William Henry Drayton
William Henry Drayton commenced his career in South Carolina in 1742. He was educated in England but did not fall in love with the principles of monarchy. He was among the first, boldest, ablest and most energetic patriots of his native state. He did much with his pen to open the minds of the people to a sense of their true condition politically. In 1774, he addressed a pamphlet to the Continental Congress under the title of "Freemen" which raised him to a prominent position among the patriots. It contained a bill of American Rights which was substantially adopted by that Congress. In 1775, Drayton was President of the Provincial Congress and issued the first official order to oppose the enemy by force of arms. It was addressed to Colonel William Moultrie directing him to "oppose the passage of any British naval armament that may attempt to pass Fort Johnson." This marked his boldness and his zeal. He passed through several judicial offices up to Chief Justice of the state. In April 1776, he used this remarkable language in his charge to the grand jury.In 1778-1779, Mr. Drayton was a member of the Continental Congress and died at his post in Philadelphia in September 1779.
The following is quoted from Hero Implants by Jeannette Holland Austin:
" At the beginning of the hostilities, William Henry Drayton and Rev. William Tennant were sent by the Governor and Council of Safety into the upper parts of the State to conciliate the inhabitants and prepare them to unite with the people of the low country in resisting the arbitrary measures of Great Britain. Drayton had appointed a meeting to take place at the Ridge on September 1, 1775; however, when he learned that Moses Kirkland had assembled men in arms in the district without the authority to do so, it was evident that his treachery against the colony and force of arms would violate the public peace. So, he cancelled the meeting as a caution against bloodshed. He also declared that all the persons following Kirkland with arms should be deemed public enemies, to be suppressed by the sword!"
" But Kirkland whose home was on the Saluda River was captured while enroute to Boston to visit General Gage of the British forces. Arrangements were made for the Cherokee Indians to attack Charleston with General Clinton. The British fleet was repulsed, yet the Indians made war as agreed,which ended in total defeat and ruin. Three volunteer companies had formed to repel the Indians and to keep the Tories in check. In November,as the militia and volunteers assembled at the fortified camp at Ninety-Six under Major Andrew Williamson by order of the Provincial Congress. These men were besieged at Ninety-Six by Joseph Robinson, Patrick Cunningham and Richard Pearis, as well as a strong force of Loyalists under their command. There was some fighting and loss sustained on both sides. On November 22, a cessation of hostilities was agreed upon and Major Robinson withdrew his men.
The real battle at Ninety-Six did not commence until 1781."