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 12
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I am, dear wife, with respect, your ever loving husband till death, JAS. WILLIAMS.
J. RUTLEDGE TO COL. GADSDEN.
[Original XS.] CHARLES TOWN, June 12th, 1779.
I presume the draught has been made of a fourth part of your regi- ment, for patrol duty, according to the directions I gave some time ago, and expected that the remainder would have been in town e'er now. I think :: necessary, that a field officer should be here with them-you will be pleased to repair hither, with such of the regiment as are not to do patrol duty, as soon as possible. The persons belonging to your regiment, who have taken protection, are to be tried here by a court from that regiment. It is therefore necessary, in order that their case anay be decided, that a part of the regiment should be here-you will suffer such other as Mr. Harden names to go with him on a particular piece of business, which I have committed to his charge; you will order all the evidences against the plunderers you've sent down, to repair hither immediately, that they may be brought to trial for their offences before a Court Martial.
I am, sir, your very humble servant,
J. RUTLEDGE
JAMES WILLIAMS TO MR. DANIEL WILLIAMS.
[Original MS.]
CAMP, HEAD-QUARTERS, June 12, 1779.
DEAR SON :
This is the first chance I have had to write you. I am, by the care of Providence, in the field in defence of my country. When I reflect on the matter, I feel myself distracted on both hands by this thought,
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that in my old age I should be obliged to take the field in defence of my rights and liberties, and that of my children. God only knows that it is not of choice. but of necessity, and from the consideration that I had rather suffer anything than lose my birthright, and that of my children. When I come to lay down in the field. stripped of all the pleasure that my family connections afford me at home-surrounded by an affectionate wife and eight dear children, and all the blessings of life-when I reflect on my own distress, I feel for that of my family, on account of my absence from their midst; and especially for the mother, who sits like a dove that has lost its mate, having the weight of the family on her shoulders. These thoughts make me afraid that the son we so carefully nursed in our youth may do something that would grieve his mother. Now, my son, if my favor is worth seeking, let me tell you the only step to procure it is the care of your tender mother --- to please her is ten times more valuable than any other favor that you could do me in my person. I hope that when you come to reflect on the duty of a son to a tender parent, you will take every step to estab- lish that connection, which will add to my happiness; for it is a pleasure to me to know that I have a son who is able to manage my business and plantation atfairs. Make it your study to be obliging to your mother, being careful not to do anything that may grieve her. Take the utmost care of every thing that falls under your care, so that you may receive, on my return, my thanks, and have the blessing of being a faithful and dutiful son to his trust. I would have you to consider yourself filling one of the most important posts that could be confided in you; and if you should manage well, it will greatly redound to your praise. After these serious thoughts, I beg that you will take these hints .. In the first place, consider that the eye of God is on you, and to secure His blessing is the only way to make yourself, and those that are concerned with you, happy; for to fear God is the first and great command.
The next command is, to honor thy father and mother. . Now, the only way to do this, is not to do anything that will grieve or oppress them. Be kind to your brothers and sisters, and careful to manage the business to the interest of the family. Your care and good conduct in the management of my plantation adds greatly to my happiness; and I · can promise you, that you shall feel the good effects of it, for I have the pleasure to hear by your tender mother's letter to me, that you are doing very well, and business goes on well. I am happy to hear it. I have wrote several times about trying to get a few good horses. I expect by this time you have made the trial ; if you have been success-
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ful in procuring some, I shall be glad to hear how many, and what sort they are, and I will send some good man to bring them down-if unsuc- cessful in your effort, no matter. I want Nancy brought to me at that time to ride. Try to have the mares in as good order as possible; be careful that they are all well fed; let them be used as little as possible. I have traded for a fine English mare, which is on Fishing Creek, at Mr. Wm. Adair's; the order is enclosed for her. I wish you could get a man to go for her. or spare the time to go yourself, as she is a valuable animal. If you go, Mr. Adair will, doubtless, be saying some- thing about her. She was taken from McGirth by Capt. Moore, and I bought his right of her; she is a young, full-blood mare, and has no brand on her unless Adair has branded her since she has been to his house. He took her up in favor of Capt. Moore, and since she was carried from camp I traded for her. I want her got home with as little stir as possible, and branded on both cushions with my branding iron ; and let it be said that I bought her of a man on Fishing Creek, and paid $1,000. My reason for begging you to go for her is. that it may not be known she is a plunder mare; and when we have the pleasure of meeting, I will put you in possession of all the particulars regarding her. I shall be glad if you put her to the horse as soon as you get her. On all necessary occasions get Mr. Griffin to help you about the planta- tion. Regarding the horses I wrote you about, you may either come or let it alone, just as you please, as I can send for them if you have any agreeable to my direction.
I am sorry I have to inform you of the melancholy death of Anthony Griffin, which took place on the 11th instant, while out with a scouting party. Alighting from his horse, and leaning on his gun, it acciden- tally went off, shooting him through the head. He never spoke after the accident. This is the fatal consequence of handling guns without proper care; they ought to be used with the greatest caution. The uncertainty of life ought to induce every man to prepare for death.
As for news, I have nothing more to communicate than what I wrote last to your dear mother. I hope every thing will be done to have the mill in as good order as possible, to grind up the wheat; and as soon as you can, supply the saw mill with timber, as I desire it put in opera- tion. In regard to whiskey, I think you must raise the price of it, in order to have things as much on an average as possible. I think you onght to sell it at two dollars a quart; if by retail, one dollar a half pint. Secure all you can at £35 per 110 gallons. I am in hopes of being at home by the 1st July, to see my family. I shall be glad to hear from you by every opportunity. Son, I think if you manage mat-
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ters well, and I am spared, I can put affairs in such a state that, under the blessing of God, we may stand in as good a position as any family in the State. Pray, let no pains be spared to make every edge cut, and have the crops secured in the best manner. as much depend on them.
Now, my son, I must bid you farewell. I commit you to the care of Providence, begging that you will try to obtain that peculiar blessing. May God bless you, my son, and give you grace to conduct yourself. in my absence, as becomes a dutiful son to a tender mother and the family. I am in reasonable good health at present, and the regiment as much so as could be expected. The death of Griffin is much lamented. I hope in God this will find you, my son, and your dear mother and the children, all well. My best compliments to you all, and all enquiring friends.
I am, dear son, with great respect, your affectionate father,
JAS. WILLIAMS.
J. RUTLEDGE TO COL. GARDEN.
[Original ME.]
JUNE 17, 1779.
SIR :
It will be necessary that you send down as soon as you can, the wit- nesses against the several prisoners brought by Lieut. Cone, that they may be brought to trial, by a Court Martial, which they cannot be without the witnesses being here. Bo pleased to cause the proclama- tions herewith sent to be made known in the district of your regiment. I am sir, your humble servant,
J. RUTLEDGE.
TO COL. BENJAMIN GARDEN.
[Original MS.]
SALTKETCHER, June 26, 1779.
SIR :
I have sent you down two prisoners, one Gunrod Beasinger, a de- serter from the third regiment, and has been deserted for this twelve month and better, and by what I can learn was at the taking of our
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guard at Savannah River. The other is one John Martias, a Spaniard, who has lately stole a beef from Thomas Bass, and was found in his possession and by the account of this Beasinger, has supplied the out- lyers with beef for this sometime past. I have an account of two com- panies of out-lyers in the swamp, and will do my endeavor to have them taken or killed this week. I shall be much obliged to you, if you will send me up two or three pounds of lead, as I am in great want at present, and also to acquaint me in what manner I can get provisions for my horses, as I know of a great deal. but can't get it without a pro- per authority from you.
I am, sir, your most obedient humble servant,
JOHN CONE.
P. S .- As you desired me to take an account of the women and children in distress for provisions, I know of a great many families that are entirely out ; therefore would be glad if you would send me word how they may be supplied.
J. FURGUSON TO COL. B. GARDEN ..
[Original MIS.]
JULY 4. 1779.
SIR :
I herewith send by the bearer for some powder, ball. buck-shot and flints; likewise the rum you mentioned to me yesterday. Our people here complain very hard of their duty being every night on guard and then they say if they were safe from the enemy they would not think much of the duty, hard as it is, but every night expect to be surprised. They go so far as to declare they will not stay without more assistance, so that they may have three sentries of a night. I am willing to comply with any orders whatever, but at the same time I can't think but there is a good deal of danger in our situation, there being no guard in all the Creek but ours, and if Mrs. Page once knows our situation, she will do her endeavors to let the enemy know, and I don't know of any way to prevent her from sending, as the river is so wide she may send in the night and our sentry never the wiser of it.
I am, sir, your most obedient humble servant, J. FERGUSON.
P. S .- Send some paper for cartouches.
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GEORGE HIPP TO COL. BENJAMIN GARDEN.
[Original MS.]
JULY 10, 1778.
SIR :
Your last orders to me was to keep only one fourth of the company on duty ; the rest were sent to you, now most of them are returned (as they tell me from Charles Town); should be glad to know what is to be done with them. I have ordered them on duty in different parts of the district, and shall be glad to have your approbation ; we are surrounded on all sides by the enemy. I have put a Sergeant and six men at Shubrick's Cliff ; a Sergeant and ten men on the river May; and am myself with ten men at Colleton's Bluff, the mouth of Oakety Creek. Mr. Guerard's school master has lately come over to the Barony, and carried off a handkerchief full of indigo, and told the negroes he in- tended coming for the whole shortly. I have ordered a patrol of six men to keep a look out for him ; another officer is much wanted to take post on May river, from whence I have reason to think a correspondance is carried on between some of the inhabitants and Georgia. I have ordered Mr. Pendarvis to you for trial. He has certainly taken the oath, and there are some returned from town that have taken it-say Joseph Sealey, John Kerr, and Thos. Scott-they took protection from Capt. Thacher at Purysburgh, and all that took protection from him were sworn as likewise those that went to stone the Capt. of the Galley at Purysburgh. None mind the oath but those that went to Major Vanbram at Ebenezer, and they all got printed certificates. There is a continual concourse of small craft (such as sloops and schooners) going to and fro, through Seull Creek. A small galley (such as one of the trad- ing boats would make that are laying in New River) would annoy them much and might have a safe retreat up to Pring's Creek, should any thing too hard for her come against her.
I am sir, your most obedient humble servant,
GEO. HIPP.
J. RUTLEDGE TO COL. GARDEN.
CHARLES TOWN, July 27, 1779.
SIR :
As your regiment may be more usefully employed at present near Savannah river, to guard their settlements and prevent the depredations
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of the enemy in that part of the country, than by acting with the con- tinental troops under Col. Pinckney; you will be pleased to make the best disposition of it, for that purpose.
I am, sir, your most humble servant,
J. RUTLEDGE.
DR. RAMSAY TO HON. WILLIAM HENRY DRAYTON.
[Original MIS.]
CHARLESTOWN, September 1, 1779.
DEAR SIR :
Your favor of July 18th, came safe to hand on the 16th of August. A hurry of business prevented my acknowledging the receipt of it sooner.
Our Assembly is now drawing near to the close of a long session. Little business is yet completed. A tax bill of twenty-one dollars a head has been read twice. A bill for filling our regiments by giving a negro bounty to every volunteer recruit, has also been read twice. This mea- sure is now our ultima spes. Money will not procure soldiers. The militia will not submit to a draught; it has been once carried in the House to put them under Continental articles ; but the friends of this measure, fear that it will be lost on the next reading. The patriotism of many people is vox et proterca nihil. The measure for embodying the negroes had about twelve votes; it was received with horror by the planters, who figured to themselves terrible consequences. Next Friday is set apart to choose a new delegate in the room of Mr. Lowndes, when it is probable that Mr. E. Rutledge will be chosen. Mr. A. Middle- ton will set out in a few weeks. Most people expect the enemy here in October or November, and yet we are half asleep. When the campaign closes to the northward, it will be easy for them to send a few thou- sands of a reinforcement to their troops in Savannah. Our back country is much disaffected especially at the high price of salt, which is 60 dollars a bushe !. We mean to solicit aid from the grand army. I wish you would send us two thousand Continentals immediately. You know the importance of Charlestown: it is the rinculum that binds three States to the authority of Congress. If the enemy posses them- selves of this town, there will be no living for honest whigs to the south- ward of Santee; at present, nothing is wanting to put them in posses- sion of it, but vigor and activity on their part. A spirit of money-
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making has eaten up our patriotism. Our morals are more depreciated than our currency. It is with great pleasure I receive your letters, and I shall be always ready to acknowledge them.
Yours,
DAVID RAMSAY.
W. CROGHAN TO MR. GRATZ.
[Original Ms.] CAMP SMITH'S CLOVE, Sept. 13, 1779.
DEAR SIR :
We arrived in those disagreeable mountains about two weeks ago, from the mouth of the Clove, where our chief employment is to repair the roads, and keep them in good order, which is a very difficult task.
By various accounts from New York, we have every reason to believe the enemy intend an embarkation of a great part of their troops. It is generally believed they are destined for the West Indies, from the quantity of summer clothing the officers are getting made, and other reasons.
I much fear if the enemy don't soon embark that it won't be in my power to accompany you to Virginia, as a number of officers have ap- plied for leave of absence for a few months, but to no effect; they can't get liberty until the close of the campaign. Indeed, 'tis very few who would ask for it. if their business was not very urgent. If you think my going to Virginia would be of any service with respect to the Colonel's claims, let me know as soon as you can, by post or otherwise, and in what respect I can be of' assistance, as it might be necessary for me to show that part of your letter to the General which would mention the neces- sity of my going. I had a few lines from the Colonel's man, James, informing me of his being very unwell. Pray, let me hear from you soon, and say how the old gentleman is, and if he purposes going to Virginia. I am. dear sir, your most obedient humble servant,
W. CROGHAN.
COL. WILLIAMS TO MRS. WILLIAMS.
[Original MS.] CAMP 40 MILES FROM SAVANNAH, Sept. 30, 1779.
DEAR WIFE :
I wrote a letter last night to you, my love, that gave you the best intelligence that I have been able to get. I have every reason to believe
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that the matter is settled before this ; and as you may in confidence de- pend that whenever I am able to get the truth of matters I will trans- mit it to you, by express. I beg that you may bear with fortitude my absence; and let us with humble confidence rely on Him that is able to protect and defend us. in all danger, and through every diffi- rulty : but, my dear, let us, with one heart, call on God for his mercies. and that his goodness may be continued to us, that we. under his bless- ing, may have the happiness of enjoying each other's society once more.
I mentioned in my last letter about the salt. I beg that you may have it well dried and ground in the mill and then you are to sell it for one hundred dollars per bushel. Let Ham have the wheat sown as soon as possible, and I beg that you may take a little time to see about the plantation, and make Samuel do what is best to be done. As to Lea, I hope you will iet no one have her without an order from me in writing, and signed by me. My compliments to you, my dear, and my children and friends.
I am, dear wife, with great respect,
your ever loving husband, until death, JAS. WILLIAMS.
COL .. JAMES WILLIAMS TO GEN. WILLIAMSON.
[Original MIS.] MOUNT PLEASANT, January 4, 1780.
DEAR SIR :
I received your favor by master George, and have carefully observed the contents. I have had a Captain, one Sergeant, and 8 picked men out in the upper part of my regiment for some time, in order to prevent those fellows from plundering the good people, and to have them taken and brought to justice. I am about to try to embody a part of the regiment to send to town ; how they will turn out I can't tell, but I fear hus poorly. I have made it as public in these parts, as possible, about the Governor promising to get salt for the back country; and it has given some satisfaction to the people-but at present it is bad, for many a poor man is obliged to turn out his hogs for the want of salt. To my knowledge some people must suffer greatly. I have sent a pay bill of Capt. I. Gray's with Mr. MeNear to get the money, and should take it as a singular favor it it could be got. The Captain deserted his country, and the men will probably lose their money, and I am likely to be a great Joser by it myself. I have advanced a great part of their
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wages to them myself. If I could get the money. I am going to that part of the regiment, and will settle with every man myself. If it is possible, I should be glad to get the money, as I am going to that part of the regiment the latter end of this week.
I am, dear sir, your most respectful and humble servant,
JAS. WILLIAMS.
JOURNAL OF THE SIEGE OF CHARLESTON BY THE ENGLISH IN 1780. THE ARMY COMMANDED BY GEN. SIR HENRY CLINTON, AND THE FLEET BY ADMIRAL ARBUTHNOT. THE GARRISON BY MAJOR-GENERAL LINCOLN.
[Original MIS.]º
February 9, 1780.
The English fleet arrived in Stono Inlet; the alarm was fired in Charlestown.
10th .- The troops landed. 1
March 9 and 10, 1780.
Seven vessels were sunk near the mouth of Cooper River, and cables fixed from one to the other, to prevent the entrance of this river.
13th .- The enemy took possession of the land on Ashley River oppo- site the town, constructed a battery near the mouth of Wappoo, on the prolongation of Tradd street.
21st .- The English fleet passed the bar, and anchored in Five Fathom Hole.
25th .- Our armed vessels before Fort Moultrie returned to town; their cannon were transported into the land batteries.
29th .- The English army crossed Ashley River twelve miles above the town.
: 30th .- The advanced guard of the enemy came within two miles of Charlestown, when a party of two hundred men, under Colonel John Laurens (and a little while after two field-pieces), went out against them, who, after a skirmish of some hours, returned towards sun-set. The fortifications of Charlestown were, even at this time, very incomplete. All the negroes in town were impressed, who, together with the parties detailed from the garrison, were henceforth employed upon the works.
31st .- At day-break we observed that the enemy had opened his trenches in three places.
* The original is in French. and was kept by DeBrahm, an engineer. The transla- tion was made and furnished me by Col. Jas. Ferguson, of Dockon.
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April 1 and 2, 1780.
The enemy's works were a little extended, and ours augmented.
3d .- This morning the battery was discovered upon a height, at Hampstead. A battery of four pieces was constructed on our right to oppose that of the enemy, from which, as well as from all the others, a continued firing of shot and bombs was kept up the following night along the lines.
4th .- This morning, daylight discovered to us the enemy's battery very much injured.
5th .- Last night's fire of our batteries was kept up as heretofore. The enemy's galley approached the town, and fired upon it all night. We began to dig wells in our front, and to close up the gorge of the born work.
6th .- The fire of the batteries and the works continued as before. To-day the reinforcement under General Woodford arrived.
7th .- Very little fire from our batteries last night, and more on the part of the enemy. The enemy has prolonged the right of his first parallel. All our workmen employed digging wells.
Sth .- Last night the enemy commenced a battery of six pieces. All our workmen employed making traverses. A quarter of an hour before sun-set, the English fleet passed Fort Moultrie, under a heavy fire on both sides, and anchored in a line near Fort Johnson. Nobody wounded or killed in Fort Moultrie. The fleet consisted of the following ves- sels :- One of 50 guns, two of 40, four frigates, two vessels armed en Aute, and two other smaller ones; one of these armed en flute grounded on a bank called "The Green."
9th .- The vessel which grounded was abandoned, and burnt by the crew last night. This morning the commencement of a battery ap- peared in front of our left. Our workmen employed as heretofore.
10th .- The works of the enemy were advanced. Our negroes em- ployed in making a battery of five pieces in redoubt, and the soldiers on fatigue in making traverses. This evening a parley was received from the enemy, demanding the surrender of the town; it was refused.
11th .- Our batteries kept up a great deal of fire last night. The enemy hod repaired his batteries, and mounted some cannon. Finished the battery in the redoubt. Our workmen employed in making tra- verses, and strengthening the profiles of some works. This evening Major Gilbank was accidentally killed, making some experiments with shells.
12th .-- Very little firing last night. The enemy had more cannon mounted. The workmen employed as before. Our sailors employed in
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elerating the parapet near Exchange Battery, and making embrasures to it. At 12 o'clock, meridian, three chalops passed Fort Moultrie, and joined the fleet. although fired upon all the time by the Fort.
13th .- Very little firing last night. This morning one of the bat- teries of the enemy was finished, the others not quite; the trenches extended. This morning, at 9 o'clock. the enemy opened his batteries, firing bombs, carcasses and hot balis, which were returned with all our force from the batteries. This lasted about two hours, when the firing was abated on both sides, till about 5 o'clock, when all the fire was ou the side of the enemy. We had one 18 pounder dismounted, and two houses burnt in town. Our workmen employed as before.
14th .- A slow fire was kept up on both sides last night. The ap- proaches of the enemy a little advanced. The enemy's galley fired all night. He commenced another battery opposite the town, on the banks of Ashley River.
15th .- Fire from the batteries and works as before. The enemy had a bomb battery. His second parallel commenced, and manned by the Chasseurs, who kept up a continued fire upon our lines.
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