, they will put into your post,

* About one mile from the fort, is an almost navigable river between us.

*