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 21
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conclude that whatever extraordinary allowance was made was in the country and not in the pay. You will please make me an ex- act return of the number of your non-commissioned officers and men, the term of service they are engaged for, and the conditions of bounty and pay ; also the number of your horses, clothing, and accoutrements of every kind. I am making out a general report to Gen. Washington and the Minister of War, of the state and'con- dition of the forces of the Southern department; the returns are wanted immediately. I have wrote to Col. Maham for a similar one from him. I am, with great respect,
Your most obedient humble servant, NATH. GREENE.
| No. 253.] Gen. Marion to Col. Peter Horry.
FEBRUARY 3, 1782.
Sir :
Yours of the 31st ult., I received. I sent you an answer by Morgandollar. I am surprized at Col. Maham's interfering with your command. I have wrote him positive orders not to do so in any respect whatever. and was in hopes Gen Greene would have prevented such evils before this. My presence here is absolutely necessary for a few days, until the Militia Act and that of raising our Continental quota of Troops is past, which is now in debate and will be over soon ; there is also a Confiscation and Sequestra- tion Bill on band, and until they are passed, I cannot get leave to re- turn. You will detain Phillips' schooner, and let me know by what authority he came up, whether by a pass from some offi- cer, as Col. Maham denies he gave any. You will order the mili- tia to be dismounted, except such a number as may be necessary for the two out-pests below, and no forage will be allowed to any other except field officers -they are allowed two.
I am, in haste, yon: obedient servant.
F. MARION.
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[ No. 254. ] Gen. Marion to Col. Peter Horry.
FEBRUARY 10, 1782.
Dear Sir :
Yours of the 7th came to hand. I asked leave of the House to return, but they would not grant it; there are three laws now on the carpet, which they insist I should stay until finished. If I leave the House the business will be over, as many men will go with me, and they will not be able to make a House ; our material business is the three laws above hinted at. These reasons oblige me to stay until Wednesday next, when I hope I shall set out. If your health is such as to require your absence from camp, you will leave the command of the Brigade to Col. Maham. I hope the orders I sent to the different commanders of Regiments, will bring the men in camp. You may let the present set of men retain their horses, but the next relief must come without, as I will not permit them to keep their horses on the public expense; the Governor has ordered me positively to dismount them. The new militia law turns every man who disobeys orders or deserts in the Continental service for the war. Two Regiments are to be raised as our Continental Quota, giving them a negro per year, which is to be taken from the confis- cated estates. The number of large estates is down on this list, and others are amerced which will give us at least a million sterling as a fund. If you find any reinforcement arrives in town, let me have the earliest notice. I hope soon to get through the business here and return. I assure you I am tired of Legislating, and wish my- self with you. Enclosed are two letters. please forward. A party of the enemy came as far, two days ago, as Bacon's Bridge ; they took old Mr. Singleton of Charles Town, and three others at Dor- chester ; twenty of their men deserted from them in this excursion, and they are daily coming in from Charles Town and Georgia ; the last are kept close within their lines. Gen. Wayne is watching their motions. I am, dear sir,
Your most obedient humble servant,
F. MARION.
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[No. 255] Gen. Greene to Gov. Rutledge.
HEAD QUARTERS, Feb. 11, 1782.
Sir :
In answer to your Excellency's letter upon the proposition of furnishing the army with a number of negroes, provided their ser- vices may be accounted for by Congress, I beg leave to observe, if they can be had upon such terms as will engage their fidelity, the public could employ four or five hundred to great advantage. But unless the negroes can have an interest in the servitude, I am per- suaded they will be of little benefit, and by no means to be depend- ed on. I would beg leave to propose therefore that the public clothe them, and that the negroes be allowed the same wages allowed by Congress to the soldiers of the Continental army. If this is agreed to, the fidelity of the negroes may be depended on, and they may perhaps perform the service expected from them with cheerfulness.
I think we could employ 140 wagoners, 150 pioneers, 120 arti- ficers, and 20 or 30 servants to advantage. If this number could be immediately furnished the army, such as are good men and such as shall be approved of on inspection, I will recommend the mat- ter fully to Congress for their approbation, that the State may be allowed for the same in their public accounts.
I have the honor to be, with great respect,
Your Excellency's most obedient humble servant, N. GREENE.
[No. 256.] Maj. Isaac Harleston to Gen. Marion. ST. STEPHENS, Feb. 12, 1782. Dear Sir :
I flatter myself that I still claim so much of your attention, as to be favored with the proceedings of the Legislature, with such other occurrences in your absence as are interesting ; but to what cause am I to ascribe your silence ? Pray be more communicative, and afford me as heretofore an opportunity of conversing with you, though at a distance. I oro, lear sit,
Yours, sincerely, ISAAC HARLESTON.
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[No. 257.] Capt. Saunders ( of the British) to Gen Marion. GEORGE TOWN, Feb. 12, 1782.
Sir :
I am authorized to offer in exchange for Serg'ts. Burt and Hud- jins, of the Queen's Ranger Dragoons, and Joseph Sherwood, John. Farrington and Wm. Moore, privates in the King's Artillery Regi- ment, any two Serg'ts., and three privates in Charles Town, having been informed by Lieut. Col. Campbell of your wishes for an ex- change. I am induced to hope your prisoners may very soon be here; those that you name shall be forwarded to you as soon after receiving your letter, as an express can be sent to Charles Town.
I am, sir, your most obd't. humble serv't., JOHN SAUNDERS, Capt. Ar. Reg.
[No. 258.] Gov. Mathews to the Legislature.
FEBRUARY 12, 1782.
Honorable Gentlemen :
I herewith send you the copy of a letter from Major Gen. Greene, to me. If the propositions therein made of furnishing the army with a number of negroes for the different services he has mention- ed. should meet your approbation, it will enable Gen. Greene to throw into the ranks a considerable number of valuable soldiers. I therefore recommend this matter most earnestly to your consid- eration.
JNO. MATHEWS.
[ No. 259.] Gen. Greene to Col. Peter Horry.
HEAD QUARTERS, Feb. 14, 1782.
Dear Sir :
I am favored with your letter of the 11th of this month, with the returns of your Regiment. Lieut. Col. Haimer, Deputy Adjutant
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General, will enclose a blank, as a form by which you will make your returns in future. I am very sorry that anything in my letter deciding the rank in your favor, should have wounded your feelings. as nothing would be more remote from my intentions; so I think nothing in the letter authorizes the construction you give it. It is true, I say much is due to the merit and exertions of Col. Maham, but no less to the rights and claims of Col. Horry ; is not the plain import this, if Maham founded bis claim upon right, yours is supe- rior ; if upon merit, yours is equal. I meant to form no distinction, nor will my expressions authorise it. I esteem you both as men of merit. It is not my business to decide between you which has most; a moment's reflection, I should have thought, would have convinced you that it could not be my meaning to form any distinction be- tween you, in a letter which from the subject and design, must be read by both parties, and if any thing in the letter would have ad- mitted such an interpretation, you must have known it was only in sound and not in sentiment, for that I could not have been so weak as to disclose an opinion upon such an occasion ; so remote from policy, if not from truth; many, if not the greater part of the differ- ences among men, originate in mistake ; a generous and liberal way of thinking is the best foundation for human happiness ; few men are without faults. We should think, therefore, charitably of one another, and exorcise forgiveness. If Col. Maham fell into error, you should rejoice that you escaped, his own reflections are a suffi- cient punishment, and your triumph is great enough without up- braiding him of his folly. I wish you to be friends because I es- teem you both, and because the public good requires it. It would be generous in you to propose it, but it would appear like meanness in him, from the difference in your conduct. It is much easier for him who feels the superiority to make advarces, than the other par- ty; in the one it would be dignity, in the other it might be subject to the impuration of' servility ; men often feel what they can never be brought to acknowledge ; pride often interferes, and by sealing our lips conceals what we wish to disclose; there is more greatness in forgiving than punishing the follies or errors of mankind. I wish you therefore to value Col. Muham for his latter, and forget his for- mer conduct ; he certainly has merit, and to refuse it is to cat off part of your own. I am, dear sir, your most obedient servant,
N. GREENE.
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P. S. I wish to be informed whether the pay of your men has been fixed at twenty dollars per month, or generally the same as the Continental Cavalry. I never intended they should be different.
[No. 260.] Gen. Marion to Col. Peter Horry.
FEBRUARY 14, 1782. Dear Sir :
Yours per bearer came to hand, and am sorry that I cannot yet return; my going away will break the House and put a stop to business, but hope we shall get through by the beginning of next week. Capt. Waring, with the ammunition ouly, set of yesterday. Enclosed is an order from Gov. Matthews, which must be attended to. I have wrote you fully by Capt. Edwards, who returned with Morgandollar. I wish you could send a man that may supply the place of Serg't. Smith, he must be active and know the country. It is said a vessel is arrived lately from Varmouth; the Captain is sworn to secrecy and the crew not permitted to come on shore. Get all the intelligence you can, and forward the letter to Plowden Weston. I am, with great esteem,
Your obedient servant,
F. MARION.
[No. 261.] Doughty and Bryan, ( merchants) to Gen. Marion, in his absence Col. Peter Horry.
IN CAMP, GEORGE TOWN, Feb. 17, 1782.
Sir :
Capt. Bryan and myself are just arrived from Bermuda and Turks Island, with a load of salt 1500 bushels, last Wednesday at this bar. A New England privateer took possession of us, and with the utmost difficulty we could prevail on him to let us come in here, that our country and ariny might reap the good of this most necessary article. We are very apprehensive they will still take the vessel out of port, and our virtuous suffering countrymen
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now in the field will be deprived of this most necessary article. We therefore sir, beg your protection of her, by sending down a detachment of 50 or GU men as soon as possible into George Town. We ask this of you as fellow citizens of America claiming your protection, and lastly above all, as we had a protection from Con- gress for this vessel and cargo, which the captain has thought pro- per by force to detain from us; the vessel and cargo is wholly owned by us, a gentleman of Virginia and one now residing in St. Thomas, a neutral port, in every respect deserving your protection and assistance. Mr. Ashley will come down with the party in the most private manner.
We are, with great respect, sir, your most obedient servants,
DOUGHTY & BRYAN.
[No. 262.] Gen. Greene to Lieut. Col. Lee.
HEAD QUARTERS, Feb. 19, 1782. Dear Sir :
Your reports found us in bed last night. Col. Laurens set off immediately for the Light Troops. I cannot think the enemy mean to fight us ; but if that is their wish we will meet them half way.
Until the return of Col. Laurens and Morris, I thought you had been gone, both from what you wrote me, and what the Doctor informed me. Had I had the least apprehension that you were still with the Light Troops, I should have sent you the letters I meant to forward by you, but I should not have directed Morris to make inquiry after the report you promised me; which I supposed you had left in the hands of some of your officers.
I am exceeding sorry to find that notwithstanding all that has passed between us upon the subject of your discontent, that your disgust increases, and that you harbour sentiments respecting me no less groundless than unfriendly. I do not expect therefore, that anything that I can say will either convince your judgment, or cor- rect your prejudice. I shall leave you at liberty to think of me as you please, and whatever sentiments you may entertain of me, I will always do justice to your merit ; and shall always be happy
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to share your friendship and confidence, when it can be had on terms reciprocal and honorable.
You say von think you have been injured in my publle reports. Take up the matter collectively and separately, and I am far from thinking so. In the course of last campaign there were eleven public reports made, in all of which you are honorably mentioned. Even in my defeats, you are spoken of with great respect. Where is there an officer that stands in the least competition with you ? You make no allowance for the composition of our army. You give me no credit for the opportunities I have constantly afforded you of signalizing yourself. I have kept up your corps, and detached you on all occasions. It is true the public good, and your own glory, walked hand in hand ; and therefore I thought myself well warrant- ed in what I did. But other officers as well as you, my dear sir, have their feelings, and are not without their claims. One officer cannot carry on the service alone, however meritorious ; and jeal- ousies and discontent have not been wanting in the army, at the op- portunities afforded you, to the prejudice of others. I know I am under great obligations to you for your exertions, but you should set some value upon the opportunities, at the same time you tax me with extraordinary services.
You say no officer in the army has been treated so cruelly as you have except Gen. Lee This is strange indeed. You have never been mentioned but in the most honorable terms ; and the army to my remembrance, has never made a single move but that you have figured capitally in ; not only in the service, but in the re- ports, except our defeat before Camden, How different was my situation in the Northern army. I fought hard at Harlaem. I was in the action at Trenton and Princeton. I covered the retreat at Brandywine, and was upwards of an hour and a quarter in a hot action, and confessedly saved the park of artillery, and indeed the army, from the fatal effects of a disagreeable route ; and yet for all these actions, I never had the honor to have my name mentioned to the public, either as being with the army, or having done the least thing. notwithstanding [ was a general officer. At German- town. I was evidently disgraced, although I think if ever I merited anything, it was for my exertions on that day. I have been con- cerned in many other lesser services, which have all been passed
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over in silence. But I never murmured or complained, notwith- standing I was held in indignation for faults and misfortunes I had no direction of. I would not mention these things, but to show you hey groundless your complaints are. Col. Laurens thinks you have no reason in the world to complain; and that you do injustice to your own importance to dwell upon single expressions. All I ask of you is to give yourself time to cool ; and take a general view of the Southern operations, and see how important a part you have played in them. After which, if your ambition is not satisfied, if the rights of friendship have been violated, I shall be ready to submit to any censure that justice may dictate. I love and esteem you, and wish you not to think meanly of me, as some of your in- sinuations seem to import ; that to compliment Colonel Washington, I had done injustice to you. As nothing is more remote from truth, so nothing is more wounding to my feelings. I despise a mean act, and am above duplicity. I esteem Colonel Washington, but I should abhor myself if I was capable of so dishonorable a sacrifice. I have a regard for Col. Washington, and think him a good officer. But I Jo not mean to draw a comparison between you and him. Every body knows my sentiments on that head.
I am, with the warmest wishes for your health and happiness, Yours, most affectionately,
NATH. GREENE.
[No. 263.] Sam. Hammond to His Excellency John Rutledge, Esq.
CAMP LARK'S PLANTATION, Feb. 22, 1782.
Sir :
The term which I engaged the troops for, which are now under my command is nearly expired, and as I have not yet been informed where their pay is to come from, not the mode of payment, hope your Exc Reney will inform me, per Lieut. Beal, of both, and if the officers ( "urreeably to promise) are to have any clothing, I hope you will contrive some method for the getting of them, as they have not got any yet. If the Regiment you spoke of in your favor of Sept. 17, 'S1, on to be allowed, the men may soon be engaged as the most of the Regiment on the present establishment, are wil-
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ling to engage for the bounty and wages, you then mentioned. I wish you would spare me a little writing paper, if it is to spare ; Lieut. Beal will wait on you for it.
I have the honor to be, with the greatest respect,
Your very obedient servant,
SAM, HAMMOND.
[No. 264.] WV. Hampton to Gov. Mathews.
FEBRUARY 22, 1781.
Sir :
The 10th September last I received instructions from his Excel- lency the late Governor, for raising a Regiment of Cavalry to con- sist of four troops; in consequence of which, I have enlisted up- wards of eighty men for the war of three years ; have procured a number of horses, saddles, and other accontrements, suitable for Cavalry ; and have taken measures to procure clothing sufficient to complete the whole Regiment. As it seemed to be the opinion that prevailed generally, that Infantry were more immediately want- ed than Cavalry, I laid a plan before the Legislature for reducing the corps to two troops of Cavalry, and two companies of Infant- ry, and for adding te their pay, a negro at the expiration of their time of service. This, however, was not agreed to.
If it is thought unnecessary to continue the Regiment on the present establishment, and that the men already enlisted are not wanted, I would wish your Excellency would be pleased to give orders for discharging them and make provision to defray such ex- penses as have unavoidably been incurred.
I am, sir, your Excellency's obedient servant, W. HAMPTON.
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[No. 265.] Gov. Matthews to Gen. Marion. JACKSONBOROUGH, Feb. 23, 1782.
Sir :
Enclosed is a resolution of the Legislature, for supplying the widows and orphans of persons killed in the service of this State,
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and of such as have been disabled in the service, with provisions. I therefore must request you will take the necessary measures for carrying the same into execution. I am, sir,
Your most obedient servant,
JOHN MATTHEWS.
[ No. 266.] Gov. Matthews to Gen. Marion.
FEBRUARY 26, 1782.
Sir :
As some little trade has began to flow into George Town, and our necessity requiring every encouragement to begin it, and as nothing will tend more effectually to do so, than a proper protec- tion given the vessels and goods brought in, I therefore desire you would have a party under the command of an active and vigilant officer, stationed at and about George Town, so as to be always in a situation to give the most prompt assistance when requisite. I must leave you to judge what number of men will be sufficient for this service. I am, sir,
Your most obedient servant,
JOHN MATTHEWS.
[No. 267.] Gov. Matthews to Gen, Marion.
FEBRUARY 26, 1782.
Sir :
The Legislature having requested me to have the number of white inhabitants in this State ascertained as soon as possible, I therefore request you would take the necessary measures for this purpose, and transmit the returns to me without delay; distin- guishing men, women, and children, and men able to bear arms. Although I could wish to have the business done speedily, yet I would not have it hurried in such a manner as to render the re. turn inaccurate ; on the contrary, I must desire them to be made with the greatest exactness. I am, sir,
Your obedient servant,
JOHN MATTHEWS.
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[No. 268.] Gen. Greene to Hugh Rutledge, Speaker.
FEBRUARY 27, 1782.
Sir :
I have been honored with the thanks of your House and feel a weight of obligation for the very flattering and favorable light in which they have been pleased to view and consider my conduct. The mark of bounty which accompanies the resolution, affords me the most pleasing proof of their esteem, at the same time that it displays a generosity of sentiment no less honorable to them than flattering to me. Permit me therefore to return the House of Rep- resentatives my hearty and grateful acknowledgments for the hon- ors and emoluments bestowed upon me; and to assure them that my future exertions for the common cause shall be constant and uniform in support of our liberties. I also beg leave to return my sincere thanks to you sir, for the very polite manner in which you communicated the resolution of the House.
I have the honor to be, sir,
With great respect and esteem, Your most obedient humble servant, NATH. GREENE.
[No. 269.] Gov. Matthews to Gen. Marion. JACKSONBOROUGH, March 1, 1782.
Sir :
The Commissioners appointed for disposing of certain confisca- ted estates, conceiving the personal property of some of them to be in danger of being lost, for want of proper assistance to secure the same, have applied to me for the necessary aid. I have therefore to desire that you would afford these gentlemen such military or other support in prosecuting this business, as they shall from time to time require of you. I am, sir,
Your obedient servant,
JOHN MATTHEWS.
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[No. 270.] Gen. Greene to Gen. Marion.
HEAD QUARTERS, March 1, 1782.
Dear Sir :.
I received your letter giving an account of the enemy's move- ments in St. Thomas'. I am sorry they have succeeded so well, as it will revive the drooping spirits of the troops and give a desponding temper to the militia. But there is no guarding against so superior a force; please in your next give as accurate an account of your loss as possible, and the enemy's also. Would you wish to have a part of the militia of Gen. Sumter's Brigade ? they are at Orange- burgh and Four Holes-please to inform me. I suppose you have heard of the General's resignation; Col. Henderson is thought of to succeed him. I have written to the merchants of George Town, to move all the stores as fast as they arrive at that place, as high up the river as possible, and to have nothing valuable in the town. This, and this only, will prevent the enemy from paying a visit there ; please to recommend it also, as I hear the enemy are medi- tating a stroke there. Lieut. Col. Laurens had orders to march to your support, the moment I got your letter, with the whole of the Light Troops, but has halted in consequence of information from town, that the enemy had returned. Should they attempt to pene- trate again, write to Col. Laurens as well as to me of the situation of matters, as he will have discretionary orders to act upon the oc- casion, and it will save a great deal of time. He commands our Horse and Light Troops. I am, dear sir,
Your most obdient servant,
NATH. GREENE.
[No. 271.] Gen. Marion to Col. Peter Horry.
MARCH 2, 1782.
Dear Sir :
Yours of the 18th February came to hand. We lost a fine op- portunity to cut the enemy's Horse to pieces, by Maham's Horse not charging as it was ordered, but I believe it was principally owing
:
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to Capt. Smith not telling his officers and men what they were go- ing about. I rallied a part of the Horse less than half a mile, and sent them to cover the scattered men. The enemy never followed us out of the plantation. I cannot learn our loss of the 25th ult .; it is more than Lieut. Smizer and three men. I shall pay every at- tention to your Regiment ; you can provide caps and swords where you are. Capt. Mitchell can tell you what passed in the Assem- bly. I am, dear sir,
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