Charles Town Harbor (may 19, 1776 – may 22, 1776)

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Admiral Peter Parker sent Major James Moncrief of the Royal Engineers in the armed schooner HMS Pensacola Packet to conduct a reconnaissance of Charles Town. HMS Pensacola Packet lowered three boats to allow Major Moncrief sound the bar. He determined that the British fleet could make it over the bar and then noticed the half-finished fort on nearby Sullivan's Island. He entered the fort and sketch the construction and returned back to his boats. On May 21,HMS Sphinx continued to patrol the harbor while Major Moncrief continued to scout the other defenses around Charles Town. HMS Pensacola Packet captured a small coasting sloop from Georgetown with a load of turpentine. The same day, five deserters of the SC 2nd Regiment rowed out to HMS Sphinx and were welcomed aboard. Even though the British ships captured a few small prizes they were not able to complete their mission of thoroughly scouting Charles Town's defenses. The Comet captured one British ship and repeatedly drove the British off.

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