USA > North Carolina > The state records of North Carolina, Vol XV > Part 33
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[Bureau of Pensions. Loose Roll.]
No.
NAMES.
RANK.
John Hervey
Capt.
John Creery.
Lieut.
Frederick Nixon.
Ensig.
John Ming
Serjeant.
John Davis.
Serjeant.
Alexander Stafford.
Cor.
Thomas Penrice.
Cor.
1
Jeanes Chew
Private.
2
John Bains.
Do.
3
Benjam Bateman
Do.
4
William Turner
Do.
5
Benjamin Turner
Do.
6
Miles Turner
Do.
7
James Harman
Do.
8
William Winget
Do.
9
Joseph Theach
Do.
10
John Goodwin
Do.
11
John Ellis
Do.
12
Green Thach
Do.
13
Jos. Boush
Do.
14
Ezekel Ears.
Do.
15
David Overton
Do.
16
John Tucker
Do.
17
Charles Jones.
Do.
18
Frances Sutton
Do.
19
John Leming
Do.
20
Richard Hatfield
Do.
21
Thos. Ray
Do.
401
STATE RECORDS.
CLEMENT BIDDLE TO DR. SKINNER.
MORRIS TOWN, Jan. 11th, 1780.
SIR :
The rates of hire for a four horse Team and driver when found in forage and rations were twenty shillings Pennsylvania Currency from 1776 to the 1st April, 1778, & from that day during the year thirty shillings a day & when the teams were discharged from the horses being worn out, no allowance has been made for horses dying. The person who owns the Team is to pay the waggoner, also, any repairs done to the team by the public artificers and for shoeing the Horses.
Yr. Hum. Servt., CLEMENT BIDDLE.
(From Executive Letter Book. )
Abstract of the Quotas, required by Congress from each State to sink the Continental emissions agreeably to their Act of 18th March, 1780.
State of New Hampshire. 5,200,000
Massachusetts Bay
29,900,000
Rhode Island.
2,600,000
Connecticut 22,100,000
New York
9,750,000
New Jersey
11,700,000
Pennsylvania 29,900,000
Delaware. 2,210,000
Maryland.
20,540,000
Virginia
32,500,000
North Carolina
13,000,000
South Carolina
15,600,000
195,000,000
15-26
402
STATE RECORDS.
GENERAL HARRINGTON TO MRS. HARRINGTON.
GEORGE TOWN, 30 of April, 1780. No. 7.
My dearest Love will be surprized, and highly rejoiced to see the word, near the date of the Letter, changed from Charles to George, but so it is my hope, I am now in Geo. Town, 60 Miles nearer to those in whom my Soul delights, than I was last Friday morng, at which time I left Charles Town, with the advice & unanimous con- sent of the Lt. Governr. & Council & by Gen: Lincolns Order and am now on my Rout for Newbern, there to take my Seat in Assem- bly, and to request, in behalf of South Carolina, a large and im- mediate Aid of North Carolina Militia. I have permission on my way from Newbern to the Army, to feast my Eyes with the finest sight in the Universe; cannot my Love guess who I mean ? She can; it needs no explanation, for She will know & will readily acknowledge it, that nothing on Earth, is so pleasing to the Sight, as her lovely self & her dear little Girls. On the Wings of Patriot- ism I fly to Newbern and from there on those of Love, to the happy Place of ye. Residence of my Charmer; where I hope to be & to find all well, in about three weeks from this, or sooner if possible. Should opportunity offer, please to write to me at Newbern, do my dearest Life, write, Opportunity or not, immediately after the receipt of this, and if a soon, a certain mode of conveyance does not before offer My Angel will deliver it herself, accompanied with one or more of the most gracious Smiles, into the hands of her affectionate
H. W. HARRINGTON.
P. S. Compliments as usual. I am not to be smiled out of the aforesaid requested Letter, if my dear Love wants to hear frequent- ly from her Harry, she surely will oblige him and write without the least reserve, for if the Letter is to be, as I expect, and indeed hope it will, accompanied with the gracious smiles above men- tioned, there can not in that Case, be the least fear of its fallen into improper hands. This is my Seventh Letter sent, & 10th wrote, "have conscience my Dear" & let me at least have One for Seven.
403
STATE RECORDS.
JAMES ARMSTRONG TO GENERAL SUMNER.
NEWBERN, May 30th, 1780.
DR. GENERAL,
I have received your obliging favor dated Col. Hardy's, should have been very happy to have seen you in this part of the State.
I have also received by the bearer your instructions of the 23rd instant which I shall pay the greatest attention to. I waited on His Excellency, the Governor, agreeable to your orders & have obtained a Warrant for 50,000 dollars, which Money I have since drawn for the Recruiting service. On Sunday next I shall sett out for Cross Creek, where I expect to meet Genl. Caswell's brigade of Militia on their return from South Carolina. If I should meet with Success in Recruiting will write you by the first opportunity. There has been various reports with respect to Charlestown, but nothing can be relied on. But as their has no accounts arrived in Town from any person of authority at the S. Ward; it is generally believed that it is not taken. The Governor hourly expects an express from the So. Ward.
.
I am, with great Regard Sir, Your most Obedt. Hum. Servt., JAMES ARMSTRONG.
P. S. As Major Eaton & Capt. Medearis lives in your neigh- bourhood, I suppose they will receive orders from you. If they should meet with any success in Recruiting, I will advance any sums they shall from time to time require. J. A.
GENERAL SUNNER TO GOVERNOR NASH.
WARREN COUNTY, 22 June, 1780.
SIR,
The distress of the officers of this State, prisoners in South Caro- lina, for clothing, particularly shirts, is, I am well informed, truly piteous. Gokl or silver might immediately relieve this necessity, but this I doubt altho' so much adored by the miser, and coveted
404
STATE RECORDS.
by all men, seems to have forsaken in disgust the adoration being aliens, but few render the United States their services.
However, I remember His Excellency, General Washington, at the White Marsh Camp, had leave from General Howe to send into Philadelphia a quantity of Flour, Beeff, &c., which was sold for the support of the officers, &c. ther; if such a method was now taken quirey if it would not be approved of, and the most ready means to get supplyed those brave officers and men in Charlestown. Maj. Murfree of the Second Regiment we have interceeded with to apply to your Excellency for moneys to pay of a number of officers and soldiers of the first, second and third Regiments now in this State, who have a considerable arrearage of pay due them, and the proper officers of this business, being prisoners, I know of no better a mode to ease the complaint of those present, and for his accounting, either to the several paymasters of the Regiments, or to the Deputy Paymaster General of the State for the same. I shall Sir as soon as I hear of Maj. Genl. De Calbs arriving in this State wait on him, as Chief Continental Officer in the Southward department and inform you.
I am with respect, the honor to be, Yr. very Hum. Servt., JETHRO SUMNER.
GENERAL WILLIAM CASWELL TO GOVERNOR NASH.
SIR :
CAMP, 27th May, 1780.
Inclosed is a Letter from Governor Rutledge to me which he de- sired you should know the Contents of. Have sent Major Mitchell, a Confidential officer, who will give your Excellency an Account of our Strength in North Carolina, lately from South Carolina and of our Movements.
I am Sir, your most obedt.,
WM. CASWELL, B. G.
His Excellency, Governor Nash.
405
STATE RECORDS.
PRESIDENT SAMUEL HUNTINGTON TO GOVERNOR NASH.
PHILADELPHIA, March 30, 1781.
Circular.
SIR :
Your Excellency will receive herewith enclosed an Ordinance relative to the Capture & Condemnation of Prizes, and repealing all former Acts & Resolutions of Congress contrary to the true Intent and Meaning of the Ordinance.
I have the Honor to be, with the highest respect,
Your Excellency's most obedient & most humble Servant, SAM. HUNTINGTON, PRESIDENT. His Excellency, Governor Nash.
GENERAL HARRINGTON TO JOHN HOPTON.
NORTH CAROLINA, 21st July, 1780.
DEAR SIR :
I am in a Situation that I am sure my worst Enemies would not wish me reduced to apply for a Flag of Truce to send to South Carolina to obtain permission from the Commander of the British Forces there, for Mrs. Harrington and my Children to leave their own House and to Come to the Interior parts of North Carolina, permit me, my dear Sir, to ask the favour of you to endeavour to remove any impediment that may arise in Chas. Town on the appli- cation, by the Flag, for the desired permission. I do assure you, Mrs. Harrington is much distressed, let my Friend picture a loved Wife & Children, accustomed to live in affluence so far distressed as to be obliged to take the only Horse left her, into her own dwelling House to prevent its being taken away, not by the British Troops, but by a lawless set of Men whose insolence is not to be borne nor will not be countenanced by any good Men. Your compliance will oblige, Dear Sir,
Your most obedt. Servt.,
H. W. HARRINGTON.
406
STATE RECORDS.
GENERAL HARRINGTON TO WILLIAM PEGUES.
July 21st, 1780.
DEAR SIR :
At length I have obtained a Flagg of Truce in order to have my dear Mrs. Harrington, and your two little nieces conducted to Salis- bury with the permission of the Commanding Officer of the British Forces at the Cheraw Hill. I know your disinterested friendship for me, needs not to be reminded, that it is possible You may be of some service to Mrs. Harrington on this occasion.
May happiness ever attend you & yours, and be assured any thing that may be in the small circle of my power I shall readily and at all times contribute to continue or complete that happiness.
With my most respectful Compliments to your Wife and love to the four little Ones,
I am, My Dear Sir, Yours unalterably, H. W. HARRINGTON.
COL. BENJAMIN SEAWELL TO. GENERAL HARRINGTON.
CAMP SANDHILLS, 3 o'Clock in the morn'g of the 17th, August 1780.
MY DR. GENL. :
I have a few minutes ago rec'd intelligence by two of my light horse men whom I sent Express to M. Genl. Caswell but did not Get to head Quarters, that yesterday morng. about 2 o'clock in the morng. a General Engagement between Our Army & that of the Enemy Commenc'd. Our Army was totally defeated & Put to flite, if this be true & I doubt not but that it is, Our Situation is truly deplorable. I cannot, give you any Particular acct. of the action & my light horse Only Seeing Colo. Exum On his retreat who gave them their Information, Cannot satisfie me on this head. I shall be glad of your advice On this Subject. Pray come up with all Expedition as I shall wate to hear from you. I am with due Respect,
Dr. Genl. yr. mo. Hble Servt., BENJ. SEAWELL, Colo. N. C. Militia.
407
STATE RECORDS.
WILLIAM McREE TO GENERAL HARRINGTON.
BLADEN COUNTY, Novr. ye 9th, 1780. DR. SR. :
I Recd. your Letter of Mr. Carpenter. I Returned the attach- ment & Inventorey to Courts and am Sorrey to acquaint you that the Court would not allow it to be Lawfull to order a Sale as the Estate attachd was Confiscated by act of Assembly.
I was glad that it was in my power to Serve you as much as I could wish to do and I Return you my Sincear thanks for your polite manner in Returning me thanks for what Services I have done to you. I think it was my duty and I have done it wt. pleas- ure when I knew it was Serving a gentleman high in my Esteem. I am told that you may have the attachment Layd. yet only it must be done by the Assembly; but it is needless for me to say a word to the wise. I Sincearly wish you a happy Sight of your family at Roan Oke and I Remain Dr. Sr.,
Your most affectionate Huml. & obedt. Servt.
WILLIAM McREE.
GENERAL CASWELL TO OFFICER AT CROSS CREEK.
HILLSBORUGH, 25th Augt. 1780.
SIR :
You are required to Halt all the Militia in the neighbourhood of Cross Creek at Cambleton. Apply to Col. Rowan for Arms and Ammunition for them, these Men you are to employ in defending &. Securing the public Stores at that Place, or in furnishing Guards to defend them in Case it shall be thought expedient to March them to any other part of the State, in that Case you will receive Orders from the Commissary of Stores. You are also required to make me a General return at Kingston without loss of Time. I shall set out for that place this day, any information you shall communicate to
:
408
STATE RECORDS.
me there, respecting the enemy or the Situation of your Men, will be obliged to you for.
I am, Sir your obedt. Servt., R. CASWELL, M. Genl.
The Officer Commanding the Militia at or near Cross Creek.
SAML. STRUDWICK TO THOS, BURKE, ESQ.
HAWFIELDS, 1st Sept., 1780.
DEAR SIR :
Give me leave kindly to expostulate with you on your neglect of me and my affairs; when I saw you a little before you went to Hali- fax, you told me you should return before you set out for the Con- gress; that you would take my papers a long with you, & make them your study at your leisure hours, for which purpose it was agreed in case I went to Cape Fear before you came back from the Assembly, that I should leave them with Mr. Hog: I remained here till after Christmas, and you it seems returned from Halifax some- time in November, and set out for Philadelphia without advertizing me of it. I continued Ignorant of Both till some days after you were gone, disappointed in my first expectation, I relied on your other promise to be here at the next Superior Court; for you must allow me to remind you that in some letters which passed between us you insisted much on the trouble and expence of an Extraordi- nary Journey on my Account, and when we discoursed the matter you gave me your word that in all events you would be here at the April Court: But Alas, from the time that we parted at your own house to this present moment, I have not had the Consolation of a single line to assure me of your kind remembrance.
At the Commencement of the last Superior Court I was much distressed: Mr. Iredale, the only resource I had left did not attend the Salisbury Court as he once intended, and delaid coming to Hillsborough till a day or two after our Court was opened: It was uncertain whether the Judges would indulge me with a delay; and
409
STATE RECORDS.
if They did that very delay would prove highly injurious to me. But two things fell out rather fortunately! Tates & Co. Causes were put off, and Mr. Iredale exerted himself so effectually in Dun's Cause and displayed such Abilities, that he obtained another order for a survey in which All the Judges concurred: Messrs. Johnstone and Hooper were sent for into Court when the Motion was made, But pretended it did not affect their Clients: Tate himself opposed it with all his Eloquence, but in vain; and we were directed to give the tenants in possession ten days notice before we proceeded in the Execution of the Order, which We accordingly did, But after much wrangling and altercation, Tate, Steel, Pickhart and all that were responsible retiring to a small distance scarce out of sight, the Chain was cutt by a Fellow of no property; immediately after which the principal parties came back again to the surveyors, who were too much intimidated to join the links and make a second attempt: Nor will any thing ever prevail on them to resume the work unless they can have a Guard for the Security of their persons. In the mean time I am reduced to the most disagreeable situation: On Saturday one Bowles who has got a new Patent for a small planta- tion lying in sight of my house where there is an orchard, & some corn planted, came and told me he intended in a few days to fetch away the peaches to distill: On my saying I would not consent to it, he answered he could get a Posse to assist him, which I suppose he will: and it is very probable the other man who has got a Patent for my house will raise another (or the same) Posse, and drive us into the woods. You may be assured I shall not suffer either to execute their designs while I am able to resist them, but they so greatly outnumber all the strength I can muster, that Resistance on my part must prove Ineffectual. In this Dilemna I wish to have your advice how I ought to conduct myself: and whether I have not a Civil action against the man who cut the Chain, as well as a good cause of Indictment: the latter he will probably avoid by get- ting out of the way before Term, but were he liable to the former, as he is under no apprehensions at present, he might be held to bail, and those whom I suspect of having engaged to indemnify him; may find it a heavier mulet than they intended to impose upon themselves.
I must not omit to inform you that I have found one person to prove the hand writing of Lawson the Father before Judge Ashe:
410
STATE RECORDS.
and another who has proved the hand writing of both the Lawsons Father and Son before Judge Williams: the Latter who is the most material Evidence will, I hope, be up at our Court, it is no other than Mr. Lathbury, who says he acquainted you three or four years ago that he could extricate us out of this difficulty: but probably your mind has been employed on matters of so much more moment whereon the Fate of Empire has depended, that my trivial concerns could hardly be expected to find a place in it: however if you can now, without neglecting the public, let me conjure you to bestow some small attention to my affairs, which tho' diminutive to those which chiefly occupy you are nevertheless of the last Importance to me. I am with great Esteem,
Dear Sir,
Your very Obedient Humble Servant, SAML. STRUDWICK.
P. S. You will please to remember that we have no Proof of Guises hand writing to the Lease and Release. We have only the proof of the Witnesses hand writing to these Instruments. But we have copies of these Deeds exemplified under the C'ty Seal. We ought to think betimes which of these we are to rely on, and if advisable send the original away - - - for a better probate.
Perhaps you will think Mr. Rutherfords Testimony Material, as . he is acquainted with all the Circumstances of the Sale, and knowes the Fact, tho' he did not see the Execution of the Papers.
I should have waited on you personally, but at one time the dread of losing my house, and at another that of loosing my peaches, keeps me almost a Prisoner at home.
GENERAL SUMNER TO GOVERNOR NASH.
CAMP AT RAMSEYS MILL, Sept. 3rd, 1780.
SIR :
Near one third of the soldiers are under the disagreeable necessity of being employed in beating out wheat, at different farms for the subsistence of the Camp, not a beef secured, the sole dependence is taken from the wood or farms near Camp.
No Commissary immediately employed to look too-for these
411
STATE RECORDS.
gross neglects, Mr. Molett had drove from this Brigade near 300 beaves, Col. Seawell informs without his knowledge, (they were Tory Property), and had not left one for the subsistance of this Camp. I wish your Excellency would give some order to the Com- missary's department, that a more proper arrangement might take place among the soldiery. I intend moving the Camp on the other side the River today if possible, and as there is little provision to supply us on the march, for I assure you there is not a supply yet for this days use, I shall be under the necessity of continuing longer ther than I wish for.
I am, Sir, with respect your Servt., JETHRO SUMNER.
(Note written on the back of the letter).
SIR : I desire you to read the within & let me know what meas- ure is to be taken to get Sumners men to march.
GENERAL SUMNER TO GOVERNOR NASH.
CAMP CHATHAM COURT HOUSE, Sept. 5th, 1780.
SIR :
I make use of the opportunity of this express to inform your Ex- cellency of our coming thus far; I have given orders for marching off early in the morning, and we will proceed with all speed to Salisbury.
I am, with the highest Esteem and Sir, Your Excellency's most Obedient Servant, JETHRO SUMNER.
His Excellency Abner Nash.
412
STATE RECORDS.
MINIT OF CLOATHING PURCHASED, 1776.
Dr. The United States To Jethro Sumner, Brigadier Genl.
1776.
April. For Sundrie Expenses &c., pr Acct. thereof £271-9-7 do. Subsistance when superintending the - . Recruiting service by order of Genls. Wash- 188.8 ington & McIntosh; see the Acct. of 157 days a 3 Dollars
1779.
January. For § piece of 7 yards Linen cost 87} dollars
2 pair White Worsted Stocking
24
3 2 yd. Sheeting 42
5 yd. Dimity 60
2 Linen Handkerchiefs
10
2 Pieces Nankeen
70
1 pair Cotton Stocking
16
1 Beaver Hat
100
2 Stocks
6
1 pair Boots
30%
1 pair Shoes
50
25 Gallons Rum
750
20 1b. Brown Sugar
40
7 1b. Loaf do.
35
1 Cart Ginn
37
1358
1779. July.
For 3 price Sundrie clothing, pr. Bill of cost 279
16373
For 1 Waggon Horse Lost in the Service, Colo. Longs Certificate, 250.
HON. JOHN PENN TO GENERAL HARRINGTON.
HILLSBOROUGH, September ye 22d, 1780.
SIR : The Gentlemen appointed to act with me as a Board of War, left this place soon after their Appointment, having been long de- tained in the Assembly they thought it absolutely necessary to go home for a few Days, but will soon return. I have, at their Re-
413
STATE RECORDS.
quest, in their Absence continued to do Business, there being a Ne- cessity for it.
General Gates informed me two days ago that he thought, from the Tories imbodied in Bladen, our Stores at Wilmington and Cross Creek were in Danger ; I wrote to you by the Express, advising you to Impress Waggons, if to be got, and send the Stores this Way, provided you thought it necessary; at the same Time mentioning the Propriety of getting what Leather was there, if to be had ; One tanned for two raw Hides. And I would take Care to send the raw Hides from this Place, by the Waggons that go for the Stores. I want Leather to Shoe the Regular Troops as soon as Possible, that we may have their assistance again ; But as you are likely to have Em- ployment in a different Way, I shall be obliged to you to deliver the enclosed to Colo. Rowan with your Advice how to Act. Your Letter to General Gates, of the 19th Instant is now before me, and I am sorry that you have not received a Letter which the Board of War wrote to you, informing you that Colo. Taylor was sent to Chatham for a few Days to quell the Tories there, and that he would obey any Directions he should receive from you.
I highly approve of your assisting our Friends wherever you can, especially Colo. Kobb, who appears to be an Active, good officer. From your Situation you can Judge much better than the Board of War, how to direct the Movement of our Troops to the Southward; you will therefore give such Directions to Colo. Thomas Taylor, for his Conduct, as you think best for the Publick Good ; & will also Judge of the Propriety of your taking any other Post yourself. You know the Country and the Necessity of keeping a Proper Guard at Cross Creek. However I wish you to look upon yourself at Liberty to act as you think best until you are under the immediate Com- mand of an Older Officer.
I have wrote to General Jones, desiring him to march his Brigade, or such Part as are cquipt, as soon as Possible to Cross Creek ; Should he Join you himself, he will, as the oldest officer, have the Com- mand.
I shall remain at Hillsborough until my Colleagues return, you will therefore let me hear from you as often as you think it necessary.
I am, Sir, Your Obt. Servt.
General Harrington.
J. PENN.
414
STATE RECORDS.
HON. JOHN PENN TO GENERAL HARRINGTON.
HILLSBOROUGH, September ye 23rd, 1780.
SIR :
I am informed by Mr. George Fletcher, who acts as a Purchasing Commissary near Cross Creek, that he cannot Collect and drive Cattle without Assistance given for that Purpose : As you are on the Spot, and well acquainted with the Nature of this Business, I have directed him to apply to you : When you are Joined by Gen- eral Jones of Halifax with his Brigade Perhaps you may spare some of your Men, if not, you may, if you approve of it, allow him as Many as you think proper of the Militia making this Service, if well performed, a Tour of Duty.
Inclosed is a Duplicate of a Letter I sent you Yesterday lest any Accident should happen to the other.
I am, Sir, Your hble. Servt.,
J. PENN.
General Harrington.
COL. THOS. POLK TO THE BOARD OF WAR AT HILLSBOROUGH.
CAMP YADKIN RIVER, 11th. Oct. 1780.
GENTLEMEN :
I have the pleasure to inform you that on Saturday last the noted Col. Ferguson with 150 fell on Kings Mountain, 800 taken Prison- ers with 1500 Stand of Arms. Cleaveland and Campbell Com- manded. A glorious affair. In a few Days doubt not but we will be in Charlotte & I Will take Possession of my house & his Lord- ship take the Woods.
I am, Gent., with Respect, Your hutub. Servt.,
THOS. POLK. -
COL. ALEX. MARTIN TO GENERAL HARRINGTON.
WAR OFFICE,. Hillsborough, October 20th, 1780. SIR :
The Board with Pleasure received yours of the 15th Instant, con- taining an Account of the probability of the French landing Six
415
STATE RECORDS.
Thousand Men in Georgia. This we are very willing to beleive, which hath given great Spirits to the Army, and will if true account for Lord Cornwallis's precipitate Retreat from Charlotte the 13th. at Night, leaving the Kettles on the Fire and Twenty Waggons loaded with valuable Baggage Five Miles below the Town behind them, by the last Intelligence he was making his Way to the Nation Ford of Catawba.
We expect this will reach you on Peedee, and expect a large Quantity of Cattle and Hogs will be immediately collected by your Detachment. Mr. Amis hath our Orders as Superintendant Com- missary, to receive them and have them drove to places convenient to the Army. Two Quire of Paper is sent you by Colonel Wade agreeable to your request.
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