At that point the Americans built a fort of palmetto logs and sand.

General Moultrie commanded at the fort and it was named in his honor, Fort Moultrie.

The British fleet sailed boldly in, but the balls from the ships' guns were stopped by the soft palmetto logs.

At one time the flag was shot away and fell down outside the fort.

But Sergeant Jasper rushed out, seized the broken staff, and again set it up on the rampart.