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 8
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I have the honour to be, &c., THOMAS BROWN, Lieut. Col. commanding the King's troops at Augusta.
[No. 109 ] Brig. Gen. Pickens and Lieut. Col. Lee, jr. to Licus Col. Brown.
FORT AUGUSTA, June 5, 1751.
Sir :
In our answer of this morning, we granted the most generous
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terms in our power to give, which we beg leave to refer to as final on our part. We have the honour to be, &c., ANDREW PICKENS, B. G. Militia.
HENRY LEE, JR., Lieut. Col. Com'dg. Cont'l. troops.
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[ No. 110.] Lieut. Col. Brown to Brig. Gen. Pickens and Lieut. Col. Lee, jr.
FORT CORNWALLIS, June 5, 1781.
Gentlemen :
As some of the articles proposed by you are generally expressed, I have taken the liberty of deputing three gentlemen to wait upon you for a particular explanation of the respective articles.
I have the honor to be, &c., THOMAS BROWN,
Lieut. Col., Commanding the King's troops at Angusta.
Articles of capitulation proposed by Lieut. Col. Brown, and answer- ed by Gen Pickens and Licut. Col. Lee.
ART. I. Thatall acts of hostilities and works shall cease between the besieged until the articles of capitulation shall be agreed on, signed, and executed, or collectively rejected.
ANSWER. Hostilities shall cease for one hour; other operations to continue.
ART. II. That the fort shall be surrendered to the commanding officer of the American corps, such as it now stands. That the King's troops, three days after signing the articles of capitulation, shall be conducted to Savannah, with their baggage, where they will remain prisoners of war until they are exchanged ; that pro- per conveyances shall be provided by the commanding officer of the American troops for that purpose, together with a sufficient ' quantity of good and wholesome provisions till their arrival at Savannah.
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ANSWER. Inadmissible. The prisoners to surrender field pri- soners of war : The officers to be indulged with their paroles ; the soldiers to be conducted to such place as the commander-in-chief shall direct.
ART. III. The militia now in garrison shall be permitted to re- turu to their respective homes, and be secured in their persons and properties.
ANSWER. Answered by the second article, the militia making part of the garrison.
ART. IV. The sick and wounded shall be under the care of their own surgeons, and be supplied with such medicines and necessaries as are allowed to the British hospitals.
AGREED.
ART. V. The officers of the garrison, and citizens who have borne arms during the siege, shall keep their side arms, pistols, and baggage, which shall not be searched, and retain their servants.
ANSWER. The officers and citizens who have borne arms during the siege shall be permitted their side arms, private baggage, and servants; their side arms are not to be worn; and the baggage to be searched by a person appointed for that purpose.
Anr. VI. The garrison, at an hour appointed, shall march out, with shouldered arms and drums beating, lo a place to be agreed on, where they will pile their arms.
ANSWER. Agreed. The judicious and gallant defence made by the garrison, entitles them to every mark of military respect. The fort to be delivered up to Captain Rudolph at twelve o'clock, who will take possession with a detachment of the Legion Infantry.
ART. VII. That the citizens shall be protected in their persons and properties.
ANSWER. Inadmissible.
ART. VIII That twelve months shall be allowed to all such as do not choose to reside in this country, to dispose of their effects, real and personal. in this province, without any molestation what- ever, or to remove to any part thereof as they may choose, as well themselves as families.
ANSWER. Inadmissible.
Agr IA. Tilat the Indian families now in garrison shall accom- paby the King's troops to Savannah, where they will remain prison-
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ers of war until exchanged for an equal number of prisoners in the Creek or Cherokee nation.
ANSWER. Answered in the second article.
ART X. That an express be permitted to go to Savannah with the commanding officer's dispatches, which are not to be opened. ANSWER. Agreed
Anr. XI. Additional. The particular attention of Col. Brown is expectel towards the just delivery of all public stores, monies, &c .; and that no loans be permitted to defeat the spirit of this article.
Signed at Head Quarters, Angusta, June 5, 1781, by ANDREW PICKENS. B. G. Militia.
HENRY LEE, JR , Lieut. Col. Commandant. THOMAS BROWN,
Lieut. Col. Com'dg King's troops at Augusta.
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CHARLESTON, June 2. By the right Hon. Francis Lord Raudon. Col. commanding a corps of his Majesty's forres in South Carolina, &c., and Nes- bit Balfour, Esy., Lieut. Col. and Commandant of Charles- ton, Sc.
Although attention to the general security of the province has obliged his Majesty's troops, for the present, to relinquish some of the upper parts of it, we trust, that itis unnessary for us to exhort the loyal inhabitants of those districts to stand firm in their duty and principles; or to caution them against the insidious artifices of an enemy, who must shortly abandon to their fate. those unfortunate people whom they have de laded into revolt.
But being well informed, that miny persons, sincerely attached to his Majesty's cause, have, metwithstanding. been forced to join the enemy, as the only means of preserving themselves and their families from the savage cruelty of the rebel militia, until es- cape should be practicable ; se desire all such to be confident, that they runih ih of sihours from as, through indiscriminate ven- geance; reminding them. that the Grinch government never ex-
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tends its hand to blood, without the most convincing proofs of in- tentionai guilt.
And wo advise all persons in the above predicament, as likewise who, from the oppressions of the enemy, have been obliged to quit their possessions. to take the earliest opportunity of coming in, with their arms, to any post or detachment of the royal army. We give them assurances of every support, and of every endeavor on our part. to initigate their present sufferings : further declaring to them that we shall feel ourselves no less hound to reward the fidelity of tirre who have remained unshaken in their allegiance, than to inflict the punishment due to reiterated perfidy. Nor should we give them this invitation, were we not certain that, in conjunction with the army, daily expecting powerful reinforcement, their exertions will very shortly reinstate them in the full and peaceable possession of that property, which they will thus have only yielded for a time, to receive again with confirmed security.
Given under our hands in camp, at Monk's Corner, the twenty- fourth day of May, 1781. aud in the twenty-third year of his Majesty's reign. RAWDON. N. BALFOUR.
By order of his lordship and the commandant,
H. BARRY, Dep. Adj't. Gen'l,
[No 111 ] Lord Rawdon to Lieut. Gen. Cornwallis.
CHARLES TOWN, June 5th, 1781.
Gen. Greene invested Ninety Six on the 22d of May. To my grent satisfaction, however, I learned. by messages which I have found means to interchange with Lient Col. Cruger. that the new works were completed before the enemy's approach. The garri- son is ample for the extent. and the fire of the enemy had no effect. Lient. Col. Cruger, therefore, only apprehends, that relief may not arrive before his provisions are expended.
Fortin tily we are now in a condition to undertake succouring him, without exposing a more valuable stake; and from the report
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of his provisions which he sent to me, I trust we shall be fully in time.
Augusta is likewise besieged ; but I hope in little danger. Sir James Wright represented so strongly the wants of troops at Sa- vannah, that I thought it necessary to send the King's American Regiment thither with all dispatch.
On the 3d instant the fleet from Ireland arrived, having aboard the 3d, 19th, and 30th Regiments, a detachment from the Guards, and a considerable body of recruits ; the whole under the command of Col. Gould, of the 30th. Lieut Col. Balfour and I immediately made known to Col. Gould the power which your lordship had giv- en to us, for detaining such part of the expected reinforcement as we might conceive the service required: And it has been settled, that the three Regiments shall all remain here until your lordship signifies your pleasure respecting them. I shall march on the 7th towards Ninety Six, having been reinforced by the flank compa- nies of the three new Regiments.
I am happy in mentioning to your lordship a handsome testimo- ny of zeal for his Majesty's interests, which has occurred here : Considerable difficulty having arisen in the formation of cavalry, some of the principal inhabitants of this town made a subscription, amounting to near three thousand guineas : which sum they request- ed I would apply to the purpose of equipping a corps of dragoons in the manner I should judge most expedient. As I had no means of forming such a corps but by drafts from the infantry, I thought your lordship would be pleased that a compliment should be paid to the loyalty of the gentlemen above mentioned, by fixing upon men connected with the province; I have therefore ordered the South Carolina Regiment to be converted into cavalry, and I have the prospect of their being mounted and completely appointed in a few days.
[No. 112 ] Extract of a letter from Col. Lord Raudon to Sir Hen- ry Clinton.
CHARLES TOWN, June 6th, 1781.
I cannot in any manner give your excellency a more explicit ac- count of what has passed in this province, and of the present state
ยท
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of our affairs, than by enclosing to your excellency, copies of the letters which I have, at different periods, written to Lord Cornwal- lis. The situation of the province has been critical; yet I am well convinced. that numbers have joined the enemy merely to shield themselves from the atrocious barbarity of the rebel militia, which has been been beyond what I have ever heard of among the most savage nations. Should we be successful in our present enterprise; it will probably be found necessary to make the Santee and Con- garee the boundaries of our posts, and to invite the friends of Gov- ernment to settle upon the estates of revolters within the claim of our stations. The back parts of the province must necessarily de- pend upon the country enclosed by those rivers, as long as we keep possession of the Chesapeake.
[ No. 113.] Gen. Pickens to Gen. Greene.
AUGUSTA, June 7, 1781. Dear Sir :
A very disagreeable and melancholy affair which happened yes- terday in the afternoon, occasions my writing to you at this time. I had ridden down to Browne's Fort where I had been but a few minutes, when information was brought me that a man had ridden up to the door of a room here, where Col. Grierson was confined, and, without dismounting, shot him so that he expired soon after, and instantly rode off; and though he was instantly pursued by some men on horseback, he effected his escape. Major Williams who was in the same room, immediately ran into a cellar, among the other prisoners ; but standing in view, was soon after shot at, and wounded in the shoulder, I have given orders for burying Col. Grierson this afternoon with military honors, but as Col. Browne was also insulted yesterday, (though the man was for sometime confned for it,) and the people are so much exasperated against some individuals, I have found it necessary to give orders In cres the River with the prisoners. under the care of Col. Ham- week's Regiment, and Capt. Smith's detachment of North Caro- linians, and march them to Ninety-Six, or till I meet your orders
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respecting them; being fully persuaded that were they to march for Savannah. they would be beset on the road, but think they may go to Charleston by way of Ni ety-Six, if you should so order.
With respect, your obedient servant, A. PICKENS.
| No. 114.] Earl Cornwallis to Lieut. Col. Tarleton.
JETPERSON'S PLANTATION, June 9, 1781.
Dear Tarleton :
You will proceed with the detachment of cavalry and mounted infantry under your command. before day break to-morrow morn. ing. to Albemarle old court-house, where you will destroy any stores you may find. If you then hear of no other stores of any consequence on this side the Flivannah, and the baron Steuben should still be on the other side, you will cross that river, and make it your principal object to strike a blow at baron Steuben; as the corps under his command consists of part of the new levies, and is the foundation on which the body of the eighteen month's men, late- ly voted by the province of Virginia. will be formed. It will be of the utmost importance to defeat and destroy it: I shall, there- fore, wish you to take every means in your power of effecting this service, if you should see a probability of success. I likewise re- commend it to you to destroy all the enemy's stores and tobacco be- -tween James river and the Don ; and if there should be a quantity of provisions or corn collected at a private house, I would have you destroy it, even although there should be no proof of its being intended for the public service, leaving enough for the support of the family; as there is the greatest reason to apprehend that such provisions will be ultimately appropriated by the eremy to the use of Gen Greene's army, which. from the present state of the Caro- linas, must depend on this province for its supplies.
I shall proceed by easy marches to Rielanord, and it will prob- ably be a business of eight er mee diya from this time before I can get up my boats to tard place to receive you ; so that you may very well employ that time on your expedition. As it is very probable
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that some of the light troops of Gen. Greene's army may be on their march to this country, you will do all you can to procure in- telligence of their ronte I need not tell you of what importance it will be to intercept them, or any prisoners of curs from South Carolina.
I would have all persons of consequence, either civil or military, brought to me before they are paroled. Most sincerely wishing yon success, and placing the greatest confidence in your zeal and abilities, I am, with great truth and regard, dear Tarleton,
Most faithfully yours, CORNWALLIS.
[No. 115.] Gen'l. Sumter to Gen'l. Marion. ANCRUM'S, June 9th. 1781. Sir :
I have just received your favour of the 6th instant, but have not that which you mention of the preceeding day. I find the enemy disposed to do us every possible injury. I am glad to hear you suc- ceeded against George Town, and that you think of passing the San- tee soon, which will in some measure check the progress of the enemy. I have two Regiments moving downwards with orders to co-operate with Major Mayham-others move to day. No perfect plan of operation can at present be laid down. I shall be happy to have the earliest advices from you, after you pass the river and have obtained proper accounts of the situation of the enemy. I am sorry to hear of a reinforcement having arrived; have hopes it may not be so considerable as is suggested The post at 96 and Angusta are not as yet taken, they are obstinately defend- ed. but consequently must fall in a few days. We have certain ac- colints that all Pensacola is in possession of the Spaniards, that all the enemy's out works, at St. Augustine, are possessed by them; through the same channel of intelligence we learn that Admiral Rod- tes has been defeated, in the West Indies, and that a fresh fleet is or will be on our coast very soon, which will give us a superiority at era. I recollect I received yours of the 5th yesterday, and sent your packet for Gen'l. Greene on immediately. I am, sir,
Your most obd t. servant.
THOS. SUMTER.
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N. B. The increase of the enemy's force may render it expedi- ent to collect our force, and unless your Brigade, that is the division called upon, are cheerfully out, we shall be but weak. Gen'l. Greene has four Regiments from my Brigade with him, besides some detachments.
[No. 116.] Gen. Greene to Gen. Marion.
CAMP BEFORE 96, June 10th, 1781.
Dear Sir :
Yours of the 6th I have received with the enclosures. I had information of the arrival of a reinforcement at Charles Town, before your letter came to hand; accounts are various respecting their numbers. By private information, the enemy intend to attempt raising the seige of this place, which I hope, will terminate in our favour. Should the enemy attempt to penetrate the country, I beg you to collect all the force you can and join Gen. Sumter, with- out loss of time, and give the enemy all the opposition you can, until we form a junction with our collective force, it being my in- tention to fight them, and I wish them to be crippled as much as possible before we have a general action. Send me all the infor- mation you can get, With esteem and regard,
I am dear, sir, your most obedient humble servant, NATH. GREENE.
[No. 117.] Gen'l. Greene to Gen'l. Marion.
CAMP BEFORE 96, June 10th, 1781.
I have to acknowledge the receipt of your favours of the 22d and 29th ultimo. It gives me great pleasure to hear the enemy have left George Town, and I am of opinion with you that it will be attended with many good consequences to that part of the coun- try. After you have dismantled the enemy's works, you will col- lect your force, take the position you mentioned. and act in conjunc- tion with Geu'l. Samter, agrecably to the advice I gave you before. I have the pleasure to congratulate you on the reduction of the
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enemy's fort at Augusta. This event took place on the 7th inst. by capitulation, and I hope in a few days to have the pleasure of con- gratulating you on the reduction of this place, but we are opposed by many difficulties, and the garrison resists with great obstinacy. I am, sir, with every sentiment of respect and esteem
Your very humble servant, NATH. GREENE.
[No. 118.] Gen. Sumter to Gen. Marion.
June 13th, 1781.
Sir :
I find the enemy still advances, and in all probability 96 is their object. That place is not yet taken; to have the siege raised would be of great injury to us. You will be pleased to disencum- ber yourself of all heavy baggage, and march with all possible expedition on towards 96, so as for our whole force to act together if requisite. You will find plenty of meal and corn at Saylor's Mill, near the Congaree. I am sir, with esteem,
Your most obedient humble servant,
THOS. SUMTER.
[No. 119.] Gen. Sumter to Gen. Marion.
CONGAREE, June 14th, 1781.
Sir :
I have this morning received accounts that the enemy are not moving upwards; the parties that have been discovered, are said to be Tories, in consequence of which I advise you to halt, until this matter can be clearly ascertained ; in the meanwhile beg you may collect as large a force as you can, so that we may act offensively, if the enemy remain and cover so much of the country. I hope to have the pleasure of seeing you soon, until which I have nothing further to recommend, but that of gaining the best intelligence you can of the enemy's strength and situation, covering the country and being ready to move, if the designs of the enemy and Gen. Greene's particular circumstances should render it necessary. The enemy at
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06 is very obstinate; they sally almost every night, and have suf- fered considerably by it of late I don't expect to hear of the reduction of that post for some days yet. The Tories have been troublesome towards the Savannah River. Col. R. Hampton has lately seen two of their parties upon Edisto, and near the Salt Ketcher.
I have the honour to be, with great respect, sir, Your most Obedient bomble servant, THOS. SUMTER.
[ No 120.] Gen. Sumter to Gen. Marion.
CONGAREE, June 15th, 1781.
Sir :
I wrote you since the letter of mine, which you mention having received, that the enemy were not advancing. It again appears probable they are und from the accounts you have of their reinforcements, durch every dayon to thom They mean to repas sess themselves of this country again, Itherefore think it advisable that we keep in the field as large a force as possible. Irecommend that yon do call ont at least three-fourths of your Brigade, and move higher up the River, in readiness to cross, if the enemy con- tinne advancing. I have but ntdle powoler, will divide with you what I have, but cannot send a get wow, the urgentain state that things are in puts it out of ing power to welt roompotely, even if I had time. It the militivare ole satte and faithles it will be neces- sary to make examples of some. first severity must be used, which if done, we have little to anyverdad From the enemy. Nine- ty-Six is not taken. I am, with great.
Your mast ob 't. avant. THOS. SUMTER.
N. B To any person, either oficer or pelsure, who may consider himself in my Brand I dela notice to be gren that I request theer im mos reiy a just love proper Regiments. as Lacking themselves. , than that of people is-
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[No. 121.] Gen'l. Sumter to Gen'l. Marion.
CONGAREE, June 16th, 1781.
Sir :
I have just received yours of the 14th inst. Iam glad you are mo- ving up; there is the greatest occasion for forced marches. I wrote you to-day that the enemy were upon the way to Ninety-Six. They gn very slow. You may join me in time. You will get meal and other provisions at Taylor's Mill, south side the Congaree river, and ten miles from the fort, or at Ancrum's on the 7th. I have left with Col. Taylor some ammunition for you. This is a great push the enemy is making. I beg you may move with all the force you can and order out at least three-fourths of your Brigade; the whole might be the most eligible, those living high up, might pass through the fork, and I am yet at the Congaree.
I am, sir, your most obedient servant, THOS. SUMTER.
N. B. Please be so obliging as to forward Mr. Davis' letter.
[No. 122.] Gen. Sumter to Gen. Marion.
CONGAREE, June 16th, 1781. Sir :
The enemy are yet advancing, are some distance above Orange- burgh, their force considerable ; Ninety-Six not yet taken ; every- thing with respect to the siege going on well; time is all that is need- el. I wrote to Gen'l Greene for ammunition for you, which, if he furnishes, I will have forwarded to meet you. In one day more the enemy's designs must be known, whether their object is Ninety- Six, or my party, to which they have already given much trouble in marching and counter marching. As their movements have been very singular and with uncommon caution, they are strong in horse. An express this moment from Gen'l. Greene; the post not reduced, but in a fair way. I am, sir,
Your most obd't. humble servant,
THOS. SUMTER.
7
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Articles of' agreement made and concluded between Col. Peter Hor- ry, in behalf of Gen'l. Marion, and Major Ganey, Commanding officer of the Tories or King's subjects, inhabitants lying between great Pee Dee River and North Carolina.
ART. 1st. That from and after signing these articles, all hostili- ties on both sides shall cease.
ART. 2d. That both parties shall have free intercourse to traffick together unmolested.
ART. 3d. That injuries committed on persons or property on ei- ther side shall by the Captain or officer commanding the complain- ant, be made known to the officer commanding the defaulter, when a jury composed of five men, two to be whigs and two tories, with an officer from the side of the complainant, shall be called on to set as a court martial to judge and determine the matter between them, and to inflict such punishment as shall appear reasonable and just.
ART. 4th. That property taken not in action (but plundered) on being proved by either party, shall be restored.
ART. 5th. That these articles of agreement and association shall continue for three months certain, or for any longer time not exceed- ing twelve months, and be valued and binding on both parties as shall be ratified by the Honorable Gen'l. Marion. Given under our hands at Pee Dee, June 17th, 1781.
PETER HORRY, Col. Gen. Marion's Brigade.
MICAJAH GANEY, Major. -
Treaty between. Gen'l. Marion in behalf of the State of South Car- olina, and Major Gancy and the inhabitants under his commands which were included in the treaty made the 17th June, 1781 (as above mentioned ) with Major Ganey.
ART. 1st. The men under his command to lay down their arms as enemies to the State, and are not to resume them again until call- ed on to do so in support of the interest of the United States, and of this State in particular.
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ART. 2d. They will deliver up all negroes, horses, cattle and property that have been taken from this or any other State.
ART. 34. They will demean themselves as peaceable citizens of this State, and submit themselves in future to be governed by its laws, in the same manner as the rest of the citizens thereof.
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