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 20
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What may be the immediate effects on the British nation, of the events which I have mentioned, of their loss of territory in other parts of the world, and of their well founded apprehensions from he powers of France, Spain and Holland. it is impossible to fore- ell. If experience can teach wisdom to a haughty and infatuated People, and if they can be governed by reason. they will have barned that they can have no solid ground of hope, to conquer any tate in the Union ; for though their army have obtained temporary avantages over our troops, yet the citizens of those States firmly solved, as they are, never to return to a domination which, near x years ago, they unanimously and justly renounced, cannot be abdned ; and they must now be convinced, that it is the height ? folly and madress to persist in so ruinous a war. If, however, re judge as we ought of their future, by their past conduct, we
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may presume that they will not only endeavor to keep possession of' our Capitol, but make another attempt, howsoever improbable the success of it may appear, to subjugate this county. It is thereSve highly incumbent on us, to use our most strenuous efforts to frus trate so fatal a design, and I earnestly conjure you, by the duty which you owe, and the sacred love which you bear to your coun- try, by the constant remembrance of her bitter sufferings, and by the just detestation of British government, which you and your posterity must forever possess, to exert your utmost faculties for that purpose, by raising and equipping, with all possible expedition, a respectable permanent force, and by making ample provisions for their comfortable subsistence. I am sensible the expense will be great, but a measure so indispensible to the preservation of our freedom, is above every pecuniary consideration.
The organization of our militia is likewise a subject of infinite importance ; a clear and concise law, by which the burdens of ser- vice will be equally retained, and a competent number of men brought forth and kept in the field, when their assistance may be required, is essential to our country, and therefore justly claims your immediate and serious attention. Certain it is, that some of our militia have, upon several occasions, exhibited instances of va- lor which would have reflected honor on veteran troops. The car- riage and conduct of the Generals whom I have mentioned, the cool and determined bravery repeatedly displayed by Brigadier Pickens, and indeed the behavior of many officers and men in every Brigade, are unquestionable testimonies of the truth of this assor- tion. But such behavior cannot be expected from militia in general, without good order and strict discipline, nor can that order and dis- cipline be established, but by a salutary law steadily executed.
Another important matter for your deliberation, is the conduct of such of our citizens as, voluntarily avowing their allegiance, and ever glorying in their professions of loyalty and attachment to his Britannic Majesty, have offered their congratulations on the success of his arms, prayed to be embodied as Royal Militia, accepted commissions in his service, or endeavored to subvert our constitu- tion and establish his power, in its stead ; of those who have te turned to this State, in defiance of a law by which such return was declared to be a capital offence, and have abetted the British inter-
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est ; and of such whose behavior has been so reprehensible, that justice and policy forbid their free readmission to the rights and privileges of citizens.
The extraordinary lenity of this State has been remarkably con- spicuous. Other States have thought it just and expedient to ap- propriate the property of British subjects to the public use, but we have forborne to take even the profits of the estates of our most im. phcable enemies. It is with you to determine, whether the forfei- enre and appropriation of their property should now take place. If that be your determination, though many of our firmest friends have been reduced for their inflexible attachment to the cause of their country, from opulence to inconceivable distress, and if the enemy's will and power had prevailed, would have been doomed to indi- gence and beggary, yet it will redound to the reputation of this State, to provide a becoming support for the families of those whom you may deprive of their property.
The value of paper currency became of late, so much deprecia- ted, that it was requisite, under the powers vested in the Executive during the recess of the General Assembly, to suspend the laws by which it was made a tender. You will now consider whether it may not be proper to repeal those laws, and fix some equitable mode for the discharge of debts contracted whilst paper money was in circulation.
In the present scarcity of specie it would be difficult, if not im- practicable, to levy a tax to any considerable amount, towards sink- ing the public debt, nor will the creditors of the State expect that such a tax should, at this time, be imposed. But it is just and reason- able, that all unsettled demands should be liquidated, and satisfac- tory assurances of payment given to the public creditors.
The interest and honor, the safety and happiness of our country, depend so much on the result of your deliberations, that I flatter myself you will proceed, in the weighty business before you, with firmness and temper, with vigor, unanimity and dispatch.
JANUARY 18, 1782.
J. RUTLEDGE.
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[No. 241.] Col. Peter Horry to Col. Maham.
JANUARY 19, 1782.
Sir :
I received a letter from Gon's. Groene and Marion yesterday. The former terminates our rank in my opinion, and the latter writes me to take command of your Legion, if I find it necessary ; the Generals also wrote you, and I suppose to the same purpose. Please to make me a return of the strength of your Legion, that I may know what support I can have in case of need. I have an of- ficer and six men at Wadboo, as 'tis beyond your post, I wish you to relieve him from your Cavalry.
I am your obedient servant,
P. HORRY.
[No. 242.] Col. Maham to Col. Peter Horry.
JANUARY 20, 1782.
Sir :
I received letters yesterday from Gen's. Greene and Marion ; neither of them has wrote ine to give you the rank ; therefore I cannot think of giving up the rank to you; if your Commission was of an older date than mine, I would readily have submitted, but as the matter stands, you may rely on it, this I never shall ; as to my part I cannot see what right you have to expect to take the rank. In the first place, you were thrown out as a supernumerary officer one year on half pay, to rank whatever in the army, nor had you a right to the rank in any case whatever, unless being re-elect- ed. In the next place, there was but one Regiment of Cavalry spoken of, which I was to hive been honored with the command of. But some of your friends interfered, and was the occasion of the 2d Regiment being raised. I lind my Regiment three months in the field on duty before you had yours ; as I cannot think of being commanded by an cifeer of the same rank, I think it proper not to make you a return of my R. zinent, and shall not obey any order that you may be pleased to send. I cannot think you have be-
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haved well on this occasion; you have been trying to get every advantage of the Regiment. You have antidated nearly all your Captains commissions months after their appointments, in order that they shall take the rank of my officers.
I am, sir, your humble servant, H. MAHAM.
No. 213. Col. Maham to Col. Peter Horry.
JANUARY 20, 1782,
Sir :
Your order to me this morning deviates much from those I re- ceived from Gen. Marion; he wrote me that you were only to call on my corps in case the enemy advanced towards us, but you im- mediately called on me to relieve a guard, which, in my opinion, ought to have been furnished by the militia. If Cen's. Greene and Marion would wish Col. Horry to have the command of my Regi- ment, I shall give it up with pleasure. I did not take it with any self interested views, it was purely to serve my country, as I al- ways wished to do. As to denying the antedating of your officers commissions, it surprises me much, as the matter can be so readily explained. I am, sir,
Your humble servant,
H. MAHAM.
N. B. You mention in yours that you would not take any advan- tage of me. I would not advise you to attempt any such thing, for fear you may fail in the attempt.
[No. 244.] Gen. Marion to Col. Peter Harry.
NEAR JACKSONBOROUGH, Jan. 20, 1781. Dear Sir :
I wrote you a few days ago by Morgandollar, who I kopt a day or two to get an answer from Gen. Greene ; he went from bero on the 10th, and I suppose he is with you before this. I wish you
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would send me every occurrence, as Gen. Greene cannot give the necessary orders to you. being unacquainted with the situations in that part, and the particulars of the Brigade, and the General is not more than five miles from me, so I can easily acquaint him with such particulars as may be essential for him to know. I expect in a day or two you will receive a reinforcement by Capt. B. Waring, all six months men. The Assembly is falling on a method to fill out Continental Regiments, which I hope will answer the purpose; that and a number of other business oblige me to stay a little longer from relieving you, especially a new Militia Law, and that if I go away the Senate can do no business for want of members, as we make but a bare house: so you must have patience. . It is reported that three transports are arrived with two hundred men, but that is uncertain, and I wish you could learn the truth of it. I believe it is certain that all the Hessims areembarked; the three transports which are come, are said to be a part of Afteon sail from New York. I believe our army will draw near Dorchester in hopes the enemy may come out to give battle, which we must wish for. Smith, I hope will give you the carfost notice of the enemy's approach on his side, and if your parties of observation do their duty you need not feara surprise. I hope to hear from you as often as possible.
I am, with esteem, your obd't. servant,
F. MARION.
[No. 245.] Gen. Marion to Col. Peter Horry.
JACKSONBOROUGHI, Jan. 23, 1782. Dear Sir :
Yours of the 21st came to hand this morning. I will see Gen Greene and endeavor to settle the dispute between you and Col. Maham, who I think has acted in a very extraordinary manner. I think von had best move to Wambaw, where forage can be had ; if you could send half or more of your Cavalry down at Cainhoy, they may very probably cut off' the enemy's Horse, which go out a fo- raging ; as your new position at Wambaw will be more secure, your men will not be so much barrassed, and you can better de- tach your Cavalry than at present. I wrote you in my last that no
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poats or persons should pass from or to Charles Town without yor . or my passport, and you will therefore regard no other. Col. Hugh has seen your letter to Gen. Greene, and thinks as I do, that it is not proper to send it, as it seems to be wrote in too much heat and I can do the business better in person ; you may cend Mr. Heriott a passport for one barrel Iodigo for Mes. Huger in Charles Town, and grant Mrs. Lesesno her request, taking care that no more is sent than five or six barrels of rice. Nardell can- not be relieved ; you may give Nesmyth and Snow a pass to Pee Dee, to get their arms, and old Nesmyth must be sent to the ene- my with orders not to return. When you go to Wambaw, send orders to the plantations on Santee not to thrash out or beat auy rice, but what may be necessary for plantation or your use. I have wrote to Maham, to try if he can take the enemy's Horse which go out a foraging, but you may notwithstanding form any plan for that purpose, separately from him. Gen. Wayne is gone to Geor- gia with Col. White's Cavalry, and to take command there. We are told that there are 200 troops arrived in Charles Town, and the Hessians are actually going away. Let me know whatever you learn from town. I shall return in a very few days.
I am, with esteem, your obd't. serv't, F. MARION.
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[No. 246.] John Nicholson to Gen. Marion.
JANUARY 25, 1782.
Sir : I have the honor of your Excellency's letter of the 7th inst. and beg leave to assure your Excellency, that I have never served either as an officer or private in the British army, and that I have never been subject to any other power, but that of Great Britain; under these circumstances I think myself perfectly free to take ad- vantage of your Excellency's kindness in releasing me from parole given to Capt. Withers. I request your Excellency will be pleased to accept my warmest thanks for the indulgence you have thought proper to grant me.
I have the honor to be with the most perfect respect,
Your Excellency's most obedient humble serv't., JOHN NICHOLSON.
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[No. 247.] Gen. Greene to Lieut. Col. Lee.
HEAD QUARTERS, January 27, 1782.
Dear Sir :
I have beheld with extreme anxiety for some time past a growing discontent in your mind, and have not been without my apprehen .- sions that your complaints originated more in distress than in the ruins of your constitution. Whatever may be the source of your wounds, I wish it was in my power to heal them.
You say your friends are not disposed to do justice to your exer- tions. If you mean me, and any thing appears in my conduct to confirm it, it has been owing to error in judgment or accident, and not to a disinclination.
From our earliest acquaintance, I had a partiality for you, which progressively grew into a friendship. I was under no obligations to you until I came into this country ; and yet I believe you will do me the justice to say, I never wanted inclination to serve you. Here I have been under the greatest obligations, obligations which I can never cancel, and if' in this situation I should be unwilling to do justice to your reputation, I should not only be guilty of the basest ingratitude, but there would appear a strange contradiction in my conduct.
I am far from agreeing with you in opinion, that the public will not do you justice, or that they do not do you justice. I believe few officers either in America or Europe are held in so high a point of estimation as you are. Substantial service is what constitutes lasting reputation; and your reports this campaign are the best panegyric that can be given of your actions. For me therefore to have passed any extraordinary compliments upon them might have made me ridiculous, but could have given no dignity to you. My character has been far from being fully established, and subject to much calumny. In this situation any thing that I might have said, would have only served to discover my partiality without benefit- ing your reputation.
It is true there are a few of your countrymen, from ignorance and malice are disposed to do injustice to your conduct, but it is out of their power toinjure you. Indeed you are ignorant of your
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own weight and influence, otherwise you would despise their spleen and malice.
There is no inconvenience I am not ready to submit to, to oblige you, nor is there any lengths I would not go to serve you, in the line of truth and honor; but let me entreat you not to think of leaving the army. Every body knows I have the highest opinion of you as an officer, and you know, I love you as a friend. What- ever may be your determination, to retire or continue in service, my. affection will accompany you ; and as far as my little influence has any operation among men, I shall always take a pleasure in paying a just tribute to your merits. You know I am not very profes- sional. I always thought the most effectual way of serving a friend, was to conceal the friend behind the intention, lest an appearance of partiality should prejudice the design, and injure the party I meant to serve.
The money matters you mention shall be settled in any way most to your satisfaction. Capt. Pearce will wait on you, to whom I beg leave to refer you for any thing you may wish to learn or to communicate. I am unwell, and have my anxieties as well as you ; otherwise I would have been more full in this letter.
Capt. Eggleston desires leave to go to Virginia. I must grant it however inconvenient. But as to that, much will depend on your final determination. I am, with esteem and affection,
Your most obedient humble servant,
N. GREENE.
[ No. 248.] Gen. Greene to Gov. Rutledge.
HEAD QUARTERS, Jan. 27, 1782.
Dear Sir :
I am informed that the people in general are thrashing out their rice. Should they pursue it, and thrash out all they have, we shall be distressed on account of forage, as the rice in the straw is much preferable to the grain.
I must beg you will give orders to prevent the thrashing it for any other than indispensable purposes.
I am, with very great esteem,
Your Excellency's most obedient servant,
N. GREENE.
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[No. 249.] Gen. Greene to Gen. Marion.
HEAD QUARTERS, Jan. 28, 1782.
Dear Sir :
I am very sorry that you should suppose that I would prefer any person to Capt. Postell ; Capt. Campbell went in long before Mr. Conyers came out. Maj. Fraser made a proposition that an officer should be sent in and Capt. Conyers should be sent out, but not before the British officer first appeared; the proposition con- veyed such a mean distrust, that I told Captain Shubrick to whom the letter was addressed, to reject it with disdain, and since the re. ceipt of that letter, the enemy let Mr. Convers out without any consideration on our part. I feel for Capt. Postell, but you know his peculiar situation-he bore a flag, and ought not to have been made a prisoner ; he has of right been exchanged. It is intolera- ble therefore, that we should be subject to these impositions. But notwithstanding my desire has been so great to release him from a sense of his sufferings, that I should not have hesitated a moment to have given another person to have obtained his release, but you know the affair of Col. Hayne has suspended all exchanges in the regular way ; and that matter is still before Congress undecided. These reasons have been the true cause of Mr. Postell's long cap- tivity, and I hope neither you nor he will suppose I want inclina- tion to do justice to such singular merit. If you do, you are a stranger to my feelings and the attention I wish to pay to the rights and claims of every individual in the military department. You will inform Capt. Postell that I have lately ordered in the British officers from the Waxhaw, on condition that all our's on parole be permitted to continue out. But he that as it may, tell him he shall not return to his parole until he has my permission, and that I will take the justification of his conduct upon myself. We can supply you with ammunition, and will forward it the moment an escort can be had to carry it. I will also write to Lieut. Col. Maham deci- dedly, upon the dispute respecting lis rank. I am sorry the Colo- nel carries that matter to so disagreeable a length. Rauk is not what constitutes the good officer, but good conduct; substantial services give reputation, not captious disputes. A Captain may be more
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respectable than a General; rank is nothing without it is accom- panied with worthy actions. I am, dear sir,
Your most obedient humble servant,
N. GREENE.
[ No. 250.] Gen. Murion to Col. Peter Horry.
JANUARY 29, 1781.
Dear Sir :
Yours by Mr. Morgandollar came to hand. I have just received Gen. Greene's answer and he promises to write to Col. Maham de- cidedly. We have chosen Mr. John Matthews as Governor, (Gen. Gadsden declining) ; Mr. Hutson, Lient. Governor, and to-morrow we shall elect Councillors and Delegates, after which I will return as soon as I can get orders from our new Governor, which may be the latter end of this week or beginning of next. Tell Dr. Neuf- ville I sent his letter, and by this opportunity send him a packet of three letters I shall order proper receipts to be given for the rice of Mr. Middleton. Give Mrs Caw a pass to town, and also Mrs. Frazer, at Strawberry, or any other you think proper. I find that Col. Makam did not give Phillips or any other passes to or from town. I am collecting the Charles Town militia for Dorchester and will go there with me. Give my compliments to the gentlemen with you, in particular Maj. Muller and Dr. Neufville.
I am. with esteem, your obedient servant,
F MARION.
[No. 251.] Col. Peter Horry to Gen. Marion.
JANUARY 31, 1782.
Dear General :
Morgandollar, my last express to you, is not yet returned. En- closed is a letter to you from Maj. Ganey, sent by a flag, which I have detained til! I receive your orders I am told that although Ganey is now of opinion that the trace with you ought to be bind- ing on the North Carolinians, yet after it was made, some of his
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party actually did surprise and kill some of the North Carolini- ans; you best know his conduct. The invalids, with a few vessels from Charles Town, sailed a few days past for England. I am in- formed from my post at Cainhoy, that 60, some say 100, sail of vessels are ordered to wood and water, and be in readiness to sail in a very few days ; that persons employed in town to build boats are ordered to desist ; that the wood cutter no longer cuts woods and that every information from town, indicates an evacuation ; how far those informations may be relied on, I know not, but such is given me. I assure you your presence is much wanted here. It is impossible for me to comply with your orders in covering this part of the country ; Col. Maham interferes with my commands so much that I can scarcely act ; he gave passes to several ladies to go to town without my leave, and they accordingly went to town in a boat, which boat since returned, and the ladies since havecorne up ; Phillips' schooner also without my leave. This schooner I sent a command on board as a safeguard, until I exam- ined her passports, letters, &c. Col. Maham came there, the let- ters were taken away, and Maham told my officer that he was com- manding officer, and that he had given the vessel leave to return, and that he must leave the vessel, and threatened to send for a par- ty of his troops and force my guard. I sent orders to my officer to do his duty in complying with my orders to him, and that he should sink the vessel as by your orders to me, since which I have heard no further from this officer. Yesterday an officer of mine with a command at Strawberry, sent me word by one of my offi- cers, that Col. Maham told him that he was commanding officer, and that he would send and relieve him, as he chose to occupy that post himself; he likewise gave permission, when he went to Cain- hoy, to a person from town to pass to Mrs. Daniel Horry, and there to remain for several days. This person, I am informed, is making enquiries of what rice can be had on Santee; I have just sent an officer in quest of him, after my officer had taken Mr. T ----- G ---- at John Huger's house, Maham sent two dra- goons and took him away to his camp. Thus you see he interferes with my out posts, and gives passes to persons going and coming from town without my knowledge, so that I cannot be acquainted with matters which I apprehend are transacted in this part of the
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country. I really believe he will force my out guards and take away their posts. It is an insult, and I could repel force by force, but this would be injuring my country, and I leave his conduct to you to judge of. Bennet's, Toomer's Pinckney's and Murrell's com- panies, are without any officers on Cainhoy, and they cannot be kept in camp ; those and several others, indeed all the gentlemen of any note in that part of the country, say they have leave to move, and neither they or their men will stay in camp. Col. Irvin and Capt. Warren command those guards, and complain very much of them. Your Brigade lessens daily. I assure you my patience is nearly exhausted, and if it is possible you can leave the house, the command here waits your presence. To-morrow I shall hear fur- ther of Maham's conduct, and of the person at Mrs. Horry's, when I shall send you another express
I am, dear General, your obedient humble servant,
PETER HORRY.
[No. 252.] Gen. Greene to Col. Peter Horry.
HEAD QUARTERS, Feb. 1, 1782.
Dear Sir :
I have written decidedly to Lieut. Col. Maham upon the dispute subsisting between you and him, upon the subject of rank, and told him you had an unquestionable right to out-rank him. I have only to observe upon this subject, that great delicacy on your part should be exercised on this occasion, nothing like a triumph, as that will will wound his feelings; blinded by matters of interest and love of rank, he will yield to conviction unwillingly, and finding himself in this situation, will feel with double force every unnecessary ex- ercise of authority. I recommend to you both to cultivate har- mony and good understanding, it will render your corps far more useful, and impress upon the minds of your officers, the weight of your own authority and a proper sense of subordination in them. I have been told that you and Col. Mehamn have engaged your men upon different pey than what is given to the Continental Cavalry, but as you must at once see the inconvenience such a step must pro- duce to the service, I cannot think it has any foundation, but rather
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