USA > North Carolina > The state records of North Carolina, Vol XV > Part 27
Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).
Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 | Part 7 | Part 8 | Part 9 | Part 10 | Part 11 | Part 12 | Part 13 | Part 14 | Part 15 | Part 16 | Part 17 | Part 18 | Part 19 | Part 20 | Part 21 | Part 22 | Part 23 | Part 24 | Part 25 | Part 26 | Part 27 | Part 28 | Part 29 | Part 30 | Part 31 | Part 32 | Part 33 | Part 34 | Part 35 | Part 36 | Part 37 | Part 38 | Part 39 | Part 40 | Part 41 | Part 42 | Part 43 | Part 44 | Part 45 | Part 46 | Part 47 | Part 48 | Part 49 | Part 50 | Part 51 | Part 52 | Part 53 | Part 54 | Part 55 | Part 56 | Part 57 | Part 58 | Part 59
I have the honcur to be, Dear Sir,
With the highest sentiments of regard & Esteem, Your most obedient Servant, B. LINCOLN.
314
STATE RECORDS.
PETER MALLETT TO GOV. R. CASWELL.
[From Executive Letter Book.]
CAMPBELTON, 4th January, 1780.
STR :
I have not been honored with a line from your Excellency since my letter by Genl. Butler. On my arrival here I found myself in advance for Col. Lamb's Regiment, and other Troops, passing and repassing, upwards of 14,000. I have therefore desired my Brothers to wait on your Excellency, in order to receive a Warrant for that sum at least. I am also to inform you that there are many demands against Col. Lamb's detachment in the Quarter Master's department and Hospital. I paid up those orders so long as money lasted, and now I find the balance so much in my favor, I have deferred advancing further until I am in Cash, or that I have your approbation. There is now in the Hospital and Town about 40 Continental Men, and there has not been a smaller number since Major Hogg marched ; it is therefore necessary that Bread-kind should be provided for those men at least. The Militia of this County, which are ordered to South Car- olina, are collected, and I have found them provision for their March to Pedee. At the request of Genl. Butler we furnished the Militia at Hillsborough with every thing necessary ; the meat kind went partly from this place, and the bread kind, with some Beef, was drawn from the Continental Stores there. Doctor Ingram, who has attended the sick ever since July last, wishes to know if your Excellency will advance him any money on the strength of his account, which appears to be no small sum, and for many necessaries he is in advance.
I am with due respect, Sir, Your Obt. Servt., PETER MALLETT.
315.
STATE RECORDS.
CHAS. JEWKES TO GOV. CASWELL.
[From Executive Letter Book.]
WILMINGTON, January 5th, 1780.
SIR :
Genl. Lillington shewed me your letter wherein your Excellency requests to know the State of provisions and forage at Wilming- ton, and also to know if any person will supply what Troops. march through Wilmington, which I have undertaken to do, and have laid in provisions and forage sufficient for that purpose, which I shall be much obliged to your Excellency to grant me a War- rant for £6,000, which is about the amount of the provisions left, and send it to Mr. John London, of Wilmington, who manages my business in my absence, who will do every thing that will be- wanting for your service, as I am going out with Genl. Lillington's. Commissary.
I remain, your Excellency's very ob. huml. Serv't,
CHARLES JEWKES. Gov. Caswell.
GENL. ALEX. LILLINGTON TO GOV. CASWELL.
[From Executive Letter Book.]
HEAD QUARTERS, BRUNSWICK, January 5th, 1780.
SIR :
I reed. your Excellency's letter by Col. Lowrey, and am sorry to find our public credit at so low an ebb that you have not been able to borrow money at least sufficient to pay the men their Bounty, as the Men, except what your Excellency paid, have been obliged to march without it, which you are sensible is a real injury to the service. As to the state of provisions and forage at Wil- mington, there has been sufficient issued by Mr. Jewkes for all the men that have come through Wilmington, but am persuaded he must be soon considerable in advance ; therefore must request the favor of your Excellency to grant him a Warrant on the Treas-
316
STATE RECORDS.
ury for what sum he may write you by my Express he may be in want of. He goes out with me my Commissary, but has deputed Mr. John London, who has undertaken the business, to furnish what Troops may March through Wilmington with provisions and forage ; Mr. Jewkes tells me there is plenty on hand ; which is left under the care of Mr. London for that purpose. As to Mr. James Bloodworth's purchases as District Contractor, I know nothing of; he has never rendered me any account, where the pro- visions, if any on hand, were to be had ; therefore, had Mr. Jewkes stopt issuing, the service must have suffered considerably, as not one person this way would have advanced their money on accounts of the public, to have received payment when the Treasury thought proper to take up your Excellency's Warrant for that purpose.
Mr. Tillery, the Quarter Master's, two letters I recd. by Col. Lowrey. I am only waiting here for my baggage wagon. The Troops are now on their March, two days since to the Boundary ; there I have ordered them to halt until I come up with them, when I shall make you a return of their numbers.
I remain, your Excellency's ob. hnml. Serv't, ALEX. LILLINGTON.
GENL. B, LINCOLN TO GOV. CASWELL.
[From Executive Letter Book.]
CHARLES TOWN, January 8th, 1780.
DEAR SIR :
Since I did myself the honor of addressing your Excellency, under the 3d Inst., I have recd. from Col. Mebane, the com- manding Officer of your Troops here, the enclosed list of Deserters.
It is very alarming to observe such want of principle and faith, that neither the one or the other is sufficient to restrain men from such wicked and dangerous practices, and unhappy when deser- tions become so frequent that, to correct the spirit of it, measures must be adopted which our feelings would prompt us, if possible, to avoid. I think if your Inhabitants could be induced to exert themselves in apprehending deserters, and none were suffered to remain in the Country with impunity, it would discourage many
317
STATE RECORDS.
from the attempt, as they could not avail themselves by such con- duct, while others might be deterred from fear of that punishment which such crimes justly deserve. Two Officers are now sent from this place, and orders are given to others to exert themselves in apprehending Deserters. But without the assistance of the civil authorities and the aid and countenance of the Citizens our endeavours will have little effect. I have directed our Officers to wait on your Excellency and request your interposition in these matters. We learn from Savannah by the last accounts that the 60th Regiment is ordered to St. Augustine. I think the move- ment of the Spaniards has alarmed the enemy and called their attention to that place. We have no certain accounts from Pen- sacola or Mobile, but Deserters say that they heard in Georgia these places were taken ; but these are mere reports.
I have the honor to be, Dr. Sir, With the greatest respect, Your Excellency's Mo. ob. Servt., B. LINCOLN. Gov. Caswell.
GENL. ALEX. LILLINGTON TO GOV. R. CASWELL.
[From Executive Letter Book. ]
SOUTH CAROLINA BOUNDARY, January 10th, 1780. Please your Excellency.
SIR :
After many difficulties, I have got what Troops have come up over the line on the 6th Instant, which are on their march for Charles Town. Agreeably to your Excellency's orders I have enclosed a general return of the Men, and shall esteem it a favor done me if your Excellency will at any time be pleased to let me hear from you. You will see, Sir, by the return how backward the Cols. have been in turning ont their Men and providing for them. The Duplin men have at this time neither Cart, pot or any other necessary for marching.
I am, Sir, your Excellency's Mo. ob. Servt., ALEX. LILLINGTON.
Gov. Caswell.
318
STATE RECORDS.
COL. JAMES LONG TO GOV. CASWELL.
[From Executive Letter Book.]
TYRRELL COUNTY, Jany. 17th, 1780.
SIR :
Agreeable to your request I have paid some of the Soldiers their Bounty, and the rest are very uneasy for theirs. The last will not march 'till they get their Bounty and their back rations. I should be very much obliged to your Honor to let me know whether they are entitled to their rations from the day they were ·drafted or not. They would have marched and been over the line, but Col. Spruell told them, as I am informed by the soldiers, if they did they would never get their Bounty nor their rations, which put a stop to their March, and now they won't March till they get their Bounty. I should be very much obliged to your honor to give me an order on Col. Jos. Sprnell, who is Sheriff, for the money to pay their bounty, and the expense of Mr. Blount, as I have hired him to come to your Honor's for the order, as they won't march till they have it. I should have gone to Mr. Skinner's to have seen whether I could get the money of him, but the Sound is frozen over, so that there is no passing across.
From your Mo. ob. & very huml. Servt.,
JAMES LONG, Col. Gov. Caswell ..
N. B. The first, second and third Drafts have not recd. their Bounty. It was owing to my not applying to you for it. J. L.
PRESDT. SAMUEL HUNTINGTON TO GOV. CASWELL.
[From Executive Letter Book.]
PHILADELPHIA, Jany. 18th, 1780.
SIR :
Your Excellency will receive herewith enclosed two Acts of Congress of the 13th and 14th Inst.
The former containing the regulations adopted relating to pris- .oners of War, whether taken by the Continental Troops, or cap-
-
319
STATE RECORDS.
tured by the Arms of any particular State, either by sea or Land. Many difficulties have frequently occurred for want of such a gen- eral regulation, too numerous to be recited. It is proper to observe that the first paragraph of the Act, recommending to the Executive of the several States to transmit with all possible expe- dition to Genl. Washington the name and rank of all officers and the number of privates belonging to the Enemy beld as prisoners of War, in each State, and the place they are at, &c., should be complied with as soon as possible by those States that have any number of prisoners. The other Act, of the 14th inst., recom- mending to the Legislature of the several United State' to make provision, where not already made, for conferring like privileges and immunities on the Subjects of his most Christian Majesty as are granted to the Subjects and inhabitants of these United States by the recited Articles in the treaty of Amity and Commerce, will no doubt be cheerfully complied with by each of the States.
His Most Christian Majesty, as soon as the treaty became known, published an Edict conformable to that Article, exempting the Subjects and Inhabitants of these United States from the Droit d' Anbaine, &c.
I have the honor to be,
With every sentiment of respect, Your Excellency's hnml. Servt., SAML. HUNTINGTON, Presid. Gov. Caswell.
CAPT. ROBERT ELLIS TO GOV. CASWELL.
[From Executive Letter Book.]
WILMINGTON, Jany. 18, 1780.
SIR.
The money being all expended which I recd. to furnish Pro- visions for the use of Fort Johnston, and a further supply being necessary, have sent in a Bond signed by Mr. Toomer and myself, for five thousand pounds currency ; request your Excellency will please to send a warrant for that sum. Mr. Smith, first Lient. at Fort Johnston, has resigned.
I am with, great respect,
Your Excellency's huml. Servt.,
ROBT. ELLIS.
320
STATE RECORDS.
GEN. JETHRO SUMNER TO GOVERNOR CASWELL.
[From Executive Letter Book.]
HALIFAX, January 20th, 1780.
SIR :
I have just recd. Orders from Genl. Lincoln to employ such of the Officers in the Continental Service, now in this State, in apprehending deserters ; this was my instructions to the Colonels of the different Battalions, that such Officers might be diligent in taking deserters, on my arriving from the Southward, but have had very little accounts of their success. The very heavy expense they must be at, and no money lodged for defraying this duty, I am rather apprehensive has in some measure been the cause of the bad success of their.endeavours thus far. I shall (soon after I see you next week) again write the Colonels commandant of each Battalion on this head, and I wish, if it was thought con- sistent, some monies for this service could be ordered in the hands of the Cols. of the Battalions. The officers may be immediately set more steady on this duty.
I am, Sir, your very huml. Servt., JETHRO SUMNER.
GEN. JOHN BUTLER TO GOVERNOR CASWELL.
[From Executive Letter Book.]
January 20th, 1780.
SIR : The Regiment raised in this District for the aid of the Southern States passed the limits of this State on the 24th day of December last. A return thereof I have sent enclosed, together with a general return of the Militia of the District. I have received advice from the Col. that the men, as they have not received their Bounty, are very uneasy, and at sometimes are almost ready to mutiny, insomuch that he has sent back a Captain to receive part of the Bounty, if possible. I have applied to the Sheriff of this County, who informed me that he had just advanced all that he
321
STATE RECORDS.
has collected to your draft for purchasing provisions. Under these circumstances I thought it my duty to inform your Excel- lency how the matter stands. You will see by the return of the Regiment that it comes very short of the numbers drafted, tho' the Captain informs me that he met several small parties on their March out, so that it is probable it will be augmented to near three hundred.
I am your ob. Serv't, JOHN BUTLER.
REV. ADAM BOYD TO GOVERNOR CASWELL.
[From Executive Letter Book. ] WILMINGTON, 21st January, 1780.
STR :
Knowing the distress of the Troops, I have just now made a bargain for four hundred and fifty-seven pair of Shoes, on condi- tion that your Excellency approves of the purchase and will please to give me an order on the sheriff of New Hanover for the amount, to be paid out of the taxes, this order to be sent so as to have the money ready by next Monday week ; and if I cannot comply with these terms, then the bargain is to be void. Both large and small buttons being also very much wanted, as there are none with the clothes, I have agreed on the same conditions for a quantity of them. The price of shoes is £12 the pair, and of but- tons 20 dollars the double dozen (that is one dozen large and one dozen small,) to which is to be added the expense of this Express, perhaps 60 dollars. I must beg leave to assure your Excellency that shoes sell here at 40 or 50 dollars the pair, and buttons of same sort are selling daily at 30 dollars the single dozen, and I fancy such a quantity of either of those articles cannot be con- veniently got in time to supply the troops any where else. I have consulted Col. John B. Ashe, who is the only continental officer here, and he thinks. as I do, that they will be a great relief to the Troops. I must farther observe that I do not mean to make any charge for transacting this business, unless it is my expenses, which cannot be much. Should your Excellency ap- 15-21
322
STATE RECORDS.
prove of it, I hope you will favor me with an order on the sheriff by this Express, who goes in on purpose. The sheriff has promised to get me the money in two or three days after receiving your Ex- cellency's order. Some wagons are returning empty to Halifax, but I shall prevail on Mr. Toomer to detain one of them 'till I can receive your Excellency's answer.
Below is an amount of the whole, for which, if your Excellency thinks proper, I would be glad to receive the order. Had I, or could I command the money, I really would most cheerfully ad- vance it, but few continental Chaplains are so rich.
I have the honor to be, very respectfully, Sir, Your Excellency's very huml. Servt., ADAM BOYD. Gov. Caswell.
P. S. Shoes, £5480; Buttons, £900.
Part or all the Shoes may be got without the Buttons, and the Buttons without the Shoes. Prices of everything here rise daily, from the high prices in So. Carolina, and partly from an idea that at the ensuing Session of Assembly a farther emission of money will be agreed on. There are several other articles in this Town which I know are wanted in the brigade, and which I would pur- chase if I had money, and that may be had by an order on the Sheriff. Col. Ashe offered the owners of the Shoes an order on a man who owed him money, and he to trust to the public for pay ; but the Col's. debtor had a month's credit, and they refused it. I have got a Soldier from Col. Ashe and a public horse from Mr. Toomer, so the expense of this express will be less, I hope, than I mentioned. I have given him for his expenses 40 dollars. I need not again observe that if I cannot pay the money on the last day of this month the owners of the Shoes will look upon themselves disengaged from their Contract.
Your Mo. ob. A. B.
323
STATE RECORDS.
HONS. JOHN PENN, THOS. BURKE AND ALLEN JONES TO GOV. CASWELL.
[From Executive Letter Book. ]
PHILADELPHIA, Jany. 21st, 1780.
SIR : Enclosed is an Extract of Intelligence received through the most Authentic channel, and may be relied on. The peculiar interest which our Country has in some part of it determined us to give the earliest advice in our power to you, her presiding Mag- istrate, relying on your Vigilance for every thing that can possi- bly be done to frustrate the designs of the Enemy. We flatter ourselves that a strict attention even to the most minute move- ments of the disaffected, which we know you will cause to be kept up, will prevent the advantages which they hope for from that ill-judging class of our Citizens and from our Negroes ; and should they attempt to invade or penetrate any part of our Country we have no doubt of hearing that the vigor and valor of our people will be exerted against them with decisive success. But we can- not help wishing that the scene of action may be forever removed from our own State, and that the Enemy may be met in their most distant approach by a force sufficient to give them an Effect- ual Check. Our apprehensions on the Articles of arms made us enquire if any succours of that kind could be sent from this place, but we can derive no hope from the result. Virginia has lately had an acquisition of five thousand stand, and we doubt not she will assist us if we shall be eminently threatened. It would give us great satisfaction to learn that the long-expected supplies of this kind are arrived, for we should have no fears from such a force as the Enemy can employ against our particular state if the Militia were completely armed. The Virginia line, which is on its March to reinforce the Southern Army, will be, we hope. at least time enough to come to the relief of Charlestown should it be invested, at all events to check them in their approach to our Country.
We are well informed that the German Princes have refused Troops to Great Britain, and even permission to recruit in their
324
STATE RECORDS.
dominions. We have no other matter of important intelligence to . communicate at present, and for ordinary Occurrences beg leave to refer you to the enclosed papers.
We have the honor to be,
Your Excellys. ob. Servts.,
JOHN PENN. THOS. BURKE. ALLEN JONES.
[Enclosure Above Referred to. ]
SIR :
The number of Troops embarqued does not exceed seven thousand, sailed the 28th December, under convoy of the Russel, Robust, Europa, Defiance, Reasonable, Roebuck, Renown, Romulus and Perseus, positively going to Charlestown. Governor Martin, with a considerable number of North Carolina refugees, and all the Officers who have been on furlough from Georgia, go with the Expedition. Five vessels are laden with Ordnance Stores, fifty Chests of Arms, for the purpose of Arming the Tories and Negroes. It is said that they are to act on a very different plan from what they formerly have-I expect, to settle the Country as they con- quer it, by securing all those whom they may suppose dangerous, and to give the noted Tories a considerable Command, Clinton to go home immediately after taking possession of Charlestown, and leave command to Lord Cornwallis. The most sanguine Tories flatter themselves that the British Army will be in possession of both the Carolinas by May next. I sincerely hope that such measures will be taken as may disappoint their expectations, even to the taking of Charlestown. If the Garrison destined to defend it will have a retrospect to Georgia and imitate them, I think they may hold it. Clinton will make a Vigorous push for it, for I believe he thinks it necessary to do something to distinguish himself before he returns to England.
325
STATE RECORDS.
HON. JOHN PENN AND OTHERS TO GOVERNOR CASWELL.
[From Executive Letter Book. ] PHILADELPHIA, January 22, 1780.
SIR :
After closing our letter of yesterday we rec'd information that Mr. Carter Braxton, of Virginia, has for sale a great number of Stands of excellent Arms, two thousand some time ago on hand, and more daily expected. We deem it right to give you this information, and we beg leave to offer our advice that you cause them to be purchased on the account of the State, if there shall appear any danger of an actual Invasion of our Country. We know you will excuse our Solicitude when affairs are so serious and important.
We have the honor to be, With the highest esteem,
Your Excellency's ob. Servs., JOHN PENN. THOS. BURKE. ALLEN JONES.
COMMISSARY JOSEPHI GREEN TO GOVERNOR CASWELL.
[From Executive Letter Book. ]
DOBBS, 23d January, 1780.
Gov. Caswell. DR. SIR :
I am much in distress, and greatly concerned about supplying Gen. Hogun's Brigade, as I have no money for that purpose, and they must suffer without I have immediate supply to purchase Corn and Spirits. Your Excellency's Assistance and advice will be gratefully accepted by,
Sir, your Mo. ob. huml. Servt., JOSEPH GREEN.
P. S. I should be glad to know of any news of General Hogun's Brigade.
326
STATE RECORDS.
GENL. B. LINCOLN TO GOVERNOR CASWELL.
[From Executive Letter Book. ]
CHARLES TOWN, January 24th, 1780.
DEAR SIR :
It no longer remains a doubt but that the enemy in Savannah will be soon, if they are not already, strongly reinforced; for a Brig was yesterday decoyed into this harbour, from New York to Savan- nah. She sailed the 26th or 27th Decm. last from the Hook, in company with 3-74, 3-64, 1-54, 1-40, a frigate with a number of transports, store ships and other vessels, to the amount of about 90, bound, as it was said, for Georgia, and that they parted with the fleet off Cape Hatteras, steering S. S. W., the beginning of this month. The 10th one ship was seen off this bar, with Hessians on board, bound for Savannah.
This information so fully ascertains what has been for some time conjectured, viz., that the enemy mean the subjugation of this State, that it would be the highest imprudence in us not to guard as much as possible against the worst. I therefore have to request that your Excellency would give the most pointed orders to your officers to collect and march the troops ordered to this State with all possible dispatch ; for, although large reinforcements have been ordered from the main Army to reinforce this, yet they may not be expected in time. Give me leave also to reiterate my wish that, in case of an attack on this State, a number of men may be kept in arms in the frontiers of your State to prevent the embodying of the Tories. I am also to request that every assistance may be given to your Troops on their march from the Main Army which will facilitate their speedy arrival.
I am, Dear Sir, With the greatest esteem,
Your Excellency's most obedt. Servant, B. LINCOLN.
1
1
327
STATE RECORDS.
PETER MALLETT TO GOVERNOR R. CASWELL.
-
[From Executive Letter Book. ]
CAMPBELTON, 24th Jany., 1780.
SIR :
I have received your Excellency's favor by my Brother, covering a Warrant for £5,000. This sum, when I receive it, will scarcely balance my account, up to the first instant, for moneys already advanced, and that there requires daily advancements to supply the Hospital and other Troops here ; besides, there remains unpaid to sundry persons about this Town from three to four thousand pounds, for forage and other necessaries to Col. Lamb's Regiment and Militia. These people look to me for their money, and that I cannot pay up their accounts until your Excellency will please to put me in cash for that purpose. The Beef I barreled last year on the public account is not near expended ; some part of it now becomes unfit for using ; whenever the warm weather comes on, it will require the utmost care, and no small expense. Even then it will be complained of, as I never found it preferable to cure Beef in this Country to stand more than one summer. I should think it most to the interest of the State to have it sold in time. As the Assem- bly is now called, I am in hopes that house will take some notice of these matters, and that your Excellency will please to give me some Orders by Colonel Rowan, as well as to furnish me with the needful.
I am your Excellency's Mo. ob. Servt., P. MALLETT.
Gov. Caswell.
LIEUT. COL. J. B. ASHE TO GOV. CASWELL.
[From Executive Letter Book. ]
NEW HANOVER. COUNTY, January 24th, 1780.
SIR :
Mr. Boyd and myself having contracted for a parcel of Shoes and Coat Buttons for the Soldiers, upon Condition your Excellency
328
STATE RECORDS.
approves thereof, (which articles they are much in want of,) the Bearer waits on you for an order on the sheriff of this County for money to enable us to comply with the Contract. Mr. Boyd has acquainted your Excellency with their amount. If, Sir, our Con- duct meets with your approbation, you will please to despatch the boy with the necessary draft. Not a syllable of News here.
Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.