Had been expecting,
every day for a month past, to hear of the intended evacuation of Charleston.
The Governor's guard was an object at this time, as the officer commanding
would, of course, accompany or escort him into the city. I was so fortunate as
to have the guard this day, when advice was received that the British would
embark next morning. A few hours for the Governor to get ready, we set out in
the evening with one tumbrel, containing books, papers, &c., and reached the
city early next day. Saw the last of the enemy embark in their boats and put
off to the shipping. An immense fleet lay in sight all day; found the city very
quiet-houses all shut up. A detachment from the army had marched the day before
to take possession as soon as the English would be off. Guards stationed at
proper places, and small parties, conducted by an officer, patrolled the
streets. Charleston a handsome town, situate on neck of land between the
confluence of Ashley and Cooper rivers; Cooper river, however, appears to be
the only harbor. Town here fronts the east; business all done on this side.
Second and third day people began to open their houses and show themselves, and
some shops opened. Stayed a week, and returned to our old encampment.
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, p. 253
