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 25
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THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION.
the guardians of the property of the inhabitants of this Colony, and should deem it an infamous breach of the trust reposed in them to de- stroy, or take away what they are bound to protect. The disgraceful punishment to be this day inflicted on Elmey for meanly skulking from his duty when ordered on this detachment, will convince the soldiers that the officers are determined to set a mark ou every scoundrel who shall discover any backwardness in going upon any expedition on which he may be ordered. In this glorious contest, in which we are engaged for every thing that is dear to man, it is astonishing that there could be found a wretch so dastardly as to abscond when his fellow-soldiers were going upon a detachment which possibly might have been dangerous. Notwithstanding this shameful conduct of Elmey's, it is with the greatest satisfaction that the Major takes this opportunity to declare that he is highly pleased with the diligence and behavior of the men in general, since they have been on this, detachment, and he begs leave to assure them that the continuance of such conduct will highly endear them to the Council of Safety and people of this Colony, and procure them the most glorious of all characters-that of being esteemed good soldiers. Captains Scott and Saunders are to go to town early to-morrow morning to attend the General Court Martial as members ; Captain Pinckney is to attend it as Judge Advocate, and the Quarter-Master as an evidence.
Capt. Cattell, Captain of the day; Lieut. Vanderhorst, officer of the quarter guard to-morrow.
December 29th.
Any soldier who shall bring any rum into camp shall be punished ; so shall that soldier be who shall purchase rum either in or out of camp, while on this detachment. Every soldier who shall absent him- self from his hut or quarters after retreat beating in the evening, shall also be punished.
Notwithstanding the repeated injunctions against the purchasing of rum and spirituous liquors which have been given, three soldiers had the effrontery last night to go to the Still House, and there procure a considerable quantity of that liquor, but being detected, they had the dishonesty to steal Mr. Scott's canoe and take it away. The Major has, however, taken such measures that it will be impossible for them to escape. When a soldier once shows so great a contempt of discipline as to break through the orders that are issued, he is easily led on to com- mit the greatest offences. Theft has been the consequence of the insa- tiable desire of those three soldiers after that pernicious forbidden liquor, and when such an ill use is made of the indulgence of the Colony in
-
216
DOCUMENTARY HISTORY OF
allowing rum to those who have been upon fatigue, there is little encouragement to continue it. But the Major will not punish the innocent on account of the guilty ; at the same time he positively de- clares that no soldier shall infringe the orders relating to rum, need ex- pect any favor or hope for any pardon from him.
Lieut. Mouett, officer of the quarter guard to-day, vice, Lieut. Van- derhorst, sick.
MR. HABERSHAM TO MR. DRAYTON.
(Original MS.]
NEW YEARS DAY, 1776.
To the Honorable William Henry Drayton :
DEAR SIR :- Mr. Will delivered me your letter and I have told him he may call on me for either money or any assistance in my power to give him on the present occasion. He tells me he has met with some success already. Spencer, a Lieutenant in the Artillery, has recruited a number of men, among whom are several sailors, I dare say fifteen or sixteen. I suppose other men in their room would answer his purpose. I just give you the hint.
I am, sir, wishing you many and happy returns of the day,
Your most obedient servant, JOSEPH HABERSHAM.
COL. RICHARDSON TO HON. H. LAURENS.
[Original MS.]
CONGAREES, Jan. 2, 1776.
SIR :- In my last I informed you of the detachments I had sent out, and in a postscript, of my intelligence of success. Our people sur- rounded their camp by daylight in the morning after a long march of near twenty-five miles, and lying on their arms till day, they then attacked and took about one hundred and thirty prisoners, with baggage, arms, ammunition, &c., which completed the conquest of that flying party which had till then kept out of reach. They were encamped at a con- venient place called the Brake of Canes on the Cherokee land ; Patrick
247
THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION.
Cunningham escaped on a horse bare backed (and they say without breeches) telling every man to shift for himself. None of our men were killed or wounded, except the son of Col. T. Polk, a fine youth, was shot through the shoulder, and was in great danger. Some five or six of the other party. I am told, were killed ; happily the men were restrained or every man had died. The next day they returned to camp, the snow set in. and continued for thirty hours without intermission, which, with the hardship and fatigue the men had suffered before made them very uneasy, and seeing no more could be done they grew so uneasy it was out of my power to keep the troops together any longer. I, therefore, on Christmas-day dismissed the North Carolina troops, viz : Col. Ruther- ford, Col. Graham, Col. Martin and Col. Polk to all of whom. in behalf of my country, I returned my cordial and hearty thanks. &c .; the same day, Colonels Neel and Thomas, and Major Williamson with proper orders to pursue such measures in their different marches, as I was con- vinced would be necessary for the public service. I then as I found the service pretty well done and no possibility of detaining the men longer, the snow then lying on the earth in the smoothest places at least fifteen inches deep (most say two feet) I marched in the best manner we could downward. Eight days we never set foot on the earth or had a place to lie down, till we had spaded or grabbled away the snow, from which circumstance, many are frost bitten, some very badly ; and on the third day a heavy cold rain fell, together with sleet; and melted the snow and filled every creek and river with a deluge of water; but with all these difficulties we reached this place yesterday with the prisoners, whom we have used in the best manner we could-about ten Captains and a hundred and twenty of the most mischievous men (some of whom will make good soldiers) ; all the powder; Ninety-six and New Camp men. We retook seven kegs of gun-powder, six of which I delivered to Maj. Williamson to be sent to Mr. Wilkinson for the Cherokees; many arms have been delivered up, and I caused the men to sign an instru- ment of writing, which they did willingly with fear and trembling, by which they forfeit their estates, real and personal, if they ever take up arms against, or disquiet the peace and tranquility of the good peo- ple of this colony again, and to assist them if they are ever called upon. The arms taken by Maj. Williamson and those from that quarter I ordered to be stored at Fort Charlotte, which he (the Major) is to see done. Those taken by the upper regiments are to be sent down, and many lodged in the hands of the Committees to be sent to Mr. Chesnut's Store at the Congarees, and about two hundred stand I have ordered to Camden, &c. I have drawn orders in amount, three thousand six hun-
248
DOCUMENTARY HISTORY OF
dred dollars. (20, 6, 11,) a list of which I transmit inclosed, which I beg you will please to honor. The prisoners I send in a boat from this place to Wilson's Ferry, under the command and guard of Capt. Thomas Sumter, who on this expedition I constituted Adjutant-General, who has behaved very well and has been to me and the cause, of extra service ; from thence Col. Thomson with the Rangers and others under him will guard them to Charleston, who, with Major Mayson and officers under them have been obliging in behavior and alert in service, and must recommend them to your particular notice ; and I must say through the whole I have been extremely happy in the mutual harmony which has subsisted. Maj. Joseph Kershaw, whom I constituted Major of the Brigades, has been more than commonly serviceable, as he has been Major, Commissary-General, Treasurer, and every thing to help the service ; and thus, sir, I have been obliged to end this campaign before I received orders, as the last Express (Newton) is not yet returned, and am happy when I say and think it has answered every desire, wish or expectation. The people are now more convinced than ever of their * being wrong. The lenitive measures have had a good effect ; the spirit and power is gone from them and I am sure (if not interrupted by designing men on our side) that country, which I had it in my power to lay waste (and which the people expected), will be happy, and peace and tranquility take place of ruin and discord-a wished for event. On the reverse, had I burnt, plundered and destroyed and laid waste, seizing on private property, then thousands of women and children must have been left to perish-a thought shocking to humanity. I am informed Maj. Williamson has sent an immediate detail of occurrences from Raborn's Creek of the 23rd or 24th ult. to the Council of Safety which I must ask pardon for not doing sooner, as I then was and till within two hours have been too much incumbered to do. I think if that gen- tleman wrote to the Council of Safety while under my wing, which was only just at that juncture (two days) he might have let me know it, but hope he has not omitted his own merit, which I should always take care to give him. I shall refer you to Col. Thomson and Maj. Mayson for further particulars, as I am still broke in upon every line. You will, therefore, please to present my duty and service to the Council of Safety (or Provincial Congress, for I am at a loss when they meet). I shall lay my imperfect journals before them, whenever they are pleased to call on me, or at some other time. Till when, give me leave, of bav- ing the honor, to be, sir,
Your most obedient humble servt., RICH'D. RICHARDSON.
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THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION.
MR. RICHARDSON TO THE COUNCIL OF SAFETY.
[Original MS.]
The Honorable the Council of Safety.
CONGAREES, January 2d. 1776.
GENTLEMEN :- By Col. Thomson of the rangers, you will receive. if nothing happens, the prisoners, we thought proper to detain, which, upon examination, find were the most leading and active, in taking the powder at Ninety-Six, and the late camp. They were long out before- taken, and have been some time since in durance, from which circum- stances they of course will make but a despicable appearance, adding also, that the spirit of humility and contrition takes place of the oppo- site character. I shall say but little now, as I wrote so fully yesterday by express. I am at a loss to know how to recommend my brother Colonel, will only say his behaviour has been as becomes him, and de- serves your notice. My hurry in getting off the people provisions. &c., obliges me to desist, and only add that
I am, gentlemen,
Your most obedient humble servant, RICH'D. RICHARDSON.
PRISONERS SENT TO CHARLES TOWN BY COL. RICHARDSON.
[Original MS.]
1. Col. Fletchall.
2. John Mayfield, Ninety-Six, Militia Captain.
3. Benj. Wofford, Militia Captain.
4. R'd. Pearis, Scopholite Captain, Ninety-Six.
5. Math. Floyd, Ninety-Six, Militia Captain.
6. Dav. George, Militia Captain.
7. Pat. MeDade.
8. Wm. Hunt, Scopholite Captain, Ninety-Six, Mulatto.
9. Geo. Zuber, Ninety-Six, Militia Captain, said to murder a prisoner.
10. Jacob Fry, Scopholite Captain, Ninety-Six.
11. Capt. Jones, Scopholite Captain, Ninety-Six, Cane Brake, Colored, Powder Man.
12. Capt. Pearis, Seopholite Adjutant, Ninety-Six, Cane Brake.
?
250
DOCUMENTARY HISTORY OF
13. Capt. Bowman, Ninety-Six, Cane Brake, Powder Man, Militia Captain.
14. Capt. Harvey, Ninety-Six, Cane Brake, Powder Man, Militia Captain.
15. Capt. Clery, Scopholite Captain, Ninety-Six.
16. Capt. Lindley, Ninety-Six, Cane Brake, Militia Captain.
17. Capt York. Ninety-Six, Cane Brake, Powder Man, Militia Captain, Press Master General, deemed a bad man by both parties, to be delivered by Maj. Williamson.
18. D'd. Cunningham, deemed a bad man by both parties, to be de- livered by Maj. Williamson.
19. Geo. Nealey, Commissary General, Ninety-Six, Cane Brake, Pow- der Man.
20. Thomas Combs, Cane Brake, Powder Man.
21. Thomas Tomlin,
22. Jeremiah Ward, Ninety-Six, Cane Brake, Powder Man, and a very bad man.
23. Henry Green, Ninety-Six, Cane Brake, Powder Man, Militia Captain.
24. Sam. Proctor, Cane Brake, Powder Man, Militia Captain.
25. John Norris, Cane Brake, Powder Man.
26. Benj. Stone, Ninety-Six. Cane Brake, Powder Man.
27. John Davies. Cane Brake, Powder Man.
28. Dav'd. Reese, 66
29. Thomas Carter,
30. James Derumple, 66 66
31, James McGill,
66
32. W.m. Johnston,
33. Thomas Wisdom, Cane Brake, Powder Man, Lieut. in the Militia, and an extreme active man.
34. Abra'm. Nabors, Cane Brake, Powder Man.
35. Isaac Nabors,
36. Geo. Carter,
37. Thos. Gill,
38. Wm. Stone, Ninety-Six, Cane Brake, Powder Man.
39. Rob't. Proctor, Ninety-Six, Cane Brake, Powder Man, a very bad man.
40. Caleb Stone, Ninety-Six, Cane Brake, Powder Man.
41. James Carter, Cane Brake, Powder Man.
42. Rob't. Grey,
43. Capt. Hiburn, an active man.
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THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION.
44. Elisha Watson, Cane Brake.
45. John Helms, Ninety-Six, Cane Brake.
46. Thomas Alison, 66 66
47. Wm. Matthews,
66
48. Dav'd. Alison,
49. W.m. Alison. 66 66
50. Rob't. Wood, Cane Brake.
51. John Miller, Ninety-Six, sent from Ninety-Six.
52. Henry Strum, Ninety-Six.
58. Tho. Nevills, Cane Brake.
54. Christ'r. Renben,
55. Robin Brown, Ninety-Six. Cane Brake, Powder Man.
56. John Reid, Ninety-Six, Cane Brake.
57. James Reid, 66
58. Adam Frelick, Ninety-Six.
59. Fred. Bagwell, Ninety-Six, Cane Brake.
60. John Wright.
61. James Johnston. 66 62. James Camell, ‹: '
63. Wm. Cox, Cane Brake.
64. Fred. Reuben,
65. Thomas Good,
66. Moses Casey, Ninety-Six, Cane Brake.
67. Adam Purdue,
68. John Casey,
69. Jesse Casey, Cane Brake.
70. John Rigdell, Ninety-Six, Cane Brake,
71. John Rigdell, jun., “
72. Emanuel Miller, went from Ninety-Six to join the opposite party.
73. Henry Attolph, Ninety-Six, Cane Brake, Lieut. Major.
74. John Meek, Ninety-Six, Cane Brake.
75. James Mills,
76. Francis Regan, 66
77. Wm. Burrows,
לל 78. Benj. Stone.
79. Joshua Niblet, Ninety-Six, Cane Brake.
80. Joshua Fowler, 66
81. Rich'd. Fowler,
82. Sam. Harris, . ..
83. John Goff, €6
84. Rob't. Westmorland, "' 67
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DOCUMENTARY HISTORY OF
85. Tho. Welch, Ninety-Six, Cane Brake.
86. Holl'y. Power,
87. Hugh Abernathy,
88. Day'd. Reese, mentioned before.
89. Jacob Wittherow, Ninety-Six, Cane Brake.
90. John Wittherow,
91. Chris. Tongues, Cane Brake.
92. John Burrows, Ninety-Six, Cane Brake.
93. Hen. Centerfitts, Ninety-Six.
94. Wm. Mills,
95. Henry Citeman, a very bad man.
96. Wm. Caldwell, Ninety-Six, Cane Brake.
97. And. Aventer, 66
98. Abel Bowling,
99. Owen Reid,
100. Dennis McCarty, Ninety-Six, Powder Man.
101. Tho. Rogers, Cane Brake. -
102. Harmon Dildine,
108. Isaac Evans, mentioned.
104. Benj. Gregory, Ninety-Six, Cane Brake.
105. Jos. Turner,
106. James Nicholl, Cane Brake.
107. Edw'd. Lang, Ninety-Six, Cane Brake.
108. James Wright,
109. John Evans, Cane Brake.
110. John Welch, Ninety-Six, Cane Brake.
111. Wm. Elliott,
112. Leon'd. Nix, Cane Brake.
113. Wm. Payne, Ninety-Six, Cane Brake.
114. Henry Goff,
115. Dav'd. Nielson, 66 66
116. John Morgan, Cane Brake.
117. Fred. Hartwell, Ninety-Six, Cane Brake.
118. Dan. Allen, Cane Brake, lame.
119. Henry Counts, Ninety-Six, Cane Brake.
120. Elisha Robinson,
121. James Burgess, Ninety-Six, Cane Brake, an old man, but bloody minded.
122. Thomas Gill, Ninety-Six, Cane Brake.
123. Holly Goff, died on the road.
124. John Tominson, Ninety-Six, Cane Brake.
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THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION.
125. Hugh Nealey, Ninety-Six, but surrendered himself to Col. Rich- ardson.
126. Withall Warner, supposed to rob Mr. Pendleton's lodgings at Ninety-Six.
127. Wm. Watson, harmless man, but at the Cane Brake.
128. Chris'r. Casey, Ninety-Six, Cane Brake.
129. John M. Williams, the machine maker to set fire to the Ninety- Six Fort.
130. Jos. Alexander, Ninety-Six, Cane Brake.
131. James Davies, 65
132. Phil. Wells, Ninety-Six.
133. Jacob Stack,
184. Dan. Stagner,
135. Capt. Nealey Carghill, and
136. Capt. Edghill, one sick, but both to be delivered up 1st February.
CAPT. SHERMAN TO MR. DRAYTON.
[Original MS.]
SAVANNAH, Jan. 7, 1776.
SIR :- This comes to acquaint you of my proceedings at this present time.
Sir, I have sixteen men now under my orders-twelve of them good seamen and carpenters. I only await your orders to proceed, as I am afraid to go. There are four men-of-war at Coxspur, and it is dangerous to go by water, but I will run all risk after I hear from you. I expected to be favored with a few lines from you for my further instructions, but have had not one line from you.
Sir, till I hear, I remain your obedient humble servant to command,
THOS. SHERMAN.
P. S .- I am in great hopes of eight or ten more men in one or two days.
-
.
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DOCUMENTARY HISTORY OF
MOSES KIRKLAND TO HENRY LAURENS,
[From a letter published by order of Congress.]
To the Honourable Henry Learance, Esgr and presedent of the Counsel. of Safety at Charles Town in South Carolina
MAY IT PLESE YOUR HONOUR-To permit me Leave To make my excuse to you and the other Gentlemen for my not Coming out of the Tamar manawar to your House the night that you wase so good as to send Mr William Tucker aboard in your Boat with a promis from you and Mr Cannon and Locock That I should be portected in your House and that my Proposials to the Congress should be conuaid By you Gentle to them which you Did not Dout would Be agread to : now those porposials ware so good : I Cant Butt with Shame ness of face make my Excuse for not Excepting of Them : the reason wase this which I Hope Mr Tucker acquanted you with it wase Late In the night when he Came a board Captain Thornsbery and Ennis boath ware in the Cabin with me and new of my Goyn upon Deck and as I Told Mr. Tucker it wase not posable for us to Go of the Ship with out been fired at and Brought to and If I went Down and acquanted them ho he wase and What he Come aboard for they or the Governer Would have him Confine a bourd and as he Came on purpose to Serve me and his cuntrey, I would Chouse to Suffer Before he should on my a Count, and he had nothing from under are Gentlemun Hand to ashore me any purtection I Told him at parting If you Gentleman would Send me any a shoreanc from under Hand I would Com out the first oppor- tunity Butt I Receve none and Sum Days after Captain Thorn bery told me he wase Threaten By you in a letter to Him for Keeping a traator to his Cuntrey abord the Berer of Said Letter Told me you Had the Three young men Ketek that Came to assist me Town and that you had the Six Horses Sold and the money putt In the Hands of the Counsel of Safety : which alarmed me afrish and made me to thinck I had no Chanch But to Compli With the Threats sent me By Mr Tucker If I Did not Com out that night: Which Wase I Should not Be Suffered to Live in any part of America and I have Been Ever Since a striving to Gitt to Ingland to putt my Son to School and wane thes Troubels as I had Determed not to Lift up arms on any Side or Elce I would not Sufferd my House and Plantation to been plunderd Butt my Relations and Best frinds in the Government wase that Side Which made me willing to Suffer wrong and putt up with any Loss then I should Been the Means of Sheding there blood. pray Sir Giue
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THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION.
me Leaue to acquant your Honour also that whin I Gott a bord of the Tamar I Had not in Cash the value of Two Dollers and the Child and I Butt one Bare Sute of Close apeac I was a blige Boath to Do and Say Sumthing Pleseing to The Deffarent Governers as I had noway to Gitt my pasage Butt By them nor even to Live Whin I gott there with out thire Letters of Recommendation : Butt I am now Thirrely Con uineed it wase Best Bouth for me and the Cause of America that I did not Gitt there for I did use al the Endeavours that wase in my power to Gitt thare Butt the Hand of Providence Did preuail agenst me and hath Coquineced me that it is Duly assisting the American Cause wherefore I would not willingly Be Counted any Long nenemy to it Wherefore : I Humbly Beg the fuivor of you to move to the Counsel of Safety to Haue me Remove from Hear Before them as I may haue the pleshor To haue a hearing Before them as I Cant Butt haue hopes that when thay Com to Be made acquantd With al my Conduct thay will have pitty on me and Grant me Such Release as they in thire Wis- dom shall se Best I am willing to giue al the Security in my power for my Good Behaviour I have Rote to Colonal Thomson and to Mr. Cannon to Be my Security for my Traviling from here on my perrole of Honour to your house at Charles town on my Receiveing asurtithicate from you for that porpose I shall send my Little Son to Mr Cannon in the first uessel that fails which will be in a fue Day Time and you may depend on my Trauiling through the Cuntry of Being al the Seruis to to the Cause I Can as I am now Convince of the Stranth of America So pray Sir fail not In Grantting my Portion and I shal Be in Duty Bound to Eeur pray for you :
And am with Dew Respect may it plese your Honnor Your Honour mosst obedient And Verry Humble Ser't MOSES KIRKLAND.
11th Janury 1776 at the Gael of phiadelphia.
The above is a true copy, taken from the Original Letter written by Moses Kirkland's own hand and sent to Col. Laurens, Charles Town, March 20, 1776.
Certified by
PETER TIMOTHY, Secretary to the Congress.
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DOCUMENTARY HISTORY OF
A RETURN OF THE POWDER IN THE MAGAZINE.
[Original M3.]
CHARLES TOWN, December 4th, 1775.
English made, 3,450
Two barrels belonging to the artillery,. 200
Mr. Tennent's make, (of which 63 bad,) 225
Total . 3,905
ROB'T. COCHRAN.
N. B. I have not yet received the powder in town.
CHARLES TOWN, January 4th, 1776.
Received into the magazine in town since the last return, the follow- ing powder, viz :
1775.
Dec. 18. Received from Port Royal,. 2,000
7 barrels containing 100 lbs. in each,. 700
1 half barrel 50
7 kegs containing 25 lbs. in each, 175
38 " smaller " 10 380
18 « 10 180
2 " larger « 15 30 .
3 " smaller " 5
15
Total,
3,530
ROB'T. COCHRAN.
-
COARSE OR CANNON.
January, 14th 1776,
14 barrels, 100 Ibs. in each, 1,400
5 half barrels, 50 150
7 quarter barrels, 25
175
8 one-eighth bbls., 12} 66 100
6 kegs, 10 60
Total,
1,885
.
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THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION.
FINE.
4 half barrels, 50 lbs. in each, 200
1 quarter barrel
25
38 kegs, 66
10 lbs. in each, 380
6₺ 124
Total,. 617%
Damaged, about. 100
Mr. Tennent's, about 155
Total, 255
Whole amount of powder left in the magazine, .. .... 2,757₺
Exclusive of the above quantity, there has been given out this forenoon :
To Col. Roberts' order, 700
" Capt. Scott's " 500
" Col. Huger's " 100
" Capt. Blake to Capt. Smith, 123
Total, .. 1,812}
JOHN CALVERT.
MR. HABERSHAM TO MR. DRAYTON.
[Original M3.]
SAVANNAH, Feb. 9th, 1776.
DEAR SIR :- I have drawn an order on you for three hundred and fifty pounds of your currency, in favor of Capt. Brown; the order I mentioned in a former letter to have drawn on you, in favor of Mr. Gray, will not be presented to you, as Mr. Gray returned to Savannah, not being able to proceed to Charles Town by land. I have, by this conveyance, wrote a letter to Capt. Tuft, and which, in case of his absence, I have desired Capt. Brown will deliver into your hands, and beg the favor of you, to open it, and, if in your power, to comply with the request I have made; shall esteem it a very great
17
258
DOCUMENTARY HISTORY OF
favor. We have had a vessel seized by the men-of-war; that is not the worst, but by this seizure we have lost 5,000 lbs. gunpowder which was coming into this Province. I submit it to you. how far it would be prudent to keep a fast sailing vessel over your bar to speak any vessels that may be off, and inform them that our ports are full of ships-of-war, and that their proceeding to the southward, will be attended with the greatest danger. I give you this hint, as many ves- sels who knew that the men-of-war were in your port, will be pushing to the southward, and thereby fall a prey to these d-d ships.
Excuse this ecrawl, as I am in great haste, and believe me,
Dear sir, Your most obedient servant. JOS. HABERSHAM.
MR. HABERSHAM TO MR. DRAYTON.
[Original MIS.]
To the Honorable William Henry Drayton :
DEAR SIR :- I have your favor of the 23rd ult., and have now the pleasure to inform you that Sherman has met with pretty good success in recruiting for the "Prosper," -- the greatest difficulty is how to get the sailors conveyed to Charlestown. I have procured the Scout Boat to go with them as far as Purisburgh and have wrote to Major Bourquin at that place to forward them on ; Sherman and Will's expences have been very considerable; however, when you consider that they have entertained fifty men for upwards of a month at a public house, and that £40 of the money was advanced for four of the men, it cannot far exceed your expectations. The tavern keeper has charged very high. I made him attest his accounts. Previous to which he had the modesty to strike off £5 from one of the accounts. Upon the whole, I think it is lucky that so many have enlisted. more especially as the ships were in such great want of men.
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