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.3 > Part 18
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I have the honor to be, sir,
Your most obedient servant. J. DOYLE, Dep. Adj. Gen.
[No. 213.] Gen. Marion to Col. Peter Horry. NOVEMBER 9, 1781. Sir :
I received yours of yesterday's date. I only wait for the re- mainder of your Cavalry fit for duty to pass the river. My order from Gen. Greene is to take post on the left of the enemy. and I think to take post at or near Huger's Bridge, in St. Thomas. Gen. Sum- ter is to take post at Orangeburg, and to penetrate to Dorchester ; my post will be active, and make, no doubt the enemy's Horse will try to remove me, which is the reason I am anxious to get as many Cavalry as will be a match for them. You will find me there or about that quarter, and shall be happy to see you, if it will not re-
tard the completing your men. If you have reason to believe that Sol. Miller has forged the certificate, you will have him brought before a magistrate, and if proved send him to jail for forgery and a cheat ; if you are apprehensive that he will make his escape, you will send and take him, and theu carry him before a Justice of the
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Peace, and should nothing be proved against him, and there is yet presumptive proof, you will either keep him in confinement or send him to me, and I will endeavor to make such a villain suffer for such anatrocious crime, which isnot to be passed over by any means whatever. Enclosed is an order for salt, and beg you will be sa- ving on that article, as my stock runs very low, for I have supplied Gen. Greene and almost every corps in the State for a considerable time. I am sorry I had not the pleasure of seeing Capt. Gough, who passed within half a mile of me. The reason he gave for not calling, was, " I was angry with the corps he was in," and I am sorry to find any gentleman can have so little and despicable an idea of me. If I find fault with officers for anything I am made to believe they have done wrong, I cannot be angry with any one, but the very action itself, and I assure you, I am not capable of anger with individuals, when I am acting in a public capacity, but for public errors against the good of my country.
I am, dear sir, with esteem.
Your most obedient humble servant,
F. MARION. N. B. The post I mean to take and that of Gen. Sumter's is a secret.
{No. 214.] Extract of a Letter from General Greene to Colonel, Peter Horry.
HEAD QUARTERS, Nov. 11, 1781.
Dear Sir :
" I have received your favor of the Sth. It affords me great plea- sure to hear you and Gen. Marion have come to a satisfactory ex- planation. Men of honest hearts and good intentions very seldom prosecute each other long, after an opportunity of comparing notes, especially where both parties are governed by reason and benevo- lence. Blankets are so scarce with us that more than three-fourths of our men are without. Mr. Clay is gone to Newbern to purchase a quantity ; should he succeed cqual to his orders, and you fail, I will try to assist you, though the extent of my orders will not come
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up to our demands. Gen. Marion will inform you of the enemy's loss in Virginia."
With esteem, I am, dear sir,
Your most obedient humble servant,
N. GREENE.
-
[No. 215.] Gen. Greene to Gen. Marion.]
HEAD QUARTERS, Nov. 11, 1781. Dear Sir :
I have just received your letter of yesterday. The reinforce- ment you mention renders your proposed plan of operations upor the enemy's left a little dangerous, until you know more of their strength and intentions. By Col. Morris, I was informed that Gen. Leslie was in New York, but I thought from the circumstances of the storm in which he disappeared, it was much more probable that he was lost ; and that the enemy would either evacuate or reinforce Charles Town, I had not the least doubt upon the fall of Corn- wallis. If the reinforcement is considerable, we may have active operations again. As there will be a dispute for the country, we are preparing to get in motion. You will watch the enemy closely and let me know if they make any movements. Should the enemy attempt to cross the Santee, desire Capt. Eggleston, who is on Black River, to join you. I will write to him to that effect. Gen. Sum- ter is gone to take post at Orangeburg. Enclosed is an extract from Gen. Washington's letter, from which you may see the ene- my's loss in Virginia is very great ; further particulars are daily ex- pected. Iam, dear sir,
Your most obedient servant,
N. GREENE.
--
Extract of a letter from Gen. Washington to Gen. Greene.
YORK TOWN, Oct. 24, 1791. " The number of prisoners is not accurately ascertained, but from the best estunate, will amount to 7,000, exclusive of seamen, 74
*
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brass and 140 iron cannon, with 7,320 muskets which are already returned. The number of seamen exclusive of those on board the private ships, will amount to 8 or 900."
[No. 216.] Gen. Greene to Gen. Marion.
HEAD QUARTERS, Nov. 15, 1781.
Dear Sir :
Your favor of the 14th is just come to hand ; it is now late in the afternoon; as you are at liberty to act as you think advisable, I have no particular instructions to give you, and only wish you to avoid a surprise. Gen. Sumter is gone to Orangeburg, and the ar- my will move on that route the day after to-morrow. What you conjecture respecting the evacuation of Charles Town, may take place, but if it does, the garrison will not go to Savannah, nor do I believe an evacuation probable ; that of Wilmington I think likely. As soon as we cross McCord's Ferry, please to give me intelligence of your position, and I shall depend upon your guarding our left, after we get down as low as Four Holes, to which place we shall march by slow and easy marches ; should the enemy have in con- templation a retreat to (feorgia by land, the Four Holes will be a proper place to intercept them on their march. But be assured they will not attempt it, nor can I flatter you with hopes of getting aid of them at so easy a rate. I expect several more good hard fights this winter, and if we hold our ground until spring, possibly an evacuation may take place for fear of a combined operation with the French fleet, which we can hardly hope for this fall; but let this rest with yourself, and also keep our intended position a secret until we are better informed respecting it and its advantages.
I am, dear sir, your humble servant, N. GREENE.
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[No. 217.] J. Doyle, ( of the British ) Deputy Adjutant General, to General Marion.
HEAD QUARTERS, CAMP AT RAVENELS, November 20, 1781.
Sir :
I am directed by Brig. Gen. Stewart to represent to you an out- rage that has been committed by a party of your corps, under the command of Col. Maham, upon a parcel of sick, helpless soldiers, in an Hospital at Colleton's House, on the morning of the 27th inst. The burning an Hospital and dragging away a number of dying people to expire in swamps, is a species of barbarity hith- erto unknown in civilized nations-especially when that hospital has been left without a guard for its defence-that could justify an at- tack upon its defenceless inhabitants. For the sake of humanity, sir, the General is unwilling to believe that such unmanly proceed- ings could meet your countenance, and he therefore expects that those unhappy sufferers may be sent immediately as prisoners on parole, to prevent their perishing for want of necessaries and medi- cines. The sick and helpless seem not proper objects for military prowess, and attacks on Hospitals are among your own Continental army hitherto unprecedented. The Hospital at Camden was by Gen. Greene's order, protected, although it had an armed guard for its internal police.
I have the honor to be, sir,
Your most obedient humble servant, J. DOYLE, Dep. Adj. Gen.
[ No. 218.] Gen. Sumter to Gen. Marion.
ORANGEBURG, Nov. 23, 1781.
Sir :
I have some reason to think Gen. Greene don't mean to move downward until the lower posts are well explored, and the number and situation of the enemy accurately ascertained. I am perfectly
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unacquainted with the enemy's position and strength towards Coop- er River ; to know which and to confer with you upon several oth- er points of consequence, I send Major Bleauford, the bearer here- of, to wait upon you, in whom you may confide, and to whom I beg you would give your opinion upon such matters as I have di- rected him to mention to yon ; the most profound secrecy is abso- lutely necessary ; certain disappointment and ruin would-attend our operations to have the design known. The enemy in this quar- ter are numerous in horse, but not formidable. I. refer you to the Major for particulars, as he is able to give you the fullest account of the state of things. I am, sir, with great respect,
Your obedient humble servant,
THOS. SUMTER.
[ No. 219.] Gor. Rutledge to Gen. Marion.
NOVEMBER 23, 1781. Dear Sir :
Herewith you will receive several writs, (according to the list underwritten) for electing members of the Senate and House of Representatives. I request that you will be pleased to insert in each the names of three such persons as you think most proper to manage the elections, and then have the writs forwarded by careful hands as soon as possible to those persons, or one of them, that they may proceed to the election of this business. You will observe that where an election can be held in the parish or district for which members are to be chosen, it must be held in the nearest to it. where the greatest number of persons entitled to vote can meet with safety and convenience. Upon this point you will be able to form a good judgment, and I wish you would give the managers whom you appoint your advice with respect to the places most pro- per for holding these elections, where they cannot be held in their own parishes. In such cases I should suppose that elections for several parishes might be held at one place. It would be best to fix on such places as we have good reason to believe elections may
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be held at. However, I have no doubt that you will have this matter conducted in the best manner.
I am, with great regard, dear sir, Your most obedient servant,
J. RUTLEDGE. Writs of election for the parishes of Christ Church; St. John's, Berkley County ; St. James, Goose Creek; St. Thomas and St Dennis; St. James, Santee; Prince Frederick; St. David; for mem- bers of the Senate and House of Representatives. A writ for electing members of the House of Representatives for All Saints. Writs of election for a member of the Senate for Prince George, Winvaw and All Saints; members of the House of Representatives for Prince George, Winyaw. Be pleased to forward immediately by a trusty person (and with a guard if necessary) the packet here- with sent for Gen. Barnwell.
[No. 220.] Gen. Greene to Gen. Marion.
HEAD QUARTERS, BUCKHEAD, Nov. 24, 1781. Dear Sir :
Your letters of the 18th and 21st of this month I have received. The enemy complains of Col. Maham in attacking and drag- ging off a number of their distressed sick from their Hospital. I shall be obliged to Col. Maham to give me a particular report of the condition of the prisoners he made as well as the manner of making them, also of the special reasons which induced him to burn the Hospital. I have not the least doubt but that their charges are groundless as to inhumanity, and that burning the Hospital was to destroy the stores, which could not be effected any other way ; but I wish to have materials to contradict their charges with. I am very sorry the Riflemen are going so soon; I understand from Cols. Shelby and Sevier that the men were engaged to stay until spring, or until Charles Town was reduced. In expectation of their co- operation with us, we are on our march to the Four Holes. If they leave us before our reinforcement arrives, it will both embarrass and expose us. They are on the march and will be here before many.
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days. Tell them therefore that I heg them to continue with you until they arrive. Wilmington is evacuated, which will give the enemy here a reinforcement, and therefore we shall be more ex- posed if they leave us. Please to inform me how and on what terms Col. Sevier can enlist his men, and if on a consultation with the Governor and council I can think my self justifiable and the conditions are agreeable, I will take the matter under consideration . I am afraid the position you propose upon the enemy's right will expose our left when we move down. We must, if possible, en- deavor to postour troops so as to be able to collect and continue our force upon the shortest notice. But if the enemy are gone as low as Goose Creek, the danger of your position will be less, at any rate you must keep patroles on the enemy's right to make as early discoveries as possible of any movements on our left, and let those patroles have orders to give us the earliest intelligence thereof. If you think the cattle of St. Thomas' parish in danger, I would not hesitate to have them drove off. Doubtless as the enemy find them- selves straitened for provisions, they will push for cattle most un- der their command, and it appears the parish of St. Thomas is formidable for sudden descents, and the nearer they draw to town, the greater detachments may be made for this sort of service. You can best judge how far the swamps and thickets are to be depended on for a security to these cattle. I would not wish to remove them if they are not in danger, for they may serve by and by for our own subsistence. Have you heard of any action to the southward lately ?. Reports prevail of two; one at Port Royal, the other by Gen. Twiggs, in both of which we are successful.
I am, dear sir, your most obedient servant,
N. GREENE.
[-Vo. 221.]
H. Hampton to Capt. William Butler.
HIGH HILLS SANTEE, Nov. 24, 1781. Dear Sir :
Some time since, I heard of your intention of entering the ser- vice. but macre particularly from Mr. Carns, who promised to do me the favor to speak to you on the occasion. From the throng of
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business and the want of opportunity, I have never had it in my power to write to you until the present period. Von have no doubt been informed of the nature of the service with the particular es- tablishment of my Regiment, therefore need say nothing on that head. I shall only say that I have reserved for you an appoint- ment of Captain, which is all that is in my power; however, by your filling the first company (which from your known influence I think you'll do) you will be entitled to first rank, and in that case it will not be long before you will be entitled to a Majority. It is therefore necessary that you lose no time in having your company filled ; by the first safe conveyance I shall send further directions and advices from, dear sir,
Your obedient humble servant,
H. HAMPTON.
[No. 222.] Gen, Marion to Col. Peter Hurry
COMMINGTEE, NOV, 28, 1781. Dear Sir :
I have received yours with the return of your corps. I want you to go on command with your whole corps from this through Wadboo, around Monk's Corner, and down towards Goose Creek as low as possible, to reconnoitre the enemy and get all the intelli- gence of their situation and movements. I will send you guides ; the route will be nineteen or twenty miles to Goose Creek Bridge, where I heard the enemy lay, but probably they are moved lower down since- You may set out this afternoon or to-morrow carly. If you stay to-night you will forage in the neighborhood where it is to be had. In respect to Lesesne it is proper you acquaint Gen. Greene with his arrest, and he will send me power to order a gen- cral Court Martial. 1 wish to see you before we move. .
I am, with esteem, your.obd't. serv't., F. MARION
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[No. 223.] Gov. Rutledge to Gen. Marion.
DECEMBER 4, 17S1.
Dear Sir :
I have received yours of the 1st inst., by Mr. Villepontoux; such men as the ------- and - ---- are to be excepted in the procla- mation. You may either take sufficient bail for their appearance at Court and the Assembly when they meet, or send them to me, as you think proper, if they should come out. I am much of your opinion, that several scoundrels will quit the town and surrender themselves in order to obtain a pardon by serving six months in the militia, but it does not follow that they will be pardoned. Those whose conduct and character have been so infamous, that they cannot, consistent with policy or justice be admitted to the privi- leges of Americans, may and probably will be sent back. Be pleased to make a return to me, as soon as the limited time by the last proclamation expires, of all who have surrendered agreeably to it. As Gen. Greene set off last Tuesday for Four Holes and the lower part of the country, I am in hopes you have seen each other before now, and I am inclined to believe that his position will be such, even before his reinforcements arrives at Head Quarters, that the enemy will not think it safe to venture into the country. After those reinforcements arrive, I think he will keep them below the Quarter House, unless Charles Town should be reinforced, which I do not think will be immediately. The surrender of Cornwal- lis must perplex Clinton as well as the Ministry, and I apprehend he will wait for their directions what step to take next. I do not think, however, that the enemy will evacuate the town until they see a force on our part, sufficient to compel them to do so. They are under great apprehension (and I hope with good reason) for their West India possessions. You do not say what you have done with Barnes; you may either send him (under guard) to Gen. Greene or to me. I am, with great esteem, dear sir,
Your very humble servant, J. RUTLEDGE.
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| No. 224.] Lieut. Peter Foissin to Gen. Marion.
DECEMBER 7, 1781.
Dear General :
I take my pen in hand with the greatest pleasure imaginable, to acquaint you that I have at last returned home, from a tedious and disagreeable captivity. I make no doubt but you have seen Capt. Dunbar, who, I hope, has acquainted you with all the distresses and vicisitudes of fortune that have attended us since I have had the pleasure of seeing you. How shall I paint to you the unhap- piness I feel in not being able to take any further active part in the field, and to maintain that rank among my countrymen which I * have endeavored to merit. Rely on it that it is not for want of in- clination, but rendered incapable by frequent and severe returns of that cruel disorder, the gout, which is my inevitable lot for life ; therefore when the Regiments are consolidated I would wish to re- tire, notwithstanding still anxious for the public good, I am and shall be ever willing and desirous to exert my weak abilities to promote the glorious cause we are jointly engaged in, and should there be anything in which I can render my country any services in these parts, I shall ever acknowledge it an obligation if you would call upon me, I will cheerfully fill any post that I am capa- ble of holding. I would be very happy to hear from you.
I am, yours sincerely,
PETER FOISSIN.
[ No. 225.] Capt. Thomas Shubrick to Gen. Marion.
HEAD QUARTERS, NEAR JACKSONBOROUGH, December 7, 1781.
Dear Sir :
I am directed by the General to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of the 5th inst., and also of the several others there mention- ed, and to inform you that his having been absent from the army for some time past, prevented his answering them. The articles you mention being in want of in your last, were very scarce when
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he left camp ; if any have arrived since, part of it shall be forward- ed to you. He entirely approves of the position you have taken, but would caution you against venturing too low down, lest they should throw a large party in your rear, but the reliance he has in your conduct and prudence renders this precaution unnecessary.
I am, with the greatest respect and esteem, dear General,
Your most obedient humble servant, THOS. SHUBRICK, Aid-de-Camp.
[No. 226.] Gen. Barnwell to Gen. Marion.
PORT ROYAL, Dec. 12, 1751.
Dear Sir :
It is with infinite pleasure, I set down to address an old acquain- tance, and one to whom, not only myself but the whole country, is so particularly obligated for his unwearied assiduity in the war, at a time when every diilienlty which arises from a superior army, and every disadvantage that attends a diffident, unwilling, and undis- ciplined body of men, had caused all hopes even in the most san- guine to expire, and a general shameful submission of every other part of the country (but that which was inspired by your presence) was the natural consequence, and yet my worthy friend arose su- perior to every accumulated disadvantage, and shortly I hope will demand at the gates of Charles Town, a reparation of his country's wrongs ; there will I do myself the honor of attending him. Your favor of the 2d., in part I received yesterday ; the writ of elec- tion on the 7th came to hand, and if the gentlemen to whom I dispatched them, do their duty, will be in time, except St. Helena, which I was prevented from bringing, by the wind and the rain, that obliged me to alter the days of election to the 24th and 25th. What influence I have shall be used, most assuredly, to obtain good men for members, for believe me sir, I dread the meet- ing of the House at Camden at a period when our presence is so necessary in the field. I will issue orders immediately that the Charles Town gentlemen shall join you, although you have been misinformed relative to their doing duty, being, generally speaking,
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as constant as the others, but all very bad, nor will anything but personal ruin, bellowed from the tongue of a Briton, rouse them, and then to scold or contimie a short time in the field, a month is too much for almost any of them to bear. The enemy have evac- uated this place near a month, and I was informed that Ebenezer was abandoned, but that was a mistake ; the Hessians were relieved, and their baggage going down the river occasioned the error, which was natural at that juncture. From late information the forces in Georgia consists of the Hessians, Fanning's, Delaney's. Brown's, Major Wright's Infantry and Campbell's Horse, amounting to six hundred, and four hundred irregulars ; these last I cannot but think exaggerated. I expect to hear from that place in a few days, and will write you more particularly. Stafford's Regiment is on Sa- vannab. River, Harden's I have ordered collected to join the Gen- eral, Wilkinson's are employed with the army about Stono. I make no doubt Gren. Greene has informed you by this time; their number, as I heard, were one hundred and fifty, exclusive of as many more on John's Island ; Major McClure, of Georgia, acquainted me he had sent me a barrel of porter and a cheese to George Town ; will you be so obliging as to forward it to Head Quarters for me.
I am, with respect and esteem,
Yours, most sincerely, JNO. BARNWELL,
[No. 227.| Gen. Greene to Gen. Marion.
HEAD QUARTERS, ROUND O, Dec. 13, 1781.
Dear Sir :
The information of my being gone to Georgia is wrong. The army is at this place, and Col. Lee with a flying party, but very strong, is posted between Ashley and the Edisto to cover that part of the country. Gen. Sumter is posted at Orangeburg and Four Holes to ent off the Tories from a communication with the British army. The Tories are coming in in great numbers daily. Gen. St. Clair is approaching fast with a strong reinforcement: as soon as he arrives we shall draw near the enemy's lines ; in the mean- time I hope you will be able to keep your position and prevent the
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enemy from drawing supplies from that part of the country. I am sorry to inform you that the one thing needful has not arrived, but is Honrly expected ; the moment it comes to hand you shall be for- michel. Such of the militia as come out from the enemy's lines und or gage our service ought to take an oath of fidelity before they are put upon duty, and if it was practicable I should rather have fun in a separate corps, but this is not absolutely necessary. . Tho domy have detached a body of troops to Savannah, upon the sup- position that this army was moving that way ; this mistake arose from our position. I am, dear sir,
Your most obedient humble servant,
NATH. GREENE.
[No. 225.] Extract of a letter from Gen. Greene to Col. Peter Horry.
HEAD QUARTERS, ROUND O, Dec. 14, 1781. Dear Sir :
If Mr. Isaac Leger is guilty of disobedience of orders and you think proper to bring him to trial for it, order him to camp and for- ward the charges, but perhaps it may be as well to forgive him, if he is sensible of his fault and promises to do better in future, but not without, for that would be an encouragement to disobedience of orders. Your soldiers seem to have much less patience than ours. Our Horse have neither cloaks nor blankets, nor have our Troops received a shilling of pay since they came into this country, cor is there a prospect of any, and yet they don't complain; how- ever this is no bar to the justice of your people's claim, and I wish it was in iny power to assist you, but the public have not furnished me with a shilling of money for this department since I have had the command here, except paper. of which I could make no use. W. took a couple of boats at Augusta, which were sold, and the product is all I have had for special services and matters of inteli- Svare. My situation has been very distressing and is so still, but I hope if the wider stand by me with the same virtuous attached . . they have done, we shall get through our difficulties in time, Co. I shall take a pride and pleasure in doing justice to your services. 1
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