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 7
Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).
Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 | Part 7 | Part 8 | Part 9 | Part 10 | Part 11 | Part 12 | Part 13 | Part 14 | Part 15 | Part 16 | Part 17 | Part 18 | Part 19 | Part 20 | Part 21 | Part 22 | Part 23
[No. 91.] H. Barry to Messrs. Wells & Son.
CHARLESTON, May 17, 1781.
Gentlemen :
Several prisoners on parole, having been this day taken up. and sent on board ship, the motives for which are explained in the enclo- sed copy of a letter to them ; I am directed by the commandant to desire you will insert the same in your next paper, for the informa- tion of the public. I am, gentlemen,
Your most obedient servant,
H. BARRY, Sec'ty., and D. A. General.
[ No. 92.] N. Balfour to the Militia prisoners of War.
CHARLESTON, May 17, 1781.
Gentlemen :
Many have been the representations which the outrages commit- ted by the American troops, and their violations of all the humaner principles of war, have compelled me to make to such of their officers as commanded parties in this province ; but more particularly have I been obliged to remonstrate against the rigorous treatment, in many cases extending to death, which the loyal militia, when made prisoners, most invariably experience.
These representations, gentlemen, having been grounded on the
73
THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION.
truest principles of benevolence, and which it behoves each side equally to have advanced, I was as much surprised as I was mor- tified, to find them in all cases practically disregarded, and in many, wholly neglected. It is therefore become my duty, however irk- some to myself, to try how far a more decided line of conduct will prevail, and whether the safety of avowed adherents to their cause, may not induce the American troops to extend a proper clemency to those whose principles arm them in defence of British govern- ment.
Induced by these motives, I have conceived it an act of expedi- ency to seize on your persons, and retain them as hostages for the good usage of all the loyal militia who are, or may be made pri- soners of war, resolving to regulate, in the full extent, your treat- ment by the measure of theirs, and which my feelings make me hope may hereafter be most lenient.
And as I have thought it necessary that those persons, who some time since were sent from thence to St. Augustine, should, in this respect, be considered in the same point of view as yourselves, I shall send rotice there, that they be likewise held as sureties for a future propriety of conduct towards our mihtia prisoners.
Reasons so cogent, and which have only the most humane pur- poses for their objects, will, I doubt not, be considered by every reasonable person as a sufficient justification of this most necessary measure, even in those points where it may militate with the capitu- lation of Charleston ; though indeed the daily infractions of it, by the breach of paroles, would alone well warrant this procedure.
Having been thus candid in stating to you the causes for this conduct, I can have no objections to your making any proper use of this letter you may judge to your advantage, and will therefore, should you deem it expedient, grant what flags of truce may be necessary to carry out copies of it to any officer commanding American troops in these parts, and in the mean time the fullest di- rections will be given, that your present situation be rendered as eligible as the nature of circumstances will admit.
I am, gentlemen, your most obedient humble servant,
N. BALFOUR
74
DOCUMENTARY HISTORY OF
[ No. 93.]
Major Burnet ( Aid-de-Camp ) to General Marion.
HEAD QUARTERS, CONGAREE, May 18th, 1781.
Sir :
I am directed by Gen'l. Greene to inform you of the surrender of Fort Granby ; five pieces of iron Ordnance, nineteen officers and three hundred and twenty nine privates fell into our hands. The army will march this morning on the route to Ninety Six. The General has directed General Sumter to continue at this post to command and organize the militia. You will be pleased to con- tinue to harrass the enemy and to receive General Sumter's orders. You will also arrange your Brigade with expedition, and be in rea- diness to co-operate with this army, should an opportunity offer.
I am, with great respect, Your most obd't. humble servant, J. BURNET, Aid-de-Camp.
[No. 94.] Lieut. Col. Stephen Moore and Major John Barnwell to Lieut. Col. Nesbit Balfour.
PRISON-SHIP, TORBAY, CHARLESTON HARBOUR, May IS, 1781. S
In conformity to your letter of yesterday, we embrace your of- fer of forwarding a copy of the same, together with a roll of the prisoners on board this ship, and a letter addressed to Major Gen'l. Greene, all which are enclosed We could wish one of our number might be suffered to attend the flag of truce. We are, sir,
Your most obedient humble servants, STEPHEN MOORE, Lieut. Col. JOHN BARNWELL, Major. -
[No. 95.] Lieut. Col. Stephen Moore and Major John Barnwell, to Gen. Greene.
PRISON-SHIP, TORBAY, CHARLESTON HARBOUR. ) May 18, 1781. We have the honor of enclosing you a copy of a letter from Col.
75
THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION.
Balfour, commandant at Charleston, which was handed us immedi. ately on our being put on board this ship ; the letter, speaking for itself, needs no comment ; your wisdom will best dictate the notice it merits. We would just beg leave to observe, that should it fall to the lot of all, or any of us, to be made victims, agreeably to the menaces therein contained, we have only to regret that our blood cannot be disposed of more to the advancement of the glorious- cause to which we have adhered. A separate roll of our names at- tend this letter.
With the greatest respect, we are, sir,
Your most obedient and humble servants, STEPHEN MOORE, Lieut. Col. N. Carolina Militia. JOHN BARNWELL, Major So Ca. Militia, for ourselves and 130 prisoners.
-
On board the Prison-ship Torbay.
William Axon, Samuel Ash, George Arthur, John Anthony, Ralph Atmore, John Baddeley, Peter Bonnetheau, Henry Ben- bridge, Joseph Ball, Joseph Bee, Nathaniel Blundell, James Bri k- en, Francis Bayle, Wi liam Basquin, John Clarke, jr., Thomas Cooke, Norwood Conyers, James Cox, John Dorfius, Joseph Dunlap, Rev'd. James Edmonds, Thomas Elliot. Joseph El- liot, John Evans, John Eberly, Joseph Glover, Francis Grott, Mitchell Gargie, William Graves, Peter Guerard, Jacob Henry, David Hamilton, Thomas Harris, William Hornby, Daniel Jacoby, Charles Kent, Samuel Lockhart, Nathaniel Lebby, Thomas Liftor, Thomas Legare, John Lesesne, Henry. Lybort, John Michael, John Minott, sr., John Moncrief, Charles M'Donald, John Minott, jr., Samuel Miller, Stephen Moore, George Monck, Jonathan Mor- gan, Abraham Mariette, Solomon Milner, John Neufville, jr., Philip Priolean, James Poyas, Job Palmer. Joseph Robinson, Das. iel Rhody, Joseph Righton, William Snelling: John Stevenson, jr., Paul Snyder, Abraham Seavers, Ripley Singleton; Samuel Scot- towe, Stephen Shrewsbury, John Saunders, James Toussiger, Paul Taylor, Sims White, James Wilkins Isaac White, George Welch, Donjamin Wheeler, William Wilkie, John Welch, Thomas You.
76
DOCUMENTARY HISTORY OF
On board the Schooner Puck-Horse.
John Barnwell, Edward Barnwell, Robert Barnwell, William Branford, John Blake, Thomas Cochran, Joseph Cray, Robert De- war, H. W. Desaussure, Thomas, Eveleigh, John Edwards, jr., John W. Edwards, William Elliot, Benjamin Guerard, Thomas Grayson, John Gibbons, Philip Gadsden, John Greaves, William H. Hervey, John B. Holmes, William Holmes, Thomas Hughes, James Heyward, George Jones, Henry Kennon, John Kean, Stephen Lee, Philip Meyer, George Mosse, William Neufville, John Owen, Charles Pinkney, je, Samuel Smith, William Wigg, Charles Warham, Thomas Waring. sr., Richard Waring, John Waters, David Warham, Richard Yeadon,
Published by order of Congress,
CHARLES THOMSON, Sec'ty. -
[ No. 96.] Stephen Moore and others. to Lieut. Col. Balfour.
TORBAY PRISON-SHIP, OFF CHARLESTON. May 19, 1781. Sir :
Yesterday we transmitted to you a letter, enclosing a copy of yours, with a list of one hundred and twenty-nine prisoners of war, confined on board this ship, which we hope is forwarded to Major Gen'l. Greene, agreeably to your promise, and make no doubt but that your feelings as a gentleman will, upon this occasion, induce you to do every thing in your power to liberate, from a most inju- rions and disagreeable coufinement, those against whom there can exist no charge of dishonor, and whose only crime, if such it can possibly be termed by men of liberal ideas, is an inflexible attach- ment to what they con vive to be the rights of their country, and who have scorned to deceive you by unmeaning professions. In justice to ourselves we must say, that if the Americans have at any time so fo diverted the mselves of that character of humanity and generosity, which ever distinguished them, we feel ourselves most sensibly mortified, but are induced, from the generous treatment of
77
THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION.
Cols. Lechmere, Rugely, Fenwicke and Kelsell, and their parties, and from a numberof other instances which might be easily addu- ced, to believe, that the outrages which von complain of, must be the effect of private resentment (subsisting between British subjects and those who, after having availed themselves of the royal pro- climation, have resumed their arms, in opposition to that govern- ment) and totally unsanctioned by any American officer, and which we are well convinced they would reprobate and would punish in the most exemplary manner, could the perpetrators of such horrid acts be detected.
In a war, circumstanced as the present, there will be some in- stances of enormities on both sides. We would not wish to partic- ularise, but doubt not there are acts of cruelty frequently committed by the irregulars of your army, and are convinced, that on your part, as well as our own, they are generally to be attributed to an ignorance of the rules of warfare. and a want of discipline ; but the idea of detaining in close custody as hostages a number of men fairly taken in arms, and entitled to the benefits of a solemn capitu- lation, is so repugnant to the laws of war, and the usage of civilized nations, that we apprehend it will rather be the means of increasing Ks horrors, than answering those purposes of humanity you expect.
As a most strict adherence to the terms of our paroles, and a firm reliance on your honor, have been the only reasons of our being in your power at present, we trust, that upon equitable proposals be- ing made for our exchange by Gen. Greene, no objections will be raised, but every thing done to bring the matter to the most speedy issue.
As you have thought proper to publish your reasons for seizing upon our persons, we request our answer may also be inserted in the next Gazette. We are, sir,
Your most obedient servants, STEPHEN MOORE, and others.
[No 97] Lord Raudon to Earl Cornwallis.
From Tarlton's Southern Campaigns.
MONK'S CORNER, May 24th, 1781.
The situation of affairs in this Province has made me judge it
78
DOCUMENTARY HISTORY OF
necessary, for a time, to withdraw my force from the back coun- try, and to assemble what troops I can collect at this point. I hope a recital of the circumstances which have led to this determination will satisfy your lordship as to the expediency of the measure.
After the action of the 25th of April, (an account of which I had the honour of transmitting to your lordship) Major General Greene remained for some days behind the farthest branch of Granby's Quarter Creek. A second attempt upon his army could not, in that situation, be undertaken upon the principle which ad- vised the former. In the first instance, I made so short an excur- sion from my works, that I could venture, without hazard, to leave them very slightly guarded; and I had the confidence, that, had fortune proved unfavorable, we should easily have made good our retreat, and our loss, in all probability, would not have disable i us from the farther defence of the place. To get at General Greene in his retired situation, I must have made a very extensive circuit, in order to head the creek, which would have presented to him the fairest opportunity of slipping by me to Camden; and he was still so superior to me in numbers, that, loud I left such a garrison at my post as might enable it to stand an assault, my force in the field would have been totally unequal to cope with the enemy's army .- I had much to hope from the arrival of reinforcements to me, and little to fear from any probable addition to my antagonist's force.
Whilst, upon that principle, I waited for my expected succours, Gen. Greene retired from our front, and, crossing the Wateree, 1ook a position behind Twenty-five Mile Creek. On the 7th of May, Lieut. Col. Watson joined me with his detachment, much reduced in number through casualties, sickness, and a reinforcement which he had left to strengthen the garrison at George Town. He had crossed the Santee near its mouth, and had recrossed it a little below the entrance of the Congaree.
On the night of the 7th, I crossed the Wateree at Camden ferry, proposing to turn the Hank and attack the rear of Greene's army, where the ground was not strong, though it was very much so in front.
The troops bad scarcely crossed the river, when I received notice that Greene had moved carly in the evening, upon getting informa- tion of my being reinforced, Ifollowed him by the direct road, and found him posted behind Swaney's creek.
79
THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION.
Having driven in his pickets, I examined every point of his situ- ation; I found it every where so strong, that I could not hope to force it without suffering such loss as must have crippled my force for any future enterprise ; and the retreat lay so open for him, I could not hope that victory would give us any advantage sufficient- ly decisive to counterbalance the loss.
The creek (though slightly marked in the maps) runs very high . into the country. Had I attempted to get round him, he would have evaded me with ease ; for, as his numbers still exceeded mine, I could not separate my force to fix him in any point, and time (at this juncture most important to me) would have been thus unprofit- ably wasted. I therefore returned to Camden the same afternoon, after having in vain attempted to decoy the enemy into action, by affecting to conceal our retreat.
On the 9th I published to the troops, and to the militia, my design of evacuating Camden, offering to such of the latter as chose to accompany me every assistance that we could afford them. Dur- ing the ensuing night I sent off all our baggage, &c., under a strong escort. and destroyed the works remaining at Camden, with the rest of the troops, till ten o'clock the next day, in order to cover the march.
On the night of the 13th, I began to pass the river at Nelson's ferry, and by the evening of the 11th, every thing was safely across. Some mounted militia had attempted to harass our rear guard on the march ; but a party of them having fallen into an ambuscade, the rest of them gave us no farther trouble. We brought off all the sick and wounded, excepting about thirty, who were too iil to be moved, and for them I left an equal number of continental pris- oners in exchange. We brought off all the stores of any kind of value, destroying the rest ; and we brought off not only the mili- tia who had been with us at Camden, but also all the well-affected neighbors on our route, together with the wives, children, negroes and baggage, of almost all of them.
My first news, upon landing at Nelson's, was, that the post at Motte's house had fallen. It was a simple redoubt, and had been attacked formally by sap. Lieut. M'Pherson had maintained it gallantly till the house in the centre of it was set in flames by fire arrows, which obliged his men to throw themselves into the ditch, and surrender at discretion.
-
80
DOCUMENTARY HISTORY OF
But as Major M'Arthur had joined me with near three hundred foot and eighty dragoons, I conceived I might, without hazarding too far, endeavor to check the enemy's operations on the Congaree. On the 14th, at night, I marched from Nelson's, and on the even- ing of the15th I reached the point where the roads from Conga- rees and M'Cord's ferry unite. Various information was brought to me thither, that Greene had passed the Congaree, at M'Cord's ferry, and had pushed down the Orangeburgh road. The accounts . though none of them positive or singly satisfactory, corresponded so much, that I was led to believe them, and the matter was of such moment, that it would not admit of my pausing for more certain information ; therefore, after giving the troops a little rest, I moved back to. Eutaws the same night, but hearing nothing there, I pur- sued my march hither.
By my present situation, I cover those districts from which Charles Town draws its present supplies I am in readiness to improve any favourable occurrence, and guard against any untoward event.
It is a secondary, but not a trifling advantage, that I have been able to supply the troops with necessaries; for the want of which, occasioned by the long interruption of our communication, they suffered serious distresses.
I am using every effort to augment our cavalry, in hopes that the arrival of some force will speedily enable us to adopt a more active conduct.
[No. 9S.] Gen'l. Glicene to Gen'l. Marion.
CAMP BEFORE NINETY-SIX, May 26th, 1781.
Dear Sir :
I am favored with your letters of the 19th and 20th. I am sur- prised at the enemy's conduct towards the party sent as an escort to the prisoners taken at fort Motte, and the more so as the party was for their protection and at their request. The insult offered to our people deserves resentment, and you have my full consent to treat their officers as they treat ours, but at the same time it is my wish to carry on the war upon the most liberal principles and as
THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION.
enrrespondent with the low of humanity as the nature of the ser- If the enemy are making no preparation to inter-
i at this place or Angusta, and Gen. Summer don't * * exposed in consequence of your moving to
on,of which I have desired Him to inform you, I have ". . Dervar to your making the attempt you propose. But if Lord making preparations for offensive operations which may' was now carrying or, or expose Gent. Samter in on, I would not wish you to make the attempt as Interior object. Before this reaches you, you will be L. Cer inthemed at the state and intentions of the enemy below, The last account I had of Lord Cornwallis, he was at Halifax, in North Cuolio, and seemed disposed to rest there for some time, probably with a view of converting a plan for forming a junction with Gen'l Philips. I bag my most respected compliments to Col. Horry and Major Mayham and the rest of the gentlemen with you. I am. sir, with esteem and regard,
Your obd't. humble servant. NATH. GREENE.
[No. 99.| Earl Cornwallis to Sir Henry Clinton.
BERD'y PLANTATION, JAMES RIVER, May 26, 1781.
The arrival of the reinforcement ha's made me easy about Ports- month for the present. I have sem Gen. Leshe thither with the seventeenth Regiment and the two Battalions of Anspach. keeping the form-card wir. the army. I shall now proceed to dislodge La I'mat from Richmond; and, with my light troops, to destroy any w _ James or stores in the neighborhood, which may have been col- World other for his use or Gen. Greene's army. From thence I google to move to the neck of Williamsburgh, which is represent- a to dina and where some subsistence may be procured ; and karta osudengaged from operations which might interfere with Der man for that campaign until I have the satisfaction of hearing I shall then have an opportunity to receive bet- Witamopenclear and place of arms. At present I am in-
82
DOCUMENTARY HISTORY OF
clined to think well of York. The objections to Portsmouth are, that it cannot be made strong, without an army to defend it; that it is remarkably unhealthy, and can give no protection to a ship of the line. Wayne has not yet joined La Fayette; nor can I posi- tively learn where he is, nor what is his force. Greene's cavalry are said to be coming this way ; but I have no certain accounts of it.
Most respectfully yours,
CORNWALLIS.
[The following is Gen. Pickens and Lieut. Col. Lee's report of the capitulation of Fort Cornwallis.]
[No. 100.] Brig. Gen. Andrew Pickens and Lieut. Col. Lee, jr. to Lieut. Col. Brown.
From Tarlton's Southern Campaigns. AUGUSTA, May 31, 1781.
Sir :
The usage of war renders it necessary that we present you with an opportunity of avoiding the destruction which impends your garrison.
We have deferred our summons to this late date, to preclude the necessity of much correspondence on the occasion. You see the strength of the investing forces; the progress of our works; and you may inform yourself of the situation of the two armies, by in- quiries from Captain Armstrong, of the Legion, who has the honor to bear this. We have the honor to be, &c. ANDREW PICKENS, B. G. militia.
HENRY LEE, jr., Lieut. Col. com'dg. cont'l. troops.
[No. 101.] Lieut. Col. Thomas Brown to Brig. Gen. Pickens and Lieut. Col. Lee.
Gentlemen :
What progress you have made in your works I am no stranger to. It is my duty and inclination to defend this post to the last ex- tremity. I have the honor to be, &c. THOS. BROWN,
Commanding the King's troops at Augusta.
83
THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION.
[.No. 102.] Gen. Pickens and Lieut. Col. Lee, jr. to Lieut. Col. Brown.
It is not our disposition to press the unfortunate.
To prevent the effusion of blood which must follow perseverance > your frundess resistance, we inform you, that we are willing though in the grasp of victory, to grant such terms as a comparative view of our respective situations can warrant.
Your determination will be considered as conclusive, and will regulate our conduct.
We have the honour to be, &c., ANDREW PICKENS, B. G. militia. HENRY LEE, JR., Lieut. Col. Com'dg. Cont'I. troops.
[No. 103.] Lieut. Col. Brown to Brig. Gen. Pickens and H. Lee, jr.
FORT CORNWALLIS, June 3. Gentlemen :
I have the honour to acknowledge the receipt of your summons of this day, and to assure you, that as it is my daty, it is likewise may tuclination to defend the post to the last extremity.
I have the honour to be, &c., THOMAS BROWN,
Lieut. Col. commanding the King's troops at Augusta.
|No. 104.] Brig. Gen'l. Pickens and Henry Lee, jr. to Lieut. Col. Brown.
HEAD QUARTERS, June 4, 1781. Sir :
We beg leave to propose, that the prisoners in your possession may be sent out of the fort, and that they may be considered yours or ours as the siege may terminate.
84
DOCUMENTARY HISTORY OF
Confident that you cannot oppose the dictate of humanity and custom of war, we have only to say, that any request from you of a similar nature will meet our assent.
We have the honor to be,, &c. ANDREW PICKENS, B. G. Militia. HENRY LEE, JR., Lient. Col. Com'dg Cont'l. troops.
ĮNo. 105.] Lieut. Col. Brown to Brig. Gen. Pickens and Lieut. Col. Lee.
Gentlemen :
Though motives of humanity, and a feeling for the distresses of individuals, incline me to accede to what you have proposed concern- ing the prisoners with us, vet many reasons, to which you cannot be strangers, forbid my complying with this requisition-such at- tention as I can, confilent with good policy and my duty, shall be shewn them.
I have the honour to be &c.,
THOMAS BROWN,
Lieut. Col. Commanding the King's troops at Augusta.
[No. 106.] L't. Col. Brown to Brig. Gen. Pickens and L't. Col. Lee.
Gent'emen :
In your summons of the 3d instant. no particular conditions were specified ; I postponed the consideration of it to this day.
From a desire to lessen the distresses of war to individuals, I am inclined to propose to you my acceptance of the enclosed terms, which being pretty similar to those granted to the commanding offi- cers of the American troops and garrison in Charles Town, I ima- gine will be honourable to both parties.
I have the honour to be, &c. THOMAS BROWN,
Lieut. Col., commanding the King's troops at Augusta.
85
THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION.
[No. 107.] Brig. Gen. Pickens and Licut. Col. Lee, jr. to Lieut. Col. Brown.
Sir :
There was a time when your proposals of this date ought to have been accepted. That period is now passed. You have every no- tice from us, and must have known the futility of your farther opposition.
Although we should be justified by the military of both armies to demand unconditional submission, our sympathy for the unfortu- nate and gallant of our profession has induced us to grant the hon- ourable terms which we herewith transmit.
We have the honour to be, &c., ANDREW PICKENS, B. G. Militia. HENRY LEE, JR., Lieut. Col. Com'dg. Cont'l. troops.
ĮNo. 108.] Lt. Col. Brown to Brig. Gen. Pickens and Lt. Col Lee. FORT CORNWALLIS, June 5, 1781.
Gentlemen :
Your proposition relative to the officers of the King's troops and militia being admitted to their paroles, and the exclusion of the men, is a matter I cannot accede to.
The conditions I have to propose to you are, that such of the dif- ferent classes of men who compose this garrison, be permitted to march to Savannah, or continue in the country, as to them may be most eligible, until exchanged.
Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.