William Capers

William Capers
Soldier of the Revolution

William Capers, son of Richard and Martha Bordeau Capers, was born October 13, 1758, on his father's plantation near Cain Hoy on the Wando River in lower South Carolina. When he was eighteen years old, he was commissioned as Second Lieutenant in the Second Continental Regiment of South Carolina which was commanded by General Moultrie. He was one of the "Defenders of Charleston." At Fort Sullivan, Lt. Capers fought with the Second Continental Regiment and shared the glory of its first great victory. He was in the battles of Eutaw Springs, the siege of Savannah, Rugley's Mill, and Stono.

He joined General Francis Marion's command shortly after the Battle of Ft. Sullivan. He was soon promoted to Captain and served with General Marion to the end of the Revolution. As a trusted Captain, he was sent out by General Marion on secret missions and was captured by the British and incarcerated in Charleston's jail. By a display of fearless ingenuity, he made his escape alone, and by undaunted bravery and ready wit he passed through the British galleys on the Cooper River. He soon rejoined General Marion with the desired information about the enemy. (For documentation see: Official Records, Second Regiment South Carolina, War Department, Washington, D.C.; Marion's "Order Book," Whiteman's "Life of William Capers, Bishop Methodist Episcopal Church South," Moultrie's "Memoirs," McGrady's "History of South Carolina," Volume 4)

When the Revolution was over, William Capers served as a member of the South Carolina Legislature. He was the progenitor of Ellison Capers, distinguished "Soldier Bishop" of the Episcopal Church of South Carolina. Many other descendants of the young patriot, William Capers, have likewise served their country in war, reconstruction, and peace.

This sketch of William Capers was written by May Capers Satterlee (Mrs. Charles Booth Satterlee) and edited by Faye James Pender (Mrs. Edward Leonell Pender, Jr.)