USA > North Carolina > The state records of North Carolina, Vol XV > Part 42
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I am Sir, wishing you agreeable expeditious march to the Genl. Camp.
GENERAL SUMNER.
NORTH CAROLINA,
IN THE H. COMMONS, 14 July, 1781.
Resolved that Samuel Johnston, William Sharpe, Ephraim Brevard and Benjamin Hawkins be and they or any two of them are hereby authorized and impowered to represent this State in Congress for the present year and to sit and vote in the said Congress upon all and all manner of matters, things and questions concerning the United States that shall be therein agitated and moved, at their discretion
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STATE RECORDS.
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unless where they shall receive particular Instructions from the General Assembly of this State.
THO. BENBURY, S. C. By order, J. HUNT, C. H. C.
In Senate, 14 July, 1781. Concurred with.
ALEX. MARTIN, S. S. By order JNO. HAYWOOD.
NORTH CAROLINA, IN THE H. COMMONS, 14 July, 1781.
Resolved that the Delegates of this State in Congress be and they are hereby severally authorized to draw upon the faith and Credit of this State upon the Continental Treasury for such Sums of Money as they shall from time to time stand in need or for defraying the expenses incurred by them while attending on the duties of their appointment for which they are to account with this State.
THOS. BENBURY, S. C. By order, J. HUNT, C. H. C.
In Senate, 14 July, 1781. Concurred with.
By order JNO. HAYWOOD.
ALEX. MARTIN, S. S.
COL. ED. CARRINGTON TO COL. LONG.
CAMP HIGH HILLS OF SANTEE, July 15th, 1781.
SIR :
Our Draught Horses are failing us fast, from excessive service. I wish for a supply from you of two hundred at least. You will be good enough to take measures for having them provided, either by purchases of your own, or thro' the executive of your State. You will urge the application by every means in your power, and afford us relief as soon as possible.
I beg you will be careful that none be got, but such as are strong, & perfectly fit for service.
I am &c. ED. CARRINGTON. D. Q. M. G., S. C.
Col. Long.
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STATE RECORDS.
COL. JAS. KENAN TO GOVERNOR BURKE.
July 15th, 1781.
SIR :
The enemy have moved out of Wilmington up to The long Bridge and are rebuilding it is said by Several Gentlemen who have left the town. Their intention is to Give no more parols but will sell every man's property who will not Join them and become British Subjects ; they have about 100 light horse well Equipt and about 470 foot and are Determined to be at Duplin Court on Monday Next. We have no Ammunition nor do I know where to get Some. We have no Account of Any Assistance Coming as Yet. Your Excellency will be so kind as to inform me if any be ordered on. I am with due respect Your Excellency's Most Obt. Hum. Servt.,
JAS. KENAN.
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COPY OF ORDERS TO COMMANDING OFFICERS OF FRANKLIN AND WARREN COUNTIES.
STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA, July 16th, 1781.
SIR :
Some movements of the Enemy in Virginia Indicate a rapid movement of Cavalry through this State, therefore I request you to Collect the Riflemen from the militia of your county, and order them under expert officers to march toward Burton's Ferry on Roa- noke. You may assure the men that the time they serve shall be Credited in their next tour of duty, and that they shall be dis- charged in one month at farthest, if they require it. To prevent those wagons from penetrating our Country is of the highest im- portance, and I hope every good friend to his Country will exert himself. Measures shall be taken for supplying arms & ammuni- tion.
I am &c,
T. BURKE.
Circular to Franklin & Warren.
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STATE RECORDS.
DICK HOLLAND TO GENERAL ALLEN JONES.
MANCHESTER, July 16th, 1781.
SIR :
I went to Winchester after Mr. Kellow & Thompson and they were sent to George Town in Merriland and I went there after them and theay ware Removed to Pensilvany and I could not find oute what pert of Pensilvanie theay war sent to for seartin, and I had Not hard Money, a thought to travel after them with oute I had bin certain what part they ware sent to, for No Money, will answer their, but had as I was on public Bisness, after I found out that pa- per Money would not answer I thought I would try to make certifi- cates answer But theay would Not, have any of them at No rate and I was Oblige to return home. I do expect to heare in a short time wheare they are and I will go for them.
I am Sir your Humb. St.
DICK HOLLAND.
COL. J. PARKER TO GENERAL JONES.
DEAR GENERAL :
I am honored with yours of yesterday and rejoice for Greene's re- turn on Rawdon. I still hope he will keep him at a respectable distance. Tarleton certainly means to push the Rawdon. The lucky change you mention may be the means of entrapping him. His force is 600 chosen horse & mounted infantry. I fear Gregory will fail, expecting Lord Cornwallis will send a detachment round by Edenton. Their rear, and a strong one it is, is at Meades Heights. Partys of Horse scour round. General Wayne was crossing at 4 mile creek on Saturday and yesterday. I recd. dispatches from the Marquis requesting I would inform him what troops were embark- ing from Portsmouth as he said it was necessary General Washing- ton should immediately be made acquainted with the number as he in conjunction with the French Troops was investing New York.
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STATE RECORDS.
Late British papers mention three defeats which the British met with in the East Indies in which they lost 5000 men, 2000 of which was Europeans. The same accounts say Lord Dunmore was ordered to hold himself in readiness to embark and reassume his govern- ment. The refugee prisoners were ordered to attend the same time, receive a year's pension in advance & repair to Virginia, to assist his Lordship in settling matters. A vessel from New Providence at Portsmouth report that the French have taken St. Kitts and that the British was repulsed at St. Vincents. I inclose you the best list I can procure of Lord Cornwallis's force from Portsmouth to Suf- folk, those marked New York it is said is going there, a strong garri- son is to be left at Portsmouth and it is thought the ballance will make a diversion up the bay. I have heard nothing but what you mention of the arrival of a French Squadron, have forwarded your paragraph relative to General Greene to the Marquis and I am Dear General with every sentiment of respect and regard your very hum- ble servant.
J. PARKER,
Col. Com.
Camp Goodsons, July 16th, 1781.
Two Batts. L Infantry 800 Col. Abercrombie bound to New York
80th Regt. 600 Col Dunlap do
de Fuchs 300 Hessians do
Jagers 100 Ewald do
4 Comp. Guards
360 Col. Pennington do
Queens Rangers
450 Simcoe
2610 for New York. 600 supposed to the South, Mounted,
Tarleton in Commd.
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STATE RECORDS.
76 Regt Major Needham 600
17 do in part Lt. Col. Johnson
200
23 do
150
33 do
150
17 do
250
43 do
350
De Bose Hessian Regt
300
2 Bat
900
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2900 to remain
2610 for New York 600 with Tarleton
6110 Effectives.
(The following is written on the back of this letter.)
DEAR GENERAL :
Our horses and some of our Negroes are ordered to Willie's Quar- ter in Bertie, please to give 'em orders when you have perused ye Express, and oblige, yrs &c.
Genl. Allen Jones.
Harvey was beforehand with me, he went off immediately with Ned & Lester, others will go shou'd the enemy come here, in spite of all I can do. N. J.
NATH. JONES.
LT. COL. J. B. ASHE TO GENERAL SUMNER.
DEAR SIR :
We arrived here this morning at 9 o'clock. Two of our men took sick at the Forks last Night. We hope to reach Charlotte To- morrow night unless something unluckily turns up. I hope Sir you will do something about exchanging Brown, for one of those cadets
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STATE RECORDS.
in Wilmington. I think you ought to in a manner express your displeasure of their treatment of Lt. Orrell. I find I shall go twenty miles out of my way by going by Charlotte.
I am with great respect your Obt. Servt.,
J. B. ASHE.
Camp 4 miles from Phifers, 16th July, 1781.
COL. MOUNTFLORENCE TO GENERAL SUMNER.
SALISBURY, July the 16th, 1781.
DR. GENERAL :
We have now but a very little Corn here, but have taken the nec- essary precautions to have a large quantity laid in here soon, it is my duty to inform you that not a grain can be had out of this County, which is entirely exhausted, & our resources must be from Surry, Wilkes and Montgomery. Now there is a plenty of oats and good grass, upon which the horses may feed, therefore I think that the good of the service requires that you would be so kind, as to give orders to Capt. Gamble, on account of the scarcity of Corn, to deliver none for forage, but upon your own order & to issue to the public Horses Oats only, reserving the Corn at this post, for bread for the use of such Troops as may be in want of it, upon the appli- cation of the Commissaries.
We have orders from General Greene to lay in here a large Mag- azine of provisions, but cannot possibly do it, where the public Horses are allowed to be fed with Corn, & Should our Army be com- pelled to a Retreat between this and Cambden they must be sup- plied from here and Charlotte, & I much therefore dread for the consequences, if Suitable provision be not made to provide for the Worst.
I'll have the honour to wait upon yon this evening, & could wish you had by then come to a determination on the subject of the latter part of my letter of the 7th instant, or it is essential for me to take such measure as to enable me to obey your orders. I have had
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yesterday and to-day my hands full of Business, sending expresses to every corner of this district, which deprived me of the pleasure of waiting on you sooner.
I have the honor to be with the greatest consideration,
Dr. General Yr. Mo. Obedt. Servt., COLO MOUNTFLORENCE.
COL. MOUNTFLORENCE TO GENERAL SUMNER.
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SALISBURY, July the 16th, 1781.
DR. GENERAL:
I cannot but be amazed with the contents of your Letter, & it is my duty to inform you that upwards of 3 thousand Weights of Meat, & near the same quantity of Beef have been delivered to your Brigade since Saturday Morning, or Friday Evening, as I'll prove to you by the Vouchers from your Quarter Master, which cer- tainly would be at least 3 days rations for near 700 men which number I am told you have not. Mr. Steel assured me yesterday that you had provisions enough for to-day, even supplying the detach- ment who went off with 25 Bushels more of Meal, they had from the Mill, which were intended for the support of the Guard in town.
Had we been informed yesterday that no provisions were on hand for to-day you would have been supplied early in the morning. No application was made till Mr. Steel went to camp to-day, & we had the misfortune of losing 3 Beeves out of the Pen which we thought we had reason to depend upon. Your Butchers with one of the Commissaries are now out; killing the Cattle & are expected in every moment, your demand of a lamb I have ordered to be com- plied with, & certainly your Quart. Mr. does not use you well to suffer you to be without provisions, having received so consid- erable quantity yesterday and the day before. Could anything be had sooner for your own table, you may depend that I would pro- cure it upon any terms, but you know yourself the wretched situa-
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STATE RECORDS.
tion of this neighborhood. I'll have the honor to wait on you in a few hours & take your orders for to-morrow.
I have borrowed a piece of meat, which I send to you, & am sorry it is not better.
I am with respect yr. M. Obt. Servt. COLO MOUNTFLORENCE.
GENERAL SUMNER TO GOVERNOR BURKE.
CAMP FROHOCKS MILL, July 17, 1781. 6 o'clock morning.
SIR :
Late last evening I received the Marquis De Lafayette letter of the 5th instant a copy of which I enclose you. I have Sir issued orders for the immediate moving all the Public Stores to the Mora- vian Town and that all valuable Horses, beef Cattle, &c., &c., be moved from the roads leading from Jamestown, on James river to the Campbelton on Cape Fear, and also on the road leading to Har- risburg, to Salisbury, &c. Should you think this order too precip- itate you will remove the order. Should you approve I wish you to inforce it by your further directions. I am at a loss to judge what detains Major Murfree of Edenton and Captain Doherty, of Wil- mington districts, as they had orders to join me by force marches, with what drafts were made of those districts the scarcity of officers and the dilitariousness of many that have not joined us, I am doubtful will put it out of my power to receive the remaining drafts, at any other place than at district rendezvous. From Gen- eral Greene's Camp I have had no news which I could depend on as to communicate to you.
I am sir with regard your Excellency's very Hum. Servt., JETHRO SUMNER.
P. S. I detached under the command of Lt. Col. Ashe, about 300 rank and file to General Greene, the remaining part is here. We are using every industry to repair the guns, and equip them for the field, and as soon as possible march them.
J. SUMNER.
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STATE RECORDS.
LT. COL. HENRY DIXON TO COLONEL LONG.
FREHOCK'S MILL, July 17th, 1781. 1
DR. SIR :
I received last night a letter from Marquis Lafayette, who in- forms me that the enemy has evacuated Williamsburg and marched to Jamestown where they design to embark. Part of their troops will go to New York, and the rest 'tis said are to garrison Portsmouth; but from their number of cavalry he rather imagines will push to the Southward. It is therefore of the highest impor- tance that General Greene's orders be immediately carried into exe- cution relating to the Removal of the Stores to the Moravian Town, and that all valuable Horses, Beef Cattle, &c., &c, be moved from the road leading from Jamestown on James River to Campbelton on Cape Fear, also on the road leading to Harrisburg, Salisbury, &c. I have wrote to Governor Burke, informing him of this order and should he not approve of its being executed he will inform you so immediately.
I am Sir your most obedient Humble Servant, HENRY DIXON.
COL. ROBESON TO COL. RAY AND CAPT. McNEIL.
CAMP, 17th July, 1781.
COL. DUNCAN RAY & CAPT. MCNEIL.
SIRS :
The men from the counties of Bladen and Cumberland, together with aid from other parts are now met in order to march into your settlement against any Army you may be able to raise ; but learn from Major Richardson you wish to treat with us on terms for a cessation of Arms. We having no inclination to shed more blood, or oppress your inhabitants, will give you an opportunity to meet three from us, you sending three, which six may confer on the sub- ject at some house by you to be appointed, that we may fully un-
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STATE RECORDS.
derstand what are the terms you wish to treat with us upon. Your answer by the bearer will determine our Motions. I am in behalf of the Troops now assembled,
Your humble servant,
THOS. ROBESON.
TO GOV. THOS. BURKE FROM WILLIAM HOOPER.
[From Executive Letter Book. ]
SAMPSON HALL, July 17th, 1781.
DEAR GOVERNOR :
I came here the day after I left you and found the house crowded with Refugees and Prisoners whom Major Craig, in the pursuance of the Cartel, had suffered to leave Wilmington.
Amongst the rest were Mr. Thomas Maclaine, brother to our friend and Mr. John Huske who will hand you this : the only two of all the inhabitants of Wilmington who have refused to sign a petition to be admitted to a dependence upon Great Britain. This petition was set on foot soon after the British landed in Wilming- ton and all the powers of persuasion, insult and menace exercised to induced these two gentlemen to a compliance. But their virtue was superior to all, and they have the conscious satisfaction of re- taining their freedom and independence.
These are characters that deserve the notice of their country and such, my dear Sir, as you will honor with your approbation as a man and as a Governor.
Mr. Huske, who is the bearer of this, is the young gentleman whom I mentioned to you as very well qualified to fill the depart- ment of a Secretary. What I apprehended would happen, has taken place. He has been compelled to abandon his property in Wil- mington and all his expectations from Trade, and is now turned out an exile to begin the world again. I have known this gentle- man with the most unreserved intimacy for several years. He has been in my house a great part of the time and I pledge myself to
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STATE RECORDS.
your Excellency that he is a gentleman of the most refined honor and unspotted integrity.
You will find that he has a good capacity and that he has im- proved it by the study of men and books, and in proportion to his years has made great proficiency. Indeed, my dear sir, I think him the most promising youth in the Country, and as such, beg leave to recommend him to your patronage and friendship. His having been in Europe and the West Indies has given him a lib- eral mode of thinking correspondent to your own and which I know you highly approve. He solicits some genteel employment that may support him and keep his mind employed. Should the Coun- cil appoint a Secretary in the room of Glasgow as Secretary to the Council or Private Secretary, or unite both these offices, I know no one who would discharge the trust with more reputation.
I must add as qualifications that he will be very useful, that he writes a fine hand, knows accounts and reads French. In a word, dear Governor, he is my friend and I have the vanity that even on this score he will claim a merit with you. A Doctr. Ingraham is here from Cross Creek who informs us that a Militia Captain just from Georgia and a Colonel Murphy from the Southward of this State bring accounts that Marion has wrote that the reinforcements arrived at Charles Town is very inconsiderable not more than three hundred, that the Fleet was chiefly loaded with families intending to settle in South Carolina with their furniture and Implements of husbandry, Merchandise, Goods, &c.
The Militia Captain affirms that both Savannah and 96 are evac- uated.
Mr. Huske will give you the most perfect intelligence of the situ- ation of affairs in this quarter and will hand you a few Newspapers containing very little information, but which shows the illiberality of a Garrison Press and the disingenuous artifices of the British to give popularity to their measures and draw contempt upon ours.
I have sent my son who is amongst the Refugees to Mr. Hogg's. He will be much honored should you condescend to notice him.
Armstrong left this yesterday on his way to Wilmington with a Flag. I set off for New Bern tomorrow where I hear that Col. Clark has arrived. There, Armstrong is to meet me with the re-
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STATE RECORDS.
sult of his mission. I will esteem it a particular favor if you will now and then devote a leisure moment to giving me a line.
With the most sincere wishes that the success of your administra- tion may be equal to your virtues and abilities, I beg leave to sub- scribe myself,
Dear Sir, Your Excellency's Sincere friend & Obedt, H'ble Serv't.,
WILL HOOPER.
Pardon the blots this scrawl carries with it, the ink has been blown upon it and I have not paper to copy this or write another upon.
HON. WILLIE JONES TO GOVERNOR BURKE.
July 18th, 1781.
D. SIR :
On the 14th inst. an Express came to Halifax from Virginia, to inform us that the British Horse were on their march from Peters- burg for this place by the Way of Hick's ford. That Night I recon- noitred almost to the Ford, until I discovered the Information was groundless. On the 16th I was prepared to sett off for Wm. borough agreeable to your Summons, when another Express arrived, pur- porting that the British Horse were at Lunenburg Court House on Sunday Morning, that their Rout from thence was Brunswick Court house, Hick's ford, Halifax and then the Pitch Landing, and that Night I also employed in reconnoitring. Being much fatigued, and moreover much distressed by the Situation of my Family, I was in- duced to defer my Departure from Halifax. Last Night we got In- telligence that the Enemy marched by the Way of Brunswick Court house, and arrived between ten & twelve o'Clock yesterday, at Hick's ford about 300 Strong. We have been assured that they had 500 Men at Lunenburg; possibly some of them may have crossed Roanoke higher up than this, or have taken another Rout down the Country. I can't find any sufficient Object to draw them to Halifax, yet they are confidently expected to be here in two or three 15-35
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STATE RECORDS.
Hours. Perhaps they wish to plunder the Town this Trip; for young Mr. Long, who reconnoitred almost to Brunswick Court house, says they sweep every thing before them now.
With the most sincere Esteem, I remain, Dr. Sir, Your most obed., hum. St.,
WILLIE JONES.
July 18, 1781.
LT. COL. JOHN B. ASHE TO GENERAL SUMNER.
CHARLOTTE, July 18th, 1781. DR. GENL :
I acknowledge the receipt of yours by Col. Malmedy, attend to its contents & inclose you accordingly a return. You'l find a num- ber more than compleated four Companies with us, how it happened I can't say, but am much plagued with them. I am sorry to hear of the Enemies returning to this State, it appears from circumstances they mean Evacuation of New York. I wish they may, altho' it may greatly injure the Southern States. I am confident it will con- tribute Emensly to the Security of Independence to the whole.
Am, Dr. Genl., your respectful, hum. servt.,
JOHN B. ASHE.
I have been unlucky with waggons and the bad management of the Staff at this place ; it has detained me this day here but have had the arms all cleaned in the Interim. I shall move Early on the morrow and push by the route of Rocky Mount. Provision is scarce on every road, but plentiest on the upper.
Am, &c.,
J. B. A.
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STATE RECORDS.
GOVERNOR BURKE TO GENERAL ALLEN JONES.
NUTBUSH, 18th July, 1781.
DEAR SIR :
The late movements of the enemy in Virginia seem to indicate an intention of marching a body of cavalry rapidly through this State to South Carolina.
They have reconnoitred the country, collected a number of horses and saddles, burned several mills, and retreated to their army. Does not all this seem as if they intended to abandon their enter- prize upon Virginia, upon some event which they deem very proba- ble, & to prevent our subsisting an army to pursue them with rapidity? If their intention should be to imbarque their infantry for New York, they may nevertheless deem it prudent to send their cavalry to the Southward, to assist their army there rather than carry them to a beseiged place, where they must waste their supplies but render very little service.
Should they apprehend a maritime superiority, and intend mov- ing with their whole force Southerly, then their precautions seem prudent for preventing the marquis's superior army from subsisting in their rear ; and of course for procuring to themselves an unim- peded march. Whatever may be their designs, I am persuaded we ought to be in as much readiness as our circumstances will admit, and therefore I have ordered all the rifle men from the Districts of Salisbury and Hillsborough in order to dispute with them the passes on the waters of Roanoke. I have also issued orders to the com- manding officers of two counties within your district, vizt: Franklin and Warren to the same purpose, because I am here so much nearer to them than you are, and ordered them to march towards Burton's ferry, to be ready for further orders. 1 must beg the favor of you to issue your orders to the other counties in your district, to make an effort to the same purpose, and to direct them to such places on Roanoke as you deem advisable. My intention is to dispute with the enemy the passage of that river, & if nothing but cavalry attempts it, I am not afraid, provided our people will fight, of pre- venting their passage. If the whole British army moves, I may even then retard them until the Marquis can come up with them. These objects are worth our attempt ; and if the remissness or
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derangement of the country prevents it, let us at least not be want- ing. I have promised that the men who turn out, shall have credit upon a future tour, and that they shall be discharged in one month at farthest, if they require it. These promises you will make through your officers. And they shall be punctually kept.
A little time might enable us to make a better arrangement, and be always ready, but at present little can be expected from any effort, but nevertheless they must not be neglected. I should be very happy to see you as soon as the affairs of your District will admit. No council yet. Only General Butler arrived. Your brother, I suppose, is delayed by his attention to the movements of the enemy. Pray tell him to come hither as soon as possible. I am Dear Sr. most truly yours,
General Jones.
T. BURKE.
GOVERNOR BURKE TO COL. PARSLEY GIFORD.
SIR :
Major Hogg of our Continental Line with the State Troops under his Command is appointed by me to Conduct an Expedition for reducing the disaffected who openly adhered to the Enemy, in the Condition of either Soldiers or prisoners, your Horsemen and per- haps some of your people will be essentially serviceable to him, and I know you will Chearfully Cooperate with him, and to act under his Command. I deem this measure necessary for the peace of the State, and Security of the people.
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