Page:History of the United States of America, Spencer, v1.djvu/425

] The Almighty created America to be independent of Britain: let us beware of the impiety of being backward to act as instruments in the Almighty hand, now extended to accomplish his purpose; and by the completion of which alone, America, in the nature of human affairs, can be secure against the craft and insidious designs of her enemies, who think her prosperity and power already by far too great. In a word, our piety and political safety are so blended, that to refuse our labors in this divine work, is to refuse to be a great, a free, a pious, and a happy people! And now having left this important alternative, political happiness or wretchedness, under God, in a great degree in your own hands; I pray the supreme Arbiter of the affairs of men, so to direct your judgment, as that you may act agreeably to what seems to be his will, revealed in his miraculous works in behalf of America, bleeding at the altar of liberty!"

After long delay, the British squadron, under Sir Peter Parker, arrived, in May, at Cape Fear. Sir Henry Clinton, who was waiting for it there, immediately took command of the troops, and, as nothing could be done in North Carolina, it was resolved to strike a decisive blow against Charleston. Fortunately, some intercepted letters of Governor Eden, had given notice to Congress, of the intended attack, and General Lee was dispatched to provide for the defence of Charleston and the southern department. At the first alarm, various regiments had marched down to the city, increasing its garrison to about six thousand men. Assisted by the inhabitants and their negro slaves, they labored most indefatigably to complete the fortifications. All the roads running down to the sea were blockaded, the streets barricaded, the magazines destroyed, entrenchments raised, and every possible means taken to oppose the progress of the enemy. On the 4th of June, the British fleet made its appearance off Charleston harbor, and, having passed the bar, anchored about three miles from Sullivan's Island. General Clinton dispatched a summons to the inhabitants, threatening them with the utmost vengeance of an irritated government, unless they submitted, offering, at the same time, a complete amnesty to such as should lay down their arms. The offer was rejected, of course, and Clinton had no alternative, but to proceed with the attack.

The entrance to the harbor was protected by an unfinished fort on Sullivan's Island, which had been strengthened with as much care as possible, and was armed with thirty-six heavy guns, as well as twenty-six others of inferior calibre. The fort was constructed of the palmetto, a soft and spongy wood, which deadened the effect of a cannon ball, and was commanded by Colonel Moultrie, at the head of about three hundred and fifty troops, and some militia. To silence this fort, was, of course, the first object of the British commander, and, for this purpose, he landed a large body of troops on Long Island, adjacent to Sullivan's Island, and only separated from it by a narrow channel, often fordable, with