Charles Town Council of Safety, August 4th 1775
[Extract]
I was desired by the Council to intimate to you in a private manner that if it should fall in your way, it would be of publick Utility,were you to scrutinize into the Conduct of Mr [Moses] Kirkland, which according to the Accounts transmitted (I believe before you set out)2 bears a very dark and suspicious aspect; an Enquiry may be made in such manner as to give no alarm, & if proper proofs can be come at, it will be highly necessary, when the Time will allow it, to inflict such punishment as his Crimes deserve; as the matter has been represented he has certainly been guilty both of Mutiny & Desertion.3
1. South Carolina Historical Genealogical Magazine, XXVII, 118.
2. Drayton, with Rev. William Tennant, was on a mission to the western part of the province, the "Back Country," to induce the inhabitants to sign the association pledging themselves to the American cause.
3. Kirkland's activities will be dwelt with at length in subsequent letters.
