USA > North Carolina > The state records of North Carolina, Vol XV > Part 44
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General Sumner, I should think it certainly kind of you to in- form me by a line so soon as convenient the nature of my present station respecting the Army in consequence of my being reduced by the arrangement made last Jannary, whether I am liable to be called on duty at any time shortly or not, for its not only expensive and very disagreeable, but a great disadvantage to me for to re- main under my present situation. It seems neither to be in the service nor out of it, puts it quite out of my power to attend to pub- lic or private business. Pray let me know Where, Who, and What I am.
With Abner Lamb I send on my tent and Camp equippage with
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my Waggon and Team. As the troops cannot march without it I have another Waggon and Team, Col. Long informs me in your Brigade, have given Abner Lamb orders to take her also in his care. I will thank you to have them put into the same Regt. or core to which Abner may be assigned, that he may the better see to having them repaired by which means they may render the pub- lic more service. I have the hire of the Waggon (now with your Brigade) due from the 23rd of January last. And this Waggon which Abner brings up with him, from the first of July Instant. Captain Goodman can give you all the News from this Quarter, and that I am doubtful of getting home, hearing the enemy is with a strong party of light horse, pushing for that Quarter. I left your house on Thursday last, had the pleasure of seeing Mrs. Sumner & all your children hearty and well. Mrs. Sumner's and Children's love to you, and she desired me to tell you that she found herself in a much better state of health than when you left her, and that all were well at home.
I shall at all times think myself highly honoured to have the pleasure ot receiving a line from General Sumner and beg that he may not forget me in his leisure hours.
In the mean time I heartily wish you a successfull and happy Campaign.
With much respect, I have the honour to be Your Mt. Obd. Humb. Servt.,
G. LAMB.
Camp Col. Hawkins. 22 July, 1781.
GOVERNOR BURKE TO JOHN PENN, ESQR.
WILLIAMSBOROUGH, July 22d, 1781.
SIR :
Yours of yesterday is just come to hand. My first letter an- nouncing your appointment declared my request that you meet me here on the 17th of this month, on which day I arrived. I am con- cerned much for your indisposition, but hope it will permit you to
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come thus far tomorrow in order to make a board, three gentlemen being now present. I shall make your attendance as easy to you as possible, but I cannot entirely dispense with it, until the council shall be so full as to enable me to proceed with business. There is the greatest necessity for dispatch and decision, and I hope you may attend this meeting without injury to your health or family. I thank you for your invitation, which I shall do myself the pleasure of complying with as soon as business will admit. I am, &c., T. BURKE.
Honorable John Penn, Esq.
GOVERNOR BURKE TO MAJOR TATOM.
STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA, WILLIAMSBOROUGH, 23d July, 1781.
SIR : I received a letter from you some days ago, which I have . not yet had proper opportunity to answer. I shall answer as soon as I can do it to effect. I request you now to procure me a rheam of writing paper from Mr. John Kelly, & to send it by the bearer. Let Mr. Kelley be assured that I will see him paid in tobacco or money, (at his election) a reasonable price ; and that when I come up, I will agree with him for his whole quantity. (Signed) THOS. BURKE.
Maj. Tatom.
GOV. THOS. BURKE TO JAMES COOR, ESQR.
STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA,
WILLIAMSBOROUGH, GRANVILLE COUNTY, July 23rd, 1781. SIR :
I recollect your having mentioned, when I had the pleasure of seeing you last, that you were to take down to the public printer the
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ratified acts of assembly ; several of them I find, require immediate execution, and paper and writers are so difficult to be procured here, that I see no readier way for furnishing the copies than by sending to the printer for them. I request the favor of you to direct him to finish off immediately about sixty copies of the acts inserted in the inclosed list & to send them to me by the bearer. Be so good as to let me know what you have done in the matter, which you were so kind as to undertake relative to military stores.
THO. BURKE.
James Coor, Esqr., Newbern.
COPY OF A LIST REFERRED TO IN THE LETTER TO MR. COOR.
An act for laying a money & specific tax for the year one thous- and seven hundred & eighty one.
An act for the relief of such persons as have taken paroles, & for other purposes.
An act for raising troops out of the militia of this State, for the defence thereof, & for other purposes.
An act for obliging the counties which have not furnished their quota of continental troops as required by a late act of the general assembly of this State to furnish the same.
An act for continuing the district auditors, directing their duty in office, & for other purposes.
The public printer is hereby required to furnish to the governor sixty copies of the four first above mentioned acts of the general as- sembly past at their last session ; and six of the last above mentioned act for public use for which this shall be his warrant.
Given under my hand at Williamsborough, Granville County, State of North Carolina, July 23rd, 1781.
THOS. BURKE.
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GEN. NATH. GREENE TO GENERAL SUMNER.
HEAD QUARTERS HIGH HILLS SANTEE, July 23rd, 1781. DEAR SIR :
I have this moment got intelligence from Virginia that a detach- ment, under Col. Tarleton, was as high up in Virginia as Prince Edward Court House and it is suggested they are pushing for our prisoners, which are to be expected on the road from this to Virginia. Tho' I hardly think the thing practicable, yet it is not to be altogeth- er neglected, as the Enemy were on the route from Prince Edward to Boyd's ferry. I beg you to send out some reconnoitering parties and find out which way the enemy are directing their route. Should they be pushing into the upper Country towards Salisbury you will give orders for the Stores, &c., at Salisbury to be sent up to the Mountains under a small guard, with all possible dispatch, and with the rest of the force with you retire and join this Army.
Should the enemy be near you, and the Prisoners in danger of falling into their hands you will order them to be brought on with your Troops until you meet Major Ross who has a flag going to Virginia to James Town with the whole to effect an exchange. Should Maj. Ross arrive to take the prisoners under care of his flag you may let them remain at Salisbury.
Don't lose a moment's time in equipping your men, as it is prob- able the enemy are moving with their whole force into North Car- olina. Send on intelligence every day of the information you get that I may be prepared to take some decisive measure to counteract the Enemy, let them move in what quarter they may. In our late movements towards Cha. Town we took about 140 Prisoners and killed and wounded near 100 more, and destroyed a prodigious quantity of baggage and stores, and took upwards of 200 horses. Our Militia fought valiantly, and we lost but few men notwith- standing.
I am, Sir, your humble servt., NATH. GREEN.
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CAPT. E. GAMBLE TO GENERAL SUMNER.
SALISBURY, 23rd July, 1781.
DEAR GENERAL :
With this you will receive a letter directed to me which please examine the contents, as also one directed to Major Wayne, Comr. Prisoners, or the officer having charge thereof, which I think ought and the Express says, was meant to be opened at this place. Of this you are to be the judge.
I have earnestly to entreat you, to leave with me, the man now with me, by the name of Hill, as he is a good man and I believe will answer the purpose I intend him for. Please to signify your pleasure in this, as also concerning the letter, if not Open'd that I may forward it.
I am with esteem yr. Ob. Servt.,
E. GAMBLE.
Since writing the above Col. Locke has opened the letter.
CAPT. E. GAMBLE TO GENERAL SUMNER.
SALISBURY, 23rd July, 1781.
DEAR GENERAL :
By one of my expresses which arrived this moment, from his Ex- cellency the Governor, you will receive three letters, one addressed to Major Genl. Greene & two to yourself, which I hope will go safe to your hands. You will infinitely oblige me by having General Greene's letters forwarded as soon as possible. I hope you will see cause to send back the reduced Team and Waggon you mentioned at your departure. As also Major Ilogg requests to you to send him back Sergt. Reen if you see cause.
I have the honor to be, With respect and esteem, Yr. mo. ob. Servt.,
E. GAMBLE.
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STATE RECORDS.
COL. ED. CARRINGTON TO GENERAL SUMNER. (DIRECTED TO SALISBURY.)
DEAR SIR :
July 23rd, 1781, Camp.
Gen. Greene informs me Sir, that he wrote you to keep a look- out and direct the removal of such stores as may be in your quar- ter, when the movements of the enemy shall render it necessary. I do myself the honor to inform you that Maj. James Wallace, A. D. Q. M. at Oliphant's Mill, Mr. Wm Alexander, ditto at Charlotte and Capt. Gamble at Salisbury are charged with the public stores. I have directed them to be in readiness and to take their order from you with respect to the removal.
I have the honor to be
Yr. M. Obt. Servant, ED. CARRINGTON, D. Q. M. G'l.
COL. ROBERT ROWAN TO GENERAL SUMNER.
CAMPBELTON, 24th July, 1781.
SIR :
If Captain Pearl arrives safe with the drafts from this county, he will deliver you a cask containing sixty three pairs soldiers shoes. The cloathing you wrote me about, applyed to the Agents for; but it is entirely without trimmings, and I am afraid the public cannot supply me with money to purchase any. I have already made application, without success; but intend waiting on the Governor & Council immediately, to see what they can do. If trimmings can be procured you may depend on it, Sir, the cloathing shall be made
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up; though in the mean time should be glad of your direction as to the manner & form of the coats &c. I am Sir
With much respect Your most obedt.
Servant,
ROBERT ROWAN.
GEN. ALEX. LILLINGTON TO GOVR. BURKE,
July 24th, 1781.
DR. SIR :
I recd. yr. favr. of the 8th Instant, & have observed the Contents, & in Answer thereto, I am first to inform yr. Excellency that we have not Kept up a Standing Army, Any Ways Near the Enemies lines, Since the Troops that was under My Command mch. I Marched up to Kinston at the time that Cornwallis' were Marching Through the State. I at that time time had the Amunition & Other Stores Delivered to the Quartermaster in Kingston. I am sorry to inform you Sir that at this time when we Dayly Expect the Enemy to March up into the Country, that we have Not Three Rounds a man, & I know not where to apply, being Informed that none is to be had in Newbern. As to Armes that the Militia have in Genl. yr. Excellency is As good a Judge of as I am, in regard to the two rivers No. East & No. West the Navagation is good for small boats Many Miles above the Enemies lines. As to the Rout they May possibly take, in case they should penitrate into tho Country, is As yet Impossible to Say, they have been as far as the Rich lands of New River & plundered some few of the Inhabi- tants but their stay was but short. Owing to the Spirit of the People who they found were Colecting very fast, they retreated back to R. Mill at this time. I understand that Major Mansan has taken Post at the Great Bridge. I believe the whole of Major Craigg force do not Exceed four hundred. I am informed by Capt. Armstrong who I am happy to see that part of Genl. Caswell's Army is at last Come Down to Rockfish in Duplin, to Morrow I intend to go over, in order to inform myself what can be done. Kennin letters to me Complains of the Want of Amunition. Whenever yr. Excellency shall think proper to Issue Orders to me, you may assure yr. self that they shall
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be put into Execution as far as in my power. At present it is not in my power to send Expresses to you for the want of Light Horse, Otherwise you would have heard from me before this. Your Excellency will do well to order our Commissary Genl. to Attend the Troops & to Provide the Necessaries in his Department for the Army. July 24th, 1781.
I am sir with great Esteem yr. Excellency's Most Obedient Hum. Ssrvant, ALEXAN. LILLINGTON.
COL. PARKER TO GENERAL ALLEN JONES.
BLAGK WATER, July 24th, 1781.
DEAR GENERAL :
I am honoured with yours of the 22nd by Capt. Warren. I for- warded a letter enclosed from the Marquis to you. He is at Rich- mond. Wayne and Morgan is this side the river, but have not joined me. According to custom, with the assistance of good heels & a severe retrograde, I escaped Tarleton having good intelligence of his movements. On his way down he had a skirmish presume with Morgan the event of which was Tarleton lost one way or another near 40 men besides horses. He got yesterday to Suffolk where the British rear remained last night. Forty six sail of vessels, fell down from Portsmouth on Saturday last with abt. 2500 troops on board no doubt for to relieve New York which is closely besieged. I am happy to hear of your exertions and am in hopes a continuance of them will secure your persons your property and .independence, indeed there is no doubt of it. Late letters taken out of prizes from the South announce their fears of success to the Southward indeed they give up the Idea of conquest. The French Squadron arrived at Boston brought over two thousand recruits, six thousand stand of arms and other effects to the amount of 5 Millions of levres. Thus our gloomy prospects are vanished & I see no prospect of the storm gathering against us. Happy thought it pays me for all my cares, want of sleep and loss of property, which has been very con- siderable. Should have allowed myself the pleasure of writing you yesterday but had exhausted my paper, which I recruited today.
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Col. Wills yesterday returned from a cruize in the rear of the British force which went to South Quay &c. By great address & assiduity he returned with eight of the most infamous refugees attending the British army with all their plunder, two of them were of the party which killed poor Nott. Exclusive of them I have taken fifteen British prisoners without the loss of a Man.
With every sentiment or respect and regard .
I am Dear General your most Ob. Servt., J. PARKER, Col. Com.
COL. GIDEON LAMB TO GOVERNOR BURKE.
HALIFAX, 25th July, 1781.
MAY IT PLEASE YOUR EXCELLENCY :
Since I had the honoure of being with you at Colo. Hendersons, have recd. Orders from Genl. Sumner to return to Edenton District, in Order to superintend the recruiting Service apprehending De- serters & delinquents, receiving and forwarding on the residue of the draughts from the Edenton district &c. &c. Any Orders or Commands Your Excellency pleases to lay On me Shall be Cheer- fully Obey'd. as far as in my Power.
I presume before this comes to hand you will be informed that 2500 British Troops of Foot, have lately embarked at Portsmouth convoy'd by 40 Saill of Transports, their Destination unknown but supposed to be New York.
The Marquis De la Fayette & the Troops under his Command are at Richmond, except Genl. Wayne who hath the Command of a Detachment of considerable Force & is on his Way to Join Colo. Parker.
The Remainder of British Troops are at or near Portsmouth, except a few who guard a Post at Jericho, Mackey's Mills &c. It is said about 700 of them were a few days past at South Quay, where they destroyed Houses in which were a considerable Quantity of private Stores then detached a Party to One Manings 8 or 10 Miles from the Pitch Landing, where they Destroyed two Houses by fire, a Dwelling & Store House of Said Manning; in which were consid- erable property of sundry Merchants, particularly of Baker & Blow.
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It's said the whole consisted of 150 Barrels Sugar, a Quantity of Rum & 9 wt. of Ship Rigin, from which place they returned towards Suffolk.
Having nothing further to add, with the highest esteem and respect I have the Honour to be, Your Excellency's Most Humble and most
Obedient Servt., GN. LAMB, Col. Continental Army.
Governor Burke.
GEN. JETHRO SUMNER TO MAJ. WALLACE, A. D. Q. M.
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CAMP CHARLOTTE, July 25th, 1781.
DEAR SIR :
By Express just arrived from General Greene I am commanded to instruct and order you to hold yourself in readiness with all the public stores under your care to move in an hour's notice up to the mountains upon the first certain intelligence you have of the Enemy's rout towards Salisbury southward, from Virginia.
A small guard you are to apply for from Col. Locke, or to Major Blount to escort your stores.
I am Sir, your servt., JETHRO SUMNER.
JAMES COOR TO GOVERNOR BURKE.
NEWBERN, 25th July, 1781.
SIR :
Agreeable to your orders I have called on the trading Gentlemen and others in this place for arms and military stores, but have not yet been able to procure any.
The Guns, powder and lead lately imported in the prizes was sold before I returned home, mostly in small quantities and carried off. Mr. Henry Vipon has in his care about six hundred wt. of Lead and
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sixty or seventy pounds of powder belonging to the public which I believe is all we have here. Mr. John Jones of this town, merchant, is gone to Washington on Tar River where some prizes are lately arrived and if any Military Stores will let the public have them on the Credit of your Letter to me. Mr. John Easton, at Beaufort where prizes often arrive has also promised to procure for the public any arms and ammunition which are at or may be brot. to that Place. I shall in case of any Arrivals here endeavour to purchase agreeable to Orders and when I hear from Colo. Easton, and Mr. Jones if any purchases can be made shall inform you thereof.
Any further orders which you may think proper to send me will be received with pleasure and strictly observed by your Excellency's most obedt. Servt.
JAMES COOR.
Copy of my letter pr. Colo. Jos. Hawkins. Govr. Burke.
GEN. JETHRO SUMNER TO MAJOR HOGG.
CHARLOTTE, July 25th, 1781. DEAR MAJOR :
By copies just received from Gen. Greene, Maj. Ross with a flag and the prisoners from the southward; he is also to take forward those at Salisbury, which will ease you of a great deal of trouble, you will therefore not delay with them. Gen. Greene writes, in our late movements towards Charleston we took about 140 priso- ners and killed and wounded near a hundred more and destroyed a prodigious quantity of baggage and stores, and took upwards of two hundred troops. Our militia fought valiantly and we lost but few men notwithstanding.
I wish you well, Yours, &c., JETHRO SUMNER.
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STATE RECORDS.
GEN. JETHRO SUMNER TO MAJOR BLOUNT.
CHARLOTTE. July 25th, 1781. DEAR MAJOR :
I am desirous that you mention to Col. Lock, the necessity of having some men sent to gain intelligence agreeable to the rout and direction I gave him, as Genl. Greene also commands, it will be necessary giving such account as they may have of the move- ments of the Enemy southwardly from Virginia, I think three or four men sufficient for this business.
Capt. Gamble and Major Wallace at Oliphant's Mill, are to con- tinue to hold themselves in readiness, with all the public stores un- der their care to be taken up to the mountains, under a small guard, with all possible dispatch. I have wrote Capt. Gamble and Major Wallace, A. D. Q. M. at Salisbury and Oliphant's Mill, which letters we are desirous should be immediately sent to them.
Should Major Hogg be moved with the prisoners the letter to him must be forwarded immediately, as Major Ross is charged with a flag and the prisoners southwardly and is to take on these at Sal- isbury.
I am Dear Major Yours, &c., JETHRO SUMNER.
COL. J. PARKER TO GENERAL ALLEN JONES.
CAMP ISLE OF WIGHT, July 26th, 1781.
MY DEAR GENERAL :
I am honored with yours of yesterday and rejoice to hear Gov- ernor Burke is making the necessary exertions. The cannon you heard was announcing the arrival of Lord Cornwallis at Portsmouth. I was below Suffolk yesterday and find the British have no post this side Suffolk. The Lt. Infantry, Rangers, 43rd and 76th Regts embarked and yesterday was in Hampton road no doubt bound to New York. A strong garrison will doubtless be kept at Portsmouth and I believe the balance of the Enemy's force will maneuvre up the bay, unless they should be called to the South. Their intention
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was not to stir during the months of July and August but necessity will force them into action. New York is closely beseiged and I have reason to hope a naval force in Chesapeak to our assistance, the British fleet has been drubd in the West Indies. Genls. Wayne and Morgan is at Goode's Bridge, and I believe will be here unless a necessity for them your way which I trust will not be the ease.
I am going to France in a vessel I have fitting at the Pitch land- ing, she will be ready in about six weeks. The Marquis honors me with dispatches and should your State wish anything negotiated that way I shall be happy in being honored with the trust. My being brought up to business, my knowledge of war added to let- ters from the Marquis may put me in such a point of view as to be able to negotiate a loan, or be otherwise serviceable to North Caro- lina, should you deem it a matter of moment you will of course, represent it to your honorable executive for their consideration. If they take it up I shall be honored of course. My principal clerk is a German well acquainted with the European as well as the Amer- ican tongue which may farther my services, as I carry him with me. Being up reconnoitering last night added to my repeated dis- turbed situation hardly leaves me at liberty to write common sense indeed I have been in such a disagreeable situation, have not yet collected my ideas and will of course apologize for this serawl. With great esteem and respect, I have the honor to be your most obedient and very humble servant.
J. PARKER, Col.
HON. THOMAS PERSON TO GOVERNOR THO. BURKE.
NUTBUSH, 26th July, 1781.
SIR :
About Twelve months agoe hearing that the Continental Officers, prisoners at Chas. Town, were in the utmost distress for want of necessary Supplys, Colo. Robert Monford and myself Signed a let- ter of Credit on behalf of Genl. Scott & others upon the faith of which they obtained Credit to the amt. of five or five hundred and fifty pounds Sterling. We being now Cald upon for payment Beg
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leave to Suggest to your Excellency we have not the means nor can we Comply with that demand, unless permitted to Ship Tobacco for that purpose, under Cover of a Flag. We also beg leave to men- tion to your honor that the Gienl. Assembly at their last sitting Granted leave to Capt. Harrison Macon to ship Tobacco to Defray a Debt by him Contracted there whilst he was a Prisoner. We pre- sume you are better Acquainted than we are of Numberless In- stances in which Tobacco has been Shipd to defray Debts Con- tracted for the supplies of our Officers & men Since they have been Confined at that place. We therefore trust & hope we shall be per- mitted as aforesd. to make the Remittance in the Manner proposed as it will Enable us to comply with that Obligation & cannot do In- jury to Government. The Justice & propriety of this Measure we humbly Submit to your determination. We are with due Respect, yr. Excelcys. most Obt. hble servt.,
THOMAS PERSON, for himself & ROBT. MONFORD, Esqrs.
(On the back of this letter in Governor Burke's handwriting is this :)
Recd. July 26th, 1781. This must be rejected on the same prin- ciples with those on which the application from Mr. Mederis was rejected. Mr. Boyd will be so good as to answer it by a copy of that to Mr. Mederis.
JOHN RAMSEY TO GOVERNOR BURKE.
CHATHAM COURT HOUSE, 26th July, 1781.
SIR :
When I gott here I found the Letter address'd to your Excellency from the prisoners here, my brothers have Lett me know that they would be Certainly at Willmington yesterday & desired I should go down or Send them Some Close & money as without they must Suffer. I should be therefore Oblidged to your Excellency to Send a flag for Mr. John Jones' Bro. on Major Matthew Jones a worthy young man, & myself, if two or more will be alow'd to Go together, if not I would desire it to be in Mr. Jones' name. We have Certain
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accounts that McNeil or Fanning with his men intends up the Country. I am verry apprehensive that if we are not Supported from other Counties that we shall not be able to make a stand against him in this. I am your Excellency's
Most Obed. Huml. Servt.,
JOHN RAMSEY.
COL. MARTIN TO GOVERNOR BURKE.
SALISBURY, July 27th, 1781.
SIR :
As the Board of Auditors for this District are about to sit to ad- just the public Claims, they request me to write to your Excellency respecting the late Act for continuing that Board, that you would be pleased to send them a Copy thereof by the first Opportunity, as it was difficult to procure a Copy when members were breaking up. This Favor they will gratefully acknowledge. I am with Respect & Esteem,
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