In June 1776 British Admiral Peter
Parker 'a fleet, loaded with troops commanded
by General Henry Clinton, made an appearance
off Charleston, South Carolina. The city,
feverishly preparing for an attack, had
partially completed Fort Sullivan,
Charleston's key defense position. The 30-gun
fort on Sullivan's Island was hastily
constructed from the moat abundant materials
available, palmetto logs and sand. The
garrison, commanded by Colonel William
Moultrie, contained over 400 men including 22
artillerists and the 2d South Carolina
Provincial Regiment.
Because of a sand bar the British
delayed their attack on Charleston until 28
June 1775 while they lightened ship.
Clinton's 2,000 British soldiers, landing on
adjacent Long Island, were unable to cross an
estuary to join in the attack. The fleet
began its bombardment at a range of about 400
yards. Low on powder, Moultrie directed his
men to fire slowly and accurately in
reply.
During the engagement a shell struck
the flagpole, and the blue South Carolina
banner fell outside the fort. Sergeant
William Jasper retrieved it and, oblivious to
British fire, secured the flag to a makeshift
staff.
The falling shells, absorbed by the
soft palmetto loge and sand, caused little
damage to the fort and few casualties.
Even