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 15
Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).
Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 | Part 7 | Part 8 | Part 9 | Part 10 | Part 11 | Part 12 | Part 13 | Part 14 | Part 15 | Part 16 | Part 17 | Part 18 | Part 19 | Part 20 | Part 21 | Part 22 | Part 23 | Part 24 | Part 25 | Part 26 | Part 27 | Part 28
We have not had a syllable of news from the northward since what Mr. Middleton wrote you-that man is worth his weight in diamonds. The packet you left here, did not sail before last Monday, and was con- veyed to some distance by the Tamar, which returned into Rebellion Road on Thursday-the very day on which Lempriere returned success- ful to Beaufort, from the errand on which he was last ordered. Your appointment was sent by the packet; as there has been no other con- veyance. Yesterday evening the gunner of Fort Johnson, (one Walker) had a decent tarring and feathering, for some insolent speech he had made. There is hardly a street through which he was not paraded- nor a tory house where they did not halt-particularly, Innes', Simp- son's, Wragg's. Milligan's, Irving's, &c., &c., &c. At Gen. Bull's they stopped. called for grog; had it-made Walker drink d-n to Bull, threw a bag of feathers into his balcony-desired he would take care of it till his turn came, and that he would charge the grog to the account of Lord North. Finally, the wretch was discharged at Milligan's door. The people were in such a humor, that I believe there was scarce a non- subscriber who did not tremble, and Wells had his shop close shut.
The order of the General Congress respecting armed vessels, pleased me so well. that every member of the Committee took notice of it in my reading. But I wished for you on that occasion. I thank you for the list of members of Congress, among which I rejoice to see your name. Shall be glad to hear of the clections for the other districts.
I suspect Robinson is coming to town, and think it will not be amiss to have a look out kept for him, as well as the man you have mentioned.
140
DOCUMENTARY HISTORY OF
Business has gone on very slowly in the General Committee. The Council seem to have a right to take up all. However, Dann and Boote are to come before the former to-morrow morning. Aug. 2nd .- The same oath was required to be tendered to all non-subscribers, and the word voluntary voted out of the first. 3 .- The motions by Mr. M. were all postponed for a Committee for sequestration-and no intercourse but with the merchants and public offices. 4th .- Letters from the Dele- gates, and from Stuart (which Mr. M. has undoubtedly advised son of ) were read ; and the consideration of the questions further postponed until Monday. 7th .- Complaint of sheep-killing, and orders of the day again postponed. 11th .- Pinckney, Roberts, Middleton, Powell, Heyward, Scott and Bee, appointed a Committee respecting non-subscribers-the resolve respecting sequestration lost on a question-the next not insisted on. [The above Committee have caused the non-subscribers to be sum- moned to appear before them on Tuesday morning, 9 o'clock, and ordered a copy of the vath required to be taken, to be shewn them respectively. Milligan has said. he will not take it, nor does he think he will obey the summons-Innes sent to Col. L. this day, 18th, for his advice.] 12th .- Evening. General Committee called to lay before them your letter of 7th, and Mr. Kershaw's of 8th, to know whether they or the Council of Safety should decide --- when it was resolved the General Committee should take the matter under their consideration to-morrow morning -- and this is all the business we have done.
The cannon remain mounted as when you left this. In truth, I wish the Council's business had been confined, to execute what the General Committee should order. But I can keep awake no longer.
I never have had a moment to write you before. Annexed er in- closed will be a list of such Members of Congress as I know are elected. 'Tis difficult to keep up my spirits. But, I am,
Always, sincerely, yours, PETER TIMOTHY.
MR. DRAYTON TO THE COUNCIL OF SAFETY.
[Original MS.]
KING'S CREEK, NEAR ENOREE, August 16, 1775. To the Honorable the Council of Safety :
GENTLEMEN :- From this place, about ten miles below Hendris's mill, upon Enoree, and about one hundred and eighty miles from
141
THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION.
Charles Town, I am set down to lay before you my proceedings since my last letter by Mr. Chesnut's express.
On Friday last I left the Congaree store and proceeded to a Dutch Church about ten miles higher up Saluda. I here gave a discourse to the congregation consisting entirely of Germans, in which I thought it prudent to mix many texts of Scripture shewing that our breaking off all trade and communication with non-subscribers was not any force put upon them. To my great surprise, only one of the congregation sub- scribed the association. I found, that some of the non-subscribers ou Wednesday last had been very active to prevent these people from associating, and had even perverted those of the fifteen who on that Wednesday had heard me, and told me they had no doubt but they should subscribe at the church. Upon this, I declared that no miller, who was a subscriber, should grind wheat or corn for any person who was a non-subscriber. This gave an immediate shock, and has given a general aların among the Dutch, from which with some other operations I expect a desirable effect. Hence I proceeded the next day, being Saturday, into the Fork between Broad and Saluda river to McLaurin's, where I had a pretty large meeting of Germans also, and some who had already heard me twice without the desired effect. Here I did not pro- cure one subscriber. McLaurin threw a damp upon the people, as did also some other leaders whose names I have taken down. Summer was present, and so was Neuffer. But Summer kept at a distance, and is a false brother. He reproached Jonas Beard as being the cause of his being made to subscribe in Charles Town, and was near beating him. I saw none of this, but heard of it after the company broke up. Neuffer, had the day before gathered about one hundred people together, and was in a fair way to procure a numerous subscription, but McLaurin hearing of the meeting and posting to it, soon put a stop, only by his presence, to the business. Ten had subscribed, but after his appear- ance, not one person added his name.
On Sunday I intended to have been at another place of Divine wor- ship, but when I got near, I found Summer, to avoid being present at the discourse, had gone to another place of worship. I now reflected that as he was a leading man in this neighborhood and by his absence manifested his dislike to what I came about, and also that most of my hearers on the day before were from this part of the Fork, I thought I might save myself the mortification of preaching to a people who were obstinate and would not hear. Mr. Kershaw being of my opinion, we made the best of our way from that stiff necked generation to this plice. Thus, I may pronounce, the Dutch are not with us.
112
DOCUMENTARY HISTORY OF
Here is a settlement in our favor. It begins near about the division line between Orangeburgh and Ninety-six, and reaches to Hendrixs' mill, upon Enoree. Yesterday I had a pretty large gathering as we say here; and I gave a discourse which was generally satisfactory. Having finished and the people expressing their pleasure and readiness to sign, a man stept in, and said Cunningham was at hand, and he hopel the people would stay and hear what he had to say. Immediately all was at a stand. The company now expected to hear the affair argued on both sides, and thus I was to be made a public disputer in spite of my teeth. Cunningham arrived and I asked him and his company to a dinner I had prepared for some of our friends. The report ran, that Cunning- ham had brought a proclamation from the King, showing the fallacy of the American proceedings. After dinner I took Cunningham aside and spoke to him seriously and politely ; all was in vain. We then collected the people, and he and one Brown, he that was tarred and feathered at Augusta, (I believe the person who sent the letter of which Mr. Brew- ton took a copy the night before we left Georgia) a Scotchman, took out Dalrymple's address from the people of England to the people of America ; which they had received from Lord William Campbell. This Cunningham evaded but did not deny, when I charged him with having received it from that quarter. I am assured from several persons that Lord William did actually send it up. I am afraid it is likely to do much mischief. This pamphlet was read by Brown from beginning to end. I took notes as he went along of every material part, and then I answered the whole. I applied ridicule where I thought it would have effect, the people laughed heartily and Cunningham and Brown could not but grin-horribly. In short I so answered the whole, that the peo- ple rejoiced, and Cunningham had not one. word to say in reply. The people are perfectly satisfied, and I am heartily glad that this pamphlet was produced for people have, now they say, heard both sides of the question and the general conclusion is-that Cunningham is beat out of the field. . Sure it is -that he was highly mortified; and with his com- panion, Brown, stole away.
At the day of election the people of this part of the Fork assembled at Ford's, on Enoree, to choose representatives ; but a letter from Cunning- ham, Kirkland, and others arriving, the election was quashed, and the people departed. I have given notice that there will yet be an election, at which I mean to be present. There has not been any election in the lower part of the Fork, and I have appointed one to be holden on the 24th. These measures I think tend to compose the people and to bring
:
143
THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION.
them to conform now, as nearly as may be to the resolution of Congress, and therefore I thought myself authorized to order these elections.
I am informed, Mr. Hart is rather ridiculed by Fletchall and his crew. I am just setting off for the Colonel's head quarters.
I have the honor to be, gentlemen, Your most obdt. servant, WM. HY. DRAYTON.
P. S .- I have agreed with the express that he shall be paid fifty pounds, which I make no doubt you will cause to be paid. If that pamphlet was answered and copies sent into the country, it would have a good effect.
ALEXANDER CAMERON TO ANDREW M'LEAN .- [INTERCEPTED. ]
[Original MS.]
KEOWEE, 16 Aug. 1775.
DEAR ANDREW :- I had the pleasure of your letter by Holmes with the articles sent for Molly, but they were of no service, being too narrow. Your letters by Grey or Morris I saw nothing of.
Mr. Thomson arrived here about ten days ago, round about by Col. Fletchall and the heads of Saluda, after his miraculous escape from the party of Liberty Boys under the command of the heroic patriot Capt. Hamilton, of Augusta. He has had and is still very ill with a fever since his arrival, I believe owing to fatigue and uneasiness of mind; I am extremely sorry for Mr. Brown's fate. But I am still more con- cerned for I. Lyon and poor Donald not hearing from you, and Mr. Thomson intorms me that you were both obliged to push the same day that he and Mr. Brown were attacked. But I hope it is not so, other- wise I should see you here or learn what come of you by some means. Late last night John Beuch arrived here, with father, from Occonos- totah. He desires that I would write to Gov. Wright relative to the ammunition, and Charles Town also. Its a hell of a talk-he says that he and his people are very cross about the usage their father met with in Charles Town. and me at Long Canes being obliged to leave our houses. That they see plainly that the white people mean a war with them, and they will be glad to know, if they intend it this winter or next spring. for the sooner they begin the better. They are to a man resolved to stand for the great King and his warriors. They desired that I would immediately repair over the hills and live there. If the
2.94
144
DOCUMENTARY HISTORY OF
people below heard this talk, they would imagine it to be something of my dictating but upon my honor I never had any concern in it. I beg you'll let me know if you have any prospect of getting any ammunition for the Indians, or whether there are any hopes of getting the quantity which was promised by the Liberty meu. Where is Mr. McGilvray to land your goods. Pray let me hear, if you know what has become of Mr. Stuart, and if you heard any thing of Allan. I hope you will not supply Hughes with any more goods ; he is one of those whom the Gov- ernor promised that he should not have license to trade. Besides, you will lose by him, for he will get killed soon. or bring a war upon the Indians. The Long Canes people are determined to kill him. The Creeks steal their horses and bring them in to Tooguloo, and there sell them for rum. This is very evident, so that you need'nt say a word in his behalf. Jos. Vann is another of your traders, and one that Governor Wright promised to exclude from the benefit of the Indian trade. I am determined to rout them when matters are a little more settled, if others will let them stand so long.
You did not send my account by Mr. Holmes as I requested ; and you wrote that no money could be had. My Treasurer, Mr. Stuart, is banished and in these days of distraction I do not know where to apply. About Long Cane the people begin to change sides. The people see their error and are determined to stand in support of law and govern- ment. I routed the fever and ague, but am not as yet strong enough. I thought I should go. The Cherokees are the most faithful Indians on the main. They would die, all hands, in my defence. Write a great deal about every thing, and tell me about Mr. Mackay and his family. I think you said Donald was coming up. How does Monsieurs Grierson, Johnston, the parson, and poor Hammerer, and all our friends. The man is going, and I have devoted all the time I could dispense with in writing this scrawl to you, so that you have it in quantity if not in qual- ity ; but I am convinced you will look over any blunders that may be committed by
Dear Andrew, your constant and sincere friend and humble servant, ALEX'R. CAMERON.
If the butcher, Malborrow, has a mind to shew his war exploits, let him come up with a party to the Green Corn dance, which will be in a few days at Seneca.
Andrew Mclean, Esq.
145
4
THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION.
MR. TENNENT TO MIR. LAURENS.
[Original Ms.]
BULLOCK'S CREEK, Aug. 20, 1775.
DEAR SIR :-- We expect to write you a public letter next Wednesday. but opportunity offering I must inform you that after visiting the upper part of Col. Richardson's regiment and the High Dutch in the Fork between Broad and Saluda rivers, the former with great success. the latter with very little, we have at length visited the great and mighty nabob Fletehall. We found him surrounded by his Court, viz : Cun- ningham, Brown, and Robinson, who watch all his motions and have him under great command. We soon found the unchangeable malignity of their minds and the inexpressible pains they were at to blind the peo- ple and fill them with bitterness against the gentlemen as they are called. Gen. Gage's pamphlet is raging through the District, and greedily read. The leaders have taken the same methods with the Romish Church to keep the people ignorant, and in general they firmly believe that no man that comes from below, and that no paper printed there can speak the truth. This was necessary in order to prevent any- thing we can say from taking place. We soon found that reasoning ras vain with those who were fixed by Royal emoluments. But per- ceiving that Fletchall effected to play between, we let him know that we had discovered things which he thought were a profound secret, and surprised him much. He confessed receiving a letter from the Gover- nor, within five days last, and offered to swear that there was no harm in it, and that he would not take arms against the country. But we surprised him into a promise to assemble the regiment next Wednesday, which highly affronted Cunningham and the rest of the Upper House. some of whom treated us with insolence upon it. We expect to meet the regiment accordingly, and many of our friends whom I have advised of it will be there, some having intimated a design to put some trick upon us. In the mean time Mr. Drayton is gone up to his iron works, and to the people about Lawson's Fork, where he will do something. I turned my course into the new acquisition, where I am to have a meeting, from day to day, in Col. Neal's regiment. I think I shall fix. this District in the right cause. I discovered on my way, a scheme to surprise Fort Charlotte and take all the powder and arms away. Took an affidavit of it and sent it express to Mr. Drayton, so hope it will be prevented. The Governor has undoubtedly given orders for it, and they are privately enlisting volunteers to the service. I shall this 10
146
DOCUMENTARY HISTORY OF
morning privately obtain affidavits to prove that Major Robinson has attempted to enlist many in the King's name, assuring them that he had a number of Commissions in his pocket which should be distributed to the most worthy, and that they should have King's pay after ten days. He is just returned and it is known that he met the Governor at Dor- chester. They think that they are nearly ripe to show themselves, and make no scruple to threaten the whole province with devastation in a short time. They say that Cameron is among the over hill Cherokees and will soon join them with 3,000 gun men. I have just heard that
the lower towns will not join them, but confess that the over hill In- dians are preparing to fight for the King. In short your friends in town are preparing a great dish of blood for you, and expect soon by their army not only to have an asylum to fly to but to bear down all before them. This both you and I have prophesied many times, but a lethiferous slumber seems to have sealed the eyes of some of our breth- ren. Robinson assures the people here that a great multitude in town of those who have signed the association are in the scheme and will join them upon notice. I am now convinced that a certain affidavit which some have so much despised, is with a small exception true. in every particular. There is here all the appearance of a hellish plot. And the friends of America have no ammunition and may be surprised with- out remedy. I wish the Council would think of this. We have greatly weakened and expect more to weaken them-but to overset the plan immediately is impossible. I have formed one, and am forming in this District another troop of Volunteer Horse Rangers. who are as good as sworn to the Council of Safety when they enlist. We are hemming in the diffidents on all sides as much as possible. But their leaders seem determined if possible to bring the people to draw blood before they have time to be enlightened. I have forsook my chaise and ride on horse back, from day to day, meeting people.
And in great haste, am, dear sir, Your most obedt. servt., WM. TENNENT.
P. S .- This comes by Joseph Woods, Esq., a worthy magistrate in the new acquisition, of whom, if you enquire you may learn many things. If you do not keep a look out these people and the savages will receive ammunition by wagons from town, or from Dorchester from on board the fleet-they have no doubt of a supply.
-
147
THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION.
LETTER OF MR. TENNANT TO MR. DRAYTON, CONTAINING ZACHA- RIAH BELL'S AFFIDAVIT.
[Original M.S.]
Appeared personally before me, Zachariah Bell, and swore, that walk- ing near the house of Col. Fletchall, he heard one of six or seven men in a group, say that a person (whose name he did not hear) was to go within ten days to seize upon powder-the deponent could not hear the name of the place at which. Another answered, that he (the first speaker) had better not go, for if he did with double the number of men they might expect to be killed aud not succeed.
Sworn before me, this Isth day of August, 1775.
EZEK. POLK, J. P.
On the road, near Fair Forest.
DEAR SIR :- Coming to the knowledge of the above and no longer doubting of the infernal design to take Fort Charlotte by the Governor's order, and to open a dismal campaign in this quarter, by this means, I send this Express that you may advertise the fort and throw as many men into it as possible and disappoint them. I have put things together and am no longer at a loss as to the design to embody men as an Asylum for all the tories, and that shortly.
And am yours, WM. TENNENT.
P. S. From a question asked me by the Colonel, I suspect some harsh design. Be upon your guard.
AFFIDAVIT OF JONATHAN CLARK CONCERNING CAMERON AND CHEROKEE INDIANS.
[Original MS.] .
SOUTH CAROLINA-NINETY-SIX DISTRICT
This day personally appeared before me, Jonathan Clark, resident upon the banks of Saluda river in the Cherokee country, who being duly sworn, sayeth, that on or about the thirteenth instant, being in the Cherokee country aforesaid, he saw and conversed with John Garwick, an intimate friend and countryman of Alexander Cameron, Deputy
148
DOCUMENTARY HISTORY OF
Superintendant among the Cherokee Indians, touching the danger of the Cherokees commencing hostilities, that if there was any danger, he, the said Jonathan, might remove in time to a place of security; and that he spoke on this subject to the said John, because of his close con- nection with the said Alexander, and thereby of his, the said John's, ability to give information touching that subject. That on this subject the said John answered. that he, Jonathan, need not be under any apprehension of danger till such time, as there should be some disturb- ances below, in the country between the King's army and the Colonists; and that then it would be high time for him. the said Jonathan, to take care of himself, and remove from the frontiers. Also, the said John continued his discourse and said, that about three weeks then last past, the said Alexander had held a meeting with the Cherokee Indians, at which about four hundred of them were assembled. when he, the said John, heard the said Alexander tell the said Indians, that the people of America had used the King very ill, and had killed a considerable num- ber of his army ; and that the King was to send out more soldiers to suppress them. That the Indians ought not to turn against their father, meaning the King, but that they should join his army against the people of America. That to this the Indians replied they could not fight, for they had not any gunpowder ; and the said Alexander returned, that should be no obstacle, for he would take care to supply them. The said John also further said, that the said Alexander did all he could to influence the said Indians to join the King's forces against the people of Carolina ; and who could blame him for doing so, since he, the said Alexander, was in the King's service. Also, that in conclusion, about forty of the said Indians turning their backs to the said Alexander, dis- charged their guns, and then the whole assembly set up the war whoop, which he, the said John, said was as a signal that they, the said Indians, approved the discourse of the said Alexander, and agreed to what he had said. And further this deponent sayeth not.
JONATHAN CLARK.
Sworn and signed before me this 21st day of August, 1775.
WM. HY. DRAYTON, Quorum Unus.
SOUTH CAROLINA-NINETY-SIX DISTRICT.
This day personally appeared before me, James Wood. John Wood, Moses Wood, and John Prince of the district aforesaid, who being severally sworn according to law, say that they know the above-mentioned Jonathan Clark, believe him to be an honest man and worthy of credit,
149
THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION.
and that they do not know any thing to the prejudice of his reputation. And further the said deponents say not.
JAMES WOOD, JOHN WOOD, MOSES WOOD, JOHN PRINCE.
Sworn and signed before me this 21st day of August, 1775. WM. HY. DRAYTON, Quorum. Unus.
MR. DRAYTON TO THE COUNCIL OF SAFETY.
[Original MIS.]
LAWSON'S FORK, August 21st, 1775.
To the Honorable the Council of Safety.
GENTLEMEN :- I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your letters of 11th and 18th instant. They came to hand last night, for- warded by Col. Thomson.
Before this can reach you, I have the pleasure to reflect that you must have received intelligence, that the alarm respecting Augusta was without any foundation, But I am sorry to acquaint you that Thomas Brown is of such a temper of mind, that it is my opinion he is as dan- gerous a man as any in this Colony. I do not believe he would stick at any thing to throw our affairs into utter confusion.
Ibeg leave to return my respectful thanks for your approbation of my conduct ; and I beg leave to assure you that I shall always endea- vor to deserve your commendations.
I believe Mr. Charleton expected to hold the lieutenant's commission together with that of surgeon's mate. I had forgot the resolution of Congress respecting one person holding two commissions ; but I have . acquainted Col. Thomson with the affair, who, without doubt, will trans- mit the explanation you expect.
I am happy that you approve of my putting off the election at Saxe Gotha; and also that you have directed me to appoint elections for those places where none had been held. In my last of the 16th from King's creek, I had the honor to acquaint you, that neither of the districts in the Fork, between Broad and Saluda rivers had held any election. For the lower district I have already acquainted you with the day of election; and for the upper district I have appointed the
Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.