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.2 > Part 11
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DOCUMENTARY HISTORY OF
adjournments to Saturday the twentieth day of February, in the year of our Lord one thousand seven hundred and seventy-nine.
Whereas, it is absolutely necessary in well regulated Governments that every person who has received protection from, should be aiding and assisting in the defence of the State wherein he lives; and whereas several persons, inhabitants of this State. forgetting their alle- giance thereto, have gone over to the enemy, treacherously to bear arms against their country, although their families remain peaceably under the protection thereof. Therefore. to prevent such criminal conduct in future, Be it ordained by the Honorable the Senate and House of Rep- resentatives now met and sitting in General Assembly and by the authority of the same, That if any person or persons from and after passing this Ordinance shall withdraw him or themselves from the de- fence of the State, and attempt to join the inveterate enemies of the same, or shall actually go over to them, every such person and persons shall be declared guilty of treason against the State and upon conviction thereof, in any of the Courts of General Sessions of the Peace, Oyer and Terminer, assize and General Gaol delivery in this State, or in any special court of Over and Terminer, to be held by virtue of an Ordi- nance passed the thirteenth day of February, one thousand seven hun- dred and seventy-nine shall suffer death as a traitor, without benefit of clergy; and the estate of such person or persons, real and personal, shall be confiscated and forfeited for and to the use of the State.
And be it further ordained by the authority aforesaid, That if it shall appear to the Governor or Commander-in-Chief, for the time being, on the oath of two creditable witnesses that any person or persons hath or have withdrawn himself or themselves from this State, and joined the enemies thereof, it shall and may be lawful to and for the Governor or Commander-in-chief to issue his Proclamation, thereby requiring every such person or persons to return to this State, and surrender himself or themselves to some Magistrate thereof within forty days after the issuing of such proclamation, and in case of his or their non-appearance, within the time aforesaid, he or they shall be deemed outlawed, and all the estate, real and personal, of such person or persons shall be sold by pro- per persons for that purpose to be appointed by the Governor or Com- mander-in-chief, and the monies to arise therefrom deposited in the pub- lic Treasury of this State, there to remain for the disposal of the Legis- Jature thereof. And be it further ordained by the authority aforesaid, That the Govervor or Commander-in-chief, for the time being, is hereby authorized and required to appoint one or more Commissioner or Com- missioners for the sale of such estates, and to cause the families, or such
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THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION.
of the families of every absentee, outlawed as aforesaid, to be sent off without delay, if it shall appear upon trial to be duly had at any of the Courts of Sessions, Oyer and Terminer, Assize and General Gaol deliv- ery, on a Bill of Indictment that the remaining of such person or per- sons in this State shall be dangerous to the safety of the community. And be it further ordained by the authority aforesaid, that all and sin- gular. the matter and things in the foregoing clause contained shall be . construed to extend to the families of such persons as have been sent of, or have quitted, or shall quit this State, for having refused or ne- glected to take the oath or oaths required by any Act or Ordinance of the Legislature of this State. And be it further ordained by the au- thority aforesaid. That this Ordinance shall continue and be of force for six months, and from thence to the end of the then next sitting of the General Assembly and no longer.
Ratified by the General Assembly, in the Senate House, the 20th day of February, 1770.
CHAS. PINCKNEY, President of the Senate.
JNO. MATHEWS, Speaker of the House of Representatives.
7TH MARCH, 1779.
Compared with the original under the Broad Seal by Thomas Win- stanley and Jacob Read.
BOUNDARY OF CAPT. ANDREW HAMILTON'S COMPANY.
[Original MS.]
Beginning at the mouth of the Reedy Branch, and up said branch to John Cambels; from thence to Rocky Creek, including Joseph Able, the Boggeses, Arthur Dickson and the Thomsons, north west course beginning at the mouth of Reedy Branch ; from thence up Long Cain to the waggon-ford at Mathew Edward's plantation ; from thence to Wm. Little's; from thence to Crocket's Old Place on John's Creek ; from thence to Simon Tuckers's; from thence to Robert Adair's ; from thence to Win. Thomson on Cowhead ; from thence to Patrick Gibson's ; from thence to Edward Brannon's ; from thence to the Thomson's on Rocky Creek.
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DOCUMENTARY HISTORY OF
ANDREW PICKENS TO CAPT. JOHN IRVINE.
[Original MIS.]
FEBRUARY 20, 1779.
EIR :- You are hereby desired to be at White Hall on Wednesday next with one third of your Company-they to be horsemen-and one Lieutenant, and one other third of your Company to continue at White Hall until further orders. You will receive further orders on that day. I am, sir, your most humble servant,
ANDREW PICKENS.
C. PINCKNEY' JUN., TO MRS. C. PINCKNEY.
[Original MS.]
CHARLESTON, February 24, 1779.
HONORED MADAM :
I embrace with pleasure an opportunity of complying with the request, you made me when I left Santee, of transmitting such intelligence as I thought worthy your notice, though the presence of our active officers (General Moultrie and Col. Pinckney) renders the subject somewhat barren. My cousin and the General returned to town on Tuesday by desire of Gen. Lincoln, who was of opinion that unless the assembly took some effectual measures to oblige the militia to do their duty, and placed them under the same articles as those from North Carolina, our situation would soon be discouraging, even to those who had voluntarily resigned their lives and fortunes. in our defence, though at a great dis- tance from danger and who were merely actuated upon this occasion by a love to their country. They opened the matter very fully; related several facts of which we were ignorant; were exceedingly warm; and roused the spirit as well as the indignation of the House so much at the conduct of their fellow-citizens, that notwithstanding they had, some Ettle time before, reprobated the idea of subjecting the militia to mar- tial law, yet as Ordinance being prepared and brought in for that purpose passed both Houses without opposition. The reluctance of our militia to continue at Purysburgh longer than the Ist of March, frus-
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THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION.
trated one of the best laid schemes, that our affairs have yet given Gen. Lincoln an opportunity of concerting. A detachment of the enemy having taken possession of Augusta, Gen. Ash was immediately detached to reinforce Gen. Williamson; these corps when joined consisted of between two and three thousand men. Gen. Moultrie was ordered to march with his division, consisting of 1.600 Continentals and some regiments of militia; and had he occupied the post to which he was ordered and was then proceeding to, the enemy would have been com- pletely surrounded and either obliged to hazard a battle on the disad- vantageons terms of three to one or have surrendered themselves pris- coers of war -but after marching six or eight miles up the river for this purpose, he received an order from Gen. Lincoln to return to his former post; but I am happy in acquainting you that our officers pledge themselves, that they will, with the assistance of only a small part of our militia, free Georgia from the present invasion; indeed, the enemy themselves confess that they have erred in not marching imme- diately to Charlestown. after the rout at Savannah; and the late precipi- tate retreat from Augusta, where they left their Hospital, with a letter recommending their sick and wounded to the care and humanity of Gen. Williamson, convinces me that they either mean to evacuate Georgia very soon, or to confine themselves to Savannah and its environs-but it is a matter of doubt with me, whether they will be even able to maintain their post there, as I am informed that the rein- forcement which G. M. carries with him, will enable our forces to act offensively. Lincoln is anxious and uneasy at being obliged from the enemy's superiority, or at least equality of numbers, to remain so long inactive, and will assuredly take the first opportunity of paying them a visit. The long expected express from the northward arrived on Monday. Messrs. Laurens and Drayton acquaint us that it is impos- sible to spare any Continental troops, as a secret expedition now on the carpet, will demand their whole force. They say that Congress in con- sequence of our application, have granted us every assistance in their power, and refer the Governor to the President's letter on that subject, which has not yet come to hand. As to a further aid from North Car- olina, they have agreed to send us 2,000 more men immediately. We have now upwards of 3.000 of their men with us; and I esteem this last augmentation, as the highest possible mark of their affection for us and as the most convincing proof of their zeal for the glorious cause in which they are engaged; they have been so willing and ready upon all occa- sions to afford us all the assistance in their power, that I shall ever love
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DOCUMENTARY HISTORY OF
a North Carolinian, and join with Gen. Moultrie in confessing that they have been the salvation of this country.
I expect Col. Horry will be in town in a few days, as he was on Fri- day last ele ted Colonel of a Regiment of light dragoons, which are to be immediately raised for the public service. Maham is Major-there was an opposition in favor of Major Huger, but by no means a serious one, as the Colonel carried it by a majority of 44; Huger will soon be promoted in the Continental service as a Commission arrived yesterday appointing Col. Huger, a Brigadier General.
There is almost a total stagnation of every kind of business; and we daily expect a Proclamation from the Governor and Council for stopping the Courts of Justice and prohibiting all commercial proceedings what- soever until the removal of the enemy from Georgia. The people of this country were scarcely roused to a sense of their danger, till within this fortnight, but I believe I may now venture to assert that Carolina, will in a short time (comparatively speaking) be as tenacious of her freedom and as forward in defending her liberties as any State on the continent, though, from her internal disputes and natural weakness, she may not be able to bring as many men into the field. Our town. once the seat of pleasure and amusement, is now dull and insipid; a. sameness prevails through every thing, and the duty of the remaining militia is full as fatiguing as that of the regulars. We have very few men left here, notwithstanding which they are daily reducing us, and should a fleet and army appear at our bar, God knows what we should do. If the enemy should prove unable to penetrate into this State, and I can get leave (for no oue is suffered to leave the town without it under a heavy fine) I purpose paying you a visit at Santee for a few days. I am fond of variety, and changing the scene now and then is I think very agreeable. I hope the little bantling and my friend .Daniel are well. Should the weather continue good, my uncle and family will be at Santee on Thursday. I shall expect an anwer from you by your next express, and you may depend upon my writing you as often as I can find a conveyance for a letter. My compliments to Miss Howarth and our Santee friends (in which my mother joins me). Conclude me
Your affectionate nephew,
CHARLES PINCKNEY, Jr.
P. S .-- Mr. Bee being elected Lieutenant-General. and E. Rutledge refusing to go to Congress, Mr. Lowndes and William Henry Drayton (who carried it against Daniel Huger 'by one vote) were elected in their room.
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THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION.
ANDREW PICKENS TO CAPT. JOHN IRVINE.
[Original MIS.]
March 12, 1779.
FIR :
On receipt of this immediately march, with twenty-five men of your company, to Ninety-Six, and join Col. Williams, in order to guard the prisoners while on trial. You will receive orders from Col. Williams when you arrive at Ninety-Six. Dinborough is to supply you with pro- visions while on duty. You will have Lieut. Joseph Wardlaw and any others of your company that were prisoners with the Tories, and can be any evidence against any of them. Elijah and Samuel Moore, that were with me at the battle of Kettle Creek, I am well informed have some horses and two rifle guns that were taken at that battle, and as that property belongs to the people in general, you will order them, without loss of time, to bring those effects to me, or they may depend on being prosecuted for the same.
I am, sir, your humble servant, ANDREW PICKENS.
A MUSTER ROLL OF CAPT. RICHARD B. ROBERTS' COMPANY OF THE SOUTH CAROLINA CONTINENTAL CORPS OF ARTILLERY, COMMANDED RY COL. OWEN ROBERTS.
[Original MIS.] HEAD QUARTERS, Purysburgh, March 19, 1779.
COM. OFFICERS' NAMES. RASK. DATE OF COMM'N. REMARKS.
Richard. B. Roberts,
Captain .June 4. 1777, ..... Present.
John Gorgan, .Capt .- Lieut ... .May 30, 1778, ..... Do.
Frederick Von Plater, 1st Lieutenant, ... October 28, 1778,.Do.
NON-COMMISSIONED AND DATE OF
PRIVATE NAMES.
ENLISTMENT. TIME OF SERVICE. REMARKS.
John Smith, Sergeant, ... June 3, 17:1, .. ... 3 years, Absent on Guard.
Brice Mathews, do .. .Nov. 24, 1777, .... 3 years Present.
Joseph Hall, Corporal June 25, 1777, .. .The war Do.
John Sessions, do. June 29, 1:78 ..... 3 years, On Detachment.
Idward Conner, do.,. June 20, 1778, .... 3 years. Present.
Robert Good ill, Gunner .... Sept. 17, 1777, ... The war, De.
Benjamin Williams, do., ... June 2, 1777, ..... 3 years, Do.
Alexander Me Mullan, do.,. Feb. 3, 1779, ...... 16 months, .. Do.
Aaron Baroth, do ... ,June 3, 1777, ..... 3 years, Absent on Duty.
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DOCUMENTARY HISTORY OF
NOS-COMMISSIONED AND PRIVATE NAMES
DATE OF ENLISTMENT.
TIME OF SERVICE. REMARKS.
MATROSSES.
David Cunningham, June 3, 1777. . .. 3 years, Present.
John Driver
July 14. 1:78 ..... 3 years, Do
Joseph Johnson. June 2. 1777, . . The war Do.
John Causey, Sept. 5. 1779 .. .. 3 years Do
Juhu Murrow. July 16, 1775, .... 3 years. Do.
Samuel White Sept. 25, 1777, ... The war, Do.
Jacob Paul.
June 2, 1777, ..... The war, Do.
John Porter
June 19, 1777, .. .. The war, Do.
Aquilla Sing July 18, 1778 .. ..? years,
Sick in Fix Hospital.
John Colby.
Aug. 10, 1778 .. . Tue war,
Present.
James Roe. .July 22. 1778 .. .. The war Do.
Lewis Cornyorek
The war Sick in Fix Hospital.
Charles Melver,
Aug. 2, 1778 .3 years,
Present.
James Hughes.
June 1, 1777, .3 years,. Do.
John Conner
. The war,
Do.
Nicholas Giossom, .The war, Do.
James Lewis
3 years Do.
Michael Lewis
Sept. 17, 1778, ... The war, Do.
I.anc Garrick,
Feb. 16, 1779. 16 months, Do.
Wm. Maloy,
.3 years Do.
James Causey Sept. 5, 1778 ..
3 years, Do.
Denis Ch loque
The war Deserted.
Joseph Antonio
Sept. 17. 1775, ... The war, Do.
Robert Wil iam,. May 28, 1779. .. The war, Do.
Hill Hewet June 2, 1777, .3 years,. Do.
Nicholas Prince AAng. 3, 177 ... .3 years,. Absent on Duty.
Samuel Jeffr July 16, 1778, The war, Sick in Gen. Hospital.
William Read, Drummer ... Sept. 21. 1.7 The war, Sick in Fix Hospital.
Wm. Fleming, Fifer. The war, Present.
Present .- Captains, 1; Capt .- Lieutenants, 1; Ist Lieutenant, 1 ; Sergeant-Major, 1; Sergeants, 1; Corporals, 2; Fifers, 1; Gunners, 3; Matrosses, 19:
Absent .- Sergeants, 1; Corporals, 1; Drummers, 1; Gunners, 1; Matrosses, 7.
I do swear that the within Muster Roll is a true state of the Com- pany, without fraud to the United States, or to any individual thereof, according to the best of my knowledge.
R. B. ROBERTS, Capt. Artillery.
Sworn before me this 19th March, 1779,
J. WISE.
Then mustered as certified by
F. BREMAR, Deputy Muster Master.
Samuel Hickman.
July 21, 1778 ...... 3 years,
On Detachment.
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THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION.
C. PINCKNEY, JUN., TO MRS. C. PINCKNEY.
[Original MS.]
CHARLESTON, March 28, 1779.
HONORED MADAM :
This is the second or third time that I have wrote you without hear- ing a word from you or of you, only in general that you are very well. The last was on the 20th. by your servant, Moses, which I hope you have received. Since that General Lincoln has thought proper to re- move the army from Purysburgh to the two Sisters (except about three hundred left as a guard to their camp under the command of Col. Pinckney) where it seems the enemy have assembled their whole force, and from whence an easy transition may be made into this State-this movement is if possible to prevent their crossing, and keep them at bay until our army is reinforced, either by the arrival of some auxiliaries from the northward. or by a body of our militia from Orangeburgh. I am led to believe the Governor's presence will have a good effect in inducing the militia to turn out more cheerfully than they have hitherto done. We must now or never turn our thoughts entirely to war; we must rouse our spirits and sacrifice with pleasure part of our estates to secure the rest; in short we must be wanting to ourselves in nothing that may be requisite to the common safety-have we any reason or the least pretence to be excused from so doing ? In what fatal tranquility did we remain when we received the intelligence of the enemy's being in possession of Savannah, the defeat at Augusta, the taking of our gallies, and other affairs of less importance. We are now sufficiently punished by the consequences of our insensibility; for had we sent speedy relief to Savannah when besieged, which the common rules of policy and prudence required the enemy would not perhaps have been in possession of it at this day ; but by perpetually neglecting the pres- ent and vainly hoping, that time would adjust matters and bring them to a better issue; we have established them in a situation, that they never could have hoped to have arrived at. And yet we need not despair if we have still courage and perseverence enough to make use of the present opportunity, and by properly reinforcing our General, enable him effectually to prevent their crossing. We must all be sensible of the particular protection of Providence, in blessings so often offered ; and if we make a just estimate of its repeated favors, who is there but must be touched with the highest gratitude, for our losses are only to be imputed to the little concern we have shown to prevent them; while a
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DOCUMENTARY HISTORY OF
superior power never ceasing to protect us, does vet point out a short and secure way of repairing all our former mistakes, by every man's resolv- ing to do his duty, thereby providing for the safety of his country, and doing all in his powor to retrieve her reputation. Those who neglect or do not improve the favorable opportunities offered by Providence, forget the acknowledgments that are due to her, and the same imprudence which makes them unfortunate, makes them ungrateful; for in the minds of men. the last accident commonly impresses the character of mis- fortune or happiness upon the whole. It is time for us to reform our false mode of reasoning and to be truly ashamed of our want of public virtue. We should preserve at least what remains to prevent an eternal stain upon our reputation. Nor is our interest less at stake. For Georgia being now in their possession, what barrier have we to secure us from the conquerors ? I could mention a number of little skirmishes. that we have lately been unsuccessful in, but as the recital is disagree- able, I will pass them over. We must surely be convinced by this time that we have been exceedingly remiss in suffering these encroach- ments upon our neighbours ; that we have a restless and enterprising enemy to deal with, that all their present designs are levelled against this town, and that all opposition to them, tends in some degree to the safety of the State-for can any one be so weak as to imagine that they would undergo all the fatigues and hazards of a winter campaign merely to possess a few paltry posts on Savannah river, and rather not with an eye to this place ? Will they suffer us (if they can prevent it) to enjoy the advantages this town affords, and take up their quarters in a swamp ? No! they endure the one that they may possess the other. We should in time reflect, what must be the last fatal scene of the bloody tragedy, if while they act the parts of indefatigable conquerors, we remain the patient and gentle spectators of their unbounded violence. Can any be so weak-sighted as not to see that the war is hastening to us ? It must be blindness in them, who will not perceive that the calamities, the Georgians now endure, are the same that are preparing for themselves- I fear we shall sometime or other pay very dear for those soft and easy moments we now enjoy through the fatal remissness of our present disposition. You will perhaps say, how easy it is to find fault-that censuring is every body's talent ; but that few do their duty, and that · those who censure most do the least-they who deliver this opinion are commonly right; however, I shall endeavor as long as I am able to do my duty. and hope that in a little time the major part of my country- men will do the same. My compliments to my cousin, conclude me
Your affectionate nephew,
CHARLES PINCKNEY, Jr.
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THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION.
ANDREW PICKENS TO CAPT. JOHN IRVIN.
[Original MIS.]
April 12, 1779.
SIR :
It is the Governor's orders that two-thirds of the militia of this State be embodied, and Gen. Williamson's orders to me, to embody the same. number of this regiment. You will, therefore, order one-third part of your company, with yourself, to join me on Friday, the loth inst., on horseback, at Cowan's Ferry, well armed: and those who neglected going with your lieutenant when ordered. you will bring with you. that they may be dealt with as the law directs. You will bring an exact list of your company, as I am ordered to make a return of the payment. I am, sir, your most humble servant,
ANDREW PICKENS.
ANDREW PICKENS TO CAPT. JOHN IRVIN.
[Original MS ]
March 14, 1779.
SIR :
I wrote you a few days ago to reinforce Colonel Williams at Ninety- Six with twenty-five men from your company; but. as I have just got orders from Gen. Williamson to march a strong party of my regiment to Cowan's Ferry, on Savannah river, you will, therefore, march with two parts of your company to that place, to be there on Wednesday next. the 17th inst., armed and accoutred, with good horses. I have wrote to Col. Williams to let your men come home, though you had better see him yourself. I hope you will be spirited in this matter.
I am, sir, your most humble servant,
ANDREW PICKENS.
[Original MS.]
We, the subscribers, being duly sworn, have appraised and valued the undermentioned horses at the price opposite each proprietor's name, being on scouting duty under Col. Benj. Garden, 26th May, 1779:
8
M
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DOCUMENTARY HISTORY OF
Jacob Wincklers, 1 horse, $ 400
Abraham Bininger, do., 450
David Hardstone, do.,. 500
Mr. Philips, two mares, at 8400 each,. 800
J. J. Hardstone, 1 horse,.
650
Robert Brown, do.,
500
Josiah Dupont, do ..
450
Henry Talbird, ditto,.
800
Major Butler, two horses,. 2400
G. Hipp, two horses, 8450 and $600 1050
Mr. Ferguson, one horse,
450
Mr. Irvine, do.,.
750
Richard Dawson, do., P. B.,
200
Chas. Devant, do. 250
Chas. Rankins, do., 700
A. CHIFFELLE.
JAS. BAILLEY.
JAMES WILLIAMS TO HIS WIFE.
(Original MS.]
CAMP, HEAD-QUARTERS, June 3, 1779.
MY DEAR :
I have nothing more than I have enclosed of the 1st instant. As to the news, our army is very strong, and in high spirits. There was a probability of an action the other day, and it appeared to be the hearty desire of every man to come to action; but it was not thought expedient by the General, and we returned to camp. We are now laying in camp, where I expect to lay for several days. As to particulars, I refer you to Major Gillam. I desire that Daniel will use his utmost en- deavors to have the mills in the best order against harvest. I was speaking to him in regard to trying to plant that field over the road in corn; but that I submit to him, and he may do as he pleases. I hope that the utmost care will be taken by bim to save the erop that is planted. My wagon that I rode in with, is at Ninety-Six; send Daniel to bring it home, and have it put under a shed. I purpose to sell it when I return home. I desire you, my dear, to send me about half-a- pound of cloves and cinnamon by Major Gillam; what I brought I have used, and find it a great help to me. The water is so bad that I make
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THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION.
as little use of it as possible. Major Giliam lias come to bring a relief for the mien that are here. If it is possible. I should be glad that you conlt send me an under jacket, for the two that I brought with me are breaking before.
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