Dear Sir ー
In answer to Your first question I beg leave to assure You, I do Look upon Sullivan's Island to be a Post of the last consequence. ー
In answer to the second, I can only say that for near four months the Tamer a Sloop of 16 Guns, with the assistance of the Cherokee (a Vessel that hardly deserved the name of an Armed one,) prevented the Rebels getting the least footing upon the Island I am therefore sure I should pay a very bad Compliment to the Gentlemen who command the Kings Frigates in this Squadron if I could have the smallest doubt of two Frigates being able to prevent the Rebels getting possession of Sullivan's Island a second time. ー
As to Your third question, I do think two Batts with a detachment of Artillery can keep Possession of Charles Town with two frigates in the Harbour, but You will be so good as observe my long absence from my Government puts it out of my power to speak with the certainty I could wish as to that question.
In Answer to Your fourth and last question The Houses &ca in Charles Town belong principally either to friends of Government or people entirely innocent of the present disturbances; many Orphans & Widows have their all vested in Houses in that Town, but many of the principal Rebels have considerable property also. I am Dear Sir [&c.]