Charlestown, Dec. 23d, 1777.
Dear Sir,
The council, (those of them that I could get together) are still of opinion that we cannot spare any troops: I sent a copy immediately to the president of the proceedings and opinions of the court.
I waited on the president, and had some conversation with him on the matter; he asks 150 men for the expedition: I have altered my opinion, and wish you would allow me to grant the request, and order the men; it may be attended with good consequences, if otherwise, the state must take it upon themselves, as they have so earnestly requested the detachment. I send this by express, at the request of the president: I hope you will soon dispatch him, as they are impatient to know wether you will assist them or not.
I am, &c. William Moultrie.
Maj. Gen. Howe.
William Moultrie, Memoirs of the American Revolution, 2 vols. (New York: David Longworth, 1802; reprint ed. New York: Arno Press, 1968), 1: 196–97.
