It was sufficiently satisfactory if, by the presence of such a force, the citizens should be overawed and kept from action.
This condition of things could not continue.

The very nature of the movement was adverse to indecision.

It needed but a first step--a first stroke--and this was to be taken by the patriots.

They brooked impatiently the humiliating position in which the city stood, controlled by an inferior enemy; and it was resolved that Fort Johnson should be subdued.

It was on this occasion that Marion first drew his sword against the British.