Though now utterly desolate, Dorchester was, prior to the Revolution, a town of considerable population and importance.

Its abandonment may be ascribed to the Revolution, during which it was maintained as a military post by the Americans or British.

To this place the public stores and records were in great part transferred from Charleston, as to a place of safe-keeping.

The command was given to Marion.

While in this command we do not find the occurrence of any events of importance.