South Carolina By His Excellency John Rutledge Esqr President & Commander in Chief of So Carolina.
Whereas it is necessary that the Continental Frigate Randolph commanded by Nicholas Biddle Esquire, now in this Harbour, should be fully manned with the utmost expedition: Therefore and in order to avoid such measures for procuring Seamen as injure Trade, or infringe the Liberties of the People, and not doubting that some encouragement from the State will soon obtain a sufficient number of Men for the said Vessel: I have thought fit with the advice and consent of the Privy Council, to issue this Proclamation, Offering, and I do hereby Offer, Twenty Dollars as a Bounty to any able-bodied Seaman, who shall Voluntarily enter into the Continental Service, on board the said Frigate, within fifteen days next ensuing the date hereof.
Given under my hand and the great Seal at Charlestown this fourteenth day of July, in the year of our Lord One thousand Seven hundred & Seventy Seven.
God save the United States.
by his Excellencys command,
