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 15
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I have the honor to be your most obdt. humble servant,
W. MAHAM.
SECRET CORRESPONDENT TO GEN. MARION.
[Horry MS.]
APRIL 4, 1782.
SIR :
I forwarded you yesterday a small packet by Mr. M'Dowle, to which I refer. I am now in the country and at liberty. I must, therefore, thank you again for your kindness and attention in forwarding me a protection and for saving me from impending destruction. Your late worthy brother, whose memory I shall ever revere, I considered as my father and best friend, and esteemed him beyond all other men and yourself, by your generous conduct have laid me under such obligations as entitles you to my affection and best services. I now answer your favor of the 7th ultimo, received the 23d. When it came to hand, I resolved the subject over and over in my mind, and came to this con- clusion, that it would be impossible for me alone to carry your views into their full extent, for the following reasons :- first, Because as I followed no kind of business, the purchasing goods alone in any quan- tity would create suspicion; secondly, Because I am much suspected already, not by those in authority, but by busy people who are ever prying into other people's business. I have been told I am suspected, and that my conduct is watched; thirdly, Because I think I want reso- lution for such an undertaking, laboring as I do under a great infirmity
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of face (having in all my concerns walked in a straight .path ), insomuch if any danger arose, I should sink under it, if the truth was against me. These considerations determined me to consult a second person. I knew of none so proper as my friend, Mr. Wmn. Smith, No. 33 on the Bay; I, therefore, in confidence made him acquainted with the subject of your letter. This produced a return of confidence from him, and he acquainted me Capt. Theus had already wrote to him on the subject, and that he had made the necessary applications; that the answers were more favorable than he expected, and that he only waited for an opportunity to write Capt. Theus. I enclosed Mr. Smith's answer to C. T. to you yesterday. I wish it may be satisfactory. In my former letter I mentioned a Mr. Warrington, gone in a flag to George Town. He has a large stock, and I fancy has had large con- cerns in the country already. I am of opinion good business may be done with him if he is not returned. I lament much I could not advise you of this man before, but it was impracticable. I am in hopes your business may be done by mutual consent of parties; if it can, you will be much better served, and there will be no risk, which always is great; for only two or three days ago a vessel loaded with rum was seized at Roper's Wharf; Capt. Keaton and Dickerson confined in the prevost, and Mr. John McQueen obliged to abscond. Excuse me, sir, for offer- ing to give advice. But, supposing Capt. Theus were to write to Mr. Smith for such articles, as he wanted to be paid in produce, it will be Mr. Smith's interest to serve you, or rather himself. I, perhaps, may succeed in a small concern. also, if you approve it. Fresh meat sells at an enormous price; a good animal would fetch in quarters twenty guineas or upwards. If permission could be had to bring proper goods in return from town, a few animals would procure you a great many necessaries, and bear trifling and temporary relief to the town. I do not know this can be done; but if you desire it, I will try, and desire no advantage from it; at all events, I can get many goods out with passes, as I did the hoes. To conclude, I will render you all the ser- vices in my power, and when the plan and correspondence is settled, the conveyance of letters from hence will be regular. I could wish Lieut. Capers might convey all letters, and accompany any person on this business; as he is known by my people, and often here, it will not create any suspicion, for I only wish to trust one negro. I must now beg leave to execute a commission in behalf of a very much distressed man; I mean my worthy friend, Mr. Philip Porcher. He is much hurt by the late act that affects him. I do think if ever man was de- serving of favor, he is of the number. As you know him well, I shall
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THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION.
only say, he is determined to throw himself on your protection, and I expect he is now on his way to you to solicit your kind offices to rank him amongst the number you have made happy. I am also desired to forward your letter from my friend Dr. E. He is a true penitent, and sincerely desirous of making his peace and of following your directions in all things. His lady is coming out to effect it, if possible. This freedom in me needs every apology I can make; my wish to serve my friends will, I hope, plead it. I shall only further add, that I am, sir, your obedient humble servant,
P. S .- Please to destroy this letter, for fear of accidents.
GEN. LESLIE TO GEN. MARION.
[Horry MS.]
April 4, 1782.
SIR :
It was with deep concern I viewed, on the proceedings of the last sessions of your Assembly, acts for amercing the property of some persons, and confiscating that of others, whose principles had attached them to the cause of their Sovereign. Yet, alarming as these public resolutions appeared, I was in hopes humanity, as well as policy, would have arrested their execution, and that I should not have been com- pelled to take measures for their counteraction, injurious to the country, and therefore painful to me; but when these hopes were disappointed, and I found the effects of the loyal and well-affected removed from their estates, and carried to parts far distant from them, I could no longer remain the quiet spectator of their distresses; but, in order to induce a more just line of conduct, have employed a part of the force intrusted to my charge for their protection, in seizing the negroes of your friends, that restitution may be thereby made to such of ours as may suffer under these oppressive and ruinous resolutions. This, sir, was the - object of the late. excursion towards Santee, and these principles will greatly mark the future operations of this army, unless a relinquish- inent of this assumed right on your part should justify less destructive measures on mine. To point out to you, or the world, the distinction between temporary sequestration and actual confiscation, would be im- pertinence; but, will by no means be so to observe on the opposite con-
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duct, pursued by each party in carrying into execution these very dif- ferent measures, for which you have endeavored to involve in perpetual ruin the persons and estates of those whose violent opposition to the King's Government compelled the withholding from them, for a time, their possessions in this province, for the great attention which has been invariably paid to their property-the connected state in which it was preserved, and the liberal allowances that were made to their fami- lies-insomuch, that whilst other estates were running to waste by the distractions of the country, these have greatly thriven at the expense of Government. Thus far I have deemed it necessary to urge the motives of humanity, policy and example, for your suspension of such rigorous procedures; and should you think a meeting of Commissioners on each side might tend to lessen the devastations of war, and secure inviolate the property of individuals, I shall have a peculiar happiness in embracing proposals that may accomplish such benevolent purposes. But if, notwithstanding this earnest representation, you should still per- severe in executing these Acts of your Assembly, I trust this letter will hold me justifiable to the world for any measures which necessity may adopt, in counteraction of steps unjust in their principles, and person- ally distressing in their consequences; and that whilst I only endeavor to secure to those who, with respectable steadiness, have attached them- selves to our cause, the full possession of their effects, or, in case of losses, to provide an equitable restitution for them, I shall be clearly exculpated from all the honors and calamities which the road you now point out unavoidably leads to.
I have the honor to be, sir, your most obdt. and humble servant,
ALEXANDER LESLIE.
.
COL. LAURENS TO GEN. MARION.
[Horry MS.]
J. WRAGG'S, NEAR STRAWBERRY, April 4, 1782.
DEAR GENERAL :
The letter and intelligence from Gen. Greene, enclosed herewith, although it was probably his first upon the subject of the enemies' move- ment, and the foundation of all his anxiety, did not reach me till late last night, I must confess I am not much inclined to believe that the enemy meditate any such enterprise as his information alludes to. However, it is possible, and the collecting our force within a proper
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THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION.
distance, for a general re-union or co-operation, is a point of prudence, and cannot be attended with any ill consequences. Monk's Corner is said to be a very exhausted country ; there is nothing to be had. Col. Maham's cavalry propose crossing Strawberry Ferry, where boats are pro- vided, and light troops can always cover his return by the same way, which will save some distance in marching. I think it agreeable to the spirit of Gen. Greene's letter, that the part of your brigade now in this vicinity should cross Strawberry, and be somewhere in a position to communicate with us, and have given this as my opinion to him. Should anything serious happen, your counsel and support are too im- portant not to be wished for by the General and army.
I am, with sincere esteem, dear General, yours, J. LAURENS.
P. S. The enemy had not moved yesterday or discovered any signs of it.
GEN. GREENE TO GEN. MARION.
[Horry MIS.]
HEAD-QUARTERS, NEAR DORCHESTER, April 8, 1782. DEAR SIR :
Your letter yesterday to Col. Maham is this moment handed to me. Lieut .- Col. Laurens joined us the night before last, and I bave heard nothing further of the enemy's attack upon us. While the light troops were absent, I was a little apprehensive; but on their return, I feel perfectly easy. Enclosed I send you a copy of a letter from General Leslie, by which you will see what the poor inhabitants have to expect. I gave no other answer to it than by informing him that I had no con- trol over civil Government, and directed him to the Governor and Council, who alone possessed powers competent to the business, and who would give him such an answer as the honor and interest of the Government required. If you could subsist with a flying party in the neighborhood of Strawberry, or anywhere between Cooper River and Santee, it would afford great protection to that part of the country. Our present position is so favorable for affording you support by a rapid march of our cavalry, that I much doubt whether the enemy will ven- ture any bold enterprise against you; and if they should, if you move from day to day, and with your usual caution and address, as you are so perfectly acquainted with the country, you can easily avoid them
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DOCUMENTARY HISTORY OF
until our cavalry can join you, and by fixing upon some place to meet at, you may form a junction with certainty and despatch. But, if you think your party will be too much exposed, you will take any position you may think their safety requires, giving the inhabitants as full notice as possible-and all the negroes, also-of the enemy's intentions to steal all the latter they can, and carry them off. If the negroes are advertised of the enemy's intentions, I think they will get but few of them.
I am, dear sir, your most obedient humble servant, NATHANIEL GREENE.
GEN. MARION TO COL. P. HORRY.
[Horry MS.] ST. STEPHENS, April 9, 1782.
DEAR SIR :
I am informed that a Capt. Howell, in a N. W. cutter, has taken the flag schooner which Gen. Greene ordered to load with rice. I hope you have prevented her being carried away. You will confine Captain Howell for infringing a flag contrary to Gen. Greene's passport ; his vessel and crew must also be secured and confined as plunderers until I have Gen. Greene's and the Governor's orders and directions, and the schooner be permitted to sail without delay for Charlestown. I have heard from Gen. Greene there has not been any action, as was reported; the firing heard was within the enemy's lines, and proved to be a field day with them. As it is possible the enemy may make another excursion in the country, you will send me every horse you have, that can be of the least service, as I am determined to oppose them at all events. There are only two officers, and twenty-eight non-commissioned and privates here; the rest have been sent away by the officers on frivolous pretences. Mr. Lesesne is absent without leave, Mr. Wragg also; if he is a volun- teer he must be discharged, and not suffered in future to be on the Commissary Department. Mr. Guerry is absent without leave, and must be dismissed. I expect every officer and private will be sent me that is able to act. I have had no answer from the General respecting the reduction of the corps, and have again wrote him on that subject yesterday. You will go on in equipping and arming your men as usual; and as soon as I hear from Gen. Greene, will send you a power to im- press horses to make up your losses. I wish you would procure the
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THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION.
raw, sugar and coffee, formerly mentioned to you. If a stop is put to the injurious proceedings of the N. W. privateers, I shall be able to procure clothing, &c., &c., for our army, and again complete your men with those articles. I shall remain here some time.
I am, your obedient servant,
FRANCIS MARION.
1
GOVERNOR MATTHEWS TO GENERAL MARION.
[Horry MIS.] CANE ACRE, April 10, 1782.
SIR :
I received yours of the Sth instant late last evening. I now write to Heriot and Tucker about the indigo, which you will forward to them. I answered your former letter respecting Mr. Philip Porcher, by referring you to the orders I had given respecting those who should come from within the enemy's lines; lest any accidents should have happened to that dispatch, I now enclose it. These orders are general, therefore unnecessary to observe upon the other. I have already in- formed you that Gen. Greene and myself agreed to the last proposition you made respecting Maham's and Horry's corps, which was to con- tinue Horry's dismounted, to act as infantry. If the matter can be accommodated upon this plan, I shall give myself no further trouble about it, as they have so little time to serve. Whilst I am on this sub- ject, I must take notice of the conduct of Mr. Thomas Drayton, who was sent to the southward to impress horses. He has made so improper a use of the authority given him, that I have been obliged to order him on no account to impress another horse, and to return such as he had impressed. The reason of my ordering him to return those he had taken was, that at all events Maham would have Horry's horses, and consequently could not want more; however, whether the thing takes place or not, the impressing of horses is attended with such ruinous consequences, that I am determined not to countenance it. You will, therefore, sir, look upon the authority given you on the 6th of March last, for impressing horses, as hereby revoked. I have given no com- missions in the second regiment. I did give Mr. Thomas Pinckney a certificate for a commission in the first regiment before I knew of the Form observed for commissions in the regiments of this State. You say the application can only be made to the Colonel of the regiment. In this
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case the Governor, who has the sole right to appoint if he chooses to exercise it, becomes a mere machine. At all events, I shall expect a decent regard to be paid to any recommendation from me. This is a point I do not think I am at liberty to give up. I should be glad Mr. Hall's baggage was sent forward, as the public papers in it are much wanted.
I am, sir, with esteem and regard, your most obdt. servant,
JNO. MATTHEWS.
CAPT. HOWELL TO GEN. MARION.
[ Horry MS.]
GEORGETOWN, April 10, 1782. , SIR :
Having the honor of bearing a Continental commission, I have, agreeably to my instructions from Congress, seized a certain vessel, now here under the sanction of a flag from Charlestown, for having contra- band goods. As I have in all former cases of this kind applied to the Judge of the Admiralty, where civil Government was established, so I have in the present one wrote to the Judge of the Admiralty of this State, in order that she may be legally tried; but am apprehensive, from the behavior of Col. Horry (his ordering my cutter under the guns of the battery, when she might be at sea, and other matters which I conceive to be entirely out of his line), that the military mean to interfere with the civil authority. I think it needless to trouble you much further about the matter, as I conceive it to be altogether of a civil nature. I just beg leave to trouble you with the enclosed copies of my commissioned orders and instructions for your perusal, by which you see, and I hope readily agree, that I have only acted in the line of my duty, and that the vessel and cargo are lawful prizes, in consequence of her having on board goods for which no license or permission has been given; and do, therefore, request you will give orders for the dis- charge of my cutter, in order that I may send her to sea. I beg, sir, that you would not have that unfavorable opinion of my conduct as the misrepresentations of some people might induce you to entertain. I have always been a friend to my country, and have acted as such.
I am, sir, your most obedient servant,
JNO. HOWELL.
1
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THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION.
GEN. GREENE TO GEN. MARION.
[Horry MIS.]
HEAD-QUARTERS, NEAR DORCHESTER, April 10, 1782. DEAR SIR :
Your favor of the Sth was handed me yesterday. Lieut .- Colonel . Laurens has given me an account of the enemy's last movement, and Gen. Leslie has explained the object to me in a letter, a copy of which I inclosed to you in my last. With respect to the incorporation of Horry's and Maham's corps, I have said all upon it that I can say. If you cannot effect the incorporation upon the first plan, pursue your second; and if you cannot accomplish that, employ the force in any manner you can most for the benefit of the service, and in a way most pleasing to the officers. The schooner that went to Georgetown for rice has the Governor's pass, and not mine; however, be it one or the other, tell Col. Horry not to let the cutter have anything to do with her; and if they attempt to carry her away by force, to repel force by force. Whatever position you take with your troops, it will be neces- sary frequently to change it, which will keep the enemy in the dark, and prevent their enterprising anything against you. Should the enemy move out after you, our cavalry shall form a junction with you at the place you mention, or any other you may advise, upon the spur of the occasion. Col. Pinckney has arrived in camp. With esteem and regard,
I am, dear sir, your most obedient and humble servant, NATHANIEL GREENE.
GEN. GREENE TO COL. P. HORRY ..
[Horry MIS.] No date, supposed about April 10, 1782.
DEAR SIR :
Your letter of the 8th April has been received; and as I have had no direct opportunity to give it an answer, and as the subject did not require it immediately, I have omitted it. I cannot decide on one part of your letter, that is, respecting half pay. If you were entitled to half-pay on your former standing, you are entitled to it now; but, if yon mean upon the present reduction proposed, there can be no half- pay establishment follow it, as I have no authority for the purpose, nor
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can I conceive the officers would have the least right to expect such a thing. Their services were due to the State, from the situation it was in, and those temporary corps afforded them a much more honorable and agreeable service than serving in the militia; and as the Continent takes the expense upon themselves until their reduction, it is all that can be expected-and, to continue them longer than they are useful, would be multiplying expense without sufficient object, for no country .. ever required economy more than ours to complete their independence. I left the business of reducing the regiments entirely to Gen. Marion; if it could be effected, well, but if not, let them remain as they were, until the men's term of service expires. He informs me that he has united all the horse under Col. Maham, and directed your men to do duty at Georgetown; this is perfectly agreeable to me, if so to you. I directed, a few days past, a company of artillery to join you at Georgetown, and to your orders, in defence of that place. I am much afraid the enemy will attempt something against Waccamaw, as I am told there is a great quantity of provisions there.
I am, with great esteem, your obedient servant, NATHANIEL GREENE.
GEN. MARION TO COL. P. HORRY.
[Horry MS.]
April 10, 1782.
DEAR SIR :
Yours of the 8th ultimo came to hand. By the papers just sent me, it appears that Capt. Howell had the candles sold to the flag people, on purpose to have a plea of seizing her; you will, therefore, order the flag to sail immediately, and Capt. Howell and his vessel's crew to be detained, as I wrote you yesterday, until I hear from Gen. Greene or the Governor. If Botard should take her at sea, we have nothing to do with it. You will put Moore, Broderick and Myers on board the flag vessel, to return to Charlestown, with orders not to return within our lines. In answer to your last post, I wrote you yesterday; have not heard from head-quarters since. A letter from Capt. Pinckney, Cainhoy, says the British horse were crossing to Haddrell's on Saturday, but it comes by such a band that I don't believe it. I shall hear more to-day.
I am, sir, your obedient servant,
F. MARION.
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THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION.
GEN. GREENE TO GEN. MARION.
[Horry MS.]
April 12, 1782.
DEAR SIR :
I have been of opinion some time, and got intelligence last evening. that the enemy were preparing to come out and attack us. It seems the refugees are pushing the General very hard for the purpose. What serves to confirm me in opinion that the enemy have some offensive operations in view is, they have taken uncommon pains for a few days past to find out our position, by sending flag after fiag, and by search- ing out and interrupting every channel through which we might get intelligence. The refugees are ordered to be embodied to do garrison duty. while the army takes the field. It may all end in smoke, but I seriously believe they mean to give us battle ; and as they will have all their force collected, so I think it prudent to draw ours to a point until their intentions are better understood. You will, therefore, move over towards Dorchester with all your force as soon as possible, and let me know from time to time where you are. You will leave a very small patrole to watch the motions of the enemy in that quarter, and to for- ward intelligence of all matters of discovery. I would have you put your men in the best order for action, and send me a roll of the force you will be able to bring to our aid.
I am, dear sir, your most obedient servant,
NATHANIEL GREENE.
-
GEN. MARION TO COL. P. HORRY.
[ Horry MS.]
ST. STEPHENS, April 12, 1782.
SIR :
Yours by Mr. Cest came to hand. I wrote per Dragoon respecting Capt. Howell and the flag. Messrs. Doughty and Ancrum are not to do duty your way. I shall have such men returned as have served their month. I cannot send you the militia law; have none by me. I wrote you before that Capt. Weyman had it, and you might get it from him. I sent Capt. Stephens to Georgetown, only to stay until his corps re- turned. I wrote the Governor respecting Mr. Wayne's account, and
11
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DOCUMENTARY HISTORY OF
think he is rather impatient. I have had no answer yet to my letters, and hope you will make yourself easy until I can fully satisfy you. which will be as soon as I get an answer from the General. I have some accounts of the enemy's coming over to St. Thomas', and wish I had every horse you have that can be of any service, as I find I am under the necessity of attacking them.
I am, your obedient servant,
FRANCIS MARION.
GEN. MARION TO COL. P. HORRY.
[Horry MS.]
April 12, 1782.
DEAR SIR :
Since I wrote the enclosed, I have received a letter from Gen. Greene. His orders are, not to suffer the flag schooner to be taken or detained. You will follow my orders respecting that business. I have answered Capt. Howell's letter by this opportunity. In respect to your corps, the General and Governor approves of the plan of dismounting them, to act in Georgetown as infantry; but will not impress any more horses for the service of either corps, as their time will so soon expire, and it seems not their intention of keeping them up longer I shall write you fuller in my next.
I am, with esteem, your obedient servant, FRANCIS MARION.
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