Crescent Moon over Carolina: William Moultrie and American Liberty

by C.L. Bragg

Crescent Moon over Carolina examines the life of Major General William Moultrie (1730-1805) who is best remembered for his valiant defense of an unfinished log fort on Sullivan's Island at the entrance to Charleston harbor against a determined British naval attack on June 28, 1776. While the Continental Congress in Philadelphia considered a draft of the Declaration of Independence, Moultrie and his garrison of South Carolinians proved that untested, but courageous, American soldiers could stand firm and prevail against British might.

Every fort that has since occupied the site has borne his name, but Moultrie was more than the iconic defender of Charleston. Postwar he served two terms as governor and became one of South Carolina's most influential elder statesmen during the early years of the American Republic.

In this first and only book-length biography of William Moultrie, C. L. Bragg combines a scholarly survey of lowcountry South Carolina culture, the American Revolution, and the early political history of the state and the United States. Bragg also brings to light primary sources that are published here for the first time―revealing documents that provide fresh insight into the political and cultural values of Moultrie and his fellow South Carolinians.

Crescent Moon over Carolina offers engaging narrative, detailed maps, and beautiful illustrations that will stand as an important addition to the body of literature for those interested in Revolutionary South Carolina. Bragg leaves us with a clearer understanding of Moultrie―a political and military leader who counted among his friends, associates, and correspondents many of our nation's ardent patriots and founding fathers. Moultrie's service to state and country has earned him a respected place in history.

Genres: History, American Revolution, Biography

382 pages, Hardcover

First published October 30, 2013

Reviews

[Breck Baumann · Rating 5 out of 5]

C.L. Bragg sheds light on the life of William Moultrie, an oft-overlooked general of the Revolutionary War. Beginning with his family history and birth, and ending with his time as Governor of South Carolina and eventual death at the ripe age of 75, Moultrie is rightfully awarded a much-overdo yet captivating biography. Split into three parts, the book is easy to delve into with short, concise chapters that offer a wealth of information on his time during the War for Independence. These include key battles—notably his brilliance at Sullivan's Island—and tactics as an officer, his marriages and time spent as a widower (twice), his disagreements and compromises with those higher in command, and agreeable demeanor and attitude with both compatriot and enemy soldier alike.

Well-researched and chock full of primary sources, the real treasure is taken from Moultrie's own memoirs following his war years that were instrumental in understanding the Southern theatre of the revolution. Indeed, Bragg aptly notes these and other journals and sources went vastly overlooked following the South's downfall after the Civil War, only to be fortunately revived by historians during the 1900s who keenly offered a broad look at all aspects—both North and South—of the war. Not shy of pointing out Moultrie's faults and missed opportunities during major and minor battle alike, Bragg also provides pivotal moments that are appropriately separated from hearsay and fact alike:

Alexander Garden related an incident during which Moultrie was nearly killed in his bed. According to the story, Moultrie was so worn out from the "sever duty on the lines...that to renew his energies, he took up his quarters for one night, in Elliott's building, near the centre of the city, where there was the least chance of interruption, to the rest he sought for. A tremendous fire about the dawning of the day, roused him from his slumbers, he started from his bed, and was hurrying on his regimentals, when a shot striking the house, entered the apartment and lodged in the bed from which he had risen. The delay of a few moments," Garden concluded, "must have proved fatal to him." Garden was not there during the siege, so he must have gotten the story secondhandedly. Since Moultrie did not comment on this episode in his memoirs, its veracity cannot be positively confirmed.

Terrifically balanced and focused almost solely on Moultrie's life and times to a tee, Crescent Moon over Carolina just happens to go a bit further with a stunning title that poetically defies the typical nature of the genre. With the aforementioned succinct chapters and an overall length that allows for a comprehensible and full view of Moultrie's contributions both during and after American Independence, this is a timeless biography—one that hopefully sets a standard for future members of the war who have yet to get their due respect in the spotlight.

[Matthew · Rating 4 out of 5]

Well, that was outstanding. The author succeeds in meticulously, but interestingly, bringing Moultrie to life while giving a good overview of the course of the war in the South, as well as the interplay of post-war French-American relations.

[Marguerite Gray · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great for research!

[Joe Vonnegut · Rating 4 out of 5]

Finally a biography on this long neglected patriot, an enjoyable and informative read.