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 14
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A. NASH.
RECEIPT TO COLONEL GOODWYN.
[Original MS.]
STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA.
Received, 18th December, 1780, of Col. Goodwyn, one negro man, named Doctor; one sorrel gelding, one saddle and bridle, one cutlass, nineteen silver dollars, for the use of the public. Unless it should appear when a full investigation can be made, that Col. Goodwyn's con- duct has been nowise injurious to the liberties of America, in which case I promise to have the above articles returned to said Col. Goodwyn ; and I further promise to give up to said Col. Goodwyn his negro man, named as above, upon his (the said Col. Goodwyn's) depositing in my hands the sum of two hundred guineas, or twenty thousand Continental dollars, or loan-office certificates to that amount-which money shall also be returned as above.
THOS, SUMTER.
189
THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION.
COL. CAMPBELL TO REV. MR. CUMMING.
[Original MS.]
September -, 1780.
DEAR SIR :
I got home last Monday evening from my little excursion into South Carolina, and had the happiness of finding my family in good health.
I imagine you have already heard the particulars of the action at Whitsill's Mill, on the 6th instant: and I make no doubt but those of the action near Guilford C. H., upon the 15th, will be agreeable to you. General Greene having collected an army of 4,500 men at the High Rock ford of Haw River, began his march from that place on Monday, the 12th inst., determined to give battle to the enemy on the first oppor- tunity. General Cornwallis lay at that time within two or three miles of Guilford C. H., on a branch called Buffaloe; and upon Gen. Greene's advancing towards him, he retired into a fork of Deep River, about eight miles above the Court House. Our army, upon the evening of . the 14th, got up to Guilford C. H., and encamped about a mile above it that night. Myself and Col. C. Lynch. having each of us the com- mand of a corps of riflemen, with Lieut .- Colonels Lee and Washington, of the Light Dragoons, were that evening advanced about a mile in front of the army, and about seven miles from the enemy. Next morn- ing early, we had intelligence of their being in motion, and marching towards us; upon which Col. Lee, with his legion, and about thirty of my riflemen, under the command of Capt. Tate, of the Augusta militia, went out to meet them, while the rest of the riflemen, and Col. Wash- ington's horse, formed at our encampinent, to support them in their retreat back. They met with the enemy near two miles from our en- campment, and immediately began to skirmish them, and continued fighting and retreating for about half-an-hour, which disconcerted and retarded the enemy very considerably. In the meantime, the main body of our army was formed about three-quarters of a mile in rear of us; and upon the legions rejoining us, we were ordered back, to take our position in the line of battle. We had not been formed there above ten minutes, before the cannonade began in the centre, which lasted about twenty minutes, in which time the enemy were forming their line of battle, by filing off to the right and left, and then immediately ad- vanced upon our troops, upon which the firing of the small arms began. The Virginia regulars and militia, with the first Maryland regiment, behaved with the greatest bravery, and the riflemen who acted upon the
140
DOCUMENTARY HISTORY OF
wings, have done themselves honor; but, unhappily, a whole brigade of the North Carolina militia, of about 1,000 men, abandoned their party from the first unset. Many of them never fired their guns, and almost the whole of them threw away their arms, and fled with the greatest precipitation. To this misfortune is attributed our being obliged to quit the field, though the battle was maintained long and obstinately. All agree that it lasted two hours and a half, and I think myself it was considerably more. The enemy followed us no further than the heights just above Guilford C. H., and our army retreated in tolerable order to Speedwell Furnace, which is about ten miles below. There the most of the troops, who were dispersed in the action, assembled next day. The enemy lay at Guilford C. H. from Thursday till Sunday, 12 o'clock, (being employed in burying their dead, and taking care of their wounded, ) and that evening retreated to New Garden Court House where they left a number of their wounded, and wrote to Gen. Greene, requesting that they might not be ill-treated by the Americans. The next day (Monday) they continued their retreat to Centre Meeting House, and next morning I left camp, and have not had any certain intelligence from them since, though I make no doubt but there has been another battle, as every person seems to believe that Gen. Greene intended a pursuit.
Very truly yours, W. CAMPBELL.
COL. WILLIAM CAMPBELL'S ACCOUNT OF THE BATTLE OF KING'S MOUNTAIN.
[Original MS.]
WILKES COUNTY, CAMP ON BRIAR CREEK, October 20, 1780. DEAR SIR :
Ferguson and his party are no more in circumstances to injure the citizens of America.
We came up with him in Craven county, South Carolina, posted on a height called King's Mountain, about twelve miles north of the Chero- kee ford of Broad River, about two o'clock in the evening of the 7th instant, we having marched the whole night before.
Col .. Shelby's regiment and mine began the attack, and sustained the whole fire of the enemy for about ten minutes, while the other troops were forming around the height upon which the enemy was posted. The firing then became general, and as heavy as you can conceive for
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THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION.
the number of men. The advantageous situation of the enemy-being the top of a steep ridge -- obliged us to expose ourselves exceedingly, and the dislodging of them was equal to driving them from strong breast- works; though, in the end, we gained the point of the ridge, where my regiment fought, and drove them along the summit, nearly to the other end, where Col. Cleveland with his country men were. There they were drove into a huddle, and the greatest confusion. The flag for a surrender was immediately hoisted; and as soon as the troops could be noticed of it, the firing ceased, and the survivors surrendered themselves prisoners at discretion.
The victory was complete to a wish. My regiment has suffered more than any other in the action. I must proceed with the prisoners until I can some way dispose of them. Probably I may go on to Richmond in Virginia.
I am, &c., WM. CAMPBELL, Col. Com.
COL. CAMPBELL TO THOMAS JEFFERSON.
[Original MIS.] HILLSBOROUGH, October 31, 1780.
SIR :
I came to this place last night to receive General Gates' directions how to dispose of the prisoners taken at King's Mountain, in the State of South Carolina, upon the seventh instant. He has ordered them to be taken over to Montgomery county, where they are to be secured under proper guards. General Gates transmits to your Excellency a state of the proceedings of our little party to the westward. I flatter myself we have much relieved that part of the country from its late dis- tress.
I am your Excellency's most obedient and very humble servant, WILLIAM CAMPBELL.
RESOLUTIONS OF THE SENATE OF VIRGINIA.
[Original MS.]
IN THE SENATE, November 15, 1780. Resolved, nemine contradicente, that the thanks of this House are justly due to Col. William Campbell, of Washington county, and the
1
142
DOCUMENTARY HISTORY OF
brave officers and soldiers under his command, who with an ardor truly patriotic, in the month of September last, without waiting for the call of Goverment, voluntarily marched out to oppose the common enemy, at that time making depredations on the frontiers of North Carolina, and on the seventh day of October. by a well-timed judicious. and spirited attack, with a force inferior to that of Maj. Ferguson. then advanta- geously posted on King's Mountain, with upwards of eleven hundred men, and by a perseverance and gallantry rarely to be met with. even among veteran troops, totally defeated the whole party : whereby a form- idable and dangerous scheme of the enemy was effectually frustrated.
Test, WILLIAM DREW, C. S.
MARTIN ARMSTRONG TO COL. WILLIAM CAMPBELL.
[Original MS.]
FEBRUARY 25th, 1781. DEAR COLONEL :
Yesterday I had an express from Col. Lock's camp ; he is at the High Rock Ford on Haw River. Gen. Perkins is near Hillsborough, and by this time considerable strong; General Greene on his march towards the enemy with a number of the Virginia militia and regulars; General Butler, with the Orange district militia, lies below Hillsborough. and by every intelligence, the enemy are penned up in that town. It is generally supposed that a reinforcement is on their march to the assist- ance of the British ; our people are gathering from all quarters, and the enemies pickets are constantly harrassed by our reconoitering parties. The arrival of your troops would add vigor to us and discourage the enemy, who, no doubt, have heard of your being on your march towards them. Pray send back this express as quick as possible; I shall en- deavor to have some meat for you at Bethabara-meal and corn you can have a plenty, but meat is scarce. However, I shall try my best. This day Col. Preston, I think, will join Gen. Pickens ; if any extra- ordinary news comes to hand before you arrive at Bethabara, I shall let you know by another express.
I am in haste, sir, your humble servant,
MARTIN ARMSTRONG.
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THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION.
* WILLIAM MOULTRIE TO CHARLES MONTAGUE.
HADDRELL'S POINT, March 12, 1781.
MY LORD :
I received yours this morning by Fisher. I thank you for your wish to promote my advantage, but am much surprised at your propo- sition. I flattered myself I stood in a more favorable light with you ! I shall write with the same freedom with which we used to converse, and doubt not you will receive it with the same candor. I have often heard you express your sentiments respecting this unfortunate war, when you thought the Americans injured ; but am now astonished to find you taking an active part against them ; though not fighting partic- ularly on the Continent. yet the seducing their soldiers away to enlist in the British service is nearly similar.
My Lord, you are pleased to compliment me with having fought bravely in my country's cause for many years, and, in your opinion, ful- filled the duty every individual owes to it; but, 1 differ very widely with you in thinking, that I have discharged my duty to my country, while it is still deluged with blood, and over-run by the British troops, who exercise the most savage cruelties. . When I entered into this con- test, I did it with the most mature deliberation, and with a determined resolution to risk my life and fortune in the cause.
The hardships I have gone through, I look back upon with the great- est pleasure and honor to myself; I shall continue to go on as I have begun, that my example may encourage the youths of America, to stand forth in defence of their rights and liberties : You call upon me now, and tell me, I have a fair opening of quitting that service with honor and reputation to myself, by going with you to Jamaica ! Good God ! is it possible that such an idea could arise in the breast of a man of honor? I am sorry you should imagine I have so little regard for my own reputation, as to listen to such dishonorable proposals ! Would you wish to have that man, whom you have honored with your friendship, play the traitor? Surely not! You say, by quitting this country, for a short time, I might avoid disagreeable conversations, and might return at my own leisure, and take possession of my estates for myself and family; but, you have forgotten to tell me, how I am to get rid of the feelings of an injured, honest heart, and where to hide myself from myself! Could I be guilty of so much baseness, I should hate myself,
* Autograph letter in possession of Dr. E. Brailsford, Charleston.
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DOCUMENTARY HISTORY OF
and shun mankind ! This would be a fatal exchange from my present situation, with an easy and approved conscience of having done my duty, and conducted myself as a man of honor.
My Lord, I am sorry to observe, that I feel your friendship much abated, or you would not endeavor to prevail upon me to act so base a part : You earnestly wish you could bring it about, as you think it will be the means of bringing about that reconciliation we all wish for. I wish for a reconciliation, as much as any man ; but, only upon honor- able terms ! The repossessing my estates ; the offer of the command of your Regiment, and the honor you propose of serving under me, are paltry considerations to the loss of my reputation ! No! not the fee simple of that valuable Island of Jamaica should induce me to part with my integrity !
My Lord, as you have made one proposal, give me leave to make another, which will be more honorable to us both. As you have an in- terest with your commanders, I would have you propose the withdraw- ing the British troops from the Continent of America' allow the Inde- pendence; and propose a peace! This being done, I will use my interest, with my commanders, to accept the terms, and allow Great Britain a free trade with America.
My Lord, I could make one more proposal, but my situation as a prisoner circumscribes me within certain bounds-I must, therefore, conclude with allowing you the free liberty to make what use of this you may think proper. Think better of me.
I am, my Lord,
Your Lordship's most obedient humble servant,
WILLIAM MOULTRIE, Brigadier General. .
WILLIAM HENDERSON TO MIR. WILLIAM BUTLER.
[Original MS.]
CAMP BEFORE NINETY-SIX, June 13, 1781.
SIR :
By information I have the greatest confidence in your exertions to facilitate the peace of this country: and also hearing that there is no officer in Cant. Watson's old company, you are authorised to take com- mand of the said company, and gather them together. With one-half you will immediately repair to camp, with the others you will lay under the charge of an officer, to guard that country from the depredations of
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THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION.
the enemy, and to gather the grain of the whole, as I make no doubt but the harvest is on hand. All the said company are ordered and re- quired to pay due obedience to your orders.
From your humble servant.
WILLIAM HENDERSON, Lieut .- Col. D.
A LIST OF MY COMPANY, MALE AND FEMALE, OLD AND YOUNG.
[Original MS.]
For duty.
Women.
Children.
Old Men,
John Irwin, Captain, .. 3
2
3
0
Andrew Warnock, Lieut., .... 1
2
7
1
Wmn. McMahen, Lieut., .. 1
1
2
0
James Buchanan, Sen., .. 1
2
3
0
Alexander Moor,.
0
1
1
1
Widow Thomson,
1
2
4
0
John Loagen, ..
?
3
4
1
Widow Loagen,
0
2
7
0
Widow Forbes,
0
1
0
James Huston,
1
1
1
0
Alexander McAlister,
2
1
6
0
Andrew McAlister,
0
1
2
1
Hugh Douglas,
1
1
2
0
John Buchanan,
1
1
1
0
James Moor, 1
1
0
0
James Buchanan, Jun. 1
1
5
0
John Beaker, Sen.,
0
2
5
1
John Beaker, Jun ..
1
1
0
0
James Beaker,
1
1
2
0
John Wardlow,
2
2
11
0
William Brown
1
4
3
1
William Thomson,
1
0
0
0
Widow Brown,
0
1
2
0
Edward Forbes
1
1
5
0
Jacob Brondoway,,
1
1
1
1
Widow Parker,
1
1
0
Quintan Moor,.
0
1
0
1
-
-
-
-
27
38
81
8
·
JOHN IRWIN.
10
146
DOCUMENTARY HISTORY OF
WILLIAM CHRISTIAN TO COL. WILLIAM PRESTON.
[Original MIS.]
MAHANAIM, Saturday June 30, 1781.
DEAR SIR :
The Assembly adjourned on this day was a week. Mr. W. Madison came from Staunton but one day before I did, and, I suppose, has given you nearly all the news I have, but, as John Young is going over, I'll write what occurs to me. Several laws are made respecting the war. The militia law is amended-martial law declared in force for 20 miles around our army and also around the enemy's-all the powers of Govern- ment necessary for calling out militia, and resources of every kind are vested in the Executive-persons suspected of disaffection may be sent to the enemy after twenty days to dispose of their property-a law is passed allowing ten thousand dollars for voluntary recruits for two years or the war. I think there are twenty-two Acts in all, but the above are the most material, except one, I just remember, for punishing those who may oppose the laws by an armed force, declaring them to be civilly dead, and their estates to descend to the next of kin.
The lowland people are as true and firm, in the interest of America as any people in it. All I saw seem to disregard property, and only talk of independence. None. despair in the least. They are more en- gaged for the fate of South Carolina at present than Virginia. Not- withstanding the anxiety for Carolina we had no certain accounts since the 24th of May-at that time Gen. Greene lay before Ninety-six, and expected twelve days would determine its fate. Col. Knox took down a report about ten days ago that it was actually taken, and that the Gen- eral with his whole army and prisoners were then at Salisbury. Capt. Sagers took down an extract of a letter said to be written by G. G. to Col. Armstrong, saying that all Carolina had fallen but Charles Town. Since I came home last Tuesday I can hear nothing at all. The Marquis de LaFayette, retreated into Culpepper, near the Court house, to meet Wayne, to save 2,500 stand of arms, coming to- wards Fredericksburg, and to try to save Hunter's Works. Lord Corn- wallis, was steering for Fredericksburg until he took some of our Ex- presses, giving information about our stores at Point of Fork, soon after which he turned about to that place. The Marquis crossed the country again to Alligre's, and followed down. The last and best accounts we had this day week were that Lord Cornwallis was in Richmond, and the Marquis at a church twelve miles on this side up the Goochland road.
147
THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION.
The Marquis said he would fight if pushed hard, but if not would ware it longer. Baron Steuben it was supposed joined last week with six hundred newly raised regulars, and as many militia raised on the south side of the river. He had retreated as far as Dan from the Point of Fork, intending for Greene, but returned as we heard. Some stores are saved, some lost. We had no certain accounts, how much either way. At Charlottesville, the damage was not great; perhaps, about three hundred guns destroyed, and some stores, but the greatest part had got out of town, and Tarlton followed but one mile up the road. Col. Boone who was with Lord Cornwallis and since paroled, thinks the enemy about 6,000. Reports call ours 7,000, and increasing. Our strength in regulars, is about 2,200-to wit : the Marquis' men, 800, Wayne's 800, and Steuben's 600. When we got a return from the Marquis, of the militia, they fell greatly short of what was reported. near half. Deserters from Lord Cornwallis, call his force 4,500 and 5,000. Reports call his horse. 700. We were told that there are com- panies formed for trading in negroes and shipping them to the Islands, and East Florida. The midde country will be eat out between the two armies. I think there is an equal chance for peace next winter. The Spaniards seem to be bending their whole force at Gibralter and the French at the Islands. The French had fifty and the English thirty- five line of battle ships before St. Lucia. An engagement was looked for as the French would try to take that Island. I expect none of them here now. Let me deal in Latin like A. B. and desire you to ask D. R. to English-uti possidetis.
Adieu, WILLIAM CHRISTIAN.
AN ACCOUNT OF GOODS RECEIVED OF COL. WADE HAMPTON, BY THOMAS JACKSON, FOR COMPLETING HIS REGIMENT.
[Original MS.]
January 5, 1782.
Forty yards of blue flannel, twenty yards of red flannel, twenty yards of home-spun.
Made use of part of the above by order, and for the use of said Col. Hampton.
Eight yards of red flannel for lining for Colonel Hampton's cloak; six yards ditto, Thos. Singleton; four yards of home-spun, Major Boy- kin; two yards ditto for lining Colonel Hampton's portmanteau.
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DOCUMENTARY HISTORY OF
REMAINS OF THE ABOVE DUE TO COL. HAMPTON.
£ s. d.
Forty yards of blue flannel, at 2s. 4d.,. 4 13 4
Six yards of red ditto, at 2s. 4d.,. 0 14 0 Fourteen yards of home-spun, at 2s. 4d.,. 1 12 8 To an account that Mr. Wm. Boykin paid to Mr. Gaunt, 10 10 0
Six gallons of train oil, at 14s., .. 4
4 0
Received of John Boykin, 3 3 0
To cash you paid to David Westcott,. 8 8 0
Total,. .............. £38 5 0
ACCOUNT OF THE CASH PAID TO THE WORKMEN, AND SUNDRY ARTICLES, FOR EQUIPPING COLONEL HAMPTON'S REGIMENT OF CAVALRY.
[Original MS.]
£ s. d.
Paid to James Perry, saddler, 6 15 0
Paid to David Tucker, 2 2 0
Paid to John Hall, for six months' work, 18 0 0
To ten dozen of bosses, at 2s. 6d.,. 1 5 0
To twelve dozen of large buckles, at 3s. 6d., 2 2 0
To fourteen dozen of small buckles, at 3s., .. 2 12 0
To eight thousand tacks, at Os. 4d. 3 14 8
To thirty weight of wool, at 2s. 4d,. 3 10 0
To twenty-five weight of fat, at &d., 0 16 8
To six weight of thread, at 9s. 4d., 2 16
0
Paid for taking the negroes when run away,. 3 14 8
Paid to Mr. Gregory for ironing the negro, Quake. 0 9 4
Left unpayed for the accoutrements, .. 10 3 0
Balance between Quaco and Malbery, 16 0 0
Total,. 92 0 4
Deduct, . 18 0 0
Half,
74 4 0
£37 0 2
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THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION.
GOVERNOR MATTHEWS TO GENERAL MARION.
[Horry MS.]
CANE ACRE, April 1, 1782.
SIR :
I received your letter of the -- and -- , and I now enclose you a copy of a letter from Governor Burke, which explains what Ganey has been for some time past complaining of. I hope you will pay particular attention to Gov. Burke's requisition, that none of the disaf- fected of his State may be suffered to harbor with Ganey and his party; and it would be well to apprize him that if, when driven out of North Carolina, they are sheltered by any of his party in this State, it will be deemed an infraction of the truce, and consequently the North Caro- linians will have a right to enter the neutral ground, and apprehend the fellows wherever they are found. If it can be clearly proved that the truce has been violated on their part, how far it might be advisable for you to co-operate with the North Carolinians, and by one decisive blow crush this infamous banditti, I must leave with you to determine. As to the proposal you make respecting Maham's and Horry's corps, Gen. Greene and myself having fully considered that matter, have given you our opinion thereon, which I suppose you have received ere this. But should there be any great difficulty in carrying our determination into execution, I bave no objection to adopting the mode you now propose, if Gen. Greene approves of it, except that part "to recruit Maham's corps to one hundred and twenty men," as the time of service of the men will expire in July, therefore, it would not be worth while to incur the expense. I am very glad you have got some negroes for the recruit- ing service. I wish Col. Grimke would continue to furnish you with them, and not wait for my orders, which I can give him hereafter, when I know the quantity delivered to you. The orders you have lately re- ceived from me renders it unnecessary to say anything now respecting Mr. Philip Porcher.
Since writing the above, I have seen Gen. Greene, and he approves of Horry's corps being continued as infantry, agreeable to your proposal.
I am, sir, your most obedient servant,
JOHN MATTHEWS.
5
150
DOCUMENTARY HISTORY OF
MAJ. BURNET, AIDE-DE-CAMP, TO COL. LAURENS.
[ Horry MS.]
HEAD-QUARTERS, April 2, 1782.
MY DEAR SIR:
Since the General wrote you, this morning, he has conversed with the person mentioned in his letter; he is impressed with the idea of the enemy's intending to advance immediately ; preparations are mak- ing to accomplish it as early as possible. The movement towards the Santee was probably to draw the attention of part of our force to that quarter. You will join the army with the troops under your command as early as possible. Be pleased to communicate to Gen. Marion on the subject. Gen. Greene wishes to hear from you this night.
I am with sincerity yours, J. BURNET, Aide-de-Camp.
GEN. GREENE TO COL. LAURENS.
[Horry MS.]
HEAD-QUARTERS, April 2, 1782.
DEAR SIR :
I have just received the enclosed note from Mrs. McQueen, and have been talking with - -. It appears the enemy have it in contem- plation to attack us in our divided state; they must inevitably ruin us. You will join the army, therefore, without loss of time. I wish it was possible for Gen. Marion to take a position near Monk's Corner, that he might join us in cases of necessity. Please to write to him on the subject. Let me hear from you to-night. I did not know until this morning that you had Major Moses' command with you. I thought they had joined the line.
Yours, &c., NATHANIEL GREENE.
151
THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION.
COL. MAHAM TO GEN. MARION.
[Horry MS.]
STRAWBERRY, April 4, 1782.
SIR :
I take the liberty of informing you that we pursued the enemy with my cavalry down to Haddrell's. They had all got over not more than two or three hours before we got down. I was on my return to you the next day as far as Ball's Wambaw, when I received an express from Col. Laurens, to join him as quick as possible at Strawberry Ferry. Col. Laurens has rendezvoused at Strawberry. I still remain at Col. Harleston's, near the ferry, until I hear from Col. Laurens again.
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