At a Council of War held in Charles Town, May 11th, 1780,
Present:
General Lincoln laid before the Council an application from a large number of the Citizens of the Town, and another from a number of the Country militia here, purporting that they agree to the Terms proposed by Sr. Henry Clinton, as far as they relate to them, and request a Flag in the name of the people to inform him of their acquiesence in those terms. He also produced to the Council a letter he had just received from the Lieut. Governor, in which he gives it as his opinion, and says that it is the opinion of all the Council, no time should be lost in renewing the negotiations with Sr. Henry Clinton on the Subject of Articles of Capitulation, and requests the opinion of the Council what ought to be done under our present circumstances.
We are of opinion, as from the situation of the enemy and other causes an evacuation of the Town is impracticable—as the militia of it refuse to do duty—as from a state of our provision—the state of our Hospitals—the state of our Works and Troops, and the advance of the enemy—and from the little hope we have of
success—We are induced to advise that proposals of Capitulation be again made to General Clinton, and the best obtained in our power.WILLM. MOULTRIE, B. G.
[Endorsed.]
Council of War,
May 11, 1780.
(No. 15.)