USA > North Carolina > The state records of North Carolina, Vol XV > Part 59
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STATE RECORDS.
lying to the Westward than that through the lower Country inter- sected as it is by many deep Rivers, I conclude that by adopting the measures mentioned in your Information they would give up advantages for difficulties. If by co-operation be meant making diversions and engaging our force upon distant and separate ob- ject, this end would not be so well answered in their taking a posi- tion on Cape Fear as by carrying on operations in the Western Country-fewer troops would limit their progress, or straiten their Quarters in a country full of Swamps and Rivers than in an open Country. Nor is the object at Cape Fear so important as the com- mand of South Carolina and the back part of North Carolina, the former of which they possess by their present position, and the lat- ter they may hope for, but both must be abandoned by their abandoning Cambden or leaving it so weakly garrisoned that it must fall into our hands. If their object be the possession of the navigation of Cape Fear River, or the sound and its inlets, and by a post at Portsmouth, the navigation of Chesapeak, this they may at any time possess themselves of by means of their fleet, without giving up their acquisition of South Carolina. If superior at sea they could hold them, if not, the possession would be fruitless.
In my opinion it is an object of greater consequence to the En- emy to cut off the communication between the Western and Eas- tern parts of North Carolina. By this means they will not only de- tach from the forces of the United States a large tract of fine popu- lous Country, but avail themselves of its resources against them. By advancing a post to the strong grounds on the Yadkin, in my opinion they would compel all to the westward of them to lay down their arms and each individual to take care of his family-at least until an army of greater force could appear amongst them, which must be by difficult marches; all to the Eastward of them of the Yad- kin, as far as Haw River is for far the greater part inhabited by the disaffected who would not fail, when supported by the Enemy's post on the Yadkin, to spread devastation as far as they dare to ven- ture, which would probably be as low down as Granville and Wake Counties. Thus the two most populous districts of this State would be lost to the Common Cause. I will not pursue the consequences farther ; to conclude, as the object is of more apparent advantage to them, and injury to us, they will not forego it for anything they could gain by adopting the measures contained in your informa-
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STATE RECORDS.
tion-and I will only repeat that opinion which I have so often de- clared in conversation with you : that the most useful disposition that can be made of the Forces under your Command is to occupy a strong Camp somewhere on the Yadkin River, or, its continua- tion, the Pee Dee, in such a manner as to be able to Command the Flank of the Enemy, and to fall in their rear should they attempt to prostrate the Country, and to keep several strong compact de- tachments of light Troops well advanced to cover the Country and overawe and gall the detachments of the Enemy.
These opinions, such as they are, are at your service, and if I was in capacity by avowing them to keep from you all the censures that might follow their consequences, I would cheerfully under- take it on Condition of their being the foundation of your measures, for I am but too strongly persuaded that on them will depend the defence or abandonment of this unhappy State.
Yours, &c.,
THOS. BURKE.
GEN. BURKE TO GEN. GATES.
TYAQUIN, Sept. 21st, 1780.
SIR :
I take the liberty of calling your attention to a practice which too commonly prevails in the Quarter Master's Department of the Army under your command, which has already caused much dis- gust and uneasiness, and, if continued, must expose the Inhabi- tants of this Country to rapine without remedy.
Waggons are sent under the conduct of the Corporals, or some such inferior officers, to collect forage without any previous request or even notice to the proprietor, as much is taken as the Conductor thinks proper, nor is the owner, even when he happens to know of it, in least consulted or regarded as to price or quantity. I admit that something like a certificate is given to the owner when he has the good or ill fortune to be present. I rather think it ill fortune for he then generally suffers insult as well as the loss of his property.
(Unfinished Letter.)
780
STATE RECORDS.
COLONEL JAMES ARMSTRONG TO GENERAL SUMNER.
HILLSBOROUGH, 6th October, 1780. DEAR GENL. :
I arrived at this place on the 4th inst. Am now waiting for my waggons coming up with a few officers and about twenty men, which is bear of clothing. As soon as they arrive and I provide for them, shall set out with Cols. Lamb and Thackston for Camp. I rec'd your orders of the 24th August last, my being absent from Home at the time you sent them, it was the 15th September before they came to hand. Am in hopes you'll Excuse my not being up be- fore. I intend setting out on Wednesday next; have nothing new to inform you of more than Mr. Cocks will be able to make you acquainted with. Am very sorry to hear that we are obliged to Retreat before the Enemy, but am in hopes the same will be soon changed. Mr. Cocks is much in a hurry, please to excuse me. Will write you by the next opportunity. My compliments to the officers.
I am Dr. Gen'l, with Great Esteem, your H'ble Serv't,
JAMES ARMSTRONG.
Brig. Genl. Sumner.
COLONEL JAMES EMMET TO GENERAL GREENE.
CAMP AT STEWART'S CREEK NEAR AVERY'S, 2d April, 1781.
SIR :
I received this morning information by a person I sent for that purpose, that the enemy left Crosscrick yesterday, they took the road to Rockfish. This you may rely on as the person I sent was in town in the night. I requested of Col. Malmadey to leave Capt. Henderson and his troop with me. I am now on my march to Cross- crick, where I shall be happy to receive your commands, and am with due respect,
Sir, your obed, Ser., JAMES EMMET, Col. of the County.
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STATE RECORDS.
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COL. JAMES EMMET TO GENL. GREENE.
CAMPBLETON, 4th April, 1781.
SIR :
This will be handed to your Excellency by Capt. Winslow, a gentleman who has been extremely active & very serviceable to us. He will acquaint you with everything you may desire to be inform- ed of in this place, I received your favor of the 3d inst. by Capt. Fletcher, just after my arrival here, and think myself greatly hon- ored by your prudent instructions, and will do everything in my power to observe, and follow the same. The Enemy makes rapid marches, seemingly toward Wilmington, & by information reached Elizabethtown in Bladen, at 12 o'clock yesterday, where I learn they will halt some time, in order to settle the business of your Excellency's flag, as well as to bury Lieut. Col. Webster, died since they left this place. I fear they will come across Genl. Lillington, as Col. Rowan tells me he crossed the river the 2d Inst. I wrote to him by Colo. Malmadey, and should have wrote to him since, but knew not where. Capt. Fletcher, who is Commiss. acquaints me, that he & the Commissioner of the County has your orders to col- lect all kind of forage & provision, with orders to demand assistance from me, in consequence of which I have taken the liberty to order Capt. Henderson, of Col. Malmadey's Regiment, to go on that Duty. Likewise our County light horse-foot militia I could get very few embodied, and those are at Avery's ford. The English, according to custom, have left the small Pox behind them, which makes it out of my power to keep any men in town.
Should it meet with your approbation, I will thank you to grant me a Flag for myself, Boy and two Horses, for the purpose of recov- ering some negroes here, that several with myself, have lost ; and likewise to carry some hard money to a friend who is a Prisoner with them. I am with due respect,
Sir, your Excellency's most obedient, humble servant, JAMES EMMET.
Majr. Genl. Greene.
/
782
STATE RECORDS.
COL. JAMES EMMET TO GEN. BUTLER.
CROSS CREEK, Apr. 28th, 1781.
SIR :
Having this moment obtained information that the British Troops are on their march for this river on their way to the So. ward and meeting with Mr. Ritchardson going Express from Bladen, to your Camp. take the liberty to acquaint you with it, the certainty of which you may rely on. As you must best know Gen'l. Greene's movements, I have wrote him requesting you to forward the letter by the quickest way, I am
Sir, Your Huml. Sert., JAMES EMMET, Col. of Cumberland.
Gen. Butler.
COL. JAMES EMMET TO GEN. GREENE
SIR :
CAMPBLETON, 28 April, 1781.
Late last night I received some accounts of Lord Cornwallis' Army, which I believe may be relied on. On Tuesday last they moved part of their Troops, with the Artillery, Baggage, &c., to Blueford's Bridge about ten miles from Wilmington on the E. side of the N. E. River, where they are to be joined by all the Troops that come thro' this place, except Col. Hamilton's Corps, about three hundred. They give out they are going for Newbern, but, Sir, I put the greatest confidence in my information, and that is they are coming thro' this Place, on their way to the southward.
This Town, & indeed many parts of the County is much infested with the small pox, which makes it out of my power to keep a sin- gle man in this place. I am therefore obliged to send this to Genl. Butler, having an opportunity to him, that he may forward it to you. I am, with due, Respect,
Sir, your obed. Servt.,
JAMES EMMET.
Genl. Greene.
783
STATE RECORDS.
COL. JAMES EMMET TO GEN. GREENE.
CAMPBLETON, 29th April, 1781.
SIR :
I did myself the honor to write to you yesterday morning, by way of Genl. Butler's quarters, acquainting you of Lord Cornwallis movements. I have the greatest reason to believe this Rout will be through this, to Camden, with all their Troops which they had when they left you, except Hamilton's Corps, who are left in Wil- mington, with those belonging to Majr. Craigg. Four or five of us, & those are all in this place, will decamp this night, for the Enemy comes on most rapidly. I send this by way of Col. Spencer, on Pee Dee, & have requested that Gentleman, to forward it with all expedition, for we have none here but what are too bad with the small pox to undertake such a journey. I am with the greatest Respect,
Sir, your obedt. Sert., JAMES EMMET.
Genl. Greene.
RICHARD PETERS TO GOVERNOR BURKE,
SIR :
WAR OFFICE, May 6th, 1781.
As you have been pleased to undertake the procuring a Number of Horses to remount the Light Dragoons the Board request you will purchase in North Carolina and send on to this place one hun- dred Horses at least fourteen hands and an half high & capable of Fatigue. The Colours should be Bay, Black, dark Sorrell or deep Chesnut. This Board will pay your drafts for the Amount of all Purchase Monies & Expences or Supply you with cash on demand. Neither Stone Horses or Mares are to be purchased. The ages from five to Nine Years old.
By order of the Board,
RICHARD PETERS.
784
STATE RECORDS.
EXTRACT FROM MINUTES OF NEW HANOVER SUPERIOR COURT, OCTOBER TERM, 1832, HON. ROBERT STRANGE, JUDGE PRESID- ING.
WEDNESDAY, October 31st, 1832.
On this, the 31st day of October, A. D., 1832, personally appeared in open Court before the Honourable Robert Strange, one of the Judges of the Superior Courts of Law and Equity for the State of North Carolina aforesaid, presiding in the Superior Court of Law for the County of New Hanover aforesaid now sitting, James De- vane, a resident in New Hanover County and State of North Caro- lina, aged seventy-five years, the 1st of August, 1832, who, being duly sworn according to Law doth, on his oath, make the following declaration in order to obtain the benefit of the Act of Congress passed June 7th, 1832 :
1. That he entered the service of the United States under the fol- lowing named officers and served as herein stated under the Com- mand of Captain John Devane, Thomas Devane, Lieutenant ; Archi- bald Sellers, Ensign, in a regiment commanded by Col. Lillington, Samuel Swan, Major, in November, 1775, and left this term of ser- vice in May, 1776 ; that he engaged for six months a minute-man ; that he resided in New Hanover County, N. C., when he entered the service ; that he was a volunteer, or this applicant thinks it was called enlisting ; that he was in the battle of Moore's Creek Bridge in February, 1776; that he embodied at Black River Chapel and marched from thence to Wilmington, from thence to Rockfish Creek about ten miles below Fayetteville, then called Cross Creek, in Cumberland County, from thence he marched back to Elizabeth Town in Bladen County ; that at this place he took boating and went down Cape Fear to its junction with Black River, thence up Black River to where Bear Branch empties therein, at which place he embarked and marched from thence to Long Creek Bridge ; that while he was at Long Creek Bridge he was ordered up to Moore's Creek Bridge ; that when he arrived at Moore's Creek Bridge he commenced making intrenchments, and an express im- mediately came ordering the forces up to Corbett's Ferry ; that he thereupon marched towards Corbett's Ferry as far as over Colven's Creek when another express arrived ordering us back to Moore's
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STATE RECORDS.
Creek Bridge; that he then marched back to Moore's and com- menced making intrenchments a little farther off than the first they had made ; that Gen. Caswell and his forces arrived there that even- ing (being the evening before the battle) and crossed over, where- upon the bridge was partly taken up ; next morning about twilight the enemy commenced firing at us ; that they advanced and under- took to cross the Creek, in which a few succeeded, and among them Col. McLeod and a Captain Campbell; that all who crossed over were killed -; that Col. McLeod advanced as far as the first piece of intrenchment that had been made before he was killed ; that after the battle he was furloughed and went home, where he remained two or three days ; that he then came to Wilmington where his com- pany rendezvoused ; that he was then employed in guarding up and down Cape Fear to prevent the British from landing who were on board their shipping in the River ; that from Wilmington he marched over into Brunswick and encamped at Orton Mills; that while there, and when his six month's tour was nearly expired, Col. Lillington told this applicant he must go to work in the public Gun works near Black River in the upper part of New Hanover County, and gave this applicant a letter to Gen. Moore, who was then in Wilmington ; that he then about the 1st of June, 1776, as well as this applicant can recollect commenced working in the public Gun works aforesaid and continued therein about twelve months.
Secondly. Under the command of Captain Thomas Devane in August, 1777, and was drafted for three months, but this applicant served only about one month and then hired a substitute ; that he cannot remember his other officers; that during this month's ser- vice he was in and about Wilmington to defend that place and pre- vent the enemy, who were on board their shipping in Cape Fear, from taking possession thereof.
Thirdly. That he afterwards performed occasional tours of duty, called out as emergencies required till he was commissioned a Cap- tain ; that not recollecting the length of time he served in these short tours, he is willing to dispense with any pay he may be en- titled to therefor. He received a commission as Captain in June, 1780, signed by Francis (Abner) Nash, Governor of North Carolina, and took charge of a company of men at Elizabeth Town, Bladen County ; that this company had been marched there by Captain 15-50
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STATE RECORDS.
George McCulloch ; that at Elizabeth Town he was under the com- mand of Col. Johnson of Onslow County ; that from thence he march- ed to Cross Creek and from thence to a place called Silver Run, which he thinks is in Cumberland County ; from thence back to Cross Creek ; from thence to Haley's Ferry on Big Pedee above Cheraw ; from thence to Cheraw ; from thence he was detached to Newbern to guard some prisoners thither ; from thence he returned home ; that he was in no battle while on this tour ; that he served as Captain six months, took command in June, 1780, and his six months had expired before he was detached to Newbern by Gen. Harrington.
Fourthly. That he was ordered out by Col. Young in January, 1781, and took command of a company in Col. Young's Regiment, Thomas Bludworth, 2nd Colonel ; Gen. Lillington, Chief Command- er, and left service in July, 1782 ; that he was not in continual ac- tual service from January, 1781, to July, 1782, but served at least four months ; that he was in a skirmish at the Big Bridge across the North East in New Hanover County, in which the Americans re- treated ; that he took command of his company at the Bridge where he remained till the skirmish above mentioned ; from thence he re- treated to William Jones' plantation, a short distance below South Washington ; from thence he marched back to the Big Bridge ; from thence he was ordered with his company to Halfway Bluff on Long Creek to guard the Negro Head Point road ; that at Halfway Bluff he obtained leave of absence ; that about the time he left Half- way Bluff Cornwallis and his army came to Wilmington ; that after the British evacuated Wilmington, this applicant was ordered with a few soldiers to collect wives and children of the tories and carry them to Wilmington : that he found the execution of this duty so disagreeable that he resolved to desist from it at all hazards, and would choose rather to be cashiered than to perform a duty so re- pulsive to his feelings. This applicant served with Continental troops at Rockfish Creek, below Fayetteville, under the command of Gen. Moore, who were also in Wilmington ; the regular officers he knew were Gen. James Moore, Capt. Daves, Capt. Goodwin, Capt. Robert Railford, Capt. Joshua Haley, Capt. Joseph Rhodes, Curtis Ivey, Hardy Holmes, Capt. Porterfield, Lieutenant Kingsbury, Capt. Thoman Orrell, Capt. Joshua Bowman and Capt. Vance, also Capt.
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STATE RECORDS.
Bradley and Col. Read ; that he has no documentary evidence, and thinks he can prove his service by James Lee of the County of New Hanover aforesaid, he was born in New Hanover County, N. C., the 1st of August, 1757 ; has a record of his age at home, was liv- ing in New Hanover county when called into service and has lived therein ever since the Revolutionary war; was a volunteer or what was then called enlisted in his first service; then drafted for three months; when he served as Captain he was a volunteer, the regular officers who were with the troops where this applicant served were Gen. Moore, Capt. Bowman, Capt. Davis, Capt. Vance and Lieutenant Kingsbury ; the Continental regiment he knew was the 1st regi- ment of the North Carolina line; the militia regiments he knew were the following : One commanded by Gen. Lillington, one by Col. Caswell, one by Col. Johnson, one by Col. Brown, one by Col. James Kenan, one by Cols. Young and Bludworth, and two or three regiments under the command of Gen. Harrington. He does not recollect to have received a discharge from service when a pri- vate and if he did he has lost or mislaid it. He received a com- missioned signed by Gov. Francis Nash and gave it to Lieut. John Bludworth to settle some rank or business among officers, its date being material in that particular, and it was never returned. The persons to whom this applicant is known in his neighborhood, and who can testify to his character for veracity and who believe him to have been a soldier of the revolution, are numerous and among them he will name the following-George Fennell, Owen Fennell, Bryant Newkirk, Rogers Lee, John Kerr, James Kerr, George Ban- nerman, Robert Murphy, Charles Henry and James McCalebb.
He hereby relinquishes every claim whatever to a pension or an- nuity except the present aud declares that his name is not on the pension roll of the agency of any State.
Sworn to and subscribed the day and year aforesaid.
(Signed) JAMES DEVANE.
On the 31st day of October, A. D., 1832, personally appeared in open Court before the Honourable Robert Strange, one of the Judges of the Superior Courts of Law and Equity for the State aforesaid, now sitting and presiding in the Superior Court of Law, for the County of New Hanover, James Lee, a resident of said
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STATE RECORDS.
County of New Hanover, who being duly sworn according to law deposeth and saith, that he is well acquainted with James Devane the aforesaid applicant; that he knew him some time before the Revolutionary war; that this deponent served with the said James Devane a six months tour of duty under Capt. John Devane, Thomas Devane, Lieutenant, Archd. Sellars, Ensign ; that they en- tered the service together, not very long before the battle of Moore's Creek bridge ; that they were in the battle at that place ; that they rendezvoused at Black River chapel and marched to Wilmington, and from thence to Rockfish creek in Cumberland County, about seven miles below Fayetteville, and from thence to Elizabeth Town in Bladen County ; that at Elizabeth Town they took boating and came down Cape Fear to the mouth of Black River, thence up Black River to the mouth of Bear Branch, a little below Moore's Creek, where they landed and marched to Long Creek, and from thence they were ordered to Moore's Creek Bridge where a piece of intrenchment was raised : that they were then ordered and marched on towards Corbett's ferry on Black River to prevent the tories from crossing and got as far as Colvin's Creek, and having heard that the tories had passed over Black River they countermarched to Moore's Creek bridge and commenced making intrenchments a little farther off than the first they had made; that after the battle of Moore's Creek bridge the company to which this deponent belonged was furloughed for a few days and went home and again rendez- voused in Wilmington, and was then marched over in Brunswick County and encamped at Orton's Mills; that while at Orton's Mills this deponent recollects that the aforesaid applicant, James Devane, was sent off and put to work in the public Gun Works established and carried on in the upper part of New Hanover County on Black River ; that this deponent was on several occasions at the place where the gun making business was carried on and believes that the said applicant did work in the said Gun Works. This depo- nent further deposeth and saith that he also served with the said James Devane under Capt. Thomas Devane ; that in this service he was in and about Wilmington, guarding that place and up and down Cape Fear ; this deponent cannot undertake to state the date of this service. This deponent knows that the said James Devane had command of a company in South Carolina opposite Cheraw
789
STATE RECORDS.
Mills, at which place this deponent was put under the command of the said James Devane, having been previously under the com- mand of Capt. James Foy; that he went in a detachment ordered to guard some persons to Newbern as far as the cross roads in Duplin County, where the said Capt. Devane discharged this deponent. This deponent further says that Capt. James Devane, the aforesaid applicant, commanded at the Big Bridge when a skirmish at that place happened in the first part of 1781 ; that this deponent soon after this time was under the command of Capt. James Devane aforesaid at Halfway Bluff on Long Creek in New Hanover County, his company being placed there to guard the Negro Head Point road ; that from Halfway Bluff this deponent was detached to carry some pieces of Artillery to Kingston.
Sworn to and subscribed the day and year aforesaid.
(Signed) JAMES LEE.
And the said Court hereby declares it his opinion after the in- vestigation of the matter, and after putting the interrogatories pre- scribed by the War Department, that the above named applicant was a Revolutionary Soldier and Captain and served as he states.
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