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 2
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Your most obed't serv't, B. LINCOLN.
[No. 9.] General E. Lincoln to Col. Marion.
CHARLES-TOWN, December 30th, 1779.
Sir :
I have received vours of the 23d-I would have all the prison- ers of war sent into the enemy by a flagg and a receipt taken for them to be accounted for hereafter. The pains you have taken to accommodate the men, is peculiarly agreeable to me, and it gives me great pleasure to find that they are well satisfied. Give them a gill of Rum daily, and send, before you are out, for more. The matter respecting winding off the cattle on the River, destroying the rice on Wright's Neck, the negroes' plundering. &c., I have shown to the Governonr, and expect he will give orders to Col. Garden
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respecting it. Pray send some person, if you can, to Savannah for intelligence. Give him. if you can get a good man, a sum which shall be worth his while to run risques-I need not mention that this must be a perfect secret.
I am, sir, with great esteem, Your most obed't serv't, B. LINCOLN.
[ No. 10.] Col. Marion to General Prevost. SHELDON, Januy 7th, 1780. Sir :
By order of General Lincoln, I send Capt. DeTreville with a flag to deliver you for prisoners of war to be accounted for, please give a receipt for them.
I am, your Excell. most obt. servt.,
Fs. MARION.
Prisoners : George Hannet, Michael Jones, John McClocking, York Volunteers. Saml. Woodward, Brown's.
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[ No. 11.] Col. Marion to Capt. De Treville. SHELDON, January 7th, 1780. Sir :
You will proceed with a boat and hands from Beaufort to the first British post in Georgia with a flagg and deliver George Hannet, Michael Jones. John McClocking and Saml. Woodward, and take a receipt for them on account, and return as soon as possible.
I am, your most ob't servt., Fs. MARION.
[ No. 12.] General B. Lincoln to Lieut. Col. Marion.
CHARLES-TOWN, Januy 11th, 1780. Sir :
Captain O Neill will deliver this. He apprehends that as the vuemy are dispersed and cantoned at different plantations, some
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parties might be surprised and brought off-I think at least of a show of horse across the river to circumscribe their limits and prevent their receiving those supplies which otherwise they might obtain. I am at too great a distance from Camp to give any particular or- ders in these matters, because the success of movements of this kind depends on so many circumstances, and a particular knowledge of the state and situation of the enemy, so necessary, and which may so materially change from the time I can be informed of it and an answer returned. I therefore leave it with you to consult with the commanding officers of the horse, and after that, should you, from the evidence you may obtain, think the measure advisable, you wi'l attempt something of the kind-and if Capt. O'Neill should be thought a suitable person to execute it, it will be agreeable to me ; however, that must be left with you and the officers also-he has an idea that with six dragoons from the Legion and the same number from Col. Horry's corps, joined with six from Augusta, he could effect something pretty-I received last night your letter, by which I learn that the officers with you differ a little in their opinion with respect to the mode of' officering the retained regiments, but, notwithstanding, I think that matter will be easily settled. You mention that the officers do not incline to return' until they know their fate. This settlement cannot effect the subalterns for there are not enough in the whole line to officer the three regiments, to remain. They should, therefore, join you immediately.
I am, dear sir, with great regard, Your most obed't serv't,
B. LINCOLN.
[No. 13.] Brigade Major Barrow, (of the British ) to Lieut. Col. Marion.
HEAD QUARTERS, Savannah, Jan'y 12th, 1780.
Sir :
I am directed by Major General Prevost to acknowledge the re- ce pt of the three prisoners of war mentioned in your letter, and that they will be accounted for hereafter.
I am sir, your humble servant,
THOMAS BARROW.
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[No. 14 ] General Prevost to Lieut. Col. Fr's. Marion, or Officer Commanding the American Troops at Sheldon.
SAVANNAH, Jan. 19th, 1780.
Sir :
I have sent Lient. Creswell, with a flagg. to deliver two Prison- ers of war, on account of those you were so good to send me some days ago, and for which a certificate of their arrival will be suffi- cien.
I have the honour to be, sir,
Your most obed't, humble serv't,
A. PREVOST.
[No 15.] Lieut. W. Jackson, ( Aid De Camp) to Lieut. Col. Marion.
H'D QUART'S, CH's TOWN, Jan. 24th, 1780. Sir :
I am requested, by the General, who is himself engaged, to in- form you, that a brig, from New York, bound to Georgia, was de- coved into the harbour last evening, by the Eagle Tender. She is one of a Fleet of 90 odd sail, which left New York about the 26th ultimo-said to be bound to Georgia, the convoy consisted of 6 sail of the Line-1.50 & 1.40 with a frigate-the brig parted with the feet the beginning of this month, off Cape Hatteras, steering S.S W. The General reiterates his request that you will endeavour to obtain every possible intelligence from Savannah and give him the earliest notice thereof.
I am, with respect, sir, Your very obedient servant, W. JACKSON, Aid D'Camp.
[No. 16.] General Lincoln to Lieut. Col. Marion, at Sheldon.
HEAD QUARTERS, Cha's Town, Jan'y 31st, 1780. Sir :
The state of officers is such as to make it necessary that we draw our force to a point as much and as soon as possible. No troops
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will be kept in the field, except two hundred Light Infantry and the Horse. You will, therefore, please to select from the three regiments with you, two hundred of your best men and those who are best clothed, and organize them into a corps with proper officers. All the remainder, with the baggage of the whole, (saving such as is absolutely necessary for Light Troops,) will march immediately to this town. You will please take the command of the Lt. Infantry untill Lt. Col. Henderson arrive, which I expect will be in a few days ; after that I wish to see you as soon as may be in Charles Town-Cross will deliver you this, a letter to Col. Parker and ano- ther to Major Jamieson-You will send them on towards Augusta in the common route by four horsemen. Two will guide Col. Parker to this town by the shortest way, and the other two will guide Major Jamieson to your camp.
I am, sir, your most ob't serv't, B. LINCOLN.
[No. 17| Major Edmund M. Hyrne ( D. Adj't General) to Lieut. Col. Peter Horry.
February 11th, 1780.
Dear Sir :
You are this day in orders for the third Regiment, and the General desires me to inform you that your presence is immediately and ab- solutely necessary. We have certain intelligence of the British. Troops having landed and we are just informed that 47 sail are now off Stono. I have the honour to be, dear Sir,
Your most humble serv't, EDM'D. M. HYRNE, D. A. Gen'l.
[ No. 18.] Major E. M. Hyrne, ( D. Adj't Gen'l) to Lieut. Col. Peter Horry.
February 11th, 1780.
Dear Sir :
I am sorry to have troubled you with my letter of this date by the Express. Col. Henderson, (before the order was issued,) in-
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formed the General he had altered his mind and would accept the appointment, and he is accordingly appointed Lt. Col. of the third. I am, dr. Sir, your humble serv't.
ED. M. HYRNE, D. A. Gen'l.
[No. 19.] Col. Marion to Col. P. Horry.
LYNCH'S CREEK, 17th Aug., 1780.
Sir :
You will take the command of such men as will be collected from Capt. Bonneau's, Mitchell's & Benson's Companies, and imme- diately proceed to Santee from the Lower ferry to Lenud's and de- stroy all the boats and canoes on the River, and post guards on each crossing place and prevent any persons crossing to or from Charles Town on either side of the River. You will give all intelligence necessary and the number of men you may have collected as early as possible. You will procure about twenty-five weight of gun powder, and proportionable quantity of Ball or Swan Shot, also flints and send up to me, immediately, to the Kings Tree, by an Express. I am, with esteem, your ob't servt,
FRANCIS MARION,
N. B .- You will also take the command of Capt. Lenud's Com- pany and furnish your men with arms wherever you can find them, giving a receipt.
[No. 20.] Colo. Marion, to Colo. P. Horry.
LYNCH'S CREEK, 27th Augt. 1780.
Dear Sir :
I am sorry to acquaint you, General Gates is defeated with great loss, he was obliged to retreat to Charlotte, which obliged me also to retreat. You will without loss of time retreat what men you get to Britton's Neck where I have encamped. It is necessary to obtain ammunition, arms and accoutrements and as many good horses as you can. also get stores from George Town. You will if pos- sible send up the River to Britton's Neck. On the 20th instant I
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attacked a Guard of the 63d and Prince of Wales' Regt. with a number of Tories at the Great Savannah near Nelson's Ferry- took 22 Regulars and 2 Torios prisoners, and retook 150 Continentals of the Maryland Line, 1 waggon and a drum, one Captain and one Subaltern was also captured. Our loss is 1 killed and Captain Ben- son slightly wounded on the head. I shall be at Britton's Neck with the prisoners and Continentals to-morrow morning. I must beg you'd retreat as immediately as you receive this, for I expect the enemy will send their Horse in this part of the country, as soon as they can recover a little from the great loss they sustained which is said is equal to a defeat. General DeKalb is killed, DuBuy- son wounded, the particulars have not come to hand. I beg you'd procure me two quires of paper, I have not heard a word from you since you left me.
I am, dear Sir, your obt. servt., FS. MARION.
[No. 21.] Governr. Rutledge, to Lieut. Colo. P. Horry.
HILLSBOROUGH, 3d October, 1780.
Sir :
I have just now received your favour of the 20th ulto. and am very sorry to hear of your indisposition, I hope however you will soon be able to join Colo. Marion, and continue your services to our country. I did not know, nor can I learn before the bearer sets off for Wilmington, whether you are entitled to half pay or half sub- sistance since the reduction of the regiment, but I will enquire and satisfy you soon about that matter. In the meantime to accommo- date you as soon as possible, I enclose an order in your favour on Mr. Will'm Gibbes (who is at Major Harleston's plantation on Cape Fear River, or you will hear at that place where he is) for Conti- nental Loan Office Certificates for Seven Thousand Six Hundred and Ninety two Dollars being the amount of your pay, till the Regi- ment was reduced, and of your accot. for supplies to the Army. I have no public money in hand, but I apprehend these certificates will answer your purpose as well as, or rather better than money, as the bearer Mr. Gallbrack tells me, he passed some at Wilming-
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ton, and he supposes you may also for an advance of twenty-five per cent.
I am, sir, your very hnm. servt.,
J. RUTLEDGE.
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[No. 22.]
William Christian to Col. William Preston.
VAUSSES, January 6th, 1781.
Dear Sir.
I am thus far on my way home, but shall remain here to-night; and I propose sending Tom Body with this letter to your house to- morrow, while I take the strait road myself.
I will enclose £1000 to be disposed of as the Governor's letter will, I suppose, direct. I also enclose £18 for each of the boys, your son and Billy Norvell, and £27 for Richard Minat. This was allowed Minat for going up to Mahanaim ; I could not get his other accounts reconsidered by the Auditory. I took no account, when I received this small sum for him, and am not sure of the exact amount, but it seems to me that it was about €27. I send two advertisements signed by the Commissioners for our District, I suppose one would be necessary at Sinking Creek. I will leave one at Byrn's, and send the others to proper places upwards, and down the other side of the River.
I left Richmond on Friday evening the 29th of last month. The gentlemen were endeavouring to rise next day, but I guessed they must sit some part of this week. The bill had passed for raising 3000 Regulars for the war, for three years, or by a draft for 18 months The bounty for the war is to be 12000 dollars in hand, and a negro and 300 acres of land at the end of it. For three years 8000 dollars, and each Draft is to have 400 dollars. To raise the money, a tax of 2 per cent. in specie ; in the new Congress money ; or in our other common currency 10 for one ; or Tobacco, at .€70 per hundred, or in hemp at @300 per hundred; at the same rate of 10 for one upon the late specie assessment is to be collected the last day of this present month. I was very uneasy, for fear people in this county had assessed high, but I find them moderate. Col. Nathaniel Dandridge's 124 negroes averaged 24.19 0. ITis land stands at . €1600. Mr. Lewis's Mill ant 550 acres of land near Stanton £180. Billy Bowyer's house and land, 6 negroes
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and 6 horses ££355. Your old place by Stanton €70. Mich. Bow- yer's negro wench and child £30. In Rockbridge they valued some higher. The Stone-house land &£136, besides the houses. Col. Fleming's land £135, buildings €40, Vausses 1173 acres £108, mill €40. In Buckingham, Tom Anderson's land, called 300 acres low grounds 705, buildings £200, negroes 50, aver- aged £25. I believe ther counties may be higher, but some are lower. I came by Stanton and made enquiry at Billy Bowyer, upon which I was furnished with what I mention in that neighbour- hood. [ mention these things to you, fearing that our county has been too honest.
There is no news of peace. The king dissolved his Parliament last summer, and upon the new election the minority were univer- sally left out. Burke was hissed in the streets of Bristol where he had been formerly popular. Gen'l Kniphausen sailed with 4000 Troops the 10th of December from New York, for the south- ward. It is supposed, they mean to make their best exertions for North Carolina and Virginia this year ; we are but weak that course.
I met your letter, with Griffith's petition, at Mr. Fleming's, and, therefore, will enclose it to you again : also Trigg and Sawyer's letter, supposing there may be papers in it.
The Spaniards want the navigation of the Mississippi confirmed to them, but our assembly will waive that subject till next spring.
I spoke to Stephen May, yesterday, to come up immediately and take up a dancing school : I wish to know if you'd take a third of his wages upon you. He asks 950, old way, for teaching, 36 days. Perhaps you. Mr. Madison and myself can take in some neighbors to help out with money. I will send for him to begin at Mahan- aim, because it may not answer, some time hence, for family rea- sons I wish you would desire Young to go up and see me next week abont the mill.
Mr Madison keeps making me laugh about divers matters, but after all he will join the school -- Adieu
I am your obd't humble serv't,
WILLIAM CHRISTIAN.
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[ No. 23.] Gen. Greene to the Honourable Brigr. Gen. Marion.
CAMP ON PEE DEE, Jan. 19, 1781.
Dear Sir :
The inclosed letter from Capt. Odingsell came to hand last eve- ning-I have directed him to apply to you for orders on the sub- ject. I have detached Major Anderson with 1000 Regulars and 100 Virginia Militia to attack and disperse the Tories at Mr. Amir's Mill on Drowning Creek, the party marched yesterday with orders to endeavour to surprise them. Perhaps you might be able to make some detachment which would contribute to the success of the party. By the last accounts, Lt. Col. Tarlton was in motion, with about 1000 Troops, towards General Morgan, who is in the fork of Broad River. Lord Cornwallis is moving in force to cover him. I wish your answer respecting the practicability of surprising the party near Nelson's, the route and the force you will be able to detach, these enquiries are a matter that requires the greatest secresy.
I am, dear Sir, your most obd't humble serv't,
NATH'L GREENE.
[No. 24.] Colo. George Campbell (of the British) to General Marion.
GEORGE TOWN, 21st Januy, 1781. Sir :
A flagg of truce from you dated the 19th is just come to hand, by whom I have received the letters and papers contained in the inclosed receipt. I have already sent out Thomas Hunter, and have every right to expect Mr. Riddle as soon as you are informed of Hunter's being out. A Captain Clark of yours fell into my Handy at the Waccamaw, I have a right to expect he will come and surre oler himself to me as a prisoner of war; if he has any spark of honour ; he must from my own generosity to him think it a duty. The two soldiers of the Queen's Rangers taken at the Wac- camaw. I Abr uld wish were sent in, as they are distant from the corps and may be likely not to have the necessary supplies, as if their corps were nearer. I have a Godfrey in my hands taken on
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the Waccamaw, whom I will send out for the one and a Griggs for the other. I have the honour to be, Sir,
Your most hum. servt, GEORGE CAMPBELL, Lieut. Colo. & Commander, George Town.
P. S. Major Irvin's personal cloathing I think descending a little too low to be detained. I acknowledge to have received from you some papers of Major Irvin's and eight dollars addressed as follows, viz : Lt. Colo. Stephen Moore, Brigdr. General McIntosh, Colo. Wm. Russell, Colo. DeLaumoy, inclosing a bill for four hundred dollars, Hon'ble Brigr. Gen'l. Scott, Brigr. Genl. Moultrie, Mr. Dart and Capt. James Frazer.
[ No. 25.] General Greene to General Marion. CAMP, Januy 22d, 1781.
Sir :
I have your letter of the 18th containing an account of the several little skirmishes between your people and the enemy, which were clever and do them much honour, I am sorry that so few horses fit for service are to be had in your quarters, as we are in great want. Get as many as you can and let us have fifteen or twenty sent to camp without loss of time -- they being wanted for immediate service. Major Hyrne who is appointed Deputy Com- missary General of Prisoners, has settled the business with Mr. Walter. I beg you will please to favor me with weekly returns of the Militia serving under you, and the number of horses you have in service, and the particular duties on which they are employed, to be made every Monday morning. I also wish a separate return of the Contl. Troops serving with you, and the rank and names of the Offi- cers, if any are with you and the corps to which they belong.
I am, Sir, with esteem, your most obt. humbl. servt., N. GREENE.
[ No. 26.] General Greene to the Honb'e. General Marion.
CAMP ON PER DEE, January 23d, 17S1.
Dear Sir :
I have the particular pleasure to congratulate you on the entire
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defeat of the enemy under Lt. Colo. Tarlton. Major Giles this moment arrived, brings the glorious intelligence, which I have the ' pleasure to transmit. On the 17th, at day break, the enemy con- sisting of 1150 British Troops and 50 Militia attacked General Mor- gan, who was at the Cowpens, between Pacolet and Broad River with 200 Infantry, 80 Cavalry, and about 600 Militia. The action lasted about fifty minutes, and was remarkably severe. Our brave troops charged the enemy with bayonets, and entirely routed them, killing near 150, wounding upwards of 200, and taking more than 500 prisoners, exclusive of the wounded prisoners, with 2 pieces of Artillery, 35 waggons, upwards of 100 of the Dragoon horses, and 70 negroes, and with the loss only of 10 men killed and 55 wound- ed. Our intrepid party pursued the enemy upwards of 20 miles, About thirty Commissioned Officers are among the prisoners. Colo. Tarlton had his horse killed, was wounded, but made his escape with 200 of his Troops. This important intelligence I wish you to communicate to Lt. Colo. Lee if possible. I have not time to write him. If he has not attacked George Town, I wish he could pri- vately transmit it to the Garrison. I am, with esteem,
Your most obt. humbl. servt., N. GREENE.
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[No. 27.] General Greene to General Marion.
CAMP ON PEE DEE, Jan. 25, 1781.
Dear Sir :
Your letter of the 20th is before me, before this I hope you have received the agreeable news of the defeat of Lt. Col. Tarlton by Gen. Morgan, after this, nothing will appear difficult. I find it is your opinion, however, that Col. Watson's corps is so posted that it will be difficult either to surprize or attack them. But I should suppose from your description of the place they will be more easily surprised than if they lay where they were less covered. People are apt to be off their guard in proportion as they imagine themselves in security. I cannot give up the idea of an attack upon them, and wish you to get the best intelligence you can of their numbers and consult with Lt. Col. Lee, upon the subject. If your 2
i
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force aided by the Infantry of the Legion is not sufficient to make the attack to advantage, I will send a party down the River agreeably to your advice. I wish to have your opinion upon the practicability of crossing the Santee with a party of three or four hundred Horse and whether they would be much exposed by being in the rear of the enemy. Also, whether the party would not make good their retreat, if it should not be necessary, and join .our people towards Ninety-Six. If the thing is practicable, can your people be engaged to perform this service ; it may be a matter of the highest importance connected with other movements and there- fore I beg you to give me all the information upon the subject you can, without hinting the design to any person whatever, except Lt. Col. Lee, whom I wish you to advise with on all occasions. You may place the highest confidence in him with perfect security ? and I persuade myself there will be no dispute between you respecting rank. All the provisions in the lower country should be brought up the river as fast as possible, and I beg you to take every mea- sure in your power to have it done. The posts lower upon the river are exposed to sudden invasions by water and besides which, they are very insecure posts for an army while the enemy hold posts so high up in the country.
Your most ob't, hum. servt., NATH'L GREENE.
[No. 28.] General Huger to Brigr. Genl. Marion.
CAMP, HICK'S CREEK, Januy. 28th, 1781.
Dear Sir :
General Greene wishes that you will attempt to cross the Santee, and if possible, reach some of the enemies magazines and destroy them. I am persuaded you will not leave any practicable measure unat- tempted to effect this business, the execution is left entirely to your judgment and address. I am, dear Sir, with mnuch esteem,
Your most huml. servt.,
IS. HUGER.
P. S. Capt. Snipes has received an invitation from Colo. Harden to join him on the south of Charles Town with 150 men. If you
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think this will answer the General's intention of alarming the enemy and destroying their magazines, you will promote it. Capt. Snipes has permission to proceed on the expedition.
IS. HUGER, B. G.
[No. 29.] Governor Rutledge to Genl. Marion.
CHERAWS, Januy 28th, 1781.
General Huger sends you by Capt. Snipes an extract of Genl. Greene's letter, by which you will perceive what the General wishes you to attempt. Capt. Snipes is desirous of raising men to the southward, westward of Santee, and requests to have the command of an Independant Company. I have no objections to giving him a Company, and to his bringing away all the spirited young men to the south ward whom he can get to join you, or Gen'l. Pickens, as circumstances will admit, but I refer Capt. Snipes to you for in- structions. You will determine whether you can comply with the General's wish or not, and give Capt. Snipes such instructions as you think proper when you have determined on your plan. Capt. Snipes may receive Brevets from you for himself and officers, as I have no commissions by me and can't detain him till any can be wrote out.
I am in haste, sir,
Your most ob't. servt., J. RUTLEDGE.
[ No. 30.] Gen. Greene to Col. WVm .. Campbell.
SHUARD'S FORD ON THE CATAWBA RIVER, Jan. 30, 1781. Sir :
The enemy are pushing into the country, and are now as high up on the Catawba as Beatty's Ford : and seem to be determined to disperse the Militia, and push the Continental troops out of this State. To prevent so great a misfortune, I wish you could send to our assistance 1000 good volunteer militia from over the mountain, engaged to serve one month after they arrive at Head Quarters. Such a force joined to what we have in the field and
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can collect, upon such a footing, will enable us to push the enemy in turn, and add new splendor to your own glory, and give the world another proof the bravery of the mountain Militia. Let me entreat you to come to our aid without loss of time.
General Morgan's success you have heard of I presume, and I have this moment heard of the surprise of George Town, one of the enemy's out posts. It was by Lt. Col. Lee and his Legion.
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