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 4
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Your most humble servant,
A. WM.SON.
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DOCUMENTARY HISTORY OF
WM. H. DRAYTON TO FRANCIS SALVADOR.
[Original MS.]
CHARLES TOWN, July 24, 1776.
MY DEAR SIR :
I am much obliged by your favor of the 10th, which gave me not only a comprehensive view of affairs your way, from the beginning of the war; but, also, the iceas of people touching the discharge of Cun- ningham and his companions. We apprehended some dissatisfaction might arise; but the act was done, as you very justly thought, with the best intentions, and we hone good consequences will follow. I think I am pretty sure no bad ones can arise on that score, but from the mis- taken warmth of our friends. I must applaud your resolution to con- sider Cunningham "in future merely as an individual, and not as head of any party." Such is the station he ought ever to hold.
As for the fate of the thirteen white prisoners taken upon the repulse of the Indians-speaking as W. II. D. in a private character, I think the public would have received an essential piece of service had they been all instantly hanged. I am not singular in this idea of justice and policy-inferior and superior public characters think so, too.
This day the Experiment, of 50 guns, and the Syren, of 28, got over the bar to join their shattered Commodore. Last Sunday the transports sailed with the troops and Clinton, leaving one brig with about forty Scots, of a regiment called Royal Highland Emigrants. This vessel got on ground. She has fallen into our hands. The men are prisoners-the vessel is burut. I suppose some of the other men- of-war will go over the bar to-morrow. Perhaps all. perhaps not; for of this you know we cannot judge, as we are not of their counsels. The fleet stood off for the Gulf, and the deserters say they are bound for a Northern Long Island, as they are so much in love with the Southern Long Island they have just quitted.
Lee is very clever-and-very positive. The most positive of the Poetical Fates was, I scarce believe, more positive. Every idea of his must be right. and, of course, every contrary idea in every other person must be wrong; and, contrary to the saying of the wise man, we now find, that even in a multitude of counsellors there is no wisdom, when they entertain different ideas from him, even in cases as plain as my hand. However, the General has rather been unlucky in his ideas sometimes; for we have found salvation from a quarter whence he said none could come; and he has been served by Continental officers and
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troops in such sort, as to oblige him to preserve a mortifying silence on the expedition. From the zeal we have, and that only, for the wel- fare of the common cause, we are content to be silent to him on that point, also. We ought to have taken eighty British troops in the light-house, for we had 320 men to do it with; but the commanding officer kept 245 men and himself, to guard the boats, and sent the others on to look for the enemy-and after that sent them orders to retreat, when they were willing to have stormed the light-house. They returned to the boats and begged leave to return to the enemy; he ordered them to embark. Our friend, Capt. Richardson, of Huger's, commanded this little detachment.
No news yet from Philadelphia; every ear is turned that way, anxiously listening for the word, independence. I say, God speed the passage of it. Amen say you.
And now a word to the wise. It is expected you make smooth work as you go-that is, you cut up every Indian corn-field, and burn every Indian town-and that every Indian taken shall be the slave and property of the taker; that the nation be extirpated, and the lands become the property of the public. For my part, I shall never give Iny voice for a peace with the Cherokee Nation upon any other terms than their removal beyond the mountains.
As for town news, we have none but what is ridiculous, except that a quarrel has arisen between the Vice-President and Col. Pinckney. A challenge passed from the first; the last met him before the hour; there was no fight, but I have bound over the Colonel, and I have issued a warrant against his Honor, the Vice-President, because he bides himself at home. From what has passed, I begin to be of opinion that his Honor may be lodged in the common jail, because he is not inclined to be bound over. Is not this ridiculous? I will not say which is in the wrong. I saw the origin of the quarrel-it was a trifle ; so much the worse say you. I should not have mentioned this affair; but that what I endeavored to have kept secret is, by a certain ob- stinacy, become public; and I say so much, that as much may be fairly represented.
I am much obliged to you for your having begun to feel Norwood's pulse. I hope you will succeed with him. He is another unreasonable man.
As for my friend, Major Williamson, I long to see him Colonel of the regiment now under his orders. In the station of Major, he does infinitely more honor to it than any Colonel it ever had; of this rank we must say something hereafter. At present the title of Commander-
...
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in-Chief of the expedition against the Cherokees, with which he is vested, will give him command of any colonel in his army. According to the military rule, any colonel in his army, though with part, or even the whole of their regiment, are to be considered as volunteers, and they cannot have any authority in the camp or army but what is de- rived from the Major. However, as in all probability the Major may authorize them to command their several detachments under him, I think they may expect to receive their usual pay while in actual ser- vice. But this may be depended upon, that any conduct that shall clash with Major Williamson's orders will be carefully examined into.
My paper puts me in mind that I ought to finish my letter, so I beg you will present my compliments to the Major, Capt. Hammond, and any of my acquaintances that you may know-to Mr. Rapley, who, perhaps, may be with you; and, that Victory will conduct your march, is the. expectation of, dear sir.
Your most humble and obedient servant,
WM. H. DRAYTON.
REV. JAS. CRESWELL TO W. H. DRAYTON,
[Original MS.]
NINEY-SIX, 27th July, 1776, HONORED SIR :
I make no doubt but you are anxious to hear how our affairs stand in this perplexed and unhappy district, since the heathen has broke in on our frontier. Some on such occasions speak variously; nor is it easy to report only real facts. You may rely on the following :
It is quite evident that the savages were made acquainted with the designs of the British fleet against Charlestown, and that there was a . concerted scheme between them against our country. Nor is it less certain that the cisaffected party among us knew the intention of the Indians, and were really elated with the prospect. They made no secret of their expectations of safety; and when the time drew near that was appointed for the savages to muster, they refused to muster, or obey any officer appointed by their country over them. This insolent behavior, at such a threatening time, very much alarmed us. At this time, it evidently appears that they were, by compact, to assist the savages to ruin the country; and had they been in possession of their arms, many of them would have actually engaged in the bloody scheme.
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But, providentially for us, their arms were scarce, and the savages killed the disaffected in common, without distinction of party. That greatly alarmed them, changed their countenance and tone, and made them look out for safety for their families. Others of them justly supposed that any of their party that was killed must have suffered through mis- take. This now appears plain to us, by the Indians giving up those of them which they had taken as prisoners.
The savages have spread great desolation all along the frontiers, and killed a great number. On the 14th they attacked a part of Colonel Williams' regiment at Lindlay's Fort, but were repulsed, by the loss of one lover of his country, who unfortunately suffered a cruel death by them. This attack was made by about ninety Indians, and 120 white men. Ten of the white Indians were made prisoners, nine of which were painted. They are now safe at Ninety-Six, where they will remain, unless released by their brethren. Major Williamson, and the officers under him, have exerted themselves in getting our forces together, and arming them as well as could be done among us. Our army is about 1,000, or 1,100 strong, and has advanced about fifteen miles over the line.
Ninety-Six is now a frontier. Plantations lic desolate, and hopeful crops are going to ruin. In short, dear sir, unless we get some relief, famine will overspread our beautiful country. As our army is now over the line, the dread of savages, and the disaffected, will deter the lovers of their country from looking after their affairs at home. Fences are thrown down, and many have already suffered great loss.
Such of us as are in forts have neither suitable guns nor ammuni- tion, for the defence of our wives and little ones, as we were obliged to furnish our army with our best arms.
By every intelligence we have from Georgia, we learn that the new purchase is in great distress. Should the savages break through the new purchase, we will then be a frontier in that quarter. The release of the prisoners at Charlestown at this critical juncture very much alarmed us. We really dread that party. I cannot express our dis- tress. Your friendship, on our behalf, with our Governor, to procure us the rangers, or part of them, to assist us, will be acknowledged by all with real gratitude, and by none more than by, honored sir,
Your very humble servant,
JAMES CRESWELL.
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DOCUMENTARY HISTORY OF
A. WM.SON TO W. H. DRAYTON.
[Original MS.]
CAMP AT SENECA, August 22, 1776.
DEAR SIR :
This is to acknowledge the receipt of your favor of the 10th instant, acquainting me of the independence of the United States of America being declared, which I agree with you is a glorious event. I asked Col. Thomas, who is now in camp, concerning the titles you mention. He says he sent them to Charleston by Capt. Ralph Sinith, with direc- tions to deliver them to Mr. Parsons or Ferguson, as you were at that time in the country; but, it being the day that General Lee had ar- rived, Capt. Smith had no opportunity to deliver them to any of these gentlemen, who, therefore, returned them again into his hands, and that he will forward them to you at the end of the campaign, or when he returns home.
I have now burnt down every town, and destroyed all the corn, from the Cherokee line to the middle settlements-Little Chote excepted, which is said to stand on the Creek land, concerning which, I wrote to Mr. Galphin, and recommended it to Col Rue (if Mr. Galphin approves of it) to march against Little Chote, at the same time I move into the middle settlement, which will attract the enemy's attention, and, of course, yield him an easy conquest. I have received letters from Gen. Rutherford, wherein he acquaints me that he will be in the middle settlements about the 4th or 5th of next month, with about 2,000 men. I have wrote him the day I am to move from home for the same place, where we are to endeavor to join, and act conjunctly, while Col. Lewis, from Virginia, attacks the Overhills, with about the same number. My last battle with the Cherokees has already produced some good effect, having in their confusion given an opportunity to James Holmes and family, and nine others, to make their escape. Mr. Galphin writes me the Creeks are fully determined not to assist the Cherokees in the present war, which is a great point gained; and I hope we shall soon put the Cherokees in such a condition as will deter any other nation, or tribes of Indians, disturbing the quiet of Virginia, North Carolina, Georgia, or this province, for some time to come.
Capt. Hammond is in camp, and well. He joins me in best compli- ments to you. I am, dear sir,
Your humble servant,
A. WM.SON.
----
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THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION.
+
FLORIAN CHARLES MEY TO WM. HENRY DRAYTON.
[Original MS.]
August 20th, 1776.
SIR:
I have had no letters from Mr. Gillon since the 15th July last, whercin Mr. Gillon mentions these particulars you have herein :
10,000 of the Jersey militia are at Amboy and Elizabeth Town, watching General Howe's motions, under command of General Mercer. All the town militia is gone to Trenton, and the Cambridge militia is coming down fast, so that this province will have about 24,000 men to march from Trenton to New Brunswick this week. 1,700 of the Maryland provincials are expected there this evening, so that by the end of this week there will be absolutely a camp of about 40,000 men, and well armed, at Brunswick, Elizabeth Town and Amboy. There is now, also, at least 35,000 men in and about the posts of New York, with: 600 of the Connecticut light-horse, so that there is now 75,000 men watching the motions of Lord Howe's army, of about 20,000 men, when they all arrive, and Gen. Howe's sickly army of about 8,000 men, making in all 28,000 men. I am, sir,
Your most obedient servant, .
FLORIAN CHARLES MEY.
MEMORANDUM OF MR. FARR FOR W. H. DRAYTON.
[Original MS.]
THURSDAY, Sept. 5, 1776.
By the several pay bills brought in of the country militia, who did duty in Charlestown, at Haddrell's Point, and Sullivan's Island, in the months of June and July last, there were paid, for those two months, 296 officers and 3,648 privates, making 3,944 men; and supposing one-half of those men to do duty in June, and the other half in July, makes 1,972 men, including officers. These country militia cost the pathic, for doing duty at the before-mentioned places, 16s. 91d. per day for each respective man, exclusive of provisions, fire-wood, &c., which 'tis supposed, the whole charges put together, comes to much more than 20s. per day per man.
3
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If there were any more country militia in town either of those months, the bills have not been brought in to the paymaster; but he thinks the above account to be just.
Mr. Farr's compliments wait on Mr. Chief Justice Drayton, and has sent him the above calculation, which Mr. Farr has taken some pains to ascertain.
SPEECH OF HIS EXCELLENCY, J. RUTLEDGE.
[Original MS.]
Sept. 19, 1776.
Honorable Gentlemen of the Legislative Council,
Mr. Speaker and Gentlemen of the General Assembly:
I think it my duty to pay this tribute of applause to those brave troops who, in repelling the formidable British armament which at- tacked them on Sullivan's Island, vainly flattering themselves with an assurance of easy conquest, displayed firmness and intrepidity that would have reflected honor on Roman veterans; and I must heartily congratulate you on their heroic behavior. It is an auspicious presage of what may be expected from the valor of our other troops, when theirs shall be the post of danger, as it demonstrates that men, animated by an ardent zeal for the sacred liberties of their country, and trusting in the Divine support, are capable of the most glorious achievements.
The Cherokee Indians having committed such barbarous acts of hostility as threatened desolation to the frontier settlements, at a time when the enemy lay in view of this town, and an attack on it was daily expected, a considerable force was immediately sent into that nation to obtain satisfaction for their cruel outrages, by acting with the greatest vigour. Our people have behaved with much spirit. It has pleased God to grant very signal success to their operations, and I hope, by His blessing on our arms, and those of North Carolina and Virginia, from whom I have promises of aid, an end may soon be put to the war.
Since your last meeting, the Continental Congress have declared the united colonies free and independent States, absolved from allegiance to the British crown, and the political connection between them and Great Britain totally dissolved-an event which necessity had rendered not only justifiable, but unavoidable. This declaration, and several
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THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION.
resolves of that honorable body, received during your recess, shall be laid before you. I doubt not you will take such measures as may be requisite. in consequence of them. A well-regulated militia being essential to the preservation of our freedom, I am persuaded you will think, with me, that your time cannot be better employed than in fram- ing a law for making such improvements in the militia as may produce the most beneficial consequences. 1686599
It is not improbable that, at the season appointed for the meeting of the next Assembly, the business of legislation must yield to that of a different nature, and it behoves us to employ the time of the enemy's absence in making the best preparations for defence, and enacting such laws as the present exigencies demand. I have, therefore, thought it for the public service to call you together now, that you may deliberate on these matters, which tend to the interest and security of the State.
I shall propose what, in the course of your session, appear to me, and be happy in receiving your advice on, and concurring with you, in any that may effect these important objects.
J. RUTLEDGE.
MESSAGE FROM THE PRESIDENT RELATIVE TO A FORT AT CHERAW HILL.
[Original MS.]
September 30, 1776. Mr. Speaker and Gentlemen:
On the 7th of May I was informed, by a letter from the Committee of Secrecy, War and Intelligence, in North Carolina, of their having received advice that the enemy, who then lay in Cape Fear River, had planned a descent at the mouth of Little River, near the borders of this colony, in order to attempt a passage into the back country of that, by the Lake of Waccamaw. Having occasion to confer with the Hon. Colonel Powell on this subject, he urged very strongly to me the abso- lute necessity of building a stockade fort, and keeping a garrison, at the Cheraw Hill, as a security against incursions of the disaffected about, Cross Creek, and for preventing or suppressing insurrections, which they might occasion amongst our own people, near the North Carolina line-events which, he feared, especially, if the intended junc- tion between the British forces and the malcontents in that province,
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DOCUMENTARY HISTORY OF
had taken place. I thought so much attention and respect due to the representation of a gentleman in his station, who was well acquainted with that part of the country, and had the command of a large regi- ment there, as to lay it before the council for their advice, which I did. He attended them, and on considering what he offered on this head, they were unanimously of opinion that it was necessary to erect a fort, and keep only a garrison, in consequence of which I gave orders for that purpose.
J. RUTLEDGE.
GEN. HOWE'S LETTER TO GOVERNOR RUTLEDGE.
[From Original in State Department.]
CHARLES TOWN, October 6, 1776.
SIR :
The command of the Military Department in this State devolving upon me, I feel it my duty to lay before your Excellency, and by your means before the Honorable Council and Assembly, my sentiments respecting the situation of this country, and the measures which appear to me necessary to place it in a proper state of defence. I am happy to find that the works at Fort Moultrie, and those requisite for estab- lishing, in case of accident, a secure retreat to the garrison, are pro- gressing so rapidly. When the fort is finished, I have no doubt of its being able to repel any attack made upon it in front; but, without a considerable number of works to secure it from being assailed in reverse, it would not, in my opinion, be long maintained against any formidable attempt in that quarter. The methods best calculated to preserve it, would be to erect proper works on the point of Sullivan's Island, next to Long Island, where it is probable the enemy would attempt to land; and by a chain of redoubts, or other works, from thence to the fort, be prepared to dispute the ground with them, inch by inch, should they effect a landing. I at present imagine it may be necessary to throw up some defence where Colonel Moultrie kept his quarter guard; but the transient view I had of the island leaves me unprepared to speak with precision, either as to the number or form of the works, or the particular spots on which they ought to be erected. It is sufficient, however, that a variety of them are wanted, that a great many hands are requisite to carry them on; the number need not be ascertained, as the more there
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THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION.
are employed the sooner we shall finish, and that the necessity for erect- inc such works is absolute and immediate. The post at Haddrel's ought directly to be put in a much more respectable state than it is in at present ; that station would be important even if it had no connec- Con with Sullivan's. How much more so must it appear when we con- sider that, should the enemy possess it, our soldiers on Sullivan's could neither retreat or be supported; indeed, circumstances that make it important multiply upon me as I write. I shall, however, suppress the expression of them, as I presume the consideration I have mentioned is alone sufficient to induce the attention of your Legislature.
The walls of Fort Johnston require to be well cased with palmetto logs, without which, I conceive a smart cannonade would so shock the foundation, that it would not support the superstructure. But, was there no danger of this, it ought not to remain as it is, as the fragments of brick, which would be shattered off by the shot, would inevitably de- stroy a great number of our men, and this both policy and humanity call upon us to prevent. I confess myself not pleased with the con- struction of the lower battery, and, if we have time after we get over those matters more immediately wanted, I should wish for an alteration.
I come next to an object very near my heart. I mean the preserva- tion of this capital. The spirited conduct of its inhabitants, in oppo- sition to the encroachments of tyranny, even at a time when their pro- perty was likely to fall a sacrifice to their laudable zeal, demonstrates that they nobly prefer public good to private considerations, however interesting, and gives them a just claim to assistance from their neigh- bors, though the common cause was not concerned in their safety. But, sir, when we contemplate the situation of this town, fixed at the confluence of several rivers, which open a passage into the very bosom of your country, commanding almost your whole inland navigation; and. if possessed by the enemy, all your exterior , with houses sufficient to barrack comfortably a great body of troops, and an harbor extensive enough to admit almost any number of ships, surrounded almost by water, which the enemy would command, and approachable only by a narrow neck of land, which they would fortify-it would be, perhaps, the most secure and noble place of arms for them imagin- able, from which they could, with the same body of troops, execute the purposes of despotism on three different States, and the possession give their arms an eclat, the influence of which might be dreadfully diffusive. It would bring upon our backs every tribe of Indians, and call to their banners a host of domestic insurgents. All these circumstances must make it a capital object to them, and combine to prove, that the loss of
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DOCUMENTARY HISTORY OF
this town may be reckoned among the deepest wounds the cause of freedom could receive in this department. Public good, therefore, and private interest, unite to induce us immediately to put it into a proper state of defence. To hesitate one moment might possibly be to lose the opportunity which Providence has lent us; and all idea of expense, however great, should be lost in the importance of the object. One step towards obtaining this desirable end, would be to prevent, if pos- sible, the approach of ships to the town; and this, I conceive, may pro- bably be effected, by throwing obstructions across the channel opposite to Fort Moultrie, at those places which would expose them most to the fire of the fort. I am made happy at being informed this work is begun, and trust such hands are employed as will execute it properly. I must, however, take the liberty to say, that when I consider the amazing impetus with which ships, under full sail, come in contact with any body that obstructs their motion, that I doubt whether any single work can be made substantial enough to be effectual. The method I should recommend would be to have one work within another -the second so near the first, that it should take up the vessel, if she surmounted the first difficulty, before she had time to regain her way.
The next thing, sir, is to put the town in such a state of defence that the enemy, in case they get up with their ships, may meet with the most obstinate opposition. It gives me concern to think, that it is far from being in this state at present. Several of the batteries having capital errors, require to be pulled down and re-built; and it will, I am persuaded, be found necessary to erect others at different places. The extempore works thrown up about the town are by no means to be de- pended upon; they were executed in a hurry, and under the expecta- tion of an immediate attack. They ought to be altered in many places, and at all to be made more effectual. As the interest of the inhabitants, and good of the common cause, will, I doubt not, dispose the people of this country to defend their capital to the last extremity; and, as the working of a number of traverses across the streets are not only necessary to the obstinate defence of it, but will prevent the great execution which might otherwise happen from an enfilade, the materials for building these works should directly be provided. They would at present, perhaps, incommode the passage of the inhabitants, so need not be immediately erected; but the necessary apparatus should be de- posited at convenient places, to be ready occasionally. I have much to regret the exceeding weak state of the back part of your town. Assail- able at many places, at none prepared to repel an attack, it requires our immediate attention. Nor am I less anxious about the Neck, that
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