USA > North Carolina > The state records of North Carolina, Vol XV > Part 12
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MART. ARMSTRONG, J. P.
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STATE RECORDS.
No. 4.
STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA, - SURRY COUNTY. -
This day Came before Martin Armstrong, one of the Justices Assigned to keep the Peace in said County, those whose names are hereto Subscribed, and made the following Acknowledgement, to-wit :
We whose names are hereto Subscribed do hereby Acknowl- edge ourselves jointly and severally Bound unto Abner Nash, Esqr., Governor of the State aforesaid, in the sum of Five Hun- dred Thousand pounds Currency, or in Gold and Silver, to be Levied of onr Lands and Tenaments, Goods and Chattles, to be void on Condition that we, and each of us, make Our Personal Appearance at the Next Superior Court to be held for the Dis- triet of Salisbury, at the Courthouse in Salisbury, on the Day of , 1780 ; then and there to Answer such bills of Indict- ment as shall be preferred against us, Either for high Treason, Misprision of Treason, or any Other Crimes, as shall be Alledged against us during the time of the Late Insurrection.
In Testimony whereof we have hereunto set our Hand and seals the 24th day of Oct., 1780.
Acknowledged & Subscribed to before
MARTIN ARMSTRONG, J. P.
No. 5.
STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA, SURRY COUNTY.
We the Subscribers do hereby Acknowledge Ourselves fairly and Duly Inlisted into the Service of the State aforesaid for the Space of Three Months or Longer, at the discretion of the Com- mander-in-Chief, from the date hereof, or from the day that we shall Rendezvous where the Commanding Officer shall direct ; to be subject to sueh Rnles, Regulations, orders and Restrictions as the Soldiers of this State are now bound to Observe, hereby acknowledging due and full Satisfaction from said State in Con- sideration of our Inlistment. We Likewise Obligate Ourselves to March into any of the United States of America, and with free- dom join any State or Continental Regiment that the Commander-
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in-Chief may think Requisite for and During the time aforesaid; and for the Due performance of the same we hereby bind each of ourselves Seperately in the Sum of Ten Thousand Pounds Cur- rency, to be paid to his Excellency Abner Nash, Esqr., Governor of the State aforesaid.
In Testimony whereof we and each of Us have hereunto Set our hands and Seals this 24th Day of October, 1780.
Acknowledged & subscribed to Before
MARTIN ARMSTRONG, Colo. Surry Regt.
COL. WM. CAMPBELL TO COL. ARTHUR CAMPBELL.
WILKES COUNTY, CAMP ON BRIER CREEK, October 20th, 1780.
DEAR SIR :
Ferguson and his party are no more in circumstances to injure the citizens of America. We came up with him in Craven County in South Carolina, posted on a height called King's Mountain, about twelve miles north of the Cherokee Ford'on Broad River, about two O'clock in the evening of the 7th inst., we having marched the whole night before. Col. Shelby's regiment and mine began the attack, and sustained the whole fire of the enemy for about ten minutes, while the other troops were forming around the height upon which the enemy were posted. The firing became general, and as heavy as you can conceive for the number of men. The advantageons situation of the enemy, being the top of the steep ridge, obliged us to expose ourselves exceedingly, and the dislodging of them was almost equal to driving men from strong breastworks, though in the end we gained the point of the ridge, where my regiment fought, and drove them along the summit of it to the other end, where Col. Cleveland and his countrymen were. They were driven into a hnddle, and the greatest confusion ; the flag for a surrender was immediately hoisted, and as soon as our troops could be notified of it the firing ceased, and the survivors surrendered themselves prisoners at discretion.
We fought an hour and five minutes, in which time two hun-
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dred and twenty-five were killed of the enemy, and one hundred and thirty wounded ; the rest, making about seven hundred regu- lars and Tories, were taken prisoners. Ferguson was killed near the close of the action. The victory was complete to a wish ; and I think it was won by about seven hundred men who fought bravely. I have lost several of my brave friends, whose death I lament much. Maj. Edmonson will give you their names, though I must myself mention Capt. Edmondson, his two brothers, and Lieut Bowen. My regiment has suffered more than any other in the action. Our loss in the field was, altogether, about thirty killed and sixty wounded. I must proceed on with the prisoners untill I can in some way dispose of them. Probably I may go on to Richmond in Virginia.
WILLIAM CAMPBELL.
GEN. WM. DAVIDSON TO GOV. ABNER NASH.
CAMP SIX MILE CREEK, October 22nd, 1780.
10 O'clock A. M.
His Excellency Abner Nash, Governor, Newbern.
SIR :
The Enemy have retreated as far as the Waxhaws, & have shown a Disposition for crossing Catawba ever since they left Charlotte on the Evening of the 12th Inst. Desertion prevails among their Militia, & some few have come over to us from the Legion. The disaffected Inhabitants in the Rear of the Enemy discover great inclination to fall back under our protection & government. Application had been made for this purpose before they knew of the evacuation of Charlotte. Many of those deluded people wish for an overture of grace, & perhaps it may be for the general good to indulge them with it. As the matter appears important, I shall be happy in receiving Directions from your Excellency in the Case. As something immediate seemed neces- sary, the Inclosed will show what Measures I have adopted in the meau Time.
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STATE RECORDS.
The British are about 20 miles in my Front. Generals Small- wood & Morgan I expect in to Day.
I am respectfully, Sir,
Your most obedt. & most Humble Servt.,
WM. DAVIDSON. 3 o'clock P. M.
By Major Dickens, just from the Enemy's Lines, we find that their troops have all crossed the Catawba at Lands Ford, 44 Miles above Camden. As the British were superior in Horse, our Cavalry were some days since drawn off from the persuit.
GEN. THOS. BENBURY TO GOV. ABNER NASH.
EDENTON, 22nd Oct., 1780.
To His Excellency Abner Nash, Newbern.
STR :
I have this moment received information that the Enemy are landing forces at Kemp's Landing in Virginia. I have, in conse- quence of this information, sent an Express in order to learn their movements. I have also dispatched letters to the different Colos. in my district, requiring them to have their regiments equipped in the best manner they can, and to hold themselves in readiness to march on the shortest notice. I have likewise wrote to Col. Long for one thousand stand of arms, if to be spared, we not having one Hundred good Muskets in the district. I hope all this will meet your Excellency's approbation, and that you will direct how I am further to proceed. My information says there are sixty Sail of Vessels, but the number of troops not known.
I am to inform your Excellency that last Monday two large Gallies with sliding Gunter mast, with, as was judged, about 60 men in each, came over Roanoke Bar and went through the marshes. On receiving this information the Town of Edenton sent out a Boat to reconnoitre, which is not yet returned. The town have been under an alarm ever since this information came up. We this Moment learn that fireing was heard last night the occasion of which we know not, but conjecture it to be some of the homeward bound Vessels who have fallen in with these
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Gallies. I shall keep your Excellency informed from time to time of what happens in this quarter.
I have the Honor to be, Sir,
Your most obedt. & very humble Servt.,
THOS. BENBURY, B. G. P. I
ROB. SMITH TO GOV. ABNER NASH.
EDENTON, 23rd Oct., 1780.
His Excellency Abner Nash, Esqr., Newbern.
SIR :
Captain Bogg, who came in here early in Augt., with a Flag from Bermuda, and was admitted, sent his Flag to your Excel- lency to Newbern, but it arrived after you left it, and it fell into the hands of Col. Leech. Your Excellency permitted Mrs. Brimage to go to her husband ; to bring her was the chief Business this Flag was sent on, and she has been now some considerable time with her Family ready and waiting, and the vessel lays at a con- siderable expence. All these considerations induce me to take the liberty to request your Excellency to send by return of the Bearer, Capt. Hall, the Flag, or in case it should be mislaid, snch Certifi- cate or other Instrument of writing as may by your Excellency be thought sufficient for Captain Bogg to proceed safely to Bermuda with. I beg your pardon for this intrusion.
Having the Honour to be, Your Excellency's
Most Obedt. and very Humble Servt., ROB. SMITH.
P. S. The two last Gallies came over Roanoke Bar turn out to be from Philadelphia, bound on a cruize off Castle Bar, & are gone through the sound. R. S.
ROB. SMITH TO GOV. ABNER NASH.
EDENTON, 24th Oct., 1780.
To His Excellency Abner Nash, Governor, Newbern. DEAR SIR :
I have certain intelligence from Virginia that last Sunday even 15-9
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STATE RECORDS.
ing the Enemy landed at Portsmouth to the amount of one Thou- sand men & upwards. They came in sixty Sail of Vessels. It seems their intention is to march through this State to form a june- tion with Lord Cornwallis. They sent in two hundred men into Princess Ann County, and plundered it totally and drove in the Cat- tle. They took Mr. Thorrowgood & Mr. Wake, with several other valnable citizens, and carried them on Board the Fleet, to send them, as is supposed, to some other Country to be tried. Genl. Nelson was down at the time they came in, and used all the endeavours he could with the Militia, offering to head them him- self if they would turn ont, but he met with so little encouragement he had come up to Suffolk yesterday & on his way to Richmond to hasten down some Regular Troops that are there, but I am afraid they will come too late ; I faney Benbury has ordered the Militia of the district to assemble, but they want arms, and their move- ments are so slow, officers & men, that my hopes from them, I must confess, is not the most sanguine, and as this place is said to be one of their objects, I fear they will but too cheaply obtain it. We are preparing to make the best opposition we can, but, God knows, unaided, unsupported, thesmall number of Inhabitan .s of this Town cannot carry their opposition far.
I have sent an Express to the Great Bridge to see if that post is still in our possession. Should that be the case, we could, I think, maintain it against all the force they have yet landed. I fancy the Genl. will write yon and erave hard for Council, Aid & assist- ance ; but as I was not certain of it I took the liberty to write yon this line, thinking your Excellency would be anxious to know how matters stood this way.
The last account I had from the Great Bridge it was in our pos- session ; we had several pieces of Artillery mounted there, and a small Garrison Collected from the different Counties round it. It's a very tenable and very important Post.
I have the Honour to be, with much respect,
Your Excellency's most obedt. H. Servt.,
ROB. SMITH.
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STATE RECORDS.
GEN. R. CASWELL TO GOV. ABNER NASH.
NEWBERN, Oct. 26, 1780.
SIR :
The General Assembly in May last did me the Honor of appoint- ing me to the Command of the Militia then ordered into service ; they also thought proper to appoint me one of the Board of Com- missioners for Carrying on Trade for the benefit of the State. In their late Session they were pleased to Dismiss me from the Com- mand of the Militia, And 'tis probable they would also have Dis- missed me from the Board of Trade had it occurred to them that I had been appointed a Member. As it is not in my inclination to give that Body displeasure, and as I have not received any money from the Public on that Account, or entered on the Business other- wise than by Barely Qualifying, I flatter myself your Excellency will be pleased to accept my resignation of the appointment of Commissioner of the Board of Trade, and consider this as my resignation accordingly.
I have the Honor to be,
With great respect, Sir, Your Excellency's Most obedient & very Humble Servant, R. CASWELL.
WASHINGTON'S GENERAL ORDER.
HEADQUARTERS, TOTOWAY, October 27, 1780.
The General has the pleasure to congratulate the armny on an important advantage lately gained in North Carolina over a corps of fourteen hundred men, British troops and new levies, com- manded by Col. Ferguson.
The militia of the neighboring Country, under Cols. Williams, Shelby and others, having assembled to the number of about three thousand men, a detachment of about sixteen hundred was sent on horseback to fall in with Ferguson's party on its march to Charlotte. They came up with the enemy at a place
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called King's Mountain, advantageously posted, and gave him a total defeat, in which Col. Ferguson and a hundred and fifty of his men were killed, eight hundred made prisoners, and fifteen hundred stand of arms taken. On our part, the loss was incon- siderable. We have only to regret that the brave Col. Williams is mortally wounded.
These advantages will, in all probability, have a very happy influence on operations in that quarter, and are a proof of the spirit and resources of the country.
THE BATTLE OF KING'S MOUNTAIN-A FRAGMENT.
By Col. Arthur Campbell.
Soon after the defeat of the American Army under Gen. Gates, the British Commander in South Carolina made arrangements to invade North Carolina and Virginia. With this view he organ- ized a corps of the upland Tories, mostly riflemen, and attached to them two companies of his regular troops. giving the com- mand of the whole to Maj. Patrick Ferguson of the Seventy-first regiment. an intelligent officer, and well calculated for a separate command. The corps on the first outset amounted to two thou- sand men. Orders were also sent to the British Indian agents to excite the Indians to invade the American settlements west of the mountains, and if practicable to proceed as far as Chiswell's Lead Mines and destroy the works and stores at that place. The main body, commanded by Cornwallis in person, was to move along the central road, by way of Salisbury, and form a junction with Ferguson before he entered Virginia. Ferguson's detachment began the operation by marching towards the mount- ains, and on his way met with a small regiment of North Caro- lina militia, commanded by Charles and Joseph McDowell. They were attacked and soon dispersed, but the Col. and Maj., with a part of the men, chose, rather than submit, to pass over the Appalachian mountains and take refuge among their Whig Breth- ren on the western waters. They arrived in the settlement on Watauga River, withont their families, to the number of about one hundred and fifty men. Their tale was a dolefnl one, tending
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to excite the resentment of the western militia, who of late had become inured to danger by fighting the Indians, and who had an utter detestation of the tyranny of the British Government.
At this period, early in September, the County Lieutenant of Washington was in Richmond. There he had an interview with the Governor of Virginia, who detailed the circumstances of Gen. Gates' defeat, the measures about to be taken to retrieve the late misfortune and to expel the enemy from our country, and that vigorous resistance every where would soon put an end to the war. On the return of the County Lieutenant, Col. Isaac Shelby, of North Carolina, sent to him a trusty mes enger to inform him of the progress of Ferguson and the retreat of McDowell's corps, and also to enquire whether it would be prudent to make an effort to enable the exiles to recross the mountains and return to their own homes. Mr. Adair, the messenger, was told the Governor's sentiments on the subject of Gates' defeat, and the efforts that would soon be made by order of Congress to check the progress of the enemy ; and he was also assured that if the Western Coun- ties of North Carolina would raise a force to join Col. McDowell's men that the officers of Washington County would co-operate to aid their friends to return home.
A consultation was soon had with the field officers, and a reso- Intion agreed on, to order half the militia of Washington County into actual service, under the command of Col. William Canip- bell. All ranks seemed animated with the same spirit, and the quota was raised and equipped in a few days.
An Express was sent to Col. Cleveland, of Wilkes County, North Carolina, to let him know what was going on, and to march all the men he could raise, to rendezvous at an appointed place on the east side of the mountains. Cols. Shelby and Sevier acted their part, with like promptitude, in the western counties of North Carolina, and the whole met at Col. McDowell's encampment on Watanga.
On the twenty eighth (twenty sixth) of September our little army took up its line of march, and the third day in the evening reached the other side, without any opposition from the enemy. Two days afterwards Col. Cleveland joined his corps to the main body, and the day afterwards Col. Williams, with three companies of volunteers from South Carolina.
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A council of officers was held, and it was agreed that Col. Will- iam Campbell, of Virginia, should take command of the whole and pursne the enemy. Col. Ferguson, after dispersing such parties of the North Carolina militia as were embodied, followed Col. McDowell's men as far as the foot of the great mountains, and after taking some prisoners, and collecting a drove of beeves, he made a hasty retreat to King's Mountain, in order to be nearer the main army, and on account of the strong encampment that might be formed on the top of it. Our newly elected commander reviewed his men, and selected all that were fit for service of the mounted infantry, and ordered the footmen to follow as they might be able to hold ont.
Those who have been familiar with the principal officers who fought on King's Mountain, and those who fought at Cowpens, will readily pronounce that the latter was a mere skirmish com- pared with the ardnons affair on King's Mountain. There our heroes had to act as a forlorn hope, storm the enemy's camp, defend- ed by superior numbers and disciplined troops. The Virginia Regiment alone had more killed than the whole of Gen. Morgan's corps. This proves where the hard fighting was, more than the pompous tale of a partial historian. It was Ferguson's defeat that was the first link in a grand chain of eanses which finally drew down rnin on the British interest in the Southern States, and finally terminated the war of the Revolution.
It has been remarked why so small a number of the Americans were killed at King's Mountain, compared with the loss of the enemy. Our officers accounted for it in this way : The Tories ocenpied much the least space of ground, and of course were more thickly planted than the extended circle of Americans around them, so that the fire of our men seldom failed doing execution ; besides, when the Virginia regiment reached the summit of the hill, the enemy was crowded, making their retreat to the other end, withont returning a shot ; and when they were driven into a linddle by meeting the fire of Col. Williams' division, they received a heavy fire before our troops could be notified of the surrender.
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AN ACCOUNT OF THE MARCH AND BATTLE OF KING'S MOUNTAIN.
(By an unknown member of Campbell's regiment.)
On hearing of a large body of British and Tories assembled in North Carolina, under the command of Col. Ferguson, and threat- ening to visit Holston river, on the 22d September, 1780, two hundred and fifty of the militia of Washington County, Virginia, were ordered ont under the command of Col. William Campbell, and rendezvouzed on Watauga, where they were joined by three hundred and fifty men from the western part of North Carolina, under the command of Col. Sevier and Col Isaac Shelby, together with a party of one hundred and fifty men, under the command of Col. Charles McDowell, who had been driven over the mount- ains by Col. Ferguson. While we were . yet at the place of ren- dezvous, Col. Arthur Campbell, believing that there was not a suf- ficient force to successfully engage with the enemy, ordered out and came on with two hundred more of the Washington militia, and joined us at Watauga. Col. Arthur Campbell returned home to take care of the frontiers, which were left bare of men, & were in danger of being attacked by the Indians, who were near neigh- bors. A council was held to select a commander, and it was unani- mously given to Col. William Campbell. We began our march from Watauga on the 27th of September, with nine hundred and fifty men. With a very bad road, we were four days in passing the mountains, when we arrived at the settlements of North Caro- lina ; and the next day we were joined by Col. Cleveland, from Wilkes County, and Major Winston, from Surry, with four hun- dred men. From there we proceeded on, living mostly on parched corn. We left four hundred footmen behind, not being able to keep up with the horse, and the fifth (sixth) of October joined Col. Williams, and some Georgia troops, being about three hun- dred and fifty. From Col. Williams' camp we set out about dark, and traveled all that night, expecting to attack the enemy at day break, but Col. Ferguson, sometime before hearing of our coming, retreated and took an advantageous position at a place ealled King's Mountain, where the enemy thought they were safely posted, and sent to Cornwallis for a re-inforcement. But Co !. Campbell proceeded so precipitately on his march that we came on
..
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them with surprise, on the 7th of October, the sun being about an hour & half high.
Col. Campbell ordered Col. Williams and Col. Cleveland to the left and Col. Shelby for a reserve, and attacked on the right himself, making the first onset, but the action soon became general, Col. Williams and Col. Cleveland acting with great bravery on the left. Col. Ferguson ordered a charge to be made on the Virginia regiment, which forced some of them to retreat a short distance, but they were rallied again, and the enemy fell so fast they were obliged to retire to the top of the mountain. Col. Shelby with the reserve came up, and in about half an hour the enemy was surrounded. Too much cannot be said in praise of our brave commander, who exerted himself animating the men to victory. We advanced on the enemy and broke their lines, but they were rallied three times by Col. Ferguson, but to no effect, our men pressing so close on them on every side ; at length that active British officer, losing all hopes of victory, thought with some others to break through our lines and. get off, but fell in the attempt, Col. Ferguson having two balls through his body and one through his head. The enemy then soon surrendered. The action lasted an hour and five minutes. The enemy had about two hundred and thirty dead on the ground and a number wounded. We lost some brave officers, and about thirty-five lay dead on the ground. The enemy mostly overshot us as we marched up the mountain. It was dark again we got the prisoners under guard. Cornwallis had sent Tarleton with four hundred dragoons to re-inforce Col. Ferguson, but hearing of his retreat returned.
COL. ALEX. MARTIN TO GOV. ABNER NASH.
His Excellency Gov. Nash, Newbern.
WAR OFFICE, HILLSBOROUGH, Oct. 27th, 1780.
SIR :
By the accounts received from Virginia, with which you must be acquainted before this, it seems that the Enemy mean to manoeuvre in that quarter again. From the number of only twenty-five, or even Sixty Transports, as mentioned by Col. Ben- bury, their intentions must be to procure Provisions, of which
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they stand in great need. The Governor of Virginia mentions to Genl. Gates Five Thousand, but this he is not certain of. How- ever, should they be serious to invade Virginia in foree, this State must endeavour to render such Assistance to her as can be obtained at present to prevent an invasion from thence ; And for this purpose the Board beg leave to recommend to your Excel- lency that the Drafts from Newbern and Edenton be employed against the Enemy in Virginia. Should they continue any Time, and additional Aid be requisite, Halifax, Newbern and Edenton must furnish them, as the upper Districts, with Wilmington, have their Hands full at present with the Western Enemy.
Our affairs still ware a good appearance with Lord Cornwallis. Nothing Material from Genl. Smallwood since our last.
I have the Honour to be, By order, with great Respect, Your Excellency's most humble Servt., ALEX. MARTIN, Pres't.
GEN. THOMAS BENBURY TO GOV. ABNER NASH.
EDENTON, 30th Oct., 1780.
SIR :
I have this moment, by the return of one of my Expresses, rec'd a Letter from Colo. Senf, Copy which take the liberty to inclose. You will see by that letter we are in a fair way to be overrun by the Enemy. This morning I was informed by express that 300 last evening of the Enemy had marched for South quay, and that one thousand were under march for this place from Suffolk. We have made a stand at Norfleet's Mill, about 35 miles from this place, with the few Militia that will turn out, but I am sorry to say I never saw or expected to see men so backward ; they seem ready- made slaves. The town turn out pretty well, but they are worn out ; they expect all to be ruined. I left Camp this morning, and am this moment to set out on my return. For Godsake, for the sake of that Liberty we are contending for, give us every aid you can.
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