February 9, 1861; The Charleston Mercury
Whereas, By virtue of a resolution adopted by the people of the State of South Carolina, in Convention assembled, power is given to the Governor, by and with the advice of the Executive Council, to declare and establish Martial Law over any of the coasts, islands and waters in and near Charleston harbor, whenever, in his judgment, the exigencies of the public service may require such a measure. Now, know ye, that I, FRANCIS W. PICKENS, Governor and Commander in Chief in and over the State of South Carolina, in the exercise of the authority thus given to me, do declare and proclaim that, from this time until further orders from me, MARTIAL LAW is established in and over Sullivan’s Island, and the waters and marshes adjacent.
1. No person, or persons, shall, in or upon the limits of Moultrieville, sell, dispose of, or give any spirituous liquors, without the permit, in writing, of the commanding officer at that Island.
2. No person, or persons, shall land upon the shores of Moultrieville, or depart therefrom, without the written permit of the commanding officer at that place, or Gen. DUNOVANT.
3. No person, or persons, living at Moultrieville shall communicate with any of the Posts established there, without the written permit of the officer.
4. No person, or persons, living at Moultrieville shall be at large in the streets or thoroughfares thereat, between the hours of tattoo and reveille, without the written permit of the commanding officer at that Island.
5. No boat, or vessel, except those in charge of the Quartermaster’s Department, shall visit Moultrieville without the written permit of Gen. DUNOVANT;
and within the limits thus designated, the military power is made supreme in the enforcement of these regulations, and the officers in command are invested with full authority to govern and regulate all persons therein found, according to military law, and without any subjection or responsibility to the civil authorities and tribunals, or any process thereof; and all persons found within the said limits are strictly enjoined and commanded to obey and conform to the commands of the said officers in the aforesaid regulations, on pain of the military penalties otherwise to ensue.
In witness whereof I have here unto set my hand, and the great seal of the State, this ninth day of February, in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and sixty one.
F. W. PICKENS.