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 17
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FRIENDS AND BROTHERS :- Mr. Cameron will, without doubt, have informed you of my having come to this place, and the reason of my
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so doing. Although I am not at a very great distance from you. yet I do not forget you, neither shall I omit letting you hear from me when necessary for your good.
I was sorry to learn that the gunpowder, which the merchants at Augusta had written for to England, was seized and taken out of the ship by some mad people at Savannah, which prevented your being sup- plied by your traders with the necessary quantity for hunting and defence. I was very uneasy upon your account. and have got some ammunition at this place, which I shall send to Augusta as soon as I can be provided with pack horses to carry it, and I now write to Mr. Mc Lean to send some for it.
Brothers : I am sorry when I hear any bad news from your Nation, which obliges me to put you in mind of your engagements at several different meetings.
The murder of two of your white brethren in your Nation was not like friends; you know what ought to be done upon the occasion. You have also among you two Creek fellows, Houmaiha and Sophia, who were obliged to fly from the Creek Nation for killing white people in Georgia, yet you love and protect them, although their own people want to bring them to justice, according to agreement. This is not what I expected from you -- it is not fulfilling your engagements.
I am informed by the Creek Indians, that several of your people were assisting the Shawnees to kill the white people in Virginia. I hope you will stop such proceedings that all our talks may be straight, and that I may not be obliged to be constantly complaining.
I am very sorry to think of the little regard paid to my advice, and your own interest, respecting your land, which you compliment away to every white man who asks for it. You have been constantly told and admonished by me, not to treat or bargain for your land with any per- son but me; yet, you have signed papers to one Henderson, by which you have given away all your hunting grounds between Holston's river and the Ohio, and you are constantly listening to Richard Pearis, who cheats you of your land. If you go on at this rate, where will your young people, who are growing up, look for deer to pay for clothes and ammunition.
Mr. Cameron is with you; if you attend to his advice you will do right. What I now tell you is for your own good. I have no interest in it. but to prevent your ruin.
.. There is a difference between the people in England and the white people in America. This is a matter that does not concern you ; they will decide it between themselves.
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THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION.
I shall do all in my power to procure for you a supply of necess aries. but I expect you will put a utilener in the great King's protection, and not listen to any talks against him, or his officers and governors. You have long known me. I always have told you the truth and given you good advice. Thave sent MIr. Cameron amongst you to take care of your interest. Love him and hold him fast. and let no bad people hurt him. . While I live you will have a father and a friend ; if I happen to die. you will find out that you have lost a friend and well-wisher.
JOHN STUART.
The foregoing is a true copy of an original intercepted talk balzed in the Council of Safety.
Certified by
SETH JNO. CUTHBERT, ST'y.
-
COPY OF JOHN STUART'S TALK TO THE CREEK INDIANS.
[Copy from the Original.,
ST. AUGUSTINE, August. 1775. To the Great and Small Medal Chiefs and Rulers of the Courtas, Tullapressas, Abechkus, und Alibamons.
FRIENDS AND BROTHERS :- I send this talk to be delivered by Mr. Taitt and the King's interpreters. You will pay attention to them, and believe what they tell you.
I was sorry to hear that the gunpowder, which the merchants and traders had sent for to England, that they might supply the red people with the necessary quantity for hunting and defence against their ene- mies, had been seized on account of a difference among the white people. It was on board a vessel which arrived lately at Savannah. They have, I understand, sent you some of it, but not a sufficient quantity for your necessities. I have been very uneasy for your distress, and have consulted with the Governors of St. Augustine, Georgia, and Charles Town, how to relieve you. I have been able to get some ammu- nition. and I now send this, to desire your beloved man, Mr. Taitt, to send down pack horses that they may be loaded back with powder and bullets. thereby to enable you to hunt and pay your debts, or to defend yourselves against your enemies. I have written by this opportunity to the Governor of Pensacola in your behalf, requesting that you may have such a supply of necessaries from there and Mobile as they can afford. You will be convinced by this that I am attentive to your
11
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interest and happiness, and that it is the great King's intention and orders, thar you may be protected and supported whilst your people behave well and place your confidence in him and his officers, as well as in the beloved man sent to live among you.
You have known me for many years, and I never have deceived you. It is my particular duty to be attentive to your interest, and to see that justice is done to you. You may, therefore, rely on what I shall at any time tell you, by means of the beloved man, Mr. Taitt, for neither he or I can have any intention or interest to deceive you.
There is an unhappy dispute between the people of England and the white people of America, which, however, cannot affect you, as you can be supplied from Mobile, Pensacola, and this place, where the people live like brothers and enjoy peace ; and it is not the intention of either party to hurt or molest you. Some of your people, as I am informed, met with Recruiting Provincial Officers in the back parts of Georgia. Let not that alarm you, as nothing is meant by it against you, or any other Nation of red people, but to decide a dispute among the white people themselves.
While you continue in a friendly disposition and faithfully attached to the King's interest, you shall frequently hear from me, and have every and all the assistance I can give you.
Given under my hand and seal at St. Augustine.
JOHN STUART.
The foregoing is a true copy taken from an original intercepted talk, lodged in the Council of Safety.
Certified by SETH JNO. CUTHBERT, Sec'y.
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MR. DRAYTON TO THE COUNCIL OF SAFETY.
[Original MS.]
AT MR. HAMMOND'S, NEAR AUGUSTA, Aug. 30, 1775. To the Honorable the Council of Safety :
GENTLEMEN :- I arrived here last night from Ninety-six, where Mr. Tennent and myself had a pretty numerous meeting. Mr. Tennent is gone for a few days towards the Long Canes; and I came here to see the people of Augusta and the settlements in these parts in my way to Amelia. By various accounts that I received on the road yesterday afternoon, last night, and this morning, it appears to be a fact that
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THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION.
Kirkland is actually in arms to attack Augusta and Fort Charlotte. The King's men as they are called were summoned to meet yesterday at a place about twenty miles from hence ; they separated last night, and I am informed they will meet again in two or three days. They have been very diligent in obtaining arms. Cunningham and Brown are of the party.
In this situation of affairs, by virtue of your letter of the eleventh in- stant. I have ordered our three companies near this place to assemble immediately, and who will be joined by one hundred men from Angusta. I have ordered Major Williamson to march with three hundred men to Harden's Ford on Savannah River about thirty miles above this place. I have also ordered Col. Thomson to march his Rangers, and as near three hundred militia as he can, and take post at the Ridge ; and Col. Richardson, with three hundred meu, to take post near the mouth of Enoree, to be a check on Fletehall's people, in case they should show any intention of assisting Kirkland. I beg leave to recommend that a proper quantity of powder and ball be sent to Col. Richardson, so that he may be enabled to supply Col. Neyle's Regiment.
I have not been honored with any letters from you, but those of the 11th and 18th instant. However, as soon as Kirkland's party shall take the field, I shall hold myself fully authorized by your letter of the eleventh, and the necessity of affairs, to proceed to every extremity that may have a tendency to suppress those men who oppose the authority of Congress.
I am, gentlemen, Your most obedt. sert., WM. HY. DRAYTON.
SOUTH CAROLINA-NINETY-SIX DISTRICT.
[Printed Circular.]
SNOW-HILL, August 30th, 1775.
By the Honorable William Henry Drayton, Esquire :
Whereas, by Commission from the Honorable the Council of Safety for this Colony, dated the 23rd day of July last, I am upon a progress through the country, "to explain to the people at large the nature of the unhappy disputes between Great Britain and the American Colo- nies ; to endeavor to settle all political disputes with the people ; to
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quiet their minds; aud to enforce the necessity of a general union. in order to preserve themselves and their children from slavery :" And, whereas, the progress having been continued almost through the Colony with success to the State, satisfaction to the people, and, upon the most perfect principles, tending to promote peace and good order, for the purposes of the progress aforesaid, I did appoint, that a meeting of the people should be held. on Friday next, the first day of September, at the Ridge in the district aforesaid : But Whereas one Moses Kirkland having, without lawful authority, assembled men in arms, in the dis- triet aforesaid, it is but too evident, that, to his treachery against this Colony, he means to add crimes of a deeper dye, and, by force of arms, to violate the public peace: Wherefore it is become inexpedient that the intended meeting of the people should be held as aforesaid, lest the meeting should furnish occasion for civil bloodshed, which it is our pur- pose to avoid as long as may be possible :
And. whereas, by the arts, frauds, and misrepresentations, of the said Moses Kirkland, some weak and ignorant people have been led into measures of so criminal a nature, as, if persisted in, must inevitably involve them in destruction. from motives of humanity, I, therefore, do hereby recommend to all such persons, that they forthwith desist from following the counsels of the said Moses Kirkland in points tend- ing to sedition and hostility; and I do hereby notify, that all such persons as, without lawful authority. shall assemble in arms, in company with, or by instigation of the said Moses Kirkland, will be deemed public enemies to be suppressed by the sword.
Given under my hand, at Snow-Hill, in the district aforesaid, this 30th of August, 1775.
WILLIAM HENRY DRAYTON.
MR. TENNENT TO THE COUNCIL OF SAFETY.
[Original MIS.]
LONG CANES, September 1, 1775.
To the Council of Safety :
GENTLEMEN :-- This comes by Capt. George Reed's wagon from the Long Canes, where I am at present. I parted from Mr. Drayton on Monday morning; he steered his course to Augusta and thence designed for the camp at Amelia. I thought it necessary to visit the settlements on this side Saluda. Met a large congregation yesterday
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and found the people divided in their sentiments. Spoke at least two hours to them to good effect. The prevailing party here is for American measures, by the agency of some of our worthy members, but they need confirmation. I have, therefore, appointed three meetings at which I expect to see the greater number of the disaffected. Shall then cross over into Fletchall's Regiment, once more, to be at an election appointed at Ford's on Enoree, where we expect great opposition, if not violence, from Cunningham's party. Brown will bring them to blood if he can- but still hope it may be prevented. I consider myself as running great risks, but think it my duty. Our visit has given their party a great shock. divided their friends and strengthened the American interest much. Que of their chiefs confessed to me at Little River that he brought up the thanks of the Governor to Mr. Cunningham for what he has done and is doing. The Governor's intrigue here is as evident as the light of the sun. The evidences of their design by the Indians is no doubt clear to the Council from the paper sent down already. The inhabitants here are in great terror as far as they have heard of their danger, and that because they have no ammunition. The leaders have frequently dropped in company that they intend to form a camp. I am sure they will find a smaller number ready to befriend them than they imagine, but their dependence is upon the savages to join their army, and that the rest of the inhabitants will be forced to join them. to save their families from a massacre. I am taking proper measures in this District to prevent the horrible conspiracy. Three Volunteer companies are formed. One under Major Terry, who now seems animated in the cause ; another under Capt. Pickens; a third under Capt. James McCall. More of the like kind is going on as fast as may be. The great difficulty is the want of ammunition. They evidently have a design upon Fort Charlotte and our friends cannot collect to defend it unless they are supplied. I have, therefore, promised them a supply. If you, gentlemen, therefore, think it proper, it will be of the greatest utility to send up one hundred or one hundred and fifty pounds powder, and some lead, by the bearer, Sam'l. Reed, who will effectu- ally secrete it until delivered safe into the hands of the Volunteer Com- panies to be subject to the order of the Council, in case it is not used for the defence of the Colony. It will be effectually secured, and a small delay may be greatly dangerous. The same measure will be necessary on the other side Broad River. I could wish that Virginia might be alarmed and ready, and that a categorical answer might be demanded of the Cherokees, before the tiure of danger. The Creeks are in some danger from one Thompson, an emmissary. now among them. Ishall visit
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Fort Charlotte before I return and hope to let you hear more particularly on these subjects next week, and am
Gentlemen, with great respect, Your humble servt.,
WM. TENNENT.
P. S .- I shall back this letter to some unsuspected person that it may be less in danger of surprise from enemies.
MR. TENNENT'S ORDERS TO CAPT. JNO. CALDWELL.
[Original MS.]
LONG CANES, September, 1775. To Capt. John Caldwell, at present in Fort Charlotte.
SIR :- This is to direct you to employ six workmen to build plat- forms for fighting the cannon and small arms in the Fort you at present command, and as expeditiously as possible, to put it into the repair directed by orders from Major Mason, bearing date Angust 6th, 1775. now in your possession. You are to employ the men under your com- mand to assist the workinen in the labor. You are also ordered to mount two of the best four-pounders on high wheels, that they be fit for either field or fort service, as need may require-shafts and collars being provided for them that they may be easily drawn with horses. For these you are to provide two ammunition boxes. cartridges, fuses, and all that may be needful for a march, and so fitted as to fasten on the carriages. Take great care that no man enter the Fort on any pre- tence, that you do not know and iu whom you cannot place confidence. Be much upon your guard against surprise, especially in the night ; for this purpose, as often as convenient, order out advanced sentinels and patrols. You are to clear away the standing corn to some distance from the Fort, and insist that the corn which is left be bladed and topped, nor leave any cover that may hide an enemy. In case of an alarm, and when the approach of an enemy is no longer dubious, you are to fire three cannon towards the thickest settlements as a signal ; communica- ting timely notice of the same to the volunteer and other companies of militia that they may understand it, which companies are hereby ordered immediately to assemble and march under the command of their re- spective officers to your relief, or so to annoy the enemy as the service way require. And, whereas, there is a great scarcity of ammunition
THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION.
among the militia, and an attack from Indians is to be apprehended, you are directed to give out 150 lbs. weight of the powder, and lead in propor- tion, under your care to the captains of the volunteer and other militia companies in the upper part of this district, who have associated, taking a receipt from them, and directing them so to dispose it among their men, as that it may be returned upon demand when it shall be appre- hended that the danger is over. But when a supply of fresh powder shall be sent up by the Council of Safety, you are to exchange the fresh. powder pound for pound for the old powder that you have alreadygiven out to as many as offer the same for an exchange. You are also ordered to dismiss your horses for the present, and not hazard your men by a grass guard ; but the horses are not to be sent to such a distance as that they cannot be commanded within the space of a day and a half. .WM. TENNENT
EDWARD MORROW'S AFFIDAVIT CONCERNING POWDER FROM FORT CHARLOTTE.
[Original MS.]
SOUTH CAROLINA-NINETY-SLX DISTRICT.
By David Anderson one of his Majesty's Justices of the said Dis- triet, &c.
Personally appeared before me, Edward Morrow, and made oath, that on the third day of this instant, he, the said deponent, as he was on his way to Broad river, he fell in company with Philip Wells, who went along with him some distance, and coming to a cross road about three miles north of said Wells' house, they there met with about 33 men, who were all well armed with guns, but one. Said Wells after some time, went aside with Capt. Benj. Wofford and Capt. John Ford, and had some private discourse by themselves, what they talked of he did not know, but after they had done discoursing, Philip Wells came back to him and asked him if he would go along back with them. to take some powder from Capt. Ralph Smith and 4 others, that had went to Fort Charlotte, and was expected, by them, to be brought along the Indian line and to cross Enoree at the line or thereabout; the said de- ponent went in company with them to the Indian line. Coming there, there was six men ordered over the river to the other side; the mic !! left on this side asked Capts. Wofford and Ford what was to be done ii
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these men came along with the powder, orders was given by said Capts. Wofford and Ford to seize their horses by the bridles. and men ordered to go forward with their guns cocked to each man's breast, and order them to deliver up the powder, and if they offered to resist or raise their guns, to shoot them down. This deponent was chosen one that was to shoot ; that they staid there all night, and till about 12 o'clock next day ; then being ordered down the river in search of the men who had the powder. we came down the river about ten miles, but could make no discovery of the men and powder ; it was then concluded on, that they would go home and provide themselves with provision and other necessaries, and raise as many men as they could, and take the powder by force wherever they could get it. And likewise, while this deponent was in company with them, there was several schemes pro- posed among them to take Fort Charlotte. Soure was for surrounding it and starve them out ; others was for scaling the walls. It was also much talked of, among the Company, that Cameron had a body of Indians that was ready to fall on the country when Cameron got orders from the Governor. And, likewise, it was talked of among the G com- pany, that there was seven or eight men of war landed in Charlestown, with men who were to fall on the town, if they would not submit to the stamp act and all the other acts that was now disputed against, which they all seemed to be much pleased at this news. And further this de- ponent saith not.
EDWARD MORROW.
Sworn to and signed to before me the 9th day of September, A. D., 1775.
DAVID ANDERSON, J. P.
I do certify this to be a true copy, September the 11th, 1775. J. THOMAS, JUN., Clerk of Committee. Fair Forest.
MR. TENNENT TO THE COUNCIL OF SAFETY IN SAVANNAH.
[Original MS.]
ST. MATHEW'S PARISH, Sept. 10, 1775.
To the Council of Safety in Savannah :
GENTLEMEN :- Being on my return from the frontiers of South Car- - olina, where the Honorable Mr. Drayten and myself were sent by the Council of Safety of our Province, I think it my duty to acquaint you
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THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION.
A
that there exists in those parts a most dangerous conspiracy against the lives and liberties of these Colonies. Encouraged by Government and by the tories in your town and in Charlestown they have gone to great lengths. They do not hesitate to boast that they are furnished with ammunition and that even artillery are at their service any day. This I have by a trusty friend from Cunningham's mouth. I have great reason to think that they are mistaken when they boast of many thou- sands ready to come down at the Governor's signal -- but that they have some hundreds actually enlisted, if not under pay, I make not the least doubt. That they depend upon the Cherokee nation to join their camp when it forms, and have great hopes of the Creeks, they do not pretend to keep any longer a secret. I am in possession of an affidavit by which it appears that the malcontents on the frontiers expect to gather into forts, and suffer the savages to pass on and massacre the associated in- habitants. By these circumstances, you gentlemen, will see the neces- sity of an immediate effort to crush the sedition, and save an effusion of innocent blood to the danger of these Provinces, and especially of the aid which you have already given to that important measure. It will be prudent to have at least one thousand five hundred, if not two chou- sand men, at hand when it is done; and a number not far short of that is, I hope, by this time in motion in the unhappy district. The King's men were already assembling at a ford above Augusta, and had it not been for the present unexpected armament, before this time, there is reason to apprehend. that place would have been assaulted. The tour which Mr. Drayton and I have made through the back parts has greatly weakened but not discouraged them. Many of their best hands are taken off from them, but supported by the party in both provinces who plainly intend to make those parts an asylum-they obstinately perse- vere. Expresses are constantly passing to and from them to ('harles- town and Savannah, and I have reason to think, supplies of ammunition go up by single horses and in covered wagons from both places. Cun- ningham openly confesses that he has fifteen thousand pounds weight of good powder lately received. These things I thought it my duty to in- form you of without loss of so much time as it would take to let it pass through the regular channel of our Council of Safety. And am with much respect,
Gentlemen, your most humble servt.,
WM. TENNENT.
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MR. THOMAS, OF THE SPARTAN REGIMENT, TO MR. DRAYTON.
[Original MIS.]
SPARTAN REGIMENT, Sept. 11. 1775. To the Honorable W. H. Drayton, Esy. :
MAY IT PLEASE YOUR HONOR :- I this moment received your Honor's favor of the 10th instant, and very fortunately the command for this district was just assembled at my house in order to address the Council of Safety almost on the very purport of your Honor's letter, as we had all the reason in the world (and still have) to believe from good infor- mation, that the malignants are forming the most hellish schemes to frustrate the measures of the Continental Congress, and to. use all those who are willing to stand by those measures in the most cruel manner. Your Honor will be fully convinced of the truth of this by perusing the papers transmitted herewith, to which I refer your Honor.
I shall comply with your Honor's orders as far as is in my power ; your Honor must suppose it impossible to raise the whole Regiment, as several have families, and no man would be left about the house if they should be called away. I shall make as large a draft as possible from every company, and in short, do every thing to the utmost of my power, and when encamped shall transmit to your Honor, as quick as possible, an account of my proceedings.
JOHN THOMAS.
JOSEPH WOFFORD'S AFFIDAVIT CONCERNING AN ATTEMPT TO RE- TAKE FORT CHARLOTTE.
[Original MIS.]
SOUTH CAROLINA-NINETY-SIX DISTRICT.
By John Thomas, Jun., and David Anderson, tro of his Majesty's Justices, &c.
Personally appeared before us Joseph Wofford, who being duly sworn, saith on his oath that he saw a letter sent by Col. Thomas Fletchall, or at least signed with his name to Benjamin Wofford. the said deponent's brother desiring him, the said Wofford, to give Captain John Ford word, that as he, Col. Fletchall, was informed that Maj. Mockerson and
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