USA > South Carolina > School history of South Carolina > Part 8
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11. On the third day after the action the wife of Colonel Bernard Elliott presented an elegant pair of colors to the second regiment, which had so bravely defended Fort Moultrie. Her address on the occasion concluded thus: "I make not the least doubt under heaven's protection, you will stand by these colors as long as they 'wave in the air of liberty." In reply a promise was made "that they should be honorably supported. and never should be tarnished by the second regi- ment." This promise was literally fulfilled.
12: Three years afterwards these colors were plantel on the British lines at Savannah: one by Lieutenant Bush, who was immediately shot down. Lieutenant Home, in the act of planting his, was also shot down: and Lieutenant Gray. in supporting thons, received a mortal woand. The brave Ser- geant Jasper, on seeing Lieutenant Hume fall, took up the
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color and planted it. In doing so he received a wound which terminated in death, but the retreat being ordered he was still able to bear the colors off with him. These colors were afterwards taken at the surrender of General Lincoln and the fall of Charlestown, and are said to have been placed in the Tower of London, where, perhaps, they are still kept.
QUESTIONS. - What now occupied the attention of the country? How matty men were employed against America in 1776? To what section of the country was a part of this forte sent ?
2. What defence had Sullivan's Island? When did the British fleet appear off this island ? Give its size ? Where did it anchor ?
3. Where did Sir Henry Clinton land ? What is said of the Bristol and Experiment :
4. What land force had the British? What naval force? Who were the commanders ?
5. Against what did the fleet advance? What was thought of the strength of the fort ?
6. Give an account of the bombardment of the fort on Sullivan's Island.
7. What part was Clinton to play in the attack? Why did he not succeed ?
8. How long did the engagement last? What took place during the night? Give an account of the destruction of the Acteon.
9. Give the losses of the Bristol. Of the Acteon. Of the Americans.
10. What do you know of Sergeant Jasper ? Sergeant McDonald ?
11. What did Colonel Elliot's wife do ?
12. Who afterwards lost their lives in defence of these colors? What further is said of these colors ?
CHAPTER XXI.
WAR WITH THE CHEROKEES. ALLIANCE WITH FRANCE. DECLARATION OF INDEPENDENCE.
1. The victory at Fort Moultrie contributed greatly to establish the new government and to give confidence to the friends of independence. The state, wishing to conciliate all
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those who heretofore had been in opposition to the movement. discharged from confinement Mr. Cunningham, and others who had been imprisoned. The success at Fort Moultrie saved the state from the calamities of war for nearly three years, with the exception of the war with the Cherokees. which began only two days after the attack on Sullivan's Island.
2. Trouble had been brewing for some time, and Mr. John Stuart, in the en loy of the British government, and wholly devoted to its interests, had done all he could to increase and deepen the ill feeling of the Indians against the Ameri- cans. Very early in the contest he had retired into Florida. and from that province had, employed his brother, Henry Stuart, and a Mr. Cameron to penetrate into the Cherokee country and rouse the Indians to action.
3. A plan was devised by John Stuart in conjunction with some of the royal governors and other British officers to land an army in Florida; to proceed with it to the western fron- tier, and their unite with the tories and Indians and fall on the friends of the Revolution while the fleet was operating on the coast.
4. Moses Kirkland, a tory in the upper country, was ems- ployed by Stuart and other British officers, to concert with General Gage at Boston, and arrange for carrying the plau into execution. But the plot was discovered by the fortunate capture of the vessel that was carrying Kirkland to Boston. His capture, to a great degree, frustrated their plans. But so much had been done that two days after the attack on Fort Moultrie the Indians began their massacres, attended with the usual barbarity of scalping their vietims.
J. The inhabitants, not being very well armed. and the government not being able to supply them with arms and ammunition, betook themselves to stockade forts. The panic was so great that Colonel Andrew Williamson, to whom was
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committed the defence of the upper country, was not able in sixteen days to collect more than 500 men.
6. An engagement took place on July 15th, 1776. in which Major Downs, who commanded the militia, defeated the Indians, pursued them and took some prisoners, thirteen of whom proved to be white men disguised as Indians. About this time the people of the upper country learned of the repulse and defeat of the British at Charlestown, which so inspired them with confidence that Williamson soon had a body of over 1,000 men under his command. He vigorously pushed the war, and although he met with some reverses and at one time narrowly escaped entire ruin, he finally routed the Indians, barned their towns. laid waste their corn fields, and so crippled them that for some' time thereafter they gave the settlers no further annoyance.
7. At one time, with 330 horsemen, Williamson advanced to attack a body of tories and Indians encamped on Oconee creek. On his way he fell into an ambuscade. was attacked in both front and flank and suffered severely. His horse was -hot under him and his friend Mr. Salvador fell by his side. and he might have lost the day had it not been for the bravery of Colonel Hammond, who rallied a party of 20 men, vivanced rapidly to, a fence behind which the enemy lay. jumped over and charged with bayonets fixed. The Indians fled and the day was won. Colonel Hammond burned the town on the east of Keowee river. but his men refused to cross until he crossed before them. They hesitated no longer. crossed the river, burnt the town, and destroyed everything they could find.
8. On August 2nd. Williamson encamped with his main body at Eighteen Mile creek. He sent off detachments to lay waste the Indian settlements and by the 15th. he had com pasted the destruction of all the lower towns. On September I'th. advancing with 2.000 men, partly regulars and partly
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militia, into the defiles of the mountains, he again fell into an abuscade. 1.200 Indians occupied the heights and poured in a deadly fire upon the men. The Indian flanks were turned by detachments, and Lieutenant Hampton ordered his mnen to advance and fire, then to fall down and load. They did so, and the enemy being pressed in both flank and front soon Hed.
9. There was no more fighting and there was nothing more for the army to do but to destroy and lay waste the remain- ing miserable villages of this unhappy people. The war was over and Williamson disbanded his army early in October. About 500 of these unfortunate Cherokees, destitute of pro- visions and all the necessaries of life, took refuge with John Stuart in west Florida, where they were fed at the expense of the British government. In this war Colonel LeRoy Ham- mond proved himself one of the bravest and most efficient officers.
10. At the same time the Indian settlements to the north ward were invaded by the Virginia militia under Colonel Christie, and 1,900 North Carolina militia under General Rutherford; and to the southward by the Georgia militia, commanded by Colonel Jack. The defeat of the Indians was so entire, that to make peace they were compelled to cede to South Carolina all their territory east of the U'nacave moun- tains and to retire beyond them .. This territory comprises the present counties of Oconee, Pickens, Anderson, and Green- ville. After the severe chastisement these Indians gave the white settlers no further trouble until the year 1750. The Americans bad 33 killed and 72 wounded. The Cherokees had about 200 killed. "
11. Thus the great war of the Revolution began very favor- ably to South Carolina. The tory opposition was reduced to inactivity: some, indeed. because good whigs; the British were defeated with loss and driven from the coast, and the Chero-
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kees were so badly crippled as to be no longer formidable. For three years following these successes the State enjoyed internal peace and was prosperous and happy. In 1777 and and 1778, Charlestown was the mart which supplied with gouds most of the States south of New Jersey. An extensive inland trafic sprang up (the northern ports being blockaded), in which a thousand wagons were constantly employed.
12. But the tories, although quiet during this period, were tories still. and when the day of British domination came, they wreaked a bloody vengeance on many whigs for actual and fancied wrongs. Seldom has warfare been more savage than that between the whigs and tories of South Carolina.
13. The battle of Sullivan's Island was fought on June 28 and the Declaration of Independence by the united colonies followed soon after; the wisdom of such a declaration having been thoroughly discussed for some time, in all its bearings, and the propriety and expediency of such course urged upon the congress and the people by the wisest statesmen of the country. The representatives from South Carolina at this time were Edward Rutledge, Thomas Heyward, Thomas Lynch, and Arthur Middleton. These, with the delegates from the other colonies, on the 4th day of July, 1776, solemnly declared: "That these United Colonies are, and of Right ought to be, Free and Independent States." The news of this action was received by the larger number of the people of South Caro- lina with every demonstration of satisfaction, such as the ringing of bells, beating of drums, and firing of cannon, and in every way in which it was possible for joy to find vent.
14. In the meantime, while Congress was vigorously pushing the war, it did not neglect the important duty of seeking to to make friends abroad. On February 6, 1778, Louis XVI .. King of France, entered into treaties of amnesty and commerce and! alliance with the American commissioners at Paris on a footing of perfect equality. Such an alliance alarmed Great
HISTORY OF SOUTH CAROLINA.
Britain and that country immediately took steps towards the renewal of friendship with her late colonies. Commissioners were sent over to propose to Congress terms of reunion. They were very favorable to America, but it was too late. Although Congress bad not yet received information of the treaty with France when these overtures were made, yet they determined to stand by their "Declaration of Independence" and to reject any and all terms of reanion with Great Britain.
15. The news of the alliance with France was received in South Carolina with great satisfaction. It gave the people hope and inspired them with confidence in the final success of their cause. The thought of separation was, at first, very. painful. But after the mother country had rejected all their overtures for reconciliation. and they had declared their inde- pendence, it was then too late for Great Britain to make any advances.
16. Commissioners were sent from Great Britain to Charles- town to announce that the war against South Carolina would be pushed to the utmost limit if the people should continue to prefer the alliance with France to reunion with the mother country. But the flagship bearing them was met with defiance and was ordered to depart immediately from the waters of the state.
17. Thus all hope of the reinstatement of old conditions and relations was destroyed forever. and the issue now between the parties was one that must result in the independence of the colonies or in their submission to the absolute and undis- puted control of Great Britain.
QUESTIONS. --- 1. What effect had the victory at Moultrie? What did the State do to conciliate the opposition ? What Indian war about this time?
2. Who was working th increase the ill feeling of the Indians against the whites? What fil he do?
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3. What place was formed by Stuart ?
4. Who was employed to consult with General Gage? How was the plot discovered? What took place two days after the attack on Moultrie? 5. What effect had the massacre on the inhabitants? How many men lid Col. Williamson collect ?
6. Give the result of Major Downs' engagement with the Indians. What erfeet had the victory at Charlestown ou the upper country ?
7. What is said of the ambuscade into which Williamson fell? What lid Colonel Hammond do ?
S. What bad Williamson accomplished by August 15? What hap- pened to Williamson's army on september IS ?
9. What only remained to be done? Where did some of the Indians take refuge? What Kind of an officer was Colonel Hammond ?
10. What invasions of the other Indian settlements in South Carolina? Give the result. What territory was secured from the Indians by this war ? Give the losses of both sides in this war.
If. Which side had the better of the war in South Carolina up to this time ? How long did she enjoy peace ? Tell of her trade.
12. Describe the war between the whigs and tories.
13. When did the American colonies declare themselves independent ? 'Who represented South Carolina in Congress ? How was the news received in this state >
14. What relation was formed with France? What did this step cause England to do ?
15. How was the news of the alliance with France received ?
16. How were the British commissioners received ?
17. What was the issue now between the colonies and England ?
CHAPTER XXII.
CAMPAIGN OF 1779. PREVOST'S INVASION OF SOUTH CAROLINA. EFFORTS TO TAKE CHARLESTOWN.
1. In December. 1775, Savannah was taken by Colonel Camp- bell and the authority of Great Britain was soon extended over the whole of Georgia. South Carolina was once more a frontier tate. The designs of the enemy were changed and they determined to make the sub the tielt of operations.
2. At the request of the members of Congress from South 7
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Carolina, Major-General Lincoln was sent South to take com- mand of the armies in that section in place of General Robert Howe, who had been so unfortunate as to lose Savannah, and by that loss had incurred another, the loss of the confidence of the southern people. General Lincoln first established himself at Purvsburgh. The militia of South Carolina were drafted and put under command of Colonel Richardson and marched for headquarters. But they were very inefficient as soldiers, having ao training nor discipline.
3. The British army at Savannah having received some re-en- forcements from St. Augustine, Major Gardner was despatched with 200 men to take possession of Port Royal Island. H. was attacked by General Moultrie soon after landing. defeated. and driven from the island with great loss. The Americans had eight men killed and 22 wounded. A very gallant officer. Lieutenant Benjamin Wilkins, was among the killed.
4. This defeat checked the progress of the British in South Carolina for awhile, and they turned their attention to encour aging and collecting tho tories, hoping to make a general uprising in the western part of the state. In this they only partially succeeded. Several hundred embodied themselves under Colonel Boyd and passed down the Savannah river to join the British at Augusta. They were intercepted and attacked on the way by Colonel Andrew Piekens with about 300 men near Kettle creek, who defeated them with consider- able loss. Their commander. Colonel Boyd, was killed with about forty of his men. The others were dispersed and scattered all over the country: some fed to North Carolina: many went home and submitted to the State; some were tried by the courts as criminals, having violated the laws of the state: seventy were condemned to death, but five only were executed, th, thers were pardoned.
5. Soon after these events in the early part of the year 1979. the British retreated from Augusta towards Savannah.
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and General Lincoln crossed the river at Augusta and Zubly's Ferry, in two divisions, hoping to be able to hold the upper country and contine the enemy to the sea coast.
6. As part of this movement the American General Ache, with 1,500 North Carolina militia and a few Georgia conti- nent ils, on February 25th. 1779. crossed the river into Georgia and marched down as far as Briar creek. At this place ho was surprised by the British under Lieutenant-Colonel Prevost. and completely routed. This great disaster deprived General Lincoln of che-fourth of his army, and opened the way of communication between the British, Indians, and tories of South and North Carolina.
7. These reverses caused very serious fear, in South Carolina for the safety of the state. The General Assembly innde every effort to strengthen the continental army. Large bounties and emoluments were offered to encourage enlistments. To Jobn Rutledge, the governor. and to his council, were given dietatorial powers. In execution of the power conferred upon them a body of militia was assembled and encampel at Orangeburg, near the centre of the state.
S. From this place Colonel Simmons with 1,000 meu was detsched to re-enforce General Moultrie at Black Swamp. The original plan of operations was resumed. Forces were sent to Black Swamp and Purysburgh to defend Carolina. Lincoln moved up the river to give confidence to the people and to lead into Georgia the Carolina militia commanded by (General Andrew Williamson.
9. While the movements of the Americans were taking place, the British General Prevost crossed the Savannah to Pury-burgh from Abercorn into Carolina with 2.000 men. The American force under Lieutenant-Colonel Macintosh. being too weak to oppose his advance made a timely retreat. Macintosh united bin forros with those of General Moultrie. who changed his quarters and took post at Tulifinny bridge.
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leaving Lieutenant-Colonel Laurens with a small party of continentals and some militia at Coosawhatchie bridge to defend that pass. Laurens did bis duty but was compelled to fall back upon Moubrie, after suffering some loss and being himself severely wounded.
10. General Lincole. believing that Prevost's advance into Carolina towards Charlestown was only intended to draw him out of Georgia, still adhered to his original plan of opera- tions. But the slight opposition Prevost met with determined him to push on towards Charlestown, whatever might have been his original purpose. Had he pushed on rapidly, as be ought to Lave done. there is no doubt that he could easily have taken the city.
11. Rutledge was at Orangeburg. Lincoln was in Georgia, mly Moultrie conld reach the city in time, but his forco alone was not of sufficient strength to save it. But. instead of pushing on rapally. Prevost delayed for two days. Moultrie coached Charlestown on May 9, Rutledge and Harris the next day. Harris had been sent on by General Lincoln.
12. On May 12 the town, having been invested. was sum- moned to surrender and favorable terms were offered. These terius were rejected and the works continued to be strength- ened. "The rejection of the terms of surrender ought to have been followed," says Colonel Henry Lee, "by immediately -forming the place or by retreat. Neither took place. The whole day was spent in negotiation. The correspondence closed with the proposal on our part of neutrality to the town atal state during the war, the peace to fix its ultimate c. coalition."
1. The Batik con ed retired from before the town during the right. His sulfatedwal was no doubt caused by the inter- caplan confirm Geared Lincoln to General Moultrie "immagine hit london, that he was coming to his relief.
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QUESTIONS. - 1. How did South Carolina once more become a frontier state?
2. Who took command of the American forces in the South? Why? Where did Lincoln establish himself ?
3. Where was Major Gardner sent? Who defeated his purpose ?
1. To what did the British now turn their attention? How did they succeed ? What can you say of Colonel Boyd's expedition ? What became of his men ?
5. What movement did General Lincoln make in the early part of 1779? Why?
6. Who was sent into Georgia? Give an account of his defeat and its result.
7. What efforts were made to strengthen the Continental army ?
8. What movements were made by Colonel Simmons? General Lincoln ?
9. What movement did General Prevost make ? - Colonel Macintosh ? What was Colonel Laurens ordered to do? Did he succeed ?
10. What did Lincoln think of Prevost's advance into Carolina ? Was lie correct ?
II. Give the position of the several forces on both sides at this time.
12, When was Charlestown summoned to surrender ? What does Col- onel Henry Lee say of this affair?
13. When did the British retire? Why ?
CHAPTER XXIII.
RETREAT OF PREVOST. BATTLE OF STONO. SIEGE OF SAVANNAH. DEATH OF COUNT PULASKI.
1. About a week after Prevost retired from Charlestown, towards Savannah. occurred the battle of Stono. in which the Americans were defeated. though the loss on both sides was very nearly equal The Americans had 130 killed and wounded. In a few days the British general retired from John's Island and the adjacent mainland ungere sived and passed along the interior navigation route to Georgia
2. Colonel Maitland was left bn frevost at Beaufort. tien oral Lincoln, whose forse was considerably reduced by the
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return home of the militia. stationed himself at Sheldon. where he could conveniently watch Colonel Maitland. Gen- eral Prevost went on to Savannah, at which place he estab. lished himself for the hot summer season. sending Lieutenant- Colonel Cruger with a tory regiment to Sunbury.
3. The British in their retreat to Savannah plundered the country of everything that they could carry away. Houses were burnt, gardens were destroyed. domestic animals were killed or carried away, negroes were lured far from their homes. many of whom were sold to West Indian planters, and many perished miserably of fever and other diseases. The hands of some were chopped off by the soldiers to prevent them from getting into boats that were already full.
4. After the battle of Stono and the distribution of force, as already mentioned. both armies remainel in camp until the arrival of the French fleet on the coast roused all to immediate activity. It was early in September, 1779, that Count De Estaing with a fleet of twenty sail arrived. Gen- eral Lincoln at oneo moved for Savannah, all the militia of South Carolina and Georgia were ordered to ment as soon as possible at the same place. The British were diligent in pre- paring for defence. Lieutenant-Colonel Maitland from Beau- fort and Cruger from Sunbury were ordered to Savannah.
5. As Count De Estaing had several times declared that he could not remain on the coast more than fifteen day -. what "vas to be done by him and General Lincoln had to be done speedily. Savannah was considered an easy prey. and it was thought that in a few days the British would be stripped of all their possessions in South Carolina and Goorgia. The militia turned out with readiness, being confident of speedy success Charlestown sont all the aid possible in the shape of small vessels to assist the French in landing. But as the Freuth ships were large and could not come near the shore the landing was not completed until September 12.
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6. On the 16th the British garrison was summoned to sur- render. They requested twenty-four hours to consider the demand. The request was granted, which was a mistake, as it gave Colonel Maitland time to arrive and unite his forces with those of Prevost. An effort was made to prevent the junction, but it failed.
7. The arrival of Lieutenant-Colonel Maitland with his forces so strengthened the garrison that they concludel to defend the place and risk an assault. The Americans were thus reduced to the necessity of carrying the place by storm. or of taking it by the slow process of siege. On October 4th. the French and Americans opened fire upon the garrison with nine mortars, thirty-seven pieces of cannon from the land side, and sixteen from the water. The firing continued for four or tive days, but did not have much effect.
S. It was then determined to make an assault. On the morning of the oth two feints were made with the country militia. The real attack was then made on the Spring Hill battery by 2,500 French troops, 600 continentals, and 250 Charlestown militia, led by Conut De Estaing and General Lincoln. They advanced with great boldness, but the direct fire from the batteries and the cross fire from the galleys was too hot for them and threw them into some confusion. After remaining unler the galling cross fire for nearly one hour. without carrying the enemy's works, a general retreat was made.
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