By Peg Eastman Caricature of General Charles Lee and his dog, Spado. Drawn and engraved by Alexander Hay Richie (1822-1895). IMAGE COURTESY OF THE METROPOLITAN MUSEUM OF ART Charles Lee has generated more controversy than any other Continental Army general except Benedict Arnold. He was superbly educated, spoke six languages, and was one of the day’s best and most prolific writers. Lee could convince almost anyone about anything with his erudite brilliance, powers of persuasion and...

By Peg Eastman The British Frigate Actaeon was destroyed in Charleston Harbor after running aground, supporting the attack on June 24, 1776. Painting by Leslie Arthur Wilcox, United Kingdom, 1904-1982. COURTESY OF ELRED'S In London, Lord Dartmouth, Lord North and Lord Germain planned the subjugation of the North American British colonies and, with King George III’s approval in 1775, set the secret attack date for the only day of the year composed of two perfect numbers: 6 and 28....

By Peg Eastman PHOTO COURTESY OF THE LIBRARY OF CONGRESS As a colonel of the Second South Carolina Regiment, William Moultrie received this message on November 9, 1775: “By Order of Congress to Col. William Moultrie, or to the commanding officer, at Fort Johnson. Sir, you are hereby commanded, with the troops under your orders, by every military operation to endeavor to oppose the passage of any British naval armament that may attempt to pass Fort Johnson, until further orders by Congress or...