Crescent Moon over Carolina

Crescent Moon over Carolina

William Moultrie and American Liberty

  • Author: Bragg, III, Cordell L.
  • Publisher: University of South Carolina Press
  • ISBN: 9781611172690
  • eISBN Pdf: 9781643364285
  • Place of publication:  South Carolina , United States
  • Year of publication: 2022
  • Year of digital publication: 2022
  • Month: December
  • Pages: 391
  • Language: English

Crescent Moon over Carolina examines the life of Major General William Moultrie (1730-1805) who is best remembered for his valiant defense of an unfinished log fort on Sullivan's Island at the entrance to Charleston harbor against a determined British naval attack on June 28, 1776. While the Continental Congress in Philadelphia considered a draft of the Declaration of Independence, Moultrie and his garrison of South Carolinians proved that untested, but courageous, American soldiers could stand firm and prevail against British might.

Every fort that has since occupied the site has borne his name, but Moultrie was more than the iconic defender of Charleston. Postwar he served two terms as governor and became one of South Carolina's most influential elder statesmen during the early years of the American Republic.

In this first and only book-length biography of William Moultrie, C. L. Bragg combines a scholarly survey of lowcountry South Carolina culture, the American Revolution, and the early political history of the state and the United States. Bragg also brings to light primary sources that are published here for the first time—revealing documents that provide fresh insight into the political and cultural values of Moultrie and his fellow South Carolinians.

Crescent Moon over Carolina offers engaging narrative, detailed maps, and beautiful illustrations that will stand as an important addition to the body of literature for those interested in Revolutionary South Carolina. Bragg leaves us with a clearer understanding of Moultrie—a political and military leader who counted among his friends, associates, and correspondents many of our nation's ardent patriots and founding fathers. Moultrie's service to state and country has earned him a respected place in history.

  • Cover
  • Crescent Moon over Carolina
  • Title
  • Copyright
  • Contents
  • List of Illustrations
  • Preface
  • Acknowledgments
  • Prologue
  • Part I
    • 1. The Second Son
    • 2. A Military Apprenticeship
    • 3. A Shadow Government
    • 4. A Martial Spirit
    • 5. The Dawn of Revolution
  • Part II
    • 6. Open Rebellion
    • 7. “I never was uneasy”
    • 8. The Eve of Destruction
    • 9. Never Did Men Fight More Bravely
    • 10. America’s First Absolute Victory
    • 11. South Carolina’s Senior Brigadier
    • 12. Crisis in Georgia
    • 13. An Army Mostly Composed of Militia
    • 14. Port Royal to Briar Creek
    • 15. “Let us Burgoyne them”
    • 16. “We will fight it out”
    • 17. Lost Opportunity at Stono Ferry
    • 18. “We were sure of success”
    • 19. “I think they cannot pass this way”
    • 20. “Had Moultrie been in command”
    • 21. “It was our last great effort”
    • 22. Prisoner of War
    • 23. Exchange and Repatriation
  • Part III
    • 24. Restoring Civil Government
    • 25. South Carolina’s Cincinnatus
    • 26. Canals, Constitutions, and Commissioners
    • 27. “The honor of being one of your family”
    • 28. Security Without and Within
    • 29. The Governor and Citizen Genet
    • 30. “Brother love to the brave Republicans”
    • 31. The Lion in Winter
  • Epilogue
  • Notes
  • Bibliography
  • Index
  • About the Author

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