USA > North Carolina > The state records of North Carolina, Vol XV > Part 43
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I am your Obt. Humb. Servt., T. BURKE.
Col. Parsley Giford.
GOVERNOR BURKE TO GENERAL BUTLER.
STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA, July 18th, 1781.
SIR :
The appearances in Virginia indicate Something that forebodes a rapid march of a body of Cavalry through this State. It is of the
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utmost importance to prevent them, therefore I request you to desire the Commanding officers of Granville, Orange & Caswell to collect all the riflemen in their respective Counties, and march them under active and expert officers to the following places to-wit: the Orange and Caswell men to Boyd's Ferry on Dan River, and the Granville men to Kemp's Ferry on Roanoke. The officers may assure the men that the time they serve shall be allowed in their next respec- tive Tours and that they shall be discharged at farthest in one month if they desire it. Measures shall be taken for Supplying Am- munition & Provisions.
General Butler.
T. BURKE.
CIRCULAR TO COMMANDING OFFICERS OF BRUNSWICK, MECKLEN- BURG, HALIFAX, CHARLOTTE, PITTSYLVANIA & HENRY COUNTIES IN LOWER VIRGINIA.
STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA, July 18, 1781.
SIR :
The movements of the Enemy in your State Indicate something that forebodes a rapid march by a body of Cavalry to South Caro- lina. I have given orders for a Number of Riflemen to march towards the passes on Stanton, Dan & Roanoke in order to dispute them with the Enemy. I request you Sir to take measures for Cooperating with our People on those waters, to keep out people who can give very early Notice of the Enemy's movements, and to Communicate to me, at Nutbush in Granville County all the Intel- ligence you can Collect, in order that I may take the most effectual measures for Counteracting the designs of the Enemy.
I am &c.
T. BURKE.
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STATE RECORDS.
GOVERNOR BURKE TO GENERAL GREENE.
STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA, Nutbush Church in a little Town called Williamsborough, Granville County. July 18th, 1781.
SIR : Inclosed is the copy of a letter which came to my hand last night. Col. Parker is probably mistaken in his Conjecture and rout of the Enemy. The best Intelligence I can procure is as follows:
Coll. Tarleton with 700, or 800 Cavalry and Mounted Infantry penetrated through Amelia, to Prince Edward, burned Mr. Daniel Jones's Mill in the former, destroyed Stores &c. in the latter, there the forces divided, one division penetrating through Powhatan, and wheeling to the right through Chesterfield, intended rejoining the Army at or near Petersburg where Lord Cornwallis was about the latter end of last week. The other division proceeded through Lunenburg and Charlotte, where they were oppos'd by a small party of Militia who took a Lieutenant and some private prisoners. They then retreated along Meherin river, and in their way, burned a Mr. Craig's Mil. The evening before last they were seen near Lamb's on the Petersburg road, and it is supposed they encamped there. Their rout seemed to be directed for Hick s ford.
I am apprehensive lest their Intention might be to surprise Coll. Parker, who, by his letter, seems to have no expectation of their near approach to him. On the Enemy's Crossing at James Town their rear was attacked by a Detachment under General Wayne who was repulsed with some, but no considerable Loss. All this Intel- ligence I have from People who have taken some pains to inquire, but nevertheless I suppose some of it must be Conjecture. I shall take measures immediately for procuring better Information, and dispatch to you all that I can collect. If his Lordship intends a rapid march with his Cavalry through this State into South Caro- lina I will endeavor if possible to give him some Interruption, but you know much is not to be expected from our unarmed, unprovided People, but I can scarcely think he will attempt this unless he entirely abandons Virginia. I will not trouble you with Conjectures.
I have the honor to be with respect and Esteem your very
obedt. Servt. THOS. BURKE.
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STATE RECORDS.
GOVERNOR BURKE TO COL. LOCKE.
STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA, July 18th, 1781.
SIR :
Some late movements of the Enemy in Virginia seem to threaten us with a rapid march of a body of Horse through this State. I request you therefore to collect as many riflemen as you can from the draughts you have raised to join General Greene, if they be not already marched, and order them under the most active and expert of your officers to move on to the Crossing places on Dan and Staunton rivers, in order that we may take advantage of these waters. If the draughts be already marched, I beg you will call out as many good riflemen as you can from the Counties in your district and direct them to march towards the above mentioned rivers as fast as possible. The service which they can render may be very essential and the time which they may be out must be but short, however they shall have Credit for it on a future Tour. I know your People will not stand at present on trifles and you may be assured I will have Justice done them. Should the Enemy move towards the above waters I will come up to meet your men, and dispute the passes with them. Should they attempt crossing lower down I will send up for your aid. Let me beg of you sir, and every friend to his Country, to be diligent, and if possible let us check those ravages. Should I find the Enemy's Intentions not to be on this State, I will immediately send orders for the men sent by you towards the above rivers, to return to the army under General Greene, if they be from the draughts, or to return home if other Militia.
I am Sir with respect your very obedt. St., THOS. BURKE.
You may assure the men, should you call them out exclusive of the draughts that they shall be discharged in one month at farthest, if they require it.
Coll. Locke, Commandant of the district of Salisbury.
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STATE RECORDS.
STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA, July 19th, 1781.
Recd. of Thomas Person Esqr. fifty thousand Dollars State Emis- sions borrowed on public Account for which he is entitled to receive a Warrant on the public Treasury, or the like Number of Dollars of the State Emissions at his Election.
THOS. BURKE.
£50,000. (Duplicate)
[On the back of this letter is the following. ]
memr. repaid 2000 dollars to Coln. Benj. Hawkins which he advanced at Wake Court House.
A RETURN OF THE AMMUNITION AT THIS POST.
To wit, abt. 15 or 20 1b. Powder. 150 1b. Lead.
N. B. I have no flints and I believe that one half of the Guard has None. I have frequent applications for Amm. and have issued all that Can be Spared, from this place.
HILLSBOROUGH, July 19, 1781.
A. TATOM, A. Q. M.
J. PRYOR TO GOVERNOR BURKE.
SIR :
CHARLOTTES VILLE, July 19th, 1781.
Some days past I was ordered by the Honbl. Major General Mar- quis de Lafayette to send on three hundred stand of Arms to you by the most safe and convenient route; the then movements of a detachment of the Enemy on the South side James River, proved a great obstacle, but since hearing they had passed toward the South- ward I have ventured them on under the care of Mr. Edward Moore, Cond. Mil. Stores, whose precaution and diligence I am in hopes will convey them safe and in time to your camp. 253 stand of those arms are very fine and complete just from Philadelphia, intended for the Virg. New Levies of which, I must beg that the greatest care may be taken and that they may be returned when
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called for, as it was out of my power to procure the number re- quired without making use of them. I am very sorry the other 47 are not more complete. Cartouch Boxes were not to be had. With those you will receive 8436 Musket Cartridges in 9 Boxes which hope will be a seasonable supply.
I have the honor to be with all possible respect and esteem, Sir, Your Most Obedt. and very Hum. Servt., J. PRYOR, Acting D. C. G. of Stores S. D.
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CAPT. ED. GAMBLE TO GENERAL SUMNER.
SALISBURY, 19th July, 1781. DR. GENERAL :
An Express from the Marquis de Lafayette, have this moment arrived with dispatches, to the Honble. Major General Greene. He will set out very early in the morning. The Bearer will wait on you for your letters, if you have any to forward.
He mentions something of an engagement, near Williamsburgh, on Friday Week, between a body of the Enemy & a party of our Troops commanded by General Wayne. He says they kept the ground but cost them as dear as the Oldfields near Guilford Court House. He further says the Horse of the Enemy are in Mecklenburgh near Col. Burwells. Perhaps you wish to see him, if so I shall direct him to you.
I am with the usual respect & esteem, yr. Mo. Ob. Servt., EDM. GAMBLE.
MAJOR J. H. CRAIG TO HON. WILLIAM HOOPER.
WILMINGTON, 20th July, 1781.
SIR :
Mr. Burke, having annexed to the continuance of our correspon- dence the condition of my addressing him as Governor of the Prov- ince It by that means effectually put a stop to it, nor can it ever be
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renewed on my part while it remains clogged with a stipulation which my duty will not permit me to comply with. This alone is the reason why I did not reply to his letter of the 27th June and I must request the favor of you to inform him of it, as well as that relying on his promise that he would do his utmost to prevent a repetition of the conduct I complained of I instantly released the Gentleman whom that conduct caused me to put into rigorous and close confinement. I wish Sir, to conclude this Business, that you would add that it was not the effects of the animosity subsisting between the contending parties inhabitants of this province that was the subject of my complaint; this I know often produces in- stances of cruelty among themselves, which tho I make no doubt, but he regrets them as much as I do, yet I believe it to be out of Mr. Burke's power to stop. My letter alluded to people being put to death often without trial or examination, many hours and some- times days after they were taken, by order of Militia officers com- manding parties and acting under the authority of your present Government. These Sir become acts of the State, and (even on the Supposition of clearly established independent Powers at War with each other) that Government which does not exert its authority to prevent such conduct is alone responsible to its subjects, for the re- taliation which the Laws of War and of necessity must draw on them from their Enemy.
With regard to the Publick Commission with which you are now charged by Mr. Burke, you will be pleased to acquaint him, that I have not yet received any copy of the cartel for the exchange of prisoners in the Southern Department, but the proclamation of the Commission relative to the Militia Prisoners of War on both sides taken before the 15th June being exchanged, was sufficient for me to release every one who came under that denomination, and they have accordingly been all sent beyond our ports with proper papers and three days provisions; when Mr. Burke is acquainted with this I dare say his conduct with regard to prisoners in his possession who also come under that discription will be satisfactory.
In this situation I own I do not see any necessity for your being at the trouble of a Journey to this place, more especially as it will not be in my power to enter into a discussion of a Cartel, of which I am not in possession of an authentic Copy. However, Sir, in your private capacity I will have great satisfaction in shewing you every
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attention to which your character intitles you. I therefore enclose you a pass to come into the town of Wilmington, for the purpose of visiting your Family, and you will be pleased to rely on my Honour as the pledge for your personal safety till your return.
I am Sir, Your Most Obedient Servant, J. H. CRAIG.
WM. LOFTIN TO GENERAL SUMNER.
July 20th, 1781.
DEAR SIR :
After my best respects to you Do inform you that the Tories is embodied on Deep River and doing very much mischief. Fanning is their Commander who is about 400 strong. Col. Balfour marched against them on Wednesday last with 75 men, but finding their number superior to his was obliged to retreat without attachment. We are raising our men fast as posable both in this County and Randolph But arms and ammunition is very scarce, especially lead. Capt. Hill and Capt. Williams came to my house last night from Col. Balfours Camp who says they marched within half a mile of the Tory Camp & by the best accounts they can gather they are at least 400 strong. On Tuesday last the Tory captains in Chatham called a general muster & ordered every man out to join Fanning without delay, & the Tories from the several counties are marching to him very fast. They are distressing the people very much near where they lay. So that the inhabitants in those parts will with- out immediate assistance be obliged to remove or fall into the hands of the villins. We hope Sir that your Honour will take it to con- sideration & send us assistance as soon as possible. If you can send us 200 men I think we shall be able then to attack them. You may send your men to Randolph Court House which is the place we shall gather at. Pray dir if possible furnish us with some lead. & much oblige your hum. Servant,
WM. LOFTIN.
N. B. Sir if possible send your men to the place appointed by Sunday night.
WM. LOFTIN.
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STATE RECORDS.
GOV. THOS. BURKE TO GENERAL SUMNER.
COL. WILLIAMS,' NUTBUSH, July 20th, 1781. .
SIR :
Your favors of the 14th and 17th Instant came to hand this day, the last at this moment.
Since the date of the Marquis's letter, several events have hap- pened in Virginia. The Enemy crossed to the south side of James River at Jamestown. In crossing they were attacked by a detach- ment of our troops who were repulsed, the Marquis's Horse was shot under him. The enemy afterwards moved up the river and since I have not learned the movements of our troops. The Enemy had previously sent a detachment to Portsmouth. Tarleton has scoured the Country through Amelia to Prince Edward. There it is said he divided his force, one party wheeling to the right through Pow- hatan and Chesterfield, the other through Charlotte, Lunenburgh, Brunswick and so along down Meherin. They destroyed all the Mills and collected all the Horses and saddles in their rout. All those movements the meditated attack on New York by General Washington, the marine superiority which they have reason to dread, the great employment which Britain has for her Troops in other parts of the World and consequent difficulty of reinforcing her ar- mies here, with the heavy force which Lord Cornwallis finds press- ing him in Virginia, all have suggested to me the probability of the Enemy's embarquing their infantry to succor New York and re- treating from Virginia into some strong grounds and in either event detaching a large Body of Cavalry to their Southern Army by rapid marching through this Country.
This opinion has determined me to post parties of riflemen along the passes on Roanoke in order to dispute them with the Cavalry which I suppose we should be able to call pretty heavily. . I have issued orders for this purpose but whether in the present state of de- rangement any orders will be regarded I am far being able to de- termine.
The Council seem utterly regardless of this Country, Not one has yet met me but General Butler, nor have I heard from any except Willie Jones.
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I will leave the orders you have given to their own operation for the present, and hereafter take them up as circumstances shall in- dicate.
I am not able to inform you relative to the Officers you mention, but I recollect that sometime past I was told that a party of the . drafts were immediately to march from Duplin County and another is on its way from Bertie. The assembly have passed an Act for compleating the deficiencies which shall be put in Execution with- out delay, and in order to enable me to be decisive 1 must be furn- ished with the exact returns from every County.
All the other matters touched upon in your letters shall be at- tended to as soon as it shall be in my power. And you shall be made acquainted with the measures which shall be adopted rela- tive to them. But until the Council meet I can take no step ef- fectual.
I am Sir with respect your Hum. Servt., THOS. BURKE.
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MAJOR TATOM TO GOVERNOR BURKE.
HILLSBOROUGH, July 20th, 1781.
SIR :
This day I received certain Intelligence that on Tuesday last the Tories under the Command of Fanning had taken Colo. Ramsey, to- gether with about 40 others, chiefly Officers of the Chatham Militia, who were assembled at the Court House to hold a Court Martial. This information came by a Note from Capt. Cage to General But- ler, requesting his assistance to relieve the Prisoners, which note I sent to Colo. Taylor, who has set out with a few men in order to Join the Chatham Militia.
Capt. Douglas this moment arrived in Town who says that Fan- ning had about 100 men, that they marched with the prisoners in order to carry them to Wilmington, but it is generally believed they intend to carry them to the Raft Swamp and deliver them to McNeal. That on Wednesday morning about 140 of the Chatham
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Militia were Collected, and determined to relieve the prisoners if possible. Inclosed you have a return of the Ammunition at this Port.
I am, sir, your Hble. Servt., A. TATOM.
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WILMINGTON, July 20th, 1781.
This is to Certify to all whom it may concern that I, Hugh Parker, of Said Township have disposed of the Boat Called the Snake Unto Mr. Jno. Cherry for and in Consideration of the Sum of Twenty Guineas, the receipt Whereof I do acknowledge. And moreover the Property of Said Boat I do Warrant and defend against any Claimant Whatsomever (Fire Enemys, &c., Ex- cepted.)
Wittness my hand, day & date as above for Andrew Law.
Witness, Danl. MacNeill.
HUGH PARKER.
CAPT. JAMES READ TO GOVERNOR BURKE.
HALIFAX, July 20th, 1781.
DEAR SIR :
I had the honour of receiving your Excellency's Letter of the 19th this Evening.
Col. Long (on hearing of the Enemy's approach) moved the Stores into the Country. As soon as he returns, I shall deliver the Letter, and have the camp-equipage prepared as soon as possible.
Mr. Crake has hired the Servant you mention, and is unwilling to part with him.
I shall do myself the pleasure to wait on your Excellency in a few Days.
A report prevails here, that a Detachment of the Enemy are at
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Pitch Landing, but accounts are so very contradictory, that it can hardly be credited.
I have the honour to be, with the greatest respect,
Your Excellency's most obedt., humble Servt., JAMES READ.
His Excellency, Governor Burke.
COL. ROBERT ROWAN TO GOVERNOR BURKE.
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CAMPBLETON, July 20th, 1781.
SIR :
When we were in fear of the enemy visiting this place last Win- ter Mr. Fletcher lent me a valuable waggon & Team, his own prop- erty, to send some military stores to Genl. Lillington's Camp on N. E .; but Col. Bryan of Neuse unluckily meeting with the waggon on its way down, contrary to his duty (for we had orders from the Governor for sending the military stores to Genl. Lillington) turned the waggon back, and ordered the load to be delivered to Genl. Butler ; by which means Mr. Fletcher lost his valuable waggon & Team. Mr. Fletcher now waits on your Excellency in hopes that you will be so good as to put him in a way of recovering the value of his waggon, that he may be enabled to purchase another; as from the nature of his office, it is impossible he can carry on his business without. Col. Emmett will acquaint your Excellency with the news of this place.
I am, Sir, With much respect, Your Excellency's
Most obedient Servant,
ROBT. ROWAN.
Govr. Burke.
P. S. The scarcity of paper is such here that it was with diffi- culty I could procure even this scrap.
Written on the back of this letter in Gov. Burke's handwritting is the following :
Mr. Fletcher's remedy is by application to the auditors with his acct. and vouchers.
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STATE RECORDS.
HON. JOHN PENN TO GOVERNOR BURKE.
SIR :
July 21st, 1781.
I this day recd. your letter which is the first knowledge I had of your being at Colo. Williams; however, I have been very unwell the whole week, & am at this time unable to ride off the plantation, having constant fevers. My ill state of health & the particular situation of my family will perhaps prevent my undertaking to act in the office yon mention. As I have always accepted every office I have been appointed to by my Countrymen, & endeavoured to dis- charge my duty, previous to this appointment I expect my friends will not blame me. I shall be glad to see you aud Genl. Butler when you can make it convenient, & am,
Sir, Your Obt. Servt.,
His Excelly., Thos. Burke, Esqr.
J. PENN.
LT. COL. H. MURFREE TO GENERAL SUMNER.
DR. GENERAL :
A party of the enemy came from Suffolk to South Key, 16th In- stant destroyed the ware houses, Rum, tobacco, &c., at that place, the day next marched to Wineoak & Manny's ferry, which is within 12 miles of this place, Burnt Mr. Manney's dwelling house, with up- wards 100 Blls. Sugar, a large quantity Rum, Rigging, Coffee, &c. They also destroyed a large quantity Rum, Sugar, Coffee, Wine, &c., at Wine-Oak, took all the horses, plundered the inhabitants in a most cruel manner. They were expected at the Pitch Landing, which is four miles above this & a place of considerable trade. I turned out and raised between 60 & 70 men & took post at Skin- ner's Bridge on Meherin River, an advantageous post, which is gen- erally supposed prevented their coming this far. The 19th they retreated towards Suffolk. There has a number of Tories joined the Enemy in Nansemond County near Sonth Key, and is embodied in that neighbourhood, which is only 18 or 20 miles from this
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place. I should be much oblige to you, if I am not greatly wanted in Camp, to let me stay in this part of the Country while the enemy continues so near. As we have no army near us and liable to be plundered, &c., by those Tories who has done more mischief than the British Army.
I have and can raise in a few hours, 70 or 80 men in this part of the Country. Please to favour me with a line as soon as conveni- ent.
Col. Lamb is on his way to join you with a party of Troops from this district, who can inform you of the success of collecting the drafts, &c.
All the stores was not sent from this neighbourhood when we ex- pected the enemy among us. I put a part of it on board of a vessel, and the remainder I secured as well as I could. Among the ar- ticles impressed, there was a few pss. of light canvass & 1 pss. Rushe Drill. If you want it, it is very good for Breeches and Over- alls. I will keep two or three ps. and bring out with me, as I make no doubt but the Officers are in want. Lord Cornwallis is at Jeri- cho, a few miles below Suffolk. He has burnt all the vessels in that part of the Country. I am informed by good authority that 2,000 men had embarked from his army for New York. I am told the Marquis is on the other side of James River, and that General Wayne has come over on this side, six days ago, with upwards of 1,000 men.
I saw Capt. Edwd. Webb, a gentleman that is to be depended on, yesterday, directly from Boston, Informs me that he overtook in Hertford town in Connecticut five Thousand French troops with a number of large cannons, some 42-pounders, on their way to join His Excellency, Genl. Washington, at the white plains.
I am with respect, your Mo. Hum. Servt.,
H. MURFREE.
Hertford County, Murfree's Landing, 22 July, 1781.
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STATE RECORDS.
COL. G. LAMB TO GENERAL SUMNER.
DEAR GENERAL :
So soon as my circumstances from the movements of the Enemy in our Quarters would admit I came on and the day before yester- day arrived at this place with about 54 rank and file and 4 or 5 Officers, which Capt. Goodman can inform you has been collected with much labor ; And pursuant to my orders from your Honor I left Capt. Hall in Edenton in order to receive the rest due of the Militia draughts and Lieut. William Ferebee in Genl. Gregory's Camp in order to receive and collect what he can in that quarter, and to move them on so soon as he can receive further orders.
Major Murfree and all the other Officers in that district I have ordered on ; the Major urges his having charge of some public stores and cannot come on untill he delivers them, &c., &c.
And in regard to myself I have with much difficulty and no small expence, came on this far tolerably well equipped, in order to take the field, expecting to have the command of a Regt., but at my great surprise when I saw at the Governor's, Mr. Adam Boyd yesterday, found that Col. Thaxton's misrepresenting the arrange- ment of the Troops to Genl. Greene was the occasion of your receiv- ing orders for calling into service Col. Armstrong and myself, &c. That General Greene has since been fully informed of the nature of the arrangement by Major Dixon and satisfied of its being properly done. And that protemporary it is to stand accordingly. That Col. Armstrong and Col. Thaxton has gone home. In course there is no command for me, I shall therefore return.
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