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 24
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undertake to clear it near one hundred miles farther up. Consulted with Mr. Drayton and found that on a discovery of the intention of Kirkland and the others to embody on Wednesday and go upon some enterprise, he had ordered the Regiment of horse to march, and the militia, in all to the amount of one thousand effective men. We agreed upon the necessary movements, and I consented to make the best of my way to Charles Town, to lay a state of the whole matter before the Council of Safety.
The two hundred men that are now here are the quota that Georgia sends under our commanding officer ; slept at Hammond's.
5th .-- My chaise and horses not yet come from Ninety-Six; begin to fear some accident; spent the day with Mr. Drayton, at Mr. Ham- mond's; crossed in the evening to Augusta, to the house of Mrs. Barnet, the relict of Col. Barnet, deceased; was genteely received and treated by Mr. Goodion; distance from Mr. Hammond's about four miles.
6th .- Wrote letters, and rode to Mr. John Walton's to dine, on the way the horse taking fright, ran away with Mr. George Walton and myself, but Providence so ordered, that the road being fine, after we had been carried with the greatest rapidity and danger near a mile and a half, the horse was stopped.
After dinner, as we were about to return to Augusta, another horse being in the chair, we had not proceeded forty steps before he took fright also, and ran off with great violence. The rein breaking, we could not direct him, and the wheel soon taking a log, were thrown out, and the chair was torn in pieces. Through God's goodness, I received only a small hurt on my hip, Mr. Walton was so bruised, that I thought it best to bleed him and put him to bed. I then accepted of a solo chair and went to Augusta; rode this day eighteen miles only. My chaise not yet come, makes me conclude that some miscar- riage has happened, and find it necessary to send an express to Ninety-Six.
This evening our little detachment of about two hundred men marched about eight miles to Fox's creek, having news that Major Wil- liamson was on his way to Ninety-Six, and Col. Thomson in full march with the rangers and militia to join them.
7th .- Wrote letters and dispatched a negro man with the horses for . Mr. Williams, on the north of Saluda, with orders for my chaise and horses. Went teo miles to New Savannah, where I had appointed a meeting of inhabitants, in hopes to draw an audience out of Augusta, from Mr. Galphin's settlement, and Beech Island; but the most of the
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men having marched with Mr. Drayton, and Mr. Galphin being from home, I had but few. To these few I thought it worth while to speak largely, as there were three non-associators among them. Dined and returned to Augusta ; in all twenty miles.
Was alarmed by intelligence that two of Mr. Drayton's men had been killed after a short march. Sent to inquire into the report, and could not find the certainty. Another report eame into town. that Kirkland, with a large party, was about twenty-five miles up the river at a ford, and intended to take advantage of the absence of the men to attack this place. Determining to make one in the defence of the town, went with speed to Wilson's Fort. They were greatly alarmed at our coming and received us with guns all prepared. After finding their mistake we were admitted, and had not been there ten minutes, before another rapping at the gate again alarmed the fortifica- tion. But in a minute was agreeably surprised to find it was Mr. Tay- lor from Saluda, who not being able to obtain any safe hand to bring my carriage, had travelled at least forty-eight miles to bring it to me, although he expected to be ambuscaded. He accordingly saw and con- versed with some men who seemed to be placed for that purpose, but they let him pass after calling him sundry times by my name. I find this young gentleman possessed of much cool bravery and manly sense. He had missed the army on his way by going the lower road. By a letter with him and by word of mouth I received the joyful news of General Gages' defeat, and of the recovery of Boston from the hands of the British pirates. The discourse he had with Cunningham confirms me in the belief of the extent of Lord William's conspiracy. After arranging matters, and agreeing upon a signal, returned to Mrs. Barnet's fort, and found they had loaded thirteen muskets for service, and were preparing to repel an attack. Thank God I slept safely and soundly. Every valuable house in Augusta is surrounded by a strong wooden fortification, formed of three inch plank, in deep grooves of upright posts, not less than ten or twelve feet high. These forts are differently constructed ; some have large strong pentagonal flankers at each corner, in which from twenty to forty men each may fight. The flankers have two stories, and on the upper floor are mounted a number of three-pounders. Others have demi-dankers projected from the middle of each side to answer the same purpose. These buildings serve, in times of peace, for chair-houses and other offices, but. in war, render the inhabitants secure in the midst of savages.
8th .- Contented myself with riding only nine miles on my way to Charleston, was accompanied by Mr. George Walton and Mr. Taylor.
.
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On our way met an express from Savannah, who brought letters to Mr. Walton from the Council of Safety, which I wish I never had seen.
9th .- Set out about 8 o'clock, after many civilities from Mr. John Walton, whose plantation is, I think, the finest I ever saw in the article of soil. Crossed Briar creek in a flat, where it is not more than thirty- five yards wide. This shows the want of public spirit in this Colony. Five men would build a bridge over this stream in a fortnight. The court house on this road is laughable. It is a building of about twenty-five by sixteen feet, a pen of logs covered with clapboards ; before it towers an oaken liberty pole with a tattered flag at its head.
After riding twenty-seven miles, put up at Lambert's tavern. This man had tried an experiment lately on three of his wagon horses; it succeeded so well that the buzzards are hard at business, Had it hap- pened one month sooner, or had he had the wit to know before hand, that three dead horses are capable of perfuming the air at more than an hundred yards distance, I should not have had the amusement I am like to have all this night, but every man is not an Apollo. I find it better to laugh, than to be always snarling at the weakness of mankind.
I must not forget that this day, finding myself sleepy on the road, I took the liberty to stop my horses in the King's high way, and to take a nap in the carriage. I hope his Majesty will not be persuaded to get an Act of Parliament passed to constitute this treason.
10th .- Having no opportunity for the worship of God in a country destitute of the least form of religion, and no time to warn a meeting, and, indeed, not being happy where I was, I concluded it best to spend the day on the road. Dined at one Nichols' tavern, where, to a very bad dinner, was added the oaths and execrations of as detestable a crew as horse thieves in general are. Was glad to get away, and pushed hard to get to a Mr. Hudson's, about forty-two miles; with difficulty reached it, as my horses begin to weaken much. Found his house on a high bluff of Savannah river, forted in by palisades. On one side you have a rough and agreeable view of the river, and the lands of South Carolina ; on the other you have a broken prospect of woods and fields. The building is tolerably good, and the people kind. Here wrote letters to the Council of Safety in Savannah, giving them the most interesting intelligence.
11th .- Set out early for the Ferry at the two sisters; reached Tritch- land's between nine and ten o'clock; he advised me that the waters were high but that I might pass; I since found that his intention was to convince me by finding it impossible, that even in so low a fresh Mr. Williamson's Ferry was not good. He succeded in the unkind experi-
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ment; for in addition to much difficulty, I had nearly drowned my best horse, and was glad to return to the house. He now kindly offered to set me over gratis. I accepted it and undertook, as there was no other hand. to steer the Flat up against the stream ; but in my life I never endured more burning heat of the sun; I stripped to my shirt and labored hard for four hours to gain but one mile. Got to the ferry house much spent, and after a little refreshment threw myself on a bed and slept ; awoke in a sweat much relieved by it. My friends would have smiled to see my repast and the figure I cut in eating it ; fried pork and milk was a dish to which necessity gave a high relish. It was in the night before I reached the widow Allison's. It is an easy matter to write novels, if a man travels and describes nothing more than the truth. The world is full of vanity, and you meet with such comical animals upon the face of it, that to paint well is sufficient to interest a reader. . At the tavern found a recruiting sergeant and some newly enlisted soldiers. But-hold-I have other business to do, than to write every thing I see and hear. I slept well, thank God, and got once more into my carriage on the morning.
12th .- But, to my unspeakable mortification, perceived that my two best horses were foundered, by getting into the corn field last night. Hobbled along with the greatest difficulty to Coosaw bridge. Was informed by Mr. DeSaussure, that there was to be a meeting of the officers of Beaufort Regiment at Vanbibber's tavern, where I might be furnished with horses. Concluded to stay and dine with them. In the mean time met with the unfortunate Dr. David Gould, whose narrative was truly affecting. Was very politely treated by Col. Bull and others ; horses were found me at the first word. After much conversation on interesting matters, rode to my plantation. This day's jaunt was only twenty miles.
13th .- Found matters in good order at the plantation ; but my horses so poor as not to permit my taking one of them with me. Gave the necessary orders in my own affairs, and rode in the evening to Dr. Budd's, eight miles."
Found there Mr. DeSaussure and Dr. Gould, by whom I was informed of the unmanly manner in which a certain Doctor had ordered the horse he had leut me out of my chaise.
Mr. Hamilton's coming, relieved me from my difficulty by promising me horses in the morning.
14th .- My horses were so entirely weakened that with difficulty they. dragged me to Arthur Middleton's plantation where fresh horses mies mne. With only one small disaster, reached Mr. James Skirving's to dine.
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He politely offered me horses to town, and with a pair of them got to Mr. Jo. Bee's in the evening ; rode about thirty miles.
15th .- Set out in the rain and rode this day through the greatest quantity of water I remember ever to have seen. Met with some small difficulties but had them all compensated by the joy of my dear family and friends on my safe arrival.
RESOLUTION OF THE COUNCIL OF SAFETY.
[Original MS.]
CHARLES Towy, December 12th, 1775.
In the Council of Safety.
The memorial of Messrs. Samuel and Benjamin Legare, of Charles Town, merchants, and affidavit therein referred to, being taken into. consideration,
Resolved, That it is the opinion of this Council, that Messrs. Samuel and Benjamin Legare, may justly seize, and take into their possession, and cause to be sold at public auction, after ten days' notice, any effects of Lord William Campbell, in Charles Town, and out of the said sale to reimburse themselves to the amount of one hundred and sixty half- Johannes's, set forth in their memorial to be unjustly detained ; and also a sufficient sum to defray the expenses attending the said sale, and incidental charges, returning the overplus, if any there shall be, to the said Lord William Campbell, or to his representative in Charles Town. And, that the said Samuel and Benjamin Legare should, previous to this sale, give the Lord William Campbell due notice of this resolution, to the end that his lordship may, by a restitution of their property, prevent the said sale if he shall think proper.
A true copy from the minutes.
PETER TIMOTHY, Secretary.
COL. RICHARDSON TO THE HON. HENRY LAURENS.
[Original MS.]
CAMP GREAT SURVEY, DUNCAN'S CREEK, Dec. 12, 1775.
SIR :- In the evening of yesterday, the honor of your commands from the Council of Safety, came to haud by the Express, which hax given me infinite satisfaction, the rather as they convey the lenitive
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measures, which I have been happy at the distance of two hundred miles to adopt. The eighth instant I wrote and made public a kind of declaration, of which I herewith inclose a copy, which I hope may in some measure meet with your approbation, upon which they have come in, many of them, and delivered up their arms, all of whom, where they have not been capital offenders, I dismiss with soft words and cheerful countenances, and admonish them to use their interest with their friends and neighbors, which seems to have a good effect. Our army which is now formidable strikes terror, and the opposite party have hitherto fled before us, keeping fifteen or twenty miles distant. We often are told they will give battle, but yet have not attempted it, and do hope we shall by the measures pursuing so weaken their party that most will abandon them, and they will not be able to make head with any great body, and the salutary measures. prove the best conquest . Should their behavior be otherwise we shall deal with them accordingly. We have several prisoners, amongst whom are Col. Fletchall, Capt. Richard Pearis, Capt. Shuburg, and several others of the first magnitude. By the capture of Col. Fletchall (who was hid in a cave, and taken by Col. Thomson and rangers, and the volunteer companies who were sent out on that and some other service) papers have fallen into my hands which the Council of Safety will be glad to see, but which I cannot venture to sand by this conveyance; but shall transmit by the officer of the guard, with the prisoners, which I intend to dispatch to-morrow. Our army is about three thousand of different corps, viz: my own regiment, Col. Thomson's, and volunteer light horse. Col. Thomas, Col. Neel, Col. Polk and Lieut. Col. Martin of the North Carolina regiment, upon the continental establishment, who voluntarily stepped out on this occasion, as did Col. Thos. Polk, and say if you have occasion for their services, they are ready to go to Charlestown when called upon. I conceive when we are all in conjunction we shall muster between four and five thousand men and hope we may be at liberty to afford you any aid you may have occasion for. It will take time to settle this disturbed part in peace, which is now quite disjointed. When I write you again, which shall be as often as distance and circum- stanees will admit, the omission of which for the time past craves your indulgence as I have been marching from place to place, &c., and wait -. ing the return of express, has occasioned that remissness. Draughts on Congress and new Council of Safety have been received for larger sums, which we have been obliged to draw, paying the lesser sums and hus- banding it in the best manner to keep our credit good. If a small sup- ply could come safe, it would be acceptable, but just now I don't think
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of a proper channel. The article power is well considered, and I shall know where to send if we want the additional numbers, I have made each portion small-but possibly may do. This minute, while I am writing. Capts. Plumer and Smith with thirty men surrender themselves and arms. All as yet goes on well, and hope, by Divine assistance, the Company may answer every good intention (if the inclemency of the sea- son does not impede us), as our troops are illy provided, but well fed. The more minute circumstances you will suffer me to omit.
And believe me to be the servant of my country, and the honor of being, sir, your obedient humble servant, RICH'D. RICHARDSON.
COL. RICHARDSON TO MR. LAURENS.
[Original MS.]
CAMP LIBERTY HILL, Dec. 16th, 1775.
SIR :- I herewith send you the persons of Col. Thos. Fletchall, Capt. Richard Pearis, Capt. Jacob Fry, Capt. George Shuburg, John Mc Wil- liams, Philip Wells, James Davis, Capt. McDavid, alias McDade, and Joseph Alexander. These being all adjudged by the officers and people here to be offenders of such a nature that from the active part they have taken, it would be dangerous for me (however innocent they may appear before you) to let either of them go; they are under guard of my son, who, from his camp dishabille, will appear before you. I have nothing particular since my last. These unhappy people are in a great panic, still flying before us, and it is told that young Pearis and others have gone to bring the Indians down, in person ; if it should be the case, it could not be in a better time, and if any such intentions, should be glad the whole would come while we are here. I shall use every measure in my power that appears to be salutary, but some things distress me much that I want advice upon, and for which I shall write you by express which may be down before this. Had I no fears for Charles Town, we could command every thing here. Though Cun- ningham, Robertson, and others, of the first class are fled, they may yet come in our way; should they, you will soon be acquainted with it.
I have the honor to be, sir,
Your most obedient, humble servant, .
RICH'D. RICHARDSON.
P. S. Excuse paper, it being now very scarce.
16
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COL. RICHARDSON TO ME. LAURENS.
[Original MS.]
CAMP RABORN'S CREEK, HOLLINGSWORTH'S MILL, Branch of Reedy River, Dec. 22d, 1775.
SIR :-- When I wrote last, by my son, with prisoners, I thought to let you hear from us before now, but constant marching, and multi- plicity of cares and business have prevented, and the more so, as I had not such things as I could wish to acquaint you with ; but now, as we have got to the very extremity of the roads north-westward, take the liberty to inform you, that on Saturday last, the 16th instant, we were joined by Col. Rutherford, of Rowan, and Col. Graham, of Tryon coun- ties, in North Carolina, with about five hundred men, who, unmasked, stepped forth, hearing of the commotions in this Province, to give their aid in the common cause. Col. Martin and Col. Polk I informed you of before, and on Wednesday, the 20th inst., I was joined by Maj. Andrew Williamson, Capt. Hammond, and a small party of Col. Bull's regiment, amounting in the whole to about eight hundred. so that our army is now formidable, between four and five thousand -- a number most de- sirable to view-though we have had no occasion for more than my own regiment to have done the business. Notwithstanding, the number has a good effect, strikes terror, and shows what can be done on occasion- and, upon the whole, it may prove a happy event-we have been suc- cessful in disarming most of this unhappy people; they are coming in with fear and trembling, giving up their arms, with a sensible contrition for the errors they have been guilty of. The spirit of discord being much abated, the most of the Captains have come in, and good part of the companies under them. I use every method in my power for the honor of the Colonies, and the salutary and peaceable establishment of tranquility in these distracted parts. There is still a camp which we cannot yet come up with, consisting of the principal aggressors, which were, by best information, camped on the Cherokee land. I detached yesterday about thirteen hundred horse and foot, about an equal number, under the command of Cols. Thomson, Martin, Rutherford, Neel, Polk, Lyles, Major Williamson, and others, commanding all volunteers, which, I flatter myself, will render us a good account, as I don't expect them in till to-morrow, or perhaps some days hence. We made use of wagon horses, and all we could muster on this service. They have had expec- tations of the Indians joining them, but by a letter from Mr. Wilkinson
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to Major Williamson, they will be disappointed in that, as he says all are peaceable there, and the Indians well satisfied, and say the Saluda people are devils, &c .; the letter is dated the 17th December, 1775, &c. We have at times got small parts of the ammunition they got, and delivered with their arms ; and yesterday two barrels, say fifty pounds, and have a slight information of some more. I shall, while I stay, do every thing I can for the good of my country, but the winter is advanced, the men, from their precipitate collecting and marching. illy provided, no tents, shoes wore out, and badly clothed, make it very difficult to keep them here. If they should break off abruptly, it might have a very bad effect ; and as all the different corps, from like circum- stances, are in the same situation, I shall, therefore, crave your permis- sion to discharge the North Carolinians, to make their way from hence through the upper parts by the Indian line to their own colony, which will seour that part, and Cols. Neel and Thomson through a middle. direction to their different quarters; Maj. Williamson's may be best concerted. Had I forces to garrison a fort, it might be proper to estab- lish one, but the militia will not be prevailed on, I doubt, to stay, but hope, upon the whole, the spirit of discord will so far subside, that they will hardly raise any more commotions, and the rather, as the plans I have said. If our present expedition should fail that is now detached, we shall yet have these principals, as money will often accomplish what force cannot. We have many prisoners, yet think we shall not trouble you with many of them, as they are not of the first elass, but make the best use of them we can after hearing harmony prevails amongst the officers of every different corps, and I could wish you had an opportunity of reviewing the whole. By the time I receive your answer in return, I conceive there will be very little left in the compass of my power. You may rely upon my best endeavors in the interim, and shall then hope for your permission to retire to my rest, and in their different districts to dismiss my own, and other regiments. After curbing this same spirit, which prevailed greatly on the north of Wateree river and Lynche's creek, and parts high up in that quarter, as we are fully informed since out, was it possible to keep the troops, I would quell of keep in awe, or win by fair means all parts of this Province; but must stop, when I think it well with us, least it should be worse. Arepresen- tation of this, you will please to make to the Council of Safety, and guess at what I don't say. -
I have the houor to be,
With esteem, sir, Your most obedient humble servant, RICH'D. RICHARDSON.
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P. S. This minute since, or while I was writing my name, a messen- ger from Col. Thomson and the detachments arrived with the agreeable account, that they had surprised and taken the camp of Cunningham, &c., and taken the greatest part prisoners, with all their ammunition, guns, wagons, and utensils. P. Cunningham had escaped, and some principals, but the most are taken, &c. I hasten the messenger express, to you, and desire you will send him back as quick as possible, with a state of affairs in Charles Town, and such orders as you may think proper.
I am, as before, Your most obedient, R. R.
EXTRACT FROM THE ORDERLY BOOK OF CHAS. LINING.
[Copy from the Original.]
ORDERS BY MAJOR PINCKNEY.
December 28th, 1775.
The Captains and Commanders of Companies and detachments are desired to put their men under stoppages in order to purchase their knapsacks; every detachment they are sent upon proves how much they are wanted. They are likewise desired to put their men under stoppages to procure them their full complement of neces- saries. The very ample pay the Colony allows was never intended to be dissipated in drunkenness and rioting, as it too often most shame- fully is, but was granted with a view to enable the men to procure such conveniences as were proper for their comfortable subsistence while in its service, and if they were frugal, to enable them to carry home some- thing handsome after the service was over.
The Quarter-Master is to examine all the chimneys in the houses where the officers and men are quartered, and see that they are properly swept. He will likewise take care that the wagoners bring in a suffi- cient quantity of firewood, both to quarters and camp. The burning of fence rails is absolutely forbid, and those who shall be guilty of this practice may depend on being punished. The Major hopes that the sen- tence of the Court Martial respecting Cheshire for killing a fowl belong- ing to one of the neighbors will be sufficient to deter all others from offending in like manner. The soldiers should look upon themselves as
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