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 18
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Capt. Noddle or Noggin, with three or four others, were gone to Fort Charlotte, and for them to raise as many men as they could, to retake or take it away from the men that had the said powder.
JOS. WOFFORD.
Sworn to and signed before us the 11th day September, 1775. DAVID ANDERSON,
J. THOMAS, JUN.
MR. DRAYTON TO THE COUNCIL OF SAFETY.
[Original MIS [
HEAD QUARTERS AT NINETY-SIX, Sept. 11, 1775. To the Honorable the Council of Safety :
GENTLEMEN :-- I have been honored with your letters of the 21st of August and the first of September; and I beg leave to return you my most respectful thanks for the confidence you have placed in me by your letter of the thirty-first. I hope I shall prove myself worthy of it. and I make no doubt but that I shall fully answer your expectations in re- storing the country to a state of quietude by eradicating the opposition.
I am sorry to find, that I have not been sufficiently explicit respect- ing the commotions likely to follow upon the apprehending of Kirkland alone, or a certain number of people including him. But this must plead my apology-whenever I have the honor of addressing yon, I remember the proverb-" a word to the wise is enough." However. as it is my duty to reconcile what you looked upon as contradictions in my letter, allow me thus to do it ; and as I keep no copies of the letters I write to you, so I must quote from yours of the 31st: " We learn that even the men under Fletchall's command, are active, spirited and staunch in our interest and capable of being a severe check upon the same Fletchall's people." Fletchall's command under the Governor, extends over the people about Lawson's Fork, and the frontiers on that side; yet these people are dissatisfied with his measures and conduct ; and as I have formed them into Volunteer Companies, they are. from their being staunch in our interest, capable of being a severe check upon those of the same Fletchall's people who agree with him in opinion and are lower down in a very large district. And surely there cannot be anything surprising, now, or contradictory in this.
Again, " We are also informed that if only Kirkland is seized, with- out doubt a commotion will follow ; that if a dozen persons are allowed
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to be at large. we shall be involved in a civil war in spite of our teeth. If the seizing Kirkland will infallibly cause a commotion, what will fol- low the capture or attempt to seize eleven others, among whom are men of infinitely more popularity aud importance than Kirkland ?" My in- formation as above is just, and I thus beg leave to be more full upon the subject as an answer to your question. The seizing of Kirkland alone would draw on a commotion-because the other eleven consider him as of their party, that an attack upon him, is therefore, an attack upon them; and by being at liberty they would be enabled to raise a commotion either to revenge the attack, or to make reprisal, and pro- cure a proper person to exchange for Kirkland. Such was their de- clared purpose, therefore. upon the seizure of Kirkland alone. I was warranted to say, without doubt, a commotion would follow. But your question is, if the seizing of Kirkland will cause a commotion. what will follow the capture of eleven others of the party ? I apprehend you think the most ruinous consequences. I beg leave to own a contrary idea. If Kirkland was taken, a dangerous commotion would probably arise, because a number of leaders would be left to excite one. As Kirkland imust be taken, so if the others were taken also, a commotion could but follow ; which could not be continued any time, or be any thing anima- ted or formidable; and more probably could not even be excited or raised, because the heads of the party would be in our custody. So that to me it is clear, that to seize the head men would be a safer step. by running a less risk of a formidable commotion, or of any, than by seizing Kirkland alone. So that I hope by my being now more explicit, you will be of opinion that all my explanation is comprehended in " the various parts of my intelligence above recited." The affidavit No. 2; shew- the sense of the people respecting the capture of Kirkland to be, as I have represented it.
I shall now proceed to give an account of my conduct since my letter from Mr. Hammond's.
The letter number 1, was the first written information of Kirkland assembling armed men. That men were assembled in arms, and by Kirkland, appears by the affidavits No. 2 and No. 3. That the object of their attack was generally thought to be Augusta and Fort Charlotte appears by the above numbers 1, 2, and 3, and also the affidavit- Nos. 4, and 5. That Kirkland had armed men about him appears by the affi- davits Nos. 3 and 6 And that he had evil intentions in general, and of extending the opposition in particular. appears by all the above. affidavits and by that marked No. 7. All which I inclose in one parcel. As I had no doubt of Kirkland's intentions, I lost no time in op-
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posing them. In addition to the measure of which I informed you in my last letter, I issued the inclosed declaration and published it as generally as I could. It had the desired effect. And this with the assembling of the militia so territied Kirkland's followers, that now he is in a manner alone, and having tried every effort to procure assistance on the south side of Saluda in vain, he is now invisible-is never two hours in a place, and never sleeps in a house. He has sent to me to make terms. He offers to quit the province, or to become a prisoner on conditions reserving his life. I have informed him I cannot graut any such. That as he has violated the laws he must stand his trial by those laws. That if he surrendered to the course of law, such a conduct would entitle him to mercy, and that he would be treated as gently as was consistent with the public safety. But that I neither could or would make any terms with him but on unconditioned surrender to a due course of law. He means to flee the country as he is clear he can- not find any protection against our proceedings. Enclosed is a letter of his, No. 8. which I intercepted, and clearly shows his idea of danger. But I mean, if possible, to seize him. The assembling the militia was tedious. I marched from Mr. Hammond's last Wednesday arter sun set, and arrived here on Friday evening with about one hundred and twenty men and four pieces of cannon. The whole country, that is the King's men as they are called, were terrified by the march and the can- non. We picked up a few prisoners, heads in that part of the coun- try; and this has so completed their fears, that people of that party now daily come in from those quarters to make their peace. As the Geor- gians raised men to oppose Kirkland, they are come on with me. Their number is eighty-four men and officers. I have also one hundred and forty-one Carolinians-total 225 men and officers. Immediately upon my arrival here I sent a party to surprise Cunningham. He was absent from home since the day before; but our men took his letters, the most material of which I enclose to you. In particular I refer you to rwo letters from Fleteball.
Yesterday I received notice that a party of men were forming about twenty miles off, and over Saluda., I immediately detached one huu- dred horsemen to observe their motions and to cause them to disperse. In their march they received what appeared to be well authenticated information, that Fletchall and all his party were joined with the above party and were to attack us about 2 in the morning. I received this information about 4 in the afternoon, just as I was going to dinner. I immediately consulted with Major Mason, Major Williamson, and Capt. Hammond. We had a choice of three steps; to retreat towards Col.
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Thomson then at the Ridge-to defend Ninety-Six-or to march and ambuscade the enemy. If the first put a small force out of reach of a greatly superior one, the retreat would dishearten our men, the enemy would be encouraged, and we should be, though safe, yet in some degree disgraced. The second was difficult-the court house was not musket proof-and the prison could not contain a third of our men. We chose the last. for these reasons : The enemy coming to surprise us. would never expect to be surprised by us. A surprise upon them, under no subordination and in the night, would be fatal to them, and it is a maxim, that it is better to attack than to receive one. I fortified the prison by mounting a gun in each room below, in each of which I placed a small guard; I lodged the powder in the dun- geon. Nothing but setting the prison on fire could force it. In the mean time the body of horse had halted, and I sent Major May- son to post them in ambuscade at a ford on Saluda, about six miles off. After dark, I marched 100 infantry about a mile and a half from Ninety-Six, and posted them to the best advantage in ambush on this side. If the enemy should defeat our forces at the river, they could not do it without a considerable loss. This must damp their ardor. and upon their falling into another ambush the same night and sustaining at least as heavy a loss as before, they must fly on all sides, be their numbers ever so great. and especially such soldiers as they are. Having posted these men about 10 o'clock, I then, with Major Williamson, mounted and proceeded to the river. I took the liberty, in as polite a manuer as I could, to alter the Major's (Mayson) disposition, with the perfect approbation of Major Williamson. We now in good order awaited the approach of the enemy, for I thought it my duty to continue here to head the attack, which I saw clearly must defeat the enemy totally. In this expectation we continued till past two in the morning, when I received certain accounts, that the alarm was false. However, to have every thing safe, and as the horses were in a good pasture. I continued the men on the post, and about half past three, I arrived at Ninety-Six with the infantry ; and then I sat down to dinner. I have the pleasure to assure you the men behaved with the most perfect obe- dience, and demonstrated the firmest resolution.
I flatter myself, gentleman, that your confidence in my prudence is not misplaced. I readily advise with those about me, who, I think, are prudent men, and then I form my own judgment, and you may de- pend npon it,- that I shall continue in this conduct. I have been thus particular in my account of the steps taken, on the occasion of the above alarm, not out of any ostentation, but, because as this is a new
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business in my hands, you may fully judge whether I have conducted it with propriety, and discharge your trust from the public by commit- ting it to other hands, if you should, by a view of my conduct, deem mine inadequate to this task.
Fletchall, Brown and Cunningham have been, since the first alarm that I wrote sou of, and still are endeavoring to assemble men, as they yet have no force embodied ; it is plain their influence is declining, and that their people are terrified. And this last, I assure you, is a fact. They never dreamed we would take the field ; they thought their boast of 4,000 would ensure their security against us. And I have well- grounded information, that the assembling they are now endeavoring to make, is with a view to make terms of accommodation, so as they may be quiet (that is for the present, while the Governor cannot assist them, as he tells them) and trade to Charles Town, rather than with any design of fighting. I think Cunningham had only an hundred men at the meeting which gave occasion for our late alarm; and even these, I have received certain intelligence, have no determination. In three days I shall begin to march into the heart of Fletchall's quarters with about 800 meu and 6 pieces of canon. I can now, in all human probability. promise to you, that this cruel opposition will be crushed without blood spilt in battle ; and if I shall be unhappily mistaken on this point-the opposition, to all human appearance, will be rooted out without risk on our side.
I enclose an affidavit respecting the conduct of the Governor ; the demand of the oath from the officers, is not warranted by the law. The demand casts an imputation on the officers. The demand is an insult to the subject. It is calculated to have a pernicious effect; for the country people do not understand the nature of such oaths, and a militia commission is valuable among them.
I beg to have some copies of the Association sent up, and some paper. I also beg you will excuse the inaccuracy of my letter, for I see, hear and answer so many people, being constantly interrupted ; and the unusual fatigue of yesterday and the night, not being yet gone off, that I wonder the letter is so connected as it is.
I have the houor to be, gentlemen, Your most obedient servant, WM. HY. DRAYTON.
P. S. I expect Col. Thomson will arrive here to-morrow morning. Please to pay the Express £25.
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ANDREW MCLEAN'S LETTER TO WILLIAM HENRY DRAYTON.
[Original MS.]
September 12th, 1775.
SIR :-- Yesterday afternoon I arrived here from Fort Prince George. I left Mr. Cooper on his way down, and I expect him either this day or to-morrow here; I was obliged to come ahead, as I had fixed a day to meet some people, of whom I was to buy some land up the river.
On the return of a man which Mr. Cooper sent to Pee Dee, he im- mediately came to . the resolution of going the length of Fort Prince George, as this happened at my own table, and as I was acquainted with the road, people, &c., I could do no less than to offer of accompanying him three days. Afterwards (I am sure of no less). I heard a letter for me was stopped at Fort Charlotte, containing some Indian intelligence from Mr. Cameron, the Deputy Superintendent. As I was sure there could be nothing in it that could affect me, I thought nothing further about it ; but as I was going up the country, at any rate. I would give Capt. Caldwell a call, which I did, and found the contents to be much the same as I had before guessed. I thought nothing further of the inatter, and the day we spent at Fort Prince George, I mentioned it to Mr. Cameron in presence of Mr. Cooper; he expressed his concern at his writing it in such a hurry, that he was sure it must be very incor- rect ; he and Mr. Cooper had several long conversations which the latter was to relate to you. Believe me, sir, you hear and have heard what is not true relative to him, though he has not the pleasure of your acquaintance ; yet, if he knew at any time you was within fifty miles to where he resides, he would wait on you. Let me assure you, sir. so diabolical, so very infernal a thought never once entered his head. and if any person should be devilish enough to give him such orders, I will pledge my life, and my possession, he will not comply with them ; and from what passed betwixt him and Mr. Cooper, I am sure he will also say full as much for him. He would accompany us down, had he not some days previous to our arrival in the Indian country, promised to visit the Over Hills, at the request of the leading chiefs. We had the perusal of their talk, to his answer. In short, sir, any doubt with respect of him can, by Mr. Cooper, be removed ; he also told us that he opened himself to his friend. Mr. Williamson, on this head, and never to any other, us two excepted. There are some Indians with you now, pardon me, sir, for just mentioning, that the person who may be the linguist, should be a person of veracity.
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This very day there has been upwards of a dozen people here respect- ing the latter, already mentioned by me ; their minds, I find are much disturbed. I never once thought of asking Mr. Cameron for a copy of it, taking it for granted, I should hear no more respecting it, as this is the case. And ax I want to see you before your departure from the frontiers, I came to the resolution of paying my respects to you, at Ninety-Six, next Friday, I know Mr. Cooper will go, as he has business to communicate to you. And Mr. Walton, who called in just now, tells me he will also go the length of Ninety-Six.
The people on the frontier of your province were much alarmed as I came through Long Canes last Sunday ; they heard that Messrs. Brown, Cunningham. &c., were bringing down Indians on them. I eased their minds. by assuring them that neither the one or the other were true. [ have given you much trouble, sir, but as it concerns the public wel- fare. I flatter myself of its being well received. Excuse hurry, and believe me to be. with profound respect, sir,
Your most obedient,
And most humble servant,
AND. McLEAN.
LETTER TO MR. DRAYTON.
[Original MS.]
September 12th, 1775.
HONORED SIR :- The Association paper was delivered the 7th in- stant, at James Ford's, as you desired. There was but a small gathering -- the chief of the whole were liberty boys. They put fourteen mem- bers up, but did not close the poll, while the 26th of the month which is appointed, will be at Hammond's Old Store on Bush river, &c. There is a dedamus come up from the Governor, authorizing Col. Fletchall, Lieut. Col. Kirkland, Capt. Cunningham, Champ Terry and John Ford, to administer the oath of allegiance to all the officers, both civil and military, on which they are advertised to meet the 19th of this month at James Ford's ; and it is said there will be a general muster the 28th of the month, as that and the election ought not to be held on the same day. Since you were here. in our quarters, the people seem to be very favorable to Liberty, and a great many have signed the Association paper. As to the taking of Majors Robinson and Hendricks: how that is, you are as well acquainted with, by this time, as I am. Lord Moses is in
12
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his keeping, and, it is said, intends to get aboard a man-of-war. The people say he must return to his first faith, they will not have him. I believe there is a letter exhibited to the Governor of his character and behavior. Since the killing of the man's cow, to this day, it ruffles the people very much. They say he is spurious, and cannot be proved to the contrary.
It has very much disgusted the people that such a man should be appointed to act in any office at all. Notwithstanding, there are some who rely on his knowledge, that he will be planning something ; so while he is skulking that will be to advantage.
Colonel Fletchall is very much displeased with Mr. Terry; lays all the fault to him of taking the powder and ammunition from Ninety- Six. He spoke very disrespectfully of him in public. He said Mr. Terry came to his muster and joined with them. and informed where the powder was, and insisted on their taking it; and said if they would not, he would go with a small party and take it himself. They are almost ready to shake the two in a box. Treachery is much despised in these times; but what can poor men do when a panic seizes. and all strength fails; it is good to have lenity with consideration.
Since you were up there. five Liberty boys have been sent off to Fort Charlotte for powder. Their orders were, that when they got the ammu- nition, to return to Capt. Wofford's, and then keep the Indian line for safety. The thing was known, and a party of the other side. about 40 men, took the line to meet them, resolved to take the powder from them. About 100 Liberty boys set out immediately, resolving they should not. However, the two companies did not meet in the woods ; and, fortunately, the five men, instead of following their directions, returned through the settlements with the powder, and were not obstructed. If they had met, it is thought there would have been bloodshed.
So I conclude, as I have nothing more material to relate.
I am your obedient servant,
To serve some particular reason at present, I subscribe myself BLANK.
N. B. You cannot fail to know who this paper comes from; if you should have any reason to write to me, it shall be answered with the truth and nothing else. Yours, &c., &c.
---
. .
.
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SOUTH CAROLINA-NINETY-SIX DISTRICT.
[Original MES.]
September 12th, 1,75.
To- Wit :
We, the underwritten subscribers, being deeply affected at this time, on account of the present innovations that of late have taken place, and still seem to be continued between Great Britain and the American Colonies ; and also being well convinced that great precaution ought to be used by every person, in supporting and maintaining our rights and privileges which we are entitled to, as being free born according to known laws of nature and nations ; and further, being so situated, that an extended traet of land, within the limits of this Province, lies much exposed to the executions of an Indian enemy, should the present seeming ill-disposed minds of those savages be disturbed by any ill- disposed person, who wisheth ill to the common peace and tranquility of the British Empire, and being fully minded to do every thing in our power consistent with the obligations that we lay under to our country in general, to ourselves as free men, and to our posterity, we, and each of us, for ourselves, do unanimously agree. and into strict compact enter, as one man, with heart and hand to defend this country, as far as in us lie, and that the same may be effected in the most salutary way of the least cost to this Province, or America in general : We do hereby engage to furnish ourselves with good arms and accoutrements, and also to hold ourselves in readiness as a troop of horse, to march at 24 hours' notice, under the command of our proper officers, commissioned by the Honorable the Council of Safety, and that the world may be fully satisfied of our loyal intention, we propose to defend our country in her liberties from any invasion whatsoever, and all, as ready free volunteers, unless when we may be called upon duty, and then we expect according to the pay of the other troops commissioned and paid by the Government.
And we also further agree, that as soon as thirty men or more, well equipped, have entered and subscribed their names bereunto, then we hold it most proper to choose our officers by a majority of the votes of the volunteers so entered. To which we engage to perform truly.
Given under our hands this 12th day of September, 1775.
DAVID HUNTER,
JOHN NORWOOD,
JOHN CALHOUN,
MICHAEL BLAINI,
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EDWARD THOMAS.
JAMES HENDERSON,
DEMPSEY JOINER,
ALLEN NAGGIT.
SAMUEL HOPKINS,
SAMUEL BLACK,
JAS LIDDELL,
BENJAMIN HAYS.
JAMES MORROW.
JAMES BIRMINGHAM,
MOSES LIDDELL.
JAMES MEORY,
WILLLUMI BLACK,
JARED LIDDELL,
SAMCEL MILLER,
JAMES WEEMS.
WILLIAM MILLER, SEN'R.,
DAVID MILLER,
WILLIAM MILLER, JUN'R.,
ROB'T. BOND,
THOMAS WILSON,
THOMAS TURNER,
· JOHN WELCH,
WILLIAM BOYS.
HARRIS TYNER.
JAS. HARRALL.
JAMES STEVENSON.
JNO. STEVENSON,
AND'W. MILLER.
HUGH STEVENSON.
JOHN MILLER.
ALEX'R. STEVENSON.
ROBERT MILLER,
STEPHEN STEVENS,
WM. ROWIEL,
WILLIAM ROSS,
JOS. ROWIEL.
CALEB JYNER,
WM. WALLACE.
JOHN JOHNSON,
JNO. ADAIR.
THOMAS LESEY.
THOS. BATEY.
LEWIS FALOW,
JAS. JONES,
GIDEON HOLMES,
JNO. McKADAM,
JOHN MCAVOY.
JAS. ANDERSON,
ARTHUR HENDERSON,
WM. WALLACE.
DECLARATION.
SOUTH CAROLINA-NINETY-SIX DISTRICT.
[Printed Circular.]
CAMP, NEAR NINETY-SIX, September 13th, 1775. By the Honorable William Henry Drayton, Exg .; A Declaration
Whereas, the liberties of America being treacherously and cruelly violated, by an abandoned administration in Great Britain, surrounding the throne, and deceiving Majesty, for their own corrupt purposes, thirteen American Colonies, including New Hampshire to the North,
HERMON KALB,
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and Georgia to the South, virtuously. gloriously, thanks to the Lord of Hosts ! successfully are confederated, at the hazard of their lives and fortunes, to wrest from the hands of traitors those invaluables which they had ravished from them, and which the Americans have endea- vored to recover by every peaceable mode of application.
And. whereas, the tools of administration have encouraged certain inhabitants of this Colony to attempt, by every practicable measure, to oppose and to counteract the virtuous efforts of America, these ju- habitants, men of low degree among us. though of eminence in this new country : men totally illiterate, though of common natural parts ; men endeavoring, at this calamitous time, to rise in the world by mis- leading their honest neighbors : men who are, by his Excellency the Governor, promised to be amply rewarded for such an infamous cou- duet. These men, knowingly deceiving their neighbors, and wickedly selling their country, have practised every art, fraud, and misrepresen- tation. to raise in this Province an opposition to the voice of America. To oppose this hellish plan, the Honorable the Council of Safety for this Colony, commissioned the Reverend William Tennent, and myself, to make a progress through the disturbed parts of this Colony. " to explain to the people at large the nature of the unhappy disputes between Great Britain and the American Colonies." Thousands heard and be- lieved us: they owned their full conviction ; they expressed their concern, that they had been misled ; and they muost sincerely acceded to the Association formed by the authority of our late Congress. Such a proceeding did not accord with the designs of these men. betravers of their country, or the wishes of his Excellency the Governor, who. by letters, instigated them to strengthen their party. To prevent a farther detection, the leaders of the party resolved, by the din of arms, to drown the voice of reason. For such an internal purpose, by the iusti- gation of Moses Kirkland, on or about the 29th of August last, men did actually assemble in arms, and with hostile intentions, My immediately assembling, and marching with a part of the militia, caused these men to disperse; but now other leaders, of the same malignant party, correspondents of his Excellency the Governor, have assembled men in arms, on the north side of Saluda river, who are now actually encamped at a charge and expense which his Excellency the Governor has promised to repay ; and these men threaten to attack the troops under my orders. Wherefore, to prevent the effusion of civil bloodshed, I think it my duty to issue this declaration. in order that I may leave no moderate step untried to recover a few of our unhappy countrymen from these delusions, by which they have been drawn ou to
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