USA > North Carolina > The state records of North Carolina, vol. XXII, pt. 1 > Part 18
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I had now certain intelligence of Major Craigg's evaenating Wil- mington ; and that the rebels in consequence of it, had separated into small parties, and returning home; and for the space of fourteen or fifteen days, I fell in with, and took more or less of them every day.
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During which time I had information, of a Capt. Kennedy and his party, who had taken a number of horses and a quantity of house- hold furniture. I followed him about five miles, and after a smart firing, took him and eight of his party, with the booty they had phin- dered. He gave intelligence that a Capt. Lopp with a party of sixty men, who had been discharged by Gen'l Rutherford were on their way up the country. The said Capt. Kennedy (Cannady) all the time of our attacking Lopp stood and looked on ; and as he declared that he would not make his escape neither would he let any of his men inter- fere, if we drove off Capt. Lopp, I left him in a house with only two men, to guard Eleven, and found them all there. The guard in- formed me that he would not let any of his party make their escape. He proved so much to his honour, that I gave him up one of his horses, saddle, and bridle; and paroled him with all his men. I had at this time but thirteen men, with me at a House near the road where they were to pass. I mounted my men, and placed them in concealment along the road. On their coming up, I ordered them to fire, and then to charge; which we did, three times, through them; they immediately dispersed through the woods ; it being nearly dark, we could not tell what injury they suffered.
On the 10 of Dee'r, Colo. Isaacs came down from the mountains, with a party of Three Hundred Men ; and formed his camp at Coxe's Mill, in the settlement I had formerly ranged in ; in order to take me; where he continued nearly three months, during which time the fol- lowing proclamation was issued.
"State of North Carolina.
By the Hon. Alexander Martin, Esq., Speaker of the Senate, Cap- tain General, Governor and Commander in Chief in and over the said State.
Whereas divers of citizens of this State, have been delnded by the wicked artifices of our enemies, & have revolted and withdrawn themselves from the faith and allegiance, which before God, they plighted to owe their country, and treacheronsly have taken up arms against the same; being convinced that they have been betrayed by false hopes, supported by deceit, and now find themselves deserted by our feeble and despairing enemy, and left unprotected to the vengeance of the State, to inflict those punishments due to their erimes; and in tender compassion to the feelings of humanity to spare
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such who are willing to return, and to stay the hand of execution, in the unnecessary effusion of blood of citizens who may be reclaim- ed, I have thought fit to issue this my proclamation of pardon to such of the above persons, who may surrender themselves before the 10th day of March next, on this express condition, that they immediately enlist in the Continental battalions; and render a personal service for twelve months after the time of their rendezvous at head-quar- ters, and having faithfully performed the same for the said term, it shall be deemed as having expiated their offences and be entitled to, and be restored to the priviledges of citizens. All Officers finding men of this class, guilty of murder, robbery, and house breaking, to be precluded, from the above, notwithstanding; and I do hereby require the Honourable the Judges of the Superior Courts of Law, of Oyer and Terminer, and general jail delivery, and all officers, civil and military, within the State to take notice of this my procla- mation and govern themselves accordingly. Given under my hand and seal of arms at Halifax this 25th of December, 1781, and is the sixth year of our Independence.
ALEXANDER MARTIN.
By his Excelleney's command. John Hawkins, Dy. See'y. "God save the State."
During Colo. Isaac's stay at Coxe's Mill, he ravaged the whole settlement, and burnt and destroyed a number of houses belonging to the friends of Government. They frequently applied to me pri- vately for advice. I recommended it to them if possible, to remain, neutral; and make their peace; as it was entirely ont of my power for to protect or relieve them. A Capt. Stinson of this party took one of my men, named David Jackson, and hung him up without ceremony. A few days before Colo. Isaac's departure from Coxe's Mills, he sent out notice for the friends of the government to meet him, and he would give them protection agreeable to proclamation; But on their assembling, he made them prisoners of war; and march- ed them under a strong guard to Salisbury Gaol. Not many days after they broke out, and knocking down the Sentinel, made their escape; except one, who was shot in the attempt.
Two Captains in each County were appointed by Colo. Isaacs on
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his leaving Coxe's Mill, to keep the friends of Government down; and were going with their own men, continually through the country.
During all this time I was in the woods and kept moving with a small party as occasion required. One evening, I had assembled thir- ty men, at a friend's honse, and sent out. spies. They soon returned with the account of a party of rebels within four miles of us, dis- tressing and plundering our friends. We immediately set forward to render our assistance, and got within a half a mile of them; 1, then, sent out to get information how they were situated, and by break of day came upon them. We retook seven horses which they had car- ried off, with a large quantity of baggage. We wounded two of them mortally, and several of them slightly; we eame off without injury except two horses wounded. The day following, we pursued them, to Cumberland county, and on my way, I burnt Capt. Coxe's house, and his Father's. I had also two skirmishes and killed two of the rebel party. On my return to Little River, I heard of a Capt. Golson ; who had been distressing the Loyalists; and went in search of him, myself; but unfortunately I did not meet him; but fell in, with one of his men, who had been very assiduous, in assisting the rebels. I killed him. I mounted a man of my own ou his horse, and returned back. I then took Capt. Currie and the man of my own before mentioned, and I went with a design of burning Capt. Golson's house; which I did; and also two others. In my way, I fell in, with a man, who had been very anxious for to have some of my men executed. I sent him word for to moderate and he should have nothing to fear, but if he persisted, I would certainly kill him. Ile took no notice of this; but persisted, for several months, and on observing me that day, he attempted to escape; but I shot him.
Two days after, Capt. Walker, joined me which made four of us, and hearing that one Thompson, a Rebel and Magistrate, had taken up a horse belonging to me, I went to claim him; He gave him up without hesitation, and upon examining what arms he had, he owned to one rifle, which I took from him; He also informed me, that the rebels were willing to make peace with me on my own terms, and would allow me any limited bounds I would require provided I would not be troublesome to them. I therefore concluded after consulting Capt. Walker and Currie, to demand the following terms, which I forwarded by a prisoner, I had taken ; and in order to convince them
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that my intentions were sineere, I released him, for that purpose, though he had been the means of murdering several.
Terms required by Colo. David Fanning from Govr. Burke, for- warded to him by Lawyer Williams, and Capt. Ramsay, of 1st bat- talion of North Carolina Continentals.
1. That every friend of the government shall be allowed to their respective homes unmolested.
2d. That they shall be under no restrictions of doing, or eausing to be done any thing prejudicial to his Majesty's service.
3d. That they shall not be under any obligations to act in any publie station, or ever to take up arms, or be compelled to do any thing injurious to his Majesty's good government.
4. That they shall not pay or cause to be paid, any taxes or money so levied by new laws during the continuance of the present war, to support any new army by their industry. If these terms are granted I request that they may be immediately conveyed to me, at my quar- ters by a flag of true, appointed for that purpose, and by such Offi- cers, as I ean rely upon, from your hands and seals.
If these terms are not granted you may depend my sword being continually unsheathed; as I am determined, I will not leave one of your old offenders alive, that has injured his Majesty's Govern- ment, and friends, who would have been of service to your country in a future day and I do hereby recommend it to you to govern your- selves accordingly.
Jan'y 7th, 1782. DAVID FANNING, Colo. JOSEPH CURRIE, STEPHIEN WALKER, Captains.
To Mr. James Williams and Capt. Wm. Ramsay.
To be forwarded by them to the Commander in Chief for the time being on the Hillsboro' distriet.
I received the following answer from Lawyer Williams:
CHATHAM, Jan'y 8th, 1782.
Sir :
I received yours by Mr. Riggan at the Court House, on Sunday last, and immediately wrote to Gen'l Butler on the subject of your surrender. Ilis answer is, That he cannot receive you himself but
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will directly write to the Governor. As soon as he receives, his an- swer, he will transmit it, to Maj. Griffith, who will send it to Winsor Pearce's on Deep River. If I obtain liberty, I will bring it my- self. In the meantime I would recommend a moderate conduct as the best step to bring matters to an accommodation. The bearer, Mr. Riggan, has executed the trust you reposed in him. I there- fore, hope, you will restore him his property. For your civility to me, when I was a prisoner, I will do any thing I can in honour. Concerning your surrender Col'o Ray and Col'o MeDugald, have surrendered and gone to Charlestown. I am informed by Col'o Thackston, I am exchanged with a number of other prisoners, at Charlestown under a Cartel which is renewed. You may depend as soon as I get the Governor's answer, yon shall know it.
I am, Sir, Your most Ob't servt,
JAMES WILLIAMS.
Col'o David Fauning.
I also received another letter from Capt. Ramsay by another con- veyance.
Jan. 8th, 1782.
Sir:
I saw a letter to Mr. Williams and observed what you say coneern- ing my case. As to breaking my parol, that I am clear of ; as Major Craigg a few days before he left Wilmington sent a party of dra- goons to where we were paroled at the Sound and ordered us under the main Guard; whence I made my escape; which I am certain you will not blame me for; as you are well acquainted with my honour; when I was taken prisoner, I had it in my power to escape many a time; but as long as [ was treated like a gentleman, or agreeably to the rules of war, I would rather suffer death, than for- feit my honour. I'observe what you say, concerning your parole; but the kind treatment I received at your hands, you may rely on it, any thing Mr. Williams or myself can do for you, in honour, shall not be wanting. Your letter I understood is transmitted to the Governor, who I make no doubt will comply with your request. For my part I wish for nothing else but peace.
I am Sir your humble servant,
MATTHEW RAMSEY.
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I lay neutral, until I got further accounts and on the 15th Jan. 1782; Messrs. Williams, Clark, and Burns, were kind enough to wait on me at Mr. Winsor Pearce's in respect to my former pro- posals which I had requested of them, with the letter as follows:
15th Jan., 1782.
Sir:
Agreeable to your request I have received order to offer you a parole on the terms you desired ; thirty miles east and west ; fifteen miles north and south. Hammond Coxe's Mill to be the center of your bounds ; should you be inclined to go to Charlestown at a future day, let me know it, and I will endeavour to get you that liberty, when I see the Governor.
You mentioned being waylaid, you may be assured that I know nothing of it. Mr. Williams, Mr. Clark and John Burns, are the gentlemen that are kind enough to wait upon you with this Flag, and a blank parole for you to sign; and they will give you a certifi- cate for your security against any of the American troops to remain as prisoners of war, in the bounds specified. You may rely on it, nothing dishouorable shall be done on my part; and I have the greatest reason to believe that you will aet on the same principles. No inhabitants of this county shall be molested either, in person or property, who have not been guilty of wilful murder, or plundering; it is the duty of every honest man to bring all such to justice in order to restore harmony and peace once more to our country.
I am your obedient Inunble servant, MATTHEW RAMSEY.
To Col. David Fanning,
per flag.
Also the following letter was left at Mr. Pearce's by the three gentlemen before mentioned :
Tuesday morning. Sir :
Agreeable to Capt. Ramsey's letter left for you, we came up to Mr. Pearce's, when we made no doubt of seeing you. I have seen his instructions to parole you, and you may depend that no trap is meant for you, to any of our knowledge, Ray and MeDugald were received in the same manner, and no man offered to molest them. Our orders were to have returned last night, and the light Ilorse
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under the command of Capt. Ramsey kept back, until our return; Therefore we cannot possibly stay any longer. If you ineline to ac- cept the terms offered, which Capt. Ramsey cannot alter, you will meet us at Baalam Thompson's with as many of your men as you please; as can be received according to the terms you propose: and are your obt. servts.
JAMES WILLIAMS, A. CLARK, JNO. BURNS.
Col'o David Fanning.
In the course of this correspondence, endeavouring to make peace, I had reason to believe they did not intend to be as good as their words; as three of their people followed Capt. Linley; and ent him to picees with their swords. I was inanediately informed of it, and kept a look out for them. Five days after their return, I took them and hung them, by way of retaliation, both on the limb of the same tree ; the third made his escape. After this Coln. Alston, who was a prisoner of war, at this time, came to me, at Genl. Butler's request, to know if I was willing to come to any terms. I asked the reason why the Governor had not answered my letter, and what was the cause of their behaviour to Capt. Linley: I, then, with a number of my Officers, set down, and wrote the following letter to General Butler :
"Sir, On Friday the 7th of Jany, last I wrote to Mr. Williams, the terms I was willing to come under; he wrote for answer that he could not comply with my terms, until he had the approbation of the Governor. On Wednesday the 11th inst. a flag was to meet me at Winsor Pearce's, with a letter. But on its approach, it was waylaid by a Capt. Golston with a party of men which had more the appear- ance of treachery than a wish of peace. Had not the gentleman (Mr. Baalam Thompson) acted as hononrable, for the minute he arrived he let me know it, and declared himself innocent. This gave mne reason to think that he would act with honour; still on the 15th inst., Messrs. Williams, Clark, and Burns; the three gentle- men that were kind enough to wait upon me, with a blank parole, and letter from Capt. Ramsey-who mentioned in his letter that my re- quest was granted by the Governor; in the mean time, the gentle- men waiting on me at the place appointed, there came around a company from the Hawfield's, commanded by Capt. Scorely, which
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plainly and evidently appeared to me, there was nothing but treach- ery meant. On Sunday the 10th of Feby I fell in with the rear of Capt. Golston and Capt. Hinds, and following their trail, came on them at dark. After some firing that night I rode off, and came on them next morning, and we came on terms of peace, till I could write to their superior officer, for which I consulted my officers, and we joined hand and heart to comply with the terms hereunder written.
"We the Subscribers do acknowledge ourselves Subjects to his Britanic Majesty, as you are well assured of our fidelity, zeal, and loyalty, to his Majesty's government. As it has been daily the case that we have been distroying, one anothers' property to support and uphold our opinions, and we are hereby willing to come to a session of arms, not under six months, nor exceeding twelve; conditions un- derwritten.
Ist. Our request is from Cumberland twenty miles N. & S. ; and thirty miles E. & W .: to be totally clear of your light Horse.
2d. Request is for every man that has been in actual arms, in a permanent mamer, in order to establish a British government, (ex- copt those who have diserted from a regular troop that has volun- tarily listed themselves, them do we obligate to deliver up) each and every man shall have a right to withdraw themselves in said dis- triet.
3d. If any of our men should go out of said district to plunder, or distress, or murder any of the American party, we will, by informa- tion made to me, Maj'r Rains, or any of the Captains return their names; if the request is granted, they shall immediately be appre- hended and sent by any oflicor appointed by you to be tried by your own laws.
4th. If any of your party shall be catehed plundering, stealing or murdering, or going private paths, with arms signifying as if they were for mischief, these are to be left to our pleasure to deal with as circumstances agreeable to our laws. All public roads to be travelled by any person, or company unmolested, if he behave himself as becomes an honest man, or any Army or company or wagons keeping the public roads.
5th. Every person that has been in actual arms in manner afore- said, in order to support or establish a British Goverment, shall not be interrupted of their arms, provision, person, or property. If any one residing within the said district, who are subject to the
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States should want provisions, or any other article from, by sending to either to the officers that I shall appoint for that purpose, or use we will send a sufficient guard to see, them safe and ont unmolested. Quakers excepted from anything whatever.
6th. That I will not, in the mean time, disturb or distress any person, or persons abiding by your laws in said district. All back plundering shall be void; as it is impossible to replace or restore all the plunder on either side.
7th. Our request is to have free trade with any port with wag- gons, or horseback without arms; with a pass from any appointed Officer for salt or any of the necessaries and use. Except the two Coxe's mills to be free from any inenmbrance of all parties belonging to the Americans.
8th. Any of my men that has been returned a Continental with- ont taking the bounty, that has been in actual service as above men- tioned shall return in said district.
9th. If our request is granted as above written I request it may be sent to me by 8th of March; as I may forward to my further de- terminations ; if I cannot have any request granted. I shall exact and point out every deplausible measures in order to suppress every person in arms against his Britanic majesty. I am your most obe- dient humble ser't. Given under my hand and arm as aforesaid.
DAVID FANNING, Col. Com. Loyal Mi .; JOIIN RAINS, Major;
WILLIAM RAINS, Capt;
JOIIN CAYLE, Capt; WM. PRICE, Capt; ABNER SMALLY, Capt; JACOB MAURICE, Lient.
To John Butler, Gen'l of Hillsboro District.
Pr favour of Col. Philip Alston.
COPY OF LETTER OF GEN'L BUTLER.
MOUNT PLEASANT, 5th March, 1782.
Dear Sir:
Your letter of 26th of last month was handed to me last night. I have observed the contents. Had you proposed that you and the men now in actual service with you would have taken a parole to
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some certain bounds, until you could have been sent to Charleston, to be exchanged, I should have entered into that business. But your propositions are many, and some of them uncustomary in like eases. I conceive it out of my power-However as his Excellency Governor Burke is now at Halifax I will send him your letter with the proposals to him by express. This is now the 5th day of March; of course, it must be several days after the Sth before his answer can come to hand; in the mean time it may be as well to postpone the desperate measures, you have in contemplation.
I am your obed servt., JOHN BUTLER, B. G. for Hillsb'o district.
P. S. If you would not choose to be confined in bounds any length of time, it might be contrived so that you might be sent off inne- diately under an Escort of my appointing to General Greene. HIe has promised to have all such exchanged which I send to his quar- ters.
JOHN BUTLER, B. G.
About the 7th of March 1782 Capt. Walker and Curric, of the Loyal Militia fell in, with a party of Rebels, and came to an en- gagement, and fired for some time, 'till the rebels had fired all their ammunition ; and then, wished to come to terms of peace between each party ; and no plundering, killing or murdering should be com- mitted by either party or side; which was concluded upon by each Colonel, for such certain limited bounds; which was to be agreed upon by each Colonel; and if they could not agree, each party was to be neutral until matters was made known, respecting the terms which they had to agree on. Soon after my men came to me and informed what they had done; we received the rebel Col. Balfour's answer; that "there was no resting place for a tory's foot upon the Earth." He also immediately sent out his party, and on the 10th, I saw the same company coming to a certain house where we were fiddling and dancing. We immediately prepared ourselves in readi- ness to receive them, their muuber being 27 and our number only seven ; We immediately mounted our horses, and went some little distance from the house, and commenced a fire, for some considerable time; night coming on they retreated, and left the ground. Some time before, while we were treating with each other, I had ordered
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and collected twenty-five men to have a certain dress made which was limen frocks, died black, with red cuffs, red elbows, and red shoulder cape also, and belted with scarlet, which was a total dis- guise to the rebels, which the red was all fringed with white fringe, and on the 12th of March, my men being all properly equipped, assembled together in order to give them a small scourge, which we set ont for. On Balfour's plantation, when we came upon him, he endeavonred to make his escape; but we soon prevented him, fired at him, and wounded him. The first ball he received was through one of his arms, and ranged through his body; the other through his neck; which put an end to his committing any more ill deeds.
We also wounded another of his men. We then proceeded to their Colonel's (Collier,) belonging to said county of Randolph; on our way we burnt several rebel houses, and catched several prisoners; the night coming on and the distance to the said Collier's, was so far, that it was late before we got there. He made his escape, hav- ing received three balls through his shirt. But I took care to distroy the whole of his plantation. I then persued our route, and came, to one Capt. Jolm Bryan's; another rebel officer. I told him if he would come out of the house, I would give him parole; which he re- fused, saying that he had taken parole from Lord Cornwallis, swear- ing "by God ! he had broken that and that he would also break onr Tory parole." With that I immediately ordered the house to be set on fire, which was instantly done. As soon as he saw the flames of the fire, increasing, he called out to me, and desired me to spare his house for his wife's and children's sake, and he would walk out with his arms in his hands. I immediately answered him, that if he walked out, that his house should be saved, for his wife and chil- dren. When he came out, he said, "Here, damm you, here I am." With that he received two balls through his body : He came out with his gun cocked and his sword at the same time.
The next day following being the 13th March, was their election day to appoint Assembly men, and was to meet at Randolph Court House. I proceeded on in order to see the gentlemen representa- tives; On their getting intelligence of my coming they immediately scattered ; I prevented their doing any thing that day.
From thenee I proceeded on, to one Major Dugin's house, or plan- tation, and distroyed all his property; and all the rebel officers' property in the settlement for the distance of forty miles.
.
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On our way I catched a connnissary from Salisbury who had some of my men prisoners and almost perished them, and wanted to hang some of them. I carried him immediately to a certain tree, where they had hung one of my men by the name of Jackson, and delivered him up to some of my men, who he had treated ill when prisoners; and they immediately hung him. After hanging 15 minutes they eut him down. In the meantime there was about 300 rebels who had embodied themselves and came after us; On account of the rainy weather our guns would not fire on either side. We were obliged to retreat, on account of their numbers being so much superior. We had received no damage. About the 8th of Apl, a certain Capt. Wil- liams came into the settlement, and sent an old woman to me, and informed me that he had arrived from Governor Burke that instant; and had come in order to see me; which by her description, I and my little party immediately met him, and he informed me, that he had come to know if I was willing to come upon the terms I had already presented ; and requested to have from under my own hands a true copy of them; that the Governor would do everything in his power to have the same agreed upon by his Council and Assembly: for which purpose the said Williams was sent from the Governor. He also told me, that the Governor had said that any thing I should do, or cause to be done, from the character, he heard from the British at Charlestown, that he had not the least doubt, they would assent to ;-- that he wished, to make peace with me ;- saying that if I was taken a prisoner, and killed; that 100 would certainly lose their lives for it; and he looked upon it much better to come to terms of peace-that he heard in Charlestown, I was killed; which occasioned him to run away from Charlestown; Upon which I gave him a copy of the ar- ticles which I wished to comply to. With which he ordered the Light Horse to depart to their different stations, till they received orders from the Governor and Council.
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