General Moultrie, in his “Memoirs of the American Revolution,” pays a handsome compliment to the ladies of that section of country in which his military services were performed.  He says: 

“Before I conclude my memoirs I must make my last tribute of thanks to the patriotic fair of South Carolina and Georgia for their heroism and virtue in those dreadful and dangerous times whilst we were struggling for our liberties.  Their conduct deserves the highest applause, and a pillar ought to be raised to their memory.  Their conduct was such as gave examples even to the men to stand firm; and they despised those who were not enthusiasts in their country’s cause.  The hardships and difficulties they experienced were too much for their delicate frames to bear; yet they submitted to them with a heroism and virtue that has never been excelled by the ladies of any country; and I can with safety say that their conduct during the war contributed much to the independence of America.”

Nor were the young ladies of that period less patriotic than their venerable mothers.  Their kind sympathies and voluntary contributions were exhibited on every occasion, calling for prompt and beneficent action for the gallant soldier.  With fair and willing hands they embroidered colors for military companies, and presented them with the animating charge, never to desert them.  They formed themselves into associations throughout the colonies, renouncing the use of teas and other imported luxuries, and engaged to card, spin and weave their own clothing.  And still further, to arouse a patriotic spirit in every hesitating or laggard bosom, we find in the “South Carolina and American General Gazette,” of February 9th, 1776, the following paragraph, illustrative of female patriotism under a manly and singular incentive: 

“The young ladies of the best families of Mecklenburg county, North Carolina, have entered into a voluntary association that they will not receive the addresses of any young gentlemen of that place, except the brave volunteers who served in the expedition to South Carolina, and assisted in subduing the Scovillite insurgents.  The ladies being of opinion that such persons as stay loitering at home, when the important calls of their country demand their military services abroad, must certainly be destitute of that nobleness of sentiment, that brave, manly spirit, which would qualify them to be the defenders and guardians of the fair sex.  The ladies of the adjoining county of Rowan have desired the plan of a similar association to be drawn up and prepared for signature.”

Accordingly, at a meeting of the Committee of Safety, held in Salisbury, May 8th, 1776, we find the following entry in their minutes: