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Moultrie (WILLIAM an American military)

WILLIAM, an American military officer; born in South Carolina, in 1731. He was of Scotch descent, his parents emigrating to South Carolina early in the 18th century. In 1761 he commenced his career as captain in a militia regiment, raised for the defense of the frontier against the Cherokees, rendering important service. He was elected to the provincial congress in 1775, and appointed colonel of the 2d South Carolina regiment. In 1776 he was designated to construct a fort on Sullivan's Island, at the mouth of Charleston harbor. The fort, which had 26 guns and 435 men, and was commanded by Moultrie, hastily built of palmetto logs, was found to resist the cannon balls perfectly. The British fleet attacked the fort before its completion, but were repulsed with great slaughter. Moultrie was made MOUNDSVILLE brigadier of the Continental forces, and distinguished himself by the repulse of the British advance on Charleston, in 1779. In the spring of 1780 Charleston was again attacked, and Moultrie, second in command, shared in the capitulation of the American forces. He remained a prisoner two years, being exchanged in 1782, and was promoted promoted a Major-Geness. In 1785 he was eral by Congress. elected governor of South Carolina, and again in 1794, after which he retired to private life. He was the author of "Memoirs of the Revolution." He died in Charleston, S. C., Sept. 27, 1805.