USA > North Carolina > The state records of North Carolina, Vol XV > Part 35
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STATE RECORDS.
P. M., in which the killed, wounded and missing are to be accounted for ; the Commissioned Officers are to be named.
A True Copy, J. S.
Major General Greene orders, the 16th of March, Speadwell Furnis on a Branch of Haw River.
NOTE .-- Judge D. Schenck adds in the following note on May 27th, 1891 :
Lawson's Brigade had one man killed ; Eaton's Brigade of N. C. seven.
PROCEEDINGS OF A GENL. COURT MARSHAL HELD FOR THE TRIAL OF MAJOR DENNIS.
HEAD QUARTERS MULBERRY PLANTATION, Camp near Beaufords Bridge, 24th March, 1781.
In consequence of an order of the day for a Genl. Court Martial to sit for the Tryal of Major Dennis, charged with Mutiny, disobedi- ence of orders and desertion ; the Court met at ten O'clock.
COL. KENAN, president, COL. ALFRED MOORE, judge advocate.
Col. Young,
Lt. Cols. Bloodworth, Leonard, Grant, Majors Andrews, Tradwell, Campbell.
Members.
. Captns. Dickinson, Battle, Whitehead, Alburton, Larkins.
The whole Court being duly sworn, Major Dennis was Intro- duced, and the crime with which he was charged, read to him ; he acknowledged he had acted contrary to Genl. Lillington's order, but denied his being guilty of mutiny or desertion, whereupon the Witnesses were Introduced and sworn and examined, both by the Court and Major Dennis, the Prisoner. The Court, after mature deliberation, are of the opinion that Major Dennis is guilty of Diso- bedience of Orders and Desertion, and do therefore Sentence him to be Cashiered, & request that the Governor recommend it to the
432
STATE RECORDS.
Assembly that Major Dennis may be rendered incapable of holding any office of Honour or trust or profit in the State. JAS. KANAN, Col. Presdt., ALFRED MOORE, Judge advocate.
GENERAL GATES TO GENERAL HARRINGTON.
.
April, 1781.
DEAR SIR :
I have heard, by Accident, that you are at Mr. James Stroud's with your Slaves. I should be happy to see you at my House, and would come immediately to show you the way, but having a Cold am afraid to ride in the Rain. I shall expect you to Dinner, which will be ready at Two O'clock.
I am your Affectionate, Humble Servant,
HORATIO GATES.
General Harrington.
MRS. PINCKNEY TO GENERAL GATES.
Mrs. Pinckney presents her compliments to General Harrington & encloses him two papers of James's Powders, with a paper of di- rections. Mrs. Pinckney hopes the General finds himself better to- day.
WEDNESDAY.
Mrs. Pinckney receives the powders in a phial from England, which is the reason that they are not in blue papers as mentioned" in the directions.
GENERAL SUMNER TO COL. J. ARMSTRONG AND COL. GIDEON LAMB.
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. April 7th, 1781.
DR. SIR :
General Greene hearing that the line of Officers of this State be collected to make the arrangements for the four regiments, as he
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STATE RECORDS.
has the rank and dates of the Officers Commissions in captivity. I have hitherto deferred commanding their attendance as Genl. Rendezvous come so soon on at Hillsborough on the 25th of April where, Sir, I require you to give your attention as an Officer of the line.
With respect, I am, Sir, JETHRO SUMNER.
GENERAL SUMNER TO GENERAL GREENE.
April 8th, 1781.
SIR :
I have agreeable to the temporary arrangement of the officers of this State issued my instructions, to the Officers taking charge of each regiment to receive the drafts of the several districts, and march them with their officers to general Rendezvous at Hills- borough where I shall meet them, and as soon as may be make you a return. The distressed condition of that neighbourhood, the probable route of the enemy and the supply of arms would make our rendezvous to the eastward more convenient for provisions, more in the way of the enemy, and in all probability get sooner supplied with arms, &c. However, this is from a supposition that the arms were yet to be borrowed from Virginia, as I understood from Col. Martin. Nothing shall be wanting on my part to defer one hour in equipping them for the field.
That I had some money I think would be quite necessary, a considerable arrearrage is also due to the officers who are desirous of being paid.
I am, Sir, with due respect Your most Obedient Servant, JETHRO SUMNER.
GEN. JOHN BUTLER TO GENERAL SUMNER.
CAMP AT RAMSEY'S MILL, 11th April, 1781.
SIR :
General Greene marched the main body from this place on Fryday 15-28
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STATE RECORDS.
last he went by the way of Wilcoxes Furnace on Tick Creek but his rout from thence I am not yet informed of. I am ordered to remain at this post with part of the Militia of this State to collect provision and with all to collect the scattered Militia and send them on to Headquarters. We have now in the field 240 men of those that fled from the battle on the 15th ulto. they are for one year and will in a few days join Headquarters. My orders were to inform you from time to time of their numbers in order that you might send on as many officers as were necessary to command them. Major P. Eaton, Capt. James Reed, Capt. Yarbrough, & Lieut. John Campbel are in service and mean to continue with your leave. ] am your Obedt. servant,
JOHN BUTLER.
N. B. I sent out a party the day before yesterday to learn the Enemy's movements, they are not returned so that I cannot inform you of them since they left Elizabeth Town on Cape Fear.
GEN. N. GREENE TO GENERAL SUMNER.
CAMP LITTLE RIVER NEAR THE PEDEE, April 11th, 1781.
SIR :
I wrote you the eighth of this instant, since which I have received a letter from General Caswell, an extract from which I inclose you, & by which you will learn the drafts are raising fast in almost all the districts. You will find officers to receive them agreeable to the requisition of General Caswell. All the Officers should be collected at certain points immediately, and some place fixed upon to form the different Regiments, and the Officers appointed to their respec- tive commands. All possible dispatch should be made use of to have this business executed as soon as may be. I beg you to exert yourself night and day to have it accomplished, and send me intel- ligence from time to time of your progress. You will remember to take measures in time for procuring arms and accourtrements of every kind to equip the men; without which your men would be of little use.
In Salisbury district it is said the drafts will be ready by the 25th
.
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STATE RECORDS.
of this month, from which you will see that no time is to be lost in arranging the Officers.
I am Sir Your most Obedient, Humble Servant, NATH. GREENE.
[Extract of Genl. Caswell's letter dated Apl. 6th 1781.]
"Most of our people are engaged in getting out men to compleat our Continental Battalions. Will you be pleased to direct an officer to attend at each of the following places, to receive the men on the 25th inst. viz. for the district of Edenton at Edenton, Newbern at Smithfield, Wilmington at Duplin Ct. House, Hallifax at Hallifax, Hillsborough at Hillsboro', & Salisbury at Salisbury.
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GEN. NATH GREEN TO GOV. BURKE(?)
HD. QUARTERS, LITTLE RIVER, April 11th, 1781. (The express says Kimboro's 10 miles from Mark's ferry on Peedee R. C.)
SIR :
Your letter of the 6th I had the honor to receive last Evening.
Before this you will have been informed of the disappointment that has taken place in Virginia. The Enemy are Masters of Chessapeak Bay and General Philips has arrived there with a very considerable reinforcement of land forces. Col. Morris one of my Aids returned last Evening from Virginia, where I sent him to con- sult with the Marquis upon a plan of operations. He informs me that by private intelligence obtained the Enemy are preparing to form a junction with Lord Cornwallis by the way of Albemarle Sound. All public stores upon the sea coast should be moved into the interior Country. At Edenton I am told there are a large number of fine heavy Cannon. Those should be sent as high up the Roanoak as they can be transported by water. By leaving the Towns naked of public property we render them less object for the Enemy. But whatever is done in the business must be done immediately.
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STATE RECORDS.
I am not without hopes that our movements will disconcert the Enemys plan; but if it should not it would have been impos- sible to prevent the Enemys forming in the way they propose.
If the Marquis de la Fayette marches to the Southward as I have desired him, and the Pennsylvanians and Mary landers get up in time, and Virginia and your State furnish any considerable proportion of their Troops, the Enemy will get little by their junction.
Should the Enemy push their operations seriously to the North- ward and this Army cannot be actively employed to the Southward, I shall leave it and join the Northern Army now forming in Virginia.
I have given directions to General Sumner to collect all the Con- tinental Officers, and to send some to each place you recommend to receive the recruits. Arms, Cartouch Boxes, and all other mat- ters will be wanting to equip your men. Every exertion should be made to provide for the troops, that they may be able to take the field on the shortest notice .?
I am very glad you have established a plan for communicating intelligence. This was very necessary & I presume it will be very useful that you shall hear from me by every opportunity.
I beg leave to refer you to Mr. Wyley Jones for further informa- tion respecting my plan and reasons for the present movements. Letters being frequently intercepted prevents my being more particular.
I had all my riding Horses stole a Night or two past. If the State could furnish me with a couple they would oblige me greatly and for which I will be accountable.
At the first opening of the Assembly there should be a Severe Law made against harbouring Deserters; without which I fear the Army will be little benefitted by the draft.
I have the honor to be with great respect Your most obedient humble servant
NATH. GREENE.
437
STATE RECORDS.
JOHN RAMSEY TO GOVERNOR BURKE.
DEEP RIVER 13th April 1781.
SIR :
Mr. Jones & my Self returned from Wilmington Last Thursday Evning, the Commander of the Enemeys force there permitted us into town to see our friends who we found all in Good helth the main body of the Enimy were advanced in the Country. we had no Certainty of their being higher advanced than Rockfish Bridge where they defeated our post there of which you must of had a particular acct. of before now & need only Observe to your Excel- lency that it seemed to be a finishing Stroke to the well Affected in the Lower Counties it Gives me pain to See them Go in, in bodies to Surrender & indeed I found when I Gott home much the Same Effect, from the daring Spirit of the Tories, almost all the whigs was gone to oppose Fanning & Last Saturday morning a body of Scotch Supposed to be 50 fell in below on Cape Fear within ten miles of Elizabethtown(?) From the Spirit of the remaining few turn- ing out against them, they Retreated with their plunder. I do assure you Sir we are Exceedingly distressed in this Quarter what few there is of us, is Oblidge to be out Constantly or Lay in the woods, I am not able to inform you anything from our party against Fanning, report says both Sides reinforced, its Certain that Edwards from Orrange Sett of with Sixty odd men.
I should be glad to know of your Excellency if any kind of pro - duce would be admitted to be sent down for the Support of the prisoners Speasie is not to be Gott in our' parts & it was but Little I Carried my bros. they will Soon need another Supply. Capt. Legett the Commandinig officer at Wilmington did not Show your Lettr while we Staid. I am
Your Excellencys most Obedient Humbl. Servt. JOHN RAMSEY.
On the back of the letter this in Gov. Burke's handwriting:
To be answered that no Commodities can be admitted to be sent to the posts of the Enemy.
438
STATE RECORDS.
GEN. JOHN BUTLER TO GENL. CASWELL. -
CAMP AT RAMSEY'S MILL, 13th April, 1781.
SIR :
Yesterday Col. Robeson of Bladen County brought in fourteen prisoners to wit five British and nine Torys taken near Elisabeth Town. the Col. informs that Cornwallace has taken the Road for Brunswick perhaps with design to cross in Boats at that place and march up on the North side to Wilmington but from some hints droped by the officer some think they mean to take shiping for Charles Town or Virginia, the party I sent out to discover them is not yet returned I am your Obedient servant
JOHN BUTLER.
MAJ. PINKNEY EATON TO GENERAL SUMNER.
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CAMP CHATHAM COURT HOUSE, April 13th, 1781. DEAR GENERAL :
I this day received of Lieut. Col. Wm. Linton one hundred and seventy men who are turned over into the Continental service but am without a single Officer to assist me. I shall by General Greene's orders march them immediately to Head Quarters and hope you will order some officers to come on to take charge of the companies. I am surprised to find the officers of the district know so little of their duty as to send off a party of Continental troops without first informing you of it, that you might have given the necessary orders . for the attendance of the officers. I would not have moved a foot from this place until I had received your orders, had not General Greene left particular instructions respecting it. I shall be happy to see you, or receive your orders as soon as possible, and will send an express to this place, Capt. Ramsey will send it on to you im- mediately.
I am Dear General, with the utmost respect, your most obedient humble servant. PINKNEY EATON.
439
STATE RECORDS.
GEN. RICHARD CASWELL TO GOVERNOR NASH.
DOBBS, 15th April, 1781.
SIR :
The second person sent by me for General Greene's Camp is Just ยท returned with a Letter from General Butler, which I do myself the Honor of Sending under Cover herewith, the first Man I make no doubt will return in a day or two as the Bearer says he heard, when a little distance from Gen. Butler's Camp, General Greene's evening Gun, of Course he could Not be far off, if any intelligence by that Man it shall be forwarded to your Excellency.
I intend sending an Express this day to General Lillington's Camp in expectation of hearing some thing of Ld. Cornwallis's movements, if your Excellency has received any information from that quarter, will you be pleased to Communicate the same to me by the bearer ? I submit the propriety of Continuing or otherwise the Riders to General Greene's Camp to your Excellency, if you think sir, 'tis necessary to Continue them, it shall be done. I have the Honor to be, with the greatest respect & esteem Sir, Your Ex- cellency's most obedt., humble Servt.,
His Excellency, Govr. Nash.
R. CASWELL.
LT. COL. H. MURFREE TO GENERAL SUMNER.
MURFREES LANDING, 15th April, 1781.
DEAR GENERAL :
I recd. your favour of the 14th and observed the contents. I will lose no time in marching the troops to general rendezvous after I receive them. But am afraid it will be some time before they are ready, as they are not yet drafted in several of the Counties in this district, but will use my utmost endeavor to have them on the march as soon as possible.
I have no news.
I am your most H. Servt.,
H. MURFREE.
440
STATE RECORDS.
GENERAL SUMNER TO MAJOR DIXON.
April 17th, 1781.
DEAR SIR :
I would have been glad to have heard from you ere this, that I might in some measure have known, if the Countys of the district of . Hillsborough have made their drafts for the Continental service or the probability of its being done.
You will be pleased to order on to join Major Eaton two sub. Of- ficers for the present ; Lt. Col. Linton having marched to General Butler's Camp near two hundred men, and are now without officers, for the Continental service, other officers to compleat four com- panies are ordered on to join and take charge with him there.
I am, Dear Major, Yr. Very Hum. Servant, JETHRO SUMNER.
MAJ. P. EATON TO GENERAL SUMNER.
CAMP LITTLE RIVER, 20 miles from Pedee. 17th April, 1781.
DR. GENERAL :
When I rote you by Captain (Innis?) I had not been able to make out the descriptive list of the men I received for you, I now enclose you copys of them with the men marked that have deserted since I left Chatham Court House. Genl. Greene was Sunday seven miles the other side of Pedee bearing down towards Camden. I am afraid it will be out of my power to overtake him before he gets to Camden as I was oblige to stay at this place to take in some meal. I this day sent an Express to him to inform him of my being here. I expect to hear from him tomorrow and shall conduct myself agreeable to his orders by an express from Elizabeth town ; we are informed that Lord Cornwallis lies at McClaines Bluff, that Major Craik who was at Wilmington is directing his rout towards New- berne and Genl. Lillington with what troops he has is pursuing him. What will be the issue I long to know. I am much in want of officers to command the companys. The men desert fast
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STATE RECORDS.
and complain heavily of the injustice done them, having never had a Tryall as they many of them declare ; indeed Col. Linton, it ap- . peared to me, had the power of condemning whoever he thought proper, both officer and soldier, and declared to me it was by Gen- eral Jones' orders. I intend to write the Genl. fully on the mat- ter.
I am, Dear General, with the utmost respect, Your Mo. Obedt., Hum. Servt., P. EATON.
GENERAL SUMNER TO J. POTTS.
WARREN COUNTY, April 18th, 1781.
SIR :
I am to acquaint you (if I am not mistaken in the department which you fill) that I shall rendezvous the drafts of this State as Continental Troops at Hillsborough, agreeable to order. The dis- trict of Hillsborough will rendezvous at Hillsborough the 25th In- stant. The East and Southern district will lose no time in joining General Rendezvous by the fifth of May, therefore you are to use your activity in laying in provisions immediately at Hillsborough for fifteen hundred men ; the situation of the State requires every exertion for their being provided for untill equipped for the field. You are therefore to give the necessary aid of your department, for the well providing for the said troops by the time and place men- tioned.
I am Sir, your servant, JETHRO SUMNER.
JOSHUA POTTS TO GENERAL SUMNER.
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COLO. PHILEMON HAWKINS'S, Warren County. April 19th, 1781.
SIR : Yours by Boy this moment recd. in which you request provisions, &c., to be laid in at Hillsborough for two thousand men, &c.
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STATE RECORDS.
According to your order you may depend, Sir, that every exertion in my power shall be put in execution to perform your Requisi- tion.
Perhaps you have understood that General Greene, just before he left Ramsey's Mill, gave directions that stores of every kind should be forwarded from the eastern part of this State, to Hillsborough, there to be subject to farther orders, In consequence of which order I departed Halifax a few days ago, with an intent to make a tour through the respective Counties of this district ; have been here sev- eral days, put ten waggons into service, eight of which will start from this with Bacon, in a day or two, & shall continue to send for- ward provisions from each County, with all possible expedition.
I am, Sir, your most obedient & humble servant,
JOSHUA POTTS, S. C. H. D.
GEN. NATH. GREENE TO GENERAL SUMNER.
CAMP 4 MILES FROM CAMDEN, April 19th, 1781.
SIR :
Your favour of the 8th instant was handed to me this morning. I shall leave it to your own discression to fix the place of general rendezvous for the reception of the recruits, that which is secure from the enemy, and can best afford supplies for the men, will be the - most proper and the most agreeable to me. The great object is to have them collected, organized and equipped for the field as soon as possible, this I am persuaded you will pay every attention to. The present moment is big with importance to this country, and while the tide of sentiment is in our favor, it should be industrious- ly improved.
If you cannot procure any money from the Treasury of North Carolina, I will advance two months pay to those officers who are arranged for immediate service, but I could wish you to obtain it from the State, as the military chest is very Low.
I am Sir, your most Obdt., Very hum. servt.,
NATH. GREENE.
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STATE RECORDS.
COL. ASHE TO GENERAL SUMNER.
HALIFAX, April 19th, 1781.
DR. SIR :
Last night Late, I returned home, from Cape Fear. Received your Letter and Instructions, shall pay particular attention to them, and as Manutely comply.
Major Eaton has command in Camp of those returned for the War, by Gl. Jones.
I shall order Captain Madireis to Smith Field and will write to those Officers of my Regt. at & about X. Creek. Some of them I will order to Joine Captain Medireis, and the rest to Hallifax.
You will oblige the new appointed officers by sending their Cer- tificates as they are desirous of having them before they take com- mand. I will again give you their names, Viz: John Will, Thos. Lloyd James Moore & Wm. Ashe Lieutenants; Cincinatus Ashe and Job House Ensigns-all of the first Regt. There are four of these Gentlemen, I will undertake to recommend as sensible and meri- torious as any ever raised in this State my two Kinsmen I shall say nothing of but am very sanguine. Ned is very ( ...... ), he begs your approbation of getting Enoculated, the Small pox is at Doctor Pastiures. Be pleased to let me hear from you on the subject of Ned's getting Enocd. and inclose me the Certificates. Am Dr. Sir, yrs.,
J. B. ASHE.
Cornwallis is at Wilmington with all his troops. Arnold is go- ing up Potomac supposed to destroy Hunters Iron Forge, my Father is on his way to become your neighbour. Did you not tell me ( ...... ) house not far from the old C. II. that I might ( ...... ) a Friend do ( ... . .. ) I have one much distressed. J. B. ASHE.
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STATE RECORDS.
GEN .NATH. GREENE TO GENERAL SUMNER.
CAMP BEFORE CAMDEN, April 21st, 1781. DEAR SIR :
Since I wrote you a day or two ago I have received information that a detachment of the Enemy from Wilmington is moving to- wards Newbern; Should the information be true, and they continue their operations that way, you will collect all the Continental Troops drafted for a year in Hillsborough and the lower district, and em- ploy them against the enemy in that quarter, great activity and great industry is necessary to counteract such an active enemy as we have to deal with. You will write to Baron Steuben and inform him of the situation of things in the quarter where you are, and apply to him for articles necessary to equip your Troops that can- not be had in the State, or provided in any other way.
We are before this place but find the Garrison too large and the works too strong to storm it with the little force we have. Our movements this way have revived the hopes of the People, before which the People were ready to give themselves up as lost forever.
I am Sir, Your hble. Servt., NATH. GREENE.
COL. BENJ. SEAWELL TO GENERAL SUMNER, IN WARREN.
BLUEFIELD, April 21st, 1781.
DR. GENERAL :
I've been at Halifax to see Col. Ashe respecting marching the troops from this County down to this place, I did not see the Col. but Major Hogg who is left to officiate in his room, advises me not to carry them to Halifax at any rate as the small pox is prevalent there, & the men to be carried immediately to Hillsborough he thinks it advisable to keep them at Frankliu Court House and to receive advice from you when they shall be ordered to march to join the lower Counties Troops as they pass up to Hillsborough. The number of delinquents thats in this County added to those
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STATE RECORDS.
troops already raised by act of Assembly, I believe will make a compleat company, I shall be glad you send me a continental officer to take charge of the men. Perhaps it may be necessary to keep a guard over some of delinquents until they be carried to Head- Quarters. The lower Counties not having their men as yet raised. I've appointed the first day of May next for the rendezvous of the men in this County at Franklin Court House at which time if you concur with me in sentiment shall be glad you'd send me an officer. We have a plenty of provisions for the troops. As this is Major Hogg's advice I submit the matter to your consideration. Shall be glad you'd write me respecting the subject as soon as possible. I've no news but remain with esteem yours most sincerely,
BENJ. SEAWELL.
GENERAL LILLINGTON TO GENERAL SUMNER.
CAMP AT LIMESTONE BRIDGE, DUPLIN COUNTY, April 22:81. DR. SIR :
I recvd. yr. favor of 14th. Instant, & Agreeable to yr. Orders, I have Made it Known to the Continental Officers, that is in this Brigade that it is yr. Desire that they Proceed Immediately to their Different Stations, to receive the New raised Recruits.
We have nothing of Note Just Now; you may depend in Case Cornwallis should make a Movement to March in the Country, that you shall hear it pr. Express, without Delay, there is a report in Camp that Part of his Troops is Down at Brunswick, if that Should be the case you May Conclude that he Intends for the South- ward, as soon as he Can get Shipping to take them off. you will Oblige Me Much to let me hear from you with what Intelligence you may have from Genl. Greene, & from the North.
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