[Extract]

Sir I received the honour of your letter, desiring to be informed "of the past, and present state of the Province under my Government, with an opinion what may be expected from the efforts of the well affected inhabitants, and what measures appear most advisable to be undertaken to co-operate with, and support those efforts in favor of Goverment." 2 As to my opinion of the efforts that may be expected from the well affected inhabitants, I have the greatest reason. to think that if the Troops succeed in getting possession of Charles Town, and the Country adjacent, the friends of Goverment would be encouraged to exert themselves, and attempt a junction with the Kings Troops, notwithstanding the checks they have received; and I also think the Rebels would be deserted by many of their deluded followers. You will observe Sir this is matter of opinion only, for after three months absence from the Province, "it cannot be expected I should speak with that certainty as in other circumstances I might be able to do. As far as I can judge Charles Town may be attacked with Success, and the carrying that place would be attended with the best consequences to the King's Affairs in this part of the Continent,. as I must consider it as the Capital of the three Southern Provinces. Two very fine navigable Rivers run a considerable way into the Country, and the Harbours, particularly to the Southward, are perfectly accessible to the Shipping; but I must observe Sir a Province in the situation South Carolina is at present, cannot be conquered in a day, and after such convulsions the re-establishment of legal Goverment and good Order must be a work of time, and the assistance both of Ships, and Troops, as well as the presence of an officer of your distinguish'd abilities, will be absolutely necessary to effect it. I have the Honor to be Sir [&c.]

William Campbell