USA > North Carolina > The state records of North Carolina, Vol XV > Part 58
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765
STATE RECORDS.
for person and property he had from General Moore, a man called Long Field Cox, a waggon-master to Colonel Caswell's Army, seized upon his horse, saddle, pistols and other arms and violently detain- ed the same by refusing to deliver them up to Col. Bryan, who con- ducted him to Newbern. Colonel Long was pleased to detain his mare at Halifax when sent a prisoner from thence to here. Sorry to dwell so long upon so disagreeable subject.
Philadelphia Gaol,
September 6th, 1776.
[INDORSEMENT.]
Letter from Genl. McDonald read 7th September, 1776 :
RESOLVED, That General McDonald be allowed four days to pre- pare for his journey, and that that part of his letter respecting his treatment in North Carolina be sent to the Convention of that State.
[Old War and Navy Division, Department of Interior, Vol. Entitled, “Miscellane- ons Organizations and Other Information."-Page 98 ]
After a list of the Colonels of the ten N. C. Continental Regi- ments is the following :
" REMARKS."
"Col. Nash was killed 4th October, 1777, in the battle of German- town.
" After the battle of Brandywine, 11th September, 1777, Second and Third N. C. Regiments consolidated and called Second.
" After the battle of Germantown, 4th October, 1777, Fourth and First N. C. Regiments consolidated and called the First, and com- manded by Col. Thomas Clark.
"Col. James Armstrong commanded the Eighth N. C. Regiment ; on the reduction of it, those soldiers that was left was transferred to the Second and commanded by Col. John Patten."
766
STATE RECORDS.
Extracts from Letters 1777, 1778 and 1779.
BRIG. GEN. JAMES MOORE TO GOV. CASWELL.
WILMINGTON, 1777.
" . . . Colonel Martin with the first division of the Troops con- sisting of his own Regiment, and such of the New-raised Regiments as are now in this Town, will begin his march this day; the re- mainder will follow in about five days . . "
MAJ. GEN. ROBERT HOWE TO HON. HENRY LAURENS.
CHARLES TOWN, October 9, 1778.
"I am just this moment informed that a motion has been made and carried in the Committee 'that I should be recalled from hence ;' that to add to the anxiety which I must feel at being called away when Service is likely to progress here, the motion for remov- ing me was made by a Member of Congress, immediately preceed- ing those for Troops to be sent up to the support of this place; as if I was not worthy of being employed where Honor was to be ob- tained. Think, Sir, the undeserved mortification I must feel upon an occasion like this. And can Congress suffer it to be inflicted upon me! Have I not sacrificed my Fortune and peace to the Ser- vice of my Country! Have I not, by the most unwearied diligence and with a zeal which at least has some merit, attended to the du- ties of my Station, and by my every effort endeavored to do my Duty! And shall I, after being kept against my wish from the scene of im- mediate Action, be recalled at that moment when this Country is likely to become the Scene of it? How, Sir, have I deserved this disgrace? I am conscious I have not, therefore can never believe that Congress can consent to sacrifice so faithful a servant. Upon you, Sir, I rely, upon your friendship I call, to avert from me so
767
STATE RECORDS.
unexpected, so undeserved, and so inexpressible a mortification and disgrace, which, from my inmost Soul, I assert I have not de- served," etc.
BRIG. GEN. JAMES HOGUN TO COL. H. HOLLINGSWORTH.
BALTIMORE, Jan. 1, 1779.
" I have just leisure enough before Marching this morning to ad- mit my answering your favour of the 29th ult. I return you my sincere thanks for your care and assiduity for which the whole of your conduct with respect to my Brigade on the march has been remarkable. Your Waggons is all discharged at this Post, our own having joined us, by which I hope to make a Steady march by Land to the Southward, finding it impracticable to take Transports at Annapolis. The brigade is just now put under march, and must conclude with wishes for your health," etc.
NOTE .- Doubtless error for January 1, 1780 .- ED.
-
BRIG. GEN. JAMES HOGUN TO GEN. WASHINGTON.
PHILADELPHIA, April 3, 1779.
" Our whole strength present fit for duty by the last re- turn amounts to 165 rank and file. Our daily guards consist of 82 rank and file, so that we have hardly one relief. Col. Proctor's regiment were ordered down to Billingsport a few days since, where I expect they'll stay during the Summer. I shall be glad of your Excellency's directions with respect to manner in which the draughts are to return to their own State and whether it would not be neces- sary to send them in detachments under proper Officers. .
Adjutant General.
GRAND ARMY.
*
*
NORTH CAROLINA.
*
1
Colonels.
Lieutenant Colonels
*
Majors.
Captains.
*
First Lieutenants.
*
Second Lieutenants.
Ensigns.
*
Chaplains.
*
2
Adjutants.
*
2
Paymasters.
STAFF.
*
20
Surgeons.
*
1
Mates.
*
20
Sergeant Majors.
*
Qr. Master Sergeants.
*
10
Drum Majors.
*
Fife Majors
Serjeants.
Drummers and Fifers.
*
542 51
Present Fit for Duty.
Sick Present.
Sick Absent.
On Command.
On Furlough.
Total.
*
Sergeants.
Drummers and Fifers.
Rank and File.
Dead
Discharged.
Deserted.
Transferred.
Promoted.
*
Serjeants.
Drummers and Fifers.
Joined.
Rank and File.
STATE RECORDS.
768
[U. S. STATE DEPARTMENT, WASHINGTON PAPERS, VOL. 101, P. 65.]
Commander in Chief of the Armies of the Independent States of America.
Monthly Return of the Continental Army under the Command of His Excellency George Washington, Esquire, General and
ALEXANDER SCAMMEL,
*
*
BRIGADES AND CORPS.
1778.
FOR NOVEMBER, A. D.,
FIELD
SIONED.
COMMIS-
OFFICERS PRESENT,
COMMISSIONED.
NON-
1 37 36
*
109
230
936
RANK AND FILE.
WANTI'G TO COMPL'T
RETURN.
ALTERATIONS SINCE LAST
20
Quarter Masters.
*
20
9
769
STATE RECORDS.
DR. THOS. BURKE TO GEN. GATES.
TYAQUIN, July, 1780.
DEAR SIR :
I left Congress with intention to visit you at your Camp immedi- ately after my arrival at home, but find it absolutely necessary to stay some time to prevent what remains of my property from fall- ing a prey to the wasteful ravages of the Troops in and about this neighborhood.
No provision has been made for their reception, and they arrived in circumstances of great distress for want of every species of pro- vision and forrage. The Commissary has, by great and extraordi- nary exertions, procured them provisions, but not without having recourse, in some instances to threats, and not before some violence had been committed upon the property of the People; but the Quarter Master has committed the most wanton destruction in this neighborhood, laying to waste fields of grain by turning Horses in- to them while standing. These violences have been attended with much Insolence, and a conduct extremely disgusting to the people, which have produced much murmuring, indignation and complaint, and, I fear, have even shaken the attachment of some of our very well affected Whigs.
The Calamities of War are grievous enough even when miti- gated by every possible care and attention, but when acts of power are wantonly and Insolently committed, and when persons em- ployed in the exercise of them are worthless, base and contemptible, they become too grievous for a people to bcar. Such I am told is the case with respect to a person authorized, as he says, by you to procure some waggons and Horses. He himself remains about the town of Hillsborough and sends out some very worthless persons who take People's Horses and other property without even leaving it in the power of the People to demand the value from the public. Such abuse of office must, if continued, greatly prejudice any cause and dispose the people to open their arms to an Enemy who offers them greater security. In this view, every one must see the conse- quences and how necessary it must be to give speedy relief.
15-49.
770
STATE RECORDS.
This subject has detained me too long from that which I first proposed in writing to you.
I am persuaded, from Informations I have received and observa- tions I have made, that the present Campaign is exceedingly im- portant ; that whatever the Enemy may possess, at the conclusion thereof, will remain to them, at least until some future War shall wrest it from them. This points out the necessity of the most vig- orous exertions for compelling them to leave all parts of the United States before that period ; and on us, it, in a great measure, depends to expell them from this part of the Continent. Every move ought now to be strained, and yet I am sorry to find essentials so exceed- ingly neglected. I am desirous of lending what assistance I can, either in Council or in action, and wish for an opportunity of Com- municating my ideas in such a manner as that whatever way possi- ble they might be rendered efficient. I see at present no clue ; nothing seems doing, and yet much is to be done.
In my opinion there will be occasion for all the Provisions which can be spared from the support of the Inhabitants, and measures ought now to be taken for Clothing them equally and impartially. Surely, Sir, it is high time a plan of operations should be concerted and means provided for carrying it into Execution. My anxiety for our success will, I hope, excuse me for troubling you with this letter, and I doubt not, you will afford it that Indulgence with which you are accustomed to receive the addresses of.
Dear Sir, You Very Obedient,
THOS. BURKE.
DR. THOMAS BURKE TO PRESIDENT OF CONGRESS.
SIR :
Upon my arrival in this Country I found things in a situation very different from what I expected, and far from affording any agreeable prospects.
No provisions had been made for the reception of the Troops, and when they arrived in this State they lived nearly on free Quar- ter. Their supplies were procured under circumstances of great oppression, devastation and licentious outrage, nor was the least re-
771
STATE RECORDS.
gard paid to the Civil Magistrate, the Laws of the State or the rights of Individuals. The Light Dragoons, having lost most of their Horses in South Carolina, assumed a right of pressing Horses to re- cruit their Corps and of Quartering themselves on any man they pleased, and compelled the Quarter Master (as he alledges) to assign to them for Barracks any private Houses they thought proper.
I found every mouth filled with Complaints, every Countenance expressing apprehensions, dejection, Indignation and despair, which had taken place of an animated zeal, that before, it gave me great pleasure to observe and to improve. I immediately interposed to check those abuses, which I considered as gross insults to and vio- lations of the Magistracy of the State, as well as highly dangerous to the Interests of the United States, because the people harrassed, oppressed and provoked by such unworthy treatment, tho' hereto- fore extremely well affected, will, but too probably in despair, open their arms to any Enemy who will promise them greater security, and because, by turning Horses into the fields of standing grain, (a common practice,) the resources of the Country are ineffectually wasted, and the expense becomes extremely high to the public in proportion to the benefit they receive, nor is the Individual indem- nified by any Compensation he receives. I have found it necessary also to interpose in another line in order to induce the people to furnish supplies willingly, and to take away all color of necessity for those dangerous outrages under which they have lately suffered, and which would sooner effect the Conquest of this State, for the Enemy, than any force they could apply.
I have undertaken that all who shall furnish supplies, willingly and speedily, shall be paid for them without depreciation and with Interest during non-payment, and I have undertaken to inter- pose for the protection of all such as shall thus furnish supplies from all violence and injury. These Engagements extend at present no farther than the County I reside in, where the necessity immediate- ly presses, but I am persuaded it will be necessary to extend them through the whole State, because all its resources will be requisite for carrying on the operations of the campaign, and, unfortunately, money will not procure them.
I attribute this to the effect of some Acts passed by the Assembly with a view to restrain speculation. Those acts have laid the re- tailers under such restrictions and subjected them to such heavy
772
STATE RECORDS.
penalties as have amounted to a prohibition. The importers live at the remote maritime parts of the State, and so far removed from the Interior part of the Country that they cannot send the necessary supplies of foreign commodities. Their commodities are no longer taken off by the inland retailers and they have, of course, discon- tinued Importations into this State, thus both an actual and arti- ficial scarcity are produced. That channel in which the money used to circulate is obstructed and the people find that the money will no longer procure them necessaries at any price. It is not therefore to be wondered that the people are unwilling to receive that from the public for the produce of their labor and Industry which they cannot exchange for the necessaries of life.
It is easy to perceive what evil effects this must have on the op- erations of the campaign, and a remedy certainly ought speedily to be applied. I have ventured on that which I have above men- tioned, and find my own neighbors very willingly comply with my requests and confide in my Engagements. When I recollected that Congress had empowered the Committee at Camp to make such En- gagements with the people of other States, and that the same Equity was intended to all who furnished supplies, I could not entertain a doubt that it would extend to the people of this State who should furnish necessaries for the Armies and operations of the Confed- eracy. Nor could I doubt that Congress would ratify such an En- gagement, tho' made without express power, since it evidently ap- peared necessary for the public service, and it is without a shadow of personal Interest. But should the Congress think otherwise, I must submit to make good my present Engagements out of my pri- vate property, to which I believe the whole of it may be equal, and I shall forbear all further Engagements or Interpositions for the public.
The wants of this department are extremely numerous and Im- portant. There is neither money for the pay chest, tents, arms or accoutrements for the Troops.
This State has ordered eight thousand men into the field, and the first Division has been some time in Service. The Second is now on its march from the different Counties to the rendevzous. It cannot possibly supply money enough for the pay and contingencies, and they have yet received no aid from any other. The arms and equipments which were ordered have not yet arrived and their de-
773
STATE RECORDS.
ficiencies cannot be supplied here. A supply of Waggons and draft horses are very much wanted, and I fear every exertion that can be made will not procure a sufficiency within the State, for in truth, we have them not. We have been exceedingly exhausted of those articles by our frequent Southern Expeditions, by the wear and des- truction of our old stock and want of means to recruit it. Every ex- ertion that is possible will be attempted, and I hope Congress will give orders that will prevent disappointment or ill success to the General operations through the failure of the resources of the State.
General Gates is now here and is altogether occupied in endeavor- ing to correct all the arrangements of the department, which, in- deed, he has found in the utmost disorder. His arrival has given the highest satisfaction to all orders, and I am convinced his reputa- tion, and the confidence of success founded thereon, will call forth the most animated exertions of our people. I hope he will be sup- ported also by Congress so effectually as to enable him to find other Saratogas here to acquire more honors for himself and advantages for the United States.
Yours Most Obdt. Servt., THOS. BURKE.
DR. THOMAS BURKE TO GOVERNOR NASH.
TYAQUIN, July 19th, 1780.
DEAR SIR :
I wrote the enclosed at the time of its date, but never could meet an opportunity until now ; General Huger, who waits on you with some important business from General Gates, is pleased to take charge of a packet from me for you. Having so good an op- portunity I will now communicate more fully, what I only hinted at in the former letter.
The Court of France has communicated to Congress, through their Minister, that they are very apprehensive that next Winter will produce an armed mediation on the part of some of the Euro- pean powers ; the condition whereof will be that each of the con- tending parties retain the possessions acquired during the War.
774
STATE RECORDS.
And it was most strongly recommended, that, during the present campaign, such efforts be made on our part as may entirely expell the Enemy from the bounds of the United States, lest we should be reduced to the disagreeable dilemma of yielding some of our Coun- try, or continuing the War against the present Enemy and the me- diator united. To enable us, more certainly, to effect so important a purpose, the King of France has ordered a fleet of eight sail of the Line and eight thousand troops to our assistance ; and I believe they will arrive some time this month. This view of affairs has produced some alterations in the Councils of America, and such as must naturally result from the Common principles of human con- duct. The present being considered as a decisive campaign, each State is anxious for the Expulsion of the Enemy from the ports in which it is most immediately interested, and of course will endeav- or to have as much of the common force as they can employ for that purpose. New York, being interesting to so many States, nec- essarily becomes the first object, and the Southern States but sec- ondary, honce, it is manifest that we have nothing to expect in the articles of force or provisions from the northward, and that our principle reliance must be on our own resources, and as on the wise and effectual application of them depends, not only our hopes of a peace, but of future security, the object becomes of the most inter- esting importance.
There are now troops assembling both here and in Virginia. Arms and ammunition are ordered and coming forward from the north- ward. Here is an experienced and successful commander, and we . have a very valuable Corps of Continental Troops and a good train of Artillery. All these must be useless unless provisions and car- riages are supplied. The obtaining them by partial Impressments must prove inadequate, and extremely burthensome wherever ex- ercised, and must have the pernicious effect of estranging the peo- ple. There is the most evident necessity for an animated prudence and assiduity for improving the little time left to the best advan- tage possible. Your important Dignity makes it incumbent upon and necessary for you to take the lead in the necessary measures, and to give vigor to every subordinate Department, and I doubt not you will immediately make such efforts as are requisite to com- pleat the public arrangements. As the War must be carried on, at least for some time to the Westward, General Gates wishes to
775
STATE RECORDS.
have your presence here. I beg leave to add, to his, my concurring opinion, and my wish that you would order the Council to meet you at Hillsborough. This must appear eligible when it is con- sidered that the necessary supplies of provisions must be obtained from the Western Country, and that the aid of the Executive au- thority is absolutely requisite for obtaining them. For my own part, Sir, I consider it necessary, without delay, to obtain exact es- timates of all the Provisions in the State, and to procure certain proportions to be collected into Magazines. This would not be dif- ficult to effect if the people were assured of payment without depre- ciation. This, it is highly just and reasonable they should be, and as all others in the Continent are, there is no reason to doubt it with respect to our Citizens-nor must the Execution of such a plan, as is too usually, be committed to obscure or indigent persons. I doubt not, public-spirited Gentlemen can be found who will render this essential service to their Country. I will assist in every way in my power, and if you come to Hillsborough I hope we may mature a plan which will procure the necessary supplies for the Army.
I hope you will attribute my Interposition to the true Cause, my zeal and anxiety for the success of our affairs.
I have, &c.,
THOS. BURKE.
His Excellency, Governor Nash.
DR. THOMAS BURKE TO GENERAL GATES.
TYAQUIN, Aug. 1st, 1780.
DR. SIR :
My neighbour, Mr. Cabe, carries to your Camp a waggon load of flour which he will deliver only to your order. He is disgusted with the haughty manners of the Commissaries, and therefore will deliver them nothing. The Deputies here say they are not fur- nished by the principal with money, and it does by no means ap- pear how this matter can be checked or inquired into. Perhaps if
776
STATE RECORDS.
they were all compelled to make monthly or weekly returns of pur- chases made, monies expended and monies received, their business might be kept in better order, and the abuses in that much abused department, prevented or checked early in their progress. I know this would be exclaimed against by the officers of that Department as being too troublesome, but, in my mind, the trouble is not un- necessary and not more than their pay is adequate to, nor indeed can it be great, if the business be done with due care, regu- larity and methods. It is quite unnecessary to hint to you the ex- pediency of bringing forth the resources of this Country, and of bringing them forth with the good will and inclinations of the people.
I find on conversing with many that they look up to you, and expect great reformation and a more liberal treatment during your command than they have yet experienced.
I have yet heard nothing of the Governor and Council, and ex- pect they are at your Camp, for certainly they would not delay at so critical a season as this.
Yours, &c.,
THOS. BURKE.
NOTE .- Here follows some Intelligence from the Northward and an Apology from the length of the letter with a quotation from Horace in publica commoda.
DR. THOMAS BURKE TO GEN. GATES.
TYAQUIN, Sept. 13th, 1780.
SIR :
I have in consequence of your earnest request ventured to com- mit to writing my Sentiments on the subject proposed by you to your Council of Officers, at which you desire my presence. I am very apprehensive of incurring the censure of annoyance and pre- sumption for this Compliance, because I am not of the Military profession, and my Ideas of the affairs of War are drawn only from reflection, unassisted by experience. You will, I doubt not, ac- quit me, altho' I have often, in conversation, pressed the opinion which I shall now give in writing, for you will know the difference
777
STATE RECORDS.
between conversing and writing on subjects of which we do not profess ourselves masters.
The purport of your Intelligence is that the Enemy Intend to re- move their Troops, except a small Garrison from Cambden, and em- barque them for Cape Fear River ; that Lord Cornwallis has applied for reinforcements to be landed at Portsmouth, in Virginia, in order to co-operate with the force supposed to be destined for Cape Fear.
You request my sentiments, first, on the credit to be given to this Intelligence, and next, of the most eligible disposition to be made of the forces under your Command.
Without animadverting on the mode and channel by which this Information has reached you, give me leave to observe that it only speaks of intended measures, not of any movements actually made, and that it is not so conclusive in any circumstance as to supersede the presumptions which, from probabilities, may arise against it. The Credit it merits, in my opinion, depends on the probability of the Enemy's adopting such measures, and that probability, again, or the advantage they could derive from them. This, then, must be examined-Cape Fear River will admit no larger vessel than a twenty gun ship-its navigation from Wilmington to Cross Creek is only for flats ; the distance is above one hundred miles ; the coun- try to the Southward of this River is composed of a ridge of Land running between the River and an extensive. lake and marsh ; to the Northward lies a large Sound, which divides the sea- coast from the rest of the country and extending nearly to the con- fines of Virginia. Into this Sound several large Rivers running parallel to Cape Fear River discharge themselves, and some small inlets give admittance to small vessels from the sea. The march across this Country must be extremely difficult and hazardous, and it seems to be more easy to go round the heads of the Rivers with an Army than to march across them. If 1 am right in this, the Enemy's present position is more eligible than on Cape Fear River, because they are already advanced beyond the heads of the Rivers that might obstruct them, and the Country lies open between them & James River in Virginia, except only the opposition that might be given them in passing the Yadkin and Roanoke, and they are ad- vanced beyond the first fords of these. If by co-operation they mean marching in order to form a junction, their difficulties, being much fewer in the march that might be made through the open country
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