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 19
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I am very sorry to hear of poor Gough's fate; but it is astonishing to me that gentlemen will venture themselves in that part of the country, when they see we cannot afford protection to it, and that it is a nest for a great part of the devils in the British service. I have sent you an order for 100 stand of arms. I have some faint idea that there is "some medicine at Richardson's, on the high hills of Santee. When you send for the arms, pray enquire if there is no one there. I know of no mode of getting them but from Georgetown; I, therefore, enclose you a letter to Heriot and Tucker, desiring them to endeavor to procure you a supply agreeably to such list as you may send them. The Con- tinental hospitals here are but scantily supplied at present. Your presence is very much wanted in this quarter; indeed, every day renders it more and more necessary. I enclose you two brevets for Messrs. Huggins and Rothmahler, agrecably to your request, and have left the name blank. Savannah was completely evacuated on the 11th instant. Wayne, who is usually very sanguine, supposed, upon the commence- ment of the evacuation, it would have been pushed forward with great rapidity, and this led me to say to you that it was evacuated; indeed, it would have been so in three days, were it not for the Tories, and their negroes, whom they were obliged to carry off. Our prospects are flattering, and, if rightly improved, there is reason to expect we shall soon be at ease. It affords me very singular pleasure to hear you have finally settled the tranquility of the district of Little Pee Dee; so happy a conclusion to an affair, which, in its first stage, wore but a gloomy aspect, reflects great honor on you, sir, and promises lasting advantage to the State. Pray, is Ganey returned; I wish he may not be playing a fast and loose game. Mr. David Rumph has proposed to me to raise a party of militia horse for the protection of the part of the country he lives in. I have directed him to apply to you to know whether you approve of the plan.
I am, sir, your most obedient servant, JOHN MATTHEWS.
GOV. MATTHEWS TO GEN. MARION.
[Horry MS.]
ASHLEY RIVER, July 19, 1782
SIR :
I herewith send you two copies of the laws passed in the last sessions. There are several inaccuracies in the printing, but it luckily happens that there is not one in the law giving extraordinary pi wers. In my last letter I forgot to take notice of the circumstances of the prisoners. 1
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had a complaint made me some time ago, of their severe treatment, and represented it to Gen. Greene, who, in consequence thereof, sent down the Commissary of prisoners to examine into the affairs, and on his return reported that he could find no marks of ill treatment of the prisoners, except that some of them were in want of clothing (which you know they are not obliged to find them). Whether he was deceived in his investigation of the matter, by false appearances, or what, we can't tell; but I have again spoken to Gen. Greene, and he will have a further enquiry made. As to his taking prisoners out of our hands, you know the law of Congress authorises him so to do, and, as one of the United States, we are compelled to submit to it, however disagree- able to our feelings. I have sent you thirty blank commissions, which are all I have. You will observe they are printed with Mr. Rutledge's name (and a few with mine); but, for want of others, I am obliged to make use of them, for our printer is sick, and I can get nothing done by him at present; nor has he printed any newspaper for some time past.
I am, sir, your most obedient servant, JOHN MATTHEWS.
MAJOR BURNET TO GEN. MARION.
[Horry MS.]
HEAD-QUARTERS, Ashley Hill, July 24, 1782.
SIR :
I am directed by Major-General Greene to request you will be pleased to furnish fifty men as au escort to some wagons with clothing, waiting at Laurens' Ferry for the purpose. The General desires you will, as early as possible, furnish him with a return of the men you have, specifying the number, how they are armed, and how many days it will take you to join this army, after your receive this order.
I am, with respect, your most obdt. humble servant, J. BURNET, Aide-de-Camp.
MAJOR BURNET TO GEN. MARION.
[ Worry MS.] HEAD-QUARTERS, Ashley Hill, July 26, 1782.
SIR :
I am directed by Major-General Greene to inform you, that the quarter part of the garrison of Savannah have arrived at Charlestown.
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This reinforcement places the enemy in a situation to act offensively. The General begs you will order the troops under your command to Bacon Bridge with as much expedition as possible, as the advanced position of the army exposes it to be attacked by the enemy whenever they may think proper. Gen. Greene is fully persuaded that no time will be lost in taking the position at the bridge .- I have the honor to be, with much respect and esteem,
Your most obedient servant,
J. BURNET, Aide-de-Camp.
GEN. GREENE TO GEN. MARION.
[Horry MS.]
HEAD-QUARTERS, July 27, 1782.
DEAR SIR :
I have this moment got intelligence that the enemy are embarking a body of troops to make a descent upon Georgetown, and in all proba- bility will be there before to-morrow night. The stores there are im- mense. I wish you, therefore, to march immediately for the protection of that place and the stores. All the State troops and militia you have under your command, notwithstanding the orders you received yester- day, to join this army, after putting your troops in motion for George- town, you will repair there yourself as soon as you can, and take such measures the occasion may require. To send the stores up the rivers, appears the only probable way of saving them. 700 men go by land and water.
I am, dear sir, with great esteem, &c., NATHANIEL GREENE.
[Original MS.]
PHILADELPHIA, July 28, 1782.
I do hereby certify, that the bearer, Col. Richard Hampton of South Carolina, who is well known to me, is a steady friend to his country. Having occasion to go on business to the eastern States, it is hoped he will meet with no interruption.
To all whom it may concern.
J. RUTLEDGE.
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GOV. MATTHEWS TO GEN. MARION.
[Horry MIS.]
UXBRIDGE, Ashley River, July 30, 1782.
SIR :
I was not less surprised than concerned on receipt of your letter to- day, to find you at Wasmasaw, instead of being on the other side of Santee. Mr. Singleton, who was the express that carried the letter for you, deserves to be hanged. Pray, find him out, and have him confined, for he shall certainly answer for this infamous piece of negli- gence. Had you received the letter on Sunday morning, which was the time you ought to have got it, Georgetown might, in all probability, have been saved; but it must now, beyond all doubt, be lost. The last of the British troops, 170 in number, did not quit Charlestown until yesterday afternoon ; you could, therefore, have been a full days' march ahead of them, besides, your then position being so much nearer the scene of action than that of the enemy's. On the contrary, they will now have a days' march of you, consequently the fall of Georgetown must inevitably follow, and which must be a dreadful stroke to us. The whole of the land forces said to be employed on this expedition is about 700. If any thing can be done to save the place, or any part of the stores, I am sure your utmost endeavors I can depend on. I am convinced the opportunity is lost. Pray, let me hear from you as soon as anything is done, and what is the fate of the place.
I am, sir, your obedient servant,
JOHN MATTHEWS.
GEN. GREENE TO GEN. MARION.
[Horry MIS.]
HEAD-QUARTERS, July 30, 1782.
DEAR SIR :
I have just got your letter of this day, dated at Wasmasaw. No- thing ever surprised me more. I was in the highest hopes you were at or near Georgetown. Mr. Singleton, by whom I wrote, was fully informed of the contents of the letter, and the necessity of its being delivered with all possible dispatch. He had a letter for Col. Lush- ington, and promised to have it delivered in Georgetown the day fol- lowing the date of your letter, by 10 o'clock, and yours I expected
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would have got to you by one in the morning, and you on your march before sunrise. Never did I feel such a vexatious disappointment in all the course of my life. I beg you will make enquiry into the cause of the delay, as you write that mine never got to your hands until this morning. Somebody deserves nothing short of hanging. I am afraid you will now arrive too late to be of any service, unless the goods should be got up the rivers, and your force deter the enemy from following them. Since I wrote you, the enemy's intentions have been again con- firmed by repeated accounts. I need not urge you to use all possible dispatch in marching to the relief of the place, as your own zeal will stimulate you to do all in your power. I have not heard anything from the party that crossed to Haddrell's Point, whether they proceeded or not; but, in order to alarm their fears, I made a move in force towards James' Island, to induce them, if possible, to countermand the order. I beg you will let me hear from you respecting the progress the enemy has made, and if they have attempted anything, and how far they were successful. If the enemy has not made the descent, you will wait in the neighborhood of Georgetown until you hear further from me. I consider the disappointment of your not getting my letter the greater, as I find your force so respectable, as they appear by your returns.
I am, sir, your obedient servant, NATHANIEL GREENE.
MAJOR PIERCE TO GEN. MARION.
[Horry MS.]
HEAD-QUARTERS, Ashley Hill, August 4, 1782. DEAR GENERAL :
I am desired to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of the 1st August to Gen. Greene. The General is happy to find that you have arrived at Georgetown before the enemy. He is in hopes that the removal of the stores, and your being in the possession of the works, will prevent any serious attempt on that part. Should the British re- linquish their design against Georgetown, and return back to Charles- town, I have to inform you that it is the wish of the General that you should re-cross the Santee, and take a position on Cooper River as speedily as possible. Every necessary step for the support of the town, and the effectual security of the stores, you will please to make particu- lar objects of your attention.
I am, dear General, with much esteem, yours, &c., WM. PIERCE, JR., Aide-de-Camp.
----
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GEN. GREENE TO GEN, MARION.
[Horry MS.]
HEAD-QUARTERS, Ashley Hill, August 9, 1782.
DEAR GENERAL :
I have just received your letter of the 5th. I am sorry the enemy is so situated as to give them an opportunity to carry off the produce cf the country, without your having it in your power to injure them. Cannot small parties interrupt them, or is there any move that we can make that may tend to dislodge them. Great preparations are making in Charlestown for the evacuation of the place. I am persuaded it will take place soon, and the more scanty we can render their supplies of provisions, the sooner it will happen, and the fewer negroes they will have in their power to take with them. I am glad you have got through the disagreeable business of uniting Maham's and Hampton's corps. In the present form I am in hopes they will be useful. Should the enemy leave Santee, you will cross the river and move towards the Cooper. But it is necessary I should inform you that the enemy are advised of my wishes on this head, having taken Mr. Singleton with a number of letters -- among others, one for you. With respect to the beef collectors, I am a stranger to it. We have no Commissaries of our own, they are all under the government of Mr. Hort, and by him appointed. But I should not suppose these people will dare to rise in the present situa- tion of things, and it is necessary they should contribute to the support of the army as well as other parts of the State.
I am, dear sir, your most obedient humble servant, - NATHANIEL GREENE.
GEN. GREENE TO COL. P. HORRY.
[Horry MS.]
HEAD-QUARTERS, August 10, 1782.
DEAR SIR :
Your letter of the 20th July, came safe to hand. The dissolution of your corps, or rather embodying it with other corps, I think a prudent measure. At present, I have no commands which will interfere with your wishes for retiring. All the cavalry corps are incorporated into one, and the great probability of a speedy evacuation of Charlestown will, I hope, render your further services unnecessary. Whether you
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are a supernumerary or not, don't depend on my opinion; but if those letters are all you have to found your claim upon, I think you are not, however great your sufferings, expense and trouble, since I have been to the Southward. I flatter myself you feel yourself happy in the reflection that you have aided your country in the hour of her greatest distress, and that the efforts have contributed to her deliverance. I sincerely thank you for your polite attentions to all my wishes, and for. the very essential service which you have rendered the public and me in the arduous struggle.
I am, with great esteem and regard, your most obt. humble servant, NATHANIEL GREENE.
MAJOR WARLEY TO GEN. MARION.
[Horry MS.]
CAMP CONGAREE, August 11, 1782.
DEAR GENERAL :
I take the liberty of enclosing you the names of near 500 soldiers, belonging to the 3d regiment, most of whom were absent at the time Charlestown surrendered to the enemy. Many of them are entitled to their discharges; but the greater part are deserters, and I hope will be apprehended and made to serve their times over, at least. A few have, already been taken up and tried by a court martial in camp, and sen- tenced to serve in the South Carolina line two days for every absent one. Whether this kind of punishment is right or not, I am at a loss to know; however, the men seem satisfied with it. I heartily wish this list may enable you to strengthen our line, which is still very weak, as you will see by the annexed return of the detachment under my com- mand. I propose making out a few copies now, in order to send to Gens. Henderson and Pickens, and to some of the militia Colonels. Corporal Gambell unfortunately, a few days ago, killed one of the re- cruits from Georgetown, by the name of Charles Smith. He was soon after committed to Orangeburgh jail by a magistrate of this district. I have not heard what success the officers recruiting have had lately. Lieuts. Martin and Langford wrote Gen. Huger, about a fortnight ago, that they then had enlisted eight men for the South Carolina line, four of whom are in camp, the rest on furlough. Capts. T. Warley and Levercher have, also, sent from Georgetown nine recruits, and two other soldiers .- I am, with the greatest respect, dear General,
Your most obedient humble servant,
FELIX WARLEY, Captain.
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GOV. MATTHEWS TO GEN. MARION.
[Horry MS.]
UXBRIDGE, Ashley River, August 14, 1782.
SIR :
Your letters of the 6th and 9th inst., are come safe to hand, but the paper containing the consolidation of Maham's corps you have not sent me, which I suppose was omitted by some mistake. I enclose you . blank commissions. I very much approve of your plan of removing the rice from Santee to Georgetown, for Gen. Leslie has this day given official information that he is greatly distressed for want of provisions, and that unless I will furnish him, he must come and take it; there- fore, you must expect another visit from him before he goes. As to your proposal to send rice to Charlestown for clothing, that is now ren- dered unnecessary, as we shall be in possession of it in the course of a month or six weeks. The rice, &c., which Mr. Selby has permission to send to town, is in payment for clothing furnished the officers of our line, and the supernumerary officers; therefore, his vessel ought not to be detained. I am much surprised at your mentioning that the time of Maham's men will all expire in a little time. I understood you, the last time we conversed on that subjtet, that very few were enlisted for one year, but most for two and three years. This circumstance has given me much uneasiness; and, to relieve my difficulties, I request you would forward me the return of the regiment without delay, that I might know what to determine on respecting that regiment. Although I am clearly of opinion there ought to be two Majors to a regiment, I should wish first to see before I make an appointment, that the state of the corps is such as to render the creation of another Major necessary. I must first see Gen. Greene before I can say anything to you about the exchange of prisoners you mention.
I am, sir, your most obedient servant,
JNO. MATTHEWS.
COL. BENTON TO GOV. MATTHEWS.
[Horry MS.]
ST. DAVID'S, Great Pee Dee, August 20, 1782.
SIB :
Though I have not the honor of a personal acquaintance with you, I am now under the necessity of humbly addressing you in this manner
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in behalf of the parish and regiment I have the honor to represent and command-a people that have ever stood foremost among those, by their inflexible attachment to their country; suffered many capital distresses, nor did not despair of success in our greatest extremity. Although we have so long been at such a distance from the enemy's lines, and suffering every murder, plundering and cruelty, that could be perpe- trated by a banditti of the most desperate villains and mulattoes, imme- diately bordering on our settlements, we have, on all occasions, turned out, and kept in Gen. Marion's camp equal numbers with any in bis brigade. Part of those who were under a truce that have not surren- dered, and many other villains in this part of the country, that still continue their outrage, render the lives and property of the good citi- zens very unsafe; and this disorder, in all probability, must continue, and the re-establishment of good order and civil law hindered, except you, in your goodness, will indulge my regiment with a sufficient guard to the gaol, as it is insufficient of its use; with orders for supplies of provisions for that and the poor inhabitants; an armed party to detect and bring to punishment the refractory and disobedient, which my warm desire for that purpose will induce me to engage to have punctu- ally performed, with all due moderation, for the good of this country, and agreeably to any instructions you may think proper to give. me, which I could do, and keep one-fourth on the field on common occa- sions, and on extraordinary emergencies with cheerfulness turn out one- half. My feelings will not let me omit mentioning to you some charac- ters among them of Mr. daney's truce men, who have been received by Gen. Marion as citizens, and are now doing military duty, and en- joying equal privileges with your best soldiers and citizens, who have borne the burden and heat of the day. Such I mean as were meant to be exempted by an Act of the late General Assembly at Jacksonborough -men who have burned, plundered, and in cold blood (after many of our worthiest men had surrendered as prisoners of war) in the most ignominious and cruel manner taken their lives, particularly Col. Abel Robb's, my worthy predecessor, and a gentleman formerly a member of the Assembly, a Justice of the Peace, a good officer and a useful citi- zen, and capital loss to this part of the country; and the very villains that perpetrated this wanton, horrid murder, burning and plundering, are now, in the face of his distressed family and friends, received and restored to equal privileges with the men who have suffered everything by them that it was in their power and savage disposition to inflict.
I am, sir, your most obedient and very humble servant, LAMB BENTON, Lieut .- Col. Com. Cheraw Militia.
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N. B .-- Your answer and instructions I shall hope to receive by the bearer, Mr. Vinow, in regard to the above. I do not doubt but Gen. Marion will acquiesce in it, as I mentioned the matter to him not long since, about provisions, men and ammunition.
If you will be so kind as to furnish us with the militia laws, passed by the last Assembly. it will be of singular service, and the people and myself will be instructed.
GOV. MATTHEWS TO GEN. MARION.
[Horry MS.]
UXBRIDGE, August 20, 1782.
SIR :
I this day received your letter of the 19th inst., enclosing me a return of the state of Maham's corps, at which I am exceedingly chagrined indeed, for it appears there are no more than seventeen men whose time of service will not expire in a month or six weeks. This deficiency, together with that in the corps brought into the regiment by Conyerz, makes the regiment at least but a skeleton, when I expected the State would have had the services of a very respectable corps; and, to add to the misfortune, I cannot command the means of making it better. I have, in two or three instances, involved myself in a vast deal of trouble, by making engagements which I thought I should have been able to comply with; but, on experience, have found myself deceived, and, in consequence of which. I have embarrassed myself exceedingly, and brought on myself much unmerited censure, for which reason I am determined never to pass my word for a guinea, without I have the means in my hands of fulfilling the contract the moment it becomes due; therefore, I have no present means in my hands, nor the least prospect of any before the meeting of the Legislature. It is utterly out of my power to furnish the money to re-engage Maham's men. I can only lament the injury the State must be subject to by this unlucky circumstance, for it is not in my power to remedy the evil. As a body of horse will be what we shall most want when Gen. Greene leaves us (which he will do immediately, as the town is evacuated) I think the best way of disposing of the regiment will be to select the best of the accoutrements and horses, and mount the whole of the men that are retained, and form them again into a regiment of cavalry, and let them remain thus until the meeting of the Legislature, which I shall call
14
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together immediately on the evacuation of the town. As you are well acquainted with the state of the corps, I should be glad to have your sentiments on the matter. The enclosed is a copy of my letter to you by Col. Moultrie, who, being taken and carried into town, suppose the letter is lost.
I am, sir, your most obedient servant, JNO. MATTHEWS.
ANDREW PICKENS TO CAPT. WILLIAM BUTLER.
[Original MS.]
LONG CANE, August 21, 1782.
SIR :
As the situation of this country makes it still necessary that a part of the people should constantly be on duty for the purpose of suppressing such parties of men, as lost to every sense of justice or principle of honesty or humanity, make it their sole study to ruin and distress by every means in their power, every man who shews the least attachment to honesty, regular order and civil government; and as this service will be better performed by men engaged for a certain determinate time, than by the militia called out from time to time as exigences may re- quire, I desire that you will, with all possible expedition, engage and embody twenty-five good men for your own and Captain John Mitchel's companies, exclusive of one Lieutenant, one Quarter Master and two Sergeants, to serve for six months from the day the whole are engaged and reported to me.
They will serve on horse-back, each man furnishing his own horse, saddle, and other accoutrements if he can, but where that is not in his power, you will have horses, saddles, &c., provided for such as are in want by virtue of the warrant to impress such articles herewith given you ; you will be particularly careful to have an exact account kept by the Quarter Master of all such horses, saddles, &c., as may be impressed by you, specifying the person's name for whom they are got, the time when, and the sums to which they are appraised ; all which as well as the people's own horses, you will have the greatest care taken of, that you may always be in a condition fit for service, and that there may be no unnecessary waste of property, you will also take care to make the Quarter-Master give receipts for all provision and forage you receive, and keep a book in which he is to rate regularly all articles, either
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horses, saddles, provisions, or forage, the two last articles need not be appraised, but the quantity and quality exactly ascertained that the Legislature may with the more ease fix the prices.
You will be particularly careful not to distress any of the good citi- zens of this State under any pretence, as the interest of this company is to protect, not to injure ; you will, therefore, effectually stop all plun- dering, of every kind, as no property is to be meddled with on any pre- tence whatever, unless such as may be taken in the field from men in arms against the State, which is to be the property of the captors, ex- cept what may be proved to belong to good citizens, doing or always ready to do their duty when called on, who are to have their property delivered to them when proved, without any reward or deduction.
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