[Charleston] Saturday, March 2, 1776.
Mr. [John] Rutledge from the Committee to prepare a form of orders proper to be delivered to Col. Bull, made a report, which being amended, was unanimously agretd to as follows:
South-Carolina.
By Authority of Congress.
To Stephen Bull, Esq; Colonel, or,
To the Commanding Officer for the time being, of the South-Carolina forces ordered to act in aid of Georgia.
Whereas there is reason to apprehend, that attempts will be made to cause the merchant vessels in Savannah River to sail with their cargoes: And as such a proceeding would be detrimental to the interest of America; it becomes this colony to aid the friends of America in Georgia, by endeavouring, with them, effectually to prevent the said vessels sailing with their cargoes: Therefore, you are hereby ordered under the direction of the Colonel of the continental forces in Georgia, and with the concurrence of the friends of America in that colony, to take post on either side of Savannah River, with the troops under your command, and use every effort in your power to incapacitate those vessels from proceeding with their cargoes on their several voyages; and to that end, cause them to be forthwith unrigged, their rudders taken off, and their sails and rudders deposited in some secure place, or kept under a proper guard.
You are also ordered, under the direction and with the concurrence aforesiad, to give every aid in your power for repelling insurrections and invasions there, and securing and imprisoning every person in Georgia, whose going at large may be dangerous to the liberties of America, or the security of that colony.
Having executed these orders, you are, either with all or a part of the forces under your command, to return to this colony, or remain in Georgia, at your discretion, and so act, under the direction, and with the concurrence aforesaid, as you shall think most advantageous to the American cause, until you shall receive further instructions from the Congress or Council of Safety of this colony; to whom you are, from time to time, to transmit full information of your proceedings.
Ordered, That an engrossed copy of the above orders be forthwith made out, signed by Mr. President, and delivered to Col. Bull. All
Which was done accordingly.
Ordered, That the sum of two thousand pounds be advanced to Col. Bull, for the above service, to be accounted for by him.