USA > North Carolina > The state records of North Carolina, Vol XV > Part 29
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After one of the most fatiguing and most disagreeable journeys that ever old fellow undertook, I at last arrived at my little Hovel & had the happiness to find my family in good health. I have waited some time for some Interesting Intelligence to Communi- eate to you from the South, to no purpose ; we cannot yet find that the Enemy have landed in any considerable numbers. We are informed by a Prize lately taken that the fleet suffered very considerably by very bad weather, & it is supposed that many of them bore away for the West Indies. The No. Caro- lina Troops, under the command of General Hogun, passed the river at Wilmington three days ago, and it is hoped that they will be at Charles Town in a few days. The Virginia Troops have gone the upper road, and will be there soon after our Troops. The General Assembly were called together by the Governor, but made no honse. After a number of members had waited ten or 12 days, they returned home. I am sorry to observe my Countrymen do not pay that attention to public business which their Constituents have a right to expect from them-No taxes laid, tho' the States in general have shewn them so landa- ble an example. We are informed Governor Martin intends to pay us a visit ; he is not yet arrived in Cape Fear River. I hope he will first take a trip to the West Indies to see his friends in Antigua.
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STATE RECORDS.
As I passed through Halifax I had the pleasure of hearing that Miss Eaton was very well. I do not write to Genl. Jones, as it is expected that you will shew him this scrawl. I hope to hear from you both very soon. Pray send me some Papers.
Mrs. Harnett joins me in most respectful Compliments to Mrs. Burke, Mrs. Vining & Miss Vining, also Miss Hart, & remember me kindly to Mrs. Jones & her neices. You will be pleased to tell Miss Vining I hope to be informed by the next Post that she is married to a man deserving of so sweet-tempered & so accom- plished a Young Lady. I shall always remember with great pleas- ure the happy hours spent in the Company of Mrs. Vining & her daughter. I must beg you to make my Compliments to all my acquaintances in Congress, Your Secretary, Mr. R. Morrier, Mr. Peters & their ladies.
I am, Dear Sir, Your affectionate friend & Obedt. CORN. HARNETT.
Mrs. Burke has no doubt got well over the small-pox.
To the Honble. Thos. Burke Esqr.
Will you please to inquire of the Commissioners of the Lottery about the 4 Tickets purchased by me in the fall of 1778 ? I have lost the Tickets, and others are concerned with me, which makes me exceedingly anxious about them.
THOMAS OGDEN, ESQ., TO GOV. R. CASWELL.
[From Executive Letter Book.]
NEW BERN, 23rd February, 1780.
SIR :
By opportunity of Doctor Pasteur, I beg leave to trouble your Excellency for a Commission, for a letter of mark for the Sloop Betsey, Capt. Ishol Tinker; but as the number of guns and men are not at this time ascertained, if you could indulge us so far as to leave those two articles blank I will fill them up myself and execute the bonds agreeable thereto, which shall be lodged with
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STATE RECORDS.
Mr. Cogdell, or sent up to Kingston, whichever you will please to direct.
I am, Sir, with due respect, Your Excellency's ob. humbl. Servt., THOMAS OGDEN.
PETER MALLETT, ESQ., TO GOV. R. CASWELL.
[From Executive Letter Book. ]
HILLSBOROUGH, February 23rd, 1780.
SIR :
I have your Excellency's favor of the 12th Inst. before me, and also acknowledge the receipt of the warrants, amounting to £20,- 000, altho' I am apprehensive that a small part of that sum can be collected at present. I will undertake to supply the Troops as you mentioned, or at least to superintend and aeeount and settle for all monies, but that I must have one person at Camp- bleton, another here, and another on Peedee, besides one person to issue; the three former, will be Mr. Porterfield, my Brother and Mr Tulloch. This, I think, will be the most regular way to do the business ; but unless your Excellency can give me the strong- est hopes of supplies of money, as occasion will require, I could wish not to meddle with the matter. At Campbleton is about 80 Bbls. Pork and about 140 to 160 Bbls. old Beef of public stores, besides what pork and Beef I have put up on my own account, which may be turned into the publie stores, amounting to about 100 Bbls. As to flour and corn, I believe it will be very scarce in that quarter. It must be boated up the River to Hills- boro. I have from 60 to 80 Bbls. Beef and Pork, exceedingly good ; 20 Bbls. flour, 100 Bbls. Corn. A plenty of the latter may be had by waggoning 25 to 30 miles. I should suppose that near the Chevanes, on the River, and on the Boundary line. if that is your Excellency's meaning, would be the place for an Encampment. At that place, or within six miles, are three Mills, and in the midst of a Corn Country, and where either water or land carriage is good. Corn last week was twenty dollars per bushel there. As for meat kind, I expect it will not be casy
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STATE RECORDS.
to come at ; and whatever is done that way will require imme- diate payment, as most or all must be brought out of the South State. The Bearer hereof will return by way of Campbleton, and your orders to my Brother or Mr. Porterfield respecting Peedee stores will be immediately put into execution. I have . accordingly advised them. In two weeks from this day I will be in Campbleton, and in case nothing is required before then I shall be present. In the meantime I have desired all the Corn and flour to be purchased in and about that place, altho' I have but little hopes without money; £20,000, even were it in cash, would not do much. The provisions of my own, already mentioned, would exceed that sum. Any sum yon please to hand the bearer will come safe. If your Excellency is sure of money in a short time, and think it is absolutely necessary that these pro- visions should be laid in on Peedee without delay, I will either go or send over and purchase as far as my credit will extend. In that case a few small warrants may do, and your Excellency's orders to Justices and others to lend their assistance will strengthen my credit in the South State. As to Hay or fodder at either place, it is not to be had on any terms whatever.
I am your Excellency's mo. ob. humbl. Servt., -
P. MALLET.T.
PRESDT. J. RUTLEDGE OF S. C., TO GOV. CASWELL:
[ From Executive Letter Book.]
CHARLESTOWN, Feby. 25th, 1780. DR. SIR :
This will be delivered by Mr. Kinlock, one of the Delegates of this state, who is on his way to Congress. He will give you the fullest information respecting the force and object of the Enemy now in this state, so that it is unnecessary for me to do so. I will therefore only request your attention to the representations which he will lay before you.
And am, with much esteem, Dr. Sir,
Your mo. ob. servt.,
J. RUTLEDGE.
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STATE RECORDS.
J. GUION, ESQ., TO GOVERNOR CASWELL.
[From Executive Letter Book.]
NEW BERN, Feby. 28th, 1780.
DEAR SIR :
Messrs. Williams & Fulford have brought from So. Queay 121 Bars of iron for you, which I have received from them, and have put in Store of Col. Leech.
Mr. Williams paid 150 Dollars for the storage and delivery, &c., of the Iron. The receipt for the same you may have at any time necessary, as urgent business requires my presence in Onslow the next week, which will prevent my attending the Council at the time appointed.
I am, Dear Sir, with the greatest respect,
Your mo. ob. Servt., J. GUION.
BAZELL SMITH, ESQ., TO GOVERNOR CASWELL.
[From Executive Letter Book.]
NEW BERN, Feby. 29th, 1780.
To his Excellency Gov. Caswell, Esqr.
I have been honored with your Commission as Lient. Col. of the Craven Militia for some time ; it is not convenient for me to continue. Wishing to be otherwise disposed than a Military turn, beg leave to resign, with which intent enclosed is my commis- sion.
From, Sir, your faithful ob. humbl. Servt., BAZELL SMITH.
JAS. GREEN, ESQ., TO GOVERNOR CASWELL.
[ From Executive Letter Book.] CLEAR SPRINGS, Feby. 29th, 1780.
SIR :
I recd. your Excellency's favor by Mr. Tillery, and inform your Excellency the Loan office is not in Cash to Comply with any
.
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STATE RECORDS.
part of your request, having paid away all the monies I had recd. on Loan (exclusive Congress's Warrants) to discharge the Indents issued for the April and May money. I have in my possession $25,000 dollars, belonging to myself and some Gentlemen in the West Indies, which I send to you by Mr. Tillery on certain Conditions, and which I beg may not be made use of unless those conditions may suit, ( as I have been at great pains to col- lect the Continental money, and for more than half of it gave 2 per cent. in exchange, ) to-wit, your Excellency's warrant in my favor drawn on either of the public Treasurers at 10 per cent. advance on the sum, to be paid in Indents issued from the Loan Office, by which means I may again in time get the Continental money. I hope this proposition may not be thought ungenerous, when I inform your Excellency I can get 20 per cent. for six months, payable in State money. If you conclude to take it, your warrant will be for £11,000 ; if you should decline, pray keep the money for me,
And oblige, Dr. Sir, Your ob. Servt., JAS. GREEN, Jr.
JOHN LILLINGTON, ESQ., TO GOVERNOR CASWELL.
[From Executive Letter Book.]
Ist March, 1780.
SIR :
I send your Excellency by Express a packet this day received from my Father, with a request to send it on without delay. My Father informs me the Enemy are landed eight thousand strong at Savannah, and that he expects an active Campaign ; doubt not but he hath made you acquainted with particulars. I have enclosed your Excellency a news paper, which, from the scarcity of them, may afford you something novel. Be obliging enough to return it for the perusal of my friends in this neighborhood.
I have promised the Bearer, James Doty, that you will satisfy him for his trouble in riding Express. The difficulty of procur-
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STATE RECORDS.
ing men to do public business of this kind hath compelled me to make this promise.
I am, with the greatest esteem, Your Excellency's Very humbl. Servt.,
JOHN LILLINGTON.
COMMISSARY CHARLES JEWKES TO GOV. CASWELL.
[From Executive Letter Book.]
WILMINGTON, March 1st, 1780.
SIR :
Enclosed I have the honor to transmit to your Excellency a letter from Brigadier Genl. Lillington ; every thing respecting the Troops under his command no doubt he has made you acquainted. with. As to my being continued Commissary to his Brigade after it has marched beyon the limits of our State, it was found imprac- ticable, as Mr. Thos. Rutledge has the appointment of Commissary General for the Southern Department to all Troops who are in the service of the United States ; therefore those Troops were undoubt- edly considered as such. Of course I was obliged to give them up to him, tho' I can assure you, had I not been with them, they must have suffered, especially with respect to forage, as there was not any- thing in that way provided. Since my absence from home there has been issued to Troops marching through Wilmington to join Genl. Lillington provisions and forage to amount of near £10,000 and not one shilling in hand, your warrant for £5,000, and the one you were so obliging as to send since my absence for £6,000, neither of which has yet been paid, nor do I know when they will. Your Excellency can be no stranger to provisions being a ready money article ; therefore yon must be convinced that such sums as those to be advanced without knowing when I am to be- reimbursed must be a real injury. At this time I have by me a considerable quantity of Beef, Pork, Rice & Flour, as well as rough Rice. Should the Army now to be ordered out as a further aid to South Carolina, march through Wilmington, or Rendez- vous here, I will with pleasure furnish them with every thing they may be in want of, provided your Excellency, with your
.
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STATE RECORDS.
privy Council, will please to fall on some plan how I am to be furnished with money.
I have the honor to remain,
Your Excellency's mo. ob. humbl. Servt.,
Gov. Caswell.
CHARLES JEWKES.
P. S. by return of the Express should be much obliged to your Excellency for a few lines in reply.
GENERAL B. LINCOLN TO GOVERNOR CASWELL.
[From Executive Letter Book.]
CHARLES TOWN, March 3rd, 1780.
DEAR SIR :
I was yesterday favoured with your Excellency's favour of the 16th Ultimo. The strictest attention will be paid to the supplies, agreeable to your recommendation. I think that every exertion should be made for the relief of this Town, and not one moment should be lost in marching the Troops with all possible dispatch to its assistance. For little succour have we received from this State, or may we expect to receive, for the southern parts of it are invaded by the Enemy, and threatened with being plundered by the Tories, which keeps the Militia in that quarter at home, under a pretence at least of Guarding their families and securing their property. In another part, near the centre of the State, the people . are in general disaffected, and the friendly are insufficient to restrain the unfriendly. The upper parts of the State are obliged to supply a very considerable force for the protection of themselves and the State of Georgia from the incursions of the Indians and others. The eastern parts of the State have GeorgeTown and the sea coast to guard from the detached and plundering parties. Thus you will observe, Sir, that if we expect any considerable force brought in from the Country we shall probably be disap- pointed, notwithstanding the exertions of the Executive to this pur- pose, which are evidenced by the inclosed proclamation.
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STATE RECORDS.
I am informed that your people can be supplied with cartridge boxes ; I wish that matter might be attended to. We can give one thousand stand of arms more than have been given to your Militia now here. The Enemy have taken post on James Island, and are throwing up Batteries on it, one where Fort Johnson stood ; they mean hereby either to annoy our shipping or to cover their own, should they be able to get into the harbour, perhaps both. From some parts of the Island they can reach the Town with their shots and shells, but the distance is very considerable. They have not strolled far into the Country, though they have a post at Stono on the Main. We are so superior to them in Cavalry that it is hazard- ous for them to do it.
I have the honour to be, With the highest Esteem, Your Excelleney's most obedt. Servant,
B. LINCOLN.
P. S. A late insurrection near the centre of this State, in which some lives were lost, and the threats thrown ont by the insurgents, are additional arguments to those above hinted to shew the neces- sity of early aid from your State.
His Excellency Gov. Caswell.
B. L.
PRES'T J. RUTLEDGE OF S. C. TO GOV. R. CASWELL.
[From Executive Letter Book.]
CHARLES TOWN, 5th March, 1780.
DEAR SIR :
Three days ago I had the pleasure of receiving your favour of the 16th Ulto. General Lincoln tells me that he writes to yon fully by this opportunity respecting the situation of the Enemy in this State. I will, therefore, only add that about the twenty_ second Ulto. a number of Tories in the North-West part of the Country, about the Forks of the Edisto and Saltkéhatchie, sud- denly embodied and committed several Murders and Robberies. I have ordered a party after 'em ; some are taken, and I hope the rest will soon be killed or apprehended and brought to justice.
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STATE RECORDS.
But I am not without apprehensions of a formidable Body collect- ing in another part of the State, unless restrained by fear from your quarter. I therefore earnestly request that you will be pleased to give immediate orders that the whole Force which you speak of in your Letter above mentioned, including the troops under General Rutherford, take Post as soon as possible at the place where Col. Richardson encamped in December, 1775, known by the name of Snow Camp, (so called from the Snow which fell at the time he was encamped there,) on Deerskin Creek, the waters of Enoree, in the Fork of Broad and Saludy Rivers. There they may be well supplied with provisions, will be in the centre of the disaffected, and be able not only to awe them and prevent their doing mischief, but assist us in compelling them to do their Duty to the State, & reinforce ns here, if necessary.
I am, with great regard and Esteem, Dear Sir, Your most Obedt. Servant,
J. RUTLEDGE.
P. S. I can hear nothing of the Virginians whom we expected under Generals Scott and Woodford. Ifin No. Carolina, pray hurry them hither, & give them every assistance which may facil- itate their March.
His Excellency Richard Caswell, Brig. Genl., of No. Carolina.
CLEMENT NASH TO GOVERNOR CASWELL.
[From Executive Letter Book.]
DICK'S FERRY ON DAN RIVER, IN PITTSYLVANIA COUNTY, VIRGINIA, Tuesday Night, March 6th, 1780.
MAY IT PLEASE YOUR EXCELLENCY :
The President of Congress charged me in a particular manner, among a number of dispatches, with the enclosed letter for your Excellency, which I was directed to hand or forward yon by a quick and safe conveyance. I fully intended having the honor of presenting it myself, but after I left Philadelphia circum- stances obliged my rout through Richmond, in Virginia, where I
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STATE RECORDS.
should meet with the Troops on their march Southwardly, com- manded by B. Genl. Woodford, to whom I had immediate public business. From that place, to have fallen into the lower road would oblige me to make my stay from Georgia (on whose busi- ness I was ordered to Congress) much longer than it was proper. I have therefore lodged the letter in the care of Col. James Saun- ders, whom I have wrote pressingly to forward it by all dispatch, which I hope will reach you as soon as possible. Excessive bad- ness of weather, with the great floods, unavoidably stopt me a few days on the road in Maryland. I am hurrying on to Augusta in Georgia, with all possible hurry, having Express to the Gov- ernor of So. Carolina and Georgia, also to Gens. Lincoln and McIntosh, with a number of others.
I am your Excelleney's mo. ob. Servt.,
CLEMENT NASHI.
PRESDT. SAML. HUNTINGTON TO GOV. CASWELL.
[From Executive Letter Book.]
SIR :
PHILADELPHIA, March 6th, 1780.
Your Excellency will receive herewith enclosed an aet of Con- gress of this day, requesting the Governors of Virginia, North and South Carolina, to nse their utmost exertions in filling up their Continental Battalions, and expediting their Junction with the Southern Army, and in the mean time supplying their deficieney with Militia. It is hoped and expected that, in the present situation of affairs in Georgia and South Carolina, no exertions will be wanting in the neighbouring states to afford them all necessary assistance. I liope the Virginia and North Carolina Continental Troops, with the Corps of Dragoons which Congress have ordered to join the Southern Army, may arrive before the Enemy shall be able to do much harm in that quarter. I have the honor to be,
With the highest respect,
Your Excellency's bumbl. Servt., SAM. HUNTINGTON, Presdt.
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STATE RECORDS.
COL. ROBT. ROWAN TO GOV. CASWELL.
[From Executive Letter Book.]
CAMPBLETON, March 7th, 1780.
SIR :
Agreeable to the instructions received from your Excellency at New Bern, I purchased and delivered to the Troops, on their arrival at Wilmington, Rum, Sugar & Coffee, as much as the Genl. thought necessary, and nearly to the amount of the sum you procured me for that purpose. I likewise purchased for the use of the Brigade sundry Goods, particularly linens, with which the officers were well pleased, being much in want of shirts. Cloth of a proper Color for Regimentals, Hats and Boots they are still much in need of, but expect that I will proceed immedi- ately to Charlestown to procure these articles for them. No doubt if the Council has done anything on that head your Excel- lency will give me the necessary instructions. A large quantity of Goods has lately arrived in Charlestown ; such another oppor- tunity may not be a great while.
I purchased from Major Walker at Wilmington Goods to the amount of £11,000 in part pay of which I gave him a warrant for £8,000. Your Excellency will please send me a small warrant for the balance, both of which the Sheriff of Brunswick has engaged to take up. On my return from Wilmington, I recd. from the Sheriff of Bladen £8,000, which the warrant I gave Major Walker was first intended ; you will please, Sir, send me another to replace it. It will also be necessary that I should have one or two of eight or ten thousand each in my hands, as I shall be in constant want of Cash for the service.
My little step son waits on yonr Excellency with this letter. I procured a small public horse from the Quarter Master, which I am apprehensive will not be able to bring him back. Shall take it as a favor, Sir, if you will give him an order on Mr. Tillery for a better.
I have the honor to be, Sir, with great respect,
Your Excellency's mo. ob. Servt.,
ROBT. ROWAN.
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STATE RECORDS.
GEN. ISAAC GREGORY TO GOV. CASWELL.
- [From Executive Letter Book.]
CAMDEN COUNTY, 8th March, 1780.
SIR :
Col. Thomas Hervey being drafted to march the Militia that was drafted in July and December last, he being in such a bad state of health at present it is ont of his power to march with them, and he is very desirons to do every thing in his power, hath employed Mr. Benj. Dillen a substitute in his place. If he meets with your Excellency's approbation, he, the said Col. Hervey, desires yon will Commission him accordingly. I am sorry the Militia that was drafted in this Brigade hath delayed marching in the manner they have done. I have done every thing in my power to hasten them on. There is more trouble with the officers that is drafted to march them than the men ; I have understood your Excellency hath been troubled with some of them. I have never had it in my power to make a return of this Brigade in the man- ner it ought to be, for want of a proper return from the Cols. of the different Regiments, nor of the drafted Militia, but I do expect a return in a very short time from them all. As soon as I get them I shall send them.
I am, Sir, your mo. ob. Servt., ISAAC GREGORY.
Gov. Caswell.
P. S. Col. Hervey was drafted about 8th or 10th of Dec., last.
COL. R. COGDELL TO GOV. CASWELL.
[From Executive Letter Book.]
NEW BERN, 10th March, 1780.
DEAR SIR :
I have sent by Col. Luck some Dispatches which last week came into the Post office, by post. Some Gentlemen who have arrived here lately from Charlestown confirms reports we have had that 15-23
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STATE RECORDS.
about 1,500 English Soldiers are landed on James Island, Johns Island and Stono, three divisions I suppose; that Charlestown forces are 4,000 strong, and every day expecting an attack. The town is in high spirits. The famous Mr. Hamilton Ballard has been detected and brought back to Charlestown, after passing all the posts, except one, on his way to the British Army, assisted by two negroes, whom he had prevailed on by specious promises of Freedom and Reward to carry him through all the difficult posts in Alanoe (?). The negroes beginning to reflect, and taking their own affair under mature consideration, came to a Resolution to betray him at the last Sentry, and pretended to want very much to go on shore to a Spring of water, near the last post, and did so, and there betrayed him, and he was apprehended with all his plans of the works round Charlestown and notes of the weakest parts of their Forti- fications, &c., &c .; carried him to Charlestown jail. If these things are facts, I hope ere this he is hanged. I have paid Mr. Stanley near 18,000 Dollars, by your Excellency's request, in part of 20,000; shall be obliged to your Excellency to send the warrant by Col. Luck. I hope you and family are well. This morning Mr. James Green has publicly offered his services (under his hand) to the freeholders and freemen of New Bern to represent them in the General Assembly the next Session.
I am, dear Sir, your ob. Servt., R. COGDELL.
PRESIDENT J. RUTLEDGE OF S. C. TO GOVERNOR CASWELL.
[From Executive Letter Book.]
CHAS. Toww, March 14th, 1780. Gov. Caswell.
DEAR SIR :
You will receive herewith a Letter from the Honble. Major General Lincoln, &, as he will give you every necessary informa- tion respecting the Enemy's and our Situation, it is unnecessary for me to do so. I will therefore only add my wish that you w'd order the Troops intended from your State for our Aid to proceed, according to the orders which the General now sends, instead of
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taking the route I lately went, & taking Post at the Snow Camp, and that you will use your utmost Efforts to forward all Aid you can as soon as possible.
I am, with great Esteem, Dr. Sir, Yr. most obedt. Servt., J. RUTLEDGE.
GEN. B. LINCOLN TO GOVERNOR CASWELL.
[From Executive Letter Book].
HEAD QUARTERS, CHARLES TOWN, March 14th, 1780. DEAR SIR :
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