The state records of North Carolina, Vol XV, Part 31

Author: North Carolina. cn; North Carolina. Trustees of the Public Libraries; Saunders, William Lawrence, 1835-1891, ed; Clark, Walter, 1846-1924 ed; Weeks, Stephen Beauregard, 1865-1918
Publication date: 1907
Publisher: Goldsboro, N. C., Nash brothers, printers
Number of Pages: 822


USA > North Carolina > The state records of North Carolina, Vol XV > Part 31


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).


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It is said one party were released by the Militia near Sump- ter. Two, who left Camden on Sunday, told me it was publicly spoken of there as a fact. Last Friday they called in their best post from Rugely's. Colo. Turnbull has also discharged his militia on the other side the Catawba and marched with the Regu- lar Troops into Camden.


All the recruits raised in the District of Ninety-sie and other parts of So. Carolina were furlonghed till the 6th or 7th of the next month, when they are to rendezvous at Camden. Our old friend, Mr. B. B. Boot, is Commissary of Prisoners, and Mr. Kerr, who left Salisbury with his assistance.


They talk of reinforcements from Town, but God knows whether they are serious or not.


The Militia in camp are quite inconsiderable, frightened, too, and irresolute, one day in Camp, another day to secure their property, so that one-half will undoubtedly vanish upon the appearance of the Enemy. The Counties of Rowan and Mecklenburg are riel 15-24


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STATE RECORDS.


in provisions and strong in men, staunch, numerous and spirited, if they were only encouraged to take the field by timely assistance. These are the facts, as near as I can collect them, respecting the Enemy's conduct and the situation of this distressed Country. A small body of Regulars, with a few Militia, and these Counties would still keep the Enemy at Bay. Our poor wounded in Cam- den are in a most wretched situation. Colo. Wilcox told me Genl. Rutherford had no surgeon but himself, and that many of them had never been dressed. Something should be done for them ; 'tis cruel. Capt. Macneal of Hamilton's Regiment, who came up with Colo. Quleyson, till he met with our party, mentioned the Legion's returning last Thursday from capturing some provision wagons on their way to Nelson's Ferry.


I am, Sir, with great respect,


Your humbl. Servt.,


WILLIAM R. DAVIE.


GOV. THOMAS JEFFERSON TO HON. THOMAS BURKE.


- [From Executive Letter Book.]


RICHMOND, Oct. 2nd, 1780.


SIR :


I am sorry to be obliged to inform yon that it is out of our power to have payment made of Mr. Clay's draught for $225,000. Our Treasury is at present absolutely exhausted, and no prospect of its being replenished till the Assembly shall have met and have had time to provide supplies. I hope this will reach you in time to prevent the additional disappointment which might arise from your setting out on your journey previous to your receipt of this.


I have the honor to be, With the greatest esteem and respect, Sir, Your most ob. and Humble Servt., THOMAS JEFFERSON.


371


STATE RECORDS.


GOV. THOS. JEFFERSON TO HON. THOS. BURKE.


[From Executive Letter Book.]


RICHMOND, October 15th, 1780.


SIR :


Your favour of the 5th, covering a draught of Mr. Clay's for $106,775, came safely to hand last night. I am sorry that Mr. Clay adopted this method of negotiating money claims on our Treasury, which is not, and I fear will not again be, in a condition to answer his draughts with any kind of punctuality which might justify his drawing and negotiating in the mercantile way. In my letter to you of the 2nd Inst., acknowledging the receipt of the draught for 225,000 D., I informed you of the exhausted state of our treasury. There is yet no symptom of replenishment. I really, therefore, do not know what to recommend to you. If you find it better to retain those bills on us, we expect to pay money to or for Mr. Clay, and shall with great cheerfulness do it through you ; but I am bound at the same time to inform you that we are so far from being in arrears on the general requisitions of Congress for Money (in which ease depreciation might perhaps be chargeable to us) that we have overpaid their requisitions till the close of the present year upwards of six millions of dollars. Mr. Clay's draught from Congress is supererogation. Yet we do not mean to count or weigh our contributions by any standard but that of our abilities.


If you find you can better secure yourself against deprecia- tion by recalling these draughts, they will be delivered to your order, and in the meantime safely kept.


I am, with great esteem, Sir,


Your most Obedt. Humble Servt.,


THOS. JEFFERSON.


372


STATE RECORDS.


COL. CAMPBELL'S GENERAL ORDER ON RETURN FROM KING'S MOUNTAIN.


CAMP AT BETHABARA, October 26th, 1780. Parole Henry.


Col. Cleveland to take command of the gnards now here, and of those who may come to camp till I return, and in the mean- time to issue such orders as may be necessary. Should I by letter direct the prisoners and troops to move from here, they are to do it and go to such place as I shall so direct. The officers and sol- diers are to lodge in camp, and to be and remain there from eight O'clock at night until next morning after gnard-mounting, under pain of arrest or confinement. The officers ordered on guard to attend strictly to their duty until they are relieved. The Com- missary to issue full rations to the prisoners. The regular officers to continue at the place until I return, unless I shall direct them to be removed with the other prisoners. It is hoped no insult or violence unmerited will be offered to them. My wish is that no unnecessary injury be done to the inhabitants of this place or the adjacent country. No liquor to be sold or issned to the troops withont an order from the commanding officer for the time being. This order respects all retailers of spirituous liquors in or near camp, of which they are to be made acquainted.


DIARY OF MEMORANDUMS.


[From a small book kept by Ensign Robert Campbell.]


At the Battle of King's Mountain the Americans had thirty killed and about sixty wounded, the British two hundred and twenty-five killed and something less than that number wounded.


Col. David Campbell, of Campbell's Station, was in Dysart's company at the battle of King's Mountain. Col. Robert Camp- bell was the Ensign in the same company.


In the expedition to King's Mountain Col. Campbell, Col. Shelby and Col. Sevier rendezvoused in the Sycamore Flats on Watanga at the foot of Yellow Mountain on the 25th of Sep- tember, 1780. Next day, the 26th, they ascended this mountain,


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STATE RECORDS.


mostly on horseback, and encamped at night in the gap on the opposite side. The ascent over this part of the mountain was not very difficult. There was a road, but not one on which wagons could pass. No provisions were taken but such as each man eould carry in his wallet or saddle-bags. The sides and top of the mountain were covered with snow, shoe-mouth deep. On the top of the mountain there was about one hundred acres of beautiful table land, in which a spring issued, ran through it and over into the Watauga. Here the troops paraded. On reaching the plane beyond the mountain they found themselves in a conn- try covered with verdure, and breathed an atmosphere of summer mildness. The second night, the night of the 27th, they rested at Cathey's plantation. The third day, the 28th, they fell in with Genl. McDowell, and that night held a consultation of the officers. The General was without troops, yet his rank and former services could not be easily overlooked. It was stated in the counsel that they needed an experienced officer to command them. Morgan was the man they wanted, and to obviate all difficulties Genl. MeDowell offered to be the bearer of their wishes to Genl. Gates. The fourth night, the 29th, they rested at a rich Tory's, where they obtained abundance of every necessary refreshment. On the fifth day, the 30th, they reached the Catawba and were joined by Cleveland. Here they dispatched Gen. McDowell to Gen. Gates.


On passing near the Cowpens they heard of a large body of Tories about eight miles distant, and although the main enterprise was not to be delayed a single moment, a party of eighty volun- teers, under Ensign Robert Campbell, was dispatched in pursuit of them during the night. They had, however, removed before the party eame to the place, who, after riding all night, came up with the main body next day. On the next night a similar expe- dition was conducted by Captain Colvill with no better success, but without eausing any delay.


The battle was fought on Saturday, the 7th day of October, 1780. On the next Saturday a court-martial was held for the trial of the Tories. . This is represented in history to have taken place immediately, but it was the eighth day after the battle.


374


STATE RECORDS.


BENJAMIN HAWKINS, ESQ., TO HON. THOMAS BURKE.


[From Executive Letter Book.]


NEWBERN, Nov. 6th, 1780.


DEAR SIR :


In my letter of the 20th Ult., I wrote you, that in consequence of a letter recd. from Mr. Johnston, I sent the horses to Virginia, and directed the money to be paid to his order, and that I should come to this place and endeavour to procure a supply for you.


Two days past I sent Mr. Johnston 27,573 dollars, and have procured for you sixty one thousand and sixty three, as also a bill of Mr. Pollock on Virginia, for twenty five thousand dollars, which, he says, you would take. Mr. Pollock is so obliging as to carry you the money and bill, which, I hope, will come safe to hand. Part of the money is in Loan certificates, which, I suppose, you must part with on a Discount. The difficulty I have experienced in procuring this has been very great, tho' as the Northern Speculators begin to move Sontherly, it is probable I may get the Remainder, which I will send up to you immediately.


If you can dispose of one or two hundred bushels of good Alum Salt, to be delivered at Wilmington, I pray you do it, and draw on me. We have one thousand bushels there. You will pardon me for troubling you in this matter. I wish I knew what assurance Mr. Bignall gave the Assembly when they drew on us to supply you. His present indisposition prevents his coming to see me. I shall be glad to hear from you. I have a few light articles for Mrs. Rutledge, which the Governor desired me to send to you with his Letter, begging your attention. The want of an opportunity prevents my sending them.


I am, with due respect, Dear Sir, Your Humble Servt.,


BENJAMIN HAWKINS.


It is reported that Count DeEstaing is arrived in Martinique with twenty two sail of the Line and twenty five thousand Troops. A privateer arrived here yesterday who saw several very large ships at anchor off Charleston Bar, firing signal guns. He took a man from the town who said they were supposed to be French and Spanish. He said that Cornwallis arrived in town Saturday week, without his army.


375


STATE RECORDS.


HON. THOS. BURKE TO HON. JOHN ADAMS.


[From Executive Letter Book.]


PHILADELPHIA, Dec. 20th, 1780.


DEAR SIR :


Presuming on our former acquaintance, while we served together in Congress, I take the liberty of introducing to you Mr. John Benegette, of this City, who proposes to visit yon at Amsterdam. I hope you will find him, what he is esteemed here, and I believe him to be, an honest, sensible, intelligent gentleman and most unequivocally attached to his Country. I shall not solicit for him your attention and regard. I know he will deserve them, and I know you too well to doubt in that case his obtaining them. Having lately left the scene where our officers labor under the greatest difficulties, I mean the Southern department, it will probably not be disagreeable to you to know my sentiments rela- tive to them. Some events, it is true, were unfortunate, but, to me, they seemed rather the result of misconduct, and a precipita- tion that contemned all precantion, than of weakness. Nothing can be a stronger proof of that determined, unconquerable Spirit which animates all America than what appeared in the State of North Carolina immediately on the defeat of Gen. Gates near Camden. The rout of his Army was as complete as can be imagined. The utter loss of tents, wagons and every Camp necessary made it impossible for his Troops to keep the field ; want of Magazines, which, through some defect in the Staff department, had been neglected, rendered it almost impossible to collect the scattered soldiers. Appearances could not be more desperate. Even the General gave up all hopes of defending the Country, and thought of nothing but the safety of the remains of his Regular Army. But under all those circumstances the Peo- ple, then laboring under all the distresses inseparable from an unprovided Soldiery, flew to arms with the greatest alaerity, resolving that the Enemy should not find their Country an easy prey, if even they should not be able finally to withstand them. They had the success that such spirit in a people will always com- mand. They obtained a most complete Victory over one of the


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STATE RECORDS.


principal divisions of the British Army, with numbers much inferior to those they conquered. They harrassed the other divis- ion with incessant skirmishes, until they obliged them to retreat a considerable distance into South Carolina. The war may impoverish and distress us, we may be many times unsuccessful, our Armies may be dispersed, our finances deranged, but a people pervaded by such a spirit as animates all America never can be conquered. I refer you to some other correspondents for details. The Spirit of the people appears to me, and I am persuaded to you also, of far more interesting consequence.


I am, with much regard and Esteem,


Your obedt. Servt., THOS. BURKE.


377


STATE RECORDS.


MISCELLANEOUS.


MEMORANDUM.


"There were six Districts in N. C. in 1780.


SALISBURY DISTRICT containing the following counties : Anson, Rowan, Mecklenburg, Surry, Guilford, Burke, Wilkes, Washing- ton, Lincoln, Montgomery, Rutherford, Sullivan, Richmond.


HILLSBORO DISTRICT ; Caswell, Granville, Wake, Chatham, Orange, Randolph.


HALIFAX DISTRICT : Northampton, Halifax, Edgecombe, Martin, Warren, Franklin, Nash.


EDENTON DISTRICT : Currituck, Pasquotank, Camden, Perqui- mans, Chowan, Yates, Bertie, Hertford, Tyrrell.


NEWBERN DISTRICT : Craven, Carteret, Beaufort, Hyde, John- son, Dobbs, Pitt, Jones, Wayne.


WILMINGTON DISTRICT : New Hanover, Onslow, Duplin, Cum- berland, Bladen, Brunswick.


Afterwards the following Districts were erected :


WASHINGTON AND SULLIVAN DISTRICT : Now part of Tennessee --- taking part of Salisbury District.


MORGAN DISTRICT : In the extreme western part of the State.


MINUTES OF CRAVEN COUNTY COURT.


[December Term, 1895, Book 13, Pp. 524-525.]


Wednesday, December 12, 1855.


(Extract. )


"John T. Lane appears in open Court, and being sworn upon the Holy Evangelist of Almighty God, deposes and says that he heard Thomas A. Green, of the County of Craven say, that he, the said Green, and John Davis of said County were taken prisoners of war together during the Revolution, and imprisoned together in Charleston (1780), and that he, the said Green, was separated from the said Davis, and that he never saw the said Davis after


378


STATE RECORDS.


the said separation, and did not know what became of him, except from general rumor, and that rumor was that he was whipped to death in the British Navy. Deponent further states that he has frequently heard Thomas Davis say that his brother, John Davis, · was whipped to death on a British Man of War. Deponent further states that he heard Captain Richard Carter say that he was a prisoner of war during the Revolution, and was imprisoned on board a British Man of War with one John Davis; that the Master of the ship tried to make the American prisoners do duty on board ship, and that the said John Davis, who was an American, peremp- torily refused ; whereupon the said Davis was severely whipped, that the whipping was stopped and he was told that if he would draw a bucket of water from the ship's side the punishment should cease ; that he refused to do it, and the whipping was commenced often, and continued until his bowels were whipped ont, and he died ; that he, the said Carter, was an eye-witness to the whole. Deponent further says that the said Green and Carter died many years ago ; that they were men of truth, and that he believes that their statements were true, and that he has no interest whatever in making this deposition."


John Davis was one of three sons of James Davis-John, Thomas and William.


James Davis established the first printing press in North Caro- lina, in New Bern, (at foot of Broad street,) in 1749, and was the first publie printer.


It is said that Davis, after his first whipping, was taken in a boat to the side of every ship in the fleet and given 15 lashes at each one; was then returned to the prison-ship and told if he would draw a bneket of water from the ship's side they would cease the whipping. He replied : "If His Majesty's whole navy was on fire, . and that one bucket of water drawn by him would extinguish the flames, he would not draw it." The flogging was then resumed and continued until he died, he being wholly or partially disem- boweled.


Capt. Richard Carter was Captain of a Revenne Cutter at New Bern after the Revolution.


379


STATE RECORDS.


MEMORANDUM OF DISTANCES.


[LETTERS TO WASHINGTON, VOL. 115, PAGE 127}]


[This memorandum was furnished for Washington's tour in 1791, but the data applies to the Revolutionary period. W. C.1


Distances. Miles .


From Petersburg to Cabin Point 26


From Cabin Point to Smithfield 37


From Smithfield to Suffolk 22


85


From Suffolk to Riddick's 12


From Riddick's to Mitchel's 21


From Mitchell's to Edenton 21


54


From Edenton across the Ferry 12


From Ferry to Jackson's 25


From Jackson's to Washington 20


From Washington to Curtis's Ferry 30


From Curtis's Ferry to New Bern 10


Exclusive of Ferry.


85


224


Distances. Miles.


From Petersburg to Oliver's. 28


From Oliver's to Hick's Ford 19


From Hick's Ford to Halifax 28


From Halifax to Tarborough 36


From Tarborough to Greenville 25


From Greenville to Blount Hall 16


From Blount Hall to Curtis's Ferry 30


From Curtis' Ferry to New Bern 10 192


MEMORANDUM FOR MAJOR JACKSON CONCERNING THE ROAD THROUGH NORTH AND SOUTH CAROLINA.


I am not acquainted with the road from Petersburg to Halifax, nor with that from Halifax, by way of Tarborough, to Newburn. but at Petersburg the best information can be obtained of the former and at Halifax of the latter.


Road from Newburn to Wilmington. The road I am best acquainted with between these two places, and which I believe is really the best, is, as nearly as I can recollect, as follows: It is usnally called the Middle Road.


380


STATE RECORDS.


Distance Miles.


From Newburn to Collier's (a tolerable


house). 8


From Colliers to Trenton (I am not well acquainted with this stage). .12


NOTE : Within about three miles of Trenton lives one Clifton, who has a very small, indifferent house, but usually keeps good provender for horses.


Distance


From Trenton to Shines (one of the best) .. 9


From Shines to Mrs. Williams' (indiffer- ent) 7


From Mrs. Williams' to at what they call the Chapel (indifferent). 4


From the Chapel to Foy's (but tolerable) I believe about 13


From Foy's to Sage's (a good stage)


19


From Sage's to Jennett's (indifferent), about 11


From Jennett's to Wilmington


17


WILMINGTON TO GEORGE-TOWN.


The accommodations on this road are, in general, very bad. It will be better to obtain at Wilmington fuller information than I can give. The Stages, such as they are, which I am acquainted with, are as follows:


Distance Miles.


From Wilmington to Daniels, at Four Creek, (a very indifferent house indeed) 10


From Daniels to Rose's (also very indiff- erent) 16


From Ross's to William Gosse's (also very indifferent ) 13


From Gosse's to the Boundary, no public house 10


NOTE .- A Mr. Dupree lives near this, a very obliging hospitable man, but who lived in a very small house when I was last there.


PETERSBURG


26


CABIN POINT


SMITHFIELD


L


22


SUFFOLK


12


0


20F


HALIFAX Q


FROM PETERSBURG TO NEW BERNE


BY WAY OF HALIFAX


192 MILES


BY WAY OF EDENTON


224 MILES


35


ALBEMARLE SOUND


DIFFERENCE 32 MILES


EXCLUSIVE OF THE FERRIES


05 - - - 25


- - TO GREENVILLE


BLOUNT& HALL


PAMLICO


SOUND


CAPE HATTERAS


NEW BERNE


'SWILMINGTON


NEW RIVER


CAPE FEAR RIVER


-


52


1


ROANOKE


CHOWAN RIVER


I EDENTON


12 %


· TAR BOROUGH


WASHINGTON


-


37


381


STATE RECORDS.


He did live at the Boundary House, which is a pretty good one, and I think he intended to go there again, but am not certain. It would be very desirable to rest some where about this place, on account of the distance necessary to go upon the next Stage, & the uncertainty as to the proper time of crossing the Long Bay. It may be proper to enquire here about a proper house to stop at next.


Distance


Miles.


From the Boundary to the Long


Bay


14 or 15


NOTE .- One Varcer lived at this side, near the Long Bay, and a little out of the road, where a public house was formerly kept. But I believe there is none there now. The son lives at the house, which is a wretched one. But I believe there are one or two others on this side the Bay, tho' not public ones that I know of, nor am I at all acquainted with them.


It will be necessary to make enquiry as to the proper time of tide for crossing the Long Bay. It is a sand Beach on the Seaside, and at low water it is delighful to cross in ; you ride about 14 miles upon it.


Distance


Miles. Over the Long Bay to McGill's (a tolerable honse. 15


After this I know none but private houses to Win- Miles. yaw Bay.


From McGill's to Mr. B. Mstons. (?) .. 11


B. Mstons. to Colo. Heriott's (on Winyaw Bay) 17


This gentleman is extremely respectable and hospitable, and is a man of large Fortune. He will undoubtedly meet the President long before he reaches his house, if he should go that way. I know not the way by the Common Ferry, nor what accommoda- tions there are there.


Distance


Miles.


Across the Bay from Colo. Heriott's to George Town, about 2 or 3


There will be no doubt of your obtaining at George Town full information of the Road from there to Charleston, upon which the stages are better than before.


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STATE RECORDS.


At Charleston there will be the fullest information of the Road · to Savannah.


The Road from Savannah to Augusta I am not acquainted with.


The only Road from Augusta through South & North Carolina that I am acquainted with is Columbia and Camden in South Car- olina and Fayetteville in North Carolina. But in general the accommodations are very wretched, and the country a very miser- able one, and I don't doubt the upper road that goes through Char- lotte and Salisbury in North Carolina (and which I am told the President intends taking) is preferable. Of that I can give no par- ticulars.


From Petersburg, in Virginia, to Charleston, S. C., via Eden- ton, is 504 miles, to-wit :


Distance.


Miles.


From Petersburg to Suffolk 84


to Edenton 58


to Washington 60


to Newburn


40


242


to Newriver 60


to Wilmington 41


to Boundary House. 40


to Georgetown. 60


to Charleston 61 504


From Petersburg to Charleston, via Halifax, N. C., is 460 miles, to-wit :


Distance.


Miles.


From Petersburg to Oliver's Tavern 26


to Hicks' Ford. 19


to Halifax, N. C. 28


to Slaughter's Tavern .. 21


to Tarborough 14


to Greeneville 25


to Allen Tavern 11


. to Curtis's Ferry 1 22


to Newburn 10


to New river 61


to Wilmington 40


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STATE RECORDS.


to Boundary house. 40


to Georgetown. 60


to Charleston 60 437


Route from Richmond in Virginia to Edenton in North Carolina.


Distances. Miles.


Richmond to Petersburg 25 miles, viz. :


Richmond to Osborne's. 15


Osborne's to Petersburg 10 25


Petersburg to Suffolk 81 miles, viz. :


Petersburg to Geary's 15


Geary's to Cabin Point 11


Cabin Point to McIntosh's 14


McIntosh's to Smithfield 19


Smithfield to Suffolk 22 81


Suffolk to Edenton 54 miles, viz. :


Suffolk to Riddiek's 12


Riddick's to Mitchell's 21


Mitchell's to Edenton 21 54


Richmond to Edenton 160


DISASTER IN SOUTH CAROLINA.


Extracts from "A narrative of the late disaster in South Carolina, collected from the most authentic Accts. which have been received."


[Letters to Washington, No. 41, pp. 238-239.]


* * * At ten O'Clock Genl. Gates marched, intend- ing to take post on an advantageous situation, where was a deep Creek in front, about seven miles from Camden, the heavy bag- gage being ordered to proceed by the Waxsaw road. The march was in the following order : Col. Armand's legion in front, sup- ported on both flanks by Colo. Porterfield, commanding officer of Virginia regulars and the light infantry of the Militia; the advanced guard of infantry, the Maryland line with their artil-


384


STATE RECORDS.


lery in front of the brigades; the N. C. Militia, the Virga. Mili- tia, the Artillery, ke., & the rear guard. Between 12 & 1 o'clock, after marching abont Five miles, they met with the enemy under the command of Lord Cornwallis, who had marched out from Camden about nine o'clock of the same night, intending to attack our camp by surprise about day-break. This meeting was equally nnexpected on both sides, and occasioned a halt of both armies. The enemy's cavalry then charged Colo. Armand's legion, which was well supported on ye flanks by Colonel Porterfield's Corps, who repulsed the assailants, but unfortunately Colonel Porterfield himself had his leg broken in the first fire. The ene- my's infantry then advaneing with a heavy fire, the troops in front gave way to the front of the 1st Maryland brigade, and a eon- fusion ensued which took some time to regulate. At length the Army was ranged in line of battle in the following order : Genl. Gist's brigade on the right, with his right close to a swamp ; the N. C. Militia in close order, two deep, in the center, and the Vir- ginia Militia in like order, with the light infantry and Porterfield's Corps on the left ; the artillery divided to the brigades and the first Maryland brigade, as a Corps de Reserve, and to cover the eannon in the road at a proper distance in the rear. Colonel Armand's Corps was ordered to the left to support the left flank & oppose the enemy's Cavalry. Their infantry, from a defect in numbers, were only a single file, five feet apart. In this situation they remained till day-break of the 16th. When our troops advanced in a line a few hundred yards, the enemy attacked and drove in our light party in front, and, after the first fire, charged the militia with bayonets, whereupon the whole gave way, except Colonel Dixon's regiment of N. C. Militia ; and their Cavalry eon- tinning to harass the rear, sneh was the panie diffused through the whole that the utmost and unremitting exertions of the gen- erals, Gates, Stevens, Caswell and others, assisted by a number of officers, to rally them, even in small parties, at the several advan- tageons posts at which it was occasionally attempted, proved inef- fectnal. They ran like a torrent and bore all before them. This shameful desertion of the Militia gave the enemy an opportunity of bending their whole foree against the Maryland troops and Dixon's regiment of North Carolina Militia. The Confliet was obstinate and bloody, and lasted fifteen minutes, Dixon's Militia




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