In the Council of Safety [Charleston],
Monday, Dec. 4th, 1775.
Mr. James Leckie desired to be permitted to apply to Lord Wm. Campbell, for an assurance that his vessel might proceed to sea unmolested.
Ordered, That the chairman of the committee of observation give Mr. Leckie a permit accordingly.
Ordered, That Capt. [Robert] Cochran do deliver to the order of Capt. Thomas Tucker, fifty pounds weight of gunpowder, for the use of the battery by him erected at the entrance of North-Edisto inlet.
Matthew Floyd, assuming to be a messenger from Major [James] Robinson, with dispatches to the Governor, which he pretends to have lost, applied for permission to wait on his Lordship, to relate to him the substance of the agreement for a cessation of arms, concluded on the 22nd ult., at Ninety-Six.
Ordered, That the said Floyd be permitted to wait upon Lord Wm. Campbell, attended by a proper person, in behalf of the Council, who must be present at the interview and conversation between him and Lord William; and that the choice of a proper person be left to the secretary.
The following letter, written to Col. Vesey, commanding one of the armed pilot boats, by Mr. President, was read:
Charles-Town, Dec. 3rd, 1775.
Sir ー It is necessary to apprize you, that Capt. [Edward] Thornbrough has fitted the scooner Polly (late Capt. Stone's) with a number of swivel guns, and manned her with a design to take your vessel, and Capt. Smith's. You will avail yourselves of this notification ー and while you cruise, which at this time you ought to do with great diligence, for the benefit of our friends, be extremely guarded against falling into the snare of the enemy. Perhaps a stratagem for decoying the Polly up to Capt. Tucker's battery, might be attended with good success. I am, sir, [&c.]
Henry Laurens, President.
I have not at hand your Christian name, nor the name of your scooner; excuse the deficiency.
