nder the American commodore Whipple. Behind the bar and
Whipple's squadron there was Fort Moultrie, upon Sullivan's Island,
which was now much stronger than when, in a previous year, it repulsed
Clinton, and cut up Sir Peter Parker's squadron. Such were the
formidable obstacles which Clinton had to surmount before he could hope
to capture Charlestown; and, moreover, within the town was the American
General Lincoln, at the head of about 7000 men. It was necessary
first to take possession of Five Fathom Hole; and accordingly Admiral
Arbuthnot, who had escorted Clinton to Charlestown, made the attempt.
The American commodore retired before Arbuthnot to Sullivan Island, and
then the English were permitted to pass the bar at their leisure. This
was effected with great labour, and on the 9th of April Arbuthnot was
in full possession of the harbour. Soon after Clinton finished his first
parallel, and began to erect his batteries; and then Arbuthnot sailed,
passed Fort Moultrie under a heavy fire, and anchoring just without
range of the shot from the town batteries, summoned Lincoln to
surrender. The American general having replied that he would defend the
place to the last extremity, the English batteries were opened, and they
soon made a visible impression. In the meantime Clinton detached Colonel
Tarleton against Lincoln's cavalry, which were placed outside the lines
in order to keep the country open beyond Cooper Hiver. Tarleton was
successful: the cavalry were surprised at a place called Biggin's
Bridge, and completely routed, leaving behind them all their stores,
camp-equipage, and baggage, with some two or three hundred horses. By
this victory a passage was opened across the head of Cooper River, and
a detachment was sent under the command of Earl Cornwallis to scour
the country beyond that river. All supplies were thus cut off from
Charlestown, as well as all hope of retreat for Lincoln and his
garrison. A council of war was called, and Lincoln offered to surrender
upon certain conditions; but as Clinton considered them too favourable,
they were rejected. The British now continued their approaches; a second
parallel was completed by the 20th of April, and a third by the 6th
of May. On this latter day the garrison of Fort Moultrie, on Sullivan
Island, surrendered to Captain Hudson of the navy; and on the same day
the broken remains of Lincoln's cavalry, which had been re-collected,
were again routed by Tarleton. Clinton's