USA > South Carolina > Documentary history of the American revolution: consisting of letters and papers relating to the contest for liberty, chiefly in South Carolina, from originals in the possession of the editor, and other sources, V.1 > Part 14
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We have various accounts respecting the disposition of the people in Fletehall's quarters ; some say we will not be heard. Indeed, we expect much trouble; however, we flatter ourselves that we shall one way or other meet with success. We have dispatched proper persons before us, who we doubt not will much contribute to prepare the minds of the people to hear us favorably. Mr. Hart has just come up to us with another clergyman of his persuasion. These gentlemen will to-morrow proceed towards Fletchall's quarters.
We have consulted with Col. Richardson touching Mr. Sumter's ap- plication to the Council. The Colonel readily approved not only of the measure, but of the man, notwithstanding Kirkland recommended him as his successor in the company of Rangers, which he has so treacher- ously quitted and attempted to. disband. The Colonel, nevertheless, from his seeming connection with Kirkland, purposes to keep a sharp eye upon Mr. Sumter's conduct.
Yesterday Mr. Tennent performed divine service in Camp; and in the afternoon Mr. Drayton harrangued the Rangers respecting the new and extraordinary power by which they were raised ; the nature of the public disputes, and the justice of the cause in which they were on- siged; the nature of their allegiance to the King and their duty to
9
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their country, their families and themselves; their duty and obligation to oppose and attack any British troops landing in this colony; their honor was awakened by contrasting their personal value and importance against the importance of the British troops; their complaints respect- ing provisions were entered into, and they were assured the public meant to do all that could be done for them consistently with the nature of discipline and the calamitous situation of affairs ; they were informed that the public could not so much dishonor them as to imagine they had enlisted merely for pecuniary gain, but persuaded that they being actu- ated with a nobler motive, all men were willing to believe, that they without wishing to be at ease in every respect, as in a regular service under an established and quiet Government, did not, as they could not in honor or conscience, desire more than absolute necessaries. And that, if they thought it a hardship to go abroad to procure provisions, the Council were ready to save them that trouble by deducting a reasonable sum from their pay, and supplying them with provisions in the manner in which the foot were furnished. They had grumbled about tents, and were now informed that the British troops in America during the last war, not only generally used but preferred huts made of bushes. Finally, encomiums were passed upon the progress they had made in the art military, and it was recommended to them in the strongest terms to pay the most perfect obedience to their officers, as the only means by which they could become good soldiers, and to defend those liberties and rights which they appeared so willing to protect. Hitherto there has been but little subordination.
To these things Mr. Tennant added assurances of the value of Con- gress currency which many people had endeavored to depreciate in the opinion of the soldiers, and he read and commented upon the declaration of the General Congress.
These things being finished, we left the camp in apparent quiet satis- faction and content, the men on being discharged expressing their thanks to us. But about midnight, an officer stole from the camp (about two miles off*) and gave us the most alarming intelligence that a most dan- gerous mutiny had broke out in, and prevailed throughout the whole camp, in which there was no longer any command or obedience; that the men were in an uproar at the idea of a deduction of their pay, for they had in general been promised provisions above their pay, and they were determined to quit the camp this morning and disband. Col. Thompson and Capt. Kershaw lodge with us; they were willing to do
At the Congaree Creek, below Granby.
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any thing that was thought proper. We consulted with them upon the case, and it was thought most advisable not to take any step in the night or for either of those officers to go to the camp; but that time should be allowed for the men to cool. and for the three Captains and other officers in camup to sound the men, and learn who would be depended upon. This measure had the effect we expected, and this morning the men appeared quiet, and it became evident that the disorders arose from three or four privates of proffigate dispositions. and from improper con- duct, declarations, and conversations of some officers. Capt. Woodward had incautiously at enlisting his men. made promises which proved grounds of discontent and disappointment, and yesterday had even the rashness to attempt to be spokesman to us in the hearing of the Rangers in favor of their being found above their pay ; and Lieutenant Dutarque, also attempted to inveigh against the cruelty of keeping men encamped without tents. Such topics had by these officers frequently been touched upon heretofore, but we have privately given them a lecture upon the subject, and we hope as they heard us in a proper manner, that it will have a good effect. From such sources, however, it is plain the disor- der of last night arose. The Rangers were this morning marched from camp to this place, where Mr. Drayton harrangued them upon the dis- order of the last night, attributing it to a few disorderly persons, who in this the first instance, would by the Colonel be passed over unnoticed, in hopes such lenity would work a reformation in them. The conse- quences of a mutinous conduct were described as tending to expose them to the derision of their neighbors and enemies, and to cover them and the whole corps with shame, contempt, infamy and ruin, without effecting the public service; for, if they should prove unworthy of the service, they would certainly be brought to condign punishment, and other and more worthy rangers be found to supply their places. For they ought not to flatter themselves, that because some parts of this country were disaffected, that therefore they could desert and be in places of security. If any should desert they must some time be off their caution and guard; and then they would be seized, for a reward would be put upon their heads-no money would be thought too much to ferret them out wheresoever they should go; and dead or alive they would certainly be carried to Charles Town. The situation of America was placed before them. On one side of the question stood almost in- finite numbers, supported by wealth and men of learning and abilities. "to plan and execute measures to overcome their opponents, who. of the Americans were only a few men of little property and less knowledge and abilities to conduct affairs; and they were asked, if they could pos-
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sibly think there was any safety among ench men. The obligation of their oath was strongly insisted upon ; and as to provisions, it was de- clared that the officers would endeavor to encourage people, of whom many were willing to supply the camp; in which case the soldiers should purchase as they pleased in camp, where, when there were any provis- ions they should not be allowed to go abroad to seek what they could find at home. They were told, they were not now to look for rewards, but that they must expect them when these troubles were over. For, as in the mean time it would be known who among them behaved with due obedience, and who conducted themselves otherwise ; so, all these things in time to come would be remembered by the gentlemen below, who would in private affairs shew to the first all kinds of favors and acts of friendship whenever opportunities should offer; and they would care- fully mark the latter, and discountenance and thwart them upon every occasion. This discourse we flatter ourselves had a full effect. They were called upon to say what they pleased ; except three men, they were all well satisfied and coutented, and showed the most perfect submission. These three were properly checked, and the worst of them severely rep- romanded and spoken to in private.
We have thus given a particular account of our conduct to the troops and the nature of our discourse to them : by which, you will be enabled to have an idea of the method in which we purpose to discharge the duties of our journey. If we have done any thing amiss, or have been deficient in treating the subject, be pleased to make your observations and we shall endeavor to conduct ourselves accordingly.
As well to remove the apprehensions of the Dutch settlers as those of the interior parts, that the Rangers were posted here to force measures; and to remove every idea that we came up to issue orders to plunder and lay waste, as well as to allow the soldiers to go home to places of election, and to procure necessaries, and to shew that we place a confi- dence in their good behavior, we have this day broken up the camp and sent them to their respective homes under their officers, with orders to repair to a new camp in Amelia about thirty miles below this, and to join there on the 18th inst., at which place Maj. Mason is likewise under orders to appear at the same time with Capt. Purvis' Company. For the Major's personal presence in 96 is of disservice to the public affairs.
. We And that Moses Kirkland is gone to town to the Governor; we have issued private directions to apprehend him in his return home, in hopes of taking upon him some papers from the Governor. as it is gen- erally suspected he has gone to procure proper authorities from Lord
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William to counteract and oppose the provincial proceedings. Whether he has these papers or not, he will, if taken, be carried to you; for, if upon searching him, no papers shall be found, it may be of evil conse- quence to set him at liberty to continue his journey home; for, as he is very active in poisoning the minds of the people, he will greatly inter- rupt our proceedings to compose them. At any rate, he ought to appear before you to answer for his conduct in disbanding his men ; and such a step will have good effect, as it will show vigor in government. and will have no tendency to alarm the non-subscribers up here, because Kirk- land, from his own act and consent is amenable to the law military. With regard to Capt. Polk, we are at present silent, but we hope you will not delay to fill up Captain's Commissions for those two vacancies, by promoting the two eldest first Lieutenants, as in such a case Mr. Heatly will speedily procure full compliments of recruits for
and himself. We also beg leave to inform you that a Surgeon's mate is necessary for the Rangers. although there is no provision for such a post by particular act of Congress, yet it may arise from your power, as such an officer is, in our opinion and the Colonel's, necessary for the ser- vice. We beg leave to recommend Lieutenant Thomas Charlton, a man of experience and reputation in physic, and who came into the corps under an idea, that there was provision for such an appointment. He is worthy of the first post in that line in the Regiment; but being wil- ling to serve the public in this cause, he is content with the last rank in the way of his profession.
We are like to incur a heavy expense in horses. For Mr. Hart and ourselves five were purchased in Charles Town. One of these we have been obliged to swap, giving £20 to boot. Three others have failed so much that we are obliged to purchase others, and leave these with Col. Thomson to dispose of, at the best rate. We shall draw upon you for these three to be purchased, as we do not chose to make so large a dis- bursement out of the sum in our hands, as also for two others, to accom- modate Mr. Hart's companion and Mr. Tennant's excursion. These horses are good, and in all probability will sell after we have done with them, for more money than they have cost the public.
We are gentlemen,
Your most humble servts., WM. H. DRAYTON, WM. TENNENT.
P. S .- The Rangers perform their exercise at least as well as the Regulars in Charles Town; and we have taken the liberty to upon a public letter to Col. Laurens from Col. Fleteball.
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FROM MR. DRAYTON.
[Original MIS.]
CONGAREE, August 9, 1775.
To the Council of Safety :
GENTLEMEN :- This afternoon Mr. Tennent and Col. Richardson sat off upon their progress on the north side of Broad River. Mr. Ker- shaw, who came from Camden to-day, remains to continue the progress with me, through the fork between Broad and Saluda rivers.
Last Monday, Mr. Tennant and myself gave you an account of our conduct until that day inclusive ; I have now the honor to continue the diary, by which you will see, that, at least, we do not allow our time to pass unemployed in the service upon which we have been sent.
Yesterday, being Tuesday, we went over the Congaree river some miles to an election ; to which some evil disposed persons purposely went to do what mischief lay in their power. Mr. Tennant and myself spoke a considerable time ; and I have the pleasure to inform you, that we gave at once general information and satisfaction ; for we had the good fortune to speak so as to be universally understood. In short, those who came with an intent to disturb the meeting, became converts and cheerfully signed the Association. And, the election being finished, the people formed themselves into Volunteer Companies.
This day we procured a German audience by the means of a muster by the order of Col. Thomson. of which we informed you in our last. During our discourses, the falling tears from the audience showed that their hearts were penetrated, and that we might hope for success. In conclusion all who were present signed the Association, except fifteen persons, who mildly desired, nay begged to consider of the affair until Friday, when they would certainly meet me at the place of divine ser- vice. They have since assured me they will then subscribe. All per- sons joined in the election, which we judged it necessary to postpone yesterday and the day before, as no persons appeared ; and as we judged we had authority so to do, as such a proceeding tended to compose the people, and bind their obedience to the measures of the Congress by giving them an opportunity of electing Representatives after they un- derstood the nature of the dispute in which the British Empire is engaged. I expect a large meeting on Friday next, when I expect equal success; by which the whole Congaree settlement will be made parties in our proceedings. I shall then attend two larger assemblies of the people on Saturday and Sunday ; and I have now no doubt of suc-
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cess in the Dutch settlements. Summer and Neuffer pased by this place yesterday, and continued their route into the Fork, and into those parts where I shall be on Saturday and Sunday.
I inclose an affidavit, by which Kirkland, I make no doubt, will be thought deserving of the last punishment. I shall not forget him in my return to Town, but this you will be pleased to keep secret ; for, if he shall be allowed to remain in the country after our return, our pro- gress will have been in vaiu.
I have drawn an order upon the Council in favor of Mr. John Ches- nut for four hundred and five pounds, for four horses purchased by Col. Thomson for the service of the progress. He assures me, the public will not lose any money by them.
I find by your letter to the Committee here, that you approve their idea of Durch wagoners carrying certificates of their having signed the Association. Summer upon his return, I hear, rather laughed at it, and said wagons might easily sell their loads in Charles Town without any danger of enquiries for such certificates. I am very sensible, and the Committee here agree with me, that wagons may pass without their knowledge, and unless there shall be some particular persons to watch. I dare say you, gentlemen, will readily agree with me, that many wagons may easily dispose of their loads in Town without a certificate; if but a few shall be so successful, I assure you it will be of great detriment in these parts. I, therefore, do most earnestly represent it as an object worthy your consideration, that a constant guard of regulars be placed at the Town gates, to inspect and enquire of all wagoners from the Con- garees, the Fork between Broad and Saluda Rivers and Fair Forest, for certificates of their having associated, and who shall cause them to return if they shall be destitute of such a passport. As I know such a conduct will have great influence in those parts; I shall give the inhab- itants to understand that such a regulation will take place.
I have the honor to be, gentlemen,
Your most obd. sevt., WM. HY. DRAYTON.
MR. MIDDLETON TO MR. DRAYTON.
[Original MS.]
CHARLES Towy, August 11, 1775.
DEAR SIR :- I cannot let this opportunity slip without giving you a piece of intelligence, which I am sure will please you. Our Admiral
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and bis crew have behaved like heroes; they have lightened Capt. Loftres of six tons of the needful; they surprised a superior crew, and took it out of the vessel lying at anchor within a mile of the castle of Augustine; ten soldiers were on board, but luckily they had no arms with them; in short, Providence favored us in all points of winds, seas, tides, &c.
I hope you have received my two letters by Gibson, and that I shall hear from you shortly.
Present my compliments to your colleagues and fellow laborers. and believe me,
Yours. affectionately, A. MIDDLETON.
P. S .- After writing the above, your letters from the Congaree Store were opened. I am sorry to hear you have been under a necessity of exercising your abilities upon the soldiery by sermons and harangues- I wish you may not have thrown your jewels among swine. Fletchall's letter promises nothing favorable; I confess I have not the slightest hope of your succeeding in that quarter; my opinion is, that we shall at last be obliged to have recourse to your device and motto [an arm with a drawn sword is here represented] "et DEUS OMNIPOTENS."
" Si quid novisti rectius istis, Candidus imperti, si non BIS utere." Vive, valeque, et sis MERCURIUS REDIVIVUS, sed non de MORTUIS.
* Ecclesiastica terra non in oppido est; si veniet, ibit ad diabolum, saltem in carcerem-causidici in custodia sunt "erant mendaces ab initio (ut legebat puer, ) et in Gehennam injicientur-De " Gehenna" consule TENENS qui tecum est.
TENENS a TENEO, I hold fast, forsan ad fidem, sed roga-ut vita sic nomen.
MOSES sub nebulâ est, verbum sapienti, ride si sapis.
ANDREW MARVELL TO MR. DRAYTON.
[Original MIS.]
CHARLES TOWN, Sunday, August 12, 1775.
DEAR SIR :- Since I wrote the d-d stuff contained in the inelosed letter, more for my own amusement during a long sitting at the Council
* Verbum anglicanum scotice pronuntia.
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table in debate about nothing, than for your profit or entertainment upon receipt of it, your second set of letters came to hand, with one for myself dated the 9th inst., for which I am obliged to you.
It gives us particular pleasure to find you have had so much success in your labors-what would I have given to have been a spectator at the Dutch crying bout, with an Hogarth's pencil in hand ? one of you cer- tainly must have been vastly moving, whether Tennant or yourself, we are much at a loss to know, for I find you have united the orators under the word we, and thus confounded religion and politics. The plan of your operations is much approved of.
I like sometimes to see a man turned inside out, but as to Tacitus, I may with a small alteration, say with the poet,-" ego illum intus, atque in cute novi."
The affidavit proves Capt. K. a seditious, rebellious son of a b -- , and the letter declares Capt. P. not to be one of the best of folk-for God's sake as you come down sweep the chimney of the State, or we may shortly have a bonfire-as you say it shall be done I trust it will.
The General Committee are to sit to-morrow morning upon the trial of the two lawyers; we have the papers in hand, and without doubt they must be convicted, but what the devil shall we do with them ? what Boot will fit Dunn or what shall be Done to Boote? I wish they were at the Provincial Camp. I suppose we shall dine late for the busi- ness is to be completed at one sitting.
A Mr. Walker, gunner of Fort Johnson, had a new suit of clothes yesterday, without the assistance of a single tailor-his crime nothing less than damning us all. During his circumcartation he was stopped. at the doors of the principal non-associators, and made to drink damna- tion to them also, not excepting our friend Sir William, on the Bay.
A Committee is appointed, and will sit on Tuesday to receive the answers of the non-subscribers whether they will swallow the cath or not,-Dr. M.'s answer to the Messenger who summoned him, was " that he should not take the oath, and he did not know whether he should obey the summons;" this answer preceded the show of yesterday ; whether that will alter his tone or no, I cannot say.
Nothing has yet been concluded upon but the tender of the oath to these people. I have twice pushed hard for the " Resolution for attach- ing Estates in case of Desertion," but have not been lucky enough to get a second; the matter, however, is not rejected, only POSTPONED. Rawlinus postponator, declares the resolution not proper to proceed from the Committee of South Carolina, and so arbitrary, that nothing but the Divan of Constantinople could think of promulgating such a law I
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still. however, do not despair, and shall make another trial or two, for I believe at last the State motto must be " urgendo vincimus."
The proposal of having wagoners examined by the guards before they enter the town gates will be taken up the first time we have leisure for considering it, and I doubt not will be adopted.
I have mentioned your request respecting the vacancies in the Regu- lars, and the blank. commissions are all forwarded to Thomson by this conveyauce.
I also this day once more urged the necessity of entrusting you with blank commissions for Volunteer Companies on the back of Fletchall, and with some difficulty carried my point ; so that the President will inclose you six setts; it is expected. however, that you will have the resolution of Congress strictly complied with before delivery of the Com- missions, I mean as to the associating of fifty men and the election of officers, and that you will bring down with you copies of such associa- tions and lists. The Continental Congress strongly recommend the dividing the militia of each colony into regiments or battalions. If we should carry that point also in Council, it will be a means of diminish- ing the influence of Fletchall and every scoundrel like him in the colony.
If I mistake not Col. Laurens mentions these matters to you by order, and will also intimate that if any complaints are lodged against Fletchall, he will be deprived of his commission. It is said he abuses much the authority vested in him as a Justice of the Peace, by issuing process contrary to the express laws of the Congress-if you should find that to be the case, I think you might, and no doubt you will, draw a very weighty argument for rendering him despicable, from his abuse of power, especially in your discourses among the poorer sort ; but why do I men- tion what must occur to you ?
I know not what Stuart has said to you, but his letter to us is evasive in the last degree ; Muckenfoos tells me upon delivery of the express he turned as pale as his shirt tail-behold the " mens conscia."
We have notice that one or two of our vessels are upon the coast with the needful, but no particulars. We have a flying report that Washing- ton has entirely defeated the King's forces, but do not credit it; I fear it is too good to be true.
It grows too dark to see what I write, and I grow so stupid that you must excuse my breaking off abruptly and telling you that I am,
Yours sincerely,
ANDREW MARVELL.
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MR. TIMOTHY TO MR. DRAYTON.
[Original MIS.]
CHARLES TOWN, 13th August, 1775,-midnight.
DEAR SIR :- Your letters to the Council of Safety have afforded great satisfaction not only to me, but also to every one who has heard them read-in short. I don't know who is not pleased with your pro- gress ; either for the services you render, or your absence-though Arthur, Charles and Peter most earnestly wish for your presence in the General Committee-and, therefore, I in particular, hope your progress in adjusting matters may be surprisingly rapid. I make no doubt, that Brewton, Parsons, &c., wish you to remain some time longer in the back country. But should you be solicited to do so, beyond your ineli- nation or absolute necessity (that nothing may go amiss) I hope you will desire they be sent to relieve you.
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