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 13
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16th .- In addition to his usual tire, the enemy opened his new bat- tery. Last night we extended from our redoubt a counter-mine with a stall parallel whence we could return the fire of the enemy's musketry. This evening one of our Gallies ascended Cooper river to a place whence she entiladed the English camp for several hours, which was briskly answered by field pieces from the camp.
17th .--- The enemy enfiladed the town on all sides last night and threw a great quantity of bombs-sometimes from fifteen to twenty at once. We worked upon our counter mine. We received intelligence from our detachment at Inmuprieres, that one thousand or fifteen hundred of the enemy under General Lord Cornwallis had passed Monk's Corner, Strawberry, Bonneau's Ferry, and Wappetaw, and actually arrived within six miles of the said post. This morning the enemy's second parallel was prolonged towards our left, supplied with bags of earth and full of Chasseurs.
18th .- Fire from the batteries as heretofore, and a shower of musketry all day: this day like last night very rainy.
19th .- Fire from the batteries as heretofore. This evening three of the enemies Gallies descended from Wappoo down Ashley river to the Fleet under a heavy fire from our battaries ; one lost her main mast. This night the communication is made from the battery of the French sailors to the town.
----
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THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION.
20th .- Fire from the batteries as ordinary. This evening the Ravelin commenced in front of the horn work.
2Ist .- Fire from the batteries as ordinary. This morning the enemy had commenced two batteries, near his second parallel.
22d .- Fire from the batteries as ordinary; and from the musketry more than ever. This morning a parley was sent to the enemy and the answer returned about 9 o'clock in the evening.
23d .- Fire from the batteries as ordinary. The enemy extended the saps of his second parallel.
24th .- Fire from the batteries as ordinary. This morning at day- break, a party of two hundred men under Col. Henderson made a sortie upon the enemies works which caused a general fire of musketry on both sides. The party returned in a little while with twelve prisoners. Our loss was one Captain and one soldier killed.
25th .- As ordinary. Last night Col. Parker of the Virginia line was killed by a musket shot.
25th .-- As ordinary. The enemy commenced his third parallel. Troops from a vessel and four gallies, landed at Mount Pleasant, and took possession of a battery of one piece, losing one galley in this affair.
27th .- As ordinary.
25th .-- As ordinary. Last night our Fort at Lamprier's was evacu- ated, and taken possession of by the enemy to-day. It was not until this moment that Charlestown was completely invested; the enemy having possession of James Island, Wappoo, Charlestown Neck, Hobcaw Point, Lamprieres, and Haddrell's Point; and his fleet anchored in the Road-stead before the town.
29th .- As ordinary. The enemy's third parallel almost finished, and a battery commenced; as likewise a redoubt on our side.
30th .- As ordinary.
May 1st, 2nd, and Brd .- As ordinary. Our hospital ship taken by the English and carried higher up the river.
4th, 5th, and 6th .- The enemy employed in making three batteries upon his third parallel. And we to make two redoubts.
7th .- This morning at eight o'clock Fort Moultrie capitulated. A sixty-gun ship joined the English Fleet.
"th .-- As ordinary. Another redoubt was commenced last night in rear of our left line. This morning the enemy sent a parley again to demand the town -- the truce was prolonged throughout the whole day. Iu a Council of War composed of all the officers of the General Staff, it was resolved by a majority of votes, to propose a capitulation.
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DOCUMENTARY HISTORY OF
9th .- The enemy had cannon mounted in the batteries of his third parallel .* The two commanders not agreeing upon the terms of capit- ulation the siege commenced this evening at nine o'clock with greater warmth than ever.
May 10th .- As ordinary.
11th .- As ordinary. The enemy's trenches are extended under the abbatis of the advanced battery. This afternoon a parley was sent to the enemy to propose fresh terms of capitulation.
12th .- The terms were accepted, and the English army took posses- sion of the town. The English have worked very hard upon the forti- fications. All that I can learn is, that they have strengthened the pro- files of the lines ; that they have constructed a Fort at Hampstead very nearly upon the plan herewith, marked with dotted lines; and some redoubts more advanced ; they have also commenced a battery on Shultz's Folly-but the foundation is scarcely raised.
J. RUTLEDGE TO B. G.
[Original MES.]
CHARLES TOWN, Feb. 12th, 1780.
SIR :
I desire that you will immediately embody one-third of your regiment and procure as many volunteers as you can from it, properly armed and prepared to proceed, and send a Field Officer with them to Charles Town, with the utmost despatch.
I am in haste, sir,
your most. obedient servant, J. RUTLEDGE.
P. S .- Volunters serving as drafted militia shall have the same pay and allowance of salt, as these militia. Pray have the inclosed reso- lutions generally and speedily made known throughout your regiment.
* That it was for the purpose of mounting these cannon that the English proposed the truce I do not pretend to say, but this much is certain, that had it not been for the truce, this would have been a very laborious and dangerous job, and almost impracti- cable.
pompa
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THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION.
J. RUTLEDGE TO COL. GARDEN.
[Original MIS.]
CHARLES TOWN, March 2, 1780,
SIR :
I desire that you will immediately cause the contents of this letter and the enclosed Proclamation to be circulated, and generally made known throughout the district of your regiment, in order that delin- quents and offenders may be made known of the consequences which will ensue from a neglect or refusal of their duty to the State. You are to order one-half of your regiment immediately to this town, and transmit to me as soon as possible a list of those who are, or may be drafted vr ordered to march, to the end that it may be known who are defaul- ters to be effected by the Proclamation, which they may be assured will be carried into execution. People may be satisfied that the small pox is not in town, but if it was, I should not admit the circumstance as an excuse for the militia not coming down when ordered; if they will not come, they must abide the present as well as future consequences. I repeat in the most positive and peremptory terms, that I must have one- half of your regiment here, with the utmost expedition; that part of the regiment which remains in the district are to do patrol duty, for keeping the negroes in order, and be employed in suppressing any insurrections of the disaffected and in apprehending and securing persons who go about (as I am informed many do) making it their business to propagate false news, spread groundless reports, and sow discontent among the people; such persons are to be safely conveyed to me, with the witnesses against them. I shall expect the utmost exertions of yourself, and the officers under you, to carry every part of these orders strictly and speedily into execution.
I am, sir, your very humble servant, J. RUTLEDGE.
W. CROGHAN TO MR. MICHAEL GRATZ.
[Original MS.] CHARLESTOWN, S. C., April 8, 1:80.
DEAR SIR :
I arrived here about ten days ago, when I had an opportunity of seeing the enemy at one view, both by land and water. We had one 9
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DOCUMENTARY HISTORY OF
small skirmish with the infantry, but nothing of consequence done. They have been throwing up works, and making nightly approaches on this city for some nights past; their lines are now about six hundred yards off; but I expect they are now approaching much nearer, as eleven sail of their line, this afternoon, with a fair wind, passed Fort Sullivan (now Fort Moultrie), under au exceeding heavy fire. We don't know what injury they sustained, further than our seeing one of their masts shot away. They now lay just out of cannon shot from town; but we expect if the wind continues fair, that they and their army will attack us early to-morrow morning, when they, doubtless, will meet with a very warm reception from our batteries, which are well constructed, have heavy metal, and well pointed, which we have convinced their army of for some days past, having fired pretty constant at their new works. The army and citizens are in high spirits, and have no doubt of their being able to defend the city, and make Sir Henry again give up the thought of taking it. I am uncertain where your brother is, otherwise should write him. Please present my best compliments to Mrs. and Miss Gratz. I am much fatigued, and determined to try if the enemy will let me sleep half-an-hour. I fear they won't, for now a heavy fire begins at Fort Moultrie. I am at a loss to know the reason.
I have wrote Col. Croghan, and hope he may receive the letter, as I have enclosed him one from his son-in-law, which a Mr. Cowen, for- merly of Lancaster, gave me.
I am, your most obedient, W. CROGHAN.
THOMAS PINCKNEY TO HIS MOTHER.
[Original MS.]
FORT MOULTRIE, April 10, 1780.
HONORED MADAM :
When I went to town yesterday, I found our works as strong as the high ideas which had been raised of them by report had made me figure them to myself. I likewise saw every part of them thronged with men, and matters in general in the best posture for a vigorous defence. I heard it reported that the Governor is shortly to take the field and draw down as many of our country militia into a camp to be formed some- where on this side of the country as he can collect, as our militia in gen- eral cannot be prevailed on to come into town, and it is hoped this measure will be productive of very good consequences. The enemy
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THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION.
continue their approaches but slowly ; none of their works are nearer than 600 yards from our lines. Their men-of-war continue opposite to Fort Johnson. Their Admiral's ship was so much damaged as to be obliged to continue on the careen, part of two days, in order to repair.
The North Carolina and Virginia troops which cannot now be at a very great distance, together with such of our country militia as the Governor may collect, will, it is thought, be sufficient to oblige the enemy to raise the siege, or at all events will much incommode them and in the end render their repulse the more certain.
I remain, dear mother, sincerely your affectionate and dutiful son,
THOMAS PINCKNEY.
[Original MS.]
April 14, 1780.
SIR :
As I think it proper to form a respectable camp on the north side of Santee River, at Col. Macdonald's plantation. called Wright's Bluff, near the road leading from Manigault's and Gaillard's ferries to Cam- den, as soon as possible, (not only to cover and secure the country, but to proceed towards Charlestown, in order to compel the enemy to raise the siege of that place), I desire you will use your utmost endeavors to meet me there with as many volunteers as you can collect; but if they should not amount to a third, with one-third (to be drafted) of your regiment, properly armed and accoutred, as soon as they can be resembled. I persuade myself that a consideration of the impor- tant service which this measure may render, will induce you to use your utmost exertions to procure the men, and then to turn out cheerfully and speedily on this occasion, especially as the circumstances to which the country militia seem averse, viz .- the being confined in town, will not happen-for I don't mean to lead them thither. There are, I hope, men enough in town to defend it against an attack; but I think we should relieve our brethren there by obliging the enemy to give up the siege, and deliver the State from the calamities of war, by forcing the enemy to abandon the country, which, as I expect con- siderable aid from the northward, I doubt not they will soon be under the necessity of doing, if our militia will exert themselves as they ought. You will bring with you all the waggons, cattle and provisions, you can collect, but don't delay your march unnecessarily to wait for them. Dispatch is essential.
I am, sir, your very humble servant,
J. RUTLEDGE.
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DOCUMENTARY HISTORY OF
J. RUTLEDGE TO COL. GOODWYN.
. (Original MIS.] - GEORGE TOWN, April 24, 1780.
SIR :
I think it proper to acquaint you, and I desire that you will imme- diately make it known, throughout your regiment, that I expect to be met by the full number which I have called for, from it, at Wright's Bluff, with the utmost expedition, and that every defaulter may be assured, that my Proclamation of last month, shall most certainly be carried strictly into execution against him. As a further means of put- ting those who may not incline to come out, in a way of rendering ser- vice to their country, which perhaps, they may do, when they have left their own homes, and joined the army, that I hope to have soon col- lected, I desire that you will cause those, who from love and zeal for their country, march readily to bring with them, as many as they possi- bly can, of such as are-lukewarin, or desirous of remaining inactive, rather than of defending the State." I rely on your utmost exertions to procure the force required, as soon as possible.
And am, sir, your most obedient servant, J. RUTLEDGE.
P. S .- You will immediately appoint Commissioners (men of integ- rity and judgment,) in the district of your regiment, to make provision, at the public expense, for the subsistence of such families as may suffer by their parents or husbands being absent on militia duty.
[An Old Orderly Book.]
April 24, 1780.
In the morning, at the appearing of day-light, 300 men from Gen. Hogan's and Gen. Woodford's and Gen. Scott's brigades, and twenty-one men from the South Carolina Continentals, sallied out on an intrench- ment which the enemy had thrown up in the night, and killed and took prisoners to the amount of sixty men, only twelve of whom were brought alive into lines, three or four being mortally wounded with bayonets. Col. Henderson, from Virginia, had the command of our troops, and made the men march up to these works, with their priming thrown out, and gun cucks let down. Our men behaved with the greatest bravery and good conduct. Our loss consisted of only 1 colonel killed, and three privates wounded. THOS.
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THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION.
W. CROGHAN TO MR. MICHAEL GRATZ.
[Original MS.] CHARLESTOWN, May 18, 1780.
DEAR SIR :
I am just now going to cross the river to Haddrell's Point, where I am to remain on parole within the space of six miles -- our army being under the necessity of surrendering this town to the British forces the 12th of this month. The bearer, Major Rice, is aid-de-camp to Gen. Lincoln, and can give you every information concerning this town. I suppose you will be informed of our supporting this town while we had provisions to live on, or a prospect of a reinforcement of troops. We have no Continental troops but the Virginians, Hogau's, and three South Carolina regiments. We had but very few militia. The ma- jority of them are citizens of this town. We had a heavy and pretty constant fire from our side six weeks, and from the enemy twenty-nine days; not many lives lost on our side. The second day after the enemy took the town, their magazine blew up by accident, which destroyed all the arms they received from us, and near a hundred lives.
Pray, present my best compliments to Col. Croghan, and let him know I have wrote the Major, his son-in-law. Compliments to Mrs. and Miss Gratz.
I am, with much respect, your most obedient servant, W. CROGHAN.
RETURN OF THE NUMBERS OF THE SOUTH CAROLINA LINE WHO APPEARED ON PARADE AND WERE MUSTERED MAY 27, 1780.
No. Pres. No. Pres.
May 30. May 30
Pulaski's Dragoons, 6 Artillery, South Carolina, .. 45 28
Horry's Dragoons,.
19 Artillery, North Carolina, .. 20 18
FIRST REGIMENT OF SOUTH CAROLINA TROOPS.
No. Pres.
No. Pres.
May 30. May 30
Light Infantry,. 28
7 Capt. Gadsden, 14 13
Capt. Turner's,
18
15
Capt. Williamson 23
14
Capt. Theu's,
18
8
Capt. Levarher, 15 11
Capt. Elliott,.
23
18
Capt. Jackson,. 18 6
Capt. Linning
25
21
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DOCUMENTARY HISTORY OF
SECOND REGIMENT OF SOUTH CAROLINA TROOPS.
No. Pres.
No. Pres. May 30. May 30
Light Infantry,
30
12
Capt. Mason, 9
4
Capt. Mazyek, 17
Capt. Grey,.
19
13
Capt. Shubrick
19
11
Capt. Baker.
15
8
Capt. Prevaux,.
18 9
Col. Company,. 21
9
Capt. George Warley,
.20
11
THIRD REGIMENT OF SOUTH CAROLINA TROOPS.
No. Pres.
May 30
Light Infantry,.
26
9
Capt. Faran's, 15
2
Capt. Joseph Warley's,. 16
Capt. Liddell's, 2
17
5
Capt. Goodwyn's,
19
4 Capt. Pollard's, 9
7
Capt. Buchanan's,.
17 5
W. CROGHAN TO MR. MICHAEL GRATZ.
[Original MS.]
CHARLESTOWN, S. C., June 12, 1780.
DEAR SIR :
I before informed you that this day month we were under the reces- sity of surrendering this town to the British army. I suppose you are furnished with the articles of capitulation, and our reasons for giving it up, ere now. We flatter ourselves our friends to the northward will say we maintained the post as long and well as people in our situation could. I am on parole at Haddrell's Point (with the other Continental oficers who were taken prisoners) in sight of town. I came here a few days ago to see Major Provost, who has set out for Savannah for Mrs. Provost, who is to remain here with him.
Colonel Nevill is lying in sight of me, bad with the gout.
I expect to have my parole extended to go to Pennsylvania very soon. Please present my best respects to Mrs. and Miss Gratz.
I am, dear sir, your most obedient servant,
W. CROGHAN.
No. Pres. May 30, 8 Capt. Baker's, 15 5
Capt. Felix Warley's, 24
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THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION.
THOMAS JEFFERSON TO COL. WILLIAM CAMPBELL.
[Original MS.]
IN COUNCIL, June 22, 1780.
SIR :
Orders have been sent to the county lieutenants of Montgomery and Washington, to furnish 250 of their militia to proceed in conjunction with the Carolinians against the Chickamoggas. You are hereby autho- rized to take command of the said men. Should the Carolinians not have at present such an expedition in contemplation, if you can engage them to concur as volunteers, either at their own expense or that of their State, it is recommended to you to do it. Take great care to dis tinguish the friendly from the hostile part of the Cherokee nation, and to protect the former while you severely punish the latter. The Com- missary and Quarter-Master in the Southern department is hereby required to furnish you all the aid of his department. Should the men, for the purpose of despatch, furnish horses for themselves to ride, let them be previously appraised, as in cases of impress, and for such as shall be killed, die, or be lost in the service, without any default in the owner, payment shall be made by the public. An order was lodged with Col. Preston for 1,000 lbs. of powder from the lead mines for this expedition; and you receive herewith an order for 500 lbs. of powder from Col. Flemings for the same purpose, of the expenditure of which you will render account.
I am, sir, your very humble servant, THOS. JEFFERSON,
MR. WILLIAMS TO MRS. WILLIAMS.
[Original MS.] CAMP CATAWBA, OLD NATION, July 4, 1780.
DEAR WIFE :
My anxiety for you and my dear children, far exceeds anything that I am able to express ; not knowing your distress but I trust in God that His guardian care has been over you for your protection; I have earnestly requested the favor of heaven on you. I have had some accounts from you, but they were very imperfect. I pray God that I may have the happiness of seeing you my love at Mount Pleasant in the course of this month, with a force sufficient to repel all the Tories in
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DOCUMENTARY HISTORY OF
the upper part of South Carolina. I have been informed that many false stories are in circulation in our country to the disheartening of our friends in that quarter of the State. I give the true state of things touching our army, and you, my love, and all my friends, may depend on it to be the truth. I was at my brother's and settled my family on as good terms as possible, and left him well with his family. I left there on the 29th of last month ; that day, Major General DeKalb and General Wayne and Smallwood, with the Maryland and Pennsylvania troops to the amount of 3,000, and 2,500 from Virginia, are on the march from Roxbury in order to join Major General Caswell with about 2,000 North Carolina militia, and about 200 regular light horse; on the whole, 7,700, that is now in motion, and will be at Camden in the course of six or seven days, which may put a different face on matters. And there are 5,500 Virginia militia marching that will be here shortly, (and 2,000 North Carolina militia, under General Rutherford, that is to march to Ninety-six,) with some South Carolina militia commanded by Col. Sumter, to the amount of 500, now in camp at this place, and are expected to cross the river to-day, with about 500 of the Mecklenburg militia. Over and above all these, there are 4,000 more North Carolina militia to inarch as soon as harvest is over. On the whole, I expect we will shortly meet the tories, when they must give an account of their late conduct. I can assure you, my dear, that there is a large French Fleet and army on our coast. I think, from these circumstances, that our affairs are in a flattering condition at present. I expect you have heard of Moore's defeat, in the fork of the Catawba by a detached party from General Rutherford, under Capt. Falls, not exceeding 850, that defeated 1300 tories, and took their baggage, with about 500 horses and saddles and guns, and left 35 on the field dead. Since that General Caswell has defeated the English at the Cheraws, and cut off the 71st Regiment entirely. I can assure you and my friends that the English have never been able to make a stand in North Carolina yet, and they have slipt their time now, for they or retreating to Charlestown with all rapidity. From this you may see, under the blessing of God that we will soon relieve our distressed families and friends; so bear up with fortitude till that happy day comes. I hope in God this will find you, my dear wife, and my children all well. My compliments to you and my children and friends that inquire after me. Myself and Capt. Hays, Daniel and the boys are all hearty ; God be blest for His mercy to us.
The uncertainty of your situation is my great mortification; but let our joint prayers meet in Heaven for each other and our bleeding country. The Rev. Mr. Simson has had his house and every thing he
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THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION,
had but the clothing the family had on destroyed, and he is in camp with me and Mr. Croghead, and is part of my family in camp. Mr. Simson, Mr. Croghead, and Capt. Hays, join me in our compliments to you, my love and friends.
I am with great regard your loving husband till death,
JAS. WILLIAMS.
N. B .- As for family affairs do as you may think best. -
GENERAL GEORGE WASHINGTON TO MAJOR LEE.
[Original MS.]
HEAD-QUARTERS, PEEKSKILL, August 5, 1780.
DEAR SIR :
I received your letter from Eastown of the 31st ult.
Before this the Quarter-Master General will have transmitted you orders. I have to request after their execution, that you will imme- diately repair to the main army at Dobbs' ferry, by way of the two bridges.
I am, dear sir, your obedient and humble servant, GEORGE WASHINGTON.
WILLIAM PRESTON TO COL. WILLIAM CAMPBELL.
[Original MIS.]
August 24, 1780.
I have ordered the Montgomery troops to assemble at the lead mines as soon as possible. As you are to take the command of the whole, you will please to give orders to the officers accordingly, who, with the soldiers, are hereby strictly commanded to obey such orders as they may receive from you on this tour of duty.
You may continue them on this service as long as you judge it abso- lutely necessary for the safety of this and our sister State of North Caro- lina.
I wish you every success in suppressing the internal enemies of the State.
I am, sir, your very humble servant, WILLIAM PRESTON.
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DOCUMENTARY HISTORY OF
A. NASH TO COL. JAMES WILLIAMS.
[Original MS.]
HILLSBOROUGH, September 8, 1780.
SIR :
You are desired to go to Caswell county, and to such other counties as you think proper, and use your best endeavors to collect any number of volunteer horsemen, not exceeding one hundred. and proceed with them into such parts as you judge proper, to act against the enemy, and in this you are to use your own discretion. You may assure the men who turn out with you that they shall be entitled to all the advan- tages and privileges of militia in actual service, and that it shall be considered as a tour of duty under the militia law, they serving the time prescribed by law for other militia men. All Commissaries, and other staff-officers, are required to grant you such supplies as may be necessary.
In getting your men, you are to make no distinction between men already drafted and others; and, in case of need, you are to impress horses for expresses, and other cases of absolute necessity.
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