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 23
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Your most obedient humble servant, JNO. DORSIOUS.
[No. 265.] Cornet Elholm to Col. Peter Horry.
AT COMMANDER'S, BURCH'S CREEK, March 14, 1782. Dear Colonel :
I received yours this moment, together with Gen. Marion's pro- clamation, which I will forward with the greatest speed. I do send to you Richard Kains, escorted by Dragoons Singleton and Lanther. John Kains hos abundance of creditors, and they being conscious that he is both & sharper and a rogue, do live in suspense; those he perhaps owes will have it in his power to nay, does the sanie service to him as the creditors of the national debt docs to the crown of Great Britain. I have done every scheme to make every body of opinion that we find it but in vain to endeavor to catch him, and likewise given out that all his property is now seized on to pub- lic use ; my pretended haste to set out for George Town and leave all his efects upon his place, will draw him home. I am now setting off with all my party downwards, and then by another road return to bis house for to ambush him, and perhaps may catch him.
I am, with esteem, my Colonel, yours, &e., GEORGE ELHOLM.
P. S. Mr. Moses Bonnean I have desired to see you, and I have nothing to his charge, but that he has traded with said Kains; you know how he is to be treated.
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[No. 286.] Gen. Marion to Col. Peter Horry.
MARCH 16, 1782.
Dear Sir :
Your letter to Dr. Buchanan mentions some persons of Thomp- sons parolled to Charles Town; I don't believe they can be of any hurt to us from the intelligence they may give of George Town, You may permit them to pass to Charles Town by the way of Le- nud's Ferry; the other prisoners desiring exchange I cannot agree to it, as no exchanges take place at present. Gambell lost a letter yes- erday ; I do not know if it came from you or Mitchell. You will not give passes to any women to go to Charles Town. A party down the Neck yesterday killed three Tories and took one, a deser- ter who had Gen. Greene's pass last month to go to the northward, but was returning to the enemy with the three killed, they were a Mc Leod and McNeal, and suppose' they came from the North Carolina Scotch ; they passed George Town and landed at Mid- dleton's plantation, Santee, which is a common route for all Tories from Pee Dee; the prisoners taken are to be tried by a general court of militia to-day.
I am, your obd't. serv't., F. MARION.
[No. 287.] Gov. Mathews to Gen. Marion. JACKSONBOROUGH, March 18, 1782.
Sir :
I have this moment received your letter of the 13th inst. I was informed you had in charge a considerable quantity of rice, this was my reason for desiring you to supply Heriot and Tucker with the quantity I mentioned; however, I shall change the mode of procur- ing it; only desire you to afford any military aid that might be ne- cessary. You have acted perfectly right with respect to the stolen negroes ; such as you have received that belong to any of the con- fiscated estates, must be delivered to the Commissioners; if there are any others they should be delivered to their owners, they pay-
€
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ing the charges for recovering them. I will endeavor to have Rich- ard Kains apprehended. The proclamation herewith delivered you and my letter on the subject, will answer your questions whether rice is allowed to be exported. My letter of the 9th inst., as soon as it reaches you, will inform you what is to be done with Mrs. W ----- and all others in like circumstances. I only wait to hear from Gen. Huger what arrangements he has made for the recruiting service. I shall be ready whenever I hear from him to do my part of the duty, which is to give orders for the delivery of the negroes. You will let me know as soon as you can, the result of your enqui- ry respecting Ganey's harboring the North Carolina Tories. I ap- prehend this fellow will bring us and himself too into trouble very soon. I am, sir,
Your most obedient servant,
JNO. MATHEWS.
P. S. Gen. Gadsden has just informed me he will want a wagon to return with the wagon that comes on with his baggage. I should be 'glad if you would supply him with one.
[ No. 288.] Gov. Mathews to Gen. Marion. JACKSONBOROUGH, March 18, 1782.
Sir :
The Legislature having come to a determination during the last session, on what terms those persons were to be received who should come in and surrender themselves after their adjournment, I have submitted the matter to the Council for their opinion, and after a very serious and full consideration of the subject, they ad- vised the following mode to be adopted with regard to such per- sons : That all those who had come from within the enemy's lines and surrendered themselves since the rising of the Legislature, or who might hereafter come in, should be brought to me to be ex- amined and their cases be determined on, and such as were in arms in any other part of the country, or who had not before surrender- ed themselves, shall be examined by the Brigadier to whose Bri- gade they belong, and if they should think them proper objects of
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mercy, to receive them on the following terms : To enter into re- cognizance with two good and sufficient sureties to abide by the de- termination of afuture Legislature, and in the meantime to do no act prejudicial to the interest and welfare of the United States, or any of them, to find two substitutes to serve in the line of this State for the time specified in the recruiting act, and to perform their duty in the militia, the same as any other man ; and if he cannot find the two substitutes within a reasonable time. then he is to do six months constant duty himself in the Brigade to which he belongs, and to be obliged to perform such duty until he finds the substitutes ; but ifonexamining any of thepersons herein before mentioned, they should be thought undeserving of this favor, they are to be return- ed within the enemy's lines, with notice, that if they are afterwards found out of them, they will be liable to be punished as spies. I have therefore to desire, sir, that you will pay a strict regard to this determination, and consider it as the rule of your conduct with re- gard to the persons above described.
I am, sir, your most obedient servant, JNO. MATHEWS.
[ No. 289.] Gen'l. Greene to Gen'l. Marion.
HEAD QUARTERS, PON PON, March 19, 1782.
Dear Sir :
I am possessed of your two letters of the 8th and one of the 13th: of this month, with the returns enclosed. Gov. Mathews has in- formed me that it was your wish and that you recommend incorpo- rating Horry's and Maham's Regiments into a Legionary corps, and that you recommend Maham for the commanding officer. I wrote the Governor that nothing would be more agreeable to me than such a measure, as we had sufficient Cavalry coming on, and that it was impossible to fill the Regiments. I also wrote the Gov- ernor that you might prefer which of the officers you thought most suitable. If you can incorporate them it willbe exceedingly agree- able to me. I do not pretend to be a judge of the abilities and mer- it of the two commanding officers ; you have served with them and know which deserves the preference; most people think Maham
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the best Cavalry officer, and that he has it more in his power to be useful than Horry. Itis true Col. Henderson is appointed a Brig- adier, but that is not to operate to his prejudice in the line of the army, nor will he resign his commission on any account. I have a letter from him on the subject; therefore you cannot calculate on that as a provision for Col. Horry. Should the incorporation take place, whatever right Col. Horry had upon any former claims, shall be attended to whenever an investigation of his claims can be had, or he is ready to attend to the matter. I have forwarded to you some letters of importance for Gov Burke, and I beg you to send off a good trusty hand with them, who may be depended on for their safe and speedy delivery. I am, dear sir,
Your most obedient servant,
NATH. GREENE.
[No. 290.] Le Roy Hammond to Capt. W. Butler.
SNOW HILL, March 20, 1782. Sir :
A general muster of the Regiment is ordered on Tuesday next at Charles Williams' old place, on Turkey Creek, where you are to attend with your Company, properly armed, by ten o'clock in the forenoon. You will please let your men know that those who dis- obey this order will be fined to the utmost limits of the law.
I am, sir, your humble servant, LE ROY HAMMOND.
[No. 291.] Gen. Marion to Col. Peter Horry.
MARCH 20, 1782.
Sir :
The petition in favor of Mrs. Fullerton is granted on account of the great service she may be to those venerable old single ladies, the petitioners. I think it best to keep all your men at George Town, also prisoners, until Col. Sent' returns. I will send a guard at the mouth of Masquito Creek, to stop boats. The Militia Law I will
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send in my next. I will endeavor to get Capt. Weyman the neces- saries wanting for the field piece. Mr. Wayne's bill will be sent to the Governor for his approbation, but think Handk's coffee and sugar will not be allowed in public accounts. In respect to Cham- berlain's breach of trust in disposing of his boat, he must proceed agreeably tolaw. You will send your deserters, and as many offi- cers with evidences as you can spare. I did let Maham's officers have one piece blue cloth, and the other I reserved for your use, but it is lost. Any intelligence from Ganey let me know without loss of time. I am, sir,
Your most obedient servant,
F. MARION.
[No. 292.] Gen. Marion to Col. Peter Horry.
MARCH 22, 1782.
Sir :
I send you some letters which Gen. Greene desires may be for- warded to North Carolina by some safe hand immediately, and to return with an answer ; as you have the Waccamaw companies, you may find a man for that purpose, for I have not a man in camp that knows the way. You will send a man off without loss of time. I send some proclamations which you will distribute in pro- per places ; from them you will know what line of conduct to pur- sue. I have heard nothing lately from town. A man from Seewee says that seren vessels came to anchor off Bull's two days ago, five of which he took to be men of war. There is a report that a fleet is off Charles Town bar, but don't know what they are. I have sent a guard at Cat Island to stop boats going through Musquito Creek, from hence you may have the earliest notice of any vessel coming in.
I am, your obedient servant,
F. MARION.
:
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[No. 293.] Gen. Greene to Gen. Marion.
HEAD QUARTERS, NEAR DORCHESTER, March 27, 1782.
Dear Sir :
I received your favor of the 23d inst., upon the subject of incor- porating Col. Horry's and Maham's Regiments of Cavalry. The incorporation of those corps will undoubtedly add to their strength and lessen the expense; your proposition therefore meets with a ready assent. I wrote you in addition to what I wrote the Gover- nor on this subject, that you might prefer which of the officers you thought most useful. I see by your letter that you are fully of opinion that Maham is by far the best Cavalry officer, and that the opinion of the officers of both corps, as well as the state of Ma- ham's Regiment, gives him a preference. If Maham is the best Cavalry officer, and the officers of both wish him to command in preference to Col. Horry, I think the good of the service will au- thorize a preference to be given to Maham ; although Col. Horry is the eldest officer and equally meritorious. The distress of the country and the critical situation of affairs renders it absolutely ne- cessary, that every aid should be given to the army that could pos- sibly be drawn from the resources of the country. This could on- ly be done by establishing temporary corps to ald the service until the Continental forces or the regular establishment was more equal to the service. The distress of the country and necessity of the case warranted the measure, and we have derived considerable ad- vantages from those corps. But the same principle that led to their first establishment, should deold their time of continuance and the plan of reduction. I think Col. Hurry a very deserving man, and wish it was in my power to regulate the business upon a plan of public utility without offering say violence to his feelings. If the incorporation takes plice, I think the officers of each Regi- ment should be continued according to the men belonging to the corps. I question much whether Congress will recruit for the Regiment, even if it is incorporated. after the term of the mens' enlistraeut expire. If theline. . portes em take place, I shall be glad, but if not matters must go on as they now stand. I am, with esteem, your most obedient hamble servant,
NATHI. GREENE.
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[No. 294.] Gen. Marion to Col. Peter Horry.
MARCH 29, 1782. E
Dear Sir :
Your's by Sampson is before me. Whatever negroes may be wanted for public service, you will Arst make requisition of the in- habitants in proportion so that no unequal barden may come on any person ; the negroes will be paid whatever has been usual. A cer- tificate must be given for their term of service; if the number of negroes required is not furnished, we must be obliged (however disagreeable) to send parties and take them. The number of males each man has may be nearly ascertained, if it cannot, you must rate them by guess, and let the owners make it appear they have not the number ; every district around George Town must furnish their quota, and if not sufficient to extend it to the North of San- tee up to Lenud's Ferry. I have no objection to your going to Black Mingo or elsewhere, when your business can permit it, which you are the best judge. I have never impressed any rum, sugar or coffee for myself, but you may apply to Col. Grimke for a few barrels of rice from the confiscated estates, and purchase them, and wish you could get enough of those articles for us both, and tell the Colone! it is my request that you should get rice for the pub- lice use. I wrote you yesterday, since which we have had nothing new. I am, sir,
Your obedient servont, F. MARION.
[No. 295.] Gen. Greene to Col. Peter Horry. -
HEAD QUARTERS, March 29, 1782.
Dear Sir :
Your two letters of the 25th, by Mr. Elholm, I have received. On the subject of incorporating your Regiment I wrote you fully a few days ago. I wish the incorporation to take place, if i! can be effected ; reduction of Regiments is always attended with diffi- culties. Your acceptance of a command in those corps was not
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to interfere with your former claim in the Continental line ; there- fore the incorporation will place you in no other situation than you were before your appointment to the Cavalry Regiment, and as there is no possibility of filling the two Regiments, the remaining one should be placed on such a footing as will render it most useful, and that is upon the plan I wrote you, recommended by Gen. Ma- rion. By what I can learn from Congress, I find it is in contem- plation to reduce all temporary corps, and I expect it will soon take place, at least, as soon as the mens' enlistment expires. If you wish to urge your original claim in the Continental line, you shall have a hearing upon it whenever you please; there are only two Regiments to be raised by this State, and Pinckney and Marion command them, and theformer distinction of Lieut Col Command- ant is repealed by a late resolution of Congress. Therefore if you succeed in your claim you will be Lieut. Col. of one of those Reg- iments. Whatever may be the result of those Cavalry Regiments they have answered some very valuable purposes in the recovery of this State, and I shall be satisfied in the measures I took for rai- sing them. You urge the situation of your Regiment and desire aid; I wish to heaven it was in my power to give it, but I am not less empty handed than you are. I have had no resource but in the good will of the people, and have had no motive but their good. Mr. Elholm must apply to Gen. Huger, to get an appointment in the Continental Regiments of Infantry. I shall mention him to the Governor.
I am, dear sir, your most obedient servant, NATH. GREENE.
[No. 296.] Gen. Greene to Col. Peter Horry.
HEAD QUARTERS, NEAR DORCHESTER. March 29, 1782.
Dear Sir :
Your two letters dated at George Town have been received. You have been too well acquainted with the state of the war in this country, and the importance of exerting every nerve for its relief, not to have seen the necessity and object for establishing temporary
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corps for the aid of the army. Our force was very unequal to the conflict. Our all depended upon our success ; my zeal to serve this country led me to such resources as the circumstances of the country could afford. Expedients are always disagreeable, but where necessity imposes them they are justifiable. It was upon this principle and from those motives, that I attempted to raise the two corps of Horse under you and Maham. The time and man- ner of raising these corps must have convinced you, that they could- not be continued longer than the necessity which first gave rise to the measure existed. On this temporary establishment, under the most pleasing form, I meant to draw some immediate advantage for the protection of the country ; and although the advantages have not been so great as we could wish, yet these corps have been of importance in the crisis of affairs ; whether they will be most useful in one or two corps is the object under consideration. I con- fess for my own part, that I think they would be more useful in one than two, and therefore readily gave my consent for incorporating them, when it was proposed by Gen. Marion and recommended by the Governor. I recommended to the General to continue which officer he might think would be most useful, persuaded that he would act uprightly, and that a choice founded upon utility would not be displeasing to a generous mind, and satisfactory to one that regarded the interest of his country more than private advantage, and that he that did not ought not to be gratified. I do not pretend to judge between you and Col. Maham; Gen. Marion thinks Maham is better qualified for the Cavalry service than you are, and says if the public good and condition of the corps, and the wishes of the officers of both are to operate in the decision, Col. Maham has un- doubted claim to the preference ; he at the same time observes, that ... his friendship for you both is equal, and that he thinks you would make a much better Infantry officer than Maham, and has recom- mended your being appointed in the room of Lieut. Col. Hender- son, promoted to the rank of Brigadier in the militia. I wish it was in my power to comply with his wishes, but Lieut. Col. Hender- son made this condition, that it should be no injury to his Continen- tal rank in accepting his appointment in the militie. Since you wrote respecting your former claim in the Continental line, I have have made some inquiry of the Majors Pinckney and Hyrne, who
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both say that Gen. Lincoln, with the Governor of the State, was to fix upon such measures for retaining and reducing the Continen- tal officers to the establishment as they should think proper, and that their doings were to be final, and that in consequence of this authority they fixed upon a plan by which you were included among the supernumeraries. If the General and Governor had such pow- ers. and the plan they adopted operated generally with the field of- ficers, I suppose it will be conclusive. However, if you wish to have an investigation made and your claims considered, a board of officers shall be appointed to hear you on the point, and the proceed- ings transmitted to the Minister of War, who alone will have it in his power to redress you. I have no power to alter, I can only re- commend, and you may rest assured I will do all the justice in my power, and as I once wrote you, I shall take a pleasure in reward- ing your past conduct by the only means in my power, which is by acknowledging your services to the public ; as to pecuniary consid- erations, I am persuaded you neither wish or expect anything, for you cannot be insensible of my situation on that head. You will have a just claim to your pay, subsistance, and contingent expen- ses during your command of the Regiment of Cavalry, which will come under consideration hereafter. I am always happy to do all in my power to oblige and accommodate either officers or citizens who have exerted themselves in the cause of their country, and cannot but hope whatever measures are taken for public good will be readily acceded to, though attended with some personal incon- venience; on this principle I recommended incorporating the two corps of Cavalry. If the feelings of officers are hurt, I am sorry for it, and I hope they will do me the justice to believe it is the result of necessity and not of choice. I have no object but the public good in the measure.
With esteem and regard, I am, dear sir,
Your most obedient humble servant, N. GREENE.
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[No. 297.] Edward Walsh to Gen. Marion.
GEORGE TOWN, March 29, 1782.
Sir :
My present situation I hope, will apologize for the liberty I take
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in troubling you in this manner to acquaint you, that I have been a prisoner of war upon parole as a private man since the 14th of last September, being taken at that time with Gov. Burke and others at Wilmington in North Carolina, by a body of Tories commanded by Col. Fanning. Now sir, as my feelings are much hurt by not hav- ing it in my power to be of any service to my country, and as it is thought that an exchange of prisoners is to take place shortly, any favors which you may be good enough to show me on this occa-" sion, will be most gratefully remembered. I should have done my- self the pleasure of waiting on you in person, but am prevented by a slight indisposition which I have been attended with for some days. I have the honor to be,
With the greatest respect, dear sir, Your very humble servant, EDWARD WALSH.
N. B. You will be obliging enough to favor me with an answer.
[No. 298.] Gen. Marion to Col. Peter Horry.
MARCH, 31, 1782.
Dear Sir :
I received yours of this date, and find you reflect on me very much. I should have been glad if you had suspended your opin- ion until you heard the whole, and then formed your judgment. I did propose to Gen. Greene and the Governor to incorporate the two Regiments, but did not say which of the two officers was to be preferred. I think it was nearly this : That Col. Maham was the best Cavalry officer and you were the best Infantry, and propo- sed that your corps should be dismounted and serve as Infantry in George Town, as that post was to be kept, and the horses, saddles and swords be given to Maham. In this I thought I consulted the good of the service, without throwing you out of service; when I see you, I can give you the whole which passed and my reasons, and I dare say it will be satisfactory ; the making any alterations in either of the orps is not determined on, neither sball I do any thing which may not be agreeable to you. I therefore must insist
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that you keep the command of George Town, and when you think proper to ride as far as this I will give you every reason to be sat- isfied. I am, dear sir,
Your obedient servant, F. MARION.
[No. 299.] Gen. Greene to Gen. Marion.
HEAD QUARTERS, NEAR DORCHESTER, March 31, 1782.
Dear Sir :
Your favor of the 29th has this moment come to hand. Lieut. Col. Laurens marched yesterday with all the Cavalry and Light Troops to intercept the party of the enemy now out in St. Thomas. They carried one field piece. Lient. Col, Laurens was to inform you of his route, and to fix a point to form a junction with you. If you can give the enemy a blow it will be of great importance, but be careful and not engage to a great disadvantage. Our Light Troops are excellent, and will beat near double their number. if you only give them a fair chance in the manner of engaging. Is there no possibility of forming a post at Monk's Corner? It would con- tribute greatly to the security of the country.
I am, dear sir, your obedient humble servant, N. GREENE.
[No. 300.] Col. Peter Horry to Gen. Marion.
GEORGE TOWN, April 1, 1782.
Dear Sir :
I received last evening a letter from Cen. Groene; as you saw the contents it is needless for me to relate any part thereof, further than that I am sensible to whom I am indebted for being turned out of service and Maham continued. My conscience tells me that I have in no instance been wanting in my duty to my coun- try, and have served it to the utmost of my abilities. It is welcome to all my past services. It only hurts my feelings that Maham
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who is both younger in service and rank, should be continued and myself turned out, Yet if 'tis for the good of the service, which from Gen. Greene's letter you say it is, I am satisfied and must en deavor in future toattend my owninterest with as muchassiduity as I have heretofore done for my country. The remaining part of the Regiment lies at Austin's, under commond of Lieut. Stephens ; Ad- jutant Huggins has the Regiment book; shortly I shall deliver you up whatever papers relate to the Regiment. I consider myself no longer as commanding officer thereof. I have left Capt. Wm. Allston commandant here, and given him the necessary orders until further from you. I am going to Black Mingo for a few days, and as my negro man is at Santee, have taken one Dragoon to wait on me until he returns. I hope you will not take such liberty amiss. In a few days I will wait on you at Santee.
I am, dear sir, your most obedient servant,
P. HORRY. P. S. Herewith you will receive for Gen. Greene, a letter. I will be obliged to you to forward it.
[No. 301.] Col. Peter Horry to Gen. Greene.
GEORGE TOWN, April 1, 1782.
Dear Sir :
Your letter of the 27th of March I received. I am fully satis- fied with the necessity of your raising the two corps of Horse, and always looked on them as temporary. Unless hereafter one corps should be established in the service of this country (which as I found this country kept but two Regiments of Infantry, neither of which I could expect the command of), I fully think that the two corps of Cavalry ought to be incorporated, but I know of no right that Maham should be continued and myself put out of service. However, you say that Gen. Marion thinks it is for the good of the service; if it be so, I am satisfied, as my motive for continuing so long in service was for the good of my country, which I think I can with great truth declare. I bave served with faithfulness and to the best of my abilities. Gov Rutledge told me that Gen. Lincoln
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alone settled the former arrangement of officers, by which I was discontinued, and that he had no hand in it; if my country lodges or vests such authority in any one officer to supercede or put anoth- er (under his command) ont of service at his pleasure, (right or wrong) it being an act of my country, I must be satisfied ; believe me, I never wished to continue in service one hour beyond the wish- os or inclinations of my country. It is only the manner of being turned out of service (by being superceded by younger officers) that hurts my feelings. As to an investigation to be made by a board uf officers of my claims, to be transmitted to the Minister of War, it is little worth such trouble; the treatment of my country to me has never encouraged my service, or even given me my just dues. Therefore I have no great ambition to persevere in her ill-treatment, although she is heartily welcome to what is past. I only remain that you will let me know by a line or two, if I am to consider iny- self as a supernumerary officer on half pay or not, in order that I may know whether the militia officers have a right to call on me to do militia duty ; in doing this you will much oblige me. I beg leave to return you my thanks for the many favors and civili- ties shown to me while under your command; whatever relates to the Regiment, I shall deliver up to Gen. Marion.
I am, with much esteem and regard, dear General,
Your obedient humble servant, P. HORRY.
[ No. 302.] From a Secret Correspondent,
APRIL 1, 1782.
Sir :
I arrived here half an hour ago ; I left Charles Town this morn- ing; no very particular news, only that our friend Judge Pendle- ton is in the Provost. I waited on him yesterday, and must say, that he as a prisoner, is tolerably well situated, though for form sake the General has ordered a sentinel within his apartment. I am inuch of the opinion he will be parolled to the town in a little time. The York fleet sailed yesterday with some of the Queen's Rangers, and many invalids, with a number of officers. The fleet
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for London was to sail this morning; besides, Mr. Pendleton, Major Pinckney and Hyrne were taken. The party are all to return to Haddrels Point. The refugees and most respectable inhabitants have had two or three meetings, and addressed Gen. Leslie to re- quest he would make use of 1200 of them as soldiers, and go out and attack the army you command. The General received their address with marks of approbation, and I think it probable they will make the attempt in a very few days. Late last night a pack- et arrived from England without letters, papers, officers or men, except some Americans who had made a prize of her a few weeks ago ; and unfortunately she was retaken by the Grand, who left New York ten days ago. I am of opinion Leslie has had some dispatches by her, as he was over the bar and on board of that vessel all yesterday. I shall do myself the honor of waiting on you in the morning.
I am, with the utmost respect and regard, sir,
Your most obedient servant.
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