USA > North Carolina > The state records of North Carolina, Vol XV > Part 50
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N. B. Should you not have officers of the First and Second Regi- ments you are then to order on such others from any Regiments.
650
STATE RECORDS.
GEN. NATH. GREEN TO MAJOR ARMSTRONG.
SIR :
Please to reserve one hogshead and one tierce of Rum, the larg- est barrel of sugar, and one hundred weight of Coffee, for the use of the Officers of your Brigade. The rest of the Rum you will deliver to the Commissary, the Sugar and Coffee to the Hospital Depart- ment, the shoes to the Clothier general, the Canteens and paper to the Quarter Master, and the powder & lead to the Commissary of Military Stores.
NATH. GREENE.
Given at Camp, October 15th, 1781.
GOVERNOR BURKE TO
WITHIN THE BRITISH LINES, WILMINGTON, Oct. 17th, 1781.
DEAR SIR :
Immediately upon the happening of the unfortunate accident by which I fell into the hands of the Enemy, my mind adverted to you as the man from whom our country could derive the most ef- fectual service and who would take every proper measure for bring- ing about my exchange or if that should be found impracticable for making the necessary arrangements for supplying me and pro- curing to be treated as a prisoner of War, altho' I did not foresee all the difficulties which I have since experienced on the ground of its being a question whether I am a Prisoner of War or State, yet I was not entirely without apprehensions that some such difficulties might be made ; and tho' I could not then, nor yet can discover any good reason for the distinction at so late a period of the War, yet I know too much of mankind, not to be sensible that they often act on principles which neither reason nor foresight can develope, and very often, on no better principles than the impulse of those
651
STATE RECORDS.
passions which add nothing to the honor or dignity of human nature & I knew it depended altogether on Accident what might be the principle which would direct the hands into which fortune had thrown me; the sequel has too well justified my opinion.
I will not trouble you with a relation of the different extremes of hunger, thirst and fatigue, and the frequent dangers ours lives were exposed to while we were in the savage hands of those who were our first Captors, who, to avoid the pursuit of our friends, tra- versed by long and rapid marches, vast pathless tracks of inter- mingled Sand and Swamp very thinly inhabited and which ought not to be inhabited at all, but will begin with our delivery into the hands of Major Craig on the 23rd of September at Livingston's Creek on the North West of Cape Fear, by which time we were complete- ly pillaged of every thing except the few dirty, worthless cloaths we had on, which, with regard to myself, were chiefly borrowed. The British Officers behaved with frank politeness to us and Major Craig treated me with particular respect, in short, we had great reason to rejoice in our exchange of situation, and for the first time after our capture, felt ourselves out of danger of personal violence, with which we had been often threatened, through the savage, ungovernable fury of those people in whose possession we were. Such was the re- spect paid to me and so easy was my treatment that I began to expect that my confinement would be that of a prisoner of war on the most liberal footing. This continued untill the next day after my arrival in Wilmington, in the afternoon of which an Officer pre- sented me with a Letter from Major Craig expressing his regret at finding himself obliged to secure my person untill his superior officers should instruct him whether to consider me as a prisoner of war or of State, and promising to do everything in his power to render my situation as little disagreeable as possible. After I had read the let- ter he conducted me to a house within the lines, one room whereof was assigned to be my place of confinement and for that purpose was shut up from all communication except by one door leading into the street, there he left me with a Sergeant to watch me constantly, and a Guard to prevent my escape and all access to me. This room is always dry in fair weather, and warm when the sun shines, and the wind is southerly, it has all the advantage of the North East winds which may enter freely and must go out the same way : in short it seems calculated to answer the end of a grotto in winter and a hot-
652
STATE RECORDS.
house in summer. My traverses, however devious, were in no dan- ger of interruption by furniture and I was likely to have time and subject enough for meditation ; my prospect was that of reducing to practice much of what I had read of the Lacedemonian virtue, and I already began to cast my memory back, through the History of that patient austere people in search of some person whom I might propose for my model. I might indeed have chosen any plank I pleased for my lodging, for the Sergeant seemed to be too civil a fellow to dispute it with me, and for any other accommodation, I did not know but that, like many other great affairs of this world, it was under the peculiar care of providence. Major Craig visited me in the evening and pathetically lamented the situation in which he had put me, and expressed much concern that he had nothing of his own with which he could accommodate me. He was so oblig- ing as to permit Col. Read to have access to me at all times, and to reside with me. This Gentleman's care and attention to me have been with unremitting diligence and his representation of the cir- cumstances I was in, to some friends of his and mine soon procured me the necessaries which my confinement required. Mr. William Campbell furnished me with a bed, some furniture and a Negro wench and lent me some money, all which enabled me to keep batchelor's quarters but so different from all I had ever kept before that. I now never have any company, and tho' not shut up in a Seraglio, I am almost as difficult of access as his Majesty of Con- stantinople ; very few, indeed, are suffered to approach me at all, and every one must converse with me in presence of the Sergeant. Col. Read is so scrupulous an observer of his parole that he even does not tell me the news of the day, which indeed I very seldom venture to ask him lest it should reduce him to a dilemma ; my good humour which, thank heaven, never forsakes me entirely, suf- fered an attack which had well nigh disconcerted it, by the refus- ing of Mr. Strudwick to see me; in truth, Sir, I promised myself great satisfaction from his visit which he informs me by letter, he made principally with a view of serving me, and he has been kind enough to desire I would command anything in his power; as I be- lieve him perfectly sincere, I would freely avail myself of his friend- ship, if I could see in what manner he could serve me, but I can- not see it, and he is not at liberty to see me, and therefore cannot well explain himself consistently with the restrictions he may be
653
STATE RECORDS.
under. I have not requested permission for him, for altho' Major Craig desired me to apply to him in every case wherein he could indulge me, yet having made a few such applications which were with great respeet & Politeness refused, I am unwilling any more to involve him in difficulties between his civility and his duty. My Pride, if I have any, has this consolation, that my most trifling movements are considered as dangerous to a Prince who is Lord of so many brave Battalions and so invincible a navy and such inexhaus- tible resources as is his Majesty of Great Britain, and this perhaps it is that has restored my good humor. I knew before, indeed, that I was upon the axeltree of the Chariot, but never thought I made much of the surrounding dust. You will no doubt perceive, I sometimes smile while I am writing, but I beg you not to conclude from thenee that I am upon a bed of roses and that I may well stay there sometime longer. You know, Sir, that tho' I have some firmness, I have also much sensibility of Spirit, that tho' the one enables me to bear, yet the other obliges me to feel my situation, and with peculiar poignaney, that restraint which prevents me from employing such talents as nature has given me, be they what they may, for the bringing to a complete and happy Issue, the cause in which our country is engaged. You know me well enough to believe that I cannot lose sight of what I was, nor cease to com- pare it with what I now am, and what I have the prospect of being if this absurd and vexatious question should be drawn to any length.
You know I once was, at least I thought myself so, valued, re- speeted, Esteemed ; nay, I will venture to say beloved by men of real worth and honor whatever I may be now, I may certainly be- come the sport of men of very opposite characters for the British nation no more than any other, is free from such in her councils, nay possibly such may be found even in her Armies, and I may even become an object wherewith the prurient petulance of power may be gratified. All this appears to me in prospect, if this ques- tion should be protraeted to any length, altho' at present I may feel no other inconvenience than that of elose confinement, and re- straint from pursuing my favorite lines of action which, I hope you will never be able to pronounce upon such evidence as I have, to be sufficiently galling to a liberal temper.
I could say much more to you, but I fear I have tired your pa-
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STATE RECORDS.
tience already, for as you have not traversed the raft Swamp you have not yet learned quite so much of it as I have. I will not in- jure you by thinking it necessary to urge you to hasten my ex- change. I will only add that the opinion my Enemies entertain of my power of injuring them, ought to have some weight with my country, since I must be capable of serving her in proportion, but do not take this as a promise. I will be assured always to do my best, but the Enemy think me capable of more than I ever thought myself, altho' I am no pretender to humility, but enough in all conscience on such a subject. I pass to one which deserves and re- quires a great deal but for which I have not now time nor you I fear patience. Our prisoners, my dear Sir, by the want of the ne- cessaries of Life in a rigorous confinement call for the assistance and attention of their country at least if I may judge from such as I see daily passing by my window to the spring for water, who might well be taken for skeletons, did they not retain life enough to make them appear too ghastly and some languid unanimated motion that shows they have some small remains of strength. I do not write this as a charge against the commanding Officer. I really do not not know how they are treated, for I have no means of information except what I have just mentioned. There is no Commissary of Prisoners at this Post ; no other person has a right to inspect their treatment, but as I am persuaded, they want Provisions. I take the Liberty to solicit that some be sent for them. I know no other way whereby they can be supplied.
Remember me to (torn out) and all our friends ; and be pleased to write to me as early as you can. My most respectful Compliments to all your Circle. The gentleness and kindness of the Ladies here for me still further endears the whole Sex to me, and I had no weak propensity in regard them before.
If you are offended at this long letter take revenge by writing me twice as long a one as soon as you please, and always believe me most sincerely yours,
THOS. BURKE.
655
STATE RECORDS.
GENERAL SUMNER TO GENERAL WASHINGTON.
HALIFAX, N. CAROLINA, October 20th, 1781.
SIR :
I rejoice to hear of your approaches against the fortified holds of the Enemy about York, and flatter our expectations that they will soon fall under yr. Power. The Situation of the Southern Camp, about the 27th of September on the High Hills of Santee, were under some apprehensions of the Enemy' Crossing the river Santee upon receiving some reinforcements, which had not joined them before the affair, at the Eutaw Springs. Genl. Rutherford & Butler with about eighteen Hundred Militia were last Tuesday, within twenty five miles West of Campbleton on Cross Creek on Cape Fear, that the disaffected were imbodyed on the head waters of the Wocomaw River South of Campbleton (1200). Major Craig who commands in Wilmington about Four Hundred British troops has fortified re- doubts and ( ) this post has recovered much of the neighbor- ing country and have
(Unfinished letter in General Sumners hand writing.)
THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA TO BRIGADIER CENERAL JETHRO SUMNER : DR.
Cont'l.
1781.
L. s. d. Dollars. 480
July 30th. To paid James Jack.
October 1st. To specie paid James Jack 8
October 2nd. To specie paid David Karr. S
October 3rd.
To paid Mrs. Steal 14
October 3rd.
To ferrage paid at the Yadkin 3
October 24th. To cash furnished Major Dixon when
sent on command to Edenton . £ 5.14 8-1150
£ 7.7/8-1630
HALIFAX COUNTY, Genl. Jones, 24th Octo. 1781.
Then received of General Sumner five pounds, fourteen shillings
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STATE RECORDS.
& eight pence North Carolina Currency in Specie for my expences when on command to Edenton.
HENRY DIXON, Major N. C. Line.
MAJOR JOHN ARMSTRONG TO GENERAL SUMNER.
HIGH HILLS OF SANTEE, Oct. 25th, 1781. DEAR GENERAL :
Agreeable to your request I have sent you the last weekly Re- turns of battalion together with a return of Deserters, & the counties from, with the numbers rec'd by the Officers present. Captain Doherty will call on Col. Lanier for the number received in the Salisbury District and then will make a return of the whole. The others will do when copied to send to the different Counties. You will see by the within order inclosed, what became of the last stores that came up to us. Our sick are in a very good way and recover- ing, there is nothing more in camp than when you left us.
The enemy lies seven miles from Monks Corner. It is said by de- serters they are preparing for the evacuation of Charlestown, but this wholly depends on the fate of Lord Cornwallis.
Gen. Greene very cheerfully gave leave to Captain Doherty to wait on the Assembly with the remonstrance of the Officers of our State now in the Southern Army. I am sorry we are drove to that, to trouble the Honourable Assembly, but necessity hath no Law. I am certain that if some supplies of cloathing does not come to us, that some will be under the disagreeable necessity of applying for leave of absence until they can be furnished some other way. Dear General you are not a stranger to our sufferings, we have our eyes upon you as our support in time of need. I think the officers now in the service from our State, must be men of the greatest fortitude & forbearance in the world, they serve without pay, cloathing, or any regular supplies, of the necessaries allowed them, except Beef and Bread which is allowed to the worst Tory Prisoner in our Provost Guard. I mean not to throw any Reflections on our State; but proper measures have not been taken to secure to us what small
657
STATE RECORDS.
supplies have been sent, or intended for that purpose. For Intelli- gence I leave you to the Bearer.
I am with respect, Your Mo. Ob. Servant,
JO. ARMSTRONG.
COL. S. DRAYTON TO RICHARD BENNINHAM.
NUTBUSH, 25th October, 1781.
Various have been the reports from Virginia since my coming to Nutbush, nothing certain, all hoping and very anxious, for so sig- nal an event, as must lead to a happy termination of our troubles in the Southern States or on a reverse of Fortune create new, & en- crease present troubles. Thus situated, I have delayed writing to you for I would wish, what I wrote, should be depended on, this hap- pened not before last night; when we were acquainted with the cer- tainty of prevailing reports by the arrival of a Trooper, from York, who left that place on Saturday last. He brings the glorious news of the surrender of Lord Cornwallis & his whole army to General Washington. The Capitulation was signed on Wednesday the 17th Instant, at 11 at Night, & on Friday the garrison grounded their arms & were marched for Winchester; his Lordship is to be sent to England. The man says further, that Genl. Wayne, Guest & Mul- henburg are coming on with 6000 Troops, that the French troops are gone by sea to Charles town & that Genl. Washington marches the rest Northwardly. Permit me, my good Sir, to congratulate you & Mrs. Benninham on this happy occasion. My servant brings several other letters, some for Mr. Johnston, others for Hillsborough. The latter I suppose Mr. Johnston will forward; as I suppose the good folk of that town will not be a little elated at the prospects that must now appear by which they may enjoy peace in their beds; without a dread of Mr. Fanning or his adherents.
If you have any news respecting the operations of the X Creek Army, or Craigs situation, be pleased to communicate to me. I shall be happy to hear from you with Mrs. Benninham & the children are well. However so great a Specific as I now send, will enliven
15-42
658
STATE RECORDS.
you all so much as to bid defiance to future sickness at least for this year. God bless you. I am Dear Sir Yours most obliged,
S. DRAYTON.
P. S. If it is possible that the Express who may go up to Hills- borough and return on to-morrow so as that my servant can be here on Sunday-he may stay-perhaps we may hear from thence per- haps something of the Tories, &c.
W. FORBES TO GENERAL SUMNER.
EDENTON, 18th Octo., 1781. DR. GENERAL :
I am sorry to inform you that its not in my power to join my regiment, on account of my indisposition of body, and as I cannot at this period expect or even ask any indulgence I rather choose to resign my Commission, than give a real cause of censure, tho' I can assure you its with the utmost reluctance I do it, but as its the effect of necessity and not choice I flatter myself to meet with your appro- bation so far as to admit it. My attachments to the Continental service I still and ever shall retain but finding by demonstrative proofs, my constitution greatly impaired, my .habit .of body most exceedingly bad, and a constant fever for above twentydays success- ively, I can scarcely sit up to write, I therefore by the advice of Col. Dixon have taken it upon me to address you by letter (as he did not care to determine on matter of this kind). Hoping that if there's no alternative you will please to accept of this as my resignation, as I've not a Commission and my certificate I forgot to take along with me. Tho' should you not think proper to accept of my resignation, and that there was a real necessity for my appearing personally at Head Quarters, I should with great willingness join as Quick as able to ride, and continue Charles Town Siege out if not the War.
Viz : If I join in reasonable time and continue well, If not to be dealt with according to your great prudence, for further satisfaction I refer you to Col. Dixon, and remain
With due respect your most humble servant,
W. FORBES.
P. S. Should be glad Dr. General to hear from you if con- venient.
659
STATE RECORDS.
COL. WILLIAM R. DAVIE TO GENERAL SUMNER.
HALIFAX, Nov. 1st, 1781.
SIR :
I have ordered some Rum to be put in motion to the So. Army for the use of your Brigade. You are sensible, that unless it is sent in the charge of one of your own Officers it may lose much on its journey, and may not be properly applied on its arrival.
I wish you would order some of the Officers here to proceed on with it to Camp. Some Sugar and Coffee will also be forwarded soon; the Rum is at Col. Burtons. I have informed him, that he will receive instructions from you, to whose charge it is to be com- mitted ; you will therefore write to him by this express on that Head.
I am Sir with Esteem and Respect, Your Most Obebt., WILLIAM R. DAVIE, Co. Gen.
THE COMPARATIVE VALUE OF THE QUOTAS OF TIIE SEVERAL STATES AS SETTLED & APPOINTED .BY CONGRESS FROM 29 JULY 1779 TO NOV. 2d. 1781.
States of
29 July 1775 3,000,000 Dollars.
16 Sept. Nov. 22d, 1776. A 88 Btlns.
1777.
Feby.26, 1778 79 Btins.
Jany. 5th, 1779
Oct. 7th, 1779
March 18th. Feby. 9th, Jany. 15th. 1780 1780. 35211 Men.
1781. 849,342
6,000,000
8,000,000
B
C
B . 34
C
B
CB
CB
C 5,200,000 27
1,215. 35
B 51,726 59
184.323. 31
373,598. 47
Massachusetts
434,214 .145
15 177
820,000.164
15.190 3,000,000.133 3,300.000.153 29,900,000. 153
6,070.172
284,493.328 1,052.863, 175 1,307,596.163
Rhode Island
71,959}. 21
2. 23
100,000 20
1. 13
300,000. 20
200.000. 13
2,600,000. 13
810 23
25,863. 29
116,583. 19
216,684. 27
Connecticut
248,139 . 83
8. 91
600.000.120
8 101 1,709,000.113 1.700.000.113 22,100,000.113
3,238 92
125,178.176
783,377.133
747,196. 93
New York
948,139
83
4. 45
200,000. 40
5. 63
800,000. 53
750,000. 51
9,750,000. 51
1,620. 46
77,598. 86
172,803. 29
373,598. 47
New Jersey
161,2904. 54
4. 45
270,000. 54
4. 50
800,000. 53
900,000. 60 11,700,000 60
1,620. 46
51,737. 59
414,728. 69
485,679. 61
Pennsylvania
372.2084.124
12.136
620,000.124
10.127 1,900,000.127 2,300,000.153 29.900,000.153
4,855 138
232,757.263 1,059,863.177 1,120,794. 141
Delaware
37,2194. 12
1. 11
60,000. 13
150,000. 10 170,000. 11 1. 13
3,210,000 11 20,540,000.105
405. 12
97,921. 16
112,085. 14
Maryland
310,1744.103
8. 91 520,000.104
8.101 1.560,000 104 1,158,000.105
3,238. 92
728,107.120
Virginia
496,278 .165
15.177 800,000.160
15.190 2,400,000.160 2,500,000 167 32,500,000.167
6,070.172
1,552,026.192 1,307,594.163
N. Carolina
248,139 . 83
9.102
250.000. 50
9.114 1,090,000. 73 1,000,000. 67
13,000,000. 67
3,640.103
230.404. 38
622,677. 77
S. Carolina
248,139 . 83
6. 68
500,000.100
1,800,000.120 1,200,000. 79
15,600,000. 79
2,430. 69
373,598. 47
Georgia
1. 13
60,000. 12
24,905. 3
A. Date of the requisition and the amount.
B. Quota of the respective States.
C. Parts of 1000
N. B. The Quota of North Carolina for 1783 is 74 parts of 1000.
March 23d. 1781
Nov. 2d, 1781
5,000,000
15,000,000
15,000,000
195,000,000.
CB
CB
C
N. Hampshire
149 0694. 41
200.000. 40
3. 38
500,000. 33: 400,000. 27
661
STATE RECORDS.
DAVID OLYPHANT TO HON. ABNER NASH.
HALIFAX, Novembr. 6th, 1781.
DEAR SIR :
I have the honour to congratulate you on the late important Success of our Arms in Virginia & to acquaint you that at last, I am relieved from a cruel & painful Captivity in the hands of our inveterate foes; I believe history and now I am convinced by ex- perience, that I am warranted to declare the English Tyrants in prosperity, mean and abject in adversity. I left head quarters ten days ago, & am now on the road to join Gen. Greene, had it been safe traveling through yr. Country I should have had the pleasure of calling on you at Newberne. The Pennsylvania, Maryland & Virginia Lines with 400 horse are ordered to the S. ward. When I left Camp it was undetermined whether the Infantry should not go
by water to Wilmington, this depended on the Count de Grasse, whose orders will not permit him to remain longer on the American Coast. He proceeds immediately with the whole of the line of battle Ships to the West Indies. Count de Rochambeau with all his Troops is to be quartered in Virginia ready to give his assistance wherever the existence of war demands it. The day I left Camp Genl. Washington was informed by Express from Philadelphia, that Ld. Henry Clinton had sailed the 18th last Month from New York with 5,000 Troops on board & all his Ships of War, the Eng- lish gave out for the relief of Ld. Cornwallis, but people are gener- ally of Opinion he was bound for Charles Town, this being the case it is pretty certain of the forces will be immediately ordered Sotherly.
When I saw you last at Newberne, I left in your possession several original papers relating to the transaction between the Messrs. Hamiltons & myself. I hope you have preserved them, & that you will be so kind to take care of them 'till you hear further from me. I make no doubt you have heard how ungenerously & cruelly I have been treated by John Hamilton. On a future day I may have an opportunity to explain this more fully to you. With my most respectful Compliments to Mrs. Nash, Wishing you health &
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STATE RECORDS.
every domestic blessing, I have the honour to be Dr. sir yr. much obliged & most obedt. Servt.,
DAVID OLYPHANT.
P. S. Please present my Compliments to Colo. Cogdale. I shall esteem it a favour to have a line from you. Colo. Long will forward it to me at Genl. Greene's Camp.
RAINQUENOIRE TO HON. ABNER NASH.
SIR :
YORKTOWN, Novr. Sth, 1781.
I was charged with Dispatchs for you from Philadelphia, but being attached to the French Fleet, I have been necessarily obliged to stay in York for to Terminate Some business for the Naval Army, therefore Sir, I took the opportunity of a Gentleman going to Hali- fax for to forward these dispatches. I am extremely Sorry, Sir, I cannot have the honour to carry them to you my Self, but I hope, as soon as my business is settled, to go to Newbern where I will make myself the honour to wait upon you. "Till. then, Please to accept the assurance of the most perfect respect with which I have the honour to be,
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