In the Council of Safety,
[Charleston] Tuesday, Jan. 23rd, 1776.
Mr. Isaac Rivers informed the council of a sloop in Stono-River, one Pinder, master, and John Ellis of this town passenger; said to be bound for [New] Providence, which had taken some corn on board at Mr. John Holmes's plantation, and probably was intended to be completely loaded, as she had taken a pilot on board to go to Mr. Randall's plantation. And also, of a scooner in Kayawah River, belonging to Mr. Robert Farquhar, suspected to be intended to be loaded in an illicit manner.
In consequence of which information, the following letters were immediately written:
In the Council of Safety,
Jan. 23rd, 1776.
Gentlemen ー We are informed of a sloop and a scooner strongly suspected of illicit practices ー the former in Stono River, the latter up Kayawah River. We desire you will employ some proper persons to take possession of both, and to conduct them, without delay, to this harbour, and put them under the protection of the ship Prosper. Report to this board, and all reasonable expenses will be paid
By order of the Council of Safety
Henry Laurens, President.
Capt. Benj. Stone, for Committee of James Island.
In the Council of Safety,
Jan. 23rd, 1776.
Sir ー We require your attendance at this board, in order to answer to an intimation of your having intended to supply a load of rice for a vessel contrary to the order of Congress and of this board.
The meeting of this council is generally from 10 o'clock in the morning to 3 in the afternoon.
By order of the Council of Safety.
Henry Laurens, President.
Mr. John Holmes.