the staff, one field officer, and four or five captains were opposed to an immediate acceptance of the terms stipulated for the militia of the State by the Convention at Charlestown. It was now proposed and carried, to send a flag at once to Colonel Parris to notify him of their conclusion, and to settle the time, place, and manner of surrender. Still Williamson preserved and again addressed the council and expressed a wish for a different conclusion; and proposed to ride, with any number of the officers present, to Colonel Pickens' camp - a few miles distant - stating that he wished to consult with him and to address the men of his command. This was agreed to. Williamson talked with Pickens. The troops were then drawn up in square, all mounted. Williamson then addressed them in spirited terms, stating that with his men alone he could drive all the British then in the District without difficulty. He then caused the capitulation of Charlestown to be read. He again addressed them, and told them that they could safely retreat, and that he was sure they could soon return with force sufficient to keep the enemy confined to Charlestown. He told them what they had already done, and what he hoped they would do; but he left it to themselves to say what they would do. He concluded by putting the question to vote, and said:
