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 3
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I am, with the highest respect, Your most obed't. servant,
NATH. GREENE.
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[No. 31.] General Greene to Genl. Marion.
CAMP AT GUILFORD COURT HOUSE, Feb. 11th, 1781. Dear Sir :
I received your favor of the 31st ultimo, and beg you to give my particular thanks to Major and Capt. Postell, for the spirit and address with which they executed your orders over the Santee. Your crossing the Santee, must depend upon your own discretion. 1 think it would be attended with many advantages, if it can be exe- cuted with safety. Gen. Sumpter is desired to call out all the Militia of South Carolina and employ them in destroying the enemies' stores and perplexing their affairs in South Carolina. Please to commu- nicate and concert with him your future operations until we have a better opportunity to have a more free intercourse. Great activity is necessary to keep the spirits of the people from sinking, as well as to alarm the enemy, respecting the safety of their posts. We formed a junction at this place last night, but our force is so much inferior to the enemy's, that we dare not hazard a general action, if it can be avoided, but I am not certain that it can. The enemy are within thirty miles of us, up towards the Shallow Ford on the Yadkin. I am, dear sir,
Your most ob't. hum. servt.,
N. GREENE.
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[ No. 32.] General Greene to Col. Wm. Campbell.
CAMP, HALIFAX C. H., Feb. 12th, 1781.
Sir :
Reports prevail that you are about to march to join the army with a large body of' Riflemen. It is said you encamped at the Iron works upon the Dan, the night before last. I can hardly prevail on myself to believe that the report is true : as I have heard nothing from you. However, if you are on the march please to let me know it ; and also what force you have with you and whereabouts you are. Andit is my earnest desire you should join us as soon as possible. Our army will halt here until the enemy cross, or begin to file off towards Hillsborough, which I expect will be the case, and therefore am anxious to collect a force as soon as possible to follow them ; and I am not without hopes of effecting their ruin.
I am, sir, your most obd't humble servant,
NATH. GREENE.
[No. 33.] - Armstrong to Col. WV. Preston.
HOLLOW, 16th Feb'y. 1781.
Sir :
On my arrival here last night, the only intelligence I could gather is, that Lord Cornwallis is marched from Salem towards Hillsbor- ough, our Militia gathering from every part of the country, and that General Greene is reinforced with twenty-five hundred regular troops from the northward, and 12 pieces of cannon. I am likewise informed that the Lighthorse has not damaged the country so much as we heard. Richmond which we were told was burnt, proves to be false, I don't understand that they were in the Town; three or four of them were at my house, but have done no damages, all which. comes by travellers.
Capt. Stephens and the other officers thinks it's not necessary to keep a guard at this place, and the men don't seem to be satisfied, as there is no Kind of rough forrage for their horses, I start from here with some of the Militia for Richmond, and any certain accounts
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of the enemy which I get, I shall embrace every opportunity of sending to you. Should you have an opportunity, send the en- closed to my son, and oblige, sir, your hum. serv't., MARK (?) ARMSTRONG.
[No. 34.] General Greene to General Marion.
CAMP AT HALIFAX C. H., VIRGINIA, Feb. 16th, 1781. Dear Sir :
I have seen your letter to Gen. Huger, of the 6th instant, and am surprized that Col. Baker or Capt. Snipes should pretend that they had my directions for crossing the Santee. I beg you will encourage the Militia and engage them to continue their exertions. If the supplies, expected from the Northward, arrive in season, we shall be able to assist you. The movements of the enemy were so rapid that few of the Militia joined us in our march from Pee Dee, which reduced us to the necessity of passing the Dan, or risque an action on very unequal terms. The enemy are upon the banks of the river, but the people of this country appear to be in earnest. I hope we shall soon be able to push Lord Cornwallis in turn. I wrote you from Guilford, which I hope you have received.
I am, dear sir, your most obd't, humble servt,
N. GREENE.
[ No. 35.1-Col. Wm. Presion to Col. Wm. Campbell.
OATES' FEB. 17th, 1781. Sir :
Scarcity of paper obliges me to send you this with the intelli- gence it contains. which is all I have. I shall march this morning with about three hundred men. Their number I can't exactly as- certain, as they are coming hourly. The court martial have doomed a great number of Continental soldiers according to the act of Assem- bly, but they have ordered the sentence to be reversed. If these men will turn out by next Saturday and serve this expedition, or-
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ders for this purpose have issued to every company. You shall be sure of any interesting news I may receive on my march.
I am, with great esteem, sir, your humble serv't,
WM. PRESTON.
[ No. 36.] General Sumpter to the Honourable General Marion.
CAMP AT FRIDAY'S FERRY, Feb. 20th, 1781.
Dear Sir :
Hurry of business obliges me to be laconick. I arrived at this place yesterday morning about four o'clock. Shortly after, at- tacked the fort, with which I have been ever since engaged. Every- thing hitherto favourable, and have no doubt but I shall succeed, if not interrupted by Lord Rawdon, who, I know, will strip his post as bare of men as possible to spare, to obviate which, as far as may be in your power, it is my wish that you would be pleased to move in such a direction as to attract his attention, and thereby prevent his designs. Timely assistance in this way portends much good to this State. I have also to request that every inhabitant of this State, westward of Santee be permitted to join their respective Regiments, or rather immediately repair to my station. I desired Col. Marshall, with what men he could collect to march down, eastward of Camden, and will probably fall in with you in good time. I wish and beg that you may suppress every species of plundering, as the greatest evils to the publick, as well as individuals, are ex- perienced thereby. You cannot be too particular. The enemy oblige the negroes they have to make frequent sallies. This circum- stance alone is sufficient to rouse and fix the resentment and detes- tation of every American who possesses common feelings. I shall be happy to receive an account of the state of things to the East and Northward. If you can, with propriety, advance South wardly so as to co-operate, or correspond with me, it might have the best of consequences.
I am, dear sir, with the greatest regards,
Your most obd't, humble serv't, THOS. SUMPTER.
P. S .- I am extremely short of ammunition : if you are well-
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.
supplied, should be much oblidged to you to send some into the neighborhood of Buckingham's ferry.
[No. 37.]-Capt. John Saunders, ( of the British,) to Brig. Gen. Marion.
GEORGE TOWN, 22d Feb., 1781.
Sir :
I wrote you sometime since relative to the exchange of two Ser- jeants of mine and three private soldiers of the Ke. Am. Regiment, but not having heard from you I am induced to believe that it hath never come to your hands. I have, therefore, enclosed a copy of that letter, being informed that several wounded prisoners taken by you at Monk's Corner are destitute of the proper medicines and necessaries, which I am told are not in your power to obtain for them. Humanity, therefore causes me to request that you would permit them to be sent in here, or to any other of his Majestie's posts, to remain till they may be sufficiently received.
I am, sir, your most obd't humble serv't, JOHN SAUNDERS,
Capt. 1st A. Regim't Command'g at G. Town.
[No. 38.]-General Marion to Capt. Saunders.
22d February, 1781.
Sir :
I received yours of this instant and another of the 12th. As to the two serjeants of the Queen's Rangers, they are, by this, in Virginia. I have, in my possession, a number of prisoners taken at Monk's Corner, which I will exchange for Wilson Godfrey, Henry Grigs, John T. and Jno. Postell. This last I am induced to ex- change on account of his age, and hope humanity will induce you to treat him like a gentleman. The prisoners will be sent you any day you mention when you will send the others at the same time.
I am, sir, your humble serv't,
F. MARION.
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[No. 39.] Capt. Saunders to General Marion.
GEORGE TOWN, Feb. 23d, 1781.
Sir :
I am willing to exchange the prisoners you mention but as Capt. DePeyster and his party have fallen into your hands, I wish to en- clude that party in the exchange. Whatever the difficiency of prisoners may be at this post, I am authorised to say that it will be immediately made up from the prisoners in Charles Town. Should you incline to prosecute the exchange.
I am, sir, your obt. and very hum. servt., JOHN SAUNDERS, Capt. 1st A. Regt. Commanding at George Town.
[No. 40.] Gen. Greene to Col. Wm. Preston.
ON ILICO RIVER, 18 MILES FROM HILLSBOROUGH, Feb. 24th, 1781.
Sir :
Capt. Campbell delivered me your letter of the 18th last evening. It is my wish you should march to this place as soon as possible and join Gen'l. Pickens who has a party of Militia collected from the different counties in Salisbury district. It is necessary we should collect our force to a point, and it is equally necessary that the force should be formed under the command of some good and experienced officers. There is no one more deserving than Gen'l. Pickens, who I dare say will be perfectly agreeable to you and those under your command. Provision and forage are scarce, you will therefore bring forward with you all you can collect, without delaying your march, but let nothing detain you from joining us as soon as possible.
You will appoint a person to collect both provisions and forage for the Troops under your command, and give proper certificates for what is taken, that the people may be satisfied hereafter. I trust you will take every possible precaution to prevent plundering,
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as the country is exceedingly distressed, and that will add not a little to their calamity.
Your exertions to reinforce the army under its critical situation deserve my particular thanks, and cannot fail to procure you the approbation and thanks of the public.
The enemy are at Hillsborough collecting provisions, and re- freshing themselves.
I am, sir, your most obedient humble servant, NATH. GREENE.
[No. 41.] Capt. Saunders ( of the British ) to Gen'l. Marion.
GEORGE TOWN, Feb'y. 25th, 1781.
Sir :
I am willing to send you as many of the second regiment as you have prisoners of mine in your hands, but I cannot think of making a partial exchange, except in the instance of Captain De Peyster, who has my authority to offer you Capt. Clark or any other per- son I have here in exchange for himself. If you are as anxious to relieve your prisoners as I am mine, the exchange will immedi- ately take, of which I have no doubt.
I am, sir, your ob't. hum. serv't., JOHN SAUNDERS, Capt. Command'g George Town.
N. B. Capt. Campbell, a volunteer, has fallen into your hands, I am willing, as he does not belong to this post, to give you Griggs for him.
[No. 42.] General Marion to Capt. Saunders ( of the British.) BLACK RIVER, 26th Feb., 1781.
Sir :
I received yours of the 25th inst., and will exchange four men which were taken near Monk's Corner, for the four prisoners men- tioned in my letter, of the 22d inst., and have sent for those men ; when that exchange takes place, I will let you know my intentions
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respecting a further exchange. Any other Mr. Griggs but the one I mention I do not know anything of.
I am your humble serv't,
F. MARION, B. G. M.
N. B .- The men taken with Capt. De Peyster are so far off, it is not in my power to convey the cloathing for them.
[ No. 43.]-Col. W. Balfour to Brigadier General Marion.
Sir :
CHARLES TOWN, March 2d., 1781.
Repeated informations, reaching me, of the very ill treatment which such of the King's militia whose misfortune it is to be cap- tured by you are daily receiving, especially those taken at Black Mingo, I am compelled, abhorrent to my feelings, by the calls which these people have on me, for protection, and the justice due to such who attach themselves to his Majestie's service, not only to declare to you my intentions, but actually to put in force retaliation of all severities imposed by any of your people on such prisoners of war; and for this purpose, I have directed the militia to be sep- arated from the continental prisoners, that they may experience those hardships and ill usages in their full degree, which too many of ours labor under. At the same time, be assured sir, I shall, with more pleasure, mitigate the sufferings of captivity whenever I have a sanction from your conduct so to do. Since only the wish to re- move from war, any unnecessary calamities, and to afford his Ma- jestie's subjects that relief in their distress, which it is my duty to attempt, could induce a measure so contrary to my feelings, and the wish I have to soften rather than aggravate the misfortunes of the prisoners.
I am, sir, your most obd't,
W. BALFOUR.
[ No. 44.] General Sumter to General Marion.
CAMP, MR. BRADLEY'S, 4th March, 1781.
Dear Sir :
Yours of 2d instant has this moment come to hand, I am very sorry to be so far out of the way of meeting with you at a time
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when there is the greatest occasion for it. I made no doubt, but your route to me would be by the way of King's Tree, or the Ferry, and after receiving yours of the 28th ultimo. informing me what the number of your men were, I found you to be very weak, and the enemy near at hand in force, this determined me to move on to meet with you-to concert measures for our further opera- tions, which is still absolutely necessary. I shall therefore remain at or near this place for that purpose, and beg that you may come this way with all possible speed, if not convenient with all your men to facilitate an interview, please to come with a few. My horses are so worn out that I can scarce move at all, and officers and men quite discouraged-finding no force in these parts, not even men enough to join to guide me through the country. But, notwithstanding little may be done now, yet much good might be expected to result hereafter from a personal consultation, which I hope to have the favour of by to-morrow night. You will readily agree with me, that the worst of consequences are to be appre- hended from my having to return without seeing you, and fixing upon a proper mode for our proceedings in future; and as you are not unacquainted with my inability to go to you, I hope you will undertake to do the needful in that case. The accounts you give respecting Lord Cornwallis are very pleasing ; God grant a speedy confirmation. If you return upon the same side of the River that you now are, perhaps you may collect men about the hills, and take some of the Tories about Black River, which I am informed are venturing out. Near this place I mean to remain, until I hear from you again. I am, dear sir, with great esteem,
Your most obedient humble servant, THOS. SUMTER.
[No. 45.] Capt. J. Saunders ( of the British ) to Lieut. Col. Irvin. 4
GEORGE TOWN, 6th March, 1781.
Sir :
The enclosed was intended to have been sent by Lieut. Futhy had he not so precipitately left this place, I had signified to Brig. General Marion that I should not agree to a partial exchange. I
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am surprised that he should have ordered you to send in the four men mentioned in your letter. My letter mentioned only the wounded prisoners taken at Monk's Corner-they being totally destitute both of Surgeons and necessaries, was my reason for re- questing that they should be sent here until recovered. Capt. John Postell being a prisoner of ours, cannot receive orders from you, and he has forfeited all claim to lenity by a violation of his parole. I cannot indulge him in returning to the country until I receive directions. As your flag mentions that there are reports that the prisoners here are harshly treated, I think proper to mention to you, that prisoners in my hands are always as well treated as their situa- tion and circumstances can admit.
I am yours, &c.,
JOHN SAUNDERS, Capt. Comd't. N. B. Col. Irvin's note to Gen. Marion, enclosed in the above says, "'tis not strange Lieut. Futhy should precipitately retreat, when he saw an armed party coming to take him."
[No. 46.] Col. Watson to General Marion.
BLAKELEY'S HOUSE, March 7th, 1781.
Sir :
I am to make my apologies to you that a proper list of those go- ing to Charles Town has not been sent before, you will find one in- closed which you would have received sooner, but it was either left out by mistake or dropped by accident from the second letter ad- dressed to you. I am, sir, your humble serv't, JNO. WATSON.
[No. 47.] Gen. Marion to Lieut. Col. Balfour.
SANTEE, March 7th, 1781.
Sir :
I sent Capt. John Postell with a flag to exchange some prisoners which Capt. Saunders, Commandant of George Town had agreed
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to, but contrary to the laws of nations, he seized Capt. Postell and detained him as a prisoner; as I cannot imagine his conduct will be approved of by you, I hope you will give orders to have my flag discharged, or I must immediately acquaint Congress of this viola- tion, the ill consequences of which is now in your power to prevent. I am sorry to complain ot the ill treatment my officers meet with from Capt. Saunders; the officers are closely confined in a small place, where they cannot either stand up, or lay at length, nor have they half rations ;. I have treated your officers and men in a differ- ent manner who have fallen in my hands. Should these evils be not prevented in future, it will not be in my power to prevent retaliation taking place. Lord Rawdon and Col. Watson have hanged three of my Brigade for supposed crimes, which will make as many of your men in my hands suffer. I hope this will be prevented in future, for it is not my wish to act but with humanity and tender- ness to the unfortunate men whom the chances of war may throw in my power.
I have the honour to be, your obedient servant, FRANCIS MARION, B. G. Militia.
[No. 48.] General Marion to Col. Watson ( of the British.) SANTEE, March 7, 1781. Sir :
Inclosed is a letter which I wish may be forwarded as soon as possible. I make no doubt but you will be surprised to see a flag sent at the head of an armed party. The reason of it is, that Capt. Saunders, Commandant of George Town has violated the laws of nations, by detaining, taking, and imprisoning Capt. Postell who carried prisoners to exchange, which was agreed to by him. The hanging of men taken prisoners, and the violation of my flag will be retaliated, if a stop is not put to such proceedings, which is disgraceful to ail civilized nations. All your officers and men which have fallen in my hands have been treated with humanity and tenderness; and I wish sincerely, that I may not be obliged to act contrary to my inclinations, but such treatment as my unhappy
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followers whom the chance of war have thrown in my enemies' hands meet with such ; such must those experience who fall in my hands.
I have the honour to be,
Your obedient servant, FRANCIS MARION, B. G. Militia.
[ No. 49.] Gen. Marion to Capt. Saunders.
March 7th, 1781.
Sir :
By my orders, Lieut. Col. Irvin sent Capt. John Postell with a flag to exchange the men you agreed to, and am greatly surprized to find you not only refused to make the exchange, but have violated my Hag by taking Captain Postell prisoner contrary to the laws of nations. I shall immediately acquaint the Commandant at Charles Town, and if satisfaction is not given, I will take it in every instance that may fall in my power. I have ever used all the officers and men taken by me with humanity ; but your conduct in closely con- fining Capt. Clark in a place where he cannot stand up, nor have his length, and not giving him half rations will oblige me to retali- ate on the officers and men which are, or may fall in my hands, which nothing will prevent but your releasing Capt. Postell imme- diately and using my officers as gentlemen, and your prisoners as customary in all civilized nations.
I am, sir, your obedient servant, FRANCIS MARION, B. G. Militia.
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[No. 50.] ( Intercepted Letter. ) R. to Lieut. Col. Watson.
CAMDEN, March 7th, 1781.
Sir :
I arrived here about noon on the 5th, and on the same evening detached Major Frazer with the South Carolina Regiment to Rad- cliff"a Bridge. The cavalry were to have accompanied him, but just
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as they were to March, the report of a body of the enemy being within a few miles of us, occasioned my detaching them another way ; ordering them, however, to join Major Frazer after they had fulfilled their first object. Frazer, yesterday fell in with Sumter (who was advancing this way) between Scape Hoar and Radcliff's Bridge. A smart action ensued, in which the enemy were com- pletely routed, leaving ten dead on the field and about forty wound- ed. Unfortunately none of our Dragoons had joined Frazer, so that he could not pursue his victory. Sumter fled across Lynch's Creek and continued his retreat northward; he has his family with him, so that I think he has entirely abandoned the lower country. By the accounts of the prisoners, Marion has but a very trifling force, and is not likely to increase it. If your intelligence corres- ponds with this. 33, 16, 41-17, 5, 64, 22 57, 19, 18, 3-65, 24, 3, 14, 16, 25, 14-51, 23, 5 -25, 14, 11, 8, 15, 16, 11, 53, 11, 18, 74, 11, 26, 25-1, 14, 26, 23, 4, 18, 23, 4, 14, 1-57, 16, 25, 51-29, 22, 18, 12, 2, 57, 16, 25, 51, 21, 5, 26, 18, 7, 3, 14-and 25, 2, 16, 3, 25-74, 2, 16, 53, 17-1, 14, 23, 22, 1, 11-51, 23, 5-2, 5, 11, 21, 25, 12, 5, 1, 11, 14, 1, 54. I have the honor to be, sir Your most obedient R.
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[No 51] Gov'r. J. Rutledge to Brig'r. Gen'l. Marion.
CAMP AT HAW RIVER, March 8th, 1781.
Dear Sir :
The present situation of affairs rendering it impracticable for me to returu into South Carolina, not seeing any prospect of being able to go thither very soon, and it being impossible, if we could pene- trate that country, to re-establish the Civil Government for some time; and my remaining here being of no service to the State, I have determined to set off in a few days for Philadelphia, with a view of procuring, if possible, some supplies of clothing for our Militia ( whose distress for want of it gives me great concern) and of obtaining such effectual aid as may soon restore both the town and country to our possession. My utmost endeavors for these pur- poses shall be executed, and I flutter myself that I may succeed by
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personal applications. I am persuaded of the continuance of your utmost attention, and hope you will cultivate a good understanding with Gen'is. Sumter and Pickens, and do everything in your power to forward the former's views, and shall be glad to hear from you when anything material offers under cover to him-when I have anything material to communicate. I have not yet received the Blank Militia Commissions which I expected out. If I do not get some before I arrive at Richmond, I will have some printed there and transmitted to you. In the meantime you will give Brevets, and in order that you may carry sufficient authority over the seve- rai officers in your Brigade, you may remove any of them and ap- point others in their stead from time to time as you think proper. I have sent some linen to be distributed amongst the Militia of your (Gen'l. Sumter's and Pickens, ) Brigades as a free gift from the State, according to their number and services. I wish it was more worth their acceptance; without doubt you must want many articles of clothing, &c. for your own use ; - I therefore request that you will send me a list per express to Gen'l Greene (with a request to him to forward it per express to me) of whatever you wish to have pro- cured for yourself, and you may depend on my obtaining it at Phil- adelphia ; but don't delay this matter as I perhaps may stay but a little time there. I hope it will not be necessary for me to remain long. I am with great regard, dear sir
Your most obedient servant.
J. RUTLEDGE.
[No. 52.] Col. Watson ( of the British ) to Gen'l. Marion.
CANTEY'S HOUSE, March 9th, 1781.
Sir :
It is with less surprise that I find a letter sent by you in all the apparent forms of a flag of truce, attended by an armed party who concealed themselves within a certain distance of a place that pointed itself out for the delivery of it, than to see the contents of it exhibit a complaint from you against us for violating the law of nations. I believe, sir, it would be as, difficult for you to name an instance of a breach of it in his Majesty's troops, as it would for 3
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