In the Council of Safety [Charleston],
Saturday, Dec. 16th, 1775.
Mr. President reported, that having yesterday, as desired, conversed with Capt. [Simon] Tufts respecting the command of the ship Prosper, that gentleman expressed so great a zeal for the public service, as to declare, that he shuld not look upon any exchange or alteration in his situation, that might be conducive to the public good, as a slight or disgrace; and he would readily and cheerfully quit the command of the Prosper, and resume that of the defence, or serve in any capacity wherein he could be useful to the colony.
On motion,
Resolved, That the captains in the colony navy bear command independent of each other, and without regard to dates of commissions, until further order.
Resolved, That the Hon. William Henry Drayton be appointed captain and commander of the colony armed ship Prosper.
And a commission was made out accordingly.
Mr. President acquainted the board, that the provincial guard upon Col. Gadsden's wharf, had last night intercepted a canow, clandestinely attempting to go through Hog Island creek to the Cherokee armed ship, having on board two of the domestics of Lord William Campbell, three negroes, the property of inhabitants of this town, with sundry quantities of provisions and other articles; and that certain letters had been found upon them, which were produced and read.
Mr. John Sigell, steward to Lord William Campbell, attended in the name of Lady William, to inquire the cause of the above seizure, which he was made acquainted with.
Col. Moultrie attending, to report the, foregoing seizure, also reported the seizing of another canow, destined as the former, and delivered in another intercepted letter.
Ordered, That Col. Moultrie be desired to restore to Lady Wm. Campbell all the wearing apparel of her ladyship or children that were found in the firstmentioned canow, and to dispose of the other articles for the use of the troops, in such manner as he shall think proper.
On motion,
Resolved, That measures be forthwith taken to apprehend and disperse the runaway slaves upon Sullivan's Island, under the protection of the men of war, and who have lately, in armed parties, committed several robberies and depredations on the people of the colony.
Lieuts. [William R.] Withers and [James] Coachman of the Indian company attending.
Ordered, That the concerting a proper plan of operations for the said company be committed to Mr. President, Mr. Arthur Middleton, and Doct. [David] Oliphant, and that they do confer with Col. Moultrie, and the said Lieuts. Withers and Coachman, upon the manner of carrying the same into execution.
On motion,
Resolved, That John Moggridge (one of the waiters in the service of the customs) being suspected of practices highly injurious to this colony, be forthwith seized and apprehended, and committed to the common jail in Charles-Town.
The following warrant was accordingly issued:
South-Carolina,
Charles-Town, Dec. 9th, 1775.
By order of the Council of Safety for the colony aforesaid. To the Sheriff of Charles-Town District, or his Deputy, or to the Keeper of the common Jail in Charles-Town:
You are hereby commanded and required to receive into your custody in the common jail, and there safely keep until further orders, the body of John Moggridge, herewith sent to you, suspected of high crimes and misdemeanors against the liberties of the colony aforesaid. And for so doing this will be your warrant.
Given under my hand and seal, the day above written.
Henry Laurens, President.
Ordered, That a letter be written to Capt. Thornbrough, acquainting him that all further supplies of provisions to the king's ships will be prohibited, unless the fugitive slaves of the inhabitants which receive protection from them, are forthwith delivered up.
It appearing by an intercepted letter, that a trunk of books belonging to James Trail, who lately withdrew himself on board the Cherokee armed ship, is shipped on board of a sloop bound for Georgia.
Ordered, That the committee of observation be desired to make inquiry after said trunk, and if found, to cause the same to be re-landed.
In the Council of Safety,
Saturday Evening, Dec. 16th, 1775.
The Hon. Wm. H. Drayton applied for commissions appointing Capt. Stephen Seymour to be Second Lieutenant, and Capt. Jacob Milligan to be Third Lieutenant of the colony armed ship Prosper.
And commissions were made out and signed accordingly.
Ordered, That the domesticks of Lord William Campbell, which were on board the canow stopt last night, be immediately brought before the Council.
Being brought accordingly, and it appearing, upon their examination, that some of his Lordship's effects had been put on board the sloop —————., Alexander Mills, master, bound for Georgia.
Resolved, That the said sloop be immediately stopt; that no goods whatever be taken out; and that all letters in possession of the master be demanded.
Ordered, That the committee of observation be desired to carry the above resolution into execution.
Ordered, That a guard be immediately placed about the house of Lord William Campbell, to prevent the removal of any of his Lordship's effects, until further orders, in order that such persons as may be injured by his Lordship's seizure and detention of their property, and encouraging, harbouring and protecting their runaway slaves, may be indemnified.
