USA > North Carolina > The state records of North Carolina, Vol XV > Part 40
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S. S.
MAJOR JOHN ARMSTRONG TO GENERAL SUMNER.
CAMP BIGG SPRINGS, TWENTY MILES FROM BROAD RIVER, July 1st, 1781.
DEAR GENERAL :
The Enemy having received a large reinforcement at Chas. Town Enabled Lord Roden to march to 96 by which means General Greene was under the necessity of raising the siege. They pursued him as far as the Fish Dam Ford on Broad River and then took back again in great haste, the reason of this I cannot venture to re- late Except it was to get of what stores they might have in that fort, it would have been completely reduced in three days more had his Lordship not advanced ; we are now in Camp about half way between the Nation Foard on Catawba and the Fish Dam ford on Broad River in a fine situation & plenty of good water ; it hath one failing, it will not make grogg.
The General seems very uneasy about the delay of the drafts of Salisbury district and the desertions that frequently happen by rea- son they forsd a number of Toreys into the Sarvis and as soon as they recd. the Bounty deserted. I have received nigh three hun- dred men and will not have above two in the field. I did every - thing in my power to bring out the drafts of this district, but all to
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STATE RECORDS.
no purpose ; there is one half at home yet and remains without . molestation ; as for clothing there was little or none sent fit for a Negro to wear except from Rowan. I am sorry I ever had anything to do with such sloathful Officers & neglected soldiers; there is a number of them now almost Nacked. When cold weather sets in they must be discharged for no Officer would pretend to put them on duty, the neglect we have laboured under heretofore together with the present, makes the sarvis very disagreeable to.every officer in Camp ; we are without money, cloathing or any kind of Nourish- ment for our sick. Not one gill of Rum, Shugar or Coffey, No tents nor Camp kettels "Cantains, &c., &c., &c., No Doctor nor medisins. Under those Sircumstances we must become very indurable ; I wish it had been my Lott to have gone with you to Virginia where we would have been under your Imedat Care, and shared the fate of the other drafts and officers of the State. I am fully satisfied you was not acquainted with our Sircumstances hear or otherwise it would have been removed. I recd. yours of the 12th Instant directing me to order the Lewises, into the field again, one is dead, the other a member of the Assembly & Joel resigned and denys Sarving any longer. I am afraid that in a short time you will have but few Officers in the field by reason of the Shamefull neglects of the State, we seem rather a burthing than a benefit to them, we are tossed too and fro like a ship in a storm. I cannot learn what is become of Major Eaton's men. Sanders has a few some where to the southward of this. McRee, Lytle and Brevard, was sent back with the prisoners to Salisbury and I have got about ninety in Camp. I will do my best to gather them to Camp if pos- sible and then shall make you a full return. . I have nothing more particular to acquaint you of at present ; we are lying verry still ; if anything happens Material I will do myself the pleasure of writ- ing to you in full.
I am with much Esteem your most Obedient, humble servant, JNO. ARMSTRONG.
N. B. Please to present my compliments to my brother officers with you. J. A.
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STATE RECORDS.
TO HIS EXCELLENCY, THOMAS BURKE, GOVERNOR, AND COMMAND- ER IN CHIEF OF THE PROVINCE OF NORTH CAROLINA.
THE HUMBLE PETITION OF JONATHAN BROWN HUMBLY SHEWETH :
That your Excellency's Petitioner, Jonathan Brown, was left sick in this Town when the British Army marched from hence last Spring ; that the Petitioner is in very much want, Both of Clothes and Money ; that from your Excellency's known Humanity Peti- tioner hopes your Excellency will please to allow- him a Flag to re- pair to the British Army commanded by Lord Cornwallis wherein Petitioner's Father is an Officer, from whom Petitioner might re- ceive such things as he most stands in need of ; that Petitioner prays your Excellency to permit his Servant to accompany him, if your Excellency will allow Petitioner to go to the British Camp ; that Petitioner will, with the utmost fidelity, Return to this Place at whatever time your Excellency may think fit to appoint for that purpose ; and that Petitioner humbly hopes your Excellency from your benevolent Principles will comply with this Petition ; And Pe- titioner as Duty bound shall every pray, &c.
JONATHAN BROWN, Caddett.
Hillsborough, 2d July, 1781.
LT. COL. DIXON TO GOVERNOR BURKE.
HARRISBURG, July 2d, 1781.
SIR : Mr. Birdsong, the Quarter Master, at this Post has Sent you two Hogsheads of the Best Rum that he has. The troops Marched yes- terday at 12 o'clock ; their Route is by the Way of Hillsborough. Their is no News Worth Relating.
Am Sir, your Most obedient, Humble Servant,
HENRY DIXON.
Governor Burke.
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STATE RECORDS.
DR HU. WILLIAMSON TO GOVERNOR BURKE.
HALIFAX, 5th July, 1781.
SIR :
Two days ago I recd. a Letter from Edenton concerning a young man a Surgeon lately arrived from England who is willing to serve in the Army. His name is Bull, he was born and educated in London, came out Surgeon to a privateer of 20 guns which the crew seized at Madeira & brought her to Teneriff. From Teneriff he is just come to Edenton and desires employment. Tho I presume that he has been regularly educated & is well accomplished as a Surgeon I should not employ a Gentleman in his Situation unless by advice from Govermt. or the commanding officer. At present I do not know whether any Surgeons are or will be wanted. On this subject I wish to hear from your Excellency. During the Winter & Spring I had not so much as an assistant (except one Lad for 6 weeks) in Genl. Gregory's Camp. Three weeks ago I prevailed on a Surgeon to take the Charge of the Sick for some Time, he would not engage for any Continuance as he is Subject to being call'd away at any Hour. But it had become necessary that I should de- vote a few weeks to the settlemt. of private affairs & the army being very small at that Time & healthy the General had no Objection to my withdrawing for a while. When I first enter'd the Service of this State 4000 men were expected to take the Field under Major Gen. Caswell. At present there is no considerable body of Militia at any particular Station, And it is more than probable that a regi- mental Surgeon is the only officer not wanted in the medical de- partment. Hitherto I have been obliged to provide Medicines, In- struments, Linen & other necessaries for a Hospital & that too gen- erally at my private Expence. My office has been very Expensive & commonly my duty has been very severe, However knowing the State of public. Finances I make no complaints. Though I have not sent in my commission I do not consider myself at present as en- titled to public Pay, for I am on private Business. Should I find at any Time that my Services can be of any particular use to the pub- lic I am ready to serve even as a Volunteer. In the meanwhile as I presume that new Regulations will be adopted in the Militia De-
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partment I shall not hereafter venture to take any Steps in that Line without particular Instructions.
Inclosed is the Copy of a Letter from Gl. Gregory to Col. Blount at Edenton. As you may not be acquainted with the particular Topography of that Camp & its Environs I have taken the Liberty of inclosing a small Sketch by which you will perceive that noth- ing but Phrenzy could not have tempted the General to fight or re- main a minute in his camp after the Enemy had arrived at Mc- Phearson's on the very road that he should have retreated, leaving only one Retreat & that very circuitous.
I have the Honor to be Sir Your obdt. Hble Servt.
HU. WILLIAMSON.
P. S. It is said that Genl. Gregory has again taken Possession of his Camp with all his Canon & Stores.
GEN. LAFAYETTE TO GENERAL SUMNER AT HARRISBURG.
HEADQUARTERS BYRD'S TAVERN, 16 MILES FROM WILLIAMSBURG, 5th July, 1781.
D. SIR :
I did myself the honor of writing you yesterday since which the enemy have evacuated Williamsburg and march'd to James town where they design to imbark; part of their troops will go to New York, and the rest it is said will garrison Portsmouth but from their number of cavalry I should rather imagine they will push to the Southland-'tis therefore of the highest importance that General Greene's orders be immediately carried into Execution. I have sent to our Magazine to have the arms and Stores forwarded on to the South- ern Army with the Utmost dispatch and shall rather Stint myself than that Should not be Supplied as far as our Stores will admit. The three hundred Stand of Arms for your Camp will Set out im- mediately.
I have the honor to be Your most obedient Humble Servant,
LAFAYETTE.
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STATE RECORDS.
A LIST OF CAPT. WOOD'S HORSE IN COLO. MALMEDY'S REGIMENT. SOLO- MON WOOD CAPT., MARK MYATT LIEUT., THOMAS GRAY, CORNT.
1 Bryant McCullers Sergt.
2 Amos Wheeler Sergt
3 Charles Johnson Corpl.
4 Bolen Liphot Corpl.
29 Reubin McKleroy
30 John MeKleroy
6 Richd. Lane
31 Ford Butler
32 John Hunt
33 William Ambrose
34 Robert Humphries
35 Benjamin House
36 Nimrod House
37 Joseph Gray
38 William Wheeler
13 Jehu Orr
14 Charles Cardin
15 Abraham Lumbley
16 Ezekiah Utley
41 Thomas Barns
17 John Humphries
42 Robert Martin
19 Benjamin Pullum
43 Frederick Beesley
19 Elijah Pope
44 Sion Perry
20 Joseph Ward
45 Gideon Allen
46 John Pool
22 Elisha Raiby
23 Traves Johnson
48 William Hazewood
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24 James Lewis
49 Roland Williams
50 Griffin Hazewood
25 Michael Tedrick
26 Ephraim Williams
27 David McCullers
28 Andrew McKleroy,
5 Charles Lane
7 John Myatt
8 Russell Jones
9 John Mallaby
10 James Tate
11 Thos. Wilmoth
12 Thos. Driver
39 John Armstrong
40 Runnell Allen
21 Nicholas Atkins
47 Robert Johnson
51 James Sexton
52. Samuel Sexton
Ezekiah Uttley quitted camp without the leave of any officer and went home with a pressed horse, which he never returned to the public; he sent fifteen days after his desertion a substitute whom I would not accept, but he remained in the regiment for his own tour.
Ephraim Williams quitted camp without Leave & Sent imme- diately after a substitute, which I accepted, if the commanding of the district would indulge it ; the substitute had a conditional dis- charge.
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STATE RECORDS.
John McKleroy lost his horse and had a public one-better in some respects.
Robert Humphries had a public mare.
Nimrod House ditto a mare.
William Ambrose had a horse pressed.
SOLOMON WOOD, Capt. MALMEDY, Colonel Commanding.
I take the Liberty of recommending strongly Capt Wood as a very orderly & spirited officer. I should consider as a particular favour, if that deserving company could be Entitled now, to certificates for their due pay.
MALMEDY.
Alexander Boling Light horse in the company of Capt Patterson quitted camp without Leave of any field officer, a week after the rendezvous of the regiment & never returned.
Thomas Greene Light horse in the company of Capt Patterson Orange county quitted camp without the Leave of any field officer and returned to the regiment but 3 Weeks after.
John Herndon, Light horse in Capt Herndon's company, Orange county quitted camp without the leave of any field officer & never returned.
John Watson, a Light horsei n Capt. Moore's company, Orange county, was sent with.a letter of Public Service, he went home with out delivering the Letter, & never returned.
Henson Utter a Light horse of Orange county quitted camp with- out the Leave of any field officer.
MALMEDY, Colonel. Commanding the Regular.
July 5th, 1781.
Wake Court house.
Colonel Malmedy has reported to Colonel Taylor two other men whose names he does not recollect; Colonel Taylor is requested to give their name and delinquency to his Excellency the governor.
MALMEDY.
Capt. Herndon was requested to take a pressed horse from a man of his company as soon as arrived at home, he will be pleased to give an account of him to the quarter master.
MALMEDY.
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STATE RECORDS.
GEN. DRAYTON TO GOV. BURKE.
12 MILES FROM CROSS CREEK, 6th July, 1781.
SIR :
The journey 1 have taken, having brought on my bilious com- plaint, I am obliged to lay by a few days to prevent a too powerful attack ; of course shall not be able to give your Excellency any ac- count respecting the Enemy that have marched out of Wilmington.
But this only, I have learnt, " that Major Craig has issued a Proclamation, requiring all Loyal subjects in Bladen & the adjacent Counties, to hold themselves in readiness for the Field by next Month. It is imagined the intent is to fix Posts at Elizabeth & X Creek, to procure & secure the grain in the contiguous Counties & which I readily conceive to be highly probable.
Allow me sir to speak freely upon the situation of this part of the Country, & as I would wish to act, & to be believed that I do act. upon impartial principles, respecting the examination of Men & measures where my Country is concerned; so I hope, no imputa- tion of prejudice or mean, self Interest will be laid to me, in what I now shall say.
I have often had occasion to see & to lament the want of method in most of our public Transactions; more especially those, respecting the convicting reclaiming or punishing of Tories; & I believe firmly, that we have by our own imprudencies & irregular pro- ceedings made more Enemies, than have become so from mere in- clination; I may venture on appeal to your Excellency's own knowl- edge to prove my assertion; but I will endeavor to support it by a relation of recent facts.
Civil Wars are always attended with something horrid. The bare Idea of Friend against Friend & nearest Relatives in armed opposi- tion shocks human nature! But good God! Sir, let us not counte- nance barbarities that would disgrace the Savage! if we cannot totally stop, yet we may check wanton exercise of cruelty. Pardon me sir, the late act perpetrated at X Creek demands a freedom of speech & calls aloud for examination. 1 mean the murder com- mitted by one Beard on one McLeod! They are both strangers & utterly unknown to me; I plead the cause of Humanity, of true policy. I am for preventg. every Execution, even of my enemy,
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by private hands, but what may be done in the Field of Battle. I am for wresting that usurped power out of the hands of the soldiers, & by no means allow them individually to be Judges; it is enough, in doing their duty in the Field, that they are Executioners. I am told the late Governor applauded the Action & regretted there were not in every County, more such men as this Beard. Is it pos- sible that Mr. Nash whose sence & knowledge of mankind must have taught him to know better could have allowed him praise an Action teeming with every Evil! if such actions receive high sanc- tion who is safe where prejudice, envy or Malice may.prevail in the breast of a bad man: are not the best liable to be called an Enemy & treated as such? I am not vindicating the deceased or pronounc- ing him innocent. I grant he was subject to punishment for his behaviour, but as our Laws have pointed out the mode, a public tryal & example was the only way to have proceeded by. But sir, McL. blood was not forfeit enough; they have done more, they have carryed the punishment farther. They have taken every article of Cloathing & every means of Subsistance from the Widow & the Children & have left them to the cold merciless hand of Charity rendered more so by threats to those who might relieve. My good sir could the Children partake of the Fathers Guilt? why then pun- ished? Can such deeds as these, may it please your Excellency, bear a retrospect! Can we feel ourselves in a State of expecting success to our grand undertakings, if we attempt the attainment by such means! indeed, indeed we cannot. The Gentlemen in X Creek who resented the act, have their Lives threat'ned by Beard's adher- ents & are obliged in Consequence to keep out of the way.
Another procedure, equally in my opinion, unjust, impolitical, & unlawful *; is that, of an Officer bringing a Number of Men & Horses down the Country, under the pretence of being on duty, choosing capriciously, the Farmer out, & making his quarters good. The Evils attendant on such Behaviour I am certain are obvious to you yet give me leave to point a few out to your Excellency. 1st. As being contrary to Law & Justice; the Legislative loose their power & Confidence with the people. 2dly. A waste always takes place of course so much, which otherways should be appropriated for the Exigencies of war, is destroyed; & Army operations thereby greatly Obstructed. 3rd. The Labor of the Farmer, is used in the name of the Public, without recompensation to the One or benefit to the
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Other & lastly it encourages & keeps alive that Maroding Spirit, already too prevalent. I must confess it presumption in me, to point out these Evils to you, but as they occurred to me forcibly, I have taken the liberty to put them down. Colo. Allston who commands a Body of Men in the Vicinity of X Creek, gives an opening to this Representation.
I am led to some of the Consequencies. Craig, as I have already mentioned, has ordered the Men in Bladen Co. to be in Arms, by such a time & it is supposed for establishing posts at Elizabeth & X Creek. Out of 15 Companies in the County of Bladen I am told 12 incline for Craig. Still there are a Number of Men not wanting that are willing to endeavor to prevent such steps of the Enemy proceeding but sir they are at a loss for a Head. The people cannot place confidence when a proper degree of dignity is wanting, they cannot put their Lives to Stake, when they know Chance & not worth guides the whole, & thus for want of a Leader they become indifferent to everything but personal safety & thus, have many been driven to join the Enemy because they have been by Some thought to be no friend to their Country.
Give me leave sir to continue in the same freedom I began & recommend, that a Man who has it in his power, from Example as well as precept, to shew the People he is able to render essential Service, be sent up to take the Command here & that as immediately as possible. Trust me, the minds of the Men never wanted con- ciliating measures to be be used more than Now. Let what Horse can be had, be sent instantly on to Rockfish & drowning Creek. Let the command be given to a Vigilant, attentive & careful Officer. Let a Commissary he appointed to prevent depredations, a quarter Master & Forage Commissary. In fact, let strict army discipline be established & I will warrant every good that can be expected. Without it, it is vain to attempt any thing.
If Sir, in my Sentiments of public matters, I have not intruded too much permit me before I conclude my Letter to crave your Excellency's attention and patience to an application for self. Being informed your Excellency has a House, furnitere &c. in the Neigh- borhood of Hillsboro, which you would Rent, I could wish to have the occupation of it, if only for a few months, for my family, untill either I could provide myself with another or if matters suit right 15-33
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STATE RECORDS.
with me, untill the weather is cool enough for my movement Northwardly.
Be pleased to indulge me in another Request, that you would consider this Letter as altogether private, in compliance with your Excellency's desire of knowing how things were Circumstanced in this Quarter & with my wish of doing service.
I have the Honor to be
Your Excellency's most obt. Huml. Servant, STEP. DRAYTON.
COL. KENAN TO GOVERNOR BURKE.
DUPLIN, July 6th, 1781.
SIR :
From the Best information we are able to git, there is about two hundred & fifty foot and forty light horse of the British that is up the river at Rutherfords Mills they say to take Duplin and Onslow Counties, and drive off the Stockes. Genl. Lillington had Call'd upon this County for all the men that Can be raised to march to the rich land Chapple in Onslow County about one Hundred foot has marched and we have fifty more ready to march. I hope Your Excellency will order assistance to this part of the Country other ยท wise Good people here will be under the Necessity of Giving up in order to Save their property if possible but this will be the last Step taken. We Keep about 50 light horse near their lines to watch their Movements. .
I am with the Greatest respect Your Excellency's
most obt. Servt. JAS. KENAN.
GENL. ALLEN JONES TO GOVERNOR BURKE.
WHEELER's, July 6th, 1781.
SIR : By the enclosed copy of a Letter from Genl. Gregory to Col. Blount that gentleman's loss appears trifling and by an Express from
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Col. Parker I am further informed that on the sudden retreat of the Enemy the General immediately took possession of his old posts, and to his great joy found the Enemy had damaged his cannon only by breaking out some of the spokes of the wheels, so great was their precipitation. Col. Parker adds that a reinforcement went directly on their return to Portsmouth to join Lord Cornwallis to enable him to make head against the Marquis. His Ld.ship still continues at Wms.burg and we hear has thrown up some redoubts and made an approach to attack him as difficult as possible, therefor Col. Parker whose letter I should have enclosed but the express being caught in a shower the letter was torn and so defaced that it was with difficulty and much time that I could make it out. I am sorry to inform you that a great part of the Marquis's men will soon leave him as they were enrolled for a very short time, Lord Cornwallis appears to know this and on their disbanding will I am afraid push the Marquis before he can be reenforced ; These short enlistments or drafts are destructive wherever admitted: Heaven grant our Assembly may see the folly of the measure and avoid it for the future even in drawing out the Militia.
I shall pay proper attention to your Excellency's orders relative to the drafts now called out & not send them to Gregory's Camp, till I get the Arms from Col. Linton's regiment.
I am also to inform you that I should have called on the Coroner agreeable to your opinion, without consulting the Assembly, but Quinn had been killed & buried three days before I knew it, and- the Small pox then raging in town I knew it was impossible to get a jury who would attend, and tho the Small pox is nearly out of the place at this time; I still fear it will be exceeding difficult ; I sent your Letter to the Coroner by express this morning.
I have the Honour to be with the most sincere respect & Esteem
Your Excellency's mo. ob. Servt. ALLEN JONES Br. Gl.
COL. MALMEDY TO GENERAL SUMNER.
WINKLE, July 8th, 1781.
DEAR GENERAL :
As some unforseen circumstances, even the length of the journey, might hinder your reaching this place, this evening, in order not
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to let your troops distressed or wanting for provisions ; I send a man to met with you, I be informed of your march this day.
There is already meat and three beeves provided, if you are obliged to encamp at some distance behind, be pleased to determine the spot with the messenger, and at his return, the commissary will send there your provisions with all expedition.
I do invite you to come here if you can, as there is plenty of very good oats and a convenient encamping ground, and I doubt if you will even find a pasture six miles from here, without distressing and ruining some poor indivi- duals. If you cannot go tomorrow to the Atkin it is proper to bring provision with you for one day.
I suppose that you intend to give to your soldiers one day or half day to rest themselves a week ; while the reparation wanting for your Waggons, will be made in Salsbery.
Permit me to observe you that it will be the most convenient for your soldiers to Encamp at the atkin ; ( water is very scarce near Salsbery) at all event I shall send there tomorrow evening meat & beeves, you may depend upon
I am Dear General
With Regard
your most obedient
very humble servant
MALMEDY.
P. S. There is a strayed public Horse at one (- on the road, the bearer will inform you of it.
LT. COL. H. MURFREE TO GENERAL SUMNER.
DEAR GENERAL :
I recd. your favour of the 20th June and observed the contents. The Canvass the refugees will not consent to be taken, and I believe it is not to be had now. I heard it was carried into Virginia some small time ago. The stores I will send to Col. Long for the use of the Continental Troops of this State.
I saw Capt. Hall some small time ago who informed me he had only rece'd 19 men from the lower Counties in this district, but
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expected to receive them from Chowan County in a few days. I am told the drafts are not yet made in some of the Counties.
Capt. Hall has received orders from Col. Lamb mentioning he had your orders, to receive the drafts from this district. I under- stood you at the time I was at your house, and from your orders to me, that I was to receive the drafts, and that Col. Lamb was not considered as belonging to the army, since the arrangement took place. I should be much oblige to you, to inform me whether Col. Lamb is considered as an officer at this time, or not, as he and my- self both has your similar orders to receive the drafts from this district.
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