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 21
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mies, and make them contrive to throw themselves artfully in the way to be captured that they may carry on their cool, sly, detestable villainy with more security. I beg pardon, my dear friend, for troubling you with this long scrawl. My love to all our friends ; tell them I hope to be with them soon, and to set out from hence as soon as possible after my family arrives -- the beginning of next month at farthest ; particu- larly make my compliments to Gen. Marion. I am much obliged to him for his friendship at my plantation on Black River; entreat he will continue it. If you cannot see him, contrive, if you can, to let him know it. If any thing from thence, by his means or through any of my other friends, can be transmitted to my family here, it would be of great service to them, and what they will stand in need of.
I am, dear sir, your most affectionate humble servant,
CHRISTOPHER GADSDEN.
P. S. Poor Knapp should not be forgot. His firmness and integrity under the severe trials we have been witness to, entitle him to particular attention.
COL. MOTTE TO CAPT. SIMONS.
[Horry M3.]
GOVERNOR'S QUARTERS, September 7, 1782.
DEAR SIR :
I received yours of this date, enclosing Capt. Giles' declaration. I remember perfectly well that you and an officer of the Pennsylvania line (his name I do not recollect) had a long and warm conversation respecting the resignation of the officers of Col. Lee's corps, at Mr. Thomas Wa- ring's ; but I do not recollect particulars. This much I can say, that I did not hear you make use of any expressions reflecting on those gentle- men for their conduct, than that you thought Major Rudolph was wrong, or to that effect, in giving as reasons for his resignation that he was tired of the service. On the contrary, that you knew them well, had served with them, and loved some of them as brothers; and I am sure, whilst I was present, the gentlemen of the Pennsylvania line did not make use of the words scoundrel or rascal to you-so far from it, that I never thought offence had been taken at anything that had passed that day.
I am, dear sir, your most obedient servant,
ISAAC MOTTE.
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DOCUMENTARY HISTORY OF
ROBERT BLAIR, ESQ., TO GEN. MARION.
[Horry MS.]
CHARLESTOWN. September 7, 1782.
SIR :
Although I have not the honor of being acquainted with you, I return you my most humble and hearty thanks for your favor and great humanity shown my wife, when in the greatest distress, and persecuted by some of her neighbors, and for the protection you afforded her. which must show your benevolence and goodness of heart. I would next beg leave to address you on my own account, as being unfortunate enough to be on the confiscation list. I must acknowledge my attach- ment to the British Government from principle; but surely, sir, you, yourself, who must have acted from principle, also, and from your steady and unwearied perseverance in that cause which you deemed to be the right one, will not condemn that in me which you have done with so much honor to yourself and country. I would further beg leave to acquaint you, that I have been very anxious to leave this town, which I would have done some time past, but for the reason above mentioned. Except my loyalty, I hope there is nothing else can be alleged against me. I have always been of a pacific disposition, and am entirely clear of the exceptions in your laws, such as murdering. plundering, house burning, &e. I reckon to prefer a petition to the Assembly, when they meet, setting forth my case; and, as I am informed some of the Acts will be repealed, I am not without hopes, especially if a gentleman of your character and influence would espouse my cause, and which, I hope, I shall not solicit in vain, from your innate goodness to assist the distressed. It does not suit me to follow the English any longer; it is said they are to evacuate this town next month. The nine sail of victuallers, and three of merchantinen, with goods, arrived two days ago. Be that as it will. I am heartily tired of this place, and have had time enough to repent of my folly. If I shall have the good fortune to be restored. I shall, undoubtedly, be a good subject to the State of South Carolina; if, unfortunately, it should be otherwise, I shall always regret having ruined my wife and children more than anything that can befall myself, though at this time in my fiftieth year. I hope your honor will excuse my detaining you so long upon a subject so interest- ing to myself. If you will, or can, grant me protection for myself, and what few negroes I have, I will go out the first opportunity. If I can not obtain that, should be glad to know if I can stay in town after the
,
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evacuation, otherwise, must go to Augustine, or some of the islands, till the Act is repealed in my favor, by the assistance of my friends. I hope I have several, never having injured any individual to my knowledge. I wish you health and happiness, and that you may live long to protect the distressed and unfortunate. With high esteem and due regard,
I am, sir, your most obedient humble servant. ROBERT BLAIR.
· GEN. LINCOLN TO CAPT. CARNES.
[Original MS.] WAR-OFFICE, September 11, 1782.
SIR :
Congress have ordered that the Secretary of War forward to the Commander-in-Chief a copy of Gen. Greene's letter, on the subject of recruiting Lieut .- Col. Lee's partisan corps, and that he inform you that your further attendance on this business can be dispensed with.
I am, sir, your very obedient servant,
B. LINCOLN,
GOV. MATTHEWS TO GEN. MARION,
[Horry MS.]
UXBRIDGE, September 13, 1782.
SIR :
I have just received yours of the 12th inst. by Major Conyers. I certainly will not give Col. Maham leave to give up the horses you mention, and I think it extraordinary he should attempt to release them without my permission. I should imagine he would hardly presume to disobey your orders ; but, if you apprehend any danger, I will immue- diately send you a press warrant, to prevent them from being taken away.
I am, sir, your most obedient servant, JOHN MATTHEWS.
15
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DOCUMENTARY HISTORY OF
GOV. MATTHEWS TO GEN. MARION.
[Horry MS.]
UXBRIDGE, September 13, 1782.
SIR :
Yours of the 10th inst .. came safe to hand yesterday. The mode I have adopted in taking substitutes is to oblige all under fifty to furnish two substitutes, and all above fifty one substitute, which is conforming to the militia law as near as can be. All those who have surrendered since the time limited by my invitation, I have parolled till the meeting of the Legislature, to be dealt with as they think proper; a copy of the parole I now enclose you. I am entirely of opinion with you, that a body of good cavalry will be indispensably necessary to restore order and good government in the different parts of the country, after the enemy have quitted Charlestown; for there are a parcel of infamous wretches whom the habit of plundering has taken such fast hold of, that nothing but a military force will ever be able to subdue them, and that force must be cavalry. But, unfortunately for this country, we hare not the means of procuring men to put such a corps on the re- spectable establishment, as it ought to be; however, as Maham's corps at present stands, I flatter myself we shall be able to put it on a very respectable footing as soon as we can get into the town. By the deter- mination of the Council, the substitute money is all to be applied to raise recruits for the Continental line of this State; therefore, any application of it towards recruiting State troops would be improper. You mention those who agree to find substitutes give twenty-five guineas; they are to procure the substitutes, cost what they will; at the same time great caution should be used that they do not go beyond thirty guineas, otherwise, it would ruin our recruiting service. I, there- fore, think the best way would be for them to pay the money into your hands, and you to recruit the men, by which means you will be able to prevent the service being injured by exorbitant bounties. I think the State's share of seizures, that are made under my proclamation of the 14th of March last, cannot better be applied than to the purpose you mention-that is, recruiting Maham's corps, and which I very much approve of; bur, I could wish you to reserve as much out of the first sales as will pay Harris for the wagon you purchased of him, for I can with truth assure you, that I have no present means, or a prospect of any, until we get into Charlestown, of satisfying this or any other demand against the State, as the Council have declined their assent to
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selling any more negroes until the enemy quit the State. I am glad to find, by the surrender of the party you mention, that the Northern parts of the State are now clear of the disaffected. I don't apprehend any danger now from Fanning. Our printer has began to publish his paper again, and I enclose you one of them.
I am, sir, your obedient humble servant,
JOHN MATTHEWS,
GEN. GREENE TO GEN. MARION.
[ Horry MIS.]
ASHLEY HILL, September 15, 1782.
DEAR SIR :
I have received your letter by Mr. Pollock, with the returns enclosed. Intelligence from town induces me to believe the enemy are making preparations for another expedition after provision, and that the neigh- borhood of Georgetown will be their object, if there is a large quantity of provisions near that place. I beg that some steps may be taken for removing the rice, if possible, or for effectually covering the country from the ravages of the enemy. I am unable, at this distance, to deter- mine with precision the position you ought to take. or the measures you have it in your power to pursue, to oppose their designs. You will, therefore, adopt the plan which you think most eligible.
I am, dear sir, your most obedient servant, NATHANIEL GREENE.
MAJOR BURNET TO GEN. MARION.
[Horry MS.] HEAD-QUARTERS, September 18, 1782.
DEAR SIR :
Gen. Greene has this moment received information that a detachment of the enemy are gone up Cooper River; their object is not ascertained. It is said to consist of more than 400 men, and that they left town yes- terday noon. The General desires me to transmit you the information for your security.
I am, respectfully yours, J. BURNET, Aide-de-Cump.
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GOV. MATTHEWS TO GEN. MARION.
[Horry MS.]
UXBRIDGE, September 18, 1782,
SIR !
I have written to you by Major Conyers respecting Maham's corps; also, what must be done with those persons who come out of Charles- town. Since the time specified in my invitation, the refugees have obtained permission to remain until the 20th inst. I proposed a plan to Col. Lushingtou, some time ago, for manning the galley at George- town; I have not since heard from him on the subject. If that plan does not take, I know of no other at present; for, as I have before observed to you. I have no money, uor have I the means of command- ing auy. It would be a mere trifle for the merchants and inhabitants in and about that place, to advance as much money, or something else, as would tit out the vessel, and they are the most immediately interested in it. A few years ago, the public spirit of our people would have stimu- lated them to do such a thing without being asked; but, alas! that seems now to be vanished. Mrs. Matthews is now on her way from Philadelphia, and I expect she will be at the high hills of Santee about. the 7th of next month; and, as the road from Laurens' Ferry to chis place is very dangerous, I must desire an escort might be sent to meet her at the ferry, and conduct her down to my quarters. Let the escort be at Laureus' by the 7th, and send on one of the men to Capt. Rich- ardson's, to wait there until she arrives (if she should not be there before) that she might know the escort waits for her; otherwise, she may stay there a day or two, and I don't want the men to be absent longer than necessity requires. You are a better judge than I am what number of horse will be sufficient to render her passage safe; therefore, I shall leave the appointment of the party to you. I think it would be well to caution the person who is to command the party, not to say for what purpose they are ordered, lest some villains might be tempted to waylay the road before she gets to the ferry, for she has ouly one white man and two negro servants with her, and Capt. Richardson informs me there are some bad men in that neighborhood, who have lately plun- dered several people. If it would not be fatiguing the horses too much, or attended with particular inconvenience, I would be glad they could be sent as far as Capt Richardson's, to meet her. However, I shall leave the matter to you, as I dare say you will be disposed to accommo- date her as far as the service will admit. Yours, &c.,
JOHN MATTHEWS.
---
THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION.
COL. DAVIS TO GEN. MARION.
[Horry MS.]
PRINCE WILLIAMS', Salt Ketcher, September 20, 1782.
SIR :
Your letter of the 9th August I have received by Capt. Youngblood, wherein you desire to take all defaulters of my regiment who refuse to do duty agreeably to my orders, either to try them in my regiment, or to send them down to be tried in your brigade that is out; the latter you'll think best, and which I approve of, and will conform thereto, Capt. Youngblood has not attended according to appointment, which has delayed my carrying your orders into execution. I should be glad to know if you have given him orders to the contrary. Ithink it will be useless, without assistance, to endeavor to get them out, as I have many times endeavored to turn them out agreeably to your orders, with- out effect. They are of opinion that they will not be obliged to comply with the law, and think you will not send after them, as they are fed up, and have contrary opinions instilled into them. I will appoint officers to the three companies who are without, and order them out on duty; and, should they remain refractory, I must send them down to you, to be dealt with as you shall think proper, with some assistance, if agreeable to you.
I am, your most obedient humble servant, WILLIAM DAVIS, Lieut .- Colonel.
P. S .- I do not know if you have received my last letter, with the returns annexed. It was the best I could make at that time; but, when I can turn out the regiment, and the men be more obedient to orders, I will send you a correct return. It is impossible to send you the names of the contumacious till the companies are officered and ordered out, and will comply.
CAPT. MCGREGOR TO GEN. MARION.
[ Horry MS.]
ECHAU, September 23, 1782.
DEAR GENERAL :
[ received yours of the 23d inst., and am much surprised of your being informed of my supplying the British with cattle, and that one
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DOCUMENTARY HISTORY OF
Joulee was my driver; your informant was not just. Joulee did drive some cattle from the North side of Santee River to the South side; but the most of them were breeding cattle, which I did not think was against your orders to drive to this side. I could wish the whole of the Americans (though I say it) were like myself. I would freely give my all to serve my country, and, indeed, it has cost me nearly all, and still would give the remainder; if it were in my power the British should not eat or drink of what belong to the Americans. I always could give my friends a drink of grog or a cup of coffee until now, which plainly shows the dealing I have with the enemy; indeed, I have been plun- dered so often, that I have no clothes to wear on credit, nor as much hard money to purchase them. If I have traded, I must either have had money or clothes; but I can declare I have neither. I beg, Gene- ral, you will satisfy me, in letting me know the informer. You know when I found what was carrying on, I begged of you to let me have a few men, and I could give you abundance of satisfaction in serving from Echau to the mouth of Santee; but you never were kind enough to do it. You say my conduet has deceived you; I am heartily sorry for it. I am in hopes you will yet have a better opinion of me than what you express at present. I am sorry I am obliged to write, as it is not in my power to come to you at present; but I shall wait on you as soon as I possibly can. I have always executed your orders as far as I have been able, and, indeed. have got a good deal of ill will for executing them; but, were it to do again, I should do it, or any orders you may give me, either on friend or foe. I have always made it my study to see that they were executed. My men should have been in camp before now, but the most of the relief are sick. Winningham and his sons, who say that you told them to collect the public cattle, do very little at it. I will be glad if you let me order them to camp, and with your orders will appoint some more qualified than them, and who are not of much other service. My lieutenant, who was to go with the men, has moved out of the parish. If nothing happens, in about a month I flatter myself I shall be able for business, and shall be able to give more satisfaction. About ten days ago I had some idea of some blacks collecting fifteen or twenty horses near me. I pursued, but missed them; they carried off their horses safe-and, for fear of my pursuing them, they pulled up Oindaw Bridge to cover their re- treat, and went off clear. I shall be much obliged to you for a copy of the militia law. I have some men that deserve to be made Continentals; but think I had better send them to camp to be tried.
I am, dear General, your obedient servant,
ALEXANDER McGREGOR.
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NO NAME (SUPPOSED TO BE GEN. MARION) TO GEN. GREENE.
[ Horry MS.].
WATBO, September 24, 1782.
SIR :
Yesterday I received a letter from Major Call, at Smith's, in Goose Creek. By his account. he expected the enemy was out : but I have heard from Haddrell's and Daniel's Island late yesterday, and no troops are out. Marquis Rockingham's death has made a change of ministers, Lord Shelburn at the head, who is our most inveterate enemy, which I conceive will prolong the war ; however, I have certain intelligence that steps are still taken to evacuate, and am very sanguine it will take place by the 15th of next month. If your cavalry will take post on Goose Creek, it would secure my right, and I would have a better opportunity to shut up my left; they being so near in your front, would prevent every necessary from being carried in town, and secure your position and mine; the communication would be so near each other, that a reciprocal support would be had in three hours. I must beg pardon for this hint; I wish not to exceed the station I am in, and . pay every deference to your judgment. Should the enemy attempt me, I am determined not to quit this ground without I am forced. I have now thrice the number of men in the field that I had when Frazer made his appearance, and I trust I can make my men stand their ground. I could wish a more frequent intercourse of intelligence could be between us. At present I am acting without the materials from the Southward to form a judgment of my security .- I have the honor to be, with great respect and esteem,
Your obedient servant,
GEN. MARION TO GOV. MATTHEWS.
[Посту ИЗ.] WATBO, September 24, 1782.
SIR :
Enclosed is a copy of a letter wrote Gen. Greene. If you wish to stop all intercourse with the enemy, and prevent any supplies being carried into them, the position hinted for the General's cavalry is the
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DOCUMENTARY HISTORY OF
only means to effect it. The change of the ministry indicates a pro- longation of the war. Our lenient countenance towards those people who have surrendered to us, and are carrying a continual trade of provi- sions to the enemy, has obliged me to warn the people that they will be taken into custody under the Sedition Act. So great a trade is carried on along Wambo and Goose Creek, to supply the enemy, that all my vigilance to stop it is fruitless; and I find, to stop the trade of feeding the enemy, it must be effected by taking every person adjacent to town and make them prisoners, or keep them a great distance from their plantations, and remove all their possessions. Without such a mode, it is impossible to prevent the infamous practice. I have already gone in some respects in this measure, which I hope will meet with your and the Council's approbation. What I have gone into in this respect, is only threats, but wish to carry them into execution. My opinion on this particular juncture is, that we should act with a determination against every man whatever, who may be found playing a false game, without which a small reinforcement will ruin everything in the former channel. This obliges me to be more particular in having the State legion con- pleted by every means that can be thought of, as Continental cavalry cannot be commanded for that service, which I am certain you have found by experience. Believe me, good sir, I wish to be clear of every public employment; but, to retire when my country calls for my poor abilities, I should call cowardice, and am determined, notwithstanding my debilitated body, to do everything in my power to see this once happy country enjoy its former liberty.
I am, with respect and esteem, your Excellency's obdt. servant,
FRANCIS MARION.
GOV. MATTHEWS TO GEN. MARION.
[ Horry MS.]
UXBRIDGE, October 6, 1782.
SIR :
Your letter of yesterday's date is just come to hand. There is but one way in which the negroes you mention are to be dealt with; that is, as they were taken in arms, they must be tried by the negro law ; and, if found guilty, executed, unless there are any whose cases are so far favorable as to induce the court to recommend them to mercy, and the executive authority interpose and pardon them. Exemplary
THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION.
punishments on such notorious offenders will have a very salutary effect, especially at this time. With regard to the subject of the trade car- ried on with the town, which you wrote to me about some days ago, I have not been able to collect a Council to advise with them on that subject, as they have almost all of them been so much indisposed, that they have not been able to attend to business; however, it would not be amiss still to hold up the threat of subjecting offenders to trial under the Sedition Act, and in the meantime to seize and condemn whatever is taken from them, in the utmost latitude of my proclamation. The enemy have lately sent some of their emissaries in the country, to per- suade the people to carry all the provisions into them that they can col- lect, in consequence of which they are thronging to town in such droves, that the guard at Bacon's Bridge, detachments from the army, and even individuals, have made a great number of seizures. which have been condemned. This timely exertion has so far deterred them, that for several days past. they seem to have given up their lucrative game, as no seizures have been made, so that their execrable policy has failed for once. The enemy has abandoned James' Island.
I am, sir, your most obedient servant.
JOHN MATTHEWS.
CAPT. CONYERS TO GEN. MARION.
[Horry MS.]
TRAVELLER'S REST, October 9, 1782.
DEAR GENERAL :
This will be handed you by Capt. Taylor, who comes to attend the sitting of the Board of Officers. Capt. Simons' resignation ends the dispute between him and Capt. Taylor. Capt. Martin claims the same as Capt. Simons; he was left out in the consolidating. How that mat- ter is to be settled, you are the best judge. A few, and a very few of the junior officers, think Simons' resignation ought not to continue both Martin and Taylor, and that if Taylor is the youngest, he ought to be left out ; but I hope he will not. I have enclosed the different claims, as I am confident I shall not be able to ride so far. I am now an object of pity, and the fever continues. Capt. Nelson informed me that you, as usual. have been helping us in clothing. It is to you, and from your favorable assistance only, that we can make that appearance, or be enabled to do that service to our country that is expected from
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DOCUMENTARY HISTORY OF
us. The Governor is poor, and, I find, contracted in his opinion of matters in general; that he has no resource unless he has money, no stratagem, no policy; and, in short, he is pour.
My compliments to Simons, Muller, Edwards, Elliot and Neufville, and receive the best respects from, dear General,
Your most obedient and very humble servant, JAMES CONYERS.
GOV. MATTHEWS TO GEN. MARION.
[Horry MS.] UXBRIDGE, October 15, 1782.
SIR :
Those gentlemen who have for some time been so much indisposed, as to prevent their attendance in Council, having recovered their health, enabled me yesterday to convene a Council, when I laid before them your letter respecting the propriety of altering the mode of punishment for persons carrying on a clandestine trade with the enemy. from that . pointed out by my proclamation of the 14th March last, to that pointed out under the Sedition Act; when, after mature deliberation, the Council were of opinion that an alteration in the mode of punishment would by no means be advisable at this juncture; but, at the same time, earnestly recommended that the proclamation before mentioned should be carried vigorously into execution, which, in their opinion, was very well calculated to put a stop to that iniquitous commerce.
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