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 16
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
150
DOCUMENTARY HISTORY OF
23rd instant as the day of election at the place directed by the Con- gress. This I did much against the inclination of Fletchall and Cun- niugham.
I have to assure you that unless our friends in the country find that the non-subscribers are debarred all communication with Charles Town, and all trade with the country stores, they will be much chagrined ; and bad consequences may ensue. In particular, I most earnestly recom- mend that no more goods be allowed to be sent up to MeLaurin's store. His partner in town is one MeCurry, or Curry-some such name. This man has signed the Association, and under this sanction, he means to supply MeLaurin, by which means the Dutch will be encouraged to persevere in their obstinacy. And I beg leave to caution you even against MeLaurin's signing the Association, if he should think proper to do so to procure goods; for the Dutch agree. if there should be a necessity, that be should be allowed to subscribe, and then they would be supplied as usual without their acceding to the Association.
The commissions for the volunteer companies are not come to hand. but I suppose they are with Col. Thomson, who, in all probability, will continue in his new camp until my arrival there.
I reached Col. Fletchall's last Thursday morning before breakfast, and I there found Brown, Cunningham, and Robinson, who had arrived the evening before, as had Mr. Tennent and Col. Richardson. Mr. Tennent and myself, after breakfast, engaged Col. Fletchall in a private conversation during near three hours. We endeavored to ex- plain every thing to him. We pressed them upon him. We endea- vored to show him that we had a confidence in him. We humored him. We laughed with him. Then we recurred to argument, remon- strances and entreaties to join his countrymen and all America. All that we could get from him was this. He would never take up arms against the King, or his countrymen; and that the proceedings of the Congress at Philadelphia were impolitic, disrespectful and irritating to the King. We charged him with having written to the Governor, and with having received an answer. He confessed both. We named the day (the Sunday preceeding), he received the answer; he allowed it. We named the method by which he received it (concealed in a cane) ; he appeared confounded ; but after a pause, he attempted to laugh off this last particular. Robinson brought up the letter, and Fletehall would not show it to us. Robinson declares, he has brought up a com- mission to raise men for the King; and he even had the impudence to say before me, that he should raise men for the defence of his person, since many people had threatened him. I answered, surely the civil
:
151
THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION,
power would not allow him to go about with armed men to the terror of the King's subjects. He replied, why did not the civil power pre- rent the Congress from having armed men, and surely he would have armed them. as long as they had any. This man's looks are utterly against him. Much venom appears in Cunningham's countenance and conversation. Neither of these men say much; but Brown is the spokesman, and his bitterness and violence are intolerable. He has in various ways insulted us during our 24 hours stay at Fletchall's, as if he wanted to provoke me to violence. At length he went so far as to tell me, he believed we did not mean well to the King, and that our professions were nothing but a cloak. At this provocation, after many others. I almost lost my caution. But thank God, I did not even appear to do so. In a firm tone I severely checked him. The Colonel bid him go to bed. Before this happened, we had engaged the Colonel, in the private conversation, to call out his regiment as on the 23rd inst. Upon our return to the house where this Brown, Cunningham, and Robinson were, he mentioned what he had promised. All these at once were open-mouthed against the measure. and Mr. Tennent and myself had much to do, to keep the Colonel to his promise. This meeting of the regiment will be at the time and place of election at Ford's; and I am not without some apprehension that some violence will then be used against us. I inclose a letter from Mr. Tennent to me the day we parted at the Colonel's. And, besides this, it is my firm belief that Brown, Cunningham, and Robinson will do every thing in their power to bring things to extremities. For they are clearly of opinion they can beat the whole Colony. These men manage Fletchall as they please, when they have him to themselves. Indeed, he is so fixed, and has made so many declarations, that I firmly think, his pride and false sense of honor will never allow him to appear to think as we do, even if these men were not about him. Mr. Kershaw told me, he knew the man, and that no confidence was to be placed in him.
Things wearing so unfavorable an appearance, Colonel Richardson, Mr. Kershaw, Mr. Tennent and myself unanimously, thought it abso- lutely expedient, to direct Captain Polk to raise an additional troop of rangers immediately to lie on the back of these people. And Mr. Ten- nent and myself have given directions accordingly, not doubting but that the necessity of the case will induce you to approve the measure. Captain Polk came to us, appeared much concerned for his past conduct, attributing it to a mistake touching the station of the rangers, which he had thought, had been by the Congress fixed to the back country and frontiers. He has been since active in our favor as a person of influ-
152
DOCUMENTARY HISTORY OF
ence in his part of the country on the back of Fletchall; his brother is a man of great influence in Mecklenburgh, and ready to march to our assistance when called upon ; and already Fletchall looked upon Cap- tain Polk as an acquisition to his party. Hence, to bind Captain Polk's brother, and all the friends of both to us; to quash Fletchall's expecta- tion from the Captain, and to have a troop of rangers on the back of Fletchall's people to watch their motions, we all thought it absolutely necessary to direct the raising of this additional troop, as we appre- hended you would consider Captain Polk's letter and conduct as a resig- nation of his commission, and that you had already disposed of it. In short, we have given Captain Polk such a lesson, which he has received with all due submission, as I believe will render him more obedient to orders, than he has been.
In consequence of the affidavit taken by Captain Polk, I have dis- patched an express to the commanding officer at Fort Charlotte, and directions to Major Williamson, to throw into the fort a reinforcement of thirty militia, to be continued there by proper relieves during one month. In which time I make no doubt, the whole Colony will be in a state of perfect security against internal comumnotion. The garrison there will now consist of seventy-odd men. I have also given Major Williamson directions to hold the militia in readiness to march in case of any commotion.
I had this day a meeting with the people in this frontier, many present were of the other party; but I have the pleasure to acquaint you that these became voluntary converts. Every person received satis- faction and departed with pleasure. I finished the day with a barbe- cued beef. I have so ordered matters here, that this whole frontier will be formed into volunteer companies, but as they are at present under Fletchall's command, they insist upon being formed into a regiment independent of him, and I flatter myself you will think this method of weakening Fletchall to be consistent with sound policy. These people are active and spirited; they are staunch in our favor, are capable of forming a good barrier against the Indians, and of being a severe check upon Fletchall's people (upon whom they border), if they should think of quitting their habitations under the banners of Fletchall or his com- panions. For these reasons, and to enable them to act with vigor, I shall take the liberty to supply them from Fort Charlotte with a small quantity of ammunition ; for now they have not one ounce, when they shall be formed into regular companies. Several companies will be formed by this day week.
I enclose to you an affidavit, by which you will see there is no de-
153
THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION.
pendence upon Cameron. I have sent up a short talk to the Cherokees inviting them to come down to me within twelve days to Amelia. Mr. Pearis has undertaken to conduct six of their head men to me, and I should be glad within the time mentioned to receive from you 270 or ESO worth of shirts, watch-coats, blankets, linen, strouds and paints ; and your instructions if you choose, I should say any thing in particu- lar to them. On Wednesday, I shall, with Mr. Tennent, Mr. Hart and Mr. Reise, attend the election and review of Fletchall's regiment at Ford's, at the mouth of Cedar creek upon Enoree. You will see the place in the small map. What the event of the day will be, I am at a loss to say. I do not expect any success ; I apprehend some insults. I may be mistaken in both opinions. Within twelve days, I' purpose to be at Colonel Thomson's camp, where I think it will be advisable that I should remain till I shall see every spark of insurrection extinguished ; but in regard to this, I shall regulate myself by your orders on the subject which I hope to receive by the time I arrive at the camp. If Kirkland shall be seized, without doubt a commotion will follow, and if he goes off with impunity and without question, it will be fatal to the discipline of the army-especially the rangers. But this is not all: Vigorous measures are absolutely necessary. If a dozen per-ons are allowed to be at large, our progress has been in vain, and we shall be involved in a civil war in spite of our teeth. In giving you this infor- mation, I tell a melancholy truth ; but I do my duty. If certain per- sons should be secured, some commotion, in all probability, will follow, but I am so well acquainted with the situation of the disaffected parts of the country and with such parts as may be brought against them, that I am under no apprehension for the consequences, provided prompt and vigorous measures attend every appearance of insurrection. I would beg leave to observe, that as this business is of the highest importance, so your orders on the subject, must be clear and general, to vest proper authority, to take such measures as may tend to suppress this threatening insurrection, that will assuredly break out by delay and come upon us unexpectedly. Perhaps my being arrived at the camp in my return home, may be construed an expiration of the powers vested in Mr. Tennent and myself, and his return to Charles Town may work an annihilation of powers, to be exercised by us together. For, as our continuance in the country will be of but little benefit in the Dutch settlements and the lisaffected quarters while under the influence of Fletchall's people, so I make no doubt but that Mr. Tennent will choose to return to Town ; sensible that his presence in the country will not be of any advantage in the way of expounding our political texts to the people. I have the
15-4
DOCUMENTARY HISTORY OF
honor to lay all these things fully before you, that you may regulate yourselves thereupon, and send orders to me at Amelia by which I shall either remain with the camp or return to Charles Town. Brut I pray you to be expeditious, for a delay on your part will allow the enemy to recover many of our converts; and I know they are active, malicious, and bent upon mischief.
I have the honor to be, gentlemen,
Your most obedient servant, WM. HY. DRAYTON.
P. S. Mr. Tennent and Colonel Richardson were successful in their journey beyond Broad river. Mr. Tennent is now in Neyle's quarters. where they are very hearty in our cause. Mr. Kershaw and Colonel Richardson took their leave of us when we quitted Fletchall, being sen- sible they could not, in these parts, be of any assistance to us. They have been very diligent.
COPY OF ORDERS TO CAPT. CALDWELL AT FORT CHARLOTTE.
[Original MS.]
WHITE HALL, August 21. 1775.
DEAR SIR :- I just now received a letter from Col. Thompson and Major Mayson, dated the 10th inst., at the Congarees, informing me that they learn of a body of men going from our regiment and headed by some of the disaffected about Stephen's Creek, to attack Augusta. They desire me to give you every intelligence for the defence of Fort Charlotte, that you may be on your guard. I have heard nothing as yet of the above report, but you may depend upon it that if ever they make such an attempt they will have Fort Charlotte in their view.
I would take the liberty to advise you, if you should hear anything of the above report-that Captain Taylor would order some of his Company to reinforce the fort.
I think it would not be amiss to send one of your men, you can put the most confidence in, to watch the motion of the disaffected about Stephen's Creek, and the Pine-a-wood House. If I learn any thing from this quarter you may depend upon me letting you know immedi- ately-the privater this is kept the better. I this moment send an ex- press from the Council of Safety to Mr. Hammond. Excuse me taking the liberty of dictating to you. I am, dear sir,
Your most obedient bumble servt.,
A. WILLIAMSON.
Captain John Caldwell, Commandant at Fort Charlotte.
155
THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION.
MR. TIMOTHY TO MR. DRAYTON.
[Original MIS.]
CHARLES TOWN, August 22, 1775.
DEAR SIR :- Although my stomach bids me go, I can't help staying in the Council Room to send you a line or two, by the express now in waiting, if 'tis only to send you a little bit of news, (Powell vs. Ruge- ley,) viz : Tebout is just come in with an account of the arrival of the last acquisition of powder at Wappoo. To-morrow morning we shall receive it, escorted by Artillery and Grenadier Militia, and fifty Provin- cials, who have been diverted with a march to Beaufort, by way of a beginning. headed by Will Cattel. A most curious letter from the Carsons has been intercepted by the Little River Committee, addressed to Capt. House of the Glasgow man-of-war. The original is sent for, and I hope to give it you in print-was it in my hands should have sent a copy. The Eagle packet sailed yesterday; and'tis said Lord William himself, carried his dispatches on board the Tamar the day before. What to say about sound policy, I am at a loss; it does not seem to have been yet well defined. This week will be spent in matters relative to our election. The merchants (say gentlemen concerned in trade ) at a meeting to-day, either have, or will, nominate ten of their body to represent them in the ensuing Congress. At a previous meeting they proposed fifteen for their quota, then twelve, and at last condescended to be content with ten. The Germans have taken an alarm, and had a meeting-and the mechanics are not thoroughly pleased ; they also will have a meeting this week. In regard to war and peace, I can only tell you, that the Plebeians are still for war-but the Noblesse perfectly pacific-not like your chimerical, quixotical, anti-pacific Lord High Admirals, and Associates.
Yesterday the Committee of Observation stopped McLaurin's wagons; it seems he is in partnership with one Currie, now in town. Currie is much blamed, and begs to leave the goods unsold with the Committee till he goes up and brings down McLaurin's name subscribed to the association, which he offers to give security to do; and if he does not succeed, to send the wagon's loads back. Two Fitzpatricks came down this morning from the Forks ; John said he had signed ; JJames not ; but both being willing to do it here, I took their names, and commenced official Certifier.
I shall conclude with the form of my certificate :
156
DOCUMENTARY HISTORY OF
IN THE COMMITTEE OF OBSERVATION,
Charleston, Aug. 22, 1775.
We do hereby certify, that John Fitzpatrick, residing on Turkey Creek, Broad River, in Camden District, hath here subscribed the gen- eral association entered into by the Provincial Congress on the 4th of June last, which he declared he had done before in the District wherein he resides.
By order of the Committee.
PETER TIMOTHY, Chairman.
Now, my good friend. if you have any feeling for any besides the fair in your progress. I beg you will furnish the General Committee within your gatherings with a form, and save me the trouble of writing them here.
Fishing is over here-the hurricane season being come in, we have thought it necessary that all the tory's boats should be laid up; their carriages, at same time, are no better than broken down, and their horses than foundered. Jerry was hanged last Friday-more force was exerted for his being saved, than there would have been for you or me, unless for our exaltation. Pinckney does not retreat ; he comes for- ward bravely-wish you and Mr. Tennent were along side of him at the table. But I am tired, and having thus far endeavored to amuse you, 'tis time I rest, as I do.
Sincerely yours, always, PETER TIMOTHY.
Mr. Middleton has said every thing that I could have added in a much more entertaining manner. Always inclose your letter to me under his cover.
MR. DRAYTON AND MR. TENNENT TO THE COUNCIL OF SAFETY.
[Original MIS.]
FORD'S UPON ENOREE, August 24, 1775. To the Honorable the Council of Safety :
GENTLEMEN :- We arrived here yesterday, and met with Col. Fletch- all, Kirkland, the two Cunninghams and Brown. By the contrivances of the heads of the party, very few people met us. One thousand men meet here in general at musters; when Fletchall's paper was signed, there were about 1,500, on the field; but we had not above 250 hearers, and a great many of these were our friends from other parts. There was not one man of Cunningham's Company present. He told us that hy acquainted his men, that if they were satisfied with their present
157
THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION.
opinions there was no occasion for them to come to hear us. Other Captains told their meu the Colonel left it to them to come or not as they pleased, and if they stayed away he would not be angry with them.
The most perfect good order prevailed with the people, who heard us with much attention. But Kirkland treated the Congress, the Commit- tee, the Council, and ourselves with the highest insolence. Nay, he was ou the point of assaulting Mr. Drayton, and in all probibility would have done it, which would have brought on bloodshed, but that the pressure of the people about Mr. Drayton gave him to understand that an attack by him would be premature. Imagine every indecency of language, every misrepresentation, every ungenerous, and unjust charge against the American politics. that could alarm the people, and give them an evil impression of our designs against their liberties, and the rights of Great Britain ; imagine all you can on these points, aud you will not exceed what we heard as well from Kirkland, as Brown. Our indignation was painful, for we were obliged to conceal it; and our sit- uation was as disagreeable as you can well conceive. Brown loudly declared that when the King's troops arrived, he would join them against us, and he hoped every other person in these parts would do the same.
We have the pleasure, however, to inform you. that the address from the people of England to the people of America appears to have lost its credit. Brown read it-but he had but few bearers-we did not think it worth our while to attend to it, or say one word in answer to it.
We waited so long for the assembling of the people, and the discour- ces and pamphlet took up so much time, that no election could be held. This day fortnight is appointed for the holding of it.
Kirkland and the Cunninghamy appeared here with arms, sword and pistol. Their intention did not appear good, and the very sinall audience clearly manifests that the sentiments of the party continue inimical. However, we have acquired several of Fletchall's captains.
There was a subscription of the association-about seventy names, but most of these persons had already signed, and now again signed in order to give a good example ..
We shall be at Ninety-six Court House on Sunday, and from thence we shape our course to Amelia.
We have the honor to be, gentlemen, Your most obedt. servts., WM. IIY. DRAYTON. WM. TENNENT.
P. S .- We inclose two affidavits and an intercepted letter. Fort Charlotte is in a good condition.
158
DOCUMENTARY HISTORY OF
JOHN STUART TO DAVID TAITT.
ยก From Copy Original MS.]
ST. AUGUSTINE, Aug. 29, 1775.
David Taitt, Esq.,
SIR :- I wrote you very fully the 15th inst., by express, which I am apprehensive will not have reached your hand before this, as I have just received information that the person by whom I sent my letters was at St. John's River the 27th current. I was very glad to receive your letters of Ist current by Mr. Carr. I am glad of your safe and speedy return from Pensacola, as you'll be sensible how necessary your presence is in the nation. until affairs change their present gloomy aspect. I have enabled Mr. Penman to give Carr a supply of ammunition. I send by him a duplicate of the talk, which I sent under your cover by the Ex- press, and I have fully explained it to the Cusseta King's brother who accompanied Carr hither. He seemed rejoiced to see me, and said he should return home with a light heart, as he would have it in his power to deliver good talk to the people, and to quiet their minds.
I think it would be improper to say anything about lands to the In- dians at this time, and in general I would recommend a conduct calcu- lated to support your own influence and consequence, and to frustrate the machinations of Mr. Galphin and his associates in the new superin- tendency. In my letter by the Express, I desired that you would send off twenty pack horses, by whom I shall send wool and gun-powder, and two thousand pounds ball-this will shew how attentive I am to their interest ; and if Mr. McLean's people come down with thirty horses, I shall be able to load them also, so that there will be no want of am- munition, and as for other goods, they will be well supplied with them, so that I have reason to hope that you'll not find it difficult to preserve peace, and attach the Indians to his Majesty's interest. I have also been able to obtain some ammunition for the use of the Cherokees, and have written to Mr. McLean and Mr. Cameron on the occasion. I send duplicates of their letters under cover of this, that you may forward them in the safest manner. I also send a talk for the Cherokees which you will forward after perusal and sealing up. Carr said that he would undertake to carry any dispatches that you would require. He has in- formed me of some curious talks delivered by Steddyman. The Indians, it seems, have been repeatedly told that I am to die soon. I thank God I have so far escaped-by all accounts they had villainous intentions, had I been so unfortunate as to have fallen into their hands; however,
-
159
THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION.
I am so far inclined to retaliate good for evil. that I wish to maintain peace, and that the innocent may not suffer for the guilty; as to the rest. possibly a day of retribution and account may come ; until then let us endeavor to do our duty and faithfully discharge the trust reposed in us. In the mean time threats are thrown out against you and Cameron, as well as myself. It will not be improper that the Indians take notice of this to the new Superintendant Galphin, and make our safety and the protection of our families and estates the conditions of their neutral- ity, as the northern tribes have done with respect to Col. Johuston their Superintendent. My wife is detained in Charles Town, and has been insulted and threatened ; and I have been acquainted by the Committee that my estate is to answer for the behavior of the Indians. Mention this to Emistisego privately.
I must now refer you to my letter of 15th. I have only to beg that you'll be particular in your informations and attentive to the proceed- ings of Mr. Galphin and his associates, of which furnish me with the most authentic accounts. Forward the inclosed letter to Mr. Charles Stuart.
I am with sincere regard, dear sir,
Yr. mt. obt. hl. servt .. JOHN STUART.
P. S .- I hope you will purchase what goods you have sent for to Mo- bile upon a considerable credit-as they cannot be drawn for before the beginning of the year-but McLean undertook to supply you with what- ever dry goods you might want, which would be more agreeable to me as I have accounts with him. You'll send such returns as you sent me last year.
The within is a true copy of an original intercepted letter lodged in the Council of Safety. Certified by
SETH JNO. CUTHBERT, Sec'y.
JOHN STUART'S TALK TO THE CHEROKEES.
[From Copy Original MS.]
ST. AUGUSTINE, August 30th, 1775. To the Great Warrior and Prince of Chote, and to all the Warriors and Ruling Chiefs of the Upper and Lower Cherokee Nations.
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.