USA > South Carolina > Orangeburg County > The history of Orangeburg County, South Carolina : from its first settlement to the close of the Revolutionary War > Part 20
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* "At the Congaree Creek, below Granby".
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and from improper conduct. declarations. and conver- sations of some officers. Capt. Woodward had incau- tiously at enlisting his men, made promises which proved grounds of discontent and disappointment. and yesterday had even the rashness to attempt to be spokesman to us in the hearing of the Rangers in fa- vor of their being found above their pay; and Lieu- tenant Dutarque, also attempted to inveigh against the cruelty of keeping men encamped without tents. Such topics had by these officers frequently been touched upon heretofore, but we have privately given them a lecture upon the subject, and we hope as they heard us in a proper manner, that it will have a good effect. From such sources. however. it is plain the disorder of last night arose. The Rangers were this morning marched from camp to this place, where Mr. Drayton harrangued them upon the disorder of the last night, attributing it to a few disorderly persons. who in this the first instance, would by the Colonel be passed over unnoticed, in hopes such lenity would work a reformation in them. The consequences of a mutinous conduct were described as tending to expose them to the derision of their neighbors and enemies. and to cover them and the whole corps with shame, con- tempt, infamy and ruin, without effecting the public service; for, if they should prove unworthy of the ser- vice, they would certainly be brought to condign pun- ishment, and other and more wortby rangers be found to supply their places. For they ought not to flatter themselves, that because some parts of this country were disaffected, that therefore they could desert and be in places of security. If any should desert they must some time be off their caution and guard, and then they would be seized, for a reward would be put upon their heads-no money would be thought too much to ferret them out wheresoever they should go;
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and dead or alive they would certainly be carried to Charles Town. The situation of America was placed before them. On one side of the question stood almost infinite numbers, supported by wealth and men of learning and abilities to plan and execute measures to evercome their opponents, who, of the Americans were only a few men of little property and less knowledge and abilities to conduct affairs; and they were asked, if they could possibly think there was any safety among such men. The obligation of their oath was strongly insisted upon; and as to provisions, it was declared that the officers would endeavor to en- courage people, of whom many were willing to sup- ply the camp; in which case the soldiers should pur- chase as they pleased in camp, where, when there were any provisions they should not be allowed to go abroad to seek what they could find at home. They were told, they were not now to look for rewards, but that they must expect them when these troubles were over. For, as in the mean time it would be known who'among them behaved with due obedience, and who conducted themselves otherwise; so, all these things in time to come would be remembered by the gentlemen below, who would in private affairs shew to the first all kinds of favors and acts of friendship whenever opportunities should offer; and they would carefully mark the latter, and discountenance and thwart them upon every occasion. This discourse we flatter ourselves had a full effect. They were called upon to say what they pleased; except three men, they were all well satisfied and contented, and showed the most perfect submission. These three were prop- erly checked, and the worst of them severely repri- manded and spoken to in private."
"As well to remove the apprehensions of the Dutch
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settlers as those of the interior parts, that the Rangers were posted here to force measures; and to remove every idea that we came up to issue orders to plunder and lay waste, as well as to allow the soldiers to go home to places of election, and to procure necessaries, and to shew that we place a confidence in their good behavior, we have this day broken up the camp and sent them to their respective homes under their offi- cers, with orders to repair to a new camp in Amelia about thirty miles below this, and to join there on the 18th inst.,* at which place Maj. Mason is likewise un- der orders to appear at the same time with Capt. Pur- vis' Company. For the Major's personal presence in 96 is of disservice to the public affairs."
* *
"With regards to Capt. Polk, we are at present si- lent, but we hope you will not delay to fill up Cap- tain's Commissions for those two vacancies, by pro- moting the two eldest first Lieutenants,+ as in such a case Mr. Heatly will speedily procure full compliments of recruits for and himself. We also beg leave to inform you that a Surgeon's mate is necessary for the Rangers, although there is no provision for such a post by particular act of Congress, yet it may arise
*Here is a copy of one of the orders issued by Col. Thomson to his captains on this occasion: (Gibbes's Documentary History, 1855, page 127.)
"Camp at Mineral Springs, August 7th, 1775.
"Sir :- You are hereby ordered to give your men leave to go to their respective homes, and you are to order them to get their horses re- cruited, and themselves properly equipped, and on the 18th instant you are to rendezvous with your company in Amelia place, known by the name of Flechall's old field, where you are to camp till furth- er orders.
"From the Honorable W. H. Drayton, or
"Your most humble servant,
"Wm. Thomson.
"To Capt. Robert Goodwyn."
+This was presently done.
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from your power, as such an officer is, in our opinion and the Colonel's, necessary for the service. We beg leave to recommend Lieutenant Thomas Charlton, a man of experience and reputation in physic, and who came into the corps under an idea, that there was provision for such an appointment. He is worthy of the first post in that line in the Regiment; but being willing to serve the public in this cause, he is content with the last rank in the way of his profession." *
"P. S. The Rangers perform their exercise at least as well as the Regulars in Charles Town", &c.
Tennent's diary: "Tuesday 8th. Spent the morn- ing in preparing matters, to get people together in dif- ferent parts of the district, crossed Congaree River and rode 5 miles to an election for the Congress, where they refused to proceed, unless we should enlighten them. We found persons had come a great way to oppose the election. Harangued the meeting in turns, until every man was convinced, and the great- est opposer signed the Association and begged pardon for the words he had spoken to the people. Returned and found that Major Mason had come. N. B. This morning about 11 o'clock sent off Lieutenant Dutar- que with the prisoners to Charleston, charged with our dispatches."
Letter from Drayton to Council of Safety: "Congaree, August 9, 1775.
"To the Council of Safety :
"Gentlemen :- This afternoon Mr. Tennent and Col. Richardson sat off upon their progress on the north side of Broad River. Mr. Kershaw, who came from Camden to-day, remains to continue the progress with me, through the fork between Broad and Saluda rivers."
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"This day we procured a German audience by the means of a muster by the order of Col. Thomson, of which we informed you in our last. During our dis- courses, the falling tears from the audience showed that their hearts were penetrated,* and that we might hope for success. In conclusion all who were present signed the Association. except fifteen persons, who mildly desired, nay begged to consider of the af- fair until Friday, when they would certainly meet me at the place of divine service. They have since as- sured me they will subscribe. All persons joined in the election, which we judged it necessary to postpone yesterday and the day before, as no persons appeared; and as we judged we had authority so to do, as such a proceeding tended to compose the people, and bind their obedience to the measures of the Congress by giving them an opportunity of electing Representa- tives after they understood the nature of the dispute in which the British Empire is engaged. I expect a large meeting on Friday next, when I expect equal success; by which the whole Congaree settlement will be made parties in our proceedings. I shall then at- tend two. larger assemblies of the people on Saturday and Sunday; and I have now no doubt of success in the Dutch settlements".+
* * *
"I have drawn an order upon the Council in favor of Mr. John Chesnut for four hundred and five pounds, for four horses purchased by Col. Thomson for the service of the progress".
* "What would I have given to have been a spectator at the Dutch crying bout, with an Hogarth's pencil in hand? one of you certainly must have been vastly moving, whether Tennent or yourself, we are much at a loss to know, for I find you have united the orators under the word we, and thus confounded religion and politics" .- Andrew Marvell to William Henry Drayton.
He had evidently changed his mind about the "Dutch".
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ORANGEBURG COUNTY.
Tennent's diary: "Wednesday 9th. Left here about 7, met a Company of militia and harangued them. They signed the Association and generally promised to meet Mr. Drayton in the Fork. After the meeting I gained over in private the most obstinate. Mr. Ker- shaw now came to us. Major James Mason came through from 96, and gave many melancholy accounts. Having agreed upon our route, we separated and I rode four miles to Mr. Beard's on the Bank of the Sa- luda, a romantic situation Col. Richardson accompa- nies me".
"Thursday August 10th." "Reached Capt. Woodward's of the Rangers after Sun Down, an honest man who informed that his company had uni- versally signed".
Andrew Marvell, Member of Council, to Drayton :* "I have mentioned your request respecting the vacan- cies in the Regulars, and the blank commissions are forwarded to Thomson by this conveyance."
Tennent's diary: "Friday, 19th. Capt. Polk now came. We find that he has laid under some mistake as to his duty" .;
Col. Thomson and the five companies of Captains Wise, Kershaw, Goodwyn, Richardson and Woodward, duly met at the appointed place, "Flechall's old field", where they were soon joined by Maj. Mayson from the Congarees, and by the companies of Captains Imhoff and Heatly. From this camp Col. Thomson moved, by order of Mr. Drayton, to the "Ridge" on September 8th. In the meantime Messrs Drayton and Tennent continued their progress into the up-country, and the
*"Charleston, August 12th."
+He had been charged with treachery.
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extracts here given from various documents, will show how the work continued:
Drayton's letter to the Council of Safety, from Law- son's Fork, August 21, 1775: "I have the honor to ac- knowledge receipt of your letters of 11th and 13th in- stant. They came to hand last night, forwarded by Col. Thomson."
*
* *
*
"I believe Mr. Charleton expected to hold the lieu- tenant's commission together with that of surgeon's mate. I had forgot the resolution of Congress respect- ing one person holding two commissions; but I have acquainted Col. Thomson with the affair, who, with- out doubt, will transmit the explanation you expect.
"I am happy that you approve of my putting off the election at Saxe Gotha; and also that you have direct- ed me to appoint elections for those places where none had been held. In my last of the 16th from King's Creek, I had the honor to acquaint you, that neither of the districts in the Fork, between Broad and Saluda rivers had held any election. For the lower district* I have already acquainted you with the day of election".
* *
"The commissions for the volunteer companies are not come to hand, but I suppose they are with Col. Thomson, who, in all probability, will continue in his new camp until my arrival there."
* * %
"Things wearing so unfavorable an appearance, Colonel Richardson, Mr. Kershaw, Mr. Tennent and myself unanimously, thought it absolutely expedient, to direct Captain Polk to raise an additional troop of rangers immediately to lie on the back of these peo-
*The "lower district" was in Orangeburgh District.
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ple. And Mr. Tennent and myself have given direc- tions accordingly, not doubting but that the necessity of the case will induce you to approve the measure. Captain Polk came to us, appeared much concerned for his past conduct, attributing it to a mistake touch- ing the station of the rangers, which he had thought, had been by the Congress fixed to the back country and frontiers. He has been since active in our favor as a person of influence in his part of the country on the back of Fletchall; his brother is a man of great. influence in Mecklenburgh, and ready to march to our assistance when called upon; and already Fletchall looked upon Captain Polk as an acquisition to his par- ty. Hence, to bind Captain Polk's brother, and all the friends of both to us; to quash Fletchall's expecta- tion from the Captain, and to have a troop of rangers on the back of Fletchall's people to watch their mo- tions, we all thought it absolutely necessary to direct the raising of this additional troop, as we apprehend- ed you would consider Captain Polk's letter and con- duct as a resignation of his commission, and that you had already disposed of it. In short, we have given Captain Polk such a lesson, which he has received with all due submission, as I believe will render him more obedient to orders, than he has been."
* * *
"Within twelve days, I purpose to be at Colonel Thomson's camp, where I think it will be advisable that I should remain till I shall see every spark of in- surrection extinguished; but in regard to this, I shall regulate myself by your orders on the subject which I hope to receive by the time I arrive at the camp".
The following is a copy of a letter from Maj. An- drew Williamson, of the Ninety-Six militia, to Capt. . Caldwell, of the 3rd regiment:
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"White Hall, August 21, 1775.
"Dear Sir :- I just now received a letter from Col. Thompson and Major Mayson, dated the 10th inst .. at the Congarees, informing me that they learn of a body of men going from our regiment and headed by some of the disaffected about Stephen's Creek, to attack Au- gusta. They desire me to give you every intelligence for the defence of Fort Charlotte, that you may be on your guard. I have heard nothing as yet of the above report, but you may depend upon it that if ever they make such an attempt they will have Fort Charlotte in their view.
"I would take the liberty to advise you, if you should hear anything of the above report-that Cap- tain Taylor would order some of his Company to rein- force the post.
"I think it would not be amiss to send one of your men, you can put the most confidence in, to watch the motion of the disaffected about Stephen's Creek, and the Pine-a-wood House. If I learn any thing from this quarter you may depend upon me letting you know immediately-the privater this is kept the better. I this moment send an express from the Council of Safe- ty to Mr. Hammond. Excuse me taking the liberty of dictating to you. I am, dear sir,
"Your most obedient humble servt.,
"A. Williamson.
"Captain John Caldwell, Commandant at Fort Charlotte."
Extracts from a letter written by Mr. Drayton, "At Mr. Hammond's, near Augusta, Aug. 30, 1775":
"By various accounts that I received on the road yesterday afternoon, last night, and this morning, it appears to be a fact that Kirkland# is actually in arms
*Moses Kirkland, of the fork between Broad and Saluda rivers, who. had been elected a captain in the Rangers, but had turned traitor.
₹
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to attack Augusta and Fort Charlotte. The King's men as they are called were summoned to meet yes- terday at a place about twenty miles from hence; they separated last night, and I am informed they will meet again in two or three days. They have' been very diligent in obtaining arms. Cunningham and Brown are of the party.
"In this situation of affairs, by virtue of your letter of the eleventh instant, I have ordered out three com- panies near this place to assemble immediately, and who will be joined by one hundred men from Augusta. I have ordered Major Williamson to march with three hundred men to Harden's Ford on Savannah River about thirty miles above this place. I have also or- dered Col. Thomson to march his Rangers, and as near three hundred militia as he can, and take post at the Ridge; and Col. Richardson, with three hundred men, to take post near the mouth of Enoree, to be a check on Fletchall's people, in case they should show any in- tention of assisting Kirkland".
Mr. Tennent's diary of about the same date says: "This evening our little detachment of 200 men marched about eight miles to. Foxes Creek, having news that. Major Williamson was on his way to 96, and Col. Thomson in full march with the Rangers and Militia to join them".
The following is an order issued by Mr. Tennent to Capt. John Caldwell, commanding a detachment of the 3rd regiment, and some militiamen, at Fort Char- lotte:
"Long Canes, September, 1775.
"To Capt. John Caldwell, at present in Fort Charlotte:
"Sir :- This is to direct you to employ six workmen- to build platforms for fighting the cannon and small arms in the Fort you at present command, and as ex-
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peditiously as possible, to put it into the repair direct- ed by orders from Major Mason, bearing date August 6th, 1775, now in your possession. You are to employ the men under your command to assist the workmen in the labor. You are also ordered to mount two of the best four-pounders on high wheels, that they be fit for either field or fort service, as need may require -shafts and collars being provided for them that they may be easily drawn with horses. For these you are to provide two ammunition boxes, cartridges, fuses. and all that may be needful for a march, and so fitted as to fasten on the carriages. Take great care that no man enter the Fort on any pretence, that you do not know and in whom you cannot place confidence. Be much upon your guard against surprise, especially in the night; for this purpose, as often as convenient, order out advanced sentinels and patrols. You are to clear away the standing corn to some distance from the Fort, and insist that the corn which is left be bladed and topped, nor leave any cover that may hide an enemy. In case of an alarm, and when the ap- proach of an enemy is no longer dubious, you are to fire three cannon towards the thickest settlements as a signal; communicating timely notice of the same to the volunteer and other companies of militia that they may understand it, which companies are hereby ordered immediately to assemble and march under the command of their respective officers to your re- lief, or so to annoy the enemy as the service may re- quire. And, whereas, there is a great scarcity of am- munition among the militia, and an attack from In- dians is to be apprehended, you are directed to give out 150 lbs. weight of the powder. and lead in propor- tion, under your care to the captains of the volunteer and other militia companies in the upper part of this district, who have associated, taking a receipt from
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them, and directing them so to dispose it among their men, as that it may be returned upon demand when it shall be apprehended that the danger is over. But when a supply of fresh powder shall be sent up by the Council of Safety, you are to exchange the fresh pow- der pound for pound for the old powder that you have already given out to as many as offer the same for an exchange. You are also ordered to dismiss your horses for the present, and not hazard your men by a grass guard; but the horses are not to be sent to such a distance as that they cannot be commanded within the space of a day and a half."
From "St. Mathew's Parish, Sept. 10, 1775", Mr. Tennent wrote the following to the "Council of Safety in Savannah": "Being on my return from the frontiers of South Carolina, where the Honorable Mr. Drayton and myself were sent by the Council of Safety of our Province, I think it my duty to acquaint you that there exists in those parts a most dangerous conspira- cy against the lives and liberties of these Colonies. Encouraged by Government and by the tories in your town and in Charlestown they have gone to great lengths. They do not hesitate to boast that they are furnished with ammunition and that even artillery are at their service any day. This I have by a trusty friend from Cunningham's mouth. I have great rea- son to think that they are mistaken when they boast of many thousands ready to come down at the Gover- nor's"signal-but that they have some hundreds actu- ally enlisted, if not under pay, I make not the least doubt. That they depend upon the Cherokee nation to join their camp when it forms, and have great hopes of the Creeks, they do not pretend to keep any longer a secret. I am in possession of an affidavit by which it appears that the malcontents on the frontiers
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expect to gather into forts, and suffer the savages to pass on and massacre the associated inhabitants. By these circumstances, you gentlemen, will see the ne- cessity of an immediate effort to crush the sedition. and save an effusion of innocent blood to the danger of these Provinces, and especially of the aid which you have already given to that important measure. It will be prudent to have at least one thousand five hundred, if not two thousand men, at hand when it is done; and a number not far short of that is, I hope, by this time in motion in the unhappy district."*
Drayton's letter, of Sept. 11th, from Ninety-Six, de- tails fears of an attack by Fletchall. He says; "I im- mediately consulted with Major Mason, Major Wil- liamson, and Capt. Hammond. We had a choice of three steps; to retreat towards Col. Thomson then at the Ridge-to defend Ninety-Six or to march and am- buscade the enemy." After detailing his arrange- ments for resisting this expected attack he goes on: "Fletchall, Brown and Cunningham have been, since the first alarm that I wrote you of, and still are en- deavoring to assemble men, as they yet have no force embodied; it is plain their influence is declining, and that their people are terrified. And this last, I assure you, is a fact. They never dreamed we would take the field; they thought their boast of 4,000 would en- sure their security against us. And I have well grounded information, that the assembling they are now endeavoring to make, is with a view to make terms of accommodation, so as they may be quiet and trade in Charles Town, rather than with any design of fighting. I think Cunningham had only an hun- dred men at the meeting which gave occasion for our
*The regiments of Thomson, Richardson, &c.
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late alarm ;* and even these, I have received certain intelligence, have no determination. In three days I shall begin to march into the heart of Fletchall's quar- ters with about 800 men and 6 pieces of canon. I can now, in all human probability, promise to you, that this cruel opposition will be crushed without blood spilt in battle; and if I shall be unhappily mistaken on this point-the opposition, to all human appear- ance, will be rooted out without risk on our side."
"P. S. I expect Col. Thomson will arrive here to- morrow morning."
How much of a prophet Mr. Drayton was, is shown by the fact that three days later, on September 16th, 1775, a treaty was signed at Ninety-Six, between Drayton and the Tories, whereby the Tories promised to disperse and remain neutral, and to deliver up any one of their number who should in any way violate the treaty. And it was further agreed that, "all per- sons who shall not consider themselves as bound by this treaty must abide by the consequences". Col. Thomson and Capt. Kershaw were present on this oc- casion, and signed as witnesses to the treaty.
The following is extracted from the report which Mr. Drayton sent the next day to the Council of Safe- ty: "On Tuesday I found, that the 100 men Cunning- ham had on Sunday were but the first of a large par- ty that had been summoned to meet at Neal's Mill, about ten miles over Saluda. About 3 o'clock on Tuesday afternoon, I was joined at Ninety-Six by Col. Thomson and a few of his militia. It was Wednesday before I was joined by any of Major Williamson's reg- iment, and it was Thursday before I was joined by
*This is another evidence of the fact that the Tories were few in number.
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any considerable number of it. In the mean time, the enemy increased in numbers, at least as fast as I did, and by the best accounts I could depend upon, they increased faster. Fletchall joined them on Tuesday night. In the mean time, on Tuesday evening I placed all the troops in camp, about three-fourths of a mile from Ninety-Six. I caused the most exact order to be observed, even in an army composed of militia in a manner. The advanced posts are regularly and punctually kept all around the camp; and it is not only surprising, but it must be animating to the peo- ple of this country, that this army, never in service before, and now about 1,100 strong, obey punctually, keep good order in camp, are cheerful and content- even although we have had constant rains since we have been encamped. Till yesterday, this army did not exceed 900 strong, and by the best accounts I could learn, Fletchall's camp removed to about four miles on the other side Saluda, contained from 1,200 to 1,400 badly armed and under no order or command. Our people were impatient to be led against them- but as I saw if I advanced to attack, many lives must be lost, and I found I had a perfect command over our people, and could keep them together as long as I pleased-as I had every reason to think the enemy being under no command. and having no regular sup- plies of provision, and the weather being bad, that they could not keep long together, and that having their greatest influx, their numbers would then ebb and diminish; these considerations determined me. with the perfect approbation of Col. Thomson, Maj. Williamson and Capt. Hammond, to continue en- camped, and to watch their motions. With this view, I put every thing in practice to persuade the enemy that I would persevere in this plan; and, among other devices, I sent a letter directed to Col. Richardson, in
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