John Moultrie (politician)

John Moultrie (1729 – 1775) was a Loyalist politician and physician in colonial South Carolina. He served as the acting Lieutenant Governor of the Province of East Florida from 1771 to 1774, during the absence of Governor James Grant.

Moultrie was born in Charleston, South Carolina, the son of Dr. John Moultrie (the elder) and his wife, Eleanor Austin. He was educated in medicine and practiced as a physician. Like his more famous brother, William Moultrie, who would become a prominent Patriot general during the American Revolution, John Moultrie was initially a supporter of the colonial cause. However, he ultimately remained loyal to the British Crown.

His appointment as acting Lieutenant Governor of East Florida provided him with a position of considerable power and influence. During his tenure, he oversaw the administration of the province, dealing with issues such as land grants, relations with Native American tribes, and the growing tensions between the colonies and Great Britain.

Moultrie's loyalty to the Crown led to a divergence in political paths from his brother William. This difference in allegiance reflected the complex divisions within colonial society in the years leading up to the American Revolution. John Moultrie died in 1775, before the full outbreak of the war. His political career highlights the challenges and choices faced by individuals in the colonies as they navigated the escalating conflict between loyalty to the British Empire and the burgeoning desire for independence.