16th Septem. [1775] last Night a packet arrived from Capt Pearis who was at Congaree with four Cherokees who were waiting for you ー Mr Pearis laments your delay, represents the anxiety of the Indians & fears bad consequences will follow if they should return without seeing you or some person to Talk to them in your Stead ー this appears to be a matter of great moment & will require your immediate attention ー we need not inform you of the contempt in which Indians hold the Man who deceives them & they scarcely know a difference & never will make the distinction when their friendship is Courted, between, disappointment & deceipt ー Cameron too will exult & repeat his Slanders, we therefore recommend this business to your most Serious attention.

last night also the Governor who was on board the man of War sent Capt [Alexander] Innes to demand at Fort Johnson ー

What Troops are in the Fort? Ans? American Troops

who Commands them? Ans. By what Authority do you ask it?

By the Governors. the Governor desires to know by what Authority you took possession of this Fort? Ans. By the express Command of the Council of Safety ー

The Man of War & Cherokee Guard Ship are nevertheless Still at Anchor in the Road We have reinforced the Garrison by an addition of 250 Rank & File ー Some volunteers are gone down & we have hopes that by this hour Collo Motte has remounted his Cannon, Carriages & other necessary articles having been Sent for that purpose before Midnight

the Swallow Packet arrived three days ago the Letters were long detained & we learn in general that the King & Administration are determined to reinforce Gen Gage & also to throw Troops into all the Colonies

We repeat our good wishes for your health & continued Success

By order of the Council of Safety

P.S. I have paid the express £25  send by him 12 Association papers  two Quires of writing paper  a Letter from Mr [Arthur] Middleton  this will be Sealed first by a Wafer  the Cover by a Wafer & Wax & my Cypher  plainly impressed on both ー²