Sir:

John Rutledge was Governor of South Carolina from January 9, 1779 to January 31, 1782.

You will put your men in two divisions, the first to serve one month and be relieved by the second; such men who are to serve should not be given leave of absence on any account whatever, except sickness. You will punish any man who shall take, destroy or waste and provisions, and such men who may be found spoiling the property of any persons, must be taken up and prosecuted as felons. Every man who refuses serving when called upon must be deemed an enemy and taken prisoner and and sent to the British, and a receipt taken for them, and must not be permitted to return. All their property must be taken care of for the use of the State, and no part suffered to be conveyed away on any pretense whatever. Such private men whom the enemy has parolled without the faith of an officer and a receipt taken is void, and they are liberated by the cartel, and if such men refuse to take arms and do their duty when called on, they must be an enemy and must be dealt with accordingly. Any persons who go to town or the enemy without a permit from you or an officer, must be treated as carrying intelligence to the enemy and suffer accordingly. Any woman who will go to town or in the enemy’s post without leave, must not be permitted to return. Severe examples must be made of all negroes who carry any provisions of any kind, aid, or assist, or carry any intelligence to or for the enemy; agreeable to the laws of this State all such negroes shall suffer death. I recommend that particular attention be paid to the saving of provisions, and forage must not be given to any man for more than two horses (except field officers) who may be allowed forage for three, and the commanding officer of the Brigade or Division, is allowed six rations. Whenever the enemy march in your district in force, you will call out the whole of your militia to oppose them, and if too weak you will let me know, and I will march to your assistance. You will appoint justices of the peace in every district immediately.

I am, Sir,
Your humble servant