ared for use. It was well manned with a portion of those brave
fellows who afterwards fought the good fight of Fort Sullivan. They
would have done as good service here. The resolution of the Province
once adopted, it was communicated as well to the commanders of the
British vessels, as to the officers of the fort. There was still an open
passage, through Hog-Island channel, by which the British vessels might
approach the town without incurring any danger from the Fort. This
passage it was determined to obstruct; and an armed schooner, called the
Defence, fitted up for the occasion, was ordered to cover and protect
a party which was employed to sink a number of hulks in that narrow
strait. This drew upon them the fire of the British. It was returned by
the "Defence", but with little injury to either side. The garrison at
Fort Johnson endeavored to take part in this little action, but the
distance was too great for any decisive results from its fire. Some of
the shots took effect, but after a few rounds the fire was discontinued.
Meanwhile, the alarm was beat in Charleston, where the troops stood to
their arms, and every heart throbbed with the expectation of a close and
bloody fight. But the time was not yet. Indecisive in itself, this
brief combat was of great importance in one point of view. It was the
beginning of the game. The blow for which all parties had been waiting,
was now fairly struck. The sword had been drawn from the scabbard,
not again to be sheathed, till the struggle was concluded. The local
Congress proceeded vigorously. Ships were impressed for the purpose of
war, new troops were enlisted and armed, and bills of credit issued.
The British vessels, meanwhile, became more than ever troublesome,
and, carrying out the menace of Captain Thornborough, proceeded to
the seizure of all vessels within their reach, whether going from
or returning to the port. It became necessary to drive them from the
roadstead. To effect this, Col. Moultrie, with a party of newly raised
Provincials and the Charleston Artillery, took post on Haddrill's Point,
and, mounting a few pieces of heavy artillery, opened upon them with a
well-directed fire, which drove them out to sea. This step was followed
by one of preparation. The fortifications at Fort Johnson and Haddrill's
Point were completed--the city was fortified--a new fort was raised
on James', and another begun on Sullivan's Island. The militia were
diligently trained, the pro