USA > North Carolina > The state records of North Carolina, Vol XV > Part 37
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With the most sincere Regard I have the
Honor to be, Dear Sir, Your most obedient, Humble Servant,
LAFAYETTE.
P. S.
20,000 Cartridges have been sent towards Roanoke which have . been escorted over Appomatox By Gen'l Millenburg while another party was diverting the attention of the enemy. Not knowing where you was Gen'l Millenburg has directed the officer to apply to General Jones.
460
STATE RECORDS.
CAPT. E. YARBOROUGH TO GENERAL SUMNER.
CHARLOTTE, 12th May, 1781.
SIR : I was at General Butler's Camp a few days after your letter was received ordering Capt. Read and myself to take command of the Troops, that was sent out under Col. Linton. I set out immediate- ly for Head Quarters with my baggage that came from Virginia and by the Tories residing in Randolph County and on Deep River I was obliged to make my rought by Guilford Court House and Salis- bury and Charlotte. I had got as far as the lines of South Carolina when I was taken very sick aud obliged to return to this place to the Hospital and am not able to judge when I shall be able for the field. Capt. Read was sent to Salisbury on some business from General Greene and there is no Officers at camp with the North Carolina Troops but Major Eaton and Lieutenant Campbell.
I should be very happy if I could obtain leave of absence for a . few weeks for to recover my health and some other business that would be something very considerable to me by the death of my brother, since I , march from home last August. I hope you will grant my request, as you are sensible that I am the only officer be- longing to the State that has been in service until lately for the last ten months past. I should be happy to hear that you and your family are all well. So conclude with my compliments to all friends. I am your humble servant,
E. YARBOROUGH.
461
STATE RECORDS.
COL. BENJ. SEAWELL TO GENERAL SUMNER.
DEAR GENERAL :
The rect. of yr. favor pr. Express of the 12th Instant. I have to acknowledge as also the Letters intended for Newbern district which I shall endeavour to forward.
But I do assure you that our situation at present is not very com- fortable. Not a man of any rank or distinction or scarcely any man of property has lain in his house since the British passed through Nash County. We are distressed with all the rogues and vaga- bonds that Cornwallis can raise to pester us with, but I am in hopes from the unanimity of my County men we shall make an easy con- quest of them. A certain Robert Beard, with 15 others, on Friday last seized the person of Jno. Ferrell, Isham Alford & Robt. Melton, together with Seven Horses, & I think three guns that were intended for the present draft of Militia & carried them all off. Our men, after collecting, pursued them, but night coming on and drawing near the enemy's lines they returned without any luck. I've or- dered 45 Horsemen out in quest of them. I do not doubt but we shall have a good account of them in a few days. I hope to be with you on Wednesday next. Shall bring on the regulars with me. In great haste, I am, Dear Sir, Yours sincerely,
BENJ. SEAWELL.
I am doubtful Joe omitted dating the within which is of this day 13th May, 1781.
BARON DE GLOEBECK TO GENERAL SUMNER WITH COPY OF PA- ROLE.
COL. HAWKINS', 14th May, 1781.
DEAR GENERAL :
I have sent Sergeant Beckham with five men for the swords, powder and lead. I wish we could get thirty or forty swords, as I wish to have that number of my best men equipped compleat as horsemen, and use the remainder as infantry mounted.
I shall join the men, I expect from Granville and Franklin with
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STATE RECORDS.
those under the command of Captain Tullock, and expect the whole will make our compleate troop of Horse & one company of mounted infantry.
As soon as I get the swords, &c., from you I shall move down to observe the motions of the enemy.
I send you Captain Tullock's letter-it is the only information we have received since my last. Pray let my men meet no diffi- culty in obtaining the necessaries I have wrote for.
I shall send you every day, after tomorrow an express, should there be the least movements of the enemy.
I am, Dear General, Your Humble Servant,
DE GLOEBECK, Major.
Pray General use your influence with Col. Taylor to send me twenty or thirty men. I have written to him on the subject.
I shall move down with the men I have so soon as you furnish from your quarters the necessaries I send for.
D. G.
PAROLE.
I, A. B., being made a prisoner of war, by the army of the thirteen United States in North America, do promise and engage, on my word and honor and on the faith of a gentlemen, to depart from thence to in the State of . be- ing the place of my destination and residence and there or within six miles thereof, to remain during the present war between Great Britain and the said United States, or untill the Congress of the said United States or the Assembly, or Convention, or Committee or Council of safety of the said state shall order otherwise, and that I will not directly or indirectly, give any intelligence whatever to the enemys of the United States or do, or say anything in opposition to, or in prejudice of the measures and proceedings of any Congress for the said States during the present troubles, or until I am duly ex- changed or discharged. Given under my hand this day of A. D., 178 -.
SIGNED BY THE PRISONER.
463
STATE RECORDS.
CAPT. JA. READ TO GENERAL SUMNER.
SALISBURY, May 17th, 1781.
DEAR SIR :
I have wrote you repeatedly but never had the honor of hearing from you since I left Warren County.
I suppose you have heard of the evacuation of Camden which took place on the 10th of the instant. There is not any other news here but what comes from your quarter, that verbal and so various and contradictory that it is impossible to form an idea of the situa- tion of affairs there.
General Green has stationed me here to transact some business, &c., and as it might be rather late for General Greene to send or- ders here after receiving information from you of Lord Cornwallis's movements it may prevent some unnecessary and occasion some rapid movements of stores, &c., if you will give me or order some person to give me early intelligence of the Enemy's movements in your neighborhood.
I (accidentally) received a wound in my right hand which al- most prevents me writing ; there is now an inflammation in it.
I have the honor to be, with the greatest respect,
You most obedient and most humble servant,
JA. READ.
Major Mountflorence is requested to forward this letter with all possible dispatch.
COL. JNO. ARMSTRONG TO GENERAL SUMNER.
SALISBURY, May 22d, 1781.
DEAR GENERAL :
Since my last to you I have received about 30 men of the drafts of this district, and this day I expect about fifty more and by the last of this week I think will have about 200 in all if they come in according to promise. Every thing that was in my power to for- ward the drafts and have them prepared for camp I have done,
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STATE RECORDS.
likewise I have received 50,000 cartridges for the use of your Brigade which I intend to bring with me to your head quarters, But I understand by Captain James Read that it is General Greene's express orders for the Salisbury drafts to join him. Sir, I wish to hear from you as soon as possible, on that account as I expected to join you at the place appointed. If I march Southwardly will leave 20,000 cartridges with Captain Gamble, Quarter Master in Salis- bury, to be delivered by your order or sent on to you if wanting. I am with much estem your most Obedient, Humble Servant, JNO. ARMSTRONG.
MAJ. HENRY DIXON TO GENERAL SUMNER. (DIRECTED TO HARRIS- BURG )
HILLSBOROUGH, 22d May, 1781.
DEAR GENERAL :
I came from Caswell yesterday and expect the troops from that County on Thursday next. They are pretty well clothed ; There is but very few imbodied in this County, the Chatham and Wake troops were expected yesterday but have not heard from them yet, We are very scarce of arms and what we have are bad. The Tories are very mischievous between this and Deep River; the day before yesterday they were plundering within five or six miles of this. Yes- terday there was a man found within three miles that had been murdered by them a few days before them as he was hauling wood. . Provision is like to be scarce without it is sent from other counties, there is a plenty in Wake. I shall be glad to know if it will be agreeable to send there for what provision we want until we can get the men collected. I cannot hear of any flints but what is in the public store in Petersburg, Virginia. I shall be glad to re- ceive your orders whether I am to wait here any time to get the men paid their bounty, and to collect such as fail to appear. Gen. Butler will immediately order a draught of the militia and says that he will give orders that any man that will bring in a deserter or delinquent shall be clear of a tower of militia duty.
Am Sir,
Your most Obedt., Hum. Servant, HENRY DIXON, Major.
-
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STATE RECORDS.
GENERAL GREENE TO GENERAL SUMNER.
CAMP BEFORE NINETY SIX, May 23rd, 1781. DEAR SIR :
Your Letters of the 23d of April, and the 7th and 11th of May have been received. I am sorry the Drafts are so tedious in collect- ing, and that the Article of Arms was not earlier attended to. In my former Letters I desired that all the Drafts except those in Salisbury district might be collected at Hillsborough or where else you might think more convenient to equip them. Those in Salis- bury District I directed to join this Army, and have taken measures to have them armed accordingly.
As soon as I get certin intelligence of Lord Cornwallis's moving Northwardly I desired you to join the Marquis or Baron Steuben, to prevent a junction if possible between his Lordship and Genl. Philips. These Letters I hope you have received and will join them accordingly.
We have had various reports of the Enemies movements in Vir- ginia since you wrote, but nothing certain. In this quarter Camden, and the Fort at Nelson's ferry have been evacuated ; and fort Watson, Motte, Orangeburg, and Granby taken. The Prisoners who fell into our hands at the several Posts amount to 7 or 800 regulars and irregulars, and fifty odd Officers. Ninety Six and Augusta are beseiged, and I am in hopes will fall into our hands.
I send you a Copy of my last Letter as I am told the Express was taken and the dispatches fell into the hands of the Tories.
I beg you to pay particular attention to the public Stores at Hillsborough, and if the Enemy should move towards Salisbury as is highly probable, at that place also ; and keep me advised of their movements.
Use every means in your power to get the drafts equipped as soon as possible. In whatever direction the Enemy moves try to keep out of their way all good Horses, fit for the Dragoon or Waggon Service. This is a greater object, and greater in its consequences than is generally immagined. A general exchange of Prisoners is agreed on to take place in June or July. All Officers to be paroled that are not exchanged. With esteem & regard,
I am Sir your most obedient hble Servt.
NATH. GREENE.
15-30
.
466
STATE RECORDS.
COL. NICHOLAS LONG TO GENERAL SUMNER.
May 25th, 1781.
SIR :
Inclosed is a letter sent you for your perusal and desire to know whether the twelve months men which I have taken as Artificers must continue or not ; as the public works are much damaged, would wish to know by the bearer before I set them to work. I have employed some men as Waggoners which must be continued. I am Sir, Your Humble Servant, NICHOLAS LONG, D. Q. M. G.
N. B. Please to return the letter inclosed by the bearer with your directions concerning the above &c.
GOV. A. NASH TO GENERAL SUMNER.
COL. HAWKINS', May 25th, 1781.
SIR :
I have so many applications to me in favour of Richard Jones who was delivered over by Col. Seawell as a Continental soldier, that I think myself obliged to take notice of it lest real oppression should be practised under colour of Law and public service. I therefore desire Sir that you would let Jones have his Liberty to convene his witnesses & deliver the letter herewith, to the com- manding officer of Franklin whom I have directed to hold a Ct. of Inquiry on Jones' case & in case he is found liable I have ordered that he be returned to his company, in the other case that he be discharged.
I am Sir, Yr Obt. Servt, A. NASH.
467
STATE RECORDS.
COL. JAMES ARMSTRONG TO GENERAL SUMNER.
MARTINBORO, May 26th, 1781.
DEAR GENERAL :
Yours of the 18th instant came safe to hand, which gave me great pleasure. I had got as far as this on my way to Halifax, in order to see you if possible. But as I have received your orders I shall wait untill I can collect what men is to be had & proceed agreeable to your directions to general rendezvous ; I have about 50 men here, chiefly of this County, a few from Beaufort and Craven. I have wrote to the different Cols. in each County to forward on their men with the utmost expedition & have them equipped if pos- sible. There is about 30 guns in good order & 20 more that I am getting repaired so that there will be a sufficient number for what men is present. Ashe sent Major Blount to Kingston to collect what men and arms may be had from there and as soon as can hear from him and get the arms repaired shall march from this to Tarboro. I have sent a Quarter.Master to Newbern to collect arms and accout- rements from their. Major Pasture being killed a few days past by the Tories near Kingston have applyed to the Col. of the County to furnish those articles, &c.
We have been alarmed for ten days past by the Tories imbody- ing about us, but they seem to drop of. 30 horse from this County and a few from Craven, Comd. by Col. Tilman, went up to Edge- combe, took Benj. Vichous, one of their Ringleaders and twenty one head of cattle which they had collected for the British army; since they wrote to me for Peace, and was granted it provided they gave up their arms and in future adhear to the laws of their Country.
I am with every sentiment of regard and esteem Your most Obedt., Hum. Servt., JAMES ARMSTRONG.
MAJ. JOHN ARMSTRONG TO GENERAL SUMNER AT CAMP ROANOKE.
SALISBURY, May 26th, 1781.
DEAR GENERAL :
I received yours of the 15th instant and gladly embrace the op- portunity of joining you with the Salisbury drafts and was deter-
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STATE RECORDS.
mined to march from this place tomorrow morning. But just as I was fixing Maj.Morris, General Greene's A. D. C. came to this town with positive orders from General Greene for the drafts of this dis- trict to march to the southward. The 30,000 cartridges I recd. for your Brigade I shall leave with Capt. Gamble, Q. M., in this town for you or if possible to be sent and there is about 600 flints likewise that I was to get from Gamble. If you stand in need of the ammunition Capt. Gamble will have it sent on at the first no- tice. Major Morris is of opinion that by this day 96 & Augusta is in our possession, if so they have not one fort in So. Carolina above Chas'town but is in our possession. Our Army to the Southward is in great spirits, and increasing very fast.
General Greene's heavy baggage and artillery that lay high up on the Catawba is ordered to camp. I shall start for Camp today and will take every opportunity of writing to you since I am so unhappy as not to be under your immediate command. And still remain with much esteem your sincere friend and
Very Humble servant, JNO. ARMSTRONG.
N. B. If it is possible pleas to let me have 2 or three subalterns and Lt. Ives. I have but two for the district to March.
J. A.
COL. GIDEON LAMB TO GENERAL SUMNER.
-
EDENTON, 28th, 1781. (Probably May.)
DEAR SIR :
Your orders respecting my attendance as an officer of the Levies at Hillsborough the 25th of April last I never received untill the first of this Instant which was on my return from Tyrell, neither was it delivered at my house by the express Col. Long sent untill the 24th of April, the day before I ought to have been at Hills- borough. This I hope will be a sufficient reason for my non-at- attendance. I should have come and seen you notwithstanding had not my low state of health prevented me. This is the first time I have been able to ride any distance, having come here this morn-
469
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STATE RECORDS.
ing and am at a loss how to act as I presume my being called was only on account of finely settling the ranks of the officers, in conse- quence of General Greene's return of the dates of the Commissions of the Officers in Captivity in Charles Town. The time I was to have met being so far relapsed and the State in such confusion, that I don't expect that could be immediately effected, I therefore shall wait your further orders, which shall be as far complyed with as in my power. Nothing Capital has happened here since I wrote you last only last Tuesday a small ship rigged galley came into Currituck Inlett, burnt a small sloop belonging to Mr. George Kel- ley of Virginia and passed into this sound and has taken a Schooner from Mr. Little John & carried her down the sound and burnt her, also another belonging to Mr. Robt. Smith, laden with 70 or 80 Hhds. Rum and other articles to the amount of 700 Hhd. Tobacco, but after retaken by the towns men, together with a Lieut. & 9 privates. The Cont. 12 months men come in but slow but few here yet, I believe not more than 29. Abner Lamb is here on duty as a cadet in the second Regt. and is the eldest Cadet in the Line of this State. In the mean time I have the honor to be with every sentiment of respect, You Obt., Hum. Servant,
GN. LAMB.
P. S. Genl. Gregory's Camp is still at the N. W. Landing. I shall endeavor to be at the Assembly.
G. L.
.
Abner Lamb takes the liberty of presenting his Respects to the Genl.
G. L.
LT. COL. T. B. ASHE TO BRIGADIER GENERAL SUMNER.
HALIFAX, 1st June, 1781.
DR. GENL :
I apply'd a few days ago to the Governor and Council for Some Supplys, after some difficulty I procured an order or warrant, im- powering Major Murfree to impress what he might think necessary .; The major having inform'd me the day preceding my application
:
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STATE RECORDS.
of a large quantity of Stores lying in Meherin, I desir'd it might be directed to him, and not to any of the staff.
We are much at a loss to know the Supplys (and quantity) wanting, will be glad of your earliest instructions, with an order to the Quarter Master General, for Waggons to Transport an immediate supply of every Article to you. Genl. Jones has sent to the Command- ants of the Counties of this District, urging them to exert themselves in compleating their Drafts, and cloathing them. I have collect'd eight or ten, among them three Villainous Deserters, Two of them Ma- jor Hogg, Captn. Chapman, and myself thought proper to chastise yesterday morning, forgiving the third. They have all Since Desert- ed ; An Example of Death must be made, Genl., and that shortly of Such offenders.
Major Murfree informs me of some men, Col. Estherton has Col- lected, among them Some Deserters. I Shall Send over for them Tomorrow. I hope to join you in a few days, and as much sooner as you shall think that I am wanted, Mr. Ashe and my Family of Blacks are in a very good way, and will be soon well. Wont Mrs. Sumner come down and be Enoculat'd, our house is at her Service, and shall be happy to render her any other. Mrs. Ashe Joins me in Best Respects,
And I am Sir, yrs., J. B. ASHE.
COL. RO. BURTON TO GENERAL SUMNER.
June 2nd, 1781.
DEAR SIR :
Your favour of yesterday's date came to hand this morning. I should have sent the Boy that brought the letter back immediately, but I understood that Maj. Hunt who went express to Genl. Greene had returned to this County, and I expected he would have been here this morning time enough for your boy to get down tonight, this not being the case have sent him on, and will send the dispatches by Mr. Hunt on to you the minute they arrive there. The covered Waggon you left here, the lead and cartridges, that came from the
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STATE RECORDS.
Northward belonged to the Continental Quarter Master's depart- ment; at the request of Mr. Birdsong who belongs to that depart- ment I gave them up to him on his promising to have the Wag- gon Geered immediately and a Team ready for your service when- ever called for her, this I expect is done, & I have sent on your men to Harrisburg to receive her & escort her to your Camp. I congratulate you on the certainty of General Greene's having re- duced two of the Enemies Posts in South Carolina in which he took Prisoners 250 British, upwards of 300 Tories, a number of British & Tory Officers, & a considerable quantity of Stores. You'l have this news officially on arrival of Maj. Hunt who I expect every minute. I shall use every precaution within my power to have the Cartridge Boxes and other articles within my department in ready- ness as soon as possible, but I find it will be some time before I can get shops to works in the different Branches belonging to this busi- ness.
I am with esteem, Dr. General, Yr. very Hble. St., RO. BURTON, Q. M. G. M.
Mrs. Burton Joins me in compliments to Mrs. Sumner & your- self.
R. B.
B. BIRDSONG TO GENERAL SUMNER.
DEAR SIR :
HARRISBURG, June 3rd, 1781.
By the bearer Sergt. Newby I have sent you 20 Boxes of Cart- ridges & a box of Butter & a Waggon & team. I have not another Waggon at this post at present. I have two more on their way from Hillsborough. I have a quantity of powder, lead and Rum & think it necessary to keep a guard & Do, with my artificers. Pray let me know by the first opportunity how I shall get a proper guard for this Magazine.
I am Sir, with much respect, your humble servant,
BATTE BIRDSONG.
Brigadier Genl. Sumner.
Bute Old Court House.
472
STATE RECORDS.
COL. NICHOLAS LONG TO GENERAL SUMNER.
HALIFAX, June 5th, 1781.
DEAR SIR :
I the other day received yours by Lt. Hill. Accordingly shall furnish necessaries agreeable to your request as soon as possible. Mr. Tillery has about 2,500 flints which you will order to be de- livered for the use of your Brigade.
There are three men with you, namely, William Rowland, Joshua Paddysaul, & James White, their services as artificers is very much required here at present. I should be glad you would order them to this place.
I should be glad you would write, & mention the day on which you desire waggons for the two regiments you mention. You shall also be supplied with ammunition waggons by
Your hble. Servt., NICHOLAS LONG, D. Q. M. Gl.
P. S. If you will write to J. Potts, Esq., concerning provisions, &c., you may require, it may he sent in the above waggons.
N. L.
R. BIGNALL TO GENERAL SUMNER.
TARBOROUGH, June 5th, 1781.
DEAR SIR :
I have just received a letter from Mr. Joshua Potts, for a waggon load of salt for the use of the troops under your command. I now send sixteen bushels, which I am under the necessity of borrowing, as we have no public salt on hand, very large quantities of salt was sent up the Country last winter to the Commissioners for Public use. What became of it I can't tell, but am in hopes some inquiry will be made about it.
I am Dear General,
Your Most Obedient Servant,
R. BIGNALL.
473
STATE RECORDS.
COL. MOUNTFLORENCE TO GENERAL SUMNER.
SALISBURY, June 7th, 1781.
DEAR GENERAL :
Nothing could be more agreeable to me than the orders I received from Col. Davie at the Assembly to provide you with provisions to Head Quarters ; Accordingly I repaired immediately to your Camp, & prevailed upon Col. Burton to go with me in order to receive your instructions to that puppose, but was disappointed in not meeting you ; However after delaying a day at Hillsborough for your or- ders, Col. Burton having taken upon himself to provide your Bri- gade as far as the High Rock Ford, I went up directly to Caswell, & required the Commissioners to procure at the High Rock Ford against your arrival there two waggon loads of meal or flour, & ten heads of good Beef Cattle, with a sufficiency of Forage, which I esteem will be an ample supply to bring you to 26 miles this side of Guil- ford Court House ; there at one Charles Hinkles I have ordered 15 bushels of meal to be laid in for you with 4 Beefs by Monday the 9th & forage. I have also ordered 20 bushels of meal, 4 beefs and forage at John Ford, 13 miles from Hinkles & 13 miles from Salis- bury ; & here you'll find ready for you to bring you to Charlotte 80 bushels of meal, 16 heads of cattle, & a good supply of forage ; I am now going to Charlotte to make the necessary preparations for providing waggons and provisions to a sufficient quantity to bring you to headquarters ; & you may depend upon my indefatigable zeal & exertion not so much on account of the duty of my office as of my natural desire of doing whatever can be agreeable to you. I must drop to you another hint about the appointment of your aid- de-camp. Could my nomination be in no manner disagreeable to the Officers of your line, & should my service be agreeable to you as such, I could wish you would be so indulgent as to take the sense of your officers on that matter, as I would by no means desire to be looked upon as an intruder ; I am Dear General, with the most per- fect sentiments of esteem and attachment,
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