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 23
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Given under my hand this eighth day of December, 1775.
A FRAGMENT OF A JOURNAL KEPT BY REV, WILLIAM TENNENT, WHO WAS SENT. IN CONJUNCTION WITH MR. DRAYTON, BY THE COMMITTEE OF SAFETY, TO THE UPPER COUNTRY OF SOUTH CAR- OLINA TO INDUCE THE TORIES THERE TO SIGN AN ASSOCIATION NOT TO BEAR ARMS AGAINST. BUT FOR THEIR COUNTRY.
[From Copy of Original MS.]
AUGUST 2, 1775 .- At 6, A. M., set out with Mr. Drayton in a chaise from Charleston, arrived at Mr. Henry Middleton's plantation, at Goose Creek, in Company with Rev. Mr. Ellington, and reached Mr. Thos. Broughton's miles.
N. B .- Mer about forty Catawba Indians at the Quarter House on their way to town.
3rd .- Set out at six, in the morning, dined at Martin's Tavern, and reached Capt. Flud's, thirty miles. The night spent no-ways agreeably, owing to the noise of a maniac, occasionally there.
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1th .- Finding that matters were not in the best posture in this parish, owing to the dissatisfaction of Mr. T-g, set out at half-past five o'clock, to breakfast with him. An opening for service seeming to pre- sent, we stayed to dine and had such conversation as will probably change his opinion ; arrived at Col. T ---- 's at half-past seren, in the evening ; yesterday we had to exchange a horse, which turns out to be a very good one, though poor in flesh, performs well. The Colonel not at home, but his absence softened by an agreeable family. I had a sick and sleepless night, owing to some green corn eaten at McG-s.
5th .- Set out a little after six, and by the help of Mrs. Thompson's good pair of horses passed over sixteen miles of the worst road I almost ever saw, owing to the steepness of the hills and gullies made by yester- day's shower of rain. Dined at Mr. Patrick's, a man of property among the Dutch, and afterward rode with him seven miles; arrived at Col. Chesnut's, pay-master, and there found Col. - , with sundry officers of the Regiment ; among others, was agreeably surprised at finding Dr. Charlton, from Philadelphia, a Lieutenant among them. We were soon introduced to Messrs. Dunn and Booth, two lawyers, sent from North Carolina, prisoners, for having been busy in stirring up the people there in opposition to the continent. They appear sensible and plausible men.
After making known our errand and powers to the commanding officer, we consulted with him and concluded to send the prisoners by a detachment to Charleston to the General Committee informing them of the time of the Congress in North Carolina; to disband the rangers for a few days to take off the fears of the people.
6th .- Preached in the camp at Col. - , in the evening; finding some disaffected among the soldiers, Mr. Drayton harangued them and was followed by myself ; until all scemed well satisfied, and we returned to Mr. Chesnut's, about two miles. About midnight were alarmed by an officer from the camp, who, informed us that they had mutinied and were determined to go off in the morning. We agreed to let matters rest until then. Ordered the companies to come to us.
7th .- Discovered that the mutiny arose from some words dropped by some officers concerning their pay and tents.
We dealt plainly with the corps of officers, and addressed the men at the head of the Regiment in such a manner as that they all went away happy. Slept badly this night.
Sth .- Spent the morning in preparing matters to get the people together in different parts of the District.
Crossed Congaree river and rode five miles to an election for the Con-
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gress, where they refused to proceed unless we should enlighten them. We found persons had come a great way to oppose the election. Harangued the meeting in turns until every man was convinced, and the greatest opposer signed the Association and begged pardon for the words he had spoken to the people. Returned and found that Major Mason was come.
N. B .- This morning about eleven o'clock, sent off Lieut. Dutarque with the prisoners to Charleston charged with our dispatches.
9th .- Left here about seven; met a Company of militia and harangued them; they signed the Association and generally promised to meet Mr. Drayton in the Fork. After the meeting, I gained over in private the most obstinate.
Mr. Kershaw now came to us. Major James Mason came through from Ninety-Six and gave many melancholy accounts. Having agreed upon our route, we separated and I rode four miles to Mr. Beard's on the banks of the Saluda. a romantic situation -- Col. Richardson accompanies me.
10th .- Crossed Saluda river early in the morning, and traversed the Fork, in that place about four miles wide, and at the ford, called Fur's Ford, on Broad River, met our guide. The ford is very shallow at pres- ent and presents a strange rocky prospect ; crossed at an old Dutchman's. who was said to have influence over many ; there met with some disor'- fected men, who became converts by proper arguments, and to confirm them in the opinion that the new bills were good. gave them gold for them. Reached Capt. Woodward's of the rangers after sundown, an hon- est man who informed that his Company had universally signed. Slept badly after riding thirty miles. Riding on horseback fatigues me much.
11th .- Preached this day according to appointment at Jackson's Creek Meeting House, where we met a pretty large congregation. After sermon harangued the people an hour on the state of the country, some of the most sensible were the most refractory I had met with, obstinately fixed against the proceedings of the Colony. After munch pains brought over the chiefs, and from the greatest confusion brought all Captain -'s Company cheerfully to subscribe the Association. After a fatiguing but successful day, rode five miles to Mr. Allison's. on our way to Rocky Creek; he seems an active and prudent member of Congress, as well as a sensible magistrate.
12th .- Detained by shoeing our horses until afternoon. We spent our time in writing and sending dispatches.
Finding that a part of Cool. Neal's Regiment laid contiguous to Mr. Time' Tavern on Sandy river, we determined upon a meeting next dry,
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and seur letters to Captains Martin and Richard Sadler, as also to Mr. Simpson all on Fishing Creek, to meet us at the above place and dis- patched an express to them fifty miles.
Rode this evening in the rain twelve miles to McDonald's, ou Rocky Creek.
13th .- Travelled five miles to Rocky Creek Meeting House, and inet some hundreds of the inhabitants. Preached from Mark 4 and 20; and after sermon making an apology for the necessity of treating on the sub- ject of my mission on the Lord's day, harangued at large; was. sup- ported by Col. Richardson. The heat almost melted me; but had the pleasure to see all the people eagerly sign the Association fully con- vinced of the necessity of it.
Rode ten miles in the evening through the rain to Captain ---- , if we can stand this we need fear nothing; but the inclemency of the skies was not to be compared to the fury of the little inhabitants of the bed. After a sleepless and wet night, I was shocked by the blood and slaughter of my calicved shirt and sheets in the morning.
14th .- The morning being rainy we spent the time in laying the foundation for a Company of volunteer rangers to serve on horse ; wrote a solemn agreement and a recommendation to the District in favor of it. Robt. Allison, Esq., undertook to enlist and swear a hundred men to be ready at a moment's warning, and to be at the command of the Council of Safety. Enlisted three more volunteer Companies at which the Ministerial heroes were much chagrined; but there was no recall. Spent the remains of the day and evening in rallying and desultory talk with a collection of the most staunch of Fletchall's friends. The pamphlet sent up by the Governor has done much damage here, it is at presout their Gospel. It seems as though nothing could be done here, as they have industriously taught the people that no man from Charles- ton can speak the truth, and that all the papers are full of lies. Some angry discourse between Brown and Drayton sent us to bed.
19th .- Capt. Polk now came ; we find that he has laid under some mistake as to his duty; he accompanied me and the Rev. Mr. Alexan- der to a meeting; found the people just parting ; called them together and harangued them an hour. One of Fletchall's Captains and many of his men seemed convinced, and cry out upon the lies that have been told them, and are ready to sign the Association. Rode to Mr. Alex- ander's, and in the way crossed Talbot's Ferry on Broad river, twenty miles above the Fish Dam Ford. Am now but twenty-three miles from Tims' Tavern, where I saw the four Companies. Have rode to-day about twenty-three miles.
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20th .- Wrote a lotter to Mrs. Tennent. and one upon an important subject to the Council of Safety, and set off at half after eight for King creek, to a muster of Capt. Robert Mc.Afee's company, after a hard and rough ride of twenty miles, in which crossed King creek at a beautiful rocky ford ; found about one hundred people assembled, among whom were some of the most obstinate opposers of the Congress. Spoke to the people at large ou the state of America. They seemed much af- fected towards the close, but afterwards aided by two gainsaying Baptist preachers, they all refused to sign the Association except ten. After their refusal which proceeded from the grossest ignorance and prejudice, spoke again to their heads, who, upon renewing the charge, seemed quite softened. and only asked a little time. They proposed to obtain some powder to defend themselves trom the Indians who are trouble- some : told them it was impossible ; knew they would not use it properly ; told them as soon as they would associate and let us know it, we would try to do something for them. This I hope will have its influence. Parted and crossed the end of King's Mountain about dark, and rode fifteen miles to Col. Polk on -, where we arrived at half after eight, having travelled in all thirty-eight miles. This has been a hard days' work.
21st. Went fire miles to Barsheba meeting house ; found assembled a large body of people indeed ; preached from Romans v. 5. After- . wards spoke largely upon the public affairs. The people seemed entirely satisfied and signed the Association almost universally. This I hope will bring over Col. - 's regiment, let his intentions be what they will. Travelled ten miles, being much fatigued, to Capt. Beer's on Bullock creek, lodged there, rested badly, though most kindly en- tertained.
22d .- Gave Mr. Beers a form of enlistment for volunteer rangers ; wrote to Col. Polk in Mecklenburg, and to Charleston. Set out and rode thirteen miles, (crossing Broad river at Smith's ford, to a meeting house of Mr. Alexander's on Thicketty, where found him preaching to a crowd of people assembled to meet me.
When he had done, I mounted the pulpit and spoke near two hours. There were present many of the most heated of Maj. Robinson's friends, his wife and others, two captains viz : Steen and Colman.
The people seemed convinced, and after writing an Association from memory, refreshed myself, and drank out of a cow bell. they signed the Association and retired, seeming contented. Capt. Steen invited me home: find he is entirely taken off from a most horrid scheme carry- ing on here.
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20:1 .-- In conversation with Capt. Steen, he seems fully convinced and ready to sign the Association ; after affectionate assurances. parted and rode three miles to Goudelock's where met with Messrs. Nuckels and Adderson : after some conversation rode to Capt. Colman's, found him halting with what he had heard yesterday; took pains and convinced him of the rain of the Boston charter, and left him in a fair way. Went to Capt. Plumer's for lodging; found him a strong friend of Col. -- , honest and open ; reasoned with him, and, before bed time, fully convinced him of the justice of our cause, and engaged him to the muster to-morrow, seventeen miles.
24th .- Went eighteen miles to the general muster, at Mr. Ford's, on Enoree. We found that the captains had dissuaded their people from coming, and met only about 270 men. The gang of leaders were there all double-armed with pistols. Mr. Drayton began to harangue them, and was answered in a most scurrilous manner by Kirkland, when Mr. D- interrupted him, and a terrible riot seemed on the point of happening. This seems to have been preconcerted, but the disgust against Kirkland appearing so universal, and people pressing on, the matter was quashed. I replied to Kirkland, and went at large into the argument : had a most solemn and impressive discourse for an hour and a quarter. Kirkland remained, but the people mostly retired and left only a small circle; he was left by Brown to a smaller still, who read the pamphlet and dilated upon it. In the mean time, those who remained began to sign the Association, and the greater number appeared convinced, even though they did not sign. Many seemed very spirited in the cause of America, but a dark design appears to sit upon the brow of the leaders of the party. The boldness with which « We spoke seems to have damped their spirits, and the people are of opinion that the opposition will weaken fast. Mr. Drayton and I having been long apart, now agreed upon our route and proceedings, and set out to-morrow towards Ninety-Six.
Parted from Mr. Drayton, who went to visit a fall of water, and, on his return, is to meet a large company at a horse race to-morrow, at Duncan's creek ; forded Enoree river, and rode twenty miles ; met with several hard showers, and directed Mr. John Downes, a magistrate; arrived in the evening at Mr. James Williams's, one of the committee, an honest and liberal man, who lives in the midst of Cunningham's Company ; was kindly received, and better entertained than I have been since I left the Congarees; met with Rev. James Creswell, minister at Ninety-Six and this place.
25th .- Met with the greater part of Robert Cunningham's Company,
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and two of his officers in a Large congregation at the meeting house, one mile and a half from Mr. Williams's, on Little river. Preached to a large and concerned audience. After a short intermission, spoke for two hours and a half upon the subject of my mission to the most fixed people that I have ever yet seen. This is the centre of the opposition in this Regiment. Therefore, finding I had caught the attention of the sober and judicious, I spared no pains to convince them, and at the close made a solemn proposal to them to send some men (whom they could trust ) to me at Charleston : promised them safe conduct, and that they should be fully satistied by all the original papers.
I conjured them by all that was sacred, that they would not give themselves up to be the dupus of ministerial artitice, or the instruments of opposition and slavery, and. by God's help, so touched their minds, that the greater part of them clustered around me afterwards and wanted to hear more ; many seemed much shocked ; some declared them- selves convinced ; others went away silent; a few were very angry. C-'s Lieutenant and Ensign seem worthy men, they came home with me, and appeared much moved by some papers which were read. In short, it would seem that the force of violence is broke here. Ap- pointed a sermon for MIr. Hart in this place next Tuesday, which I hope will fix the matter. Mr. Drayton joined us in the evening, with Major Terry.
26th .- This day contented ourselves with going to the Rev. James Creswell's, only seven miles. Spent the evening pleasantly with the good people : and young Mr. Taylor from Virginia, who seems so much engaged in the cause that he got the promise of a commission, if nothing prevents.
27th .- Went eight miles to Ninety-Six, put up at Win. Mores. In our way, crossed Saluda at Mr. Creswell's ferry, and Wilson's creek, at Pearson's mill. The fresh was so high, as that we were obliged to put the chaise into a flat and cross the mill pond. Had a considerable meeting ; preached from Neh. ii., 3.
Mr. Drayton harangued them, and was followed by me. The audi- ence appeared fully convinced, and as I learned, there remained not one who had not subscribed before, that did not subscribe now. Met with messengers from Long Cane, who came to solicit us to go thither ; agreed with them on meetings, in different parts of the district. Were alarmed in the night by a messenger to inform us. that the wife cf Major James Mason was drowned in crossing Wilson's creek, on her return from sermon.
28th. Major Williamson met us in the morning, and after propor
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agreements parred ; Mr. Drayton for Augusta, Mr. Tenuent to cross Saluda, in his way to a meeting at Capt. James Lindlay's, in the worse part of Flerehall's Regiment. I intended for Patrick Cunningham's, but was stopped by the rain ; lodged at Mr. Creswell's.
20th .- Attempted once more to go to Lindlay's, but only reached James Polard's, a worthy Virginian lately settled here; the waters are too high to pass, and are rising constantly.
With great reluctance I am compelled to disappoint a congregation. That a day might not be lost, concluded to go to Little river meeting house, where Mr. Hart had appointed a sermon. With some difficulty got thither, heard a good sermon, concluded with a touch of the times. And now think it providential that we came here, as some opposers had collected who would have brow-beat Mr. Hart; took the storm upon myself, and did some good.
Returned to James Williams' ; then wrote letters and lodged, having rode this day about eighteen miles.
60th .- Mr. Williams was so kind as to offer me his saddle-horse, that mine might stay and recruit with him. Left there early in the morning and halted at Rev. Mr. Creswell's; crossed Saluda and rode to dinner with Major Terry, having swam our horses at two creeks, with much danger at one of them of losing our horses. Conversed plainly with the Major, and have reason to think he is firm in the cause of America; he is now become Captain of a volunteer Company. He accompanied me, in the afternoon and evening on my way ; was benighted and obliged to put up at one Wilson's, having rode thirty-six miles, part in the rain ; slept upon a broken clay floor all wet, and the wind and damp blowing upon me; passed a bad night.
31st .- Went to a meeting appointed last week on the Long Cane Creek in Boonsborough at one of Mr. Harris' preaching sheds ; preached, and in the midst of sermon had the pleasure to see Mr. Hart arrive. After sermon, spoke as usual on the subject of my mission ; was seconded by Mr. Harris and Mr. Salvador, to good effect ; returned to Mr. Reed's. The congregation was solemn and affected. Mr. Calhoun and other gentlemen returned with me, and spent the evening on the subjects fit for the times. Passed twelve miles this day; slept at Mr. Reed's.
SEPTEMBER Ist .- Finding the necessity of ammunition in this place great, and several volunteer Companies formed, engaged Capt. Reed to send down ; wrote to the Council of Safety and gave the necessary orders. Met with a certain Mr. Ross who had been greatly disaffected; he con- fessed he was convinced yesterday, and the greater part of Capt. Smith's
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Company also, who, he believed, would join us; he proposed an associ- ation for them on oath, but somewhat different from ours; a thing I could not agree to. I find the people here agreeing fast and ready to obey commands. Set off with Mr. Harris for his house ; passed by Mr. Bowie's; crossed Little River. The land here appears extremely fine ; arrived at our quarters at sundown, sixteen miles ; found good Mrs. Harris down with the ague, as more or less of every family seem to be in this quarter. Could not help observing the difference between the health of this District and that between Broad and Catawba rivers.
2d .- Studied a sermon in the morning and went five miles to Bull Town meeting-house, which is abour fifteen miles from the Indian line. The assembly was the most crowded that I have seen. Preached extem- pore with more ease and freedom than common. The people though mostly opposers, appeared very affectionate. Finding them willing to hear, I gave them a discourse upon the American dispute of near three hours : I think I was more animated and demonstrative than usual. Its effect was very visible, the people holding a profound silence for more than a minute after T was done. A certain Justice Anderson, who formerly was a friend to American freedom, but receiving the magic touch from the other side the river, suddenly changed his note, and by every artful method has since disaffected his acquaintance. This man arose, and, in a smooth plausible way, objected to the Association. I answered him with as much clearness as I was able. The people seemed satisfied, and many of those who had signed Fletchall's Association now subscribed ours.
This day has, it is hoped, put an end to the strength of discord in this Regiment. Returned to Mr. Harris'; took there an affidavit, and receiving by express a message trom Mr. Drayton, resolved to disappoint the meeting to-morrow, and to lodge this night at Patrick Calhoun's, Esq., ten miles distant; accompanied him home-having this day rode eighteen or twenty miles. Wrote dispatches for my horses to meet me at Augusta, and had a restless night.
3d .-- Started early in the morning, and by half after eight was at Fort Charlotte, having missed our way, and rode not less than fifteen miles. The rains of last night have made the streams swell greatly. Crossed Little river in a most romantic place at Hutchinson's Mills. This country affords the greatest number of fine falls for mills of any I have ever seen. The soil is rich and the best foundation seems to be kid by nature for manufactures that ran be conceived. Here is stone somcient for all the purposes of building, and yet the ploughing of the land is not much impeded by them. Being very wet when I reached the Fort, bad
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a good fire kindled ; washed my feet with rum, and took every precau- tion to avoid a cold. Surveyed the fortification, magazine, stores, ord- nance and barracks, and find that this place though much out of repair, is still capable of a good defence. It is a large square with good bas- tions at each corner, so constructed as to be able to work sixteen cannon. The wall is of stone, about ten feet in height, with loop holes, to fight musketry. The platforms have not been made as yet, but are soon to be finished. The barracks are able to lodge two hundred men, and the officer's building, the armory and its offices are not despicable. It has a good well within it, and its gate is of strong plank. In short. I con- sider this post as very commanding, and of the last importance in the present cause. Gave orders, therefore, for completing its repair, mounting the guns, disposing of the ammunition, &c. &c. Sent for Capt. Whitfield, and consulted him about cutting away his corn. Ordered the horses to be sent out of the way of danger. Reviewed the soldiers and the militia; discoursed with them on the goodness of their cause ; after proper exortations, which they seemed to take very kindly ; prayed with them, and took my leave accompanied by Lieutenant Cawan to his house, eight miles on the same side of the river. Anxiety of mind on account of the madness of the opponents of liberty robbed me of sleep until break of day.
4th .- Arose with the early dawn, took a guide and crossed Savannah river, at Cawan's ferry ; the river swelling much by the rains ; was on the Georgia side before sun rise ; rode hard, and crossed a wood, to avoid a place where an ambuscade was suspected; passed Little river with great difficulty, my guide falling with his horse into the rapid current, lost his saddle, and was in some danger. Fording the rivers, and some showers, wet me exceedingly, which, with an empty stomach, made me feel badly before we reached the inn. It was near eleven o'clock before we broke our fast. Met with one of the King's men, as they are absurdly called, from whom I learned, that they expected a meeting on Wednesday of all their comrades on the banks of the Savan- nah, about twenty miles above Augusta, from which, and sundry circumstances, it appears that they mean some stroke. Arrived at Mr. Rug's at Augusta at half an hour sun, having rode forty-seven, miles some say fifty-five; left the horses there, and crossed the river to Capt. Hammond's; found his house forted in, and a large body of militia there, ready to move with Mr. Drayton. This is one of the most lofty and fine situations I have seen since I came to this Colony. The river lies beneath him, and a sounding fall before his door. Navigation is clear to this place, and with one thousand pounds sterling, I would
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