approached their tasks with equal speed and solemnity. Their labors
were commenced with Divine Service, and an act of association was then
passed, though not without considerable opposition. This act ran as
follows:--

"The actual commencement of hostilities against this Continent by the
British troops, in the bloody scene of the 19th of April last, near
Boston--the increase of arbitrary imposition from a wicked and despotic
ministry--and the dread of insurrections in the Colonies--are causes
sufficient to drive an oppressed people to the use of arms. We,
therefore, the subscribers, inhabitants of South Carolina, holding
ourselves bound by that most sacred of all obligations, the duty of good
citizens to an injured country, and thoroughly convinced, that, under
our present distressed circumstances, we shall be justified before God
and man, in resisting force by force--do unite ourselves, under every
tie of religion and honor, and associate as a band in her defence,
against every foe--hereby solemnly engaging, that, whenever our
Continental and Provincial Councils shall deem it necessary, we will go
forth, and be ready to sacrifice our lives and fortunes to secure
her freedom and safety. This obligation to continue in force, until a
reconciliation shall take place between Great Britain and America, upon
Constitutional principles--an event which we most ardently desire. And,
we will hold all those persons inimical to the liberty of the Colonies,
who shall refuse to subscribe to this association."*

* Drayton's Memoirs, Vol. 1, p. 28.--

This open declaration was followed up with measures equally fearless
and decisive. On the fourth day of the session, the Provincial Congress
resolved to raise fifteen hundred infantry, rank and file, in two
regiments; and four hundred and fifty horse, constituting another
regiment. The troops so to be raised, were to be subjected to military
discipline, and to the articles of war, in like manner with the British.
On the fourteenth day of their session, a million of money was voted,
and a council of safety was elected, vested with the executive power
of the colony. Among other acts of this body, non-subscribers to the
association were made amenable to the General Committee, and punishable
ACCORDING TO SOUND POLICY. Absentees having estates, were, with certain
exceptions, required to return; and it was further resolved that no
persons ought to withdraw from the service of the Colony,