USA > North Carolina > The state records of North Carolina, Vol XV > Part 14
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JOHN BROWN. ALEX MITCHELL. JOHN JOHNSON. JOHN MACKENZIE. JAMES PROVAND.
Newbern, November 10th, 1780.
COL. ALEX. MARTIN TO GOV. ABNER NASH.
WAR OFFICE, HILLSBOROUGH, Nov. 10th, 1780.
SIR :
By the last accounts from the Western Army Lord Cornwallis is between the Wateree and Congaree Rivers, opposite to Rockey Mount, collecting the provisions in that Quarter. Others say he hath divided his Army into two Columns, and hath marched one to Ninety-Six, and the other towards Charles Town ; However, from Genl. Harrington's Letter inclosed, they are fortifying at Camden, from whence you can draw your own conclusion.
151
STATE RECORDS.
Genl. Smallwood is about 15 miles below Charlotte, waiting for a Reinforcement of the Regulars who marched from this place the 2nd of this Instant to the amount of 1,000 Men, consisting of the Maryland, Delaware and Buford's Virginia Corps. Genl. Gates set off with 130 Continental Horse last Monday after them. Genl. Stevens is here with about 500 naked Virginians, without arms and every other necessary, but we hear they have some arms at Roanoke, which, when they arrive, they will march as they are to the Westward.
We expect here every day the arrival of Genl. Greene, who is to supercede Genl. Gates, as by the last advice received from our Delegates in Congress.
Your Excellency will find by the Letters of Genls. Butler and Harrington, herewith sent you, the necessity of immediate Drafts to supply the place of those Militia whose Times will expire accord- ing to their Returns. Major O'Neal, the Bearer of this, will attend your Excellency for such orders you will please to send to Hillsborough & Salisbury Districts on this particular. We think Rowan and Mecklenburg ought to be spared as much as possible, as the whole of their Militia have been on constant Duty. We have no certain accounts of the movement of the British in Vir- ginia. Should they continue there any Time we cannot expect much assistance from the Newbern and Edenton Districts, of which your Excellency will be the judge. We are well acquainted by this time with the Difficulties attending the collection of the spe- eifie Tax, which comes in very slow ; by impressment and some pur- chases the army have hitherto been maintained. Gen. Gates hath expected that this State should wholly support the Army as to provisions, but this we have undeceived him in. His Contractors, however, on Continental Credit have been very busy in procuring Cattle in different parts. We wish to appoint a Commissary General to collect and forward to the different ports the provisions from different parts of the State, could we find a proper person, Persons are wanted in the meantime to superintend the Counties of the Distriets of Newbern and Edenton in collecting to some Magazine their supplies.
Genl. Smallwood hath urged the Expediency of issuing a proc- lamation of pardon to the Tories at this juncture, who from their treatment from the British Daily distress him by surrendering
152
STATE RECORDS.
themselves, and he believes would generally come in with any encouragement. As this concerns the civil Government of North and South Carolina, we wish your Excellency would consult your Council, as also Gov. Rutledge, as to the propriety of such a Measme, which we confess is somewhat Delicate at this time. Should you think it proper we beg leave to recommend that you preclude all persons in alliance with this state who have borne Commissions in the British Service.
The Commissioners of Trade are wrote to respecting the public Salt, part of which we wish to have conveyed up the Country, to Johnson Court House, to Halifax, &c., with the utmost Dispatch.
A number of Letters are here from different parts to Gov. Rutledge, particularly from Congress, but we know not where to direct them ; one packet with money we have sent to Mr. Hooper in Wilmington, agreeable to his Directions and the Express received no Accounts of him there.
Pray is it your Excellency's pleasure to fill up the vacancies in the Board of War ? We propose to rise and proceed to the west- ward shortly, if agreeable to you ; our presence is absolutely neces- sary there. Col. Henderson we think will be a proper person to be added to us. should it be your Excellency's pleasure, and any other person you will please to appoint.
Doct. Burke is waiting to hear from the Commissioners of Trade before he can go to Congress.
You have a number of Letters from Congress and elsewhere inclosed.
I have the honour to be, With the highest esteem and respect. By Order, Your Excellency's, most obedt. servt., ALEX. MARTIN.
His Excellency Governor Nash.
COL. NICHOLAS LONG TO GOV. ABNER NASH.
HALIFAX, November 10th, 1780.
SIR :
Yours of the 5th Instant. I received, covering a Letter for the Governor of Virginia, which, after sealing, I sent on immediately.
I observe that you request that Capt. Jones be paroled to New-
153
STATE RECORDS.
bern. Most of The Gents in these parts think it not so expedient at this juncture of time to send him. And indeed I am so mueh put to it for Horses & Carriages for the Militia that now are about to march that puts it out of my power to provide such a carriage for him and his baggage. I intended to have kept it a secret, but he got a Letter from Capt. Van Ross by the same hand I received yours, which discovered the whole affair ; therefore I hope you will excuse me for not complying with your request at present. And by the return of this Express I hope you'll give me further Instructions respecting him.
General Eaton seems to be at a loss what to do with his Mili- tia, as they meet next Monday week at this place. He informs me he has no Instructions from you concerning them.
I am, Sir, Your most obedt. & Humble Servt., NICHOLAS LONG, P. Q. M.
HON. WILLIE JONES TO COL. WALKER.
[Continental Congress, Chap. A, No. 78, Vol. 13, Page 21.] HALIFAX, November 12th, 1776. DR. SIR :
I send you herewith some papers from Mr. Galphin, relative to Indian affairs. It appears from them that he has much Difficulty to keep the Creeks quiet hitherto, and it still remains a doubt whether his labours will not prove fruitless at last. Should the Virginians meet with suceess against the Overhill Cherokees, it may possibly have a proper Effect on the Creeks.
Mr. Galphin seems to think it necessary to hold another Con- gress with these last in the Spring. This might answer very well, if a supply of goods, sufficient for presents, could be obtained. You will be pleased to forward Mr. Galphiu's letter to Congress, that they may see his Sentiments on the Subject.
I believe I will resign as Commissioner for Indian Affairs, as I. have recollected a man who lives two hundred miles nearer to the Seat of Business than I do, who is very well qualified for that purpose.
I am, Dr. Sir, Your most obedt.& very hum. Sr.,
WILLIE JONES.
[Endorsed] Letter from Mr. W. Jones to Col. Walker
154
STATE RECORDS.
PRESDT. SAMUEL HUNTINGTON TO GOV. ABNER NASH.
(Circular.)
PHILADELPHIA, November 13th, 1780.
SIR :
Congress having received Information from the Honourable the Minister of France, of Inconveniences & Injuries received by our Allies, Resulting from the Abuse the British make of Clearances & Papers they take in American Prizes by personating the officers . and Commanders named in such Papers, being fully acquainted with the language & Manners of our Officers & Seamen, &c.
In compliance with the request of The Minister of France, Con- gress have adopted the enclosed resolution, in order to detect such Abuses in future, and I am to request the Attention of your Excel- lency to the necessary Measures for carrying the same into effect- nal Execution.
I have the Honor to be, With the highest respect,
Your Excellency's Most obedient Servant, SAM HUNTINGTON, President.
PETITION OF JOHN BROWN AND OTHERS TO GOV. ABNER NASH.
To His Excellency Abner Nash, Esquire, Captain General, Gov- ernor & Commander-in-Chief of the State of North Carolina, The Petition of the Subscribers Humbly Represents,
That your Petitioners are informed that a Flag will proceed from this to Charles Town in a few days, in which your Petition- ers had Expectation to be sent in Exchange for an equal Number of Citizens of the United States, or to return again in case snch . an Exchange could not be effected. But as your Petitioners have not been informed of the determination of the Governor and Conn- cil on their former Petition, they are fearful the Prayer was not granted.
Your Petitioners therefore most humbly pray, & they ask as a matter of favour from your Excellency, that in case they cannot be proposed for an exchange by the present Flag now intended
155
STATE RECORDS.
for the Southward, that they may be indulged to remain on Pa- role in the Town of New Bern, where they have contracted a small acquaintance, & where their Life in all probability will be most agreeable to them.
JOHN BROWN. JAMES PROVAND. ALEX. MITCHELL. JOHN JOHNSON.
New Bern, Novem. 20th, 1780.
WILL. DRY TO GOV. ABNER NASH.
BLUE BANKS, November 21st, 1780.
To His Excellency, Abner Nash, Esq.
DEAR SIR :
Pardon me for taking the liberty of recommending to you the Bearer hereof, Mr. William Gibbs, the Treasurer of the Loan office of South Carolina ; he has been here for some time with the Loan Office Certificates. He has heard that there is a Flag going from New Bern to Charles Town, and is very desirous of going in her to see his Family.
Mrs. Dry joins me in our best Compliments to your good Lady & the Young Family.
I am, with the greatest Sincerity, Dr. Sir,
Your Excelleney's Most obedt. Hum. Servt., WILL. DRY.
GEN. H. W. HARRINGTON TO GOV. ABNER NASH.
To His Excellency Governor Nash, Newbern.
CHERAW'S CAMP, 22nd Nov., 1780.
SIR :
I beg leave to mention a word in favour of Mr. Jn. Wilson, of George Town, One of Twenty-four Prisoners now sent from my Camp to Newbern. Mr. Wilson was taken near that Town the
156
STATE RECORDS.
15th Inst. by the active Col. Rowan as he was going to Mrs. Hen- lock's Plantation for the express purpose of relieving the exceed- ingly distressed Mrs. Huger and Family. He was high in the esteem of this Lady's worthy Husband, the late Major Ben. Huger, and used to be well attached to the American Canse. I have reason to believe that Mr. Wilson's sentiments in that regard are not altered, and that it is entirely owing to an accident that he is sup- posed to have a Commission in the King's service. He has not been under any confinement on his way here, and the delivery of this Letter to your Excellency will be a convincing proof of his being a man of honour, for he goes with, and not in charge of, a guard I shall be obliged to your Excellency to admit Mr. Wilson to his Parole in Newbern till such time his Excellency Gov. Rut- lege shall be pleased either to release him or to Determine other- wise.
I have the hononr to be,
Your Excellency's most Humble and most obedt. Servt., H. W. HARRINGTON.
GEN. ISAAC GREGORY TO GOV. ABNER NASH.
CAMP NORTH WEST RIVER BRIDGE, - 24th November, 1780.
DEAR SIR :
I received your favour by Capt. Hervey, and was very glad to hear the Gentleman was so ready to turn ont. At the time I wrote your Excellency I believed the situation of this part of the State was in a bad way, as the Enemy seemed determined to force our premature pass. Since that they have left the post that we are in possession of, and have embarked on board their vessels, and on the 23rd this Inst. they left the bay. It is believed they intend for the Southward, but for the Certainty I am not able to say. Under these Circumstances I have Discharged the Troops that were here, and have wrote to General Eaton on the same subject. . It is certain they intend to make their winter Campain at Portsmouth, as they had throwed up very good works there. It was a very great affront to tell them that Cornwallis was obliged to Retreat. They Expected to join him at Richmond, in
157
STATE RECORDS. .
Virginia, in about ten days from their first landing. A vessel from South Carolina gave them the first alarm. I have done the best I could to get all the Intelligence and strength of the Enemy at this place. Inelosed you will see a list of their strength, from the best anthority I could procure, as I have had proper parties out for five days in Norfolk County & Prince Ann. I have noth- ing more to inform yr. Excellency at present.
I have the Honour to be Yr. Excellency's most obedt. Servt., ISAAC GREGORY.
RETURN OF BRITISH FORCES AT PORTSMOUTH.
The strength of the British forces & Navy when at Portsmouth, Virginia :
Grenadiers & Light Infantry guards
400
Battn. of Hessians.
260
Detachment of Highlanders.
300
Queen's Rangers to be Mounted
100
Eighty second Regt 360
Six Companies Light Infantry
240
Eighty fourth Regt
300
Remains of the 17th Regt., the bal. being taken ont at Stony Point 120
A Company of Yagers. 50
Total 2,130
Royal Provincials Commanded by Colo. Fanning 300
2,430
NAVY.
Romulus 44 Guns Com'd Gaton.
Blonde 32
Capt. Berkley.
Iris 32 Do Dawson Express from Charlestown.
Arbuthnot 20 " Do Mr. Pherson belong to Goodrich.
Delight 16 « 66 Capt. Ingles' Sloop of war.
Halifax 16 « 66 Capt. Brown "
158
STATE RECORDS.
Otter 16 "
Capt. Creek
Apollo 10 . 66 King's Schooner.
Two Gallies
The best information I could Collect.
Head Quarters N. W. R. Bridge, Nov. 23, 1780.
PETITION OF ISRAEL BOURDEAUX TO GOV. NASH.
To His Excellency Abner Nash, Esquire, Governor & Commander- in-Chief of the State of North Carolina.
The Petition of Israel Bourdeaux, a Citizen of the Independ- ent States of America, and late an Inhabitant of the State of South Carolina :
HUMBLY SHEWETH,
That your Petitioner hath a number of Brothers, Natives of Sonth Carolina & faithful Subjects of the United States, who have, from the First Commencement of the War between Great Britain & America to its present Stage, uni formly and invariably manifested the Firmest Attachment to the Interest and Liberties of America by standing forth in the defence thereof whenever they were invaded by the Common Enemy ; that in Consequence of this laudable and unchangable Disposi- tion, and their last Effort against the Hand of Tyranny, produced by a genuine Sense of their Duty to their Country, and the purest Inclination to support her Canse, they have made a complete Sac- rifice of property, and two of them have unfortunately fallen and are now in the power & Hands of the Enemy, experiencing every Species of Hardship & Mortification that the Cruelty & Malice of the Enemy can possibly invent & exercise; that one of these two of your Petitioner's Brothers has a Family and a numerous Train of Dependents, who have none else to look up to for Support, which, from his unhappy Situation, he is at this time unable to afford : that he, having his whole property in Trade, his Vessels in port & his Effects removed a little Distance into the Country when Charles Town was invaded by the Enemy, lost the whole at its surrender except his Household Furniture, which remained in
159
STATE RECORDS.
the Town, but which by a proclamation of the British Com- mander he is prevented disposing of, even for the purpose of Subsistence ; that by these Means his situation is peculiarly hard & distressing ; that the Truth of these particulars can be averred by several Persons now in Newbern ; that your Petitioner hath in his Possession a Letter from his said Brother informing him that he is " without the Means even of Subsistence," and is expressive of a desire of being released from a Situation which is by far more deplorable than the generality of People conceive it to be. Your Petitioner humbly conceives that the virtuous but unfor- tunate Citizens of Charles Town, who are now in the most wretched Captivity, look up to none for Relief and Extrication out of the Difficulties with which they are on all sides encom- passed, and in which they are involved from a steady persever- anee in their Country's Cause, but to Persons in your Excellency's exalted station & Character, and he may with confidence say your Excelleney in particular. Their only Hope is in your Interfer- enee whenever an Opportunity of Exchange occurs
Your Petitioner, therefore, in the most humble & respectful Manner, begs leave earnestly to solieit your Excellency's kind Interposition in behalf of his said Brother, and that your Excel- leney will direct that one of the Prisoners now in Newbern should go with the present Flag for that purpose. And your Petitioner, with the utmost Submission & Deference to your Excellency, fur- ther begs leave to propose Mr. MeKenzie, one of those prisoners, as the most eligible Person ; but if your Excellency should see fit that none of those prisoners should go to Charles Town in order to be Exchanged, then your Petitioner would pray that your Excel- leney will give a Permission for Mr. MeKenzie to go in the Flag and remain in Charles Town on his Parole until he can be exchanged. Your Petitioner begs leave to mention the Reasons which have influenced him to make this last request : The first is, that your Petitioner is acquainted with the Person and Character of Mr. MeKenzie, as well as with his Connections in So. Carolina : that he knows him to be a good disposed and inoffensive young Man, however different he may be from your Petitioner in point of Political Sentiments, and that he firmly believes within him- self that he would not do a thing (was it even in his power) injurious to the Country. The second is that Gratitude will
160
STATE RECORDS.
prompt Mr. Mckenzie to use his own Influence & obtain that of his Friends, in alleviating the Distresses of the Citizens in Charles Town that are prisoners, if it appears that your Petitioner hath been in the least instrumental in procuring him this Indulgence from your Excellency.
Your Petitioner rests in flattering Hopes of having one part or the other of the Prayer of his Petition granted,
And shall, as he is in Duty bound, ever pray, &c.
Newbern, November 25th, 1780.
COUNCIL OF WAR.
[Continental Congress Papers, No. 154, Vol. 2, Page 337.]
At a Council of War held at the Camp at New Providence, in the State of North Carolina, the 25th November, 1780, Consist- ing of
The Commander in Chief.
Major General Smallwood.
Brigadier General Huger.
Brigadier General Morgan.
Brigadier General Davidson.
Colonel Kosciusko, Chief Engineer.
Colonel Buford.
Lt. Colonel Howard.
Lt. Colonel Washington.
The Council being assembled, the Commander in Chief acquain- ted them
That-The want of Provisions and Forage in this Camp- The advanced Season of the Year-The almost total Failure of the Herbage-The entire want of a Magazine of Salted Meat and the Uncertainty of providing it-The increasing Sickness and the unwholesome Situation of the Camp-The want of any proper accommodation for the sick-The want of Hospital Stores and proper Comforts necessary for sick and deceased Soldiers- The probability of a Reinforcement being sent from the Enemy at New York-The Invasion of Virginia, and the apparent Pros- pect of Sir Harry Clinton's supporting that Invasion and Com- manding a Co-operation with Lord Cornwallis-The State and
161
STATE RECORDS.
Strength of this army compared with that of the Enemy, and the Expectancy of Reinforcements coming to our Army, are the motives which induced him to assemble the Council of War and to request their Opinion of the Movements and the Position the Army ought to take in the present circumstances.
The Council having fully deliberated upon the matter before them-And the question being put, What Position the Troops ought to take ! Whether at or near Charlotte, or at the Waxhaws, or in that Neighborhood, The Junior Member, Lieut. Colonel Washington, gave it as his Opinion-That at or near Charlotte should be the present Position of the Army, to which every other member of the Council assented but General Smallwood, who was for the Army's moving to the Waxhawe, taking post there for three weeks, and then returning to Charlotte.
Sign'd HORATIO GATES. W. SMALLWOOD. ISAAC HUGER. DANIEL MORGAN. WM. DAVIDSON. THAD. KOŚCIUSZKO. N. BUFORD. J. E. HOWARD. WM. WASHINGTON.
True Copy. Chrisr. Richmond, Secy. to Genl. Gates.
15-11
A Field Return of the Southern Army Under Command of Major General Gates, Camp New Providence, North Carolina, 25th November, 1780.
FIELD |COMMISSION'D.
STAFF OFFICERS.
NON COM'D R. AND F. FIT FOR DUTY.
BRIGADES.
.
Colonels.
Lt. Colonels.
Majors.
Captains.
Capt. Lieutenants,
Lieutenants.
Ensigns.
Adjutants.
Pay Masters.
Qr. Masters.
Surgeons.
Mates.
Sergt. Majors.
Q. M. Sergeants.
Drum Majors.
Fife Majors.
Sergeants.
Drum's & Fifers.
R'k & File for Duty
Sick Present.
Sick Absent.
On Command.
On Extra Service.
On Furlough.
Total Rank & File.
Continental Brigade
1
3
10
9
6
3
1
10
1
1
3
3
2
46
41
609
38 198
68 131
9 1053
General Morgan's Brigade.
1
4
9
00
2
20
20
37
4
358
31
4
6
5
404
Gen'l Davidson's Brigade, Militia
3
3
20
16
19
4
5
1
3
4
55
3
737
75
85
155
95
1147
Grand Total ..
1 1 4 7 A
34
34
33
9
1
9
3
1
6
9
3
20
138
48
1704 144
287
229
131
109
2604
N. B. Colo. Peaseley's Regiment of Militia, Consisting of four Captains, 5 Subalterns, 8 Sergeants and two hundred Privates, will be Discharged by the 27th Instant, and the Term of Service of the Militia in General will Expire by the 5th of December next. JOHN DAVIDSON, B. M.
162
STATE RECORDS.
1
1
66
....
....
20
163
STATE RECORDS.
OFFICIAL REPORT, BATTLE OF KING'S MOUNTAIN.
[From the Virginia Gazette, November 18th, and Massachusetts Spy, November 30th, 1780.]
A state of the proceedings of the Western Army, from the 25th of September, 1780, to the reduction of Major Ferguson and the army under his command.
On receiving intelligence that Maj. Ferguson had advanced as high up as Gilbert Town, in Rutherford County, and threatened to cross the mountains to the western waters, Col. William Campbell, with four hundred men from Washington County, Vir- ginia, Col. Isaae Shelby, with two hundred and forty from Sulli- van County of North Carolina, and Lient. Col. John Sevier, with two hundred and forty men of Washington County, assembled at Watauga, on the 25th of September, where they were joined by Col. Charles McDowell, with one hundred and sixty men from the Counties of Burke and Rutherford, who had fled before the enemy to the western waters.
We began our march. on the 26th, and on the 30th we were joined by Col. Cleveland, on the Catawba River, with three hun- dred and fifty men from the Counties of Wilkes and Surry. No one officer having properly a right to command in chief, on the 1st of October we dispatched an express to Maj. Gen. Gates, informing him of our situation, and requesting him to send a gen- eral officer to take the command of the whole. In the meantime Col. Campbell was chosen to act as commandant till sneh general officer should arive. We marched to the Cowpens, on Broad River in South Carolna, where we were joined by Col. James Williams, with four hundred men, on the evening of the 6th of October, who informed us that the enemy lay encamped some- where near the Cherokee Ford of Broad River, about thirty miles distant from us.
By a council of the principal officers, it was then thought advisable to pursue the enemy that night with nine hun- dred of the best horsemen, and leave the weak horsemen and foot-men to follow as fast as possible. We began our march with nine hundred of the best men, about eight O'clock the same even- ing, and marehing all night, came up with the enemy about three
164
STATE RECORDS.
O'clock P. M. of the 7th, who lay encamped on the top of King's Mountain, twelve miles North of the Cherokee Ford, in the confidence that they could not be forced from so advantageons a post. Previous to the attack, on the march, the following dispo- sition was made : Col. Shelby's regiment formed a column in the centre, on the left Col. Campbell's regiment, another on the right, with part of Col. Cleveland's regiment, headed in front by Maj. Winston and Col. Sevier's regiment, formed a large col- umn on the right wing. The other part of Cleveland's regiment, headed by Col. Cleveland himself, and Col. Williams' regiment, composed the left wing. In this order we advanced, and got within a quarter of a mile of the enemy before we were discovered. Col. Shelby's and Col. Campbell's regiments began the attack, and kept up a fire on the enemy, while the right and left wings were advancing to surround them, which was done in about five min- utes, and the fire became general all around. The engagement lasted an hour and five minutes, the greater part of which time a heavy and incessant fire was kept up on both sides. Our men in some parts, where the regulars fought, were obliged to give way a small distance, two or three times, but rallied and returned with additional ardor to the attack. The troops upon the right having gained the summit of the eminence, obliged the enemy to retreat along the top of the ridge to where Col. Cleveland com- manded, and were there stoped by his brave men. A flag was immediately hoisted by Capt. DePeyster, the commanding officer, ( Maj. Ferguson having been killed a little before, ) for a surren- der. Our fire immediately ceased, and the enemy laid down their arms, the greatest part of them charged, and surrendered them- selves to us prisoners at discretion.
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