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 17
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I am, sir, your obedient servant, FRANCIS MARION.
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THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION.
GEN. PINCKNEY TO GOV. MATTHEWS.
[Horry MS.]
PON PON, May 19, 1782.
DEAR SIR :
By a letter this moment received from Gen. Huger, dated the 10th of this month, he desires me to inform your excellency, that a Col. Perkins. a trader from Virginia, has contracted for five or six hundred head of cattle on Pee Dee and the Cheraws, and which in a few days will be drove off for Virginia, if not immediately stopped ; the conse- quences of such a speculation (for our commissaries have it not in their power to go to market with ready money) are truly alarming.
I am your excellency's most obedient servant, CHARLES COTESWORTH PINCKNEY.
GEN. MARION TO COL. P. HORRY.
[Horry MS.]
BACON BRIDGE, May 20, 1782.
SIR :
I send you two letters addressed to Gov. Martin, which you will send by express that may be depended on-it requires expedition. I send a letter for Ganey; please forward. Mrs. P -- has abused the trust reposed in her, in making use of the pass more than once. You may permit Mr. Dyer to bail for his future good behaviour. I am sorry to find the guard at Cat Island do not do their duty, in suffering boats to pass the Musketoe Creek. I hope some steps will be taken to prevent such an evil so much to the prejudice to our service. The few men of yours here are not to be spared yet, and hope you will make yourself satisfied, as it is not in the power of government to get money as yet to pay the troops in her service, but hope, it will be soon. Col. Moultrie will give you all the news here; I have not time just now to write them to you.
I am your obedient servant,
FRANCIS MARION.
Ma
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DOCUMENTARY HISTORY OF
GOV. MATTHEWS TO GEN. MARION.
[ Horry MIS.]
CANE ACRE, May 21, 1782,
SIR :
I enclose you the instructions for quieting the discontents of the people on Little Pee Dee, with whom you some time ago entered into a truce. The express brings you twenty commissions. I also enclose you an order for arms and ammunition. I think there is something else you mentioned to me in the course of our conversation to-day, but in the multiplicity of business I have engaged in since I came home, it has slipt my memory ; you will, therefore, be pleased to repeat it to me by the return of the express I send you to-morrow.
I am, sir, your most obedient servant, JNO. MATTHEWS.
P. S .- Be pleased to send me your opinion in writing before you go away, whether it will be best to sell the negroes. and recruit with money, or continue on the old plan of recruiting with negroes.
GOV. MATTHEWS TO GEN. MARION.
i Horry MS.]
CANE ACRE, May 21, 1782. INSTRUCTIONS FOR GEN. MARION FOR OFFERING TERMS OF RECON- CILIATION TO MAJOR GANEY AND OTHERS, WITH WHOM GENERAL MARION ENTERED INTO A TRUCE, ON THE 17TH JUNE LAST.
First, You are to take with you four or five judicious, intelligent persons, to meet those appointed on the part of Ganey and others, to confer on the business herein committed to your charge, but they are not to be considered as joined with you in this commission. Second, The said Ganey and others, with whom such truce was made, are to lay down their arias as enemies to this State, and are not to resume them again until called on to do so, in support of the interest of the United States, and of this State in particular. Third, They are to deliver up all negroes, horses, cattle, and other property, that have been plundered from the inhabitants of this or any other State. Fourth, They are to engage to demean themselves as peaceable citizens of this State, and
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THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION.
submit themselves in future to be governed by its laws, in the same manner as the rest of the citizens thereof. Fifth, They are to be allowed two, or, if you find it necessary, three months, to remain at home, before they are called on to bear arms in behalf of this State. Sixth, They are to engage to apprehend and deliver up all persons within their district, who shall refuse to accede to these terms, and con- tumaciously persist in rebellion against the State. Seventh, If these terms are accepted by the said Ganey and others, you are then to promise them a full pardon for all treasons heretofore committed by them against the State. Eighth, If these terms are rejected by the gaid Ganey and others before mentioned, you are then to have recourse to force of arms, or otherwise to compel them to submission. Ninth, You are authorized and empowered, if you shall deem it for the public service, to apprehend, and send within the enemy's lines, any of the families of persons who continue in arms against the State.
Given under my hand, at Cane Acre, this 21st day of May, one thousand seven hundred and eighty-two.
JNO. MATTHEWS.
GEN. MARION TO COL. P. HORRY.
[Horry MS.]
BACON BRIDGE, May 21, 1782.
SIR :
I have information the enemy intends to make an attack on your post; you will order all the militia around you to your assistance. I am this moment in motion to reinforce you; you must make every defence possible until I arrive. A flag came here yesterday from the enemy on important business to both armies; what, we have not yet learned. The officer which came says we shall very soon take one another by the hand in friendship. Some say there is a cessation of arms to take place, and that peace is actually on the carpet. Send per express the letters to Col. Baxter and Murphy. I hope you have the twenty-five stand of arms last ordered.
I am, your obedient servant,
FRANCIS MARION.
12
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DOCUMENTARY HISTORY OF
GOV. MATTHEWS TO GEN. MARION.
[Horry MS.]
CANE ACRE, May 21, 1782.
SIR :
Gen. Barnwell having desired to retire from the command of the brigade to which he has been appointed, and, as I think the service would be best promoted by its being continued under the command of & Brigadier, in preference to the regiments being independently com- manded by the Colonels, I, therefore, desire you would take the com- mand of that brigade, and consider it as annexed to the brigade at present commanded by you, until you receive orders to the contrary from me, or the Commander-in-Chief of this State, for the time being. I am, sir, your most obedient servant,
JNO. MATTHEWS.
GEN. LESLIE TO GEN. GREENE.
[Horry MS.]
HEAD-QUARTERS, May 23, 1782.
SIR :
Capt. Skelly having stated to me the queries he had the honor to receive from you, respecting the papers I submitted to your considera- tion, and what official authority I had for proposing a cessation of hos- tilities, and believing a treaty for terminating the war was now carrying on, I have, therefore, to inform you that those papers were transmitted to me by his Excellency, Sir Henry Clinton, accompanied by the Right Hon. Welbore Ellis, then one of his Majesty's principal secretaries of State, referring generally for my conduct in this respect; and that, I suppose, not only from the weight of their authority, but likewise from the explicit terms in which they convey the sense of his Majesty and the British House of Commons. Fuller instructions I momently ex- pect from our present Commander-in-Chief, Sir Guy Carlton, whose appointment and arrival in America has not yet been regularly notified to me. Thus, sir, I have explicitly stated to you the mode and circum- stances under which these important papers have reached me; and as I can have no doubt from current report, and the nature of these docu- ments, that a suspension of hostilities has taken place to the Northward,
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THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION.
and that a treaty to conclude the war is now carrying on, I held it a duty I owed the rights of humanity, the welfare of this country, and the sentiments of the Legislature, of my own to propose, that such a cessation should take place here, and this proposal, from these motives, I again renew, and will depute, if it meets your concurrence, commis- sioners to settle the terms of it, and for securing the interests, as well civil as military of each party, in the present state, assuring you, at the same time, you will have the earliest notice of what instructions and. advice I may receive on this head from New York.
I have the honor to be, sir, your most obedient, &c.,
ALEXANDER LESLIE.
MAJOR PIERCE TO GEN. MARION.
[Horry MS.]
HEAD-QUARTERS, May 24, 1782.
DEAR SIR :
The enclosed letter from Gen. Leslie you may make use of, to bring the Tories upon Pee Dee to a knowledge of their critical situation, and endeavor to convince them of the danger which impends, to cease their depredations, and beg pardon for their offences. Spare, if possible, the unnecessary effusion of blood; but, at all events, the General de- sires that the party be dispersed.
I am, dear General, with great esteem, your most obdt. humble sevt., WILLIAM PIERCE, JR., Aid-de-Camp,
-
GEN. MARION TO COL. P. HORRY.
[Horry MS.]
ST. STEPHENS, May 24, 1782.
SIR :
Yours of the 17th ult. came to hand. The men lately came out from the enemy for six months' duty. You must endeavor to seize Mrs. M-'s boat and negroes, and make prize of them, agreeable to the Governor's proclamation; a few men may do it easily. She has no pass from the Governor, Gen. Greene, or myself, nor no other person; they wish a stop put to it. I have taken steps with Mrs. T --. In
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DOCUMENTARY HISTORY OF
respect to the regulation of trade, we must submit to superior power. I believe that scoundrel you mention has misrepresented to the Gover- nor. I do not know any letters of yours I have not answered. Mr. Dillon, or any other Continental commissary, have nothing to do with - the hides or tallow of the militia forces. Mr. Samuel Dwight is ap- pointed by Gen. Greene commissary of issues, for the port of George- town, in the Continental line; White must act as commissary of pur- chases. I am sorry to see so few horses of your regiment to be had, out of so great a number. The officers must give a particular account how they are gone, or it can never be settled. Saunders is resigned. You certainly have a right to make what regulation you think proper in your corps. I shall march from here on Sunday for The news is, that the Parliament have unanimously resolved that whoever advises the King to continue the war in America, shall be deemed a traitor and enemy to the country, and have petitioned him to discon- tinue the American war. His answer is, that he shall comply with the wishes of his Parliament. All the offensive ministers are put out, and Lord Rockingham is at the head of the administration, and it is expected peace will soon be concluded. The letter sent by Gen. Leslie to Gen. Greene proposes cessation of hostilities ; it is said this has taken place at the Northward. It is believed that Count de Grasse and six ships of war were taken in the West Indies in the late fight; but the French and Spaniards have yet got the superiority of those seas. Please send the letters to Murrell, Allston and Long. It is necessary their com- panies should all be with you, to prevent the enemy from taking advan- tage when the troops are distant. I think there is little danger of the enemy attempting your post at this time.
I am, your obedient servant,
FRANCIS MARION. .
P. S .- Postell's men I shall take with me. Warden, Murrell and Long, will send you half of their companies.
GEN. MARION TO COL. P. HORRY.
[Horry MS.]
ST. STEPHENS, May 25, 1782.
SIR :
Yours of the 25th came to hand. I wrote you yesterday. It would be capital to take these Tories gone to town; about the mouth of Wac-
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THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION.
camaw will do it. I approve much of your sending Capt. Matthews in Santee. I am glad to hear the galley is got up. She must be fitted and manned for service as soon as possible, and stationed in the conflux of Waccamaw, Pee Dee and Sampit Rivers. I enclosed you brevets for Capt. Milligan and two lieutenants. The armed schooner will be a great addition to our strength and security at your post. All the sails and rigging, &c., belonging to the schooner Three Friends, must be to ft up the galley. The hulk, sell or dispose to the best advantage for the State. I dislike Col. Sentf's plan of fortifying Georgetown. I shall visit it soon, and probably throw it wholly aside. I am sorry to see you have so few men, but I refer you to my last letter. I will ac- quaint the General and Governor respecting Capt. Putnam's vessel. The powder and lead from Capt. Putnam is seasonable. Let me know everything you learn of the Tories' movements and preparations, and take steps to know it by sending proper persons amongst them for the purpose. I believe your danger, if any, will be by water and Pee Dee. I am, your obedient servant,
FRANCIS MARION.
CAPT. RICHARDSON TO GEN. MARION.
[Horry MS.]
May 26, 1782.
SIR :
By Mr. Harris' wagon you will please receive two chests, contain- ing fifty muskets and bayonets, six pigs and part of a pig lead, quan- tity 618 lbs .; fifty cartouch boxes and one cask powder, weight 252 lbs. gross, in care of Lieut. Skilling. I sent to Georgetown agreeably to your former orders, twenty muskets and bayonets, by Capt. McClure, of the Artillery. I could not procure the baggage wagon you desired ; neither of the gentlemen you mentioned had one. The one now sent with the stores I have contracted for, provided you take it, which you will please let me know by Mr. Harris' return. He is to proceed to Georgetown, and from thence return to me. I thank you for the good news you sent me, which portends a speedy peace. I hope the articles now sent will arrive safe, and most heartily wish you success.
I am, sir, your most obedient servant, WILLIAM RICHARDSON.
٧٠٠٠
٠٠٠,١
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DOCUMENTARY HISTORY OF
GOV. MATTHEWS TO COL. P. HORRY.
[Horry MS.]
CANE ACRE, May 27, 1782.
SIR :
Yours of the - (no date) I received the last evening. I did not know by whose orders the restrictions on trade at Georgetown had been adopted; but, it appearing to me to be founded on erroneous principles, induced me to give the order I did. As to the Charlestown militia, I have given orders so repeatedly about them, that it is needless to reiterate them. Except a very few, all these men are resident either in Gen. Marion's or Gen. Barnwell's brigade; and the latter being now under the command of Gen. Marion, he has sufficient power over them to do what you have requested of me. Gen. Marion has orders for the ammunition for your post, which, I suppose, he will deliver to you. I will attend to the agreement about the shot as soon as I get your account of it. I have directed Heriot and Tucker to apply to you for a party of men to take charge of some negroes to be brought from Mr. Smith's plantation on Santee. You will, therefore, be pleased to furnish them accordingly, on their application to you; and, also, have the negroes secured in Georgetown until the day of sale.
I am, your obedient servant,
JOHN MATTHEWS.
GOV. MATTHEWS TO GEN. MARION.
[ Horry MS.] CANE ACRE, May 27, 1782.
SIR :
I observe in your orders to Col. Saunders, he is directed to draft the whole of his regiment. I omitted to inform you that I had directed no draws should be made from the John's Island, Wadmelaw, Edisto and Stono companies-these companies being absolutely necessary to be kept at certain points to prevent the commerce between the country and Charlestown. I have, therefore, directed Col. Saunders to adhere to my former orders respecting these companies, and that I would inform you of the same. I suppose Col. Saunders has reported to you the refractory spirit that still prevails in his regiment. Unless vigorous measures are pursued to bring them to order, I am convinced they will do no duty.
I am, sir, your most obedient servant, JNO. MATTHEWS.
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THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION.
GEN. MARION TO MAJOR GANEY.
[Horry MS.]
LYNCH'S CREEK, June 2, 1782.
SIR :
My last acquainted you that your letter was laid before the Governor and Council. Since that, I have received their instructions, and have sent Col. Peter Horry, Col. Baxter and Major James, to confer with you, and offer such terms as I can, and wish it may be acceded to, and prevent the effusion of blood and distresses of the women and children. ' The Colonels will give you a paper, in which you will find the deter- mination of the British making peace with the Americans, which leaves you no hope of being supported by them. I have marched thus far with my brigade, for the purpose of either making terms, or prosecu- ting the war, whenever the term of the truce expires. And you may depend that I shall not infringe it until then; but wish that you may know your own interest, by submitting in time, and preventing ill con- sequences from obstinacy, which must terminate in your own and your people's destruction, and cannot be prevented when the North Caro- linians come on, who are on the march, and are near at hand. Col. Horry, and the gentlemen above mentioned, will talk with you, and acquaint you with every particular with which they are charged. In the meantime, you will consider them under the sanction of a flag of truce; and you, or such men as will meet them at Birche's, shall be protected under that sanction.
I am, sir, your humble servant,
FRANCIS MARION.
Note by Peter Horry: "That Ganey and 700 men surrendered."
GOV. MATTHEWS TO COL. P. HORRY.
[Horry MS.]
CANE ACRE, June 2, 1782.
Sra :
I received your letter by Mr. King on the 31st ult. I approve of your appointment of Capt. Milligan to the command of the galley, and have accordingly enclosed him a commission, and another blank for a. lieutenant, to be appointed by Milligan himself, as I think one lieuten.
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DOCUMENTARY HISTORY OF
ant sufficient for the present. You must, by some means or other, procure Mr. Moore a horse, to come up to me; if it can be done by no other means, you must dismount one of your dragoons, and furnish him with his horse, as I have business of a very particular nature to transact with that gentleman. I have no other instructions for Milligan than to use his best endeavors to guard the harbor of Georgetown. The State has at present no particular service to employ Capt. Putnam in.
I am, sir, your most obedient servant, JNO. MATTHEWS.
P. S .- Col. Lushington informs me there is a Mr. Edward Hair lately arrived at Georgetown, in a flag from Charlestown. This man's name is on the confiscation list, and is, of course, banished this State. You are, therefore, to order him immediately back to Charlestown, or at least within the enemy's lines, on pain of his incurring the pains and penalties of the Act before mentioned, if hereafter found within our lines. The same gentleman informs me there is one Wm. Graham, also within your command, who is looked upon as a dangerous person. If you should be of this opinion, give him the same orders you do Hair, for an authorised spy is the most dangerous enemy we can have . to contend against.
J. M.
COLONEL THOMSON TO GENERAL HENDERSON.
[Original MS.]
AMELIA, June 2, 1782.
DEAR SIR :
I am very sorry to inform you that it is out of my power to get the oficers of Col. R. Hampton's regiment to do their duty. When I saw you last, I thought it was the men's fault; but I sent a party of Capt. Rumph's men, under the command of Lieut. Wanamaker, to take all the delinquents of the third division, and bring them to me. He returned yesterday, and informs me that there is not a man in Capt. Dryer's nor Tateman's company, warned to go on duty. I find its the neglect of the officers, for they have had orders ever since the 18th or 19th of last month, for the men to meet at Beaver Creek on the 29th. If you arrest those officers, and have them broke, there is no other men that can, by any means, be entrusted with companies. I can't tell in what
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THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION.
manner to act? Should esteem it as a singular favor if you would give orders to Col. Hampton, and let him try what he can do, and consider me no longer as an officer in his regiment. Capt. Rumph informas Die Capt. House, and eight other prisoners, made their escape from Orange- burgh, the 31st May, and all the prisoners could have got away if they had tried. He likewise informs me that there are two parties of Tories in the Fork of Edisto; they consist of about fifteen each. If there could be about thirty or forty men to go and stay about in the Fork, they might be dispersed. I should be very glad to go with this com- mand. The command to stay about eight or ten days would be long enough. Capt. Rumph is in great want of ammunition.
I am, dear sir, your most humble servant,
W. R. THOMSON.
GEN. MARION TO MAJOR GANEY.
[Horry MS.]
June 3, 1782.
SIR :
Col. Richardson acquaints me that there was some men who did not, or would not, submit to the terms sent you. All such men will be allowed to go to Charlestown, and be considered as prisoners of war, to be exchanged for the American prisoners. Their wives and children, and such property as is theirs, they will be allowed to take with them, except stock and arms, and shall be safely conducted to town on Satur- day, or sooner, if possible. I shall be glad to see you at Mr. Burches'. FRANCIS MARION.
GOV. MARTIN TO GEN. MARION.
[Horry MS.]
June 8, 1782.
SIR :
I am favored with two of your letters-one addressed to Gov. Burke, of the 13th of April, and one to myself, of the 20th of May-respect- ing the Tories on Drowning Creek and Pee Dee, and another from Gov. Matthews on the same subject. I beg leave to inform you I highly approve of your intentions, and I am happy that it is in the power of
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DOCUMENTARY HISTORY OF
this State to co-operate with you in this undertaking. Accordingly, I have ordered Major Joel Lewis, or the Commanding Officer of the State legionary troops, now on Deep River in Randolph county, imme- diately to proceed with that corps, consisting of 250 men, to Mr. Amey's, on Drowning Creek, where he will receive further information from you, and act as you will judge most conducive to the service. I have enclosed him a proclamation respecting such of those people who may be citizens of North Carolina, and join them, which you will please have attended to. If you think it necessary to have more men, Col. Owen, of Bladen county, is directed herewith to furnish you with what number you may think proper, to the amount of his regiment. Please to honor me with every intelligence of moment. In the meanwhile,
I am, sir, with great respect and esteem, your most obdt. humble sevt., ALEXANDER MARTIN.
GEN. HENDERSON TO COL. HAMPTON.
[Original MS.]
HAIG's, June 3rd, 1782.
SIR :
The inclosed is a letter from Col. Thomson respecting the state of your regiment, and his resignation. The former I refer to you, being yourself better acquainted with the circumstance than I can be.
The latter I have not granted.
I am sir, with esteem yours, &c., WM. HENDERSON.
GOV. MARTIN TO CAPT. THOMAS OWEN, BLADEN CO. REGIMENT.
[Horry MS.]
WILLIAMSBOROUGH, June 8, 1782.
SIR :
On application of Brigadier-General Marion, you will order out as many militia of your regiment as he shall judge necessary to be under his command in subduing the Tories on Drowning Creek and Pee Dee. I am, sir, your humble servant,
ALEX. MARTIN.
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THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION.
GEN. GREENE TO GEN. MARION.
[Horry MS.]
HEAD QUARTERS, June 9, 1782.
DEAR SIR :
I had a line from you a day or two ago, and am glad to hear you are in a fair way of bringing the people upon the Pee Dee to a better temper. I wish the business was over, and you on this side the Santee. The Tories in that quarter are doing great mischief, and distressing all the good people in that quarter. By a person just from town, I learn the enemy are equipping three galleys for the destruction of the stores at Georgetown. Put the people there on their guard, and give every necessary order for the defence of the place. If there are any public stores in town that cannot be immediately sent to the army, for want of wagons, they had best be sent up the river to the place you mentioned to me. We have no news from the Northward. The enemy talk loudly again in Charlestown of a peace. In haste,
I am, dear sir, your most obedient humble servant,
NATHANIEL GREENE.
GEN. MARION TO COL. P. HORRY.
[Horry MS.]
BURCH'S, June 9, 1782.
DEAR SIR :
Yours of the 5th inst. came to hand. I am very sorry to hear you are yet sick. Yesterday, Major Ganey and myself signed a treaty. The principals are to submit it, and those who do not chose it are to be permitted to go within the enemy's lines with their wives and chil- dren, and their movable property, except stock, which they may sell. It seems all the officers will go, and a few men who are so notorious, as they will not be suffered to live. Col. Fanning, with thirty men, came a few days ago in the truce, and is thought will endeavor to make his way to Charlestown; but it is not unlikely he may make some attempt on your post, as his number is increased since he came. Von will, therefore, guard against any sudden attack, by keeping a look-out at Wragg's and Black River Ferries. I am informed your troops re- ceive rations of coffee and sugar-I mean the militia with you. 1
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