Delightful season. James
Island a little paradise—the country flat, but sandy and dry. Troops healthy.
Our regiment receive new clothing; officers also are furnished in Charleston
with a small supply. Make a very fine appearance. Exercised often; perform the
parade duties in absence of the adjutant very fond of this. Officers go
frequently to the city police boat for that purpose; row there in half an hour.
A short walk from the huts, and we have a view of Charleston, of Hadrel's
Point, which is the main land east, and of Sullivan's Island, east across the
channel from James Island. Visit Fort Sullivan, celebrated for the defense made
against Sir Peter Parker. Curtains and embrasures faced with the cabbage tree
soft spongy wood, admirably calculated for this use. Saw where a great many
shot from the British ships had entered the logs, but no damage done; holes
almost closed up. From Sullivan's Island to Hadrel's Point was formerly a
bridge—it was burnt by the British. Fort Sullivan still in very good condition;
but Fort Johnson, upon James Island, immediately opposite (across the channel),
nearly demolished. Plenty of fish and oysters all round us, and what the folks
here call stone crabs, very fine; they are like the common crab, but much
larger, and soft shells. Officers in rotation dine with General Green, at his
house in the city. Colonel Stewart, of the Maryland regiment, on an excursion
in the country, was cast from his horse into the ditch and broke his neck.
Officers of the army (those on duty excepted) attended his funeral in
Charleston. Preliminaries of a peace arrive. Great rejoicing—grand review—dinner—fire
works, and dance at the cantonment. Ladies and gentlemen come over on this
occasion from Charleston.
SOURCE: J. B.
Lippincott & Co., Publisher, The Record of the Court at Upland, in
Pennsylvania. 1676 to 1681. And a Military Journal Kept by Major E. Denny, 1781
to 1795, pp. 255-6
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