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 20
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All those who may claim property retaken from the enemy, and who have not themselves done their duty when called on, or who have refused or neglected the same, or moved into other States, will pay one- third part of the value of all such property, to be ascertained by three indifferent men, sworn to appraise the same.
Your company will be governed by the rules and articles for the Government of the troops of this State, and entitled to such pay as is allowed by the present militia law, and they will not be called out of this District, unless on some particular emergency, and by my particular order.
I am sir, your most obedient servant, ANDREW PICKENS.
MAJOR BURNET TO GEN. MARION.
[Horry MS.] HEAD QUARTERS, August 23, 1782.
MY DEAR SIR :
I have this moment received information that Major Brewerton was to leave Charlestown with a party yesterday, on an expedition to Santee or Georgetown. As the General will not be in camp till late in the evening, I have despatched an express to communicate the intelligence, that you may take the most effectual measures to counteract the designs of the enemy. Should there arrive any accounts more minute, I sup- pose Gen. Greene will transmit it as early as possible to you. It is probable the success of Major Doyle has induced them to make a second attempt to collect rice. Is the rice at Waccamaw much exposed?
I am, with great respect, dear sir, your most obdt. humble servant, J. BURNET, Aide-de-Camp.
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F
GEN. GREENE TO GEN. MARION.
[Horry MS.]
HEAD-QUARTERS. Ashley Hill, August 24, 1782.
DEAR SIR:
I have this moment received your letter of the 23d inst. Since the letter written by Major Burnet yesterday. I have been informed that a fleet, consisting of one sloop-of-war, three galleys, three armed brigs, with ten empty sloops and schooners, having 500 infantry under Major Brewerton and Doyle on board, passed the bar of Charlestown early yesterday morning, destined for Santee and Cambahee, to collect rice. It was supposed they would divide the force nearly equal. I have no doubt but you will take measures to make them pay dearly for the rice they may collect on Santee .- I am, dear sir, with esteem and regard, Your most obedient humble servant,
NATHANIEL GREENE.
COL. DAVIS TO GEN. MARION.
Horry MS.]
PRINCE WILLIAMS' PARISH, August 24, 1782.
SIR :
The foregoing regimental return is made according to your orders, and I hope it may prove satisfactory; but I am sorry to inform you that a great number are disobedient to the laws of their country. Your letter dated Murray's Ferry, July 8, 1782, I received the other day only, and in compliance therewith, I answer you per this opportunity. With respect to the names of those who refuse to do duty, their num- ber is so large, that I have mentioned them collectively, which you will see by the annexed return; but could not go down, as I have received a letter from his Excellency the Governor, of a later date than yours, say 11th July, 1782, wherein he desires it to stand drafted as it is, with orders to march at a moment's warning, and let them remain where they are until further orders from him or you, and to give him the earliest notice of any movement of the Tories in my district, who are now quiet and peaceable, and are joining us very fast. I will keep the regiment embodied, and endeavor to enforce the law on the refrac-
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tory, by going from district to district, till countermanded by your orders. But neighbors are not willing to take those measures which the law points out, with their neighbors, and a small party from your part of the country will do infinite service in making the laws to bc observed. Wm. Robertson, Esq., of the Three Runs, is a principal adviser of the refractory. I have been also informed that Col. Thomp- son, formerly of my regiment. has advised the refractory to stand out a little longer, and they will gain their ends. Not willing to trespass further on your time, I conclude.
Yours, &c., WILLIAM DAVIS.
GOV. MATTHEWS TO GEN. MARION.
[Horry MS.]
UXBRIDGE, August 24, 1782.
SIR :
I have every reason to believe the information you enclosed me to be well founded. A note I got two days ago, from a person of good information, agrees substantially with yours. I think a fortnight more will decide the enemy's real intentions. By a woman from town last night, I am informed the enemy's plundering fleet sailed for George- town yesterday morning. I am in hopes they will not be so successful there as they were at Santee. I enclose you an order on Mr. Richard- son for 200 stand of arms, as the presumption is they are arrived, as I have notice of their leaving Philadelphia the end of June. I have, also, enclosed in the order, a box of sugar for your use, which is now there at Richardson's. Enclosed is a brevet for Dr. Neufville. I find there is some uneasiness in Maham's corps about rank; I could wish you to order a board of officers to sit and determine in the dispute as soon as possible, or as circumstances will admit. As you agree with me that it is best to mount the whole corps to act as cavalry, it is more necessary to have all disputes about rank settled as soon as possible, as a new arrangement must necessarily take place; and I suppose the youngest oficers must go out, as was the case in the late arrangement.
I am, sir, your most obedient servant,
JNO. MATTHEWS.
. -
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GOV. MATTHEWS TO GEN. MARION.
[Horry MIS.]
UXBRIDGE, August 24, 1782.
SIR :
I enclose you a letter I have just received from Lieut .- Col. Benton, and wish you to take such orders therein as you shall think proper.
I am, sir, your most obedient humble servant, JOHN MATTHEWS.
COL. BENTON TO GEN. MARION.
[Horry MS.]
ST. DAVID'S, August 29, 1782.
SIR :
Yours from Watbo of the 18th inst., I received, and in answer I assure you, that I have constantly been, since my arrival at home, and still am, using my utmost endeavors to send you the full one-third of my regiment. The twenty men with which I had your permission to guard the jail, have been constantly on hard duty, catching and bring- ing in the disobedient; so that, inclusive of what have been lately ordered, and the guard will bring you, in addition to Major Thomas's class, at least fifty men ; and hope to have it in my power, about the 3d of next month, to send you some more, as I expect by that time to have another squad gathered. But, without this armed party to be con- stantly on duty, and monthly relieved, I cannot do anything, for the district is so extensive, the duty so hard, and the distance to your camp so far, that it can't be expected that the men who have just been dis- charged from your camp can perform that duty. This mode would have been better executed if the Commanding Officer of my regiment at home, when I was in the camp, had not have hindered every part of my orders (that was in his power) for that purpose. There are but fourteen of the twenty men mentioned that are at this time fit for duty, six of whom I send with the party, and the others will come with the next I have mentioned; though, I hope, you will send them back, as the law cannot be enforced without them. The people are, at this time, very sickly about home, as has appeared by the trials of a number of meu by a regimental court I lately ordered, and held four days, when
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I used every lawful and reasonable method in my power to turn out the men. There are several men, whom the guard will bring down, sen- tenced to some extraordinary duty, a list of whose names, and their terin of service, I will send to Major Thomas.
I am, sir, with all due respect, your obdt. humble servant, LAMB BENTON, Colonel.
N. B .- If you permit me to continue the guard at the jail, please to give some instructions about salt, &c., for them, as it is scarce here.
-
GOV. MATTHEWS TO GEN. MARION.
[ Horry MS.j
UXBRIDGE, August 29, 1782.
SIR :
I received yours of the 27th the last evening. The information both Gen. Greene and myself had received, agree that there were two parties going out -- one Northwardly, and the other Southwardly. How- ever, I am very happy to find they have dropped the Northern expedi- tion, which I am in great hopes will leave you at leisure to form some plan, if possible, to put a stop to this infamous traffic, that is carried on with the town through Goose Creek and down Cooper River. I cannot help thinking it reflects no great credit on our cavalry in this part, to lie still in their quarters and suffer about a dozen or twenty negroes to come out almost every night in the week, and carry off cattle, horses, and anything else they want, within twelve or fifteen miles of their camp; but I have spoke of it so often, that I am deter- mined never to mention the matter again. I must entreat you, sir, to form some plan which will be most effectual to stop such a shameful commerce; it is no less villainous than true that the Charlestown mar- kets are now daily supplied with the greatest plenty of everything they want. There is no political consideration whatever that can induce me to alter the substance of my proclamation. I must request you to have it carried into the most rigid execution. I am clearly convinced nothing will do with the Southern militia until you are at leisure to undertake the management of them. The news contained in the paper you sent me is very important indeed, and I trust will lead to happy consequences. I observe they are contending for a restoration of the contiscated estates. This, I knew, would be the case, and told the House of Assembly so when they were about passing the Confiscation Act; for it is a matter
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that must be finally settled by negociation. I enclose you a copy of a letter I have just received from Gen. Greene. Poor Laurens! I am very sorry for his fate. I also enclose you twenty blank commissions, which were omitted to be sent before.
I am, sir, your most obedient servant,
JOHN MATTHEWS.
COL. BENTON TO GEN. MARION,
[Horry MS.]
ST. DAVID'S, August 29, 1782.
SIR :
Yours from Watbo I answered, and expect it will be handed you with this, as also yours from Lind's Ferry, of the 26th, is just come to my hands. One-third of my regiment I have under orders to join you, and expect with this will come in about fifty men, in addition to Major Thomas' division, and those that may remain behind I will send with all possible expedition, so that if in my power the public service may not be hindered. As to the men's being relieved monthly, it is so late now that it will be impossible for me to get them in camp until near the middle of the ensuing month. I am very sensible that it will make a considerable confusion in the regiment, as the men do not look upon themselves liable to go to camp yet, and the law will not oblige them until each division does two months' duty agreeably to law; therefore, I must beg to be excused in that particular, and I will send relief early in October, when their tour will be out, according to law.
I remain, with all due regard, your most obedient servant,
LAMB BENTON, Lieut .- Col. Commandant.
N. B .- Excuse my paper, &c., which hindered me from writing more fully. L. B.
GEN. GREENE TO GOV. MATTHEWS.
[Horry 3IS.]
August 29, 1782.
DEAR SIR:
I have just got letters from Gen. Gist, giving an account of a little action between Col. Laurens and the enemy, about twelve miles below
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the ferry on Combahee, where he had taken post, and thrown up a little work to fire on the enemy's shipping, as they passed down the river. The enemy landed in considerable force. The Colonel's party being small, was beat back, in which conflict the Colonel fell, and we had the mortification to lose a howitzer. Gen. Gist got up just time enough to save the party from suffering further injury. We had twenty- four killed, wounded and missing. After this action the enemy em- barked, and went down the river to the mouth of it, where they lay when Gen. Gist's dispatches came away; it is said they are going to Port Royal. There is no mention made of the enemy's loss; but they must have suffered considerably, and I believe they have got little or no rice. This is the substance of the General's letter. I lament the unhappy fate of Col. Laurens .- I am, with great respect,
Your Excellency's most obedient humble servant, NATHANIEL GREENE,
GEN. GREENE TO GEN. MARION,
[Horry MS.]
HEAD QUARTERS, Ashley Hill, August 31, 1782.
DEAR SIR :
I most sincerely congratulate you upou the very honorable check you gave the enemy, and I am happy to hear you give such ample testimony to the bravery and firmness of the militia. I wish in every part of the State they were equally deserving the same applause. From what has passed, you may see how little dependence is to be placed in the enemy's peaceable professions. It gives me the highest satisfaction to find that they are disappointed in their expectations of finding you off your guard, from the arts that had been practised to effect it. At the close of every month, you will give me a return of the Continental and State troops, and the militia serving under your command, specifying where they are employed, and for what purpose, as I want to give the minister of war as satisfactory an account as possible of the force of this country.
I am, dear sir, your most obedient humble servant, NATHANIEL GREENE.
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GOV. MATTHEWS TO GEN. MARION.
[Horry MS.]
UXBRIDGE, September 1, 1782.
SIR :
Your letter, received yesterday, relieved me from a great deal of uneasi- ness, as Mr. K. Simons came down two days before and informed me that he was apprehensive, from the accounts he had heard, that your brigade had been defeated, a total route ensued, and that they had suffered severely. Under these impressions, you may judge what must have been my feelings on receipt of your letter yesterday. I most sincerely congratulate you, sir, on your triumph over the deep laid scheme of our inveterate enemies. Their disappointment, in a plan they had depended so much upon, must chagrin them far more than their loss. Your account of the behavior of the militia reflects great honor on them, and exhibits an example worthy of imitation by the rest of their brethren. With respect to the prize you mention, I would have you by all means carry the proclamation into force against her in the most rigid manner-also, with regard to any others that might be taken; for, notwithstanding every exertion, the Charlestown markets are amply supplied with all kinds of provisions, by a parcel of mercenary, infamous wretches, who make lucre their only object, no matter how diabolical the means they pursue to obtain it, or how prejudicial it may be to the interest of their country.
I am, sir, your most obedient humble servant,
JOHN MATTHEWS.
GOV. RUTLEDGE TO CAPT. SIMONS.
[Horry MS.]
September 1, 1782.
SIR :
I have had the honor of receiving your letter of yesterday, request- ing me to peruse a note from Capt. Giles, signifying to you that an officer of the Pennsylvania line had informed the officers of Col. Lee's legion, that you, at the Governor's table at dinner, had called them all a trifling set of fellows, and that they were all privates, sergeants or corporals in the army, and that Gen. Greene should not have restored them their commissions again, but have filled up their vacancies with
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gentlemen of merit resident in this State ; and that the officers, having heard you make use of these illiberal expressions, or words to that effect, told you that the officers of Lee's corps were gentlemen, and that you were a rascal or scoundrel for saying what you did, of which abuse you took no notice. In compliance with your further request, that I would relate what I recollect of the conversation which passed at the Governor's quarters about that period, that some of the officers of Col. Lee's legion had resigned, I will state it as clearly and as fully as the length of time which has intervened will admit of. I do not now recollect, nor do I think, that we had any conversation at dinner relating to Lee's corps; but in the afternoon some of the company with- drew into the piazza, and others remained in the room in which we had dived. The officer of the guard, Capt. Blake, yourself, and, I think, Col. -- and Mr. Prioleau, were of the first party; I, and some other gentlemen, remained behind. Hearing some altercation between you and the officer of the guard relative to some order which had been issued, or letter written by Major Rudolph, I walked into the piazza, and after a time I asked what had given rise to the conversation which appeared to be rather warm, though by no means indecent. You answered it had been asserted, and to the best of my recollection you added, by the officer of the guard-but of this I cannot be posi- tive-that Major Rudolph, when he resigned his command, assigned as a reason to the corps that he was tired of the service, and that you thought although an officer had a right to resign his commission if he considered himself ill used, yet he had no right to assign such a reason as might create disaffection in the corps; that you had served with the officers of the legion, you knew they were valuable, and loved some of them like brothers-still, if Major R. had issued the order which had been attributed to him, you should ever think he had acted improperly. The officers there endeavored to maintain the contrary. The conversa- tion became general; it at last took a turn without your having reflected in the least in my hearing on the officers of the legion, and without any reflection whatever having been thrown out on you. The foregoing, sir, is, to the best of my remembrance, the substance of what passed at the Governor's quarters. I am truly sorry that any misunderstanding should have taken place on so very delicate a subject as the character of officers. As far as my memory can assist me, I have endeavored to do justice to all parties.
I am, sir, your most obedient servant,
EDWARD RUTLEDGE.
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DOCUMENTARY HISTORY OF
DEPUTY-ADJUTANT GENERAL STAPLETON TO GEN. MARION.
[Horry MS.]
CHARLESTOWN, September 3, 1782.
SIR :
I am directed by the honorable Lieut .- General Leslie to acquaint you, that in consequence of a requisition made by you some time ago, he gave permission for provisions and necessaries to be sent here for the prisoners captured at different times from the party under your com- mand, and that such supplies might be forwarded under sanction of a flag of truce, whenever you should judge necessary to send them. But the Lieut .- General is sorry, sir, to find that such indulgence, instead of being confined to the humane uses intended-that of feeding and clothing your prisoners-is made to answer the most improper purposes; for the boat which last arrived here was loaded with stock and provi- sions for private families in town, and on its return some negroes were conveyed away from town in that very boat. This being the case, and in order to prevent such abuses in future, the General desires, sir, when- ever any provisions, &c., are sent for your prisoners, the boat that brings them shall be with that sole intention ; that a proper flag-master shall take charge of them, and deliver to our Commissary of prisoners au account of the quantity of every thing entrusted to his care, that no article of any sort shall be suffered to be put into the boat except pro- visions, clothing and necessaries for the prisoners, under pain of having the whole seized; and, finally, that no person, white or black, or any goods, merchandise, &c., &c., shall, on any pretence, be taken from hence, without express leave of the General.
I have the honor to be, sir, your most obdt. and most humble servant, JOHN STAPLETON, Dep .- Adj. General.
4
COL. PICKENS TO CAPT, BUTLER.
[Original MIS.]
LONG CANE, Sept. 6, 1782.
SIR :
Your favor, with the cattle by Mr. DeLoach came safe, for which I am much obliged to you. I am glad to hear you have got your company, and are quiet with respect to the out layers, though I would recom-
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mend to you to be on your guard, least they should return, at a time when you do not expect them, and come on you unawares. As it is deter- mined to go against the Cherokees, I would be much obliged to you, if you can possibly do it, to collect on Edisto twenty-five or thirty good beeves and send them up so as to be at the Cherokee ford on Savannah River, on Monday, the sixteenth inst. I would not put you to this trouble, but expect beeves will bescarce. As I do not mean to take the men you have engaged to the nation. if any of them should come with the cattle, I will send them immediately back. I would recommend to you to send spies down Edisto, and if possible find out where Cunning- ham keeps, and what his intention is, and if possible drive him from those parts ; though I would much rather you could destroy him and his party. I send you six swords which you will have care taken of, and when you have done with them, you will have them returned.
I have likewise sent you a few sheets of paper to make your returns. You have my best wishes, and am, sir,
Your most humble serrant,
ANDREW PICKENS.
CHRISTOPHER GADSDEN TO MORTON WILKINSON, ESQ.
[Original MS.]
PHILADELPHIA, Sept. 7, 1782 To MORTON WILKINSON, Esq.
You have my ardent and sincere wishes for your safe and speedy junction with our common friends. Our cause is good ; the cause of humanity itself, and as it would be blasphemy in the highest degree, to think a Good Being would create human nature to make it unhappy, and countenance its being deprived of those natural rights without which our existence would not be tolerable ; our cause may, therefore, be justly called the cause of God also. These were my sentiments at the time of the Stamp Act, the beginning of our dispute, they have continued to be so ever since, and with the blessing of God, I am ready and willing to undergo any thing Heaven may still think proper to call me to suffer in support of it. We are tried, but I firmly trust not given over, and that God will once more restore us to our country and our rights, and that soon, when we shall have reason to look up to Him, and be con- vinced that his correction has been necessary, kind and proper, such as no father in our quandam circumstances could avoid giving to his
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DOCUMENTARY HISTORY OF
children, unless he had totally delivered them up to their own wild and perverse imaginations, and abandoned us altogether. That we may pursue every prudent, reasonable, humble and truly political step, devoid of passion and vindictive resolutions is my warmest wish. Revenge is below a brave man; vengeance belongeth to the Almighty; He has claimed it expressly as His right, wisely foreseeing the shocking havoc man would make with such a weapon left to his discretion. However, a just retaliation, upon an abandoned and cruel enemy, may be some- times absolutely necessary and unavoidable, but then that necessity should glaringly appear, be used sparingly and with propriety, that is. as near as possible on the offenders themselves. This even humanity may require ; might show steadiness and firmness, and would meet the approbation of all the candid part of mankind. Instead of bayoneting poor soldiers for the cruelty of their officers, when we have them at our mercy-when the unexampled cruel treatment of our friends in their power absolutely required a return, and when they have unjustly tor- tured or taken away the lives of any of them, a retaliation in such cases, in my humble opinion, would be much better taken of the officers; I would save them in the field, and immediately hang a few of the heads of them on the lines, in presence of the soldiers taken with them declar- ing publicly the reasons why it was done, and afterwards if the enemy's lines were near, offer them the bodies of such officers to honor them with what funeral they thought proper. The higher the rank of the officer that fell into our hands, the nearer should we come to and punish the cause of the cruelties our friends had suffered, and in my opinion show the greater spirit and propriety in taking such a method, and the sooner prevent the repetition of their barbarities. Even Lord Cornwallis himself, if Fame says true, has been guilty of numberless cruelties, in cold blood, and if he fell into our hands, it would be the highest justice to make him suffer in an exemplary manner for them.
You will let our friends know our situation, and that though perhaps they cannot without great- inconvenience detain all the prisoners they take, and are, perhaps, obliged, from peculiar circumstances, to parole must have been the case heretofore, yet such miscreants as have acted in high stations, have done us great mischief by the example of their defection, and otherwise are continually playing us tricks, and by no means are to be trusted, we hope they will for our sakes, keep such perfidous wretches at such a distance from Charlestown, and parolled if they think proper, at least, where they can do no more mischief. This, common fellow-feeling for our friends absolutely re- quires ; indeed, a contrary conduct will encourage these worst of ene-
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