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 23
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Your Excellency's obedient humble servant,
JACOB MILLIGAN.
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COMMODORE LOCKWOOD TO GEN. MARION.
[ Horry MS.]
CHARLESTOWN, October 31, 1782.
DEAR SIR :
As it is the Governor's desire, for the good of our country, I have made it my business to send out whatever I can send them, Dorchester way, without a pass, and one with the Governor's pass to Georgetown; but this day Daniel Shields applied to me for a recommendation to you, for a pass to go with his schooner to Mr. Swinton's, at Wappetaw. I know little of the said Shults, but am told he is a good coaster; there- fore, must be of service to us, and doubt not but you will give him a pass to remain until further orders, as the Governor's passes run. Here is, also, a fine Virginia schooner, the Nancy, Capt. John Anderson, which wants a pass to Georgetown, and there to remain, which I shall be obliged to your Excellency for, by the bearer, as I have no oppor- tunity at present to send to the Governor. The troops are to embark the 15th November, as Leslie says.
I am, with the greatest respect, sir, your most humble servant,
J. LOCKWOOD.
COL. LUSHINGTON TO GEN. MARION.
[Horry MS.]
GEORGETOWN, October 31, 1782.
SIR :
I received yours of the 28th inst., and note the contents. If I can- not act with honor to myself in the command of this garrison (for I am determined to support the character of an officer) must beg leave to decline the service. The order transmitted to Capt. Milligan, an officer subordinate to my command, is not only a reflection on me, but it carries with it a suspicion; and I defy any man in existence to say I received the value of one farthing in any vessel as a flag, or coaster, except some small present-say a cheese, and four chests medicine, be- longing to the State. The military mode of transmitting orders goes to the commanding officer of armies, wings, divisions, brigades, regi- ments, &c., and not to an inferior officer, who is obliged to put them in execution, or abide the consequences. Hope you'll not say I have
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neglected yours, where it was possible to comply. It would not be likely Gen. Greene would transmit any orders to an inferior officer in your command; if he did, you would certainly think it hard. I could not but obey orders sent me by his Excellency the Governor, which I received at the time. Messrs. Heriot and Tucker received the pass- ports desiring I would aid and assist Mr. George Selby in his business, which was the transportation of the produce, arising from the sale of fifty negroes sold by Governor's orders. Six separate passports were sent, and I believe only four were made use off for want of vessels. The Governor has sent a flag by this schooner, and I must take the liberty of exculpating myself from any disobedience of orders. The other matters contained in the letter will be attended to, as all your orders. I have supplied this country with upwards of six thousand guineas' worth of property this year, for the use of the army, which comes not from the British, for which I have not yet received a single dollar, and I can say I never received a copper made from any person in the British service, by importing or smuggling goods, which I will attest any day. I am apprehensive you have received information from people on whom I have threatened formal practices. I have nothing further to add, only remaining
Your very humble servant,
R. LUSHINGTON.
N. B .- With this I transmit the returns. Prichard's vessel brought up prisoners, as you'll see by the list, and went from here empty.
-
HERIOT & TUCKER TO GEN. MARION.
[Horry MS.]
GEORGETOWN, October 31, 1782.
SIR :
We enclose you the Governor's passports, granted Mr. Selby for the purpose of carrying round to Charlestown the nett proceeds of fifty negroes. The vessel loaded with a considerable part of this property (particulars of which is in the passport) with the Governor's flag be- sides, is seized by Capt. Milligan, and detained by him. We have wrote the Governor particularly on this business, and of a sloop-of-war stopped in the same manner, and prevented sailing. Col. Lushington has only delivered us Mordecai Myers' and Cohen's accounts, amount-
in
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ing to £20 1s. 4d. sterling, which we have assumed. Soon as we can have the others delivered, we will inform you what balance "will be wanting. Capt. Roux shall have the articles you mention, and we shall strictly observe your orders.
With respect, we are, sir, your most obdt. servants,
HERIOT & TUCKER
CAPT. JOHN COGDELL TO GEN. MARION.
[ Ilorry MS.] GEORGETOWN, Nov. 25, 1782.
SIR :
As I am in expectation of a vessel in a very short time, I will esteem it a favor if you will order the rice in payment for the powder supplied this garrison, as the account stands at foot; the other rice payable the 1st January next, I will give you timely notice when wanted, as it belongs to a person in Philadelphia, to whom I have wrote that the rice was to be received at that time, and I suppose a vessel will be sent for the pur- pose. I am sorry to acquaint you with the trade carried on to Charles- town from this place, by a set of people that I can't think friends to this State. I sometime ago wrote his Excellency, the Governor, respecting it in as full a manner as I could; he has taken no notice of it. Several are down now for that purpose to Daniel's Island, and may be expected back in a few days. I am told some are concerned that you could hardly suspect were those that commanded here. The Jews are all deeply concerned and do no duty, and are entirely excused. I could a few days ago have seized a cart load of goods going to Cohen's, but so many had already been cleared by applying to the Governor, I let them pass unnoticed. All our ready money is sent to Charles Town and the answer is, to supply the army. A few articles I wanted for my family use, such as blankets for my negroes, some cloth for my own wear, and a few things for my wife. I dare not send for them for fear they should be taken, and myself censured for a trade of the kind, though these things are laid by in town for me. I will thank you to advise me if this is allowed and how I am to act in such a situation.
I am with regard, sir, your most obedient servant, JOHN COGDELL.
P. S .- State of South Carolina, Dr., for powder, #340 13s. 4d. Cr .- Rec'd. from H. & Tucker £69 12s. 6d. Bal. due £271 0s. 10d.
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REMINISCENCES OF DR. WILLIAM READ, ARRANGED FROM HIS NOTES AND PAPERS.
Dr. William Read was the second son of the Hon. James Read, formerly one of his Majesty's Counsellors of Georgia. His mother, was Rebecca, the daughter of Jacob Bond, Esq., of Christ's Church Parish. Dr. Read was born on 12th April, 1754, at the seat of his grandfather, Jacob Bond. He remained at his grandfather's until be was about five years old, when he was carried to Georgia, where his parents had settled. His early education was received at the boarding- school kept alternately at Mr. Joseph and William Gibbons'. Here he exhibited a bold, enterprising spirit, which accompanied him through life, in resisting a tyrannical master; and, running home after that, he was put to a school of select young gentlemen in Savannah, classical masters being brought from Europe for the purpose. His aptness and facility in acquiring the dead languages were remarkable. He being intended by his father for the British navy, was particularly directed to attend to mathematics; to this his mother was adverse, and he chose physic as a profession. It suiting his father's purpose, he was taken from school at fifteen years of age, and attached to the pharmacopolist shop of some eminent practitioners, Messrs. Cuthbert & Brady, of Savannah, (afterwards Brady & Irvine.) William Read was remark- able for a hardiness of constitution, undaunted by any difficulties ; he conducted himself so in this service, as to obtain the entire good will and confidence of his masters. In the summer of 1774, he was sent to Philadelphia, in further pursuit of a medical education. His father perceiving a degree of roughness in his manner, contracted by the laborious life he lead, and being addicted to personal conflicts (the fashion of that day), introduced by certain English boys from Oxford and Eton school-Harris, Jackson and Jenkins, &c .- placed him with Dr. Benjamin Rush, of Philadelphia, remarkable for his mild, gentle- manlike manners. W. Read was domesticated with Dr. Rush, who was instructed to associate him much with him (Dr. Rush), and to per- mit his attending his clinical practice. Mr. Read, ever attentive to his children's welfare, thought that sort of example better to mend the manners of his son than any precept. Mr. W. Read lived as a student with Dr. Rush in the utmost harmony, and was much esteemed by him and his family. During his residence there, the contest between Great Britain and her colonies commenced. Mr. Read, after the manner and politics of his father, and the better sort of people of Georgia, was
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a Monarchist in principle. He had read of the baneful effects of Democracy in the Grecian States, and dreaded its want of stability in Government. Dr. Rush used to hold friendly conversation with Mr. Read and his fellow students, James McHenry, (afterwards Secretary of War,) and with William Johnston, (afterwards a Captain in the British army.) Dr. Rush was mild and persuasive in argument, and soon convinced Mr. Read and Melienry that Kings were not omnipo -. tent, or Parliament supreme; that the American community should govern themselves. In one of Mr. R.'s walks with Dr. Rush, they perceived a company of gentlemen, associated for the purpose of learn- ing the military exercise, under difficulty for an instructor, when Mr. R. asked permission of Dr. Rush to give them a lesson, he having, daring his education in Savannah, attended to the instructions of a Prussian officer. His service was well received. and Mr. R. was re- quested to attend them as often as he could. He did so, and com- pleted them in the manual exercise, and certain useful evolutions. The said company being organized and officered, Mr. Read was offered 2 lieutenancy, and presented with a handsome sword; the late General Cadwallader was elected captain. Mr. R. was at pains to tutor the company in the art and exercise of long marching, equipment, encamp- ing and swimming, and all the circumstances and etiquette of war; he exhibited a wonderful instance of his own skill, and continuance in the art of swimming, so useful to a soldier. Mr. R., at the especial in- stance of his father, refused the commission; but he had formed a resolution to enter the service afterwards, and had prepared to march, was to have joined and accompanied John McPherson in the Canada expedition, when he was influenced by Dr. Rush to relinquish the de- sign, and return home, his father promising forgiveness for past errors, and to send him to Europe to complete a medical education. Mr. R. reluctantly gave up his adventurous scheme, distributed his articles of equipment among certain friends, and returned home. He carried with him an honor which he dared not avow-Georgia being still in allegiance to the Crown of Great Britain-viz., a handsome sword, presented him by a vote of said company for services. He, also, in these various occupations, was obliged to study hard, often burning the midnight lamp, and had obtained the medal annually competed for in the College in Chemistry, given by the Professor, Dr. Rush. He car- ried with him the affections of Dr. Rush and his amiable family; also, very particular letters to Drs. Huck and Fothergill, from Dr. Kush. It was not, however, Mr. Read's lot to prosecute this intention-the circumstances of the war came on, and put a stop to all intercourse
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with the mother country. Among Mr. Read's intimate acquaintances were James McHenry (afterwards Secretary of War), and James Wil- kinson (late General), Horace Belt and Walter R. Cole, and William Johnston, of Georgia. On Mr. R.'s return to Savannah, he found things in great perturbation-the opposition to Governmental measures had commenced, was conducted by a small irregular band, headed by Joseph Habersham (late Col. Habersham), which gathered daily. Mr. R. found his father much agitated by reflections in Council, on " mem- bers of that Board, who had sons actually employed in training sol- diers to oppose regal and legal authority," fostered by him. The fact being so. Mr. Read could only say that his son was of age, and now circumstanced as things were, beyond his control; that the principle had taken deep root, and he feared it had done so in thousands more than the Governor and Council were aware of; that they should rather rejoice provided the opposition was to go on, that some young men of honor and principle should join in it, and take a lead, rather than that the reins should get into the hands of a rabble, who would show no mercy. All this, however, was adverse to the opinion of Sir James Wright, and a majority of his Council; they were for crushing it in the germ, and for imprisoning every one who showed a disposition to rebellion. It was agitated in Council that Mr. Read should be sent to the British fleet for safety; his father opposed it, and called the measure insidious, treacherous. Warin arguments ensued, violence was threat- ened, and Mr. Read, with several members of the Board, rose, and stood with their hands on the hilt of their swords. A measure had been adopted in a secret meeting of the Board, which was to make head against the opposition by means of the British fleet, which lay below at Five-Fathom Hole. Troops were hourly expected, when Sir James intended to head the expedition, and oppose force to force. In the meantime, a popular meeting of the revolters had sent express to summon men from the distant Western parishes, and, also, resolved to make the Governor and Council prisoners. These separate things were known to Mr. W. Read, and to Thomas Lee, messenger of Council, whose heart being with the people, secretly communicated with Mr. Read, he being able to hear a part of the measures of the Board. About this time, Mr. W. Read heard his father summoned to a secret midnight meeting of the Council; he knew that things were nearly ripe for the above measure-rose hastily, armed himself. and followed his father without his knowledge. As he passed, several mobbish col- lections of people were on foot, and bonfires lit; they generally knew Mr. Read, and respected him, gave him the time of night as he passed,
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who civilly returned the compliment, saying : "Fellow subjects, had you not better be abed ?" he little suspecting the state of things, that he was to be made prisoner, and never again to be out of bondage parole. Mr. Read went to the Government House, and, while sitting in Council, the Governor and his officers, and Board, were made prison- ers, by a deputation from the meeting of the people, who had consti- tuted themselves a Council of Safety. Joseph Habersham was chairman, and one of the committee; Mr. W. Read refused to act. He thought the task too indelicate-his father was implicated-his agitation now became extreme. He truly loved and honored his father, and deeply lamented the circumstance that had brought about the measure. Mr. W. Read remained on the ground all night. Two companies of riflemen had arrived, and were placed around Government House. Mr. R. spent many hours in conversing with these men, and inculcating on them the good of moderate measures, bringing to view the conduct of our North- ern brethren on a similar occasion. On going home next morning, he found his mother in a state of distracting despondency. He informed her all he know; she communicated it to Mr. Read in his confinement, on a slip of paper. On the second and third nights he still hovered about the Government House, and used dissuasives to any violent mea- sures. At length the gentlemen of the Council were parolled to the Government House, and a guard set on them with drawn swords. The gentlemen were permitted to receive visits from their wives and families, and servants were permitted to go in with necessaries. On Mr. W. Reed visiting his parent, a tender scene ensued; he embraced him tenderly. The Governor accosted him with : " You see, young gentle- man, what a state of things you have brought about." He replied, I have had nothing to do in this affair. I am reflected upon, and sus- pected, if I open my mouth in argument at any of the popular meet- ings. Sir James had treated Mr. Read roughly on his paying him the compliment of a visit on his first arrival from the North. Among other rough things, he said: "So you know, young sir, that you have a halter about your neck!" His reply was: Have I, sir; then it sits very easy? and if such is my condition, there are thousands, tens of thousands in the same predicament, and I should die in good company. Sir James was enraged, and expressed deep regret that he (Dr. Read) should have taken so ungracious a course. Mr. Alexander Wright sat in the audience room, and listened to all this conversation, on which Wm. Read observed civilly, that Sir James had the advantage of him, that he had an evidence; he (W. Read ) had none, on which the Governor desired his son to leave the room. He then launched out in invectives
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against those who were driving the people to madness, naming especially Joseph Habersham, Francis Farris, Elbert, &c. Mr. Read advised temperance and prudence, reminded Sir James of the scenes of the rebellion of '45, not very remote. They parted on that occasion in good humor. Sir James said jocularly, "is green and yellow the cos- tume of medical students?" Wm. Read said it was the best coat he had, and would certainly wait on the Governor in his best garb. "Is it," said the Governor, "usual for students of physic to wear a sword." Wm. Read had, on that occasion, put on his sword, as he begun to feel confident from the gathering of the people in Councils of Safety. Read's reply was, that it was a drossy bauble, obtained for supposed services to a company of gentlemen in Philadelphia, in drilling and training them, and you, Sir James, know how I obtained the art, as you were privy to it, as he was one of a juvenile company who used to to muster in Sir James' presence. Sir James gave Read a solemn warning, and Read returned the' "take care," but they parted in good humor. W. Read knew how far matters had advanced in the popular meetings. Just ten days after this communication, the scene described above took place. Dr. Read (we will in future call him so) watched over the prisoners incessantly, barely taking time to go home speedily, and take his meals. The regiment of riflemen were encamped at the west end of the Government House, and the men would frequently fire their rifles at the house (a wooden house) notwitstanding his (Dr. Read's) remonstrances to the contrary, and the orders of Samuel Elbert, now nominated as General. Dr. R. got one of his mother's servants to carry in a slip of paper, warning the inmates to lay down on the floor for safety against the rifle balls. Sir James' two daughters, Sarah (afterwards wife of Sir James Wallis), and Bella (afterwards Mrs. Barry), were in the house, and all of his Majesty's members of Council. At length these Western soldiers became tired of the ser- vice, and talked of breaking in and destroying the prisoners; Dr. Read's anxiety became extreme. He saw that the parole was broken by the violence of these riflemen, as a parole implies safety and protection to the prisoners. He advised Sir James to fly, and advised, by a slip of paper, the manner of getting clear, convinced that if he was out of the way the remaining prisoners would be more mercifully and leniently dealt with; and thus it happened, as the Council of Safety admitted the Counsellors to their parole on their plantations; Dr. Reed's father was confined to his plantation on Great Ogeechee. Dr. Read was in- structed to wait on his parent there, medically and filially. Dr. Read repaired thither, and spent some time in dreary solitude, which to him
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who had been in very active habits, was intolerable; there he became better acquainted with his parent, and he with him. Mr. Read was of lofty, austere manners, and rarely admitted of an opportunity of con- versing. On this occasion he relaxed and conversed freely with his young son, and made him narrate all the circumstances of his defence of his companion, William Allston, against assassination, from a sailor on the Chesapeake. in 1774, on which he said you are a brave boy, and I would trust you on any occasion. Dr. Read narrated the cold and dubious reception given him by his brother-in-law, Lancelot Jacques, in Annapolis, on account of this fete, doubting his being a Georgia boy: on which he said that it was unkind in Jacques, and ill judged. and that his son was in the right to leave his house as he did, his uncle-in-law having expressed his belief doubtful of his identity, while his aunt acknowledged him with tenderness and confidence. He had been at lodgings three or four days, when the coach of Benedict Calvert, Esq., of Mount Airy, came for him, and conveyed him to his aunt, Molly Read's, who, on hearing Mr. Jacques' doubt, called him an ignorant old man. Here he received the kindest attention, and became current at the seat of Mr. Calvert, who lived in a style rarely to be met with ; here he made himself useful in visiting and adminis- tering to the tenants and slaves of the family, inoculating two hundred young negroes; here, too, he improved in acquaintance with John Park Custis. Gen. Washington's son-in-law, which had commenced at the College of Philadelphia, and which subsequently grew into a firm friendship. It is probable that the last letter written by that gentleman was to Dr. Read, just previous to the attack of Yorktown, where he died. After this degression, the narrative goes on-William Read re- turned 1st September to his studies, and underwent the scenes glanced at in Philadelphia; and, on his return to Georgia, Dr. Read being almost solitary at his father's seat on the Great Ogechee, felt a longing desire to mix in the circumstances and turmoil of war, and offered him- self to Gen. Robert Howe, who was organizing an expedition against Florida. He was accepted, and desired to make a rendezvous at Oge- chee Ferry, to receive and inoculate recruits. It had been the policy of our enemy to turn loose prisoners having the small pox, to communi- cate it to our troops. The business was done, and Dr. Read, not having full occupation, went into the practice of physic, and his success was wonderful all through the vicinity of Little and Great Ogechee. In the meantime the war was carried on, armies raised, and the expedition against Florida failing, the army retreated, covered by the militia of St. John's Parish, Liberty county, where, on the last battle near the
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Causeway, Gen. Scriven was killed, and Col. Maybank shot down with a fractured thigh-bone. About the close of the campaign, a party of militia were marching to Savannah. under the command of Col. William McIntosh; Dr. Read was crossing the ferry, when, observing two offi- cers, prisoners of war, lying on the ground, tied in a cruel manner, he demanded, rather warmly, who these prisoners were, and why they were fettered, bound in that manner; he was informed that they were Capt. Bacop, of a British transport, and Lieut. Beacher, of the marines, that they had been taken with a marauding party of English on the St. James' River; that they had made sundry attempts to get away; that that young man Beacher ran like an Indian, and that he had nearly escaped, and they were obliged to pursue him on horseback, and knock him down. Beacher spoke and said, that he was taken out of his place; that he had only gone on shore to explore the country, with no evil intention, be discredited in the British army, and that he would as leave die as not. Dr. Read at once assumed the position of a friend to the distressed, and requested that the sentinel would slacken their ligatures. This he refused to do, urging that he (Beacher) would run off. It was in vain that Dr. Read plead that there were three rivers between these prisoners and their friends; the soldiers referred Dr. R. to their Colonel. Dr. Read rode up to the Colonel's quarters, and re- quested that act of humanity; but the Colonel would not deign to reply. Read became animated, and spoke rather unceremoniously to the Colonel, accusing him of want of proper feeling for a prisoner, &c., &c., and at length rode back to the prisoners, lit, and proceeded to slacken the ligatures, when the sentinel struck him on his head with the muzzle of a rifle, which cut to the bone. Dr. Reed rose, and was presently covered with blood. McIntosh saw it, and, it was said, regretted it. Dr. Read bound up his head, mounted his horse, and was proceeding homewards, when McIntosh sent his secretary after him to bring him back, but Read refused to obey; but sent him back with a pistol at his breast, with a bold and rough defiance to his Colonel. Notwithstanding this rebuff, Dr. Read rode next morning eight miles, in pursuit of the marching party, and carrying clothes and implements with him, he suc- ceeded in having the prisoners loosened and shaved, and shifted, so as to be comfortable. The day after, his wound became painful, and was apt to bleed. On the fourth day a Capt. (Odingsell) was sent with a command to make Read prisoner, urging his conduct as aiding and abetting the enemy. Read submitted, and was conducted to Savannah, and, after some contention in the Council of Safety, he was committed to prison, in an apartment where he found Parson Zubly and William
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