This book 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. --from inside jacket.

The Second Son -- A Military Apprenticeship -- A Shadow Government -- A Martial Spirit -- The Dawn of Revolution -- Open Rebellion -- "I never was uneasy" -- The Eve of Destruction -- Never Did Men Fight More Bravely -- America's First Absolute Victory -- South Carolina's Senior Brigadier -- Crisis in Georgia -- An Army Mostly Composed of Militia -- Port Royal to Briar Creek -- "Let us Burgoyne them" -- "We will fight it out" -- Lost Opportunity at Stono Ferry -- "We were sure of success" -- "I think they cannot pass this way" -- "Had Moultrie been in command" -- "It was our last great effort" -- Prisoner of War -- Exchange and Repatriation -- Restoring Civil Government -- South Carolina's Cincinnatus -- Canals, Constitutions, and Commissioners -- "The honor of being one of your family" -- Security Without and Within -- The Governor and Citizen Genet -- "Brother love to the brave Republicans" -- The Lion in Winter.