From Diary of the American Revolution, Vol II. Compiled by Frank Moore and published in 1859.
June 25.—The virtue and magnanimity of the Charleston ladies, vies with the Spartans of old. Nothing can equal their adherence to the independence of America. The vanquishers strive all in their power to induce them to partake of their amusements, but all their importunities cannot prevail upon any of them, to add a lustre to their balls, &c. They, sensible of the distresses of their (once happy) country, seem to take no pleasure but in retiring from public view, to bemoan the cause of suffering liberty. When nothing but tyrannical destruction appears to be hovering over every friend to freedom, they, like true heroines, discover an invincible firmness and resolution. Were the men half so steady to their country’s good as the women, no nation could boast more illustrious natives than Carolina. To the everlasting glory of the sex, many examples can be adduced of ladies exhorting their dearest connections to behave with a becoming fortitude; anxious for their honor, earnestly urging them to perseverance, while they by a laudable economy are supporting their families. Are not these things enough to reanimate the Carolinians to recover their oppressed country?2
2 Pennsylvania Packet, August 21.