In the Council of Safety [Charleston],
Wednesday, Dec. 6th, 1775.
Mr. John Ash informed the Council, that some boats from the British ships of war in Rebellion-Road, had yesterday sounded and staked the Creek, leading to the place of his residence.
Mr. Benj. L. Marchant, who yesterday had attended Matthew Floyd on board the Cherokee armed ship, to be present at the interview and conversation that should there pass between said Floyd and the Rt. Hon. Lord William Campbell, attended the Council, and reported as follows:
Upon my going on board the Cherokee, I inquired for Lord William Campbell; I was answered by the Master, Mr. Picard, that his Lordship would be on board presently, and invited to walk down, which I declined. Lord William soon after came from Sullivan's Island, accompanied by Mr. [Alexander] Innes and Mr. Trail. After saluting my Lord, I delivered the message, and presented him with the treaty. Lord William then went down into the cabin, and Floyd was sent for; whereupon, I immediately desired to speak with his Lordship, who answered 'presently;' and in a few minutes I was desired to walk down; when I repeated to his Excellency, that in consequence of the message I had delivered from the Council, I hoped, I should be present at all the conversation that should pass between Floyd and his Lordship. Here Mr. Innes demanded, what was the message? I again repea.ted to him, as nearly as I could, what Mr. [Peter] Timothy had delivered to me on a small piece of paper. Mr. Innes then read the 4th article of the treaty, and asked, who are you? I answered, a private person, entrusted with that message from the Council of Safety. The following questions and answers ensued:
Innes. Do they intend to deliver up [Robert] Cunningham?
Ans. I dont know.
Innes. Are you one of them?
Ans. No.
Innes. Are you only a messenger for them?
Ans. Yes.
Innes. I thought Calvert was their messenger?
Ans. So he is, but they have sent me upon this particular business.
Innes. And do you think my Lord will treat with them?
Ans. Yes, sir.
Mr. Innes then addressed himself to Lord Wm. Campbell, and said, 'then my Lord, there must be no conversation;' and withdrew, calling his Lordship after him. Lord William soon returned and said to me, 'he must detain me a little; that he was sorry he was obliged to do many things contrary to his inclination ー that it was hard not to be supplied with necessaries ー and now, even Lady William was denied to come down. And Mr. Innes went on board the Scorpion. By this time, Floyd complained that he was sick, and went upon deck; I immediately followed him, and remained there until Mr. Innes returned. Mr. Innes upon his return, went down instantly; the boat was ordered and Lord William came upon deck, telling me, that he must detain me a little longer; then he also went on board the Scorpion. After his Lordship had left the ship, the surgeon gave Floyd and myself an invitation to walk down and drink somewhat ー but before we had drank, Floyd was sent for by Mr. Innes, who was then alone in the cabin. I remained a few minutes with the surgeon, then went upon deck. In the mean time Capt. Ferguson had gone down, who sent me an invitation which I accepted, and I remained in the cabin, with him, Mr. Innes and Floyd until Lord William returned (with Mr. Trail) from on board the Scorpion about seven o'clock at night, or later ー when his Lordship came along-side, we all went upon deck. His Excellency immediately went down ー Mr. Innes followed ー and presently Mr. Innes returned, saying to me, 'my Lord desires you will return, and inform the persons who sent you, that as the other person is a messenger from a friend to government, he must detain him until he had determined on a proper answer.'
Mr. Marchant also reported, that while he was on board the Cherokee, four pieces of cannon, six-pounders, with Bermuda marked on the carriages, were brought on board from the transport-ship.
Ordered, That the Secretary do immediately write to Captain Arnoldus Vanderhorst, to endeavour to apprehend and seize Matthew Floyd aforementioned, if he should be landed and appear in Christ-Church Parish.
The following letter was accordingly written:
Charles-Town, Dec. 6th, 1775.
Sir ー The Council of Safety thinking it absolutely necessary, that every endeavour should be used, to apprehend one Matthew Floyd, who may be landed from the men of war, to proceed into the back country by the way of Christ-Church Parish, and Wappetaw-Bridge; and knowing your zeal and diligence in the public service, they have ordered me to signify their desire, that you will use every endeavour to apprehend him; and that you. will place proper persons at proper places for that purpose. I have the honour to be, sir [&c.]
Capt. A. Vanderhorst.
Peter Timothy, Secretary.
Ordered, That Mr. Butcher, in whose care Matthew Floyd left his horse, do attend this board immediately.
Mr. Butcher attending accordingly ー was ordered not to deliver the said horse to any person whatsoever that should call for him; but to seize such person, and forthwith give notice thereof, either to Mr. President or the Secretary, or the Council, if then sitting; and not to disclose the present order to any one.
Capt. Joseph Darrel acquainted the Council, that one of the Bermuda sloops seized by the men of war in Rebellion-Road yesterday, seemed to be fitting out, and intended for sea.
Ordered, That Capt. Darrel do forthwith apprize Capt. Vesey thereof, and to be on his guard.
On motion.
Resolved, That it is expedient and necessary, that the two thousand pounds of gun-powder brought from Georgia, and placed under the care of the committee at Beaufort, should be forthwith removed from thence and brought to Charles-Town.
Ordered, That the said gun-powder be forthwith removed accordingly.
