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MEMOIRS

OF THE

AMERICAN REVOLUTION

SO FAR AS IT RELATED TO THE

STATES OF NORTH AND SOUTH-CARO-
LINA, AND GEORGIA.

IcOMPILED FROM THE MOST AUTHENTIC MATERIALS, THS
author's personal KN -WLEDGE of THE VARIOUS
EVENTS, AND INCLUDING AN EPISTOLARY
CORRESPONDENCE ON PUBLIC AFFAIRS,
WITH CIVIL AND MILITARY OF-
FICERS, AT THAT PERIOD.

BT WILLIAM MOULTRIEy

LATE GOVERNOR OF THE STATE OF SOUTH-CARO-
LINA, AND MAJOR-GENERAL IN THE ARMY
OF THE UNITED STATES DURING
THE AMERICAN WAR.

VOL. I'

> i * w *-

• ; * *■ *

NEW.-YQRK> •

PRINTED. : «Bt ' DAVid'lGNGWORTH,

FOR THE AUTHOR.

1802.

{Cdpj^right S:cursd.'\

May \^\^

PDBLIC UBRART

/ • • • • e .

• * • I

» ••»•<>••.. ,

South Carolina District, to wit,

BE IT REMEMBERED, that on the sixth
day of May, Anno Domini one thousand, eight hun-
dred and two, and in the twenty-sixth year of the So-
vereignty and Independence of the United States of
America, Major General William Moultrie, of
the said District, hath deposited in this Office the
title of a book, the right whereof he claims as Author,

in tlie following words :

" MEMOIRS

OF THE

AMERICAN REVOLUTION,

So far as it related to the States of

WRTE A ^D SOUTH CAROLINA AND GEORGIA,

By WILL.IAM MOULTRIE,

Late Governor of the State of South Carolina, and

Major General in the Army of the United

States during the American War."

In Conformity .to the Act of the United States,
entitled '"An^Actfyr the eacouT-agement of Learn-
ing by securing ^c Copies^of Maps, Charts and Books
to the Proprietoi-? and Authors of such Copies dur-
ing the tim^.itlicn;in raeationcd."

Thomas Hall,
Clerk of South Carolina District.

PREFACE.

TO THE PEOPLE OF SOUTH CAROLINA
AND GEORGIA.

My Friends and Fellow-Citizens,

riAviNG had the honor of acting a very con-
spicuous part of the revolution of America, in the
states of South Carolina and Georgia, and having a
great many documents by me, the authenticity of
which cannot be doubted, and having read several
authors on t' subject, and found them very defi-
cient, I have taken upon myself that arduous task,
thinking it incumbent on me to hand down to pos-
terity the particulars of this great event : in doing of
which, I shall give a plain detail of facts as they
happened, by extracts, from orders and letters, and
my own knowledge. I shall likewise be constrained
to publish letters from some of my friends, which,
although private, yet they contain so much of the
subject I am writing upon, that I cannot dispense
with them, as they bring to light a number of anec-
dotes which happened in the war, that otherwise
would have been intirely lost. I therefore hope my
friends will pardon the liberty I have taken ; and beg
the candid reader to make allowances for any inac-
curacy that may be in them, as they never were in-
tended for publication, and were WTote in the hurry
and confusion of war.

I A3I the more induced to this undertaking, as I
believe no one else is furnished with such materials,

Vlll

and because whenever the chain shall be broken, for
want of documents, my memory can link them to-
gether and carry on the subject. In the course of
this reading, it will be found how ignorant we were
in the art of war, at the commencement of our revo-
lution.

I MUST acknowledge myself indebted to Doctor
David Ramsay, author of the Revolution of South
Carolina, for many particulars respecting public pa-
pers, which he, at a great deal of pains and trouble,
had collected while I was a prisoner of war.

The original private letters and papers are in the
hands of the author.

MEMOIRS

OF THE

AMERICAN REVOLUTION.

The American Revolution took its rise in Bostons
The people of that Province, being grievously op-
pressed by the British Parliament, who had passed
several laws to restrain their trade, and shut up their
ports ; upon which they had several meetings of the
inhabitants at Boston; and on the 13th of May, 1774,
they came into the following Resolutions :.».« That it

< is the opinion of this town, that if the other Colo-

< nies come into a joint Resolution, to stop all im-

< portation from, and exportation to Great Britain,
« and the West-Indies, till the Acts for blocking this

< harbor be repealed, the same will prove the salva-
^ tion of North America and her liberties : and on
' the other hand if they continue their exports and
« imports, there is high reason to fear, that fraud,
' power, and the most odious oppression, will rise
* triumphant over our just rights, social happi^

< ness, and freedom j and, moreover, that this vote

' be transmitted by the moderator to all our sister
' Colonies, in the name, and in behalf of this town.'
On the vote being received in Charlestown, a
meeting of all the inhabitants then in town was re-
quested to meet at the Corner,* when a great num-
ber was convened, a Chairman was chosen, and the
vote was laid before them. The business was of so
much consequence, that, after some conversation, the
present meeting thought it best to call as many of
the inhabitants together as they could get, by send-
ing expresses to every part of the country to request
their attendance in Charlestown, on the 6th of July,
1774, on business of great importance : accordingly,
on that day, a great number met in Charlestown, un-
der the Exchange ; when they were convened, the
proceedings of the British Parliament against Massa-
chusetts, and the vote of Boston were laid before them :
they then chose a Chairman, and went immediately
into the consideration of what measures should be
adopted : after passing seven or eight Resolves, re-
specting the oppressive Acts of the British Parlia-
ment, they then Resolved, that Henry Middleton,
John Rutledge, Christopher Gadsden, Thomas Lynch,
and Edward Rutledge, Esqrs. be, and they are here-
by appointed Deputies on the part and behalf of

* A large tavern, situated at the N. E. corner of Broad
and Church-streets, commonly called ** The Corner."

this Colony, to meet the Deputies of the several Co-
lonies, in North America, in general Congress, on the
first Monday in September next, in Philadelphia, or
at any other time and place that may be generally
agreed upon ; there to consider of the Acts lately
passed and the Bills pending in Parliament with re-
gard to the port of Boston and the Province of Mas-
sachusetts, &c.

They also Resolved, that a Committee of ninety-
nine persons be now appointed, to act as a General
Committee, to correspond with the Committees of the
other Colonies, and to do all matters and things ne-
cessary to carry those Resolves into execution ; and
that any twenty-one of them met together, should
proceed upon business ; their power to continue till
the next general meeting :... A Committee of ninety-
nine were then chosen from the different Parishes
and Districts, in an adequate proportion.

The Delegates appointed by this Convention short-
ly after sailed for Philadelphia, and were joined by
others from different Provinces, invested with the
same powers, and for the same purposes. Georgia
did not send Deputies to the first meeting of the Co-
lonies.

The Representatives of the several Provinces hav-
ing met, were called a Congress, and they proceeded
to pass sundry Resolves which were binding upon all
the Colonies who had sent Deputies ; and in this

manner was the first Legislative body established in
America, as a general Representation : on the 26th
of October, 1774, the Continental Congress having
finished their business, our Delegates returned home,
and gave an account of what had been done in Con-
gress, to the General Committee ; who, after setting
som.e little time and considering of the Report made
by our Delegates, found matters had become more
serious. They, therefore, determined to call a Pro-
vincial Congress, by sending out Writs of Election
to every Parish and District, to Elect Representa-
tives (agreeably to the Election Law) to meet on the
21th day of January, 1775- After the mode was
agreed upon, they v/ere then at a loss how to appor-
tion the number of Representatives to each Parish
and District: Col. Geo. G. Povvel in the Chair of the
Committee ; Col. Charles Pinckney proposed to give
thirty members to Charlestown, and then he said,
* Let the country take as many as they pleased ;* up-
on which, the country gentlemen, talking over the
matter, they agreed, that six members from each
Parish, would be qiiite sufficient, and as many as
they could get conveniently to attend : except for the
four large Districts, viz. Ninety-six ; between Broad
and Saluda rivers ; and Broad and Catawba rivers ;
and Eastward of Wateree river, should have ten
members each. It was then Resolved, that Charles-
town should send thirty members ; and that each

Parish and District should send the proportion agreed
upon, to the Provincial Congress.

This is the manner in which the Representation
of this Country was established at the Revolution,
without respect to numbers or property : I am well
acquainted with this circumstance, because I was
present when it was agreed upon : it was thought
political and right, to give these large Districts ten
Representatives, the better to unite them with the
lower country ; and as they contained a large extent
of territory, and but few inhabitants, that they should
have a member from every part of their District,
by which their Constitutents might be the better in-
formed about the nature of the dispute with Great
Britain and America, which they could not know,
being settled so far from the Capital, and from each
other; by this mode, our Representation was increas-
ed from 49 to 184: accordingly, the General Com-
mittee sent out Writs for electing members, agreea-
bly to the Election Law, to some influential gentle-
men in every Parish and District throughout the
Province, for the Representatives elected to meet in
Charlestown, on the 1 1th of January, 1775. On the
Writs being returned to the General Committee:
the following gentlemen* wxre elected for the dif-
ferent Parishes and districts.

* Most of the members of the House of Assembl/, in the
King's government, were Elected members of the Provincial
Congress,

JOURNALS

OF THE

PROVINCIAL CONGRESS

OF SOUTH-CAROLINA.

A LIST

or THE SEVERAL MEMBERS OF THE PROVINCIAL

CONGRESS, HELD AT CHARLESTOWN, IN

SOUTH-CAROLINA, ON THE ELEVENTH

DAY OF JANUARY, 1775.

For the Parish of St. Philip arxd St. Michael,
Charlestown....CoI. Charles Pinckney, Mr. John
Neufville, Roger Smith, Esq. Mr. Peter Bacot, Mr.
Daniel Cannon, Col. Henry Laurens, Mr. Thomas
Corbett, Thomas Heyward, jun. Esq. Christ. Gads-
den, Esq. Isaac Huger, Esq. Thomas Savage, Esq.
John Edwards, Esq. Miles Brewton, Esq. Peter
Timothy, Mr. Joseph Verree, Arthur Middleton, Esq.
Mr. Edward VVeyman, Mr. John Ernest Poyas, Mr.
Anthony Toomer, Mr. Cato Ash, Mr. James Brown,
Mr. Daniel Legare, sen. Mr. Joshua Lockwood, Capt.
Owen Roberts, Mr. Theodore Trezevant, Mr. Mark
Morris, Rev. Mr. Wm. Tennent, Mr. John Ber-
v/ick, Mr. Felix Long, Mr. Michael Kalteisen.

For the Parish of Christ-Church.... John Rutledge,
Esq. Am. Vanderhorst, Esq. Clement Lemprierre,

Esq. John Sand. Dart, Esq. Gabriel Capers, Esq.
Mr. Isaac Legare.

For St. John's, Berkley-County....James Ravenell,
Daniel Ravenell, Job Marion, John Frierson, Esqrs.
Mr. Gabr. Gignilliat, Mr. Francis Marion.

For St. Andrew's....William Scott, Thomas Bee,
William Cattell, Esqrs. Col. Thomas Fuller, Capt.
Benjamin Stone, Isaac Rivers, Esq.

For St. George, Dorchester....David Oliphant,
Benjamin Waring, William Sanders, John Mat-
thewes, jun. Esqrs. Mr. Richard Waring, Mr. Rich-
ard Walter.

For St. James', Goose-Creek....Thomas Smith,
sen. Esq. Col. Benjamin Singleton, John Parker,
Benjamin Smith, John Izard, John Wright,
Esqrs.

For St. Thomas, and St. Dennis.... James Aiken,
Isaac Harlestown, John Huger, John Moore, Wil-
liam Parker, John Syme, Esqrs.

For St. Paul's.. ..Thomas Ferguson, Benjamin
Elliot, George Haig, Charles Elliott, Robert Wil-
liams, Robert Ladson, Esqrs.

For St. Bartholomew's.... Hon. Rawlins Lowndes,
Col. James Parsons, William Skirving, Esq. Philip
Smith, Esq. James Skirving, jun. Esq. Mr. Ed-
mund Hyrne.

For St. HeIena....Mr. Thomas Rutledge, Mr.
John Barnwell, jun. Mr. Dan. Heyward, jun. Capt.

John Joyner, Mr. Daniel De Saussure, Col. William
Moultrie.

For St. James', Santee.... Colonel Daniel Horry,
Paul Douxsaint, Esq. Thomas Horry, Edward Jer-
man, Thomas Lynch, jun. Capers Boone, Esqrs.

For Prince George's, Winyah... .Thomas Lynch,
Elias Horry, jun. Benjamin Huger, Joseph Allston,
Benjamin Young, Esqrs. Mr. Paul Trapier, jun.

For Prince Frederick's... .Theo. Gaillard, Thos.
Porte, Esqrs. Capt. Adam M'Donald, Mr. Anthony-
White, Mr. Samuel Richbourg, Mr. Benjamin Scre-
ven.

For St, John's, Colleton County.. ..William Gibbes,
Charles C. Pinckney, Thomas Evance, Esqrs. Mr.
Thomas Legare, jun. Capt. Thomas Tucker, Mr.
Benjamin Jenkins.

For St. Peter's, Purrysburg....Col. Stephen Bull,
William Williamson, Esq. Cornelius Dupont, Gide-
on Dupont, Thomas Middleton, Esqrs. Mr. Philo-
theos Chiffelle.

For Prince William's. ...Col. Benjamin Garden,
Isaac Motte, Esq. John Ward, John Bull, William
Bull, Isaac Macpherson, Esqrs.

For St. Stephen's.... John Gaillard, Philip Porcher,
Esq. Peter Sinckler, Charles Cantey, Gabriel Mari-
on, Esqrs. Mr. James Sinckler.

For St. Marks's, viz. 1 Ninety-Six District... .Col.
John Savage, Col. James Mayson, Major And.

Williamson, Le Roy Hammond, Esq. Patrick Cal-
houn, John Lewis Gervais, Edward Rutledge, John
Purves, Richard Rapely, Esqrs. Mr. Francis Salva-
dor.

For the District between Broad and Saluda
rivers.... Major John Caldwell, John Colcock, Row-
land Rugely, Esq. Jonathan Downes, Esq. Mr John
Satterthwaite, Mr. James Williams, Mr. John Wil-
liams, Mr. John M'Nees, Mr. Charles King, Mr.
George Ross.

For the District between Broad and Catawba
rivers....Hon. Henry Middleton, John Chesnut, Esq.
Robert Goodwin, John Winn, Henry Hunter, Esqrs.
Mr. Thomas Woodward, Mr. Thomas Taylor, Mr.
John Hopkins, Mr. William Howell.

For the District Eastward of Wateree river.. ..Col.
Richard Richardson, Jos. Kershaw, Esq. Mathew
Singleton, Thomas Sumpter, Aaron Loocock, Wil-
liam Richardson, Robert Patton, Esqrs- Mr. Robert
Carter, Mr. William Wilson, Mr. Ely Kershaw.

For Saxa Gotha District.. ..Hon. William Henry
Drayton, Hon. Barnard Elliott, Benjamin Farrar,
Esq. William Arthar, Jonas Beard, William Tucker,
Esqrs.

For the Parish of St. Mathew,. ..Col. Tacitus
Gaillard, Col. W^illiam Thomson, Rev. Mr. Paul
Turquand, Mr. John Caldwell, Mr. George King,
'Mr. Simon Berwick.

VOL. I. c

For St. David's....Hon. G. G Powell, Claudius
Pegues, Esq. H. W. Harrington, Alex. M'Intosh,
Samuel Wise, Esqrs. Col. George Pawley.

EXTRACTS.

On the 1 1th day of January, 1775, the gentlemen
f.ho, on the 19th ultimo, and 9th instant, had been
elected Deputies, by such of the inhabitants of this
Colony as were qualified to vote for members of the
Commons House of Assembly, met in Provincial
Congress, at Charlestown, where

They unanimously chose Col. Charles Pinck-
^•ET, to be their President.

And Peter Timothy, a member, to be their Secre-
tary.

The Congress then proceeded to take under con-
sideration the important affairs of the Colony, and
the present critical situation of America : and hav-
ing deliberated thereon for seven days, they, in that
time, entered into several necessary resolutions, and
formed many useful regulations ; of which the fol-
lowing were ordered to be printed and made public.

Ordered, That the American bill of rights,
as declared by the Continental Congress, be taken
into immediate consideration.

THE BILL OF RIGHTS.

< Whereas, since the close of the last war, the
British Parliament, claiming a power of right, to
bind the people of America, by statute, in all cases
whatsoever, hath in some acts expressly imposed
taxes on them, and in others, under various preten-
ces, but in fact for the purpose of raising a revenue,
hath imposed rates and duties payable in these Colo-
nies, established a board of commissioners with un=
constitutional powers, and extended the jurisdic-
tion of courts of admiralty, not only for collecting
the said duties, but for the trial of causes merely
arising within the body of a County.

* And, whereas, in consequence of other statutes,
judges, who before held only estates at will in their
offices, have been made dependant on the crown
alone for their salaries, and standing armies kept in
times of peace. And, whereas, it has lately been re-
solved in Parliament, that by force of a statute, made
in the thirty-fifth year of the reign of King Henry
the Eighth, colonists may be transported to England
and tried there upon accusations for treasons and
misprisions, or concealments of treasons committed
in the Colonies ; and by a late statute, such trials have
been directed in cases therein mentioned.

* And, Whereas, in the last session of Parliament,

three statutes were made: one intitled, ' An Act to
discontinue m such manner, and for such time as
are therein mentioned, the landing and discharging,
lading or shipping of goods, wares and merchan-
dize, at the town, and within the harbor of Boston,
in the province of Massachusetts-Bay, in North
America.*' Another intitled, " An Act for the bet-
ter regulating the government of the Province of
the Massachusetts-Bay, in New- England.* And an-
other intitled, * An Act for the impartial administra-
tion of justice, in the cases of persons questioned
for any act done by them in the execution of the
law, or for the suppression of riots and tumults, in
the Province of the Massachusetts-Bay, in New-
England.* And another statute was then made,
For making more effectual provision for the govern^-
ment of the Province of Quebec, 8cc.* All which
statutes are impolitic, unjust, and cruel, as well as
pnconstitutional, and most dangeroijs and destructive
of American rights.

< And, whereas, assemblies have been frequently
dissolved, contrary to the rights of the people, when
they attempted to deliberate on grievances ; and
their dutiful, humble, loyal, and reasonable petitions
to the crown for redress, have been repeatedly treat-
ed with contempt by his majesty's ministers of state.

< The good people of the several Colonies of New-
Hampshire, Massachusetts-Bay, Rhode-Island and

Providence Plantations, Connecticut, New-Yorkj New-
Jersey, Pennsylvania, Newcastle, Kent, and Sussex?
upon Delaware, Maryland, Virginia, North-Carolina,
and South-Carolina, justly alarmed at these arbitrary
proceedings of Parliament and administration, have
severally elected, constituted, and appointed Depu-
ties to meet and sit in general Congress in the city
of Philadelphia, in order to obtain such establish^
ment, as that their religion, laws, and liberties may
not be subverted : whereupon the deputies so ap-
pointed being now assembled, in a full and free Re-
presentation of these Colonies, taking into their most
serious consideration the best means of attaining the
ends aforesaid, do in the first place, as Englishmen,
their ancestors, in the like cases have usually done,
for asserting and vindicating their Rights and Li-
berties, Declare,

< That the inhabitants of the English Colonies in
North America, by the immutable laws of nature,
the principles of the English constitution, and the
several charters or compacts, have the following
Rights........

< Resolved, N. C. D. I. That they are entitled to
life, liberty, and property : and they have never ceded
to any sovereign power whatever, a right to dispose
of either without their consent.

'Resolved, N. C D. II. That our ancestors, who
first settled these Colonies, were at the time of their

emigration from the mother country, entitled to all
the rights, liberties, and immunities of free and na-
tural born subjects, within the realm of England.

'Resolved, N. C. D. III. That by such emi-
gration, they by no means forfeited, surrendered, or
lost any of those rights, but that they were, and their
descendants now are, entitled to the exercise and en-
joyment of all such of them, as their local and other
circumstances enable them to exercise and enjoy.

< Resolved, IV. That the foundation of English
liberty and of all free government, is a right in the
people to participate in their Legislative Council :
and as the English Colonists are not represented, and
from their local and other circumstances cannot pro-
perly be represented in the British Parliament, they
are entitled to a free and exclusive power of legisla-
tion in their several Provincial Legislatures, where
their right of representation can alone be preserved,
in all cases of taxation and internal polity, subject,
only to the negative of their sovereign, in such man-
ner as has been heretofore used and accustomed : but
from the necessity of the case, and a regard to the
mutual interests of both countries, we cheerfully con-
sent to the operation of such acts of the British Par-
liament, as are bona fide, restrained to the regulation
of our external commerce, for the purpose of secur-
ing the commercial advantages of the whole empire
to the mother country, and the commercial benefits

of its respective members, excluding every idea of
taxation internal or external, for raising a revenue
on the subjects in America without their consent.

'Resolved, N. C. D. V. That the respective
Colonies are entitled to the common law of England,
and more especially to the great and inestimable
priviledge of being tried by their peers of the vicinage,
according to the course of that law.

' Resolved, VI. That they are entitled to the be-
nefit of such of the English statutes, as existed at the
time of their Colonization; and which they have, by
experience, respectively found to be applicable to their
several local and other circumstances.

' Resolved, N. C. D. VII. That these, his Ma-
jesty's Colonies are likewise entitled to all the immu-
nities and privileges granted and confirmed to them
by royal charters, or secured by their several codes of
Provincial Laws.

< Resolved, N. C. D. VIII. That they have a
right peaceably to assemble, consider of their griev-
ances, and petition the King ; and that all prosecu-
tions, prohibitory proclamations, and commitments
for the same, are illegal.

< Resolved, N. C. D. IX. That the keeping a
standing army in these Colonies, in times of peace,
without the consent of the Legislature of that Colony
in which such army is kept, is against law.

* Resolved, N. C. D. X. It is indispensibly ne-

cessary to a good government, and rendered essential
by the English Constitution, .that the constituent
branches of the Legislature* be independent of each
other; that, therefore, the exercise of legislative pow-
er in several Colonies, by a council appointed, during
pleasure, by the crown, is unconstitutional, dangerous,
and destructive to the freedom of American Legis-
lation.

* All, and each of v/hich, the aforesaid Deputies in
behalf of themselves, and their constituents, do claim,
demand, and insist on, as their indubitable rights and
liberties ; which cannot be legally taken from them,
altered or abridged, by any power whatever, without
their own consent, by their Representatives in their
several Provincial Legislatures.

* In the course of our inquiry, we find many in-
fringements and violations of the foregoing rights ;
which, from an ardent desire that harmony and mu-
tual intercourse of affection and interest may be re-
stored, we pass over for the present, and proceed to
state such acts and measures as have been adopted
since the last war, which demonstrate a system formed
to enslave America.

< Resolved, N. C. D. That the following acts of
Parliament are infringements and violatior^s of the
rights of the Colonists ; and that the repeal of them is
essentially necessary, in order to restore harmony be-
tween Great-Britain and the American Coloniesj viz.

The several acts of 4 Geo. III. ch. 15. and ch. 34,...
5 Geo. III. ch. 25....6 Geo. III. ch. 52....7 Geo. III.
ch. 41. and ch. 46....8 Geo. III. ch. 22, which impose
duties for the purpose of raising a revenue in America,
extend the powers of the admiralty courts beyojid
their ancient limits, deprive the American subject of
trial by jury, authorise the judge's certificate to indem-
nify the prosecutor from damages, that he might
otherwise be liable to, requiring oppressive security
from a claimant of ships and goods seized, before he
shall be allowed to defend his property, and are sub-
versive of American Rights.

• Also, 12 Geo. III. ch. 24. intitled, * An act for
* the better seciu'ing his Majesty's dock-yards, maga^
<zines, ships, ammunition, and stores.* Which de-
clares a new offence in America, and deprives the
American subject of a constitutional trial by jury of
the vicinage, by authorising the trial of any person
charged with the committing any offence described
in the said act out of the realm, to be indicted and
tried for the same in any shire or county within the
realm.

' Also, the three acts passed in the last session of
Parliament, for stopping the port and blocking up the
harbor of Boston, for altering the charter and go-
vernment of Massachusetts-Bay, and that which is
intitled, ' An act for the better administration of
* justice,' &c.

VOL. X, »

' Also, the act passed in the same session, for esta-
blishing the Roman Catholic religion in the Province
of Quebec, abolishing the equitable system of Eng-
lish Laws, and erecting a tyranny there, to the great
danger, from so total a dissimularity of religion, law,
and government, to the neighboring British Colonies,
by the assistance of whose blood and treasure, the
said country was conquered from France.

' Also, the act passed in the same session for the
better providing suitable quarters for officers and sol-
diers in his Majesty's service in North-America.

< Also, that the keeping a standing army in seve-
ral of these Colonies, in time of peace, without the
consent of the Legislature of that Colony in which
such army is kept, is against law.*

Resolved, That this Congress do approve the
above declaration of American Rights.

Ordered, That the Association formed by the
late Continental Congress, be taken into immediate
consideration.

THE ASSOCIATION.

* We his Majesty's most loyal subjects, the dele-
gates of the several Colonies of New-Hampshire,
Massachusetts-Bay, Rhode-Island, Connecticut, New-
York, New- Jersey, Pennsylvania, the three Lov/er
Counties of Newcastle, Kent, and Sussex on Dela-
ware, Maryland, Virginia, North-Carolina, and South-
Carolina, deputed to represent them, in a Continen-
tal Congress, held in the city of Philadelphia, on the
fifth day of September, 1774, avowing our allegiance
to his Majesty, our affection and regard for our fel-
low-subjects in Great Britain and elsewhere, aifect-
ed with the deepest anxiety, and most alarming ap-
prehensions at those grievances and distresses, with
which his Majesty's American subjects are oppress-
ed, and having taken under our most serious delibe-
ration, the state of the whole continent, find that the
present unhappy situation of our affairs, is occasion-
ed by a ruinous system of Colony-administration,
adopted by the British ministry about the year 1763,
evidently calculated for enslaving these Colonies, and,
with them, the British Empire. In prosecution of
which system, various Acts of Parliament have been
passed for raising a Revenue in America, for depri-
ving the American subjects, in many instances, of

the constitutional trial by jury, exposing^ their lives
to danger, by directing a new and illegal trial beyond
the seas, for crimes alleged to have been committed
in America : And in prosecution of the same system,
several late, cruel, and oppressive Acts have been
passed respecting the town of Boston and the Massa-
chusetts-Bay, and also an Act for extending the Pro-
vince of Quebec, so as to border on the western fron-
tiers of these Colonies, establishing an arbitrary go-
vernment therein, and discouraging the settlement
of British subjects in that wide extended country ;
thus, by the influence of civil principles and ancient
prejudices to dispose the inhabitants to act with hos-
tility against the free Protestant Colonies, whenever
a wicked Ministry shall chuse so to direct them.

* To obtain redress of these grievances, which
threaten destruction to the lives, liberty, and proper-
ty of his Majesty's subjects in North- America, we
are of opinion, that a non-importation, non-consump-
tion, and non-exportation agreement, faithfully ad-
hered to, will prove the most speedy, effectual, and
peaceable measure :....And therefore we do, for our-
selves, and the inhabitants of the several Colonies,
whom we represent, firmly agree and associate under
the sacred ties of virtue, honor, and love of our coun-.
try, as follows:

« I. That from and after the first day of Decern-
her next, we will not import into British- America

from Great Britain or Ireland, any goods, wares, or
merchandize whatsoever, or from any other place
any such goods, wares, or merchandize, as shall have
been exported from Great Britain or Ireland ; nor
will we, after that day, import any East-India tea
from any part of the world ; nor any molasses, syr-
ups, paneles, coffee, or pimento, from the British
plantations, or from Dominica; nor wines from Ma-'
deira, or the Western Islands ; nor foreign Indigo.

* II. We will neither import, nor purchase any
slave imported after the first day of December next,
after which time, we will wholly discontinue the
slave-trade, and will neither be concerned in it our-
selves, nor will we hire our vessels, nor sell our com-
modities or manufactures to those who are concern*
ed in it.

< III, As a non* consumption agreement, strictly
adhered to, will be an effectual security for the ob-
servation of the. non-importation, we, as above, so-
lemnly agree and associate, that from this day, we
will not purchase or use any tea imported on account
of the East-India Company, or any on whicS* a duty
hath been or shall be paid ; and from and after the
first day of March next, we will not purchase or
use any East-India tea whatever, nor will we, nor
shall any person for or mider us, purchase or use
any of those goods, wares, or merchandize, we have
agreed not to import, which we shall know, or have

cause to suspect, were imported after the first day of
December, except such as come under the rules and
directions of the tenth article hereafter mentioned.

* IV. The earnest desire we have, not to injure
our fellow-subjects in Great-Britain, Ireland, or the
West-Indies, induces us to suspend a non-exportation
until the tenth day of September, 1775; at which
time, if the said acts and parts of acts of the British
Parliament, herein after mentioned, are not repealed,
we will not, directly, or indirectly, export any mer-
chandize or commodity whatsoever, to Great-Britain,
Ireland, or the West-Indies, except Rice to Europe.
^ V. Such as are merchants, and use the British
and Irish trade, will give orders, as soon as possible,
to their factors, agents, and correspondents, in Great-
Britain and Ireland, not to ship any goods to them
on any pretence whatsoever, as they cannot be recei-
ved in America; and if any merchant residing in
Great Britain or Ireland, shall directly or indirectly
ship any goods, wares, or merchandize, for America,
in order to break the said non-importation agreement,
or in aay manner contravene the same, on such un-
worthy conduct being well attested, it ought to be
made public : and, on the same being so done, we
* will not from thenceforth have any commercial con-
nexion with such merchant.

' VI. That such as are o^^Tiers of vessels will give
positive orders to their captains, or masters, not to

t'
31

receive on board their vessels any goods prohibited
by the said non- importation agreement, on pain of
immediate difmission from their service.

* VII. We will use our utmost endeavors to improve
the breed of sheep, and encrease their number to the
greatest extent, and to that end, we will kill them as
sparingly as may be, especially those of the most
profitable kind ; nor will we export any to the West-
Indies, or elsewhere ; and those of us who are, or
may become overstocked with, or can conveniently
spare any sheep, will dispose of them to our neighbors,
especially to the poorer sort, on moderate terms.

' VIII. We will in our several stations, encourage
frugality, economy, and industry ; and promote agri-
culture, arts, and the manufactures of this country,
especially that of wool ; and will discountenance, and
discourage, every species of extravagance and dissi-
pation, especially all horse-racing, and all kinds of
gaming, cock-fighting, exhibitions of shews, plays,
and other expensive diversions and entertainments.
And on the death of any relation or friend, none of
us, or any of our families will go into any further
mourning dress, than a black crape or ribbon on the
arm or hat for gentlemen, and a black ribbon and
necklace for ladies, and we will discontinue the giv-
ing of gloves and scarfs at funerals.

' IX. Such as are venders of goods or merchan-
dize, will not take advantage of the scarcity of goods

that may be occasioned by this association, but will
sell at the same rates we have been respectively ac-
customed to do, for twelve months last past.. ..And
if any vender of goods or merchandize, shall sell any
such goods on higher terms, or shall in any manner,
or by any device whatsoever, violate or depart from
this agreement, no person ought, nor will any of us
deal with any such person, or his, or her factor or
agent, at any time thereafter, for any commodity
whatever.

< X. In case any merchant, trader, or other per»
sons shall import any goods or merchandize after the
first day of December, and before the first day of
February next, the same ought forthwith, at the elec-
tion of the owner, to be either reshipped or delivered
up to the Committee of the County, or town where-
in they shall be imported, to be stored at the risk of
the importer, until the non-importation agreement
shall cease, or be sold under the direction of the
Committee aforesaid ; and in the last mentioned case,
the owmer or owners of such goods, shall be reim-
bursed (out of the sales) the first cost and charges?
the profit if any, to be applied towards relieving and
employing such poor inhabitants of the town of Eos-
ton, as are immediate sufferers by the Boston Port-
Bill ; and a particular account of ail goods so returned,
stored, or sold, to be inserted in the public papers ;
and if any goods? or merchandizes shall be imported

after the said first day of February, the same ought
forthwith to be sent back again, without breaking
any of the packages thereof.

< XI. That a Committee be chosen in every county,
city, and town, by those who are qualified to vote for
Representatives in the Legislature, whose business it
shall be attentively to observe the conduct of all per-
sons touching this association ; and when it shall be
made to appear to the satisfaction of a majority of
any such Committee, that any person within the li-
mits of their appointment has violated this association,
that such majority do forthwith cause the truth of the
case to be published in the Gazette, to the end, that
all such foes to the rights of British America may be
publicly known, and universally contemned as the
enemies of American liberty ; and thenceforth we re-
spectively will break oiF all dealings with him or her^
^ XII. That the Committee of correspondence in
the respective Colonies do frequently inspect the en=
tries of their custom-houses, and inform each other
from time to time of the true state thereof, and of
every other material circumstance that may occur
relative to this association.

' XIII. That all manufactures of this country be
sold at reasonable prices, so that no undue advantage
be taken of a future scarcity of goods.

' XIV". And we do further agree and resolve, that
we will have no trade, commerce, dealings, or inter-

VOL. I. E •

course whatsoever, with any Colony or Province
in North- America, which shall not accede to, or which
shall hereafter violate this Association, but will hold
them as unworthy of the rights of freemen, and as
inimical to the liberties of their country.

' And we do solemnly bind ourselves and our con-
stituents, under the ties aforesaid, to adhere to this
Association until such parts of the several acts of
Parliament passed since the close of the last war, as
impose or continue duties on tea, wine, molasses, sy-
rups, paneles, coffee, sugar, pimento, indigo, foreign
paper, glass, and painter's colors, imported into
America, and extend the powers of the admiralty
courts beyond their ancient limits, deprive the Ame-
rican subject of trial by jury, authorise the judge's
certificate to indemnify the prosecuter from damages,
that he might otherwise be liable to, from a trial by
his peers, requires oppressive security from aclai"
mant of ships or goods seized, before he shall be al-
lowed to defend his property, are repealed.. ..And un-
til that part of the act of the 12 G. 3. ch. 24. entit-
led' An Act for the better securing his Majesty's dock-
yards, magazines, ships, ammunition, and stores;' by
which, any persons charged with committing any of
the offences therein described', in America, may be
tried in any shire or county within the realm, is re-
pealed.... And until the four acts passed in the last
Session of Parliament, viz. that for stopping the port

and blocking up the harbor of Boston... That for al-
tering the charter and government of the Massachu-
setts-Bay... And that which is intitled, ' An Act for
the better administration of justice, &c.*...And that
< For extending the limits of Quebec, &c.' are re-
pealed. And we recommend it to the Provincial
Conventions, and to the Committees in the respective
Colonies, to establish such farther regulations as they
may think proper, for carrying into execution this
Association.

* The foregoing Association being determined
upon by the Congress, was ordered to be subscribed
by the several members thereof; and thereupon we
^ave hereunto set our respective names accordingly.

In Congress, Philadelphia, Oct. 20, 1774.
Signedy
Peyton Randolph, Presidents

New-Hampshire. John Sullivan, Nathaniel
Folsom.

Massachusetts-Bay. Thomas Cushing, Samr
Adams, John Adams, Robert Treat Paine.

Rhod e-Islan D. Stephen Hopkins, Samuel Ward^

Connecticut. Eliphalet Dyer, Roger Sherman,
Silas Deane.

New-York. Isaac Low, John Alsop, John Jay,
James Duane, William Floyd, Henry Weisner, S«
Boerum.

New- Jersey- James Kinsey, William Living*
3ton, Stephen Crane, Richard Smith.

Pennsylvania. Joseph Galloway, John Dick=
inson, Charles Humphreys, Thomas MifRin, Ed-
ward Biddle, John Morton, George Ross.

New-Castle, Sec. Czesar Rodney, Thomas
M'Kean, George Read.

Maryland. Mathew Tilghman, Thomas John°
son, William Paca, Samuel Chase.

Virginia. Richard Henry Lee, George Wash-
ington, P. Henry, jun. Richard Bland, Benjamin
Harrison, Edmund Pendleton.

North-Carolina. William Hooper, Joseph
Hews, R. Caswell.

South -Carol IN a. Henry Middleton, Thomas
Lynch, Christopher Oadsden, John Rutledge, Ed-
ward Rutledge.

Resolved, That this Congress do approve the
American Association.

Ordered, That the Resolutions of the late Con-
tinental Congress, on the 10th of September last, and
the 1st, 2d, 4th, and 6th Resolutions of the said
Congress on the 14th of October last, be taken into
immediate consideration.

The Resolutions above rejerred to*

'Resolved unanimously, That this Assembly
deeply feels the suffering of their countrymen in
the Massachusetts-Bay, under the operation of the

late unjust cruel and oppressive acts of the British
Parliament.. .that they most thoroughly approve the
wisdom and fortitude, with which opposition to these
wicked ministerial measures has hitherto been con-
ducted, and they earnestly recommend to their breth-
ren, a perseverance in the same firm and temper-
ate conduct, as expressed in the resolutions deter-
mined upon at a meeting of the Delegates for the
county of Suffolk, on Tuesday the 6th instant, trust-
ing that the effect of the united efforts of North-
America, in their behalf, will carry such conviction
to the British nation of the unwise, unjust and ruin-
ous policy of the present administration, as quickly
to introduce better men and wiser measures.

' Resolved unanimously, That contributions
from all the Colonies for supplying the necessities,
and alleviating the distresses of our brethren at
Boston, ought to be continued, in such manner, and
so long as their occasions may require.

< Resolved, That this Congress do approve of the
opposition made by the inhabitants of Massachusetts-
Bay, to the execution of the late Act of Parliament ;
and if the same shall be attempted to be carried into
execution by force, in such case all America ought
to support them in their opposition.

« Resolved, That it is the opinion of this body,
that the removal of the people of Boston into the
country, would be, not only extremely difficult in the

execution, but so important in its consequences, as
to require the utmost deliberation before it is adopt-
ed. But in case the provincial meeting of that
Colony shall judge it absolutely necessary, it is
the opinion of this Congress, that all America ought
to contribute towards recompensing them for the in-
jury they may thereby sustain ; and it will be recom-
mended accordingly.

< Resolved unanimously, That every person,
or persons whomsoever, who shall take, accept, or
act under any commission or authority, in anywise
derived from the act passed in the last Session of
Parliament, changing the form of government and
violating the charter of the Provinces of the Massa-
chusetts-Bay, ought to be held in detestation and ab-
horrence by all good men, and considered as the
wicked tools of that despotism, which is preparing
to destroy those rights, which God, nature, and com-
pact have given to America.

< Resolved, That the seizing, or attempting to
seize, any person in America, in order to transport
such person beyond the sea, for trial of offences
committed within the body of a county in America,
being against law, will justify, and ought to meet
with resistance and reprisal.*

Resolved, That this Congress do approve the

above resolutions of the late Continental Congress.

Ordered, That the President do return the most

cordial and grateful thanks of this Congress, to each
of the late Delegates from this Colony to the late
Continental Congress, for their able and faithful dis-
charge in the said Congress, of the high trust repos-
ed in them by their Country. And the same was
done accordingly.

Resolved, That the unfeigned thanks of every
American, are justly due to the worthy and patriotic
members of the late Continental Congress, held
at Philadelphia, for their wise and spirited exertions
in behalf of American Liberty : And the representa-
tives of this Colony now met in Provincial Congress,
do hereby, in behalf of themselves, and in the names
of their constituents, unanimously express their sense
of the great services rendered them by those impor-
tant proceedings.

Ordered, That the Rev. Mr. Turquand, a
member, be desired to celebrate divine service in
Provincial Congress.

Resolved, That the President do return the
thanks of the Congress, to the Rev. Mr. Turquand,
rector of St. M athew's Parish, for his devout and
pious performance of divine service before the Con-
gress. And the same was done accordingly.

Resolved, That it be recommended, by this
Congress, to the inhabitants of this Colony, that they
give a preference to their own flour and ether manu-

factures : and that such articles be sold at reason-
able rates.

Resolved. That it is the unanimous opinion of
this Congress, that no action for any debt shall be
commenced in the court of Common Pleas of this
Colony, nor any such action pending there, which
was commenced since last September Return, be pro-
ceeded in without the consent of the Committee of
the Parish or District, in which the defendant resides,
until it shall be otherwise determined in Provincial
Congress. That the said Committees respectively,
or a majority of such of them as shall meet (provided
they are not less than three in the country Parishes
and districts) do upon application give permission,
for the bringing or proceeding on such suits, in the
following cases, that is to say, where the debtors re-
fuse to renew their obligations, or to give reasonable
secur'ty, or are justly suspected of intentions to
leave the Pitjvince, or to defraud their creditors, or
y/here there shall appear to the majority of such
Committees as aforesaid, any other reasonable cause
for the granting such permission ; which Commit-
tees shall meet and sit on the first and third Sa-
turdays in every month, at 12 o'clock at noon, or of-
tener, if it shall be found necessary, for the purpose
of hearing and determining on such applications.
That seizures and sales upon mortgages shall be con-

sidered on the same footing as actions for debts.
That it be rs commended to the Committees for each
Parish and District, that they use their best endeavors
to prevent any debtors from removing their effects
out of the Colony, v/ithout the knowledge and con-
sent of their creditors. That the Congress will in^
demnify the Committees for so doing. And that no
summons shall be issued by any magistrate, in small
and mean causes, without the like consent.

Resolved, That any eleven members of the
Charleslown Committee, shall be a sufficient num-
ber to receive and determine upon applications rela-
tive to the issuing of writs and process, and proceed-
ing on suits and mortgages, in the Parishes of Su
Philip and St. Michael.

Resolved, That the following gentlemen be the
Committees for the several Districts and Parishes
herein after mentioned, for effectually carrying into
execution the Continental Association, and for re-
ceiving and determining upon applications relative
to law processes as aforesaid.

For the Parish of Christ-Church. Messrs. Gabriel
Capers, Clement Lempriere, Sims White, Joseph
Maybank, Robert Dorrel, Nathan Legare, Isaac
Legare, Levi Duraud, and Joshua Toomer.

For the Parish of St. George, Dorchester. Messrs.
John Joor, John Glaze, Daniel Stewart, Thomas
Waring, William Dewitt, David Rumph, and Wil-
li ami Morgan*

VOL, I. F

For the Parish of St. Andrew. Messrs. William
Scott, Thomas Bee, William Cattell, Thomas Ful-
ler, Benjamin Stone, Isaac Rivers, Henry Samways,
Benjamin Fuller, and Richard Hutson.

For the Parish of St. James, Goose-Creek. Messrs.
Benjamin Coachman, Henry Smith, John Daviesi
James Streater, Alexander Mazyck, Benjamin MaZ'
yck, and Thomas Walter.

For the Parish of St. John, Berkley-County,
Messrs. James Cordes, John Cordes, Ellas Ball, jun.
Richard Gough, Peter Witten, Peter Marion, and
Stephen Mazyck, jun.

For the Parish of St. Paul. Messrs. Roger San-
ders, Robert Miles, Allen Miles, Melchior Garner,
Morton Wilkinson, Joseph Bee, and Edward Perry.

For the Parish of St. Bartholomew. Messrs. James
Skirving, jun. Philip Smith, William Skirving, Ed«
mund Hyrne, Thomas Hutchinson, Joseph Glover,
Charles Shepheard, Jam.es Donnom, and William
Mills.

For the Parish of St. John, Colieton-County. viz.

For John's-Island and Wadmelah-Island. Messrs.
Abraham Waite, sen. James Laroach, William
Boone, Thom.as Ladson, Thomas Hunscomb, John
Wilson, and John Holmes. And,

For Edisto, in the said Parish. Messrs. Joseph
Seabrook, Patrick Simpson, Joseph Fickling, Daniel
Jenkins, James Murray, James Fickling, and Sam-
uel Eaton.

For the Parish of St. James, Santee. Messrs*
John Earnett, Joseph Legare, jun. Jonah Collins,
John Egan, Richard Withers, John Drake, and Col.
Elias Horry.

For the Parish of Prince»George. That is to say,

For George-town. Messrs. Paul Trapier, Samuel
Wragg, Paul Trapier, jun. Benjamin Young, Joseph
Allston, Thomas Godfrey, Anthony Bonneau, John
Withers, Hugh Horry, Daniel Tucker, and Robert
Heriot. And,

For Little-River, in the said Parish. Messrs. Josias
Allston, Samuel Dwi^ht, Dennis Hankins, Francis
Allston, and John Allston, jun.

For the Parish of St. Mathew. Colonel Tacitus
Gaillard, Col. William Thomson, Col. John Savage,
Rev. Paul Turquand, Messrs. George King, John
Caldwell, Simon Berwick, Henry Felder, Colonel
Michael Christopher Rowe, Messrs. Lewis Golson,
Adam Snell, and Christopher Zahn.

For the Parish of St. Helena. Messrs. Thomas
Rutledge, John Joyner, John Barnwell, jun. Daniel
Heyward, jun. Daniel De Saussure, William Rey-
nolds, James Dougharty, William Waite, Joseph
Jenkins, Francis Martingale, and Tunis Tebout.

For the Parish of Prince-Frederick. Messrs. John
James, Hugh Giles, Anthony White, jun. William
Gamble, Robert M'Cottery, John Witherspoon, Tho-

mas Potts, Francis Britton, William Michau, Wil-
liam Thompson, and William Snow.

For the Parish of St. Stephen. Messrs. Hezekiah
Mayham, David Gaillard, John Pamor, jun. Rene
Richbourg, John Dubois, John Peyre, and John
Coutourier.

For the Parish of St. Peter. Messrs. Cornelius
Dupont, John Louis Bourquin, James Thompson,
John Chisolme, Adrian Mayer, John Buche, senior,
and Charles Dupont.

For the Parish of St. Thomas and St. Dennis.
Messrs. Daniel Lesesne, Edward Thomas, jun. Rev.
Alexander Garden, Thomas Screven, Thomas
Ashby, Thomas Dearington, and Benjamin Simons.

For the Parish of Prince- William. Col. Stephen
Bull, Messrs. Benjamin Garden, Thomas Hudson,
Joseph Erailsford, Ulysses Macpherson, John Ward,
William Harden, William Bull, and John Wheatley.

For the Parish of St. David. Messrs. Henry
William Harrington, George Pawley, Alexander
M'Intosh, Claudius Pegues, Samuel Wise, Burwell
Boyakin, George Hicks, Philip Pledger, and John
Donaldson.

For Ninety- Six District. Col. James Mayson,
Messrs. Andrew Williamson, Le Roy Hamm.ond,
Richard Rapley, Patrick Calhoun, Francis Salvador,
John Purves, Benjamin Tutt, William Moore, John

Bowie, William Anderson, Hugh Middleton, David
Zubly, Moses Kirkland, William Calhoun, and
Arthur Symkins.

For the District in the Forks, between Broad and
Saluda Rivers. Col. Thomas Fletchall, Major John
Caldwell, Messrs. Charles King, John Williams,
John Satterthwaite, Jonathan Dov/nes, James Wil-
liams, James Creswell, John M'Nees, Robert Cun-
ningham, George Ross, Samuel Savage, John Tho-
mas, John Ford, John Caldwell, John Gordon, and
John Prince.

For the District between Broad and Catawba
Rivers. Messrs, Thomas Taylor, Thomas Wood-
ward, John Hopkins, John Chesnut, Robert Good-
win, William Howell, John Winn, Henry Hunter,
David Hopkins, Joseph Kirkland, and Robert Han-=
cock.

For the District of Saxe-Gotha. Messrs. Benjamin
Farrar, Jonas Beard, William Tucker, Samuel Bo-
yakin, Godfrey Drier, and Ralph Humphries.

For the District Eastward of the Wateree-River.
Col. Richard Richardson, Messrs. Robert Carter,
William Richardson, William Wilson, Mathew
Singleton, Thomas Sumpter, Joseph Kershaw,
Robert Patton, Richard Richardson, jun. John James,
sen. Samuel Little, John Marshal, and Isaac Ross.

Resolved, That a strict conformity to the requi-
sition of this Congress, be recommended to the gen-

tlemen of the law, and all other persons, in regard to
the issuing of writs and process, and proceeding on
suits and mortgages.

Resolved, That it is the opinion of this Congress,
that after the 1 0th day of September next, compen-
sation shall be made by those who raise articles
which may be then exported to those who cannot
raise such articles, for the losses which they may
sustain, by not exporting the commodities which
they raise.

Resolved, That if the exportation of Rice should
be continued after the 10th of September next, one
third of the Rice made in this Colony, shall as it is
brought to Charlestown, Beaufort, and Georgetown,
be deposited in the hands of the Committees herein
after appointed, at each of those places respectively,
and sold by such Committees.*

Resolved, That the said Committees receive
such of the following commodities, as shall be brought
to them, the same being the produce of this Colony,
merchantable, and not more in quantity or value
than one third of the commodities of each kind, raised
for sale in one season, by the owner of them (butter
excepted) viz.

Indigo, Copper of the best sort, atthirty shillings

* The exportation of Rice was prohibited by Congress,
which put an end to the business of the Committees for ex*
change of property.

per pound...and other kinds in proportion to that
value.

Hemp, at eight pounds per hundred weight, exclu-
sive of the bounty.

Corn, at twelve shillings and six-pence per bushel.

Flour, of the best sort, at four pounds ten shil-
lings ; and of the second sort, at four pounds per
hundred weight.

Lumber, inch pine boards, per 1000 feet, at twen-
ty pounds, in Charlestown ; and fifteen pounds in
Beaufort and Georgetown ; and other plank and
scantling in proportion.

Pork, at thirteen pounds per barrel.

Butter, at three shillings per pound.*

And, that in case the price of Rice should be
higher or lower than fifty-five shillings per' hundred
Vr-eight, when the said commodities are deposited
with such Committees, the price of such commodi-
ties shall be raised or lowered, from the above rate,
in proportion to such rise or fall of the price of Riceo

Resolved, That the said Committees shall pay
for the said commodities in the order they are brought
to them, according to the foregoing rates ; either in
money arising from the sale of Rice as it shall be
delivered to them, if such Rice shall be sold and
the money received, or in Rice if the owner of such
commodities chooses to take it, or in certificates set-

* This was the paper currency of the State, and was dC'
predated to 7 for i of specie.

ting forth the quantity and value of the commodities
which the Committee have received, and to whom
they belonged ; and tlmt such person, or the person
holding such certificate, may receive the said sum
in his turn, as money shall be received for Rice
brought to the Committee, which certificates shall
pass and be received as money.

Resolved, That the persons making Indigo,
shall produce to the Committee of the Parish or Dis-
trict, in which it shall have been made, on oathj
samples of it, according to its different qualities.

Resolved, That the person bringing any of the
said commodities to the said Committees in Charles=
town, Beaufort, and Georgetov/n, shall at the same
time produce a certificate, from the Committee of
the Parish or District where such commodities shall
have been made or raised (which certificate, such
Committee, being satisfied of the truth thereof, en
oath of the party, shall give) specifying, that the
commodities so brought, are only one third according
to the quantity and quality of the commodity of that
kind, raised in this Colony, in one season, for sale,
by the ov/ner, requiring such certificate.

Resolveii, That the commodities brought to the
said Conimittees> shall be at the risk of the persons
bringing them down, until they shall be sold or ex-
changed as aforesaid. And that the Rice-planter, on
delivering a third of his Rice, as it shall be brought
to market to the Committee, shall have his proper-

tion of such commodities as aforesaid, in the order
they shall have been brought down, delivered to him
or disposed of as he shall think proper.

Resolved, That the Committees settle their ac-
counts of this business in November, 1776, and pay
to the Rice-planters the balance of money (if any)
belonging to them, vy^hich shall be in the hands of the
said Committees. And in case the Rice so delivered
shall not be sufficient to sink the said certificates, the
same shall be made good out of the next crop of
Rice*

Resolved, That persons making any other com-
modities than those above enumerated, which can-
not be exported, shall be put upon a footing, in
point of compensation for their losses by a non-ex-
portation, with the makers of the commodities above
specified.

Resolved, That the following gentlemen be
Committees, to exchange Rice for other commodi-
ties after the 10th day of September next, if the non-
exportation of Rice should be continued after that
day, viz.

For Charlestown. Christopher Gadsden, Isaac
Huger, William Gibbes, William Parker, Aaron
Loocock, Roger Smith, Maurice Simons, John
Poaug, Esqrs. Messrs. Thomas Legare, sen. Ed-
ward Simons, Edward Blake, Samuel Prioleau, jun.
Hugh Swinton, John Champneys, William Hort,

VOL. I, G

John Brewton, Alexander Chisolme, Alexander Cho-
vin, William Livingston, and John Baddeley.

For George town, Winyah. Paul Trapier, Sam-
uel Wragg, Benjamin Young, Joseph Allston, Tho-
mas Godfrey, Robert Heriot, Esqrs. Messrs. Paul
Trapier, jun. Anthony Bonneau, John Withers,
Hugh Horry, Daniel Tucker, Samuel Smith, George
Croft, James Gordon, George Heriot, and Thomas
Mitchell.

For Beaufort, Port-Royal. Col. Stephen Bull,
Messrs. Thomas Hughes, William Kelsall, Andrew
Deveaux, William Elliott, Nathaniel Barnwell, jun.
JohnFripp, William Waite, George Barksdale, James
Cuthbert, John Edwards, jun. James Frazer, Charles
Givens, and John Joyner, jun*

Resolved, That in case of a general exportation
or non-importation, these resolutions respecting com-
pensation shall cease.

Resolved, That it be recommended to the inhabi-
tants of this Colony, to raise cotton, hemp, fiour^
wool, barley, and hops.

Resolved, That after the first day of March next
BO lambs or sheep be killed for sale.

Resolved, That stores in Charlestov/n, Beaufort^
and George-town, be taken, and storekeepers em-
ployed to buy all the wool that may be brought to
them, at three shillings per pound for unwashed, and
iive shillings for clean wool ; that it be sold out at the

same rates, to any person who shall undertake tc
manufacture it : And that such store-keepers receive,
and expose to sale, for the benefit of the persons^
bringing them down, all linen, woollen, and cotton
manufactures of this Colony.

Resolved, That the present Representation of
this Colony, shall continue until the next general
meeting of the inhabitants, under the title of the
Provincial Congress. That it shall be adjourned
from time to time by the President. That it be
summoned to convene for the dispatch of busi«
ness, upon any emergency, by a vote of the Charles-
town General Committee. At which Committee,
every member of this Congress, who may happen
to be in town, shall attend, and shall be considered
as a member.

Resolved, That any forty-nine members of the
Provincial Congress, be a sufficient number to pro-
ceed on business.

Resolved, That any twenty-one members of the
Chavlestown Committee, assembled, be a sufficient
number to proceed upon business.

Resolved, That when vacancies shall happen
in any parish or district, by the death, removal, or
refusal to act as a member of the present Congress,
or the above mentioned Committees, the same shall
be filled up by the inhabitants of such Parishes or
Districts resoectivelv*

Resolved, That it be strongly recommended to
the parochial and District Committees, to use their
utmost endeavors, to obtain liberal donations for
the relief of the suffering people in the town of Bos-
ton and Colony of Massachusetts-Bay. And that all
such donations as may be collected from time to'-r
tin^ be transmitted to the General Committee in
Chanestown.

Resolved, That the Hon. Henry Middleton, Esq.
Thomas Lynch, Christopher Gadsden, John Rut-
ledge, and Edward Rutledge, Esqrs. or any three of
them, be, and they are hereby, appointed and au-
thorized to represent this Colony on the 10th day of
May next, or sooner, if necessary, at the American
Congress, to be held at Philadelphia or elsewhere |
with full power to concert, agree upon, direct and
order such further measures as in the opinion of
the said Deputies, and the Delegates of the other
American Colonies to be assembled, shall appear to
be necessary, for the recovery and establishment of
American rights and liberties, and for restoring har-
mony between Great-Britain and her Colonies.

Resolved, That this Congress will pay the ex-
penses of the said Deputies, in going to, attending
at, and returning from the said American Congress.

Resolved, That a Com.mittee be appointed to
prepare a proper address to his Honor the Lieu-
tenant-Governor, touching the sitting of the General
Assembly.

The Committee reported the address to the Lieut-
Governor, which having been amended, is as follows :
To the Honourable William Bull, Esq. Lieuten-
ant-Governor and Commander in Chief, in and
over His Majesty's Colony of South-Carolina.

May it please your Honor,
We his Majesty's faithful and loyal subje^^; the
Representatives of all the good people in this Colo-
ny, now met in Provincial Congress think ourselves
indispensably obliged to address your Honor, for
redress of a grievance, which threatens destruction
to the Constitution, and ruin to the inhabitants of
this Country : we m.ean, the long, and still continu-
ed, disuse of General Assemblies ; contrary, not
only to every principle of free Government, but dir
rectly against a law of this Province.

To enumerate all the unhappy consequences
which must follow a denial of the right of the peo-
ple, to appear, frequently, by their Representatives
in General Assembly, must be unnecessary. Your
Honor, who has, as a private person, enjoyed the
blessing of freedom and good government amongst
us, can want no information on that head.

Taxes continuing to be raised and paid, and lav/s
to be executed, against the sense of the people, are
but a part of our grievances.

Mortifying as these considerations are, the
causes are more so ; being, according to our best

information, no other than a refusal of the House of
Assembly to obey Ministerial Mandates, contrary to
their consciences, and subversive of the rights of
their constituents ; and his Majesty's Council, com-
posed chiefly of place-men, paying an implicit and
servile obedience to unconstitutional instructions.
Such<^ts tend, immediately, to a total abolition of
Assemblies ; for, if freedom of debate, and a con-
stitutional independence be denied to them, they
cannot possibly be useful; probably they will become
dangerous.

We forbear to trouble your Honor with reasons,
in support of the request which we now, as of right,
make, in behalf of all the good subjects of his Ma*
jesty in this Colony, that the holding and sitting of
the General Assembly be no longer delayed, but thai
it be permitted to sit, for the dispatch of public busi-
ness, as formerly.

We pray your Honor to be assured, that by this
our humble address, we do not intend to question his
Majesty's prerogative, of calling, proroguing and
dissolving the General Assembly, but only to request,
that this power be exercised for the good of the
People.

By Order of the Provincial Congress,

Charles Pinckney, President*
In Provincial Congress,
Charlestown, Jan, 17, 1775*

The address having been presented by the Con-
gress, his Honor the Lieut, Governor was pleased to
return the following answer :
Gentlemen,

I Know no legal Representative of the good peo-
ple of this Province, but the Commons House of
Assembly, chosen according to the Election Act, and
met in General Assembly....A3 gentlemen of respecta-
ble characters and property in this Province, I ac~
quaint you, that the General Assembly stands pro-
rogued to the 24th instant. I have always endeavored
to make the law of the land my rule of government
in the administration of public affairs, and I shall not
omit observing it in meeting the General Assembly
according to the prorogation ; with v/hom I shall,
under the guidance of my duty to the King, and zeal
for the service of the Province, do every thing in my
power, that can contribute to the public welfare.

William Bull.
Charlestown, Jan. 17th, 1775.
Resolved, That it be recommended by this Con-
gress, to all the inhabitants of this Colony, that they
be diligently attentive in learning the use of arms j
and that their officers be requested to train and exer-
cise them, at least, once a fortnight.

Resolved, That it be recommended to the in-
habitants of this Colony, to set apart Friday the 17th
February next, as a day of fasting, humiliation and

prayer, before Almighty God, devoutly to petition
him to inspire the King with true wisdom, to defend
the people of North- America in their just title to
freedom, and to avert from them the impending ca-
lamities of civil war.

Resolved, That the several ministers of the gos-
pel throughout the Colony, be requested to prepare
and deliver suitable discourses upon this solemn
occasion.

Resolved, That every member of the present
Congress, who may be in town, do meet at the Com-
mons House of Assembly, and proceed from thence
in a body, to attend divine service in St. Philip's
Church: and that the President do request of the
Rev. Mr. Robert Smith, that he will prepare and
preach on that day, a sermon, suitable to the impor-
tance of the occasion.

RsEOLVED, That the President do accept of the
most hearty thanks of this Congress, for the un-
wearied attendance he has given on the service of it,
and for the very satisfactory conduct which he has pur-
sued during the course of its important transactions.

Resolved, That the thanks of this Congress be
returned to the member, who performed the duty of
Secretary, for his faithful and diligent attention to that
service.

The Congress then adjourned until it shall be
summoned to convene by the Charles-town General
Committee.

The Provincial Congress met at the State-house,
on the 17th. of February, being the day appointed by
Congress> as a day of fasting, humiliation, and pray-
er, every place of worship in Charlestown was crowd-
ed with the inhabitants ; and Congress went to St.
Philip's in a body, from the State-house, agreeably
to their resolve, and most of them in their military
array ; on their entering the church, the organ
begun a solemn piece of music, and continued play-
ing till they were seated ; it was an affecting scene,
as every one knew the occasion, and all joined in
fervent prayer to the Lord, to support, and defend
us, in this our great struggle in the cause of Liberty
and our Country ; and the Rev. Dr. Smith* (at the
request of the Provincial Congress) delivered an ex-
cellent and suitable discourse upon the occasion ;
which very much animated the men ; whilst the fe-
male part of the congregation were affected quite in
a different manner ; floods of tears rolled down their
cheeks, from the sad reflection of their nearest and
dearest friends and relations entering into a dread-
ful civil war ; the worst of wars ! and, what was
most to be lamented, it could not be avoided.

Agreeable to a recommendation of the Provin-^
cial Congress, the militia were forming themselves
into volunteer uniform companies ; drums beating,
fifes playing ; squads of men exercising on the out-

• Bishop Smith.
Vol. I. H

skirts of the town ; a military spirit pervaded the
whole country; and Charlestown had the appearance
of a garrison town ; every thing wore the face of
war ; though not one of us had the least idea of its
^proach ; and more especially of its being so near
to us, for we were anxiously looking forward to a
reconciliation ; when, on the 19th day of April, war
was declared against America, by the British troops
firing upon the inhabitants at Lexington ; an account

of which flew over the whole continent ; and now
the hopes of a reconciliation were at an end ; and
recourse to arms was the only and last resort.

In this situation were we when the battle of Le>L
ington was fought, v/ithout arms or ammunition :
some there were in the King's stores, but we could
not get them without committing some violent act.
A few gentlemen went to Capt. Cochran (the King's
store-keeper) and demanded the keys of him : he
said' He could not give them up, neither could he
hinder them from breaking open the doors ;* this
hint was enough ; there was no time for hesitation ;
and that night a number of gentlemen went and
broke open the doors, and carried away to their own
keeping, 1200 good stand of arms: Lieut. Governor
Bull offered a rev/ard of one hundred pounds sterling
to any person who would discover the persons con-
cerned in the business ; but to no purpose.

Ws had now got the arms, but no ammunition i

the next thing to be done, was the breaking open
the magazines ; as we were fairly entered into the
business we could not step back, and the next day
we broke open the magazines, and found in that at
Hobea, 1700 lb. at the Ship-yard, 600 lb. some little
at Fort Charlotte, in the back country, and in private
stores, the whole making about 3000 lbs. of powder,
which was all we had to begin our great Revolution*
On the same day the battle of Lexington was fought,
a Packet arrived at Charlestown from England : the
public letters were taken out by the secret commit-
tee, the particulars I have from Mr. Corbet, as fol-
lows ;

* I WAS a member of the secret committee of the

* State ; and some tim^ in 1775, a Packet arrived

* from England (it was about the time that disputes

< ran high with Lord William Campbell, the then

< Governor, and it was resolved by that commitCle
« to get possession of the Mail, that was expected in

< that Packet J and for that purpose the member who
« should first know of the Packets coming in, sho^iW

* give notice to the others, and be ready at the To&t-

< Office, to get possession of the Mail ; as I Iv'ed at

< the south end of the Bay, I was the fir^ mern-
<ber who knew of her coming, and immediately

* gave notice thereof to such as I could Erst find

* in time to intercept the Mail. On its arrived, Wm.

* Henry Drayton, and John Neufville, they fvo and

myself, immediately went to the Office, kept then
by Stevens, and demanded the Mail, he perempto«
rily refused it, and we as peremptorily demanded it,
declaring that we would take it by force if not deli-
vered quickly, having authority for that purpose ;
he said we might do as we pleased, but that he
should not deliver it : we then took possession of it,
(for which he entered a regular protest against us,)
we carried it to the State-house, and summoned
the rest of the Committee ; when the Mail was open-
ed, it contained (besides private letters) dispatches
to Gov. Dunmore, of Virginia, Gov. Martin, of
N. Carolina, Gov. Campbell, of S. Carolina, Gov.
Wright, of Georgia, and Gov. Tonyne, of Augustine,
(the private letters were all returned to the Post^
Office unopened) the others were opened, and read,
and found to contain the determination of England
to coerce America; and directing the respective
Governors to prepare such Provincial forces as they
Could, to co-operate when they should come : these
' dispatches were thought of so much consequence,

* as to be sent by express to Congress ; and I have

* vndey^tQojd that it was the first certain accounts of
*'Tn:^'"'act"ermination of the Councils of England, to
4 subjugs^te the Colonies by force ; and the effect
« was thg^t Congress resolved to raise an army, and

^prepa^e seriotisly for defence.

I Yours, &c. Thomas Corbet."

About this time a letter from Governor Wright to
Gen. Gage, going to the northward, was intercepted
by the secret committee, and opened; in it was found
a request to Gen. Gage to send a detachment of his
Majesty's forces to awe the people of Georgia; the
secret committee took out his letter, and put another
in the cover, (with his name counterfeited) in v/hich
they mention to Gen. Gage, ^ that he had wrote for

* troops to awe the people, but that now there was

* no occasion for his sending them, that the people

* v/ere again come to some order:' thus were the
Americans obliged to take great strides to defeat the
purposes of the British Government.

In consequence of the battle of Lexington, the
general committee immediately summoned the pro-
vincial Congress to meet on the first day of June,
which was twenty-three days after the day appointed
for their meeting. This long interval between the
summons and the meeting gave the members timcy
cooly and deliberately to reflect, to consider, and pre-
pare their minds for the events of war ; there was no
alternative. The reasons given for their call were s

< I. The British troops in the province of Massachu-

* setts did, on the 1 9th day of April last, commence
' civil war in America, with force of arms, seizing and
'destroying the property of the people of that Colony,

* making hostile assaults upon their persons, whereby

* many of them fell in battle, in defence of their pre-

* perty, and the liberty of America ; a conduct in the

* British troops amounting, in effect, to a direct and
' hostile attack upon the whole people of this Conti-

* nent, threatening them with all the calamities of

< slavery.

« II. Because this Colony cannot discharge her
^ duty in defence of American freedom, unless we

< put it into a state of security against any attack by

* the British arms ; this Colony being in a manner so
^ immediately defenceless, that if only a small mili»
' tary British force should arrive, while things are in
^ so deplorable a situation, they might easily take post

* in Charlestown where the continuance of the pro«

* vincial Congress and general committee would
' thereby become not only endangered, but impracti-
^ cable, and there not being any body of men to en-
' force the execution of the American Association,

* there is every probability that in such a situation of
' affairs, it would be immediately violated ; a circum-

* stance that might be of the most fatal consequence
' to America.'

* III. Because there are just grounds to apprehend

* an insurrection of the slaves, and hostilities from

< the Indians instigated by the tools of a wicked ad-

* ministration.*

'IV. Because the formal military and naval forces
' lately sent from Great-Britain to reinforce the army
^ in Boston, manifest the accursed design of

« British Ministry to endeavor to quell the Americau
« troubles by arms, and not to quiet them by the

< laws of reason and justice. Thence, despairing of

< a redress of grievances by dutiful and peaceable ap=
* plication, long, unavailing, presented to his Bri-

< tanic Majesty, we see no alternative but that we sub-

< mit to abject slavery or appeal to the Lord of hosts,
« in defence of the common and unalienable rights,
« peculiar to Englishmen.'

At this summons the people were greatly alarmed,
and their minds so much agitated, they were anx-
iously waiting for the day of the meeting that they
might consult with their countrymen, on what was
best to be done at this critical juncture ; they saw
that a war was inevitable ; and that it was to be with
that country which first planted them in America,
and raised them to maturity ; a country with v/hich
they were connected by consanguinity ; by custom*
and by manners j by religion ; by laws, and by lan-
guage ; a country that they had always been taught
to respect and to consider as amongst the first in the
world. A rich and powerful nation, with numerous
fleets, and experienced admirals sailing triumphant
over the ocean ; with large armies and able generals
in many parts of the globe: This great nation we
dared to oppose, without money ; without arms ;
without ammunition; no generals; no armies; no
admirals ; and no fleets ; this was our situation when

the contest began: On our first meeting they deter-
mined upon a defensive war; and the fourth day it
was resolved to raise two regiments of five hundred
men each; and some confidential gentlemen were
immediately sent to the West-India Islands, in small
fast sailing vessels, to procure powder. They were
so successful as to bring home ten thousand pounds,
which was a very seasonable supply. The military
ardor was so great, that many more candidates pre-
sented themselves, fi'om the first families in the Pro-
vince, as oScers for the two regiments then were
wanted; every one v/as zealous in the cause; those
who through infirmities and particular domestic si-
tuations could not take the field, went into the cabi-
net and other civil employment ; and in this way did
we divide ourselves in different departments.

The day after the officers of the first and second
regiments of foot were ballotted for, it was resolved
to raise a regiment of cavalry rangers of five hun-
dred men. The pay and rations of the officers in
the British service had at that time ; the soldiers had
one shilling sterling per day ; the rangers had much
more, as they were to find their own horses i In
regard to the regiment of rangers, it was thought
not only useful, but political to raise them, because
the most influential gentlemen in the back country
were appointed officers, which i nterested thern in the
cause : The officers of the first and second regi-

ments were taken from the low country. ..their names
are as follows...

Field Officers of the First Regiment.

Christopher Gadsden, Col. Isaac Huger, Lieut.
Col. Owen Roberts, Major.

Field Officers of the Second Regiment.

William Moultrie, Col. Isaac Motte, Lieut. Col.
Alexander M'Intosh, Major.
Captains of the First and Second Regiments.

Charles Cotesworth Pinckney, Bernard Elliott,
Francis Marion, William Cattell, Peter Horry, Daniel
Horry, Adam M'Donald, Thomas Lynch, William
Scot, John Barnwell, Nicholas Weleigh, James M*
Donald, Isaac Harleston, Thomas Pinckney, Fran-
cis Huger, William Mason, Edmund Hyrne, Roger
Parker Sanders, Charles Motte, Benjamin Cattell-
Field Officers of the Regiment of Rangersc

William Thomson, Lieut Col. James Mayson,
Major.

Captains of Rangers.

Samuel Wise, Eli Kershaw, Edward Richardson,
Ezekiel Polk, Robert Goodwin, Thomas Woodward,
John Caldwell, Moses Kirkland, John Purvis.
First Lieutenants in the First and Second
Regiments.

Anthony Ashby, James Ladson, Richard Single-
ton, Thomas Elliott, William Oliphant, John Van-
derhorst, Robert Armstrong, John Blake, Glen

VOL. I, I

Drayton, Richard Shubrick, Richard Fuller, Tho-
mas Lesenc, Benjamin Dickenson, William Char-
nock, John Moat, Joseph Joor, James Peronneau,
John A. Walter, Thomas Moultrie, Alex. M'Queen.
The commissions for second lieutenants were

given to the captains of each company.

First Lieutenants of the Regiment of

Rakgers.

John Lewis, P. ImhofF, Charles Heatley, Alexan-
der Cameron, Richard Winn, John Donaldson, Hugh
Middleton, Lewis Dutarque, Francis Boy akin, Sam-
uel Watson.

The provincial Congress having now raised troops
it was necessary to ha,ve some civil executive body
to caiTy on the business of the Colony, during tiie
recess of Congress ; accordingly, the following thir-
teen gentlemen were elected as a council of safety,
viz. Col. Henry Laurens, Col. Charles Pinckney,
the Honorable* Rawlins Lowndes, Thomas Ferguson,
Miles Brewton, Arthur Middleton, Thomas Hey-
ward, jun. Thomas Bee and John Huger, Esq. Col.
James Parsons, Honorable William Henry Drayton,
Benjamin Elliott and William Williamson, Esqrs.

The council of safety had great power and au-
thority vested in them ; the entire command of the
army, to contract debts, to stamp and issue money.

Those called Honorable were Judges,

'67

to liquidate and pay all accounts, and to sign conx-
lEHssions for the army and navy.

During the sitting of Congress, Lord William
Campbell arrived, as governor of the province : Con-
gress waited upon him in a body, with a congratu-
latory address, and stating the case of their grievan^-
ces : He returned for answer ; * I know of no repre-

* sentatives of the people of this province ; exjcept con-
' stitutionally appointed, convened in general as-

* sembly ; and am incompetent to judge of the dis-
' pute, which at present, unhappily subsists between
' Great Britain, and the American Colonies.

' It is impossible during the short interval since
' my arrival, that I should have acquired such a know-

< ledge of the state of the province, as to be at pres-

* ent able to make representations thereupon to his
^ Majesty ; but you may be assured, no representa-

< tion shall ever be made by me, but what shall be

* strictly consistent with truth, and with an earnest

* endeavor to promote the real happiness and pros-
' perity of the province.'

His lordship being in the habits of intimacy with
several of the members and officers of the provincial
troops, he told them we were doing wrong, that he
was in hopes all matters would be adjusted ; he had
so little mistrust, and so willing to oblige, that he even
gave commissions to the volunteer companies ; these
assurances were repeated for some days, when su3»

picions arising with regard to his Lordship's sincerity
a stratagem was devised for the trial of it. Captain
Adam M'Donald of the first regiment, and an asso-
ciate, introduced themselves to his Lordship, as Mr.
Cheney and Dick Williams, from the back country,
who pretended to be sent to him by the people that
were friends to the King, to know ho\v to conduct
themselves.

The conversation between Lord William Campbell?
Mr. Cheney, and Dick Williams (properly Captain
Adam M'Donald) was as follows :...

After the common civilities were over, Mr.
Cheney asked the governor (who made an apology
for his absence when they first called) if Mr. Kirk-
land was well, and if he had sent him any word what
to do ?

Lord William, Where you not before the com-
mittee to day ?

Cheney. Yes.

Lord William. What did they say to you ? what
did they take you»up for ?

Cheney. Because I came down for a life-guard to
Mr. Kirkland.

Lord William. Th ey could not hurt you for coming
in company with Mr. Kirkland.

Cheney. I denied it, at first, that I came in com-
pany with him.

Lord William. I am sorry for that, you should

always tell the truth : You need not to feftr the com-
mittee ; they can do you no harm ; is that one of
your acquaintance, ^pointing to Capt, M'DonaldJ

M* Donald and Cheney. Yes.

Cheney, This is Dick Williams.

McDonald, I am serjeant to Kirkland ; I am
as much concerned as any of them ; I want to get
out of town early to-morrow, and I am afraid I shall
be taken up by the committee ; I will carry any
message or letter safe to Fletchall, Brown, or Cun-
ningham.*

Lord William. I have nothing to send them, but
tell them to keep all the men in good order, to
make a circuit and ride constantly round to one
another.

M'Donald, I suppose you correspond with one
another.

Lord William, Yes, yes.

M'Donald, I suppose they must not take up
arms now.

Lord William. No, not withouf they have am-
munition plenty, and think they are strong enough.

M'Donald. They are not strong enough, and
have not ammunition enough ; for Drayton is there,
and getting them over fast.

Lord. William. If they are not strong enough, tell
them by no means to take up arms yet ; and that
they will be released in a little time.

* Attached to government.

M'DondId, How ?

Lord William, I could not have told you some
time ago, but I can tell you now : I received a let-
ter this day from the King, and he is resolved to
carry his scheme into execution from one end of the
continent to the other.

McDonald, Will he send any soldiers liere,
between this and the fall.

Lord William, Yes, he will, and this will be a
place settled for soldiers, and a seat of war, shortly,

M' Donald. I am much afraid, lest the commit-
tee should take me up and pumish me, or put me to
death.

L ord William, Th e r e is not the least fear of thai,
they dare not do any such thing,

M' Donald, But where shall I be safest, can you
put me on board the man of war ? but if I go there,
what can I do with my wife and family.

Lord William, [Addressing himself to Cheney,) I
will put you on board the man of war, to-morrow.

M* Donald. But where shall I be safest ?

Lord William, No where safer than in town, for
the militia are all in an uproar, and ready to turn
the soldiers out of the barracks ; they are all now at
variance, and will be more so shortly.

M' Donald. Are you certain it is so ?

Lord William, You may depend upon it as a fact.

W Donald, Where is Kirkiand going now ?

Lord William* He has not determined any thing
yet ; supplies are expected shortly.

Cheney, Suppose they take me up again to night?

Lord William, What if they do!

M' Donald, They will tar and feather him.

Lord William, That is a bug-bear, v/hy do not they
taf and feather me.

McDonald, You are a great man, and the King
will send soldiers to protect you, if he gives up every
where else, to punish them for you , but he v/ill
not mind such poor fellov/s as we are, and if we were
to be put to death, no more notice will be taken of it.

Lord William, You will not be hurt ; they dare
not do any such thing ; and they begin to repent of
what they have done.

M' Donald, The committee want Capt. Kirkland
very much.

Lord William, What will they do with him, if they
get him ?

M' Donald, I heard that they said they would put
him to death.

Lord William, What had he done ?

M' Donald, I heard that he accepted a commission,
and quitted it in an improper manner, and had de-
serted the cause, and deserved death ; that he v/as
a great villi an.

Lord William, pHolpho! pho ! they are a par-
cel of profligates, and worse than nothing, if I may

name it {holding up his handSf and lifting his eyes) a.nd
what have they done, but got the people to sign a
paper, and it is of no more consequence, than that
(snapping his Jingers) if they don't like it, and they
will be all punished for it shortly.*

Cheney was a dissaffected person, and known to
be so by Lord William ; he was apprehended and
confined by the committee, but was promised to be
released, provided he would introduce Captain
M'Donald, as Dick Williams, a friend to Kirkland.

Capt. Adam M'Donald was a very bold adventur-
ous man ; and would undertake any thing for the
good of the service. Soon after his interview with
Lord William Campbell, the council of safety got
him to go to St. Augustine, in East-Florida, to see
the situation of the place, and to find out what num-
ber of troops were there in garrison. He set out
immediately for Georgia, and from thence, went on
foot to St. Augustine, in the garb of an overseer, and
offered himself as a manager for an Indigo planta-
tion ; my brother John Moultrie, who was then
Lieut. Governor, and Commander in Chief, heard
of him, and sent for him ', he had the confidence to

* Moses Kirkland had taken a commission in the American
service, but was disgusted at some one being put over his head ;
he quitted, and went over to the British : he got privately to
Ch'irlestown, from the back country, and discovered himself to
Lord William Campbell, who put him on board of a man of
war.

go, although he had been intimately acquainted with
him on the Cherokee expedition, and was first Lieut,
to the Major's company ; nay, staid in the tent with
him at times ; they had some conversation on the
culture of Indigo, and the Governor, who suspected
him, talked to him about old times, to try to find
him out ; but to all the talk, M'Donald pleaded ig-
norance. He told me, * that the Governor eyed him
* so very closely, that he began to be alarmed, and
< was very glad when he got out of the house ;' he
immediately left St. Augustine, and pushed for Geor-
gia ; and well he did so ; had he stayed a few hours
longer, he would have been taken, and in all proba-
biHty, hanged as a spy.

When the provincial Congress were informed of
the conversation, it excited general indignation ; and
Capt. M'Donald, with several members of Congress
were immediately sent to demand a perusal of his
lordship's last dispatches from England, and his cor-
respondence with the back country. This he posi-
tively refused : A motion was then made in the
Congress, for taking the Governor into custody,
which was for some time debated, and at last reject-
ed by a considerable majority. His lordship sus-
pecting, and fearful of his personal safety in Charles-
town, took the provincial seal wdth him and went on
board the Tamer sloop of war, then lying in Rebel-
lion Road, and from thence, on the 1 5th of Sept. af-

VOL. I. K

terwards dissolved by pi'oclamation the assembly he
had called ; who were in fact already dissolved in the
eyes of the people; for, on the 16th of June, 1775,
the council of safety, nominated, and appointed by
the provincial Congress, met.
Present.

Henry Laurens. Charles Pinckney, Rawlins Lown-
des, Thomas Ferguson, Miles Brewton, Arthur
Middleton, Thomas Heyward, Thomas Bee, John
Huger, James Parsons, William Henry Drayton,
Benjamin Elliott, William Williamson, Esqrs.

Henry Laurens was elected president, and Peter
Timothy, Esq. secretary, with a salary of one thou-
sand pounds currency a year.

The council of safety met and proceeded upon
business, before the provincial Congress had adjourn-
ed. Some of the council looked upon their post as
the forlorn hope : the giving commissions, the stamp-
ing and issuing money, the giving orders to the mi-
litary, &c. all were considered as acts of treason ;
some of them often said they were transacting busi-
ness with halters about their necks ; they would not
give commissions in the usual form, but gave certifi-
cates, that run in the following manner.*

* The journals of the council of safety were long thought
to be lost with their secretary, Mr. Timothy, wlio was cast
av.-ay at sea j but Mr. Laurens, the president, kept them al-
ways with him, and they are now in the possession of his son,

i :>

* *

South-Carolina,
* In pursuance of the resolution of
the provincial Congress, we do certify?
that William Moultrie, Esq. is colonel
of the second regiment in the provincial
service"

Dated, 17th day of June, 1775.

William Williamson, James Parson,
Henry Laurens, Thomas Bee, Thomas
Hey ward, jr. Raw. Lowndes, William H.
Drayton, Benjamin Elliott, Chas. Pinck-
ney, Arthur Middleton, Miles Brewton^
Thomas Ferguson.

On the 21st of June, the council of safety gave
out the recruiting orders ; but we did not wait for
them, being urged by the members of the provincial
Congress to begin to inlist men immediately after
we were appointed officers, which we did ; and by the
returns* I made to the council of safety, on the 17th
of July, which was exactly one month after the dates

who wishes the legislature would direct him to lodge them in
some public office ; they may be useful to some future historian :
Mr, Laurens was kind enough to give me free access to them
at his house in the country.

* Col. Gadsden was attending Congress at Philadelphia.
I therefore had the hwior of commanding the troops till the
month of February, when he arrived and took the command.

of our commissions, v;e had recruited in, and near
Gharlestown, 470 men, which shews with what ala-
crity and spirit, they embarked in, and how zealous
the people were in the cause. -**"" -r-^-*" ."'"^^

On the 22d of June, the pro^rlncial Congress-ad-
journed, and left the business of the colony to be
carried on by the council of safety, as an executive
body, and the general committee were to assist and
support them in all their measures.

On the 23d of July, the council of safety sent pro-
posals to Mr. Cameron (assistant to Mr. Stewart,
who was agent for Indian affairs in the southern pro-
vinces) through Major Andrew Williamson, his par-
ticular friend, offering him a salary adequate to that
which he got from John Stewart, Esq. besides mak-
ing up any losses v/hich he might sustain by joining
in the American cause ; Mr. Cameron refused to rer
sign his commission, or accept of any employment
in the colony service ; and on receiving information
of a report that prevailed, of an intention to seize his
person, went off immediately from Ninety-six into
the Cherokee country ; his going off alarmed the
back inhabitants very much, lest he should bring the
Indians down upon them : but their minds were soon
quieted, when they were informed by a letter to
Williamson, which he had lately received from Mr.
Cameron, telling him that Capt*. Stewart had never
given him orders to induce the Indians to fall upon

Carolina, tVii to keep them firmly attached to his
majesty.

Georgia did not join the other colonies till July,
1777 1 when their Congress met,

< Georgia,

« The alarming and critical situation of affairs
« upon the continent of America, having at length
' roused the attention of this province, and the several
^ inhabitants thereof being desirous of uniting with
« their sister colonies in the great and important
< cause ; a general election v/as held throughout the

* province for delegates to sit in Congress, arid the'

* said delegates having so met in Savannah, on the
' fourth day of July, proceeding upon the considera-

* tion of such business as appears to be necessary ; and

* and among other things they have made choice of

* five delegates to represent this province in the grand

* continental Congress, now sitting in Philadelphia,

* viz. Archibald Buitock, John Houston, the Rev.

* Doct. Zubly, Noble Wimberly Jones, Lyman Hall?
Esqrs. Signed in provincial Congress, this fifteenth
day of July, 1775, by fifty-three members.*

July. About this time Wm. Henry Drayton, Esq.
aad the Rev. Mr. Tenant were called upon by the
council of safety to make an excursion into the back
country, to explain to the people, the causes of the
present disputes between Great Britain and the
American Colonies, and to endeavor to persuade
them to sign the association. Many signed, others

would not ; however a treaty between them wa«
agreed to, by which it was stipulated that the royal-
ists should remain neuter ; and both parties returned
home. The council of safety entered into a resolve,
that no person should leave the province without their
permission,

The want of powder was a very serious consi-
deration with us ; many schemes were advised and
talked of, to procure that article; we knew there
was none to be had upon the continent of America,
as our delegates at Philadelphia had sent to this pro-
vince for a supply.

The council of safety formed a plan for making an
attempt on the Island of Providence, and taking from
thence the powder and other military stores ; and
had fitted out a small fast sailing sloop, of which
Capt. Lamperer was appointed to take the command,
and was joined by a number of volunteers, viz. Capt.
Cochran Hatter, Tuff Joyner, Messrs. Tebout,
Williamson and Jenkins ; during this time and when
the vessel was just ready to sail, information was re-
ceived, that Capt. Loftus, in a brig, had sailed from
London for St. Augustine and was hourly expected
off that bar, loaded with military stores and Indians*
goods ^ upon this the council of safety immediately
sent off an express to Capt. Lamperer, who was then
on board his vessel with his volunteers near Beaufort,
to change his destination and proceed without delay

towards St. Augustine ; they soon got sight of the brig*
lying off from the bar ; the sloop bore doMTi upon
her, keeping most of her hands below deck, till they
they came along-side (the brig not suspecting any
thing, and not knowing of the American revolution)
when they all jumped on board with their arms, and
ordered every man to be quiet, or they would be put
to death ; there were sixteen soldiers on b oard asleep,
and away from their arms ; when they awoke, the
were ordered to remain quiet, (for there was no in-
tention to hurt them ;) which they did.

Our people, after taking out 17000 pounds of gun-
powder and seeing a vessel in St. Augustine harbor,
preparing to come out, they quitted the brig, and
made the best of their way home, leaving behind a great
deal more than one half of her cargo of military stores:
this consisted of strouds, blankets and plains, with
some field-pieces and 6000 pounds more of gunpow-
der. Had they brought off this brig, which they
could easily have done, she would have been a most
invaluable prize to us. However, the 17000 pounds
of powder which they brought home, gave us great
spirits; it increased our store of that necessary arti"
cle to about t 31000 pounds.

* The brig could not get over the bar when loaded,

+ From the West-Indies, in two seizures, S. Carolina and
Georgia got 39700 pounds ot gunpowder.

Fort Charlotte, in Ninety-six district, remained in
the hands of the royal government, garrisoned by a
few men. A troop of rangers was sent there to take
charge of the guns, powder, and military stores, and
to send down the two brass field pieces that were
there, and to endeavor to enlist the men in the service
of the province.

CoL. Thompson's regiment of rangers was soon
compleated, as it was a service the country people
preferred.

The manual exercise laid before the council of
safety by the field officers, in the service of the colo-
ny, was approved of, and recommended by the coun-
cil of safety to the field officers of the militia, to adopt
the same.

Aug. The officers of the first and second regi«
ments, went out on the recruiting service into Vir-
ginia, North-Carolina, and the back parts of South-
Carolina, and some remained in town to receive the
recruits as they came down ; and to train and exer-
cise them at the barracks in Charlestown. The coun-
cil of safety now stamped and issued paper bills of
credit of the colony.

The Germans about the Dutch fork were very
averse to the measures adopted by a majority of the
people, on which Mr. Long and Mr/ Waggoner,
';both Germans) were requested to go into the back
country among them., and explain to them the nature

of the dispute, and the situation of Ainerica. They
''said they were unwilling to join, lest they should
lose their little property of lands which they had got
from the king, as a bounty for new settlers. They
would not enter heartily into our measures till they
were forced into it, by taking their property for the
use of the public.

About this time, the Catawba Indians were alarm-
ed, and could not tell what to make of it, on see-
ing such military preparations throughout the coun-
try; they sent down two runners to Charlestown, to
be informed of the reasons. They had been told
different stories and they came down to know the
truth. The council of safety sent up by them a talk
to their nation, acquainting them that our brothers
on the other side of the v/ater, wanted to take our
property from us without our consent, and that we
would not let them ; and that we expected their v/ar-
riors would join ours : The council of safety inform
ed them that the people of Boston had had a great
fight* w4th the red- coats, and had killed a great
many of them. The Catawbas were requested to
send the talk on to the Cherokees. The council of
safety having received information that the inhabi-
tants of Georgia had seized and taken from on board
of Captain Mailand's ship, lying in their harbor,
127001b of gunpowder, they requested Wm» Henry

* Battle of Lexington -
VOL-. I. ' r

Drayton and Miles Brewton, Esqrs. two of their
council, to proceed immediately to Georgia to pro-
cure a part of that powder, and to pmxhase what
oiher military stores they could get in that province.
In a few days they returned, and brought with them
50001b of powder, which the Georgians spared to
us ; besides a quantity of salt-petre, sulphur, blank-
ets and plains, all of which they purchased and brought
within land with them : The powder was landed at
Tucker's Island, and immediately from thence 40001b
of this powder was put on board of a schooner com-
manded by Capt. Gambal, and sent to the delegates
in Congress, at Philadelphia, for the use of the grand
army. The other articles were brought within land
to Charlestown ; a party of soldiers were sent to es-
cort them down.

As some of the people in the country were still
xmsettled in their minds with respect to the re-
volution, and some opposed directly to it; it was
thought adviseable in order to fix the wavering, and
intimidate the disaffected, to march a body of troops
through the country by diiTerent routes ; accordingly^
the council of safety, on the 13th day of July, issued
the following orders to Col. Thompson.

' On the 10th of August next, eight companies
< of the rangers shall rendezvous at some proper
i place by order of the colonel in the following routes :

* Three companies to the southward by Orangeburgh

* and the Three-Runs ; thence down Savannah river

to Purisburgh ; thence to Pon-Pon, and downwards
by the high road: Three companies to the north-
ward by Kingstree, Waccamaw and Pedee, to
Georgetown, thence to Wannbaw; andtwo companies
through to Monk's Corner ; thence to Edisto Saw-
Mills ; thence through Horseshoe and round Oto Pa-
kers ferry, &c. Col Thompson with the first divi-
sion to the southward : Major Mayson with the se-
cond division to the northward; the different divi-
sions to meet at some convenient place within ten
miles of Charlestown : Col. Thompson to order his
officers to confine any person in the district Goals
who is thought dangerous to the colony.'
Hav I N G now upwards of 30000 pounds of gun-pow-
der in an about Charlestown, and always apprehen-*
sive of the British men of war,* lying in the Rebellion-
road, coming up to attack the town, it was thought
prudent to have some of the powder moved into the
country.

In July the council of safety appointed a commit-
tee to survey the village of Dorchester, for making it
an armed post.

The council of safety appointed a secret commit-
tee; William H. Drayton was chosen chairman: and
now they begin their military operations and issued
their first order :

* Two sloops, Tamer and Cherokee,

<In the Council of Safety, june, 17th 1775.

' Ordered,

< That Col. Moultrie, do make a return to this
* council, of the public arms already received, and
< now wanted for the two regiments of foot.

^ By order of the council of safety.
* Peter Timothy, Sec'ry.'
« To William Moultrie, Esq.

' Col. of the 2d regiment of foot.

The reason for a return of arms being called for,
was, that the council had just entered upon the du-
ties of their office, and wished to know the number
of arms that were already given out, and what re=
mained in store ; as we had drawn arms from the
store-keeper as fast as we enlisted the men (before
the council of safety was appointed) because we ex-
pected every day to be attacked by the men of war z
if they only loosed their sails the alarm run through
the town immediately. That ' the men of war were
coming to attack the town ;' these two sloops gave us
a great deal of trouble and uneasiness.
A letter from the chairman of the secret committee,

* Sir, * Charlestown, JUNE 21, 1775.

' By directions of the secret committee, I inclose

* you two orders, by which you will be supplied with

* a quantity of ammunition for the use of the two re-

* giments of infantry in the service of the colony, not

c doubting of your prudence ; they however think it

< their duly to recommend that the greatest care be

< taken of it; and as in a great degree the new levies

< are strangers, and their principles not certainly

< known, they cannot but intimate, that they think
« it advisable, that no soldiers should be placed sen-
' try over, or have any thing to do relative to the
' ammunition, but such as are known friends to the
^ liberties of America.

^ I am, kc»

*• William H. Drayton,
^ Chairman ol the secret committee,
« To CoL. Moultrie,'

This letter shews in what an unpleasant situation
some men were, at the beginning of the revolution^,
even doubtful of the fidelity of the soldiers that were
to fight our battles.

The officers who were constantly with them, had
no such fears or suspicions.

A Report prevailed at this time in Charlestown
that the British from St. Augustine intended a descent
upon Port-Royal Island, to take off the cannon and
military stores that were lodged there, before the
revolution ; upon which the council of safety direct-
ed me to send off a reinforcement to that place;
which I did, of fifty men, under the command of
Capt. Caltel.

« To Capt. Wm. Cattel.

< August U, 1775.
* You are to proceed with all expedition,

• with the men under your command, to Beaufort,

* Port-Royalj there to assist in defending that place
^ and to take charge of the public powder, &c.

* William Moultrie.*
The report being unfounded, the detachment re-
turned in a few days.

Fort Johnson, was still garrisoned by the British,
under Col. Howarth's command, I was ordered to send
and take possession of it: a day or two before the fort
was taken, Col. Howarth, whom the inhabitants res-
pected very much, was invited to go with a party in-
to the country, to be out of the way, that no injury
should happen to his person or character, he went,
accordingly, not suspecting our intentions.

By the order I received from the council of safety,
for taking Fort Johnson* they must have conceived
it a hazardous and dangerous attempt by the number
of men they required for that service.

* In Council of Safety.

* Sir, 'Charlestown, Sep. 13, 1775.

* You are to detach one-hundred and i?fty men

< under such command as you shall judge most pro-

* The garrison we were certain had but six men and a gunner.

< per for the service ; to embark this night at a proper
' time of the tide, to proceed with the utmost secre-
« cy and land at a convenient place on James' Island.

< Mr. Verree and Mr. Wm. Gibbs will be at Capt.

* Stone's, or in the neighborhood, attending the land-

< ing, in order to conduct the commanding officer to

* Fort Johnson, which he is to enter and take pos>

< session of, with as much secrecy and silence as possi-

* ble J taking especial care that none belonging to the

* fort escape, and that no intelligence be given but
' by his orders ; when the officer, who shall be sent

* upon this service is in possession of the fort, he is

* immediately to give notice to this board and wait

< for orders ; except only in case the man of war*

< now lying in the Rebellion-road, should make ?.n

* attempt to attack the fort or proceed towards this

* town, when he is to do every thing in his power to

* prevent her progress: Capt. Stone, of James* Island,

* will order his company of militia to join the troops
' which you send, and the whole are to be detained
' till relieved by our order.

* By order of the council of safety.

* Henry Laurens, Presidentr
' William Moultrie, Esq.

' Col. of the second Regim^ent.*
In consequence of receiving this order, I immedi-
ately issued the subsequent orders to the troops s

* Always in dread of this man of wari

« General Orders,

< Uth September, 1775, 4 'clock, P. M.
' Orderrd, that captains Charles Cotesworth

* Pinckney's, Bernard Elliott's and Francis Marion's
' companies be immediately completed to fifty men
< each, from their respective corps, and hold them-

* selves in readiness to march in three hours. Col.
' Motte is appointed for this command, and will re-
' ceive his orders from the commanding officer.*

The orders given to Col. Motte were similar to
those I received from the council of safety.

This detachment went on board their boats at 12
o'clock at night, at Gadsden's-wharf, and, dropping
down with the ebb tide, landed on James' Island, a
little above the fort, and marched in immediately un-
iliolested ; the garrison escaped to the men of war,
then in the road, but not before they had thrown
down all the guns and their carriages from off the
plat- form, which plainly shows that they had informa-
tion of our intentions to take the fort.

So little were we acquainted with naval affairs, and
so highly impressed with the mighty power of a Bri-
tish man of war, that although we had got possession
of a strong fort and one hundred and fifty good regu-
lar troops, and the James' Island company of mili«
tia of about fifty men, yet the council of safety was
so fearful of the Tamer sloop of war mounting 14 or
1 6 6 pounders, attacking the fort, that they gave me

orders to send down two hundred and fifty men, as
a reinforcement to Col. Motte, which I did by the
following order.

< General Orders, Sep. 15, 1775.
< Ordered, that Captains Benj. Cattel, Adam
' M'Donald, and John Barnwell's companies of the

< first regiment, and that Captains Peter Horry, and

* Francis Huger's companies be completed to fifty

* men each and to hold themselves in readiness to

* march : Major Owen Roberts to command this de-

< tachment.*

* To Major Owen Roberts, of the first regiment,

«SlR,

' You are to proceed with your detachment to
^ Gadsden's-wharf, where you will find two schooners
' ready to take on board your party; with them you
^ will proceed to Fort Johnson on James* Island ; on

* your arrival there you are to send an officer to Col.

* Motte to acquaint him : Then march to the fort
^ and put yourself under his command ; you are not

* to sUiTer any boats* to obstruct your passage* '

* To Lieut* Col. MottEo
^ Sis,

^ I Have sent Major Roberts with two hundred

B8ee**eefl*« t»

* Fear ot the man-of-war boatSa

VOL. X. M

' and fifty men to reinforce you. You are to defend

< the fort from all parties that may attempt to land,

< but if the man-of-war* should attack the fort, and
*■ you find you cannot make a stand against her, you
' are to withdraw your men to some place of safety,

* out of the reach of her guns ; but you are to take

* care not to suffer any parlies to land with an intent
' to damage the fort.'

At the same time Capt. Thomas Heyward, with
a detachment of Charlestown artillery, went down
with gin and tackles and had three cannon mounted
immediately.

About this time the Cherokee sloop of war arriv-
ed. A little time after we were in possession of Fort
Johnson, it was thought necessary to have a flag
for the purpose of signals : (as there was no national
or state flag at that time) I was desired by the coun-
cil of safety to have one made, upon which, as the
state troops were clothed in blue, and the fort was
garrisoned by the first and second regiments, who
wore a silver cresent on the front of their caps ; f
had a large blue flag made with a cresent in the dexter
corner, to be in uniform with the troops : This was-'
the first American flag which was displayed in South-

* Every order and cvcrv movement cf cur's shows how
fearful we were of the man-of-war ; all these orders were
issued agreeably t© the council of safety's dircctiuns.

Carolina : On its being first hoisted, it gave some
uneasiness to our timid friends, who were looking
forward to a reconciliation : They said it had the ap-
pearance of a declaration of war; and Capt. Thorn-
borough, in the Tamer sloop of war, lying in Re-
bellion-road would look upon it as an insult, and a
flag of defiance, and he would certainly attack the
fort; but he knew his own force, and knew the
weight of our metal ; he therefore kept his station
and contented himself with spying us.

Lord William Campbell, the Governor of the
province, when he discovered from on board the Ta-
mer sloop of war, that we were in possession of fort
Johnson, he sent his secretary, Mr. Innis, in the man-
of-war's boat to the fort, to demand ' by what autho-
rity we had taken possession of his majesty's fort ;*
he was answered ' by the authority of the council of
safety,' he then made his bow and went off. After
we had taken the fort we were in apprehensions,
least these two small men of war should attack the
fort or the town ; on the 1 6th Sept. orders were is-
sued that all officers belonging to the two South-Ca-
rolina regiments should hold themselves in readiness,
upon any alarm, to be immediately at the barracks.
The long marches the recruits had taken from Vir-
ginia, North-Carolina, and the back parts of South-
Carolina to Charlestown (in the month of September)
was very unfavorable to their health at this season

of the year ; they were taken with fevers and other
complaints, which soon filled our hospitals ; we were
obliged, on the 1 7th September, to move our sick
over to Mount Pleasent, where they could breathe a
purer air, and be kept under better regulations than
it was possible in Charlestown, where liquor could
not be kept from them ; at this time we had recruit-
ed about 700 men. The magazine at Dorchester being
now completed j en the 7th of October, I ordered a
subaltern guard to attend Capt. Cochran, on board
a schooner, to escort 10,000 'pounds of powder to
Dorchester and to see it safely lodged in the maga~
zine under a militia guard.

It was thought prudent to send a part of our am-
munition, ordinance, stores, and public records to be
iodged at Dorchester, and to build fortifications
round that town ; commissioners were appointed to
see the work executed, which was completed in
November. On the 27th October, I ordered a de-
tachment of colony troops to take post there as a
guard to the powder, Sec. that were lodged there, and
to remain till they were relieved by tv/o companies
of rangers. About this time, at the request of Col.
Powel, and others, a detachment of fifty men was
sent to Charaws, to garrison a fort that was to be
built there for the protection of the families of the
well affected, against the tories, who were very nu-
merous in that part of the country ; this was an ex-

pensive work and of very little consequence. It was now
thought necessary to have some armed schooners
for the defence of our harbor and rivers, but it was
very difficult to man them without taking the sea-
men from the first and second regiments, as they
had already inlisted all the sailors in port ;* however
it was absolutely necessary as the enemy had a
schooner cruising on our bar, and we had informa-
tion that the men-of-war's boats used to come up to
town every night and get intelligence of our proceed-
ings : Therefore, on 27th October, the council of
safety ordered that thirty seamen from the first and
second regiments be put on board the Defence
schooner, commanded by Capt* Tuffs ; the schoon-
er was stationed between Fort Johnson, and the town,
to intercept the men-of-war's boats.

Soon after this, on 17th November, the colony
raised a Regiment of Artillery and the command
was given to Maj. Owen Roberts, with the rank of
Lieut. Colonel, and Capt. Barnard Elliott, of the
second regiment, was appointed Major : This re-
giment recruited very fast as their pay was greater
than the infantry. We had now a camp on James"
Island, near Fort Johnson, of at least five hundred
men, well armed, well accoutered, and well clothed

* The sailors had no alternative, they must either inlist or
starve, as the men-of-war had completely blocked up ihf port;
ihc sailors were discharged from the vessels.

with a sufficient number of regular good tents : the
field ofiicers and captains, each a tent and marquee,
and a tent and marquee for the subalterns of each
company. The officers tents were at their own ex-
pense : We now began to look, and act like sol-
diers, and keep up a strict discipline. The men
were taught the manual manoeuvreing, and the ex-
ercise of the great guns, which made them matrosses
as well as infantry ; they were as well clothed as
troops could be, and made a handsome appearance :
we thought it best to form our camp on James' Island,
for the benefit of the soldiers healths, and the better
situated to keep them from liquor, which it was im-
possible to do in Charlestown, notwithstanding our
strict discipline"; and by being there, they were
ready to support Fort Johnson, should it be neces-
sary.

Nov. We were busily employed in repairing and
enlarging our old batteries, viz. Brougton's, Lyttel-
ton's, Grenville's, and Cravan's ; and building new
ones at Gadsden's, the Exchange, Beal's and Gibb's«
wharfs, and we were very fortunate in the begining
of the revolution, in having a great number of large
cannon, and a great number of balls suitable in the
king's arsenal : we had some mounted on field carria-
ges to move with facility to any part of the town
where they might be wanted; we had a great many
new carriages made for the battering cannon, the

old ones being quite rotten ; we soon had the new-
carriages made, as the mechanics (almost to a man)
were hearty in the cause and went cheerfully to work
whenever they were called upon. Ten shillings cur-
rency per day was given for negro laborers, and seve-
ral hundred were brought down from the country.
When we wanted any work to be done we never sat
down to calculate the expense ; it was ordered to be
done, and it was set about immediately} we had
plenty of paper and money at command.*

We were now building a battery about a quarter
of a mile to the westward of Fort Johnson on a very
commanding piece of ground, the command of this
battery was given to Lieut. Col. Roberts.

In the provincial Congress many new schemes
were suggested for the defence of the colony, among
them some very curious ideas were thrown out, such
as sinking ships upon the bar, to prevent the enemy's
vessels from coming in j some for one thing and some
for an other ;t but the most extraordinary plan that
ever was thought of, was the abandoning the town
and to draw a line across Charlestown neck, some-
where between the quarter house and town to pre-
vent the enemy from going into the country ;

* Wc stamped and issued paper money.

+ This was thrown out by some disaffected persons, as a
tub to the whale ; to amuse us, and prevent cur going into
any offensive military operations.

Congress went so far into this ridiculous business, as
to appoint commissioners for that purpose. Mr. Lown-
des, Col. Powel, Mr. Cannon, and myself; Mr.
Rout was appointed clerk to the board by the com-
missioners. We had several meetings, and recom-
mended a plan a little above Bell-Mount. When the
report come to be debated in Congress, a gentleman
very shrewdly observed, that we may as well build a
wall round a Cuckoo* to keep him in, as to suppose
these lines would prevent the enemy from going in-
to the country j this ridiculous idea of the line was
reprobated, and scouted out of the house ; then it
was determined to defend the town to the last ex-
tremity.

The Cherokee Indians being deprived of their trade
through the southern provinces, were in very bad
humor, and we were apprehensive of an Indian war,
it was therefore proper they should be supplied with
powder and ball for their hunting season, to enable
them to procure our skins for their support ; the
council of safety, therefore, to keep them in good
temper, sent one thousand weight of powder, and
lead in proportion, to be forwarded to them un-
der an escort of rangers ; but Patrick Cunningham
and John Bowman, of Ninety -six, at the head of a
party of tories, intercepted and took away the ammu-

* Owl.

nition, &c. as appears by Moses Cotter's affidavitj
taken before James Mayson> Esq.

* South-Carolina,
< Ninety-six District

ina, 1

strict. J

< Personally appeared before
^ me, James May son, one of his majesty's justices

< of the peace, for the district aforesaid ; Moses Cot-

< ter, of the Congarees, waggoner, who being duly
( sworn on the holy evangelist, of Almighty God,
( makes oath, and says, that on Tuesday morning
« last, at about 9 o'clock he left the Congarees, with

* his waggon, containing the ammunition that was

* delivered him in Charlesto^\^l, by the honorable the

< council of safety, to carry to Keowee under an es-

* cort of Col. Thompson's rangers consisting of Lieut.

* Col. Charleton and Mr. Uriah Goodwin, a cadet,
c 2 sergeants and 18 privates, and continued on their

* journey there, without the least molestation or in-

* terruption, until about noon this day, when the de-

< ponent perceiving some men on horseback, ahead

< of the waggon, come towards him; a few minutes

* after, two of Patrick Cunningham's men, coming up

* to the deponent and asking him what he had in his
' waggon, the deponent answered, rum : Then up
^ came a large body of armed men, in number, I

* suppose, at least one hundred and fifty, headed b}*^

* Patrick Cunningham and Jacob Bo^^-man. Cunning-

VQL, 1. N

< ham ordered his men to halt, and then came up to

* the deponent and said, I order you to stop your

* waggon in his majesty's name, as I understand you

* have ammunition for the Indians to kill us, and I
i am come on purpose to take it in his majesty's

* name. He then ordered the deponent to take off
' his waggon cloth, which he refused ; upon which
^ Cunningham mounted the waggon himself, loosed

* the strings of the cloth, and took up a keg of the
i powder; * there,' said he, * is what we are in search of/
^ I immediately took the keg from him and laid it in

* the waggon. Cunmngham said, ' it is in vain for

* you to attempt to hiader us from taking this ammu-
'• nition, as you have no arms ;' then he handed out
I every keg to his men who were along side the wag-
^ gon and prepared with bags to receive it ; after

* they finished with the pov/der, he, with Messrs.

* 'Griffin and Owen, and several others, took out the
^ lead which they unfolded, cut into small pieces
^ with their tomahawk's, and distributed it among

* the men. When the rangers were at some little
' distance behind the waggon, and were riding up
' pretty fast, Cunningham's party said, ' there comes
« the liberty caps ; damn their liberty caps, we will
'' soon blow them to hell;' and such like scurrilous
i language. Cunningham's men, as soon as Lieut.

< Charleton came up with his guard, retreated behind
' trees on the road side, and called out to him to

stop and nofrto advance one step further, otherwise
they -Nvould blow out his brains ; at the same time,
a gun was fired by one of their men, but did no
damage. Lieut. Charleton, with his men, were soon
surrounded by the opposite party, with their rifles
presented, who said, * don't move a step; deliver up
your arms, otherwise we will immediately fire upon
you.' Lieut. Charleton continued moving on, when
Cunningham's men marched up to him, with their
rifles presented at him, and repeated, ' deliver up
your arms without moving one step further, or you
are a dead man :' they then took his arms, together

with his men's ; afterwards they tied Lieut. Charle-
ton, Mr. Goodwin, and William Witherford, a pri-
vate, by their arms.

* Lieut. Charleton seemed very much displeased
at their behavior, and said * he would rather have
been shot, than used in such a manner, had he ex-
pected it ; that he did not value his own life ; thought
he had acted prudent by not ordering his men to
fire on them, as it would be throwing away their
lives, without answering any good purpose ; es-
pecially as their party were so numerous, that he
was sorry to see them behave in such a base man-
ner, and that he would very willingly turn out his
party against twice the number of theirs, and give
them battle : ' Cunningham and Bowman, some little
* time after asked Lieut. Charleton, ^ whether if they

583148

106

' "were to unloose him he would be upon his honor,

* not to go off:* to which he replied, ' I scorn to run,
' and all your force cannot make me j' they then

< marched off with the ammunition, and the ' prison -
' ers,' (as they called them,) and left the deponent,
' desiring him to return to the Congarees : but as
' soon as they were out of sight he took a horse from
« out the waggon and came to Ninety-six, to inform

< me of what had happened, and where he arrived

* this night about 8 o'clock. This unfortunate acci-
' dent of taking the ammunition, happened 18 miles
« below Ninety-six. Moses Cotter.

'Sworn, before me, this!
•3d of Nov. 1775/ J

A SON MaySON, J. P.*

A LITTLE after this powder was taken, Robert Cun-
ningham (a brother to Patrick Cunningham) a very
popular man in the back country, declared he would
not be bound by the treaty made by Drayton and
Tenant ; it was feared he would disturb the peace of
the country, he was therefore apprehended, brought
to town, and put in goal. During his confinement^
he was treated kindly, and visited by several gentle-
men, who endeavored to persuade him from oppos-
ing his opinion against so large a majority of his
countrymen ; he listened to their arguments and
at last agreed that if he was liberated he would re-
turn and be neuter. Accordingly, he was suffered to
return home. Patrick Cunningham had collected

101

that body of men who took the powder, to rescue his
brother, but was too late.

Upon a report that the Tamer and Cherokee men-
of-war, intended to pass the fort, and attack the town,
I received the following order to fire upon the British,
which was the first order given to fire upon them.

* By Order of Congress.
^ To Col. William Moultrie, or to the com°

manding officer, at Fort Johnson.
'Sir,

* You are hereby commanded, with the troops

* under your orders, by every military operation to
' endeavor to oppose the passage of any British na-

* val armament that may attempt to pass Fort John-

* son, until further orders by Congress, or the coun-

* cil of safety.

* I have the honor to be

' Yours, &c.
< William H. Drayton, President.'
« Charlestown, Nov. 9th, 1775.'
Major Andrew Williamson, who had the com-
mand of the militia at Ninety-six, went in pursuit
of the party that seized the powder, but was obliged
to retreat before superior numbers. In a letter from
him to the council of safety, he informed them that
he had had an action with the insurgents, under
Major Robertson, for three days and three night*?

102

without refreshments, in his fortified camp at Ninety-
six, and was reduced at last to the necessity of mak-
ing a treaty with them ; and at their own request
they agreed to a suspension of hostilities for twenty
days, with liberty for each party to send dispatches
unsealed to their superiors, informing them of their
situation. At this time. Colonels Richardson, and
Thompson were marching to form a junction to re-
leave Williamson. Of this the insurgents were in-
formed, which induced them to agree to a suspen-
sion of hostilities : they had by some means or other,
kept up an intercourse with Lord William Camp-
bell, who encouraged them to oppose us, by promi-
ses of great rewards ; they were also instigated by
Pearis, who had much influence in Ninety-six dis-
trict ; Congress was determined to send an army
among them, but first sent out by authority a dp-
claration, viz,

* South-Carolina.
* (By authority of Congress.)
* It has ever been the policy'of America in gene-
» rai, and of this colony in particular, to endeavor to

* cultivate a good correspondence with the neighbor-

* ing Indians, and especially since the commence-
^ ment of these present disputes with the British ad-

* ministration. This policy originated from a view of

* preserving at the cheapest rate, our borders from
' savag-e iacursions ; of late this policy has been per-

103

< severed in, and our endeavors have been redoubled

< in order to oppose and to frustrate the designs of
« the British administration, by the hands of Indians

< to deluge our frontiers with the blood of our fellow
* citizens. Experience has taught us, that occasional

* presents to the Indians, have been the great means of

* acquiring their friendship : In this necessary service,

* government every year expended large sums of mo-

* ney» The late council of safety spared no pains to
*■ confirm them in their pacific inclinations, but from re-
' peated, constant, and uniform accounts, it clearly

< appeared that a general Indian war was inevitable,

< unless the Indians were furnished with some small

< supplies of ammunition, to enable them to procure

* deer skins for their support and maintenance, rath-

* er than draw on an Indian war, by an ill timed fru-
' gality in withholding ammunition; the late coun-

* cil of safety, in October, issued a supply of am-

* munition consisting of one thousand weight of pow-

< der and two thousand weight of lead, for the use

* of the Cherokee's, as the only probable means of

* preserving the frontiers from the inroads of the

* Indians.

« The council more readily agreed to this measure,

* because, as they almost daily expected the Bri-

* tish arms would attack the colony in front, on the

< sea coast ; they would be inexcusable if they

* did not, as much as in them lay, remove every

104

' cause to apprehend an attack at the same time from
' the Indians upon the back settlements.

' But this measure entered into by the council's
^ principles of the soundest policy of Christianity;
« breathing equal benevolence to the associators
5 and non-associators, and a.rising only from necessi-
' ty, unfortunately has been made by some non-asso-

* ciators, an instrument for the most diabolical pur-
^ poses. These weak men, to the astonishment of com-
- mon sense, have made many of their deluded follow-
' ers believe that this ammunition as sent to the In-

* dians with orders for them to fall upon the non-as-
' sociators, and taking advantage from the scarcity

* of ammunition among the individuals arising from
^ the necessity of filling the public magazines, they

< invidiously represented that this ammunition ought

< not to have been sent to the Indians, while the in-

< habitants of the colony individually are in a great
^ measure destitute of that article.

* Wherefore, in compassion to those who are de-
^ luded by such representations, the Congress have
''^ taken these things into their consideration ; and

* they desire our deceived fellow colonists, to reflect

* that the story of the ammunition being sent to the
' Indians with orders for them to massacre the non-
i associators, is absurd in its very nature ; first, because
' the whole tenor of the council of safety, demon-
'' strates that they were incapable of such inhu-

105

* manity as a body, and the character of each in-

< dividual, shields him against a charge of so cruel a

' tiature.

' II. BecAUsE also, if men will but call reason to

* their aid, they must plainly see, that if the Indians

* were let loose upon the frontiers, they must indis-

< criminately, massacre associators and non-associa-
' tors, since there is no mark to distinguish either

* to the Indians. Howerer, in order to clear up all

* difficulties on this head, and ease the minds of our

* deceived friends i the Congress in a body, and al-

* so individually, declare, in the most solemn manner
i before Almighty God, that they do not believe that
^ any order was ever issued, or any idea entertained

* by the late council of safety, or any member of it,

< or by any person under authority of Congress, to

* cause the Indians to commence hostilities upon the

< frontiers, or any part thereof: On the contrary,
« they do believe, that they, and each of them, have

* used every endeavor to inculcate in the Indians,

* sentiments friendly to the inhabitants without dis-

* tinction. It is greatly to be regretted, that fellow

* colonists, individually are not so well supplied with

< ammunition as would be adequate to their private

* inconvenience : But does not the unhappy situation

< of public affairs, justify the filling the public maga-

* zines, thereby securing the welfare, and forming

* the defence of the state, at the risk of inconvenience

106

' or safety of individuals, and out of the public stock
' is given to the Indians, M^hich may be sufficient to

* keep them quiet, by, in some degree, supplying
'' their urgent occasions, yet not sufficient to enable

< them to make war ; ought our people, nay, they
' cannot have any reasonable ground, to arraign the

* policy by which they are, and may be preserved from
i savage hostility; or to complain that, because the

* whole colony, or the public individually, cannot be
' supplied with ammunition, that a small quantity
' ought not to be sent to the Indians. Men ought
^ also to reflect that this small quantity is given, in

* order to render it unnecessary to supply the public
' individually on the score of defence against Indians.
' Men oiight also to reflect, that when the public ma-
'" gazines are well stored, supplies can be instantly,

* plentifully, and regularly poured upon those parts

* where the public service may require them,

* Common sense and common honesty, dictate that

* there is a probability that by a present of a small

< quantity of ammunition to the Indians they can be
' kept in peace : This present ought not to be held

< back at the hazard of inducing an Indian war,

* involving the colony in immense expense, breaking

* settlements, and unnecessarily sacrificing a number

* of lives.

< ClIARL£ STOWN, NoV. 19, 1775.*

107

Nov. 11. Capt. Blake under the cover of the De-
fence schooner, cominanded by Capt. Tuffs, sunk
two schooners at the mouth of Hog-Island creek,
in order to block up that approach to the town.
Capt. Thornborough, in the Tamer sloop of war,
warped up to prevent them, but could not get near
enough. Capt. Tuffs and he, exchanged a few long
shot, but no damage was done ; this was the com-
mencement of hostilities in South-Carolina : it alarm-
ed the town, and every one run to the Bay, to see
« the fight,' as they called it.

Mathew Floyd, a messenger from Major Rob-
ertson, with dispatches to Lord William Campbell,
the governor, then on board the Tamer sloop of war ;
which dispatches he pretended to have lost, and ap-
plied for permission to wait on his lordship, to relate
to him the substance of an agreement to a cessation
of arms, concluded on the 22d ultimo, at Ninety-six.
He was permitted to wait on his lordship, attended
by a person in behalf of the council of safety, who
was to be present at the interview : Mr. Merchant,
who attended Floyd, brought answer back, that Mr.
Innis, the governor's secretary, said * My lord de-
sires you will return, and inform the persons who
sent you, that as the other person is a friend to go-
vernment, he must be detained until he has deter-
mined upon a proper answer.* In a day or two,
Floyd returned, and was made a prisoner j amon^

1Q8

other things, Floyd said, that Lord William had de-
sired him to ' tell the people in the back country to
do eveiy thing that they could for the best advan-
tage; that he did not desire any effusion of blood;
but whatever they should do would meet V7ith his
countenance.'

Nov. The men-of-war, lying in the road, entire-
ly blocked up our port, and took all vessels that came
in ; the council of safety fitted out two pilot boats to
go out through Stono inlet, and ply on our bar to
warn all vessels from coming in ; that the men-of-
war would certainly take them. ; and they were di-
rected to bring all letters up to town to be examined,
to gain what intelligence we could. Capts. Vessey
and Smith offered their service to take command of
these boats gratis, and 1 serjeant and 9 privates from
Ist regiment, and 1 serjeant and 9 privates from 2d
regiment were put on board the two boats with their
arms ; these boats were very useful in getting intel-
ligence and keeping the men-of-war's boats from
cruizing about our inlets. Capt. Thornborough, of
the Tamer sloop oi-war, took a schooner, belonging
to Capt. Stone, fitted her out with a number of swivel
guns and men, to take our two pilot boats, they
got notice of it, hov/ever, and kept out of her way.

About this time, Capt. Tallemache arrived in the
Scorpion sloop-of-war, and applied for 500 pounds
of beef, but was refused, and informed that he could

109

ha^^^t-ovisions, only from day to day, according to
thfe number of men they had on board. She had
a 'Targe transport" ship with her, that had been at
Bermuda and Cape-Fear ; from each of these places
she brought oif all the cannon and stores that could
be taken ; he had orders to seize all the cannon^
where ever he could, in all the colonies.

We had no doubt but that Beaufort would be the
next place visited, and we were confirmed in our
opinion, when a seizure was made of two Bermuda
sloops, one of which hoisted a pendant immediately,
from whence we concluded she was put in commis-
sion.

The council of safety sent orders to Beaufort, to

reaaove all the cannon and stores belonging to the
fort to some secure place in land, without the reach
of the men-of-war. Information was received in
town, that the Scoffol* lights were coming down
from the back country in great force, to carry off
the ammunition, and public records, that were lodged
at Dorchester ; upon which, I received orders to send
a reinforcement immediately to that place.

* Nov. 19th 1775.
* To Captain Francis Marion.
* You are to proceed with all expedition, v/ith

* Scoffol was a Col. of Militia, a man of some Influence in
iht back country, but a stupid, ignorant, blockhead.

* yours, and Capt. Huger's companies to Dorchester,

* to reinforce the troops there, and to take special

* care in guarding and defending the cannon, gun-

* powder, and public records, at that place ; you are
' to take the command of the whole of the troops at

* that place, till further orders. You are to apply to

* the committee at Dorchester, for a sufficient mim-

* ber of negroes in the public service, to remove the

* cannon* lying near the water-side, to a spot more
« safe, and convenient, near the fort or barracks, Sec.

' Wm. Moultrie.*
About the 20th of November, the colony took in-

to their service the ship Prosper, as appears by an

order I issued on the 2 1 st.

< Ordered, That six or eight seamen, go on

\ board the Prosper ship to-morrow, to assist in rig-

' ging the said ship.*

On the 27th, the Prosper was rigged, and had

20 nine pounders put on board, and manned by the

provincial troops, as appears by the following order ;

« Nov. 27, 1775.
* (By authority of Congress.)
' Sir,

* You are hereby ordered to detach from

* the regiments under your command, forty such

* The cannon lay at too great a distance frsm the fort, they
could not be protected should a suDerior force come down»

Ill

* privates as are best acquainted with maritime affairs,

* and cause them to be embarked on board the colo-

* ny's ship Prosper ; there to remain during one month

* (unless sooner discharged by proper authority) to
« do duty under the orders of the officers command-

* ing on board that ship, &c.'

* William H. Drayton, President.
» To Col. Moultrie.

The Prosper was fitted out as a guard-ship for the
harbor of Charlestown, to prevent the boats going
in and out of the port, to give intelligence ; and to
be an additional force to Fort Johnson and our har-
bor. The command of her, was given to William
H. Drayton, Esq. a gentleman of great abilities, and
warm* in the cause of America ; but was no sailor,
and did not know any one rope in the ship from another.

An order was issued by the council of safety, for-
bidding any person to supply the men-of-wai* with
provisions, and water ; but from day to day, Capt.
Thomborough, of the Tamer, gave notice, ' That if

* his Majesty's agent* in Charlestown, was not per-

< mitted regularly, and without molestation, to sup-

< ply the king's ships. Tamer, and Cherokee, with

* such provisions as he thought necessary to demand^

* he would not from that day, so far as it was in his

Fenwick Bull.

li:

< powjer, suffer any vessels to enter the harbor 6f
' Charlestown, or to depart from it.*

By order of Lord William Campbell, a sloop be-
longing to Messrs. Samuel and Benjamin Legarc
was seized.

Dec. 10. Mr. Fenwick Bull went down as a nota-
ry to protest against the proceedings relative to the
seizure of Messrs. Legare's vessel, and on his return,
gave to the council of safety, a particular account of
the conversation which had passed between Lord
William Campbell, and the Captains of the three
sloops-of-war in Rebellion-road, and himself....Capt.
Tallemache was charged with having some of our
negroes on board ; he declared * he did not deny his
' having some of our negroes on board, but said they

* came as free men, and demanded protection ; that
^ he could have had five-hundred v/ho had offered ;

< that we were all in actual rebellion ; and that he

* had orders to distress America by every means in
« his power; that had his advice been taken, Fort
' Johnson should have been attacked on the day of his

* arrival, if the attack had cost fifty men, and that

* this town should soon be laid in ashes ; but that it
' would soon be destroyed j that upon his honor he
' expected soon> two frigates and a bomb to arrive

« here.*

Capt. Tallemache, with his transport, soon left the

port : The Tamer and Cherokee sloops-of-war, lying

iii the road, were very troublesome to us, in blocking
up our harbor, and enticing our negroes to run away
and form a camp on Sullivan's Island ; we were in.
formed that nearly five-hundred had already encamp*
ed there : This was very alarming, and looked on as
dangerous to the province at large ; and that it was
absolutely necessary at all events to dislodge them
from this place.

The council of safety had received intelligence
that there was a fording place from Haddreli's point
to Sullivan's Island, they therefore desired I would
send a strong detachment over; in consequence of
which I issued the following order.

« Dec. 9, 1775.
^ To Major Charles Cotesworth Pinckney.
* You are to proceed with all secret expedition
«,with the men under your command, 4 capts. 8
/ lieuts. 12 sergeants, and 150 rank and file to Sulli-
« van's Island, to ford over from Haddreli's point to
^ the Island, there to surprize, seize, and apprehend
^ a number of negroes who are said to have gone
' over to the enemy ; together with every person
' who may be found on the Island ', and to repel any
< opposition which may be against you in the exe-
J cution of this service, which service being perform-
* ed, the detachment with their prisoners, are to re-
' turn to town with all possible dispatch : If you can-

tOL. I. P

114

* not cross your pa?ty at Haddrell's point with safety,

< you are to proceed to the most convenient place to

< Accomplish that end. You are to destroy the pest

< house, and every kind of live stock to be driven off
' or destroyed.

* William Moultrie.*

Major Pinckney went over to Haddrell's point,
with a detachment, agre£ably to orders, and inquired
of all the inhabitants thereabout, and of some who
had lived there many years, and they all agreed that
they knew of no fording place there,* nor had ever
heard of one, and there being no boats to cross the
detachment ; Major Pinckney informing me of these
circumstances, I sent him the following order.

* Dec. 9, 1775.

*SlR,

* You are to return immediately with the detach-
< ment to Charlestown, the intention of the expedition
* being entirely frustrated

< William Moultrie.'

' To Major Pinckney.'

The Tamer and Cherokee still continued to block
up our port; v/e at last fell upon an expedient to

* There was a fording place for one or two men ; but a bo-
dy of men would soon render it impassible.

lis

drive them quite off; which was to erect a battery at
Haddrell's point, that would give us the command of
the cove at the back of Sullivan's Island, and open to
us a safe passage from Haddrell's to the Island ; and
on the 19th of Decem. ' Ordered, that Major Charles

* Cotesworth Pinckney, 4 capts. 8 subalterns, and
'" 200 rank and file from the first regiment, do hold

< themselves in readiness to march this afternoon.'

< Capt. Beekman, of Col. Roberts' artillery, is also

* for this service, and to provide stores and ammuni-

< tion for four 18 pounders : The quarter master to

< furnish six days provisions.*

I went over with this detachment, and a great
many gentlemen volunteers ; we embarked from
Charlestown on a dark and very cold night, with
every thing necessary for erecting a battery (one
Gaboriel was our chief engineer but understood very
little of the business) we were all in high spirits ex-
pecting to surprize the men-of-war next morning ;
every one fell to work, and by day-light we were our-
selves well covered, and in a few hours more, laid
our plat-forms, and some guns mounted ; and shortly
after, opened our embrasures : The men-of-war im-
mediately moved their stations a little further off;
however, we threw them a few long shot. The
erecting this battery, gave us the entire command
of the cove, and we could go on and off from Sulli-
van's Island a» we pleased.

1!6

On the 30th of Decern. Major CotesworthPinckncy*
and Capt. Beekmanf took the distances : from the
battery at Haddrell's point, to the S. W. point of Sulli-
van's Island, is I mile, 240 yards : To the Tamer, 1
mile, 770 yards: To the Cherokee, 1 mile all but 88
yards: To Fort Johnson, If mile, and 88 yards:
From the point of Sullivan's Island, to the Tamer,
570 yards: To the Cherokee, 726 yards: From the
Cherokee to Fort Johnson, is 1 mile, 44 yards.

1776. Early in January we were preparing to
build a fascine battery on Sullivan's Island, and on
the 10th, I issued the following ordero
^OrderSj

Jan. 10th, 1776.
* One capt. 2 subalterns, 2 sergeants, and 50 rank and

< file, from the 1st regiment, and 1 capt. 2 subalterns'

< 2 sergeants, and 50 rank and file, from the 2d reg-
'imcnt, hold themselves in readiness to take post on
' Sullivan's Island, there to remain ae a covering

* party to the men, who were to be employed on the

* Island in building a fascine battery.*

As soon as the captains of the men-of-war discov-
ered that we had got possession of the Island and
building a battery ; they made the best of their way
out, and left the port to ourselves.

* Major General Pinckncy. t Late Col. Beekman.

117

ViHY soon after, the two sloops-of-war left usj,
we were seriously alarmed at the appearance of two
frigates anchoring near our bar ; the alarm guns
were fired ; the sight of them confirmed what capt.
Tallemache had informed Fenwick Bull of, on the
10th of December. At this time, we were pretty

well prepared for the frigates, all our batteries about
the town, and Fort Johnson were finished and ready
for action, and we expected every hour to be attack-
ed : our greatest fear was from the enemies which
we had among us, setting fire to the town, at the
same time that we were engaged with the frigates.
The following order which I issued, after consulting
with the council of safety, shows the apprehension
we had from the danger of fire in town, while we
were engaged with the frigates.

« General Orders,

< January 15th, 1776,
<When the town shall be attacked or alarmed,

* 1 subaltern, 1 sergeant, and 35 rank and file from

* Coi. Pinckney's regiment,* are to take post at the

* State-house, with one of the fire engines, and a suf-
*ficient number of negroes with fire-hooks, axes,

* ropes, &c. to observe if any fire should break out

* in town, and in that case, immediately to repair to

The Ghariestown Militia.

118

^ to the place with the party and engine, and endea.-
' vour to extinguish the fire. *

' One subaltern, 1 sergeant, and 20 rank and file, from
« Col. Pinckney's regiment, with a fire-engine, ne-
'groes 2cc. to take post at Branford'a corner,* to ex-

* tinguish any fire that may break out in town.

'One subaltern, 1 sergeant, and 20 rank and file,

* from Col. Pinckney's regiment, with one engine,
^negroes &c. at Grimke's corner,! to put out any
' fire that may break out in town.

'One subaltern, 1 sergeant, and 20 rank and file,
'from Colo Pinckney's regiment, with engine, ne-

* groes Sec. at Rantowle's corner,^ to put out any fire
' that may break out in town.

' One subaltern, 1 sergeant, and 20 rank and file,
' from Col. Pinckney's regiment, with engine, negroes,
' &c. atRamage's corner,^ to put out any fire th^t
' may break out in town.

'One subaltern, 1 sergeant, and 20 rank and file
' from Col. Pinckney's regiment, with one engine, ne-
' groes, &c. at Brewton's corner,(| to put out any fire
^ that may break out in tov/n.

^ If any fire should break out at night in ""town,
' some persons from the guard house are to go up

* Meeting, and Trad street, S. W. f Meeting, and
Queen«street, S. W, t Church, and Qncen-stieet, N. E.

^ Broad, and Church-strcet, N. E. \\ Cliurch, and Trad-
street, S. W.

< in the upper gallery of St. Michaers Church steeple,

< and there hold out a lanthern on a pole pointing to-
« wards the fire. Messrs. Manigault, and Thomas

< Smith,* one to be at the State-house, and the other

* at Ramage's corner, as directors to the engines, and

* give orders as they shall think necessary for extin-

* guishing fires.

« Col. Pinckney's regiment to be drawn up in

< Church-street, facing eastward their centre near

< the pump at Ramage's corner.

The fusiliers of Col. Pinckney's regiment, take

* post at the battery, on Beal's wharf.

* Capt. Cannon's company of Col. Pinckney's re-

< giment, to take post at the battery on Prioleau's

* wharf.

< The artillery company to take post at Brough-

* ton's battery.f

< Capt. Barrel's company to take post at Lyttle-
ton's bastion.:^

* Th e magazine guard to be completed to 1 capt.
' 2 subalterns^ 3 sergeants, and 50 rank and file.

* That 1 captain, 2 subalterns, 3 sergeants, and

* 50 "-rank and file to remain at the barracks, as a

* Two very respectable old citizens, wh» offered their fer-
vices to do what they could. They had been fire-masters un-
der the royal government.

+ The point between east and south Bay.

!J1 Mechanic battery.

120

^ guard to the women and children,* that may retire

* to the barracks.

< That the grenadier company of the 2 regiment,

* do march to Grenville's bastion, south end of the
« Bay.

« Major Bernard Elliott to take command of the
battery North end of the Bay.f

' Lieut. D. Treville, to take post in the battery,

* on Beal's wharf.

' CoL. Motte, with the remainder of the second
< regiment (4 or 500 men) to march and take post

* near Gadsden's house, to prevent the tnemy from
J landing.

' The detachment from Dorchester, under Capto

* Hayne's to draw up at the State-house, fronting
^ east, there to wait for orders.

* CoL. Roberts to take command of Grenville's
^ bastion.
' LiBUTs. Olyphant and Blake of the second regi-

* ment, are appointed to carry orders ; all orders de-

* livered by them are to be obeyed.*

These two frigate's kept us to our alarm posts for
several days ; at length they disappeared and v/c
went to our works again.

Congress in November 1775 after sending out

* It was strongly recommended, to the women and children
to go to the Barracks, to be out of the way of ths shot from the
men-of-war.

+ Cravens bastion.

121

their declaration, determined to raise an army to
quell the insurgents ; they sent a large body of
militia and regulars, under the command of Colonels
Richardson and Thompson ; they were joined by
6 or 700 North-Carolina militia, under the command
of Colonels Polk and Rutherford, and 200 regulars,
under Col. Martin : this strong body of men had
instructions to ' apprehend the leaders of the party
' which seized the powder, and to do all other things
* necessary to suppress the present, and to prevent
'any future insurrections;* they seized the leaders
of the insurgents and dispersed their body; a num-
ber retired over the mountains, and some to St. Au-
gustine.

Jan. Wc were still going on with our military op-
perations, and as fast as we finished our batteries,
the guns were mounted, and powder drawn from
Dorchester to supply them ; Charle>stovm was quite
a garrison town, and our advanced posts were filled
with troops, and a number of the militia were
brought from the country to garrison Charlestown.

About this time a battery was built at George-
town, and six heavy pieces of cannon mounted.

We received orders from the council of safety to
fire upon any British ships.

<In Council of Safety, 12th Jan. 1776.

<SlR,

< We desire you to order the commanding officer

VOL. I. Q

of the detachment on Sullivan's Island,* as soon as

* the intended temporary battery is in readiness, to

* fire upon any ships of war, boats, or other vessels

< belonging to the enemy attempting to approach,

< pass, or land troops upon the Island ; and in the mean
' time to use all the force in your power to prevent

* the enemy's landing or passing by.

* By order of the council of safety.

* Henry Laurens, President.*

* Col. Moultrie.'

John Stevrart, Esq. agent for Indian affairs in this
southern department, being in West-Florida, it was
feared that he would stir up the Indians against us,
therefore. Mrs. Stewart his wife, and Mrs. Fenwick
his daughter, were detained as hostages for his good
behavior, and that they should give intelligence. 1
received the following order :

< In Congress, Charlestown, Feb. 3d, 1776.
' On Motion.

* Resolved, that it be expedient, and necessary

* that the lady, and daughter of John Stewart, Esq.

* be restrained from absenting themselves from his

* house in Charlestown.

* It was then quite a wilderness, and a thick deep fwamp,
where the fort stands, covered with live oak, myrtle, snd pal-
metto trees.

J23

* Ordered, That a proper guard be placed and
< continued about the house of the said John Stewart,
^Esq. to prevent such absenting ; and that Col.
t Moultrie do place guards accordingly.

* Resolved, 5th Feb. 1776. That Mr. Fenwick

* have leave to take his wife into the country, he be-
*ing answerable that she shall not depart the Col-

* ony, and for her appearance at any time agreeably
*to the order of Congress, or the council of safety.

' Order Eo, That no person whatever, be suffered

to visit Mrs. Stewart, without leave from Col. Moul-

' trie, or the commanding officer, for the time being,

signified by introduction in writing, or by an officer

^ appointed by him for that purpose ; and that if at any

i time Mrs. Stewart shall have occasion to go abroad

* with the permission of Col. Moultrie, or the com-

< manding officer, for that time being, she shall do soj

< attended by an officer for that purpose.

< Peter Timothy, Sec'y.*

Mrs. Stewart in a little time made her escape, and
Mr. Fenwick was sent to Gaol on suspicion of aiding
and assisting her to make her escape.

Col. Gadsden arrived from Philadelphia and took
upon himself the command of the troops, and on the
iSth February, issued his first order.

' All orders issued by Col. Moultrie, antecedent
to this date> are expected to be strictly attended to.'

124,

On the second of March, I was ordered down to
Sullivan's Island, to take command ; where we were
building a large fort sufficient to contain 1000 men.
As this was looked upon as the key of the harbor ; a
great number of mechanics and negroe laborers were
employed in finishing this fort as fast as possible, we
having got certain intelligence that the British were
preparing, at New- York, for an expedition against
Cliarlestpwn.

March. Congress resolved to raise two regiments
of riflemen, Lieut. Col. Isaac Huger is appointed
Col. of the first regiment. Major M'Intosh, Lieut*
Col. Benjamin Huger, Esq. Major.

Captains of the First Rifle Regiment.
Hezekiah Maham, Benjamin Tutt, Geo. Cogdell?
William Richardson, John Brown, Francis Prince,
David Anderson) Thomas Potts.

Officers of the Second Regiment of
Riflemen.
Thomas Sumpter, Esq. Lieut. Col. William Hen-
derson, Esq. Major.

Captains OF the Second Regiment of
Riflemen.
James Duff, Richard Richardson, jun. Samuel
Taylor, George Wage, and William Brown.

Paul Trapicr, jun. is appointed Captain of the
Georgetown artillery company, and William Harden,
Captain of the Beaufort artillery company.

125

The affairs of the province became too unweildly
for the management of Congress, and the council of
safety or general committee : Every thing was run-
ning into confusioa, and although our crimmal laws
were still of force, yet they were virtually repealed
for want of proper officers to execute them, all those
under the royal authority being suspended from of-
fice, it was therefore thought absolutely necessary to
frame a constitution for the purpose of forming a
regular system of government, and for appointing
public officers for the different departments to put the
laws into execution. When the business was brought
before Congress, many members were opposed to
its being taken up by the present Congress, alleging
for the reason, the impropriety of the measure ; that
the present members were not vested with that pow-
er by their constituents; however, the provincial
Congress, determined upon a temporary one, setting
forth the grievances ; they entered into the following
resolves, viz.

* I. That this Congress, being a full and free re-
' presentation of the people of this colony, shall hence-
' forth be deemed and called the General Assembly

< of South-Carolina, and as such shall continue until

< the 21st of October next, and no longer.

'II. That the general assembly shall, out of
^ their own body, elect, by ballot, a legislative-coun-

126

* cil, to consist of thirteen members, (seven of whom

* shall be a quorum) and to continue for the same
'time as the general assembly.

'III. That the general assembly, and legislative-

* council, shall jointly choose, by ballot, from among
'themselves, or from the people at large > a presi-

* dent and commander in chief, and a vice-president

* of the colony.

' V. That there be a privy-council, whereof the
' vice-president of the colony shall of course be a
'member and president of the privy-council, and
^ that six other members be chosen by ballot^ three

* by the general assembly, and three by the legisla-
' tive-council ; provided always, that no officer of the
' army or navy, in the service of the continent, or
' of this colony, shall be eligible.

'VII. That the legislative authority be vested
' in the president and commander in chief, the gen-
'eral assembly, and legislative -council.

*XI. That on the last Monday in October next,
'and the day following, and on the same days of
' every second year thereafter, members of the gen-

* eral assembly shall be chosen, to meet on the first
' monday in December then next, and contmue for
^ two years from the said last IVXonday in October.
' The general assembly to consist of the same num-
' ber of members as this congress does, each parish

* and district having the same representation as at

127

< present. And the election of the said members

< shall be conducted, as near as may be, agreeably
( to the directions of the election act. The qualifica-
« tion of electors shall be the same as required by
' law.

« XVI. That the vice-president of the colony,
' and the privy-council, for the time being, shall ex-
i ercise the powers of a court of chancery. And there

< shall be an ordinary, who shall exercise the powers
^ heretofore exercised by that officer in this colony.

* XIX. That justices of the peace shall be nomi-
' nated by the general assembly, and commissioned

* by the president during pleasure.

* XX. That all other judicial officers shall be

* chosen, by ballot, jointly by the general assembly
' and legislative-council.

*XXI. That the sheriffs, qualified, as bylaw di-
' rected, shall be chosen in like manner by the gen-

< eral assembly and legislative-council, and commis-

* sioned by the president for two years only.

* XXII. The commissioners of the treasury, the

* secretary of the colony, the register of mesne con-

* vcyances, attorney-general, and powder-receiver,

* shall be chosen by the general assembly and legis-

< lative-council jointly, by ballot, and commissioned
' by the president during good behaviour ; but shall

128

* be removed on the address of the general assembly

* and legislative-council.

'XXIII. That all field-officers in the army, and

* all captains in the navy, shall be, by the general
*■ assembly and legislative-council, chosen jointly,

* by ballot, and commisioned by the president ; and
' that all other officers in the army and navy shall

* be commissioned by the president and commander

* in chief.

* XXVI. That the president shall have no pow-

* cr to make war or peace, or enter into any final

* treaty, without the consent of the general assem-

* bly and the legislative -council.

' XXV'III. That the resolutions of the continent-

* al Congress, now in force in this colony, shall so

* continue until altered or revoked by them.

* XXIX. That the resolutions of this or any for-

* mer congress of this colony, and all laws now of

* force here, and not hereby altered, shall so contin-

* ue until altered or repealed by the legislature of
*this colony, unless where they are temporary, in
' which case they shall expire at the times respec-

* tively limited for their duration.

* XXX. That the executive authority be vested
< in the president, limited and restrained as afore-

* said.*

In consequence of this temporary constitution, the
following appointments took place.

129

o
o

P»lembers of
> the legisla-
tive-council.

Charles Pinckney,

Henry Middleton,

Richard Richardson,

Rawlins Lowndes,

Le Roy Hammond,

David Oliphant,

Thomas Ferguson,

Stephen Bull,

George Gabriel Powel,

Thomas Bee,

Joseph Kershaw,

Thomas Shubrick,

William Moultrie,
His excellency John Rutledge, Esq. president.
His honor Henry Laurens, Esq. vice president.
Hon. William H. Drayton, Esq. chief justice.
Hon. Thomas Bee, J. Mathews, and Henry Pen-
dleton, Esqrs. assistant judges. •
Alexander Moultrie, Esq. attorney-general-
John Huger, Esq. secretary.
William Burrows, Esq. ordinary.
Hugh Rutledge, Esq. judge of the admiralty.
George Sheed, Esq. register of mesne convey-
ances.

The Honorable James Parsons, William "H. Dray-
ton, John Edwards, Charles Pinckney, Thomas
Ferguson, Rawlins Lowndes, members of the privy-
council.

VOL. I.

J 30

Mr. Rutledge being in Congress when he was
elected, addressed them in the following manner :

* Gentlemen,

* The very great, unsolicited and unexpected hon-

* or, which you have been pleased to confer on me,

* has overwhelmed me with gratitude and concern.

* ...Permit me to return you my most sincere thanks,

* for so distinguishing and unmerited a mark of your
' confidence and esteem. I have the deepest sense
' of this honor....The being called, by the free suf-

* frages of a brave and generous people, to preside

* over their welfare, is, in my opinion, the highest

* any man can receive : But, dreading the weighty

* and arduous duties of this station, I really wish

* that your choice had fallen upon one, better qual=
'ified to discharge them ; for though in zeal and in-
' tegrity I will yield to no man, in abilities to serve
' you I know my inferiority to many : Since how-

* ever, this, gentlemen, is your pleasure, although ^

* foresee that by submitting to it I shall be ranked by

< our enemies amongst ambitious and designing men

* hy whom, they say, the people have been deceived

< and misled J yet, as I have always thought every
' man's best services due to his country, no fear of

< slander, or of difficulty or danger, shall deter me

* from yielding mine. ..In so perilous a season as the
' present, I will not withhold them ; but, in her

131

•^ cause, every moment of my time shall be employ-

< ed: Happy, indeed, shall I be, if those services
« answer your expectations, or my own wishes...On
« the candor of my worthy countrymen I rely to
« put the most favorable construction, as they hither-

* to have done, upon my actions...! assure myself of

* receiving, in the faithful discharge of my duty, the

* support and assistance of every good man in the

* colony ; and my most fervent prayer, to the om-

* nipotent ruler of the universe, is, that, under his

< gracious providence, the liberties of America may

* be forever preserved.'

In a few days after, the legislative-council and
general assembly addressed their president in the
following words :

* We, the legislative-council and general assem-
^ bly of South-Carolina, convened under the author-
<ity of the equitable constitution of government,

* established by a free people, in Congress, on the

* 26th ult. beg leave, most respectfully, to address

* your excellency.

'Nothing is better known to your excellency,

* than the unavoidable necessity which induced us as

* members of Congress on the part of the people to

* resume the pov/ers of government, and to estab-

* lish some mode for regulating the internal polity of

* this colony ; and, as members of the legislative-

1S2

' council and general assembly, to vest ycu, for a
"^time limited, with the executive authority. Such

* constitutional proceedings on our part, v^^e make
^ no doubt, will be misconstrued into acts of the

- greatest criminality by that despotism, which, lost
-' to all sense of justice and humanity, has already

- pretended that we are in actual rebellion. But,

* sir, when we reflect upon the unprovoked, cruel,
' and accumulated oppressions under which Amer-
' ica in general, and this country in particular, has
' long continued ; oppression which, gradually in-

* creasing in injustice and violence, are now by the
c inexorable tyranny prepetrated against the United

* Colonies, under the various forms of robbery,
' conflagration, massacre, breach of public faith, and
^ open war...Conscious of cur natural and unalienable
' rights, and determined to make every effort in our
' power to retain them, v/e see your excellency's ele-
' vation, from the midst of us, to govern this coun-
' try, as the natural consequence of such outrages.

« By the suffrages of a free people, you, sir, have

* been chosen to hold the reins of government.. .an
' event as honorable to yourself, as beneficial to the

* public. We firmly trust you will make the consti-
' tution the great rule of your conduct ; and, in the

* most solemn manner, v/e do assure your excellen-
' cy, that, in the discharge of your duties under that
< constitution which looks forward to an accommoda-

133

« tion with Great-Britain (an event which, though
« traduced and treated as rebels, we still earnestly
c desire) we will support you with our lives and ibr-
« Jtunes/

c After passing a few necessary laws, the repre-
sentatives of the people closed their sessions, on the
11th of April, 1776. On this occasion his excellen-
cy president Rutledge addressed both houses in the
following words:*

* Honorable gentlemen of the legislative-council,

^ Mr. Speaker, and gentlemen of the general as-
^ sembly,

* It has afforded me much satisfaction to observe,
« that, though the season of the year rendered your
*• sitting very inconvenient, your private concerns,

< which must have suffered greatly by your long and

* close application in the late Congress to the affairs

* of this colony, requiring your presence in the coun-

* try ; yet, continuing to prefer the public weal to

* ease and retirement, you have been busily engaged

< in framing such laws as our peculiar circumstances

* rendered absolutely necessary to be passed, before

* your adjournment.. o.Having given my assent to

* them, I presume you arc now desirous of a recess.

' On my part, a most solemn oath has been taken*

134

< for the faithful discharge of my duty... On yours, a

* solemn assurance has been given, to support me

* therein.. ..Thus, a public compact between us stands

* recorded... .You may rest assured, that I shall keep
'this oath ever in mind.. .the constitution shall be
^ the invariable rule of my conduct...my ears shall be

* always open to the complaints of the injured..*.Jus-
' tice, in mercy, shall neither be denied or delayed...

* Our laws and religion, and the liberties of Ameri-
' ca, shall be maintained and defended to the utmost

* of my power.. ..I repose the most perfect confidence

* in your engagement.

'And nov/, gentlemen, let me intreat that you
•v/ill, in your several parishes and districts, use

* your influence and authority to keep peace and

* good order, and procure strict observance of, and
^ ready obedience to the law.. ..If any persons there-

* in are still strangers to the nature and merits of

* the dispute bttween Great-Britain and the colonies,
^ you will explain it to them fully, and teach them;
« if they are so unfortunate as not to know, their in-

< herent rights.. ..Prove to them, that the privileges
' of being tried by a jury of the vicinage, acquaint-
^ ed with the parties and witnesses ; of being taxed
' only with their own consent, given by their repre-
' sentatives, freely chosen by, and sharing the burden
' equally with themselves, not for the aggrandizing

a rapacious minister, and his dependent favorites,

135

and for corrupting the people, und subverting their
liberties, but for such wise and salutary purposes,
as they themselves approve ; and of having their
internal polity regulated, only by laws consented
to by competent judges of what is best adapted to
their situation and circumstances, equally bound
too by those laws.. .are inestimable, and derived
from that constitution, which is the birth-right of
the poorest man, and the best inheritance of the
most wealthy.. ..Relate to them the various unjust
and cruel statutes which the British parliament,
claiming a right to make laws for binding the colo-
nies in all cases whatsoever, have enacted, and the
many sanguinary measures which have been, and
are daily pursued and threatened, to wrest from
them those invaluable benefits, and to enforce such

an unlimited and destructive claim. To the most
illiterate it must appear, that no power on earth
can, of right, deprive them of the hardly-earned
fruits of their honest industry, toil and labor...even
to ihem the impious attempt to prevent many thou-
sands from using the means of subsistence, provid-
ed for man by the bounty of his Creator, and to
compel them, by famine, to surrender their rights,
will seem to call for divine vengeance....The en-
deavors, by deceit and bribery, to engage barba-
rous nations to imbrue their hands in the innocent
blood of helpless women and children, and the at-

136

* tempts, by fair but false promises, to make igno-

* rant domestics subservient to the most wicked pur-
' poses, are acts at which humanity must revolt,

<Shew your constituents, then, the indispensa-

< ble necessity which there was for establishing some

* mode of government in this colony ; the benefits
*of that, which a full and free representation has
« established ; and that the consent of the people is
*the origin, and their happiness the end of gov-

* ernment.... Remove the apprehensions with which
*► honest and well-meaning, but weak and credulous

* minds, may be alarmed i and prevent ill impres-

* sions by artful and designing enemies.. ..Let it be

* known, that this constitution is but temporary....

* till an accommodation of the unhappy differences

< between Great-Britain and America can be obtain-

* ed ; and that such an event is still desired, by men

* who yet remember former friendships and intimate

* connections, though for defending their persons

* and properties, they are stigmatized and treated as

* rebels.

< Truth, being known, will prevail over artifice

< and misrepresentation.. ..Conviction must follow its

* discovery. ...In such a case, no man who is worthy

* of life, liberty or property, will or can refuse to

* join you in defending them to the last extremity...
' disdaining every sordid ^dew, and the mean paltry
'considerations of private interest, and present

1S7

« emolument, when placed in competition with the

< liberties of millions ; and seeing that there is no
' alternative, but absolute unconditional submission,
' and the most abject slavery, or a defence becom-
*ing men born to freedom, he will not hesitate
' about the choice. ...Although superior force may,

< by the permission of Heaven, lay waste our towns,

< and ravage our country, it can never eradicate,

* from the breasts of free men, those principles

* which are ingrafted in their very nature...such men

< will do their duty, neither knowing or regarding
^consequences ; but submitting them with humble

< confidence to the Omniscient and Omnipotent ar-
' biter and director of the fate of empires, and trust-
<ing that his Almighty arm, which has been so

* signally stretched out for our defence, will deliver
^ them in a righteous cause.

« The eyes of Europe, nay of the whole world, are

* on America.. ..The eyes of every other colony are
' on this.. .a colony, whose reputation for generosity
' and magnanimity, is universally acknowledged. I

< trust, therefore, it will not be diminished by our

* future conduct ; that there will be no civil discord

< here ; and that the only strife amongst brethren

* will be, who shall do most to serve and to save an

* oppressed and injured country.*

Immediately after the address, the council of

VOL, I, s

138

safety and general committee were abolished, and the
different departments of government filled up with
officers regularly appointed, all of whom took the
oath prescribed by the constitution, and immediately
entered on the duties of their offices: The chief jus-
tice, William Henry Drayton, Esq. begun his, with
a long and learned charge to the grand jury.

This new system opened such a scene of regu-
larity, as confounded and astonished the disaffected,
and gave great pleasure to the friends of the revolu-
tion.

The president and privy-council were left as an
executive body, with great power ; they continu-
ed to carry on the fortifications ; issue money ; to
examine accounts ; and to pay all liquidated de-
mands.

We had information that an expedition was pre-
paring at New- York, and that we should soon be vis-
ited by a British army and navy. All the median'
ics and laborers about the town were employed, and
a great number of negroes brought down from the
country, and put upon the works ; every one seemed
to be busy, and every thing went on with great
spirit.

Frigates alv/ays hovering on our coast.

139

Letter from the President.

'April the 26th, 1776.

<SlR,

* Having received information that two men-of-
' war are at anchor off the racoon-keys, I desire that

* you will send a proper officer, and a sufficient num-

< ber of men through Santee-creek, to reconnoitre

* them ; and as soon as possible, report what obser-

* vations they make of this matter. It is not impossi-
' ble that an attempt may be made to get some sheep
« or cattle from BuU's-Island ; and if so, measures

< should be taken to prevent such a step.

< I am, &c.
* CoL, Moultrie.' ' John Rutledgb.*

To the President,

< Sir,

* I have just now received your orders to send
' a party to Bull's-Island ; which I shall do imme-

< diately, though we are in want of boats ; I have or^
' dered Capt. Peter Horry with a detachment for

* that service. * I have the honor to be, &c.

^William Moultrie.'

* His Excellency the President.*

At this time it was the general opinion, especially
among the sailors, that two frigates would be a suf-
ficient force to knock the town about our ears :
notwithstanding our number of batteries with hea-

140

vy cannon ; but in a few weeks (28 June) experi-
ence taught us, that frigates could make no im-
pression upon our palmetto batteries.

April. General Armstrong arrived from the
northward, and took command of the troops in South-
Carolina ; he was a brave man, and a good officer,
but not much acquainted with our manner of de-
fence which was principally forts and batteries, with
heavy pieces of cannon : we had at that time at least,
100 'pieces of cannon mounted in different parts of
our harbor.

May 31. Expresses were sent to the president
from Christ-church parish, informing him that a
large fleet of British vessels were seen off Dewee's
Island, about twenty miles to the northward of the
bar ; and on the first of June they displayed about
fifty sail before the town, on the out side of our bar.
The sight of thess vessels alarmed us very much, all
was hurry and confusion, the president with his
council busy in sending expresses to every part of
the country, to hasten down the militia : men run-
ning about the town looking for horses, carriages,
and boats to send their families into the country ;
and as they were going out through the town gates
to go into the country, they met the militia from
the country marching into town ; traverses were
made in the principal streets ; fieches thrown up
at every place where troops could land ; military

141

works going on every where, the lead taking from
the windows of the churches and dwelling houses,
to cast into musket bails, and every preparation
to receive an attack, which was expected in a few
days.

Juke 4. General Lee arrived from the northward,
and took the command of the troops ; his presence
gave us great spirits , as he was known to be an able,
brave, and experienced officer, though hasty and
rough in his manners, which the officers could not
reconcile themselves to at first : it was thought by
many that his coming among us was equal to a rein-
forcement of 1000 men, and I believe it was, be-
cause he taught us to think lightly of the enemy, and
gave a spur to ail our actions. After Gen. Lee had
waited upon the president, and talked with him upon
his plan of defence, he hurried about to view the
different works, and give orders for such things to
be done as he thought necessary ; he was every day
and every hour of the day on horse back, or in boats
viewing our situation and directing small works to
be thrown up at different places ; when he came
to Sullivan's Island, he did not like that post at all,
he said there was no way to retreat, that the garri-
son would be sacrificed ; nay, he called it a ' slaugh-
ter pen,' and wished to withdraw the garrison and
give up the post, but president Rutledge insisted
that it should not be given up. Then Gen. Lee

142

said it was ' absolutely necessary to have a bridge of
' boats for a retreat ;' but boats enough could not be
had, the distance over being at least a mile. Then
a bridge was constructed of empty hogsheads buoy-
ed at certain distances, and two planks from hogshead
to hogshead ; but this would not answer, because
when Col. Clark was coming over from Haddrell's,
with a detachment of 200 men ; before they were
half on, it sunk so lov/, that they were obliged to re-
turn : Gen. Lee's whole thoughts were taken up
with the post on Sullivan's Island ; all his letters to
me shew how anxious he was at not having a bridge
for a retreat ; for my part, I never was uneasy on
not having a retreat because I never imagined that
the enemy could force me to that necessity ; I always
considered myself as able to defend that post against
the enemy. I had upwards of 300 riflemen, under
Col. Thompson, of his regiment, Col. Clark, with
200 North-Carolina regulars, Col. Horry, with 200
South-Carolina, and the Racoon company of rifle-
men, 50 militia at the point of the island behind the
sand hills and myrtle bushes ; I had also a small
battery with one 18 pounder, and one brass field-
piece , 6 pounder, at the same place, which entirely
commanded the landing and could begin to fire upon
them at 7 or 800 yards before they could attempt to
land, this would have disconcerted them very much,
besides had they made their landing good, the ri-

143

flemen would have hung upon their flanks for three
miles as they marched along the beach, and not
above fifty yards from them.

Coi.. Thompson had orders that if they could not
stand the enemy they vrere to throv,^ themselves in-
to the fort, by which I should have had upwards of
1000 men in a large strong fort, and Gen. Arm-
strong in my rear with 1500 men, not more that
one mile and an half off, with a small arm of the sea
between us, that he could have crossed a body of
men in boats to my assistance, this was exactly my
situation ; I therefore felt myself perfectly easy
because I never calculated upon Sir. Henry Clinton's
numbers to be more then 3000 men ; as to the men-
of-war, we should have taken every little notice of
them if the army had attacked us.

Gen. Lee one day on a visit to the fort, took me
aside and said, ' Col. Moultrie, do you think you can

* maintain this post.' I answered him 'Yes I think I

* can,' that was all thai passed on the subject between
us : another time Capt. Lamperer, a brave and ex-
perienced seaman, who had been master of a man-
of-war, and captain of a very respectable privateer
many years ago visited me at the fort after the Brit-
ish ships came over our bar ; while we were walking
on the platform looking at the fleet, he said to me :
' well Colonel what do you think of it now ;' I repli-
ed that 'we should beat them,* 'Sir said he 'when

144

' those ships (pointing to the men-of-war) come to

* lay along side of your fort, they will knock it down
'in half an hour,' (and that was the opinion of all
the sailors,) then I said, ' we will lay behind the ru-

* ins and prevent their men from landing.*

Gejj. Lee, I was informed, did not like my having
the command of that important post, he did not
doubt my courage, but said 'I was too easy in com-
' mand,' as his letters shew ; but after the 28th June
he made me his bosom friend : our fort at this time
was not nearly finished ; the mechanics and negro
laborers were taken from all the works about the
town, and sent down to the Island to complete our
fort, we worked very hard, but could not get it near-
ly finished before the action.

*In the Council of Safety, June 21st, 1775.
' To William Moultrie, Esq.
* Or tlie commanding officer of the second regiment
of foot,

* Sir,

' You are hereby directed forthwith to issue orders

< for levying in this and the adjacent colonies, proper

< men, not exceeding fifty in each company, to serve
^ for six months certain, and not longer than three
^ years, in the regiment of foot under your command ;
^ observing the articles agreed upon by the provincial
^ Congress for ordering and governing the forces of

145

* this colony. And it is recommended to all the good
i people of this, and the neighboring colonies, to give
( you, and the officers under your command, all neces-
« sary aid and assistance therein. ...Given under our
« hands at Charlestown, in South-Car^Jina, the day a«
' hove mentioned :

< Charles Pinckney, William Williamson, Henry

* Laurens, Rawlins Lowndes, William H. Drayton?

< James Parsons, Arthur Middleton, Thomas Fer-

< guson, Miles Brewton, Benjamin Elliott, Thomas

* Hey ward, jun.*

^ By order of Congress.

« Noveijiber 20th, 1775.

< Sir,

' Lieut. Colonel Roberts is ordered with a part of
* the corps of artillery, to take post at the battery, at
' Fort Johnson, and the new battery to the westward
' of it ; you are therefore ordered to afford the lieut.

< colonel all necessary assistance to make the best de-
' fence possible, at those places.

I am, Sir,
' Your most humble sertant.
' Wm, H. Drayton,
< President.'
*To CoL. Moultrie,
' Or the commanding officer at Fort Johnson./

VOL. I. T

146

« December the irth, 1775,
* In the Council of Safety.
' Sir,

* You are directed to confer with the honorable

* William Henfi^ Drayton, and Doctor Oliphant, upon
' taking post, and erecting a fascine battery for four
< cannon, 1 8 pounders, at Haddrell's Point, with all

* convenient dispatch : And for this service you \ri\l

* order a detachment from the provincials, consisting
' of 200 privates, commanded by a major ; one ser-

* geant is necessary. ..You are likewise to order Capt.

* Beekman of the artillery regiment upon this service,
' and that he provide all necessary stores for the can^^
' non, with all disp»tch possible.

^ By order of the council of safety*
< Henry Laurens, President.'
* Colonel Moultrie.'

« Sullivan's Island, June S, 1776o
'To HIS Excellency the President.
'^ Sir,

* We have seen this day, two large ships, a large
' top-sail schooner, and a tender. The tender has
' been very busy in sounding from the inlet at our
' advance-guard, all along to Long-Island : It seems
' as though they intended their descent somewhere
« hereabout. Our fort is now enclosed : It is the o-
' pinion of every one, that we should have more men

147

< at this post ; but, as I know they cannot be spared
<from the capital, I must make the best defence

* I can with what I have got ; and doubt not, but that

* I shall give 4 or 500 men a great deal of trouble be-

< fore they can dislodge me from this post.

< I shall be glad you would order those boats over,

< which I had fitted up for this post s Capt. Coppithorn

< has them.

* I am your Excellency's most obedient servant.

'William Moultrie,
< Col. of the second Regiment*'

< June 4th, 1776^
^ Sir,

« Capt. Beekman is sent down to take the com-
^ mand of the battery at Haddrcll*s point ; if he should
^ want a reinforcement from Sullivan's Island, you
^ will send it, if it can be spared.

* Yours, &c.
<To Col* Moultrie, < J. Rutledge.*

♦ Sullivan's Island, 7th June, 1776.

*SlR,

< A FLAG was just now sent from the men-of-
< war, but before they came to the shore, by some

* unlucky accident they were fired upon by some of

* our sentries, contrary to orders : I am sorry it should

* have happened , but now, no help for it. I sup-

148

<^pose it nrily a piece of ceremony they intended...* I

* expect they -wrill begin very shortly ; several of the

* fleet have gone northward, perhaps to land some
< troops : I doubt not your excellency will provide ac-
^cordingly. Your most obedient

* William Moultrie
* Col. of the second Regimen to'

< To THE President.*

< June 7, 1776. half past 6 o'clock, P. M.
^ Sir,

^ I AM very sorry, that a flag has been fired upon,
*by one of your sentries;.. .pray send off" a flag im-

* mediately, by a discreet officer, with a proper letter

* to the commanding officer of the British fleet, ac-
*quainting him, that this act was committed by mis-
^ take, and contrary to orders j and that a messenger

* shall be properly received, and that I have given this

* direction, the moment I was apprized of the fact '

* But, take care, to prevent a repetition of such con»

* duct in the sentries ; at the same time, do not suff*er

* any, under the appearance of a flag, to make dis*

* coveries of what the enemy ought not to know.

* Yours in haste,
j. rutledge.'

< Honorable Col. Moultrie**

149

< Sullivan's Island, June 8, 17 7G.
< To the commanding officer of his Britannic
'majesty's fleet, now lying in five-fathom hole,
» South-Carolina.

< Sir,

'I SEND this flag by Capt. Huger, to assure you

* that the firing on a flag coming from your ship yes-

< terday, was the effect of error in the sentinel. A
i guard placed on the shore in order to receive your

< messenger, attempted to convince him of the mis-

* take, by displaying a white cloth at the end of a

* musket. I acquainted the president and commander

< in chief of this accident, whose orders I received
' immediately to inform you that a messenger, if you

* think proper to send one, shall be properly received.

* I have the honor to be your most obedient
' William Moultrie,
* Col. of the second regiment.*

A second flag was sent, with a proclamation of
pardon to all that would return to their allegiance.

< Thursday Morning, 6 o'clock.

«SlR,

* I AM extremely obliged to you for your ac-
* tivity and alertness : I beg you will order Long-Is-
'' land to be reconnoitred well, and perhaps you will
i see a probability of attacking them with advantage

150

'from the mains. ..but this must be left to your own

* prudence. I have ordered the two rascally carpen-

* ters who descried, to be searched for ; if they can

* be found, I shall send them bound to you : I do not

< myself, much like the scheme of retreating by boats,

* it cannot, I think be done without confusion ; but I

* think you ought to have two means of retreat ; for

* wliich reason, I must beg that you will be expedi-

< tious in finishing the bridge : And all the boats I can
' procure shall be likewise sent to you...if possible I

* will visit you to day,

* I am, dear sir, yours,
' To CoL. Moultrie. *Charles Lee.*

'Charlestown, 8 o'clock, June 8th.

<SlR,

< As we have received information that a body of

* the enemy have landed, and are lodging themselves

* on Long-Island, and as the nature of the country is

* represented to me as favorable to riflemen, I must

* request that you immediately detach Thomson's and
*Sumpter's regiments; Capts. Alston's, Mayham's,

* and Coutirier's companies to that Island, with or-

* ders to attack, and if possible, dislodge this corps of
' the enemy ;... but you must above all, take care, that

* their retreat across the breach from Long-Island to

< Sullivan's Island, is secured to them in case of ne-

* cessity. For which purpose, you are desired to move

151

< down to the point j commanding the breach, two
« field-pieces ;.3.the sooner it is done the better :...you

* arc therefore to exert yourself in such a manner that
« the attack may be made at break of day.

' I am, sir, yours,

* To CoL. Moultrie. * Charles Lee.

* Major General.'

Charlestown, June the 8th, 1776.

«SlR,

' I HAVE ordered a considerable reinforcement of

* riflemen to join Colonel Thomson, which, with the

* advantages of ground, ought to make you totally

* secure....! shall be with you as soon as possible in

* the morning. Mr. Bellamy will, I hope, be able to

* finish you a bridge to morrow.

* I am sir, your most obedient servant^

* To CoL. Moultrie, < Charles Lee/

« Sullivan's Island.'

June 9th, 5 o'clock^
' The command of all the regular forces and mi-

* litia of this colony, acting in conjunction, with ihem
^ being invested in Major General Lee ; orders issued

by him are to be obeyed. J. Rutlfdge^

* To Col. Moultri«.» ^^^

ion

iUce^

152

'June the 10th, 1776.

* You will receive a number of flats, ropes, and
' planks for the construction of bridges for your re-
' treat.. .You are to give a receipt and be answerable
' for them. 'I am, sir, yours,

'Charles Lee, Major General.

*CoL. Moultrie.'

< P. S. I F I N D my last night's letter was not
t sent; I beg you v.^ouId send a fev/ expert scouts to

* discover what the enemy have done, or are doing ;

* If it can be done v/ith the least probable advantage,
'- put my last nights orders in execution to night.

Sullivan's Iland, 7 o'clock, June 10th, 1776,

»SlR.

< I JUST now received your orders for detaching
« Thompson and Sumpter's regiments, AUston, May-

* ham and Coutirier's companies. By the date of
*your letter it seems as if you intended this busi-

* ncss to have been done this morning, but your let-

* ter came too late to hand for that purpose. I shall
send the detachment to our advance guard, there

-) remain with their boats for crossing: them, hic4

* ^' night, then shall embark them for Long-Island,

* Cfc

re they may be reconnoitreing till day-light.

153

< I shall be obliged to your excellency to send us

< some person to finish our gate.

* I am, sir, your most obedient,
'William Moultrie,

' Col. 2d. regiment.*
<To General Lee.'

« June the 10th, 6 o'clock, P. M.

«SlR,

* I AM just returned from an excursion into the

* country.. ..As the large ships are now over the bar,

< and as your bridge must be finished ; I would wish

* you would lay asside all thoughts of an expedition

* against Long-Island, unless your scouts bring
' such intelligence as almost to insure a successful

< stroke. * I am, sir, yours,

<Charles Lee.*
*To Col. Moultrie,
* Sullivan's Island.*

< June the 10th, 1776, 8 o'clock.

< Sir,

* As the Commodore's ship has passed the bar,
« and as it is absolutely necessary for your, and the
« common safety, that the bridge of retreat should

* be finished this night ; I would have you by all

< means to lay aside all thoughts of the expedition
' against Long-Island ; unless you receive assurances

VOL, I. U

154

' from your scouts, that you may strike an important
^ stroke. Yours, Charles Lee,

« To Col. Moultrie. Major General."

'June the 11th, 1776.
« Sir,

' As the main body of Horry's regiment are at

* Point Hacldrell, Mayham and Coutirier's compa-

* nies should be included in the detachment to be

* sent to the main. ' Charles Lee.*

* To Col. Moultrie.*

< June the 11th, 1776,

* Sir,

< I WAS much surprised that this morning the

* engineer should make a report to me, that a bridge
of retreat was impracticable, as I understand that
a few days ago, yourself and the other field officers
gave it as your opinions that it might be effected.
If I had boats, I should send them according to your
request, but they are not to be had. The flats,
ropes, and anchors were sent in consequence of
your former opinion. As I think your security
will be much greater by posting a considerable bo-
dy of riflemen on the continent than on the Island;
I must desire that you will immediately detach
400 of them to the continent: They are to post
themselves, or rather extend themselves from the

155

< left of Point Haddrell, towards Long-Island ; by

< which means they will be able to prevent the enemy

* from erecting works, to cut off your retreat. I

* would order the whole body off the Island, but ap-

* prehend it might make your garrison uneasy. ...You

* must order this body to be alert in patroling, and

* if there is not natural cover in this range, they

* must throw up artificial ones. I request that this

* order may be instantly obeyed. I am, sir, yours?

' Charles Lee.

* I HAD rather yoir would make up this detach-

* ment, 500.. ..I hope the point of your Island, op-

* posite to Long-Island is secured against the enemy

* lodging there. I have ordered boats to be found if
« possible. C. L.'

* To Col. Moultrie.*

Charlestown, June the 13th, 1776.
« Sir,

* As I am extremely solicitous for the honor and

* safety of you and the troops under your command, and

* as I am myself persuaded that your danger or safety

* depends entirely on the strength or weakness of the

* corps stationed on the other side the creek ; I must

* request that when the necessary works proposed

* are finished, you will detach, at least, another hun-

* dred of men to strengthen this corps. I wish you
' would send me an exact state of your ammunition,

* that you may be supplied accordingly. His excel-

156

^ lency the president, complains that several boats
« have been lost at your station : as so much depends

* on these boats, I must desire that you w^ill put
^ them under a sufficient guard : Oblige the officer
^ commanding the guard, to give a receipt for their
^ number, and be accountable for them.

* I am sir your most obedient servant.
* Charles Lee.*
« To Col. Moultrie.*

< Haddr ell's PoiN^June the 15th, 1776.

«SlR,

' I have stationed Brigadier General Armstrong

* at this place ; you are to make all your reports to

* him, and in all respects to consider him as your
^ commanding officer.

* I am sir, you most obedient servant,
To Col. Moultrie. Charles Lee,

* Sullivan's Island, 16th June, 1776.
'Sir,

< Cx>L. Thompson is now with me, and informs
^ me that he has taken particular notice of the move-
^ ment of the enemy, he observed about 10 o'clock,

* 200 grenadiers, and a small battalion, (which he im-

* agines came from Dewee to cover the landing of the

* rest) where they posted themselves, about one mile

* from our advanced guard, and waited until about

157

seventeen hundred men were landed. They then
marched off to Dewees* Island, he observed every
six men carried something like a tent ; they are
still landing as fast as the boats can bring them.
Col. Thompson begs that he may have at least his
own men which are over with you (one hundred)
without whom he cannot undertake to prevent their
landing on this island, should they attempt it. We
are all in high spirits, and will keep a good look out
to prevent a surprise. Col. Thompson requests as
a favor, if you have time, that you would come over
and take a ride on the island to observe what a
length of ground we have to defend.

* I am yours, &c.

'William Moultrie.

' Col. 2d regiment.'"
* To Gen. Armstrong.'

*Haddrell's Point, 16th June, 1776.
♦Dear Colonel,

'I SHALL do my utmost to comply v/ith yours

< and Col. Thompson's request, respecting ihe resi=

* due of his regiment, no passage over, unless you

* can send some boats in the morning. I wish the
' situation of the bridge may not be fatal to us, as
*- v/e must assist each other. Let Mr. De Brahm be
' early at work there, as it must be defensible. Does

< not the movement of the enemy towards Dewecs'

158

* look like an intention to use one of the creeks to-
< wards Haddrell's, probably Bolton's landing? I

* expect Gen. Lee early here to-morrow. Dear Col.
be vigilant, keep your troops alert ; I see no rea-

* son why you may not also reinforce Col. Thom-
' son ; nay, if they appear indeed to land on Sulli-
< van's it must be done, and the point at the island

* where they may best land, prudently and vigorous -

* ly defended at all events. Let the Col. know this.

' May Heaven attend you all

* John Armstrong.'
'Col. Moultrie.'

'June 21st, 1776,
'Sir,

I AM extremely concerned to hear that the tra-
' verse which I had ordered to be thrown up, and
' which is really of the greatest importance, should
' be so illy executed as to threaten a speedy fall...
' surely Mr. De Brahm the engineer must be ac-
' quainted with the degree of talus necessary in all
Mvorks.-.for God sake enjoin him to correct the evil
' before it is too late.. .at any rate devise the means
'of preventing its ruin... I must likewise express my
' concern when I am told that your gunners are suf-
' fered to fire at the enemy when it is almost impos-
^ sible that their fire should have any effect...! must
' desire you, sir, that you must establish it as an

159

' eternal rule, that no piece of ordnance, great or

< small, should be fired at a greater distance than

< four hundred yards...but all orders will be in vain

< unless you make an example of the first who dis-

< regards your orders. Is Bellamy with you ? Has

< he begun the second bridge ? I hope you will keep

< him on the island until he has finished the work.

< I am, sir, your most obedient servant.

< Charles Lee.*

« P. S. Those two field pieces at the very end of
<the point, are so exposed that I desire you will

* draw them off to a more secure distance from the

* enemy. ..in their present situation it appears to me,

< they may be carried off when ever the enemy think

< proper.*

« To Col. Moultrie.*

< Charlestown, June the 21st, I776«

<SlR*,

< I hope you will excuse the style of my last let-

* ter, I must once more repeat that, it did not arise
' from any diffidence in your judgement, zeal, or

< spirit ; but merely from an apprehension that your

* good nature, and easy temper, might, in some mea-

< sure counteract those good qualities which you are

* universally known to possess. As you seem sensi-

* ble that it is necessary to exert your powers, I do

160

' not, I cannot wish this important post in better

* hands than yours : once more therefore excuse my

* manner of writing...! wish Mr. Bellamy had (when
' he was desired to give in a list of all he wanted)

< left nothing to ask for at this time. Mr. Cochran
« is now employed in finding out the planks he re-
' quests ; you shall have it as soon as possible. Capt.

* Tuffts was ordered to put himself under the com-
' mand of Gen. Armstrong...! shall write to the gen-

* eral to night, to order him to station him in such

< a manner as to be of the greatest use to you, as
' likewise to spare you all the necessary assistance :

* To-morrow I expect Mulenburgh's regiment, and
' I flatter myself that we shall be able to devise some

* means of baffling the enemy, should your post be

< really their object.

< I am, sir, with the greatest respect, your most?
' obedient humble servant,

* Charles Lee.*
p. S. * We have hoes and spades, but no helves

< to them ; so Gen. Armstrong must return those he
« borrowed : We shall endeavor to replace them.*

< To Col. Moultrie,
* Fort Sullivan.*

' Charlestown, June the 22nd, 1776.

< Sir,

« Inclosed is a letter for Cel. Thompson; I send

161

it open that you may read it : for allowing for the
difference of his circumstances as a rifle officer, the
spirit of the order is to extend to the whole ; no
vague uncertain firing either of rifles, muskets, or
cannon is to be permitted. Soldiers running at
random wherever their folly directs, is an absolute
abomination not to be tolerated ; for heaven's sake,
sir, as you are in a most important post; a post where
you have an opportunity of acquiring great honor...
exert yourself; by exerting yourself, I mean, when
you issue any orders, suffer them not to be trifled
with: every body is well persuaded of your spirit
and zeal, but they accuse you of being too easy in
command ; that is, I suppose, too relaxed in disci-
pline, than which, in your situation, give me leave
to say, there is not a greater vice. Let your orders
be as few as possible but let them be punctually
obeyed. I would not recommend teasing your men
and officers with superfluous duties or labor ; but I
expect that you enforce the execution of whatever
is necessary for the honor and safety of your garri-
son : should any misfortune happen which can be
attributed to negligence or inertness on this head,
the weight of censure will scarcely fall less heavily
upon you, than should it arise from a deficiency of
courage : but, as you are known to possess suffi-
ciently of this last attribute, your friends are only
apprehensive on the other score. You will excuse

VOL. I. X

162

* the prolixity and didactic style of this letter, as it

* arises not only from my anxiety for the public, but

* in some measure for my concern for the reputation

* of a gentlemen of so respectable a character as

* Ccl. Moultrie ; but enough of this at present :...be-

* fore you employ your engineer in any work, satisfy

* yourself well that he understands the principle of

* the work he undertakes, and the mode of executing

* it : for instance, does he understand what is the
' necessary degree of talus for the traverse in the

* fort ? If I recommend the construction of an ad-

* vanced fieche on the right flank of your fort to im-
' pedc the enemy's approaches, v/ill he comprehend
Mt ? if he does not, I will send Mr. Byrd. I shall
' order some timber for this purpose to be carried to
« you: I desire you will post a commissioned officer
' (and a good officer) at the beach, to prevent the
' monstrous disorders I complain of.

' I am, sir, your most obedient servant,

* To Col Moultrie, Charles Lee/

* Sullivan's Island.*

Kaddrell's Point,* June 25th, 1776.
<" Dear Col.

' This moment I was about to write you to
' learn the occasion and utility of the firing from the

* About one mile from the fcrt, is an almost navigable
river between us.

163

* point ;...[ hope some of your officers have been up
' to see and give the necessary directions.. ..The bar-
iron's conjectures maybe right but their breast-
' works may as naturally be designed as a defence

* against any eifort made upon our part. I am of

* opinion they w^ill not attempt to land on Sullivan's,
' until the armed vessels are first before your fort.

* The state of the bridge and marsh is like to give

* me great trouble ; part of the last detachment I or-
^ dered to your island, has this morning absolutely

* refused until the passage between the two places is

* safely passable...! am a little surprized that your
' sergeant, agreeable to orders of yesterday, did not

* meet the men I sent to stake out the best path
' through the marsh on your side the bridge ; nor
' could the men I sent find any boards laid down,

* as you remember was oi'dered on Saturday night....
< this is the third day that for want of boats I could

* not get this detachment over, now part have refu-

* sed. I sent an express to Gen. Lee, and in ihe
^ mean time desiring to know whether any new
^ amendments for the bridge are going on, on your

* side the water ; and farther notice as the move -

* ments of the enemy may require. I am obliged to
' throw up works in a kind of chain, near four miles
' from this camp. The enemy constantly striving
' to find new landing places on the main.

'I am, dear sir, yours,

*JoHN Armstrong.'

164

• Charlestown, June the 23d, 5 o'clock.
« Sir,

* I HAVE sent Capt. Cochran (a very active man)
* to your Island, to devise the means of establishing
' a second communication with the continent : Prit-
' chard's flat, he says is already at the Island : Mul-
' enburg's regiment will be here to night, we shall
' be then very strong % I will be down with you to-
^ morrow with a body of workmen, and put you, I
'" hope, in a state of great security. Upon the whole,
' I think you will be safe, if your people do their du-
' ty : There can be nothing to fear to night : I hope
'^ your garrison will remain in spirits : on my part, I
i promise every attention...and am., with the greatest
' truth, yours Charles Lee.*

^ To Col. Moultrie.'

« Charlestown, June the 25th, 1776.
« Sir,

' The gentleman that delivers you this letter, is
^ Baron Massenbourg, one of the continental engi-
< neers. I desire you will furnish him with the num-
'- bei^of workmen, and with every material he m.ay
^ require to carry on his works.

' I am, sir, your most obedient humble servant.

<Charles Lee.'
' To Col. Moultrie,
' Sullivan's Island.'

165

i Sir,"

' I HAVE sent you the carpenter ; it is your

* fault if he escapes again : keep a guard over him t

* send the express boat back immediately.

' Yours, Charles Lee.*

< P. S. Finish the bridge.'
* To Col. Moultrie.*

< Charlestown, June the 27th, 1776*
Dear sir,

< Could you not contrive this night to
take up the enemy's buoys? I have ordered Gen«
Armstrong to send an hundred volunteers to ease
Col. Thompson's regiment of their heavy duty, for
I find, that a part of Col. Horry's regiment had
most magnanimously refused to take this duty on
them : We shall live I hope to thank them....I am
in hopes your bridge will be finished this night j
you can then be reinforced at pleasure,
* I am, dear sir, yours,

< Charles Lee.'
* To Col. Moultrie.'

< Charlestown, June the 27th, 1776.
* Dear Sir,

« Some boats will possibly pass by you
< to night from town on a scouting expedition, before
^ 12 o'clock at night , their orders arc to intercept

166

^ some of the enemy's boats, and gain some impor-
^ tant intelligence : I must desire, therefore, that you

< enjoin the whole sentinels on your Island not to
' challenge any boats passing from town, or to fire

* upon them, which would defeat the whole scheme ;
' on their return, if they meet with any success, they

* shall have orders to greet you with two cheers ; and

* if the wind or tide is against their return to town ,
' they will put into your post, and remain with you

< this night : I hope your bridge is finished, as I in-

* tend to reinforce you considerably. Yours,

* Charles Lee.*
' To Col. Moultrie,*

< Point Haddrell, June the 28th, 1776.
"' Dear Colonel,

* If you should unfortunately expend your
'ammunition without beating off the enemy or driv-
' ing them on ground, spike your guns and retreat
' with all the order possible : but I know you will be

* careful not to throw away your ammunition.*

*Charles Lee,

* To Col, Moultrie.' Major General.'

'June 28th, 6 o'clock, A. M.
' Dear Col.

*I SHALL send you immediately a reinforcement

* This letter was written t© me during the action.

167

< If the bridge cannot be finished without taking down

< the old.. .take it down without ceremony, but it
« would be better to have both.

'Yours, Charles Lee.*
' To Col. Moultrie.'

' Armstrong's, June 28th, 3 o'clock P. M.
<Dear Col.

< Mr. Byrd makes reports of your conduct which
' does you infinite honor ; they are indeed such as I
* expected. I have sent for more ammunition for
' you, and ordered a large corps of riflemen to rein-
' force Col. Thompson.

' Your's, Charles Lee/
<To Col. Moultrie.'

< The following letter from president Rutledge,

* wrote with a pencil on a small slip of paper, was

* sent in the height of the engagement.

June 28th.
*Dear Sir,

*I SEND you 500 pounds of powder. I should

* think you may be supplied well from Haddrell's...

* You know our collection is not very great. Honor

< and Victory, my good sir, to you, and our worthy

* countrymen with you.

* Yours, J. Rutledge.

* P. S. Do not make too free with your cannon.

< Cool and do mischief.'

168

*Charlestown, June 29th, 9 o'clock.
*Dear Col.

'I SHOULD have thanked you and your brave gar-
*risonthis morning, vis-avis at the fort...but am

* prevented by a great deal of business. I do most

* heartily thank you all and shall do you justice in

* my letters to congress. I have applied for some

* rum for your men. They deserve every comfort
< that can be afforded them. We have sent for more
' powder, inform me of all your wants.

* I am, dear Col. yours,

* Charles Lee.
« P. S. The General desires that Col. Thompson

* will send as soon as he can, a return of all occur-
^rences in his part of the Island. J. N. Sec'ry.'

* To Col. Moultrie.'

<June 29th, 1776.

* Dear Sir,

' Mr very particular thanks are due to

* you, and the brave officers and men m your garri-

* son, for their heroic behaviour of yesterday. I beg

* that you will receive them yourself, and make them
acceptable to the gentlemen, ofHcers, and soldiers,

i Seeing the necessity of supporting you properly? I

* will strain every nerve to supply you with ammu-

* nition : no man would go a greater length than my-

* self in this matter; but, my good sir, you know the

269

scantiness of our stock : I send you 1 500 pounds,
and think more cannot be spared : Indeed to do
this, I have been obliged to get 2000 pounds from
Dorchester : We must not wholly exhaust ourselves
for the forts; small arms must decide the matter at
last.

< I DAILY expect powder from Eustatia, then I
hope to supply you plentifully ; if those gentry think
proper to re-visit you, after saying what I have done,
you will not need any caution, to spare your pow-
der : I beg and entreat of you only to fire your hea-
viest guns very slowly, only now and then, and
take good aim, if a brisk fire is kept up on your
side, to attempt, by any means, to equal theirs,
your ammunition will soon be expended, and what
shall we do then... I, therefore, once more request
most earnestly, that you will observe this advice : I
send this powder upon Roberts* pressing it much,
in consequence of a letter from Capt. Beekman ;
but yet I think it can not be wanted, I mean, what
you have had, cannot have been near expended ; I
think you had 2 1 rounds to each gun, besides the
500 pounds sent yesterday, and surely nothing
like that quantity could have been fired yesterday ;
I presume there must be a good deal made up for
the guns, that were not fired, which Beekman has
not thought of when he was writing to Roberts : pray,
sir, have this matter investigated, and let me have

VOL. I. Y

170

< a correct state of it by the bearer, Capt. Legarc,
c or any other good hand, coming up soon let me

* have it; acquaint me if any thing, and whatever

< you may think material, or proper for me to know.

< I should mention, and you will please to communi-

* cate to the garrison, Gen. Lee's sentiment, which
' he thus expresses to me, ^ Their conduct is such
' as does them the greatest honor, no men ever did,

* and it is impossible ever can behave better.' I hope

* you v/ill caution the men with their field-pieces, at
« the advanced guard, and the riflemen also there,
' not to expend their ammunition in random shot, or
« unnecessarily. Dear sir, yours,

* J. RUTLEDGE.*

'To Col. Moultrie.*

*FoRT Johnson, 1st July, 1776.

* Dear Sir,

< I most heartily congratulate the colony on the
« drubbing you gave those fellows the other day, and
' only wish you had had powder enough, that it
' might have been complete. Inclosed I send you a

* copy of a letter I sent Gen. Lee this morning, con-

* taining the information I received from five honest
^ fellows, Americans, that got away last night.

* If they come up again they are dcterm.ined to come
' as close to the forts as possible, in order I sup-
< pose to command us more easily from their tops, two

171

< of these men were on board the Commodore in the
c action, they say, your first fire killed a man in the

< tops, upon which the Commodore ordered them all

< out of the tops, from whence, they assured us there

< was not a gun fired. The Sphinx lost her bov/-

* sprit by running foul of the Acteon, and they were

< obliged either to cut away their bowsprit or the
i Acteon's main-mast. These men all belonged to

< the Acteon, and two of them were drafted on board
« the Commodore just before the action. I fired three
'cannon at the Syren, merely to please several of my

< officers which fell far short as I expected. We ad-
' mired your behavior, but could do no more. My
'compliments to all your corps. Wc drink their

* healths every day...If you will send this account to

* Gen. Armstrong I shall be obliged to you.

Yours, sincerely,
'Christopher Gadsden.
* P. S. As soon as the action began, the Commo-

* dore ordered to be put into a place of safety, ne-
' gro Sampson, a black pilot. C. G.*

' Char LESTowN, July the 1st, 1776,

* Dear Colonel,

' Huger's regiment have offered themselves to

* work at your fort. I believe a corps of blacks

* would have answered better, but the president and

* vise -president think otherwise. You must desire

172

* the baron, to throw up the redoubt I ordered near

* on the beach, to prevent their landing. The car-

* penter's I hope will soon finish the gate. I have

* applied for six horses, and hope I shall procure them

* for you. Five deserters are just arrived here from

* the ships-of-war. Inclosed I send you a list of the

* murders your garrison have now to answer for, but

* I hope it will sit light on their consciences.

* I am,

' Dear Colonel, yours,

* CharlesLee'
* P. S. I must request that your garrison may be

* kept more vigilant than ever, and that Col. Thomp-

* son and his corps do not relax ; for it is almost pro-

* verbial in war, that we are never in so great dan-
^ ger as when success makes us confident....Let the

* bridge be finished as soon as possible.*

* To Col. Moultrie'

<CharlestowNj July 6th, 1776.
^ Dear Colonel,

* I AM extremely concerned that the materials are
' not provided, which are necessary for carrying on,
' and finishing the works proposed in your fort and

< island ; but at the same time I think the negroes
' you have with you, may be usefully employed...
* they may fill up the merlons which are not yet full

< ...they may palisade (for I believe you have palisades

t sufficient) the low and most ass^lable parts of your
« embrasures and angles :...Is your gate finished ?
< ...How is your bridge ?...! beg you will inform me-

* I am,
« Dear Colonel, yours,

'Charles Lee.*
* To Col. Moultrie,
' Sullivan's Island*

<Charlestown, July the 7th, 1776.
< General Lee's compliments to Colonel Moul-

< trie, and desires he m*ay come to town as soon

* as he thinks proper ; he hopes the air will cure his

< gout.**

* July the SOth, 1776.

< Dear Col.

< Mr. Ferguson informs me, that he has fur-

* nished you with two hundred pair of negroe shoes :

* As a party is ordered on immediate service, I flat-

* tcr myself you will have the kindness to spare them

* for the poor devils, who have so long a march be-
' fore them,t and are quite unshod : You will have

* time enough to replace them; I therefore request

* I had the gout before and at the time of the action, on the
28th of June.

+ It was intended to march them to Augustine.

!74

* that you will shew your charity on this occasion....
' and am, dear colonel, yours.

<Charles Lek.'
' To Col. Moultrie/

June, 1776, On the morning of the 28th of
June, I paid a visit to our advance-guard (on horse-
back three miles to the eastward of our fort) while
I was there, I saw a number of the enemy's boats
in motion, at the back of Long-Island, as if they
intended a descent upon our advanced post ; at the
same time, I saw the men-of-war loose their top-
sails; I hurried back to the fort as fast as possible ;
when I got there the ships were already under
sail; I immediately ordered the long roll to beat,
and officers and men to their posts : We had scarce-
ly manned our guns, when the following ships of
war came sailing up, as if in confidence of victory i
as soon as they came within the reach of our guns,
we began to fire ; they were soon a-breast of the
fort...let go their anchors, with springs upon their
cables, and begun their attack most furiously about
10 o'clock, A. M. and continued a brisk fire, till
about 8 o'clock, P. M.

The ships were, the Bristol, of 50 guns, Com-
modore Sir Peter Parker : The captain had his arm
shot oif, 44 men killed and 30 wounded.

175

The Experiment, 50 guns : the captain lost his
•arm, 57 men killed and 30 wounded.

The Actiye, 28 guns: 1 lieutenant killed, 1 man
wounded.

The Sole-Bay, 28 guns: 2 killed, 3 or 4 wounded.

Thb Syren, 28 guns.

The Actcon, 28 guns: burnt; 1 lieutenant killed.

The Sphinx, 28 guns : lost her bowsprit.

Th5 Friendship, 26 guns ; an armed vessel taken
into service.*

The Thunder-Bomb had the beds of her mortar
soon disabled ; she threw her shells in a very good
direction ; most of them fell within the fort, but we
had a morass in the middle, that swallowed them
up instantly, and those that fell in the sand in and
about the fort, were immediately buried, so that ve-
ry few of them bursted amongst us : At one time,
the Commodore's ship swung round with her stern
to the fort, which drew the fire of all the guns that
could bear upon her : we supposed he had had the
springs of her cables cut away : The words that pass-
ed along the plat-form by officers and men, were,
* mind the Commodore, mind the two^fifty gun ships:'
most all the attention was paid to the two fifty gun
ships, especially the Commodore, who, I dare say,
was not at all obliged to us for our particular atten-

* The killed and wounded on board of the men-of-war, was
from their own account.

176

tion to him ; the killed and wounded on board those
two fifty gun ships confirms what I say. During the '
action. Gen. Lee paid us a visit through a heavy line
of fire, and pointed two or three guns himself; then
said to me, ' Colonel, I see you are doing very well
*here, you have no occasion for rae, I will go up to

* town again,* and then left us.

When I received information of Gen. Lee's ap-
proach to the fort, I sent Lieut. Marion, from off
the plat-form, with 8 or 10 men, to unbar the gate-
way, (our gate not being finished) the gate-way was
barricaded with pieces of timber 8 or 10 inches
square, which required 3 or 4 men to remove each
piece ; the men in the ships tops, seeing those men
run from the plat-form concluded * we were quitting
the fort,' as some author mentions : Another says,
' we hung up a man in the fort, at the the time of

* the action ;' that idea was taken from this circum-
stance ; when the action begun, (it being a warm day)
some of the men took off their coats and threw them
upon the top of the merlons, I saw a shot take one
of them and throw it into a small tree behind the
plat-form, it was noticed by our men and they cried
out ' look at the coat.' Never did men fight more
bravely, and never were men more cool ;* their only

' Several of the officers, as well as my?elt, were smoking
our pipes and giving orders at the time of the action ; but wc
laid them down when Gen. Lee came into the fort#

177

distress was the want of powder ; we had not more
than 28 rounds, for 26 guns, 18 and 26 pounders,
when we begun the action ; and a little after, 500
pounds from town, and 200 pounds from Captain
Tufft's schooner lying at the back of the fort.

There cannot be a doubt, but that if we had had
as much powder as we could have expended in the
time, that the men-of-war must have struck their
colors, or they would certainly have been sunk, be-
cause they could not retreat, as the vrind and tide
were against them ; and if they had proceeded up
to town, they would have been in a rauch worse si-
tuation : They could not make any impression on
our fort, built of palmetto logs and filled in with
earth, our merlons were 16 feet thick, and high
enough to cover the men from the are of the tops s
The men that we had killed and wounded received
their shots mostly through the embrasures.*

An author, who published in 1779, says 'the guns
* were at one time so long silenced, that it was
^ thought the fort was abandoned ; it seems extraor-
< dinary that a detachment of land forces were not

» Twclvemcnwerekilledand 24 wounded. When Sergeant
M'Donald received his mortal wound, he, addressing his brother
soldiers who were carrying him to the doctor, desired them
not to give up, that they were fighting for liberty and their
country.

VOL, I-

178

* in readiness on board of the transports, or boats,
' to profit of such an occasion.*

The guns being so long silent, was owing to the
scarcity of powder which we had in the fort, and to
a report that was brought me, ' that the British

* troops were landed between the advance-guard and

* the fort;'* it was upon this information, that I or-
dered the guns to cease firing, or to fire very slow
upon the shipping ; that ^^ e should reserve our pow-
der for the musketry to defend ourselves against the
land forces, there being a great scarcity of powder
at this time.

At one time, 3 or 4 of the men-of-war's broad-
sides struck the fort at the same instant, which gave
the merlons such a tremor, that I was apprehensive
that a few more such would tumble them down.
During the action, three of the men-of-war, in going
round to our west curtain, got entangled together,
by which the Acteon frigate went on shore on the
middle ground ; the Sphinx lost her bow-sprit ; and
the Syren cleared herself without any damage ; had
these three ships effected their purpose, they would
have enfiladed us in such a manner, as to have driv-
en us from our guns : It being a very hot day, we
^.ere served along the plat-form with grog in fire-
buckets, which we partook of very heartily : I never

* The advance, is about 3 miles from the fort at the east
end of Sullivan's Island.

179

had a more agreeable draught than that which I took

out of oiif of those buckets at the time ; it may be

very easily conceived what heat and thirst a man

must feel in this climate, to be upon a plat-form on

{he 28th June, amidst 20 or 30 heavy pieces of cannon,*

in one continual blaze and roar ; and clouds of smoke

curling over his head for hours together ; it v/as a

very honorable situation, but a very unpleasant one.

During the action, thousands of our fellow-citizens

were looking on with anxious hopes and fears,! some

of whom had their fathers, brothers, and husbands

*n the battle ; whose hearts must have been pierced

at every broad-side. After some time our flag was

shot away ; their hopes were then gone, and they gave

up all for lost ! supposing that we had struck our flag,

and had given up the fort: Sergeant Jasper perceiving

that the flag was shot away, and had fallen without

the fort, jumped from one of the embrasures, and

brought it up through a heavy fire, fixed it upon a

spunge-staff, and planted it upon the ramparts again :

Our flag once more waving in the air, revived the

drooping spirits of our friends; and they continued

looking on, till night had closed the scene, and hid

us from their view ; only the appearance of a heavy

storm, with continual flashes and peals like thunder ;

at night when we came to our slow firing (the am-

i8 and 26 French pounders f At about 6 miles distance,

180

munition being nearly quite gone) we could hear the
shot very distinctly strike the ships : At length the
British gave up the conflict : The ships slipt their ca-
bles, and dropped dovirn with the tide, and out of
the reach of our guns. When the firing had ceased,
our friends for a time, were again in an unhappy
suspense, not knowing our fate ; till they received
an account by a dispatch boat, which I sent up to
town, to acquaint them, that the British ships had
retired, and that we were victorious.

Early the next morning was presented to our
viev/, the Acteon frigate, hard, and fast aground ; at
about 400 yards distance ; we gave her a few shot,
which she returned, but they soon set fire to her,
and quitted her : Capt. Jacob Milligan and others,
went in some of our boats, boarded her while she
was on fire, and pointed 2 or 3 guns at the Com-
modore, and fired them ; then brought ofi the ships
bell, and other articles, and had scarcely left her,
when she blev/ up, and from the explosion issued a
grand pillar of smoke, which soon expanded itself at
the top, and to appearance, formed the figure of a
palmetto tree ; the ship immediately burst into a great
blaze that continued till she burnt down to the wa-
ter's edge.

The other ships lay at the north point of Mor-

181

ris's Island* wc could plainly see they had been pret-
ty roughly handled, especially the Commodore.

The same day, a number of our friends and fel-
low citizens, came to congratulate us on our victory
and Governor Rutledge presented Serge ant Jasper
with a sword, for his gallant behavior; and iMr.
William Logan, a hogshead of rum to the garrison,
with the following card. * Mr. William Logan, pre-

* sents his compliments to Col. Moultrie, and the

* officers and soldiers on Sullivan's Island, and beg
' their acceptance of a hogshead of old Antigua rum,
' which being scarce in town at this time, will be ac-

* cepta ble.* Mr. Logan's present was thankfully re-
ceived. A few days after the action, we picked up,
in and about the fort, 1200 shot of different calibers
that was fired at us, and a great number of 1 3 inch
shells.

« June 30th, 1776.
* His excellency the president desires his very parti-

* cular thanks to the brave officers and men of this gar-

* rison, for their gallant behavior in the engagement

* of the 28th of June last.' ' Gen. Lee says no men

* ever did, and it is impossible that any can behave

* better : and that he will do us justice in his letters

* to the continental Congress. His excellency has
' sent a hogshead of rum to the garrison.'

* AboMt 2 miles.

182

July I. Yesterday, the lady of major Bernard El-
liott, presented an elegant pair of colors to the 2d
regiment, with these words :

* The gallant behavior in defence of liberty and
' your country, entitles you to the highest honors ;

* accept of these two standards as a reward justly

* due to your regiment ; and I make not the least
^ doubt, under heavens protection, you will stand by
' them as long as they can wave in the air of Li-

' BERTY.'

The colors were presented by her own hands to
the Colonel and Lieut. Colonel ; she was thanked
and promised ' that they should be honorably sup-
' ported, and never should be tarnished by the 2d
' regiment.'

Th ere were never colors more honorably support-
ed and never were colors better disposed of: they
were planted on the British lines at Savannah : one
by Lieut. Bush, who v/as immediately shot down :
Lieut. Hume going to plant his, who was also shot
down ; and Lieut. Gray in supporting them, receiv-
ed his mortal wound ; and the gallant Jasper who
was with them, on seeing Lieut. Hume shot down,
took up the color and planted it ; he also received
his death wound, however he brought off his colors
with him, which was taken at the fall of Charlestown ;
they were very elegant, one of a fine blue silk, the

183

other a fine red silk richly embroidered : I am told
they are now in the tower of London.

After this, the legislature did me the honour to
call the fort, Fort Moultrie.

Officers who were in the fort on 28th June.

William Moultrie, Col. Isaac Motte, Lieut. Col.
Francis Marion, Maj. Andrew Dellient, Adj.

Captains, Peter Horry, Nicholas Eveleigh,
James M'Donald, Isaac Harleston, Charles MottJ
Francis Huger, Richard Ashby, Richard Shubrick)
William Oliphant, John Blake.

Lieutenants, William Charnock, Thomas Les-
sesne, Thomas Moultrie, Daniel Maryck, Jacob
Shubrick, Thomas Dunbar, William Moultrie, jun.
Thomas Hall, Henry Gray, Isaac Dubose, Richard
B. Baker, Adrian Proveaux, Richard Mayson, Peter
Gray, Basil Jackson, Gad Marion.

< Philadelphia, July 20th, 1776.
* In Congress.
' Resolved, That the thanks of the United States
' of America, be given to Maj. Gen. Lee, Col. Wil-
« liam Moultrie, Col. William Thompson, and the

* officers and soldiers under their commands ; who,
< on the 28th of June last, repulsed, with so much val-
^ or, the attack which was made on the State of

* South-Carolina, by the fleet and army of his Bri-

* tannic majesty.

184

< That Mr. President transmit the foregoing re-

* solution to Maj. Gen. Lee, Col. Moultrie, and Col.

* Thompson.

^ By order of the Congress.

* John Hancock, President.*

The latter end of July the Declaration of Inde-
pendence arrived in Charlestown, and was read at
the head of the troops, in the field by Maj. Bernard
Elliott ; after which an oration was delivered by the
Rev. Mr. Pearcy.

July. About this time, Mr. Jonathan Bryan arrived
in Charlestown from Georgia, and informed Gen. Lee
that if he would send a detachment of troops to East-
Florida, he could easily take the town of St. Augus-
tine ; as there were but very few men in that garri-
son : upon vv^hich Gen. Lee hastily marches off the
Virginia and North-Carolina troops, at this inclem-
ent season of the year, (leaving Gen. James Moore
to command in Charlestown) without one necessary
article, nor a field piece, nor even a medicine chest ;
he was followed by Gen. Howe and myself.

As soon as the British had retreated after the bat-
tle of Sullivan's Island, the state was left tranquil,
and free from any apprehension of another attack
soon ; an expedition was planned against the Cherokee
Indians (who began to be troublesome) and carried
en by Col. Andrew Williamson ; and a strong body

185

from North-Carolinaj under General Rutherford,
who came upon them through the mountains; and
a body of men from Virginia, under Col. Christie ;
and another body from Georgia, under Col. Jacks:
The detachment under Col* Williamson, had several
skirmishes with them, before the other detachments
came up. The Indians being attacked on all sides,
sued for peace ; which was granted them, upon their
giving up all the lands to the eastward of the Oconee
Mountains. If the British had set their Indian allies
upon us a few months before Sir Henry Clinton and
Sir Peter Parker made their descent on South-Caro-
lina, they would have disconcerted us very much, by
keeping thousands of our back country people from
coming down ; because they must have staid at home
to protect their familes from the savages.

August 11th, a detachment of South Carolina
troops was sent off for Georgia, with two field-pieces j
when we got to Savannah, in Georgia, Gen. Lee pro-
posed to me to take the command of the expedition
against St. Augustine, and asked me whether my
brother being there as governor, would not be an ob-
stacle in my way : I told him my brother being there
would be no objection with me ; but with respect to
other matters, I did not see one thing in the place
that we could get to aid such an expedition ; that if I
undertook the expedition, I must have 800 men, and
many things else ; and, at his request, I gave a list

VOL. I. A 2

186

6f such articles as I thought would be wanted : I toM
him I knew what it was to march an army through the
wilderness : that I had been warring against Indians ;
that I had seen an army of 3000 men reduced to only
one days provision, and that, in an Indian enemy's
country : Gen. Lee immediately sent to Augusta
to have the articles got agreeably to the list I gave
in ; and we were preparing for the march, when
an express, in September, arrived from Congress, call-
ing Gen. Lee immediately to the northward ; in two
days after, he left Savannali, and ordered the Vir-
ginia and North-Carolina troops to follow him. This
put an end to the East-Florida expedition.

Th e troops that went to Georgia, suffered exceed-
ingly by sickness; at Sunberry, 14 or 15 were bu-
ried every day, till they were sent to the sea Islands,
where they recruited a little.

On the 8th of September, Gen. Lee arrived in
Charlestown, and the governor and council prevailed
upon him to leave the North-Carolinians in this pro-
vince, as a great part of the South-Carolina troops
were in Georgia, and we should be left, with very
few men, quite defenceless. He consented to leave
the North-Carolina troops ; and before his departure>
he issued the follov/ing orders.

' Orders, September 9th.
* Gen. Lee thinks it his duty before his departure,

187

* to express the high sense he entertains of the con*
<■ duct and behavior of the colonels and officers of the
« several battalions of South-Carolina, both as gen-

* tlemen and soldiers; and begs leave to assure them^

< that he thinks himself obliged to report their merit

< to the continental Congress.*

Hitherto the South-Carolina battalions were up-
on the establishment of the colony ; but it was found
very inconvenient to the service, that troops doing
duty together, should be governed by different laws :
it was recommended by Congress, to have the colo«
ny troops put upon continental establishment, which
was agreed to.

* In General Assembly, Sept. 20th, 1776.
* Resolved, that this house do acquiesce in the
' resolution of the continental Congress of the 1 8th of
« June, and the 24th of July last, relative to the put-

< ting the two regiments of infantry, the regiment

< of rangers, the regiment of artillery, and the two

* regiments of riflemen, in the service of this state,
^ upon the continental establishment.'

By this resolve, the South-Carolina officers came
into the continental line as youngest officers of their
different ranks.

188

Gen. Lee left the southern States, and went to
the northward ; upon which the command of the
southern troops devolved upon Gen. James Moore.

« Orders by Gen. Moore, Jan. 9th, 1777.

* The detached situation of Fort Moultrie, Had-
' drell's point, this town, and Fort Johnson, from each
^ other making it necessary that the command of the
^ troops be divided ; Gen. Howe will command in
' tov/n and Fort Johnson ; Gen. Gadsden at Fort
^ Moultrie and Sullivan's Island; and Gen. Moultrie

* to command the North-Carolinians, at Haddrell's

* point.'

Gen. Moore returned to North-Carolina, and left
the command of the troops of that State, to Gen.
Nash.

An express arrived with orders for the North-Ca-
rolina troops to march to the northward.

< Letter from Gen, Nash, March 9th, 1777.

* The express returned last night and brought a

* letter for Gen. Howe, which I opened, not knowing

* you were in town : you will receive it by the bearer

< and will find that there is a necessity for the North-
^ Carolina troops marching immediately. With your

< permission, I will give the necessary orders for pre=

189

* paring for a march as soon as possible : you will
' therefore much obHge mc by signifying your orders-

* in writing, on the subject.'

' I am, &:c.
< To Gen. Moultrie.' ' F. Nash.*

Feb. Gen. Howe, commanding the troops in S.
Carolina and Georgia, he received advice from Geor«
gia, that a body of regular troops under the com-
mand of Col. Fuser, were marching to invade Gcor-
gia...that a part of them were to come within land,
by water. Upon this serious alarm, Gen. Howe im-
mediately went off for Savannah, and requested I
would order a strong detachment in vessels, within
land, to follow him : in consequence of which, I or-
dered one under the command of Lieut, Col. Mari-
on, of about 600 men, in several vessels, with four
field-pieces, a large quantity of ammunition, stores,
intrenching tools, and provisions : they left Charles-
town on the 28ih of February, but before they arriv-
ed at Savannah, the enemy had retreated ; they had
penetrated as far as Ogechee-ferry, but Col. Elbert,
with about 200 men, prevented their crossing: a bo-
dy of them demanded the fort at Sunberry ; but Lieut.
Col. M'Intosh, who commanded in the fort, desired
them ' to come and take it,' which they declined.

Gen. Scriven was killed in an ambuscade, march-
ing up to oppose this body.

190

On the North-Carolina troops being ordered to the
northward, Gen. Gadsden called a council to advise
whether our troops should not be recalled from Geor-
gia; accordingly, an express was sent to Gen. Howe.*
Gen. Gadsden requested me to write to him, and
send my letter with his, that our joint request would
have the more weight.

« Chari.estown, March nth, \777»

* Dear Sir,

' I SEND an express to inform you, that Gen.
' Moore has received orders from the continental
« Congress to march the North-Carolina troops, to

* join Gen. Washington ; upon which, Gen. Gadsden

* called a council, to advise whether our troops should

* not be recalled from Georgia, when it was deter-
' mined, that they should be recalled ; unless Georgia

* was actually invaded by a strong regular force,
' which I think cannot be the case at present : I

* therefore make no doubt of your ordering our men
' back, especially as you know the weakness of thi§
< place. t

* Gen. Howe and Gadsden were not upon the best footing.

t At this time by our orders and letters , it appears that at
least 700 of our continental troops were then in Georgia, and
not more than 4 or 500 left for the defence of Charlestown,
Georgetown, and Beaufort.

191

< One of our continental frigates is now in our
« harbor, she is called the Randolph, carrying 36

< guns; twenty-six 12 pounders upon one deck, Sec.

'Gen. Gadsden writes you by this express : I sup-
« pose he will mention to you our weak state, and
' press the return of our troops.
< I am, Sec.

* William Moultrie.'

The North-Carolina troops, being ordered away,
and most of our regular troops in Georgia; gave
great uneasiness to the inhabitants for the safety of
Charlestown ; but upon the arrrival of the Randolph
frigate, their fears were a little subsided; looking
upon her to be a great additional strength to our bat-
teries, and protection to the harbor.

By return of the express sent to Gen. Howe, I re-
ceived the following answer.

< Savannah, March 16th, 1777.

< Dear Sir,

< I WROTE you a few days since that I had

< thoughts of returning all the troops of your state,

< except 200 of Sumpter's, which the weakness of this

* state, made it necessary to have here, till the arri=

< val of Col. Elbert, and Col. Scriven, who are ex-

* pected very shortly : The time of the enlistment of

< many of the men belonging to the battalion of this

192

^ State, being expired, it is reduced to about 200,

* with which small number, in its present state, it

* would have been highly improper to leave it.

' The troops who came by water, arrived only

* last night ; they require a few days to refresh, for

* their long and inconvenient passage has made it ne-

* cessary.

* Thompson's are at Purisburgh, and will be or-
« dered to march to-morrow.

' I am. Sec.

'Robert Howe.*
' To Brig. Gen. Moultrie.'

Some time in June, Gen. Howe returned from
Savannah to Charlestown ; every thing in the two
southern states being now quite quiet : at this time
the legislature was sitting.

August 2 1st, Gen. Gadsden resigned his com-
mision. Nothing material ; only carrying on our
works by land and sea.

President's letter to Gen. Howe,
< December 1 2th, 1777.
< Sir,

' The trade of this port being likely to suffer
' great injury from the vessels of war,* which have

* The Garrisford, 32 guns, the Perseus, 20, and the Hineh-

cr brook, 16 guns.

193

"^ for some days past, been in sight of the town. In
« order to clear the coast and protect the trade, Capt.
« Biddle has agreed to go on a cruize with the Ran-
' dolph and several other vessels, engaged by the
' state, to be put under his command , * but it being

< thought expedient that a number of marines should

< be embarked in the vessels : the council have ad-
« vised, that you should be desired to order as many

< of the continental troops under your command as

< Capt. Biddle may apprehend to be necessary for
' this service, to be detached upon it. As I do agree

< in opinion with the council, I do, therefore, and iu
« pursuance of their advice, request that you will be
* pleased to give the necessary orders for this pur-

< pose, and am,

< Yours, Sec.
< To Gen. Howe. < J. Rutledge.*

Dec. The state of Georgia being now very
much disturbed by the inroads of the Florida- scouts,
the Scopholites from Carolina, and their own disaf-
fected tories : Gen. Howe thought it necessary to re-
visit that state; and about the thirteenth of Decem-
ber, set out for Georgia, but first issued the follow-
ing order.

* Randolph, 3 6 guns, Capt. Biddle ; Polly, 1 6 gunsj
Capt. Anthony; Gen. Moultrie, 18 guns, Capt. Sullivan;
Fair American, 14 guns, Capt. Morgan; Notre Dame, 16
guns, Capt. HalU

VOL. I. 3 2;

194

* December I3th, 1777.

* A COUNCIL of war to be held as immediately as

* possible, at some convenient place in Charlestown,
' to take into consideration the matters which will be

* laid before them ; of this council, Brigadier Gen»
' Moultrie is to be president : the field-officers of the
' 1st, 2dj 4th and 5th regiments, members.'

< December, 13th, 1777.

* Gen. Moultrie's Orders.

* In consequence of Gen. Howe's orders, issued
^ this forenoon ; it is ordered that all the field-officers,

* in or near town, from all the continental regiments
I of this state, do meet at my quarters, precisely at

* four o'clock.*

* Gen. Howe's letter to Gen. Moultrie.

HEAD-quARTERS, Charlestown, Dcc 13th, 1777.
Sir,

* You will ^ consequence of orders issued this
day, as immediately as possible hold a council of
war, and lay his excellency the president's letter
before them : the court are to give their opinion
whether detachments from the continental troops
can with propriety be sent upon the expedition pro-
posed ; if they can, what number can be spared,
how many officers, and what rank ; and how long
it may be prudent to permit them to be absent; if
the council determine, the reasons which guided

1915

* their opinions are to be given at large, and signed

< by them : you will inform his excellency the presi-

< dent of their determination ; and immediately trans-
« mit me a transcript of their proceedings by express.

' I am, &c.
' To Gen. Moultrie. * Rob. Howe.'

* December, 15th, 1777.
' In council of war, held the 13th instant,
' President, Brigadier Gen. Moultrie.
< CoL. Isaac Huger, Col. Motte, Col. Roberts,

< Col. Pinckney, Col. Sumpter, Lieut. Col. Elhott,

< Lieut. Col. Marion, Maj. Peter Horry.

' The council were of opinion that there wouId*be
<no impropriety in sending the detachment required

< provided the remaining troops were thought suffi-
' cient for the defence of the state ; but considering
*the present situation of the state, and of the seve-
<ral regiments, the council were also of opinion,

< that we*have not men enough to defend the state

< should it be properly attacked.

* It is also my opinion that there is no impropriety

< in sending troops on that expedition provided there

< be enough to defend the state.

< Signed,
* William Moultrie, President.*

Gen. Howe having received the opinion of the

196

court as above ; requested I would again call the
court ; which I did on the 19th December, of those
that could be got together : President Gen» Mouh
trie, Col. Huger, Col. Pinckney, Col. Roberts, Lieut^
Col. Marion, Maj. Peter Horry ; and laid before
the council, a letter from Gen. Howe, recommend-
ing them to re-consider the last opinion, because he
was ' certain the military would be highly censur-

* ed for not complying with the requisition of the
^ Governor and Council.'

The council of war, having deliberated upon the
matter, declare, ,* they cannot alter their former

* opinion, and they would be unworthy of the com-

* nfiission they hold if they could be induced by
« the dread of censure, or any other motives to give

an opinion contrary to their honor and conscience ;

* at the same time the council beg leave to declare,
' in the strongest terms, that they are ready and
^ willing to obey orders.*

' William Moultrie, Pre§ldent.'

Letter to Gen. Howe.

*Charlestown, Dec. 23d, 1777.
<Dear Sir,

< The council, (those of them that I could get

* together) are still of opinion that we cannot spare

* any troops: I sent a copy immediately to the presi-
" dent of the proceedings and opinions of the court.

197

<ji;I WAITED on the president, and had some con-
jVersation with him on the matter ; he asks 150 men
' for the expedition : I have altered my opinion, and

* wish you would allow me to grant the request, and

< order the men ; it may be attended with good con-

* sequences, if otherwise, the state must take it upon
4 themselves, as they have so earnestly requested the

< detachment. I send this by express, at the request

* of the president: I hope you will soon dispatch

< him, as they are impatient to know whether you will

* assist them or not.

* I am, &c.

< William Moultrie/
* Major Gen. Howe.*

Letter from Gen. Howe.

< Savannah, Dec. 24th, 1777.

* Dear Sir,

' My sentiment respecting the determination of
< the council of war, coincide, in a great measure,

* with their opinion, but the importance of protecting

* the trade of your state, from which almost all

* America, at present, derive their supplies ; joined

* to the earnest request of the executive authority of

* the state, which I, as a citizen, ought ever to res-
^ pect, and when possible, attend to ; induces me to

193

' consent to furnish the 150 men desired by his ex-
cellenc/ the president.
* I am, Sec.

* Robert Howe.*
« Gen. Moultrie.*

In conversation with the president, respecting the
naval armament ; he assured me, that there were a
number of vessels expected in, every day, with mi-
litary stores, and other articles which we were very

much in want of ; that unless the men-of-war were
driven from our coast, they could not possibly get
in ; and also, by our vessel taking a short cruize,
they might pick up a prize or two of some English
ships out-ward bound to the West-Indies, loaded
with such stores as we wanted.

These reasons induced me to alter my opinion
from the council of war.

Our little fleet consisted of the Randolph frigate,
of 36 guns, Capt. Biddle ; the ship General IVloultrie,
18 guns, Capt. Sullivan ; the Notre-Dame brig, Capt.
Hall, 15 guns; the Polly brig, Capt. Anthony, 16
guns; and the Fair American, Capt. Morgan, of 14
guns : The troops were put on board, on 27th of
January, and in a few days the fleet sailed : They
were gone about 10 weeks, when they fell in with
the Yarmouth, a British 64 gun ship, which the
Randolph immediately engaged, and in a short time

199

after the action began, she blew up, and every soul
on board perished, except 2 or 3 who were picked
up from the wreck, by the Yarmouth's crew.

The first regiment lost a fine company, of fifty
men, that were put on board as marines: The re-
mainder of our fleet made the best of their way
home ;* and thus ended the expedition from which
the president and privy council expected so much.

When the captains of the British men-of-v/ar
Carrisford, Sec. were informed of our preparations to
attack them they quitted our coast, while they con-
tinued on it, some apprehensions were entertained
of their going to Beaufort to take off our cannon and
stores ; upon which a company of Col. Robert's ar-
tillery, were ordered to take post in the battery at
that place.

Jan. 1778. At this time the men-of-war's boat's

crews [Carrisford and Perseus] were frequently in
town, getting provisions and intelligence ; we had so
many tories then in town, that they could get good
information from them, and so as to avoid our guards.
Early this morning, 1 5th January, about 4 o'clock,
A. M. a dreadful calamity happened in Charlestown :
a fire broke out in a back house or kitchen in Unions-
street, near Queen-street, the wind blowing fresh
at N. and N. N. E. and raged with such fury as to

* Some of them on their return homcj picked up a few prizes.

200

baffle all efforts, and in a little time, it was commu-
nicated to the neighboring houses, and by the fall-
ing sparks of fire, houses in Broad, Elliott, and
Trad- streets, likewise took fire, and spread to the
houses in Church-street, Bedon's-alley, and East-
Bay, insomuch that on the Bay from Queen-street
to Grenville's-Bastion at the south-end thereof, only
5 or 6 houses escaped : About 6 o'clock that even-
ing, the fire was in a great measure got under, after
having consumed 252 dwelling houses, besides kit-
chens and back stores : A list of which, with their
value as taken in the year 1776, viz :

Dwelling houses. Currency.*

East-Bay, 56 ------ ^ 177,425,

Broad-street, 29 72,700.

Elliott-street, 51 - - - = - - , 89,900.

Bedon's-alley, 15 28,750.

Church-street, 17 - - - - - - - 24,100.

Trad- street, 34------- 73,200.

Union-street, 52 - - - ^ - - - 20,760.

Chamber's-alley, 9------- 9,500,

Unity-ailey, 8------- 3,500.

Queen-street, 1 .-_,--- 8,000,

252. £, 507,835.

* This is the currency of South'GaroHna, four shillings and
eight- pence to the dollar.

3Q1

It was a very affecting scene to see the inhabit-
ants running through the streets, looking for some
place of shelter to put themselves and children ino
We had strong suspicions, at the same time, that it
was done by design : we had guards posted at every
corner, and patroles going constantly through the
streets the whole night. The next day was a sad
spectacle, indeed ! to behold the goods and property
of different kinds, piled up in the streets in a pro-
miscuous manner, and the proprietors harrassed out,
and worn down with fatigue, standing to watch over
their property, covered with blankets, and shivering
with cold : and, to add more to their distress, it was
so very cold, that the water which was thrown by
the engines upon the tops of the houses to extinguish,
the fire, run down and hung in isicles along the
eaves.

The soldiers, headed by officers, exerted them-
selves in an extraordinary manner, to assist in extin-
guishing the fire ;and had the thanks of the inhabit-
ants given them, through me, in general orders*
Notwithstanding this great calamity, still we were
alarmed every night with the cry of fire ; it seemed
as if they were determined that the tov/n should be
totally destroyed.

We had information that the men-of-wars boats

were in town every night ; and we had every reason

to believe that they were the instigators of all the

mischief that attended us.
VOL. I, c a

202

The following letters from the president, will
show that the above suspicions were well grounded.
[For the letter alluded to, and the answer to it, see
the appendix.]
Feb. The legislature was now at this time very
busily employed in framing a new constitution, and
electing public officers. No military operations go-
ing on except keeping out guard-boats to endeavor to
catch the men-of-war's boats, and some work? going
on about the lines and fortifications.

The great numbers of the leading men from the
back country, who were militia officers and men of
influence, well attached to the American cause, were
called down to Charlestown to attend the general as-
sembly, and being detained there so long, that it
gave time for the tories to collect, and disturb the
peace of the country, which they effectually did, and
began to embody in great numbers, so as to occasion
a serious alarm.

A SIMILAR case happened in Georgia at the same
time their general assembly were sitting; so that the
tories in both states were playing the same game.

Aprii^* Matters now in Georgia began to be ve-
ry alarming, and it v/as absolutely necessary to call
for some great exertions to save her from total ruin;
Gen. Howe, who was there since the latter end of
December, and early in April, began to call for the
aid of South-Carolina, as his orders to me of different
dates will shew : they saw the cloud blackening very

203

fast, and ready to break down upon them with great
violence, and the people of this state were aho much
alarmed ; as the Scopholites began to make head.

A LETTER FROM MaJOR GeN. HoWE.

< Head-quarters, Savannah, April 7th, 1778.

* Dear Sir,

* The embodying of a number of insurgents from

* among the Scopholites of your state,* who have

* been joined by many of the disaffected in this, is a

* a circumstance so well authenticated both to the

* governor and myself, that it is not to be doubted.

' They crossed Savannah last Saturday, below

* Augusta, when luckily for themselves, they met

* with some trading boats coming down the river,

* which they pressed to facilitate their passage. Their

* numbers by the account, last night, could not be

* less than five or six hundred. They make prize of

* all as they march along. Their avowed intention

* is the forming a junction with the East-Floridians,

* who they say are determined shortly to attack this

* country. This plan, by a variety of different ways,

* we heard of before, and the raising of these people

* was a part of the story. It did not, however, ob»
< tain much credit ; yet as their insurgency has actu-

» The Scopholites were some of the tories who were led by
one Col. Scophol, Col. ofmlUda, an iUiterate, stupid, neis^
blockhead.

204

^ ally happened as was foretold, there would be rea-

* son to believe the rest, though no other matter con-

* tributed to render it probable, but the movements

* of the enemy at St. Augustine.. .their operations

* upon St. John's river, as well as some circum-
^ stances relative to the troops at Pensacola, all seem
^ to corroborate that some attack is intended. I there-
' fore think it incumbent on us, to prepare for the
' worst ; and as the deplorably weak situation of this

* country renders it unequal to the least formidable

* attempt against it, I would wish you immediately

* to prepare, and have in readiness to march at a
^ moment's warning, 200 men, and no time should
' be lost in having them in readiness. The situation

* of this country is a circumstance of exceeding anx-
' iety to me...assaillable on every side. ..and no where
^ prepared for defence. ..many of the people disaf-

< fected to the cause ; and those who wish it well, not
' united among themselves ; exceedingly weak in

* numbers, as to militia, and these ill armed ; and it
' is a melancholy truth that our regulars do not ex-
« ceed 550 effectives.

* I am, &c.

' Robert Hov/e.'
<■ p. S. By some intelligence just now received, I
^ am induced to desire you, to expedite the marching

< of the troops, as I immediately expect to have OC"
^ casion for them.

* To Brig. Gen. Moultrie.*

205
A LETTER TO GeN, HcWE,

« Charlestown, April 10th, 1778.
< Dear Sir,

< This state has been in commotion some days

* past, owing to the Scopholites : we have had our

* militia in pursuit of them, have killed and taken a

* few :...by your letter, their intention seems to be a-

* gainst Georgia, but I hope the Georgians will ex-

* ert themselves to prevent their further progress, and

* stop their junction with the Floridians, it will save
' us the trouble of marching to you. I can hardly think

* the people of Augustine are in a capacity to make

* any excursions ; their numbers being so few (from

* all the accounts we have been able to gather, they do

* not exceed 800 men) that unless they are greatly

* reinforced by Indians and tories, they had better
< stay at home and take care of their own castle. I

* have, agreeably, to your orders sent 150 mien frojn

* Thompson's, and 50 from Sumpter's regiments in

* readiness to go oil at a moment's warning : I hope?

* however, you will have no occasion for them. The
^ people here seem to dread a foreign invasion ; not

* from any information, only from conjecture ; because

* when we were last attacked, it began in the interior
' parts of the country. Captain Senf, engineer, is

* lately arrived from the northward for this depart-

* ment ; if you should have any occasion for him, I v. ill
^ send him off with the detachment you have ordered.

*Iam, &.C. •W. Moultrie,*

206

The letter I wrote to the president on the 1 Ith of
Aprii,requesting a loan of 20,000 pounds for the use of
the quarter-master general's department; brought on
a disagreeable altercation between the president and
the deputy quarter-master general, (Lieut. Col. Fran-
cis Huger) so much that I was obhged to write to the
president of Congress, requesting him to lay the mat-
ter before Congress.

[Letter to the president, see appendix]

Letter from the President.

* Sir, April 14th, 1778.

' As it appears from the concurrent accounts of

< all the intelligence I have received, that the disaf-

* fected plan their hopes and expectations on being

* joined with a force from Florida ; and that their

* aim is to form the junction by crossing Savannah

* river, a considerable party having already taken

* that route, I submit to you, whether it would not

< be necessary and proper to post Thompson with
' his regiment at some convenient place on Savan-
' nah river to interrupt or prevent such a design,
' more especially as he would be enabled from thence,
^ more expeditiously to remove to the immediate as-

< sistance of Georgia. The militia in all parts of the

< back country being in arms, and on their guard, I

< think no great danger is to be apprehended, unless

< a combined force should be effected, which must be

* by crossing Savannah river, the guarding of which

2or

* might baffle their scheme. I did myself the plea-
' sure of calling at your house yesterday, to know

< your sentiments on this head, but you were from

* home. Some informations I have received, say it

< was talked of at St. Augustine, that a plan was

* concerted, while we were employed on these com-

* motions in the back parts to attack us from sea»
' This I think is the only ground to apprehend dan-

* ger. * I am, &c.

Brig. Gen. Moultrie. ' Rawlins Lowndes'.

* Chalestown, April 14th, 1778.

< Sir,

< I AM very sorry I was not at home when you

* did me the honor to call upon me yesterday. I

* just now received yours, and have considered with

* attention what you mention with regard to posting
' Thompson's regiment on Savannah river, I cannot

* at present think it proper by any means, and I will
' therefore give you my reasons. That regiment

* consists of about one third the number of conti-

* nental troops in this state (150 of them in town

* which we cannot do without, unless the militia will

* take off some of our guards) and the sending them
' so far from the capital would be running too great
' a risk, besides the harrassing the troops : should

* any sudden attack be made upon our sea coast,

* we have only the continental troops to make head

* until the militia can be collected, which you know

208

< will take some little time ; should any attack be

* made on our frontier it cannot be half the conse-

* quence, and should the enemy attempt to move
*■ with an army through the back country, tliey must

* drag themselves so slowly along that before they

* could penetrate far we should be collected to op-

* pose them ; and should they move in small par-
' ties I think our militia quite sufficient to check

* their progress. I flatter myself that this bustle is

* not so serious as was first imagined, or I certainly

* should have heard from Gen. Howe ere this, to

* move on the troops, he had ordered to be in readi-

* ness. The Georgians are in motion and in pur-
« suit of the Scopholites, and I have not the least
' doubt but that they will prevent their junction with

* the Floridians, which will entirely defeat their
' plan. I am informed this state has three inde-
' pendent companies consisting of one hundred men

* each ; I think if your excellency will order half

< those men to take post at some proper place on

* Savannah river, they would be sufficient to guard
' that pass, and stop the communication between

< the insurgents of this state and Georgia : the other
« half of the men to garrison the different forts for

* which they were first raised. I am, Sec.

' William Moultrie.'

' His Excellency Rawlins Lowndes.'
[Several letters are here omitted, for v;hich the rea-
der is referred to the appendix.]

209

Soon- after the expedition under Capt. Eiddle, the
legislature resolved to purchase or build three frigates
in France; and to have a commodore and three cap-
tains : accordingly, Alexander Gillon, Esq. was ap-
pointed commodore, and John Joyner, William Ro-
bertson, and John McQueen, Esqrs. were elected
captains; and in the year 1778 the commodore and
his three captains, sailed to France, carrying with
them a great deal of the country produce, to pur-
chase, or build these vessels. Hitherto, the marine
was carried on by the council of safety ; but th° le-
gislature resolved to establish a navy-board, and to
have gentlemen particularly for tliat department who
had more leisure and more professional knowledge s
accordingly, Edward Blake, Roger Smith, Josiah
Smith, George Smith, Edward Darrell, Thomas Cor-
bet, John Edwards, George Abbot Hall, and Thomas
Savage, Esqrs. were appointed commissioners of the
navy, to transact the business in that department :
they had power to fill up vacancies in the navy and
marine, and to draw upon the treasury for any sums,
to defray the expenses of building or fitting out ves-
sels, &c. they were constantly employed in remitting
produce to the commodore lor the completion of his
mission; but they were so frequently taken, that he
could accomplish nothing more then to purchase, up-*
on credit, a quantity of clothing and ammunition for
the use of the state ; and hire a large frigate from

VOL. I, D 2

210

the prince of Luxemburgh, for the term of 3 years,
on condition of allowing him one fourth of the prizes
captured while she was cruizing at the risk and ex-
pense of the state of South -Carolina: She was built
at Amsterdam, and was of a particular construction ;
mounting 28 Swedish 36 pounders on her main-
deck; and 12 Swedish 12 pounders on her fore-cas-
tle and quarter-deck ; her dimension equal to a 74
gun ship : 280 marines, and 69 seamen were enga-
ged, on account of South-Carolina, to man this fri-
gate ; These men were kept at Dunkirk for several
months, until the ship could be got over the Texel ;
as her great draught of water prevented her from
getting over the shoals, in any other position than
en her broad-side : The marines being on board,
would have been an encumberance. These men,
though in the service of South-Carolina, were sent
with other troops from Havre-de-Grace, without the
knowledge or consent of Commodore Gillon, on an
expedition against the island of Jersey : So many of
them were killed and taken in that enterprize, which
happened in January, 1781, that the frigate could
r.ot go to sea till the August following: After many
4iiiiculties, she went on a cruize in the European
seas ; and took several valuable prizes ; and on the
Aiiicrisan coast, she took 10 prizes, and carried
them into the Havannah ; where he was prevailed
upon by the Spaniards, to go with his vessel, and to

211

take the command of an expedition against the Baha-
ma-Islands : The fleet consisted of 82 sail of Spanish
and American vessels, and in May, 1782, the Baha-
ma-Islands was reduced to the crown of Spain ; for
which service, Carolina got no recompense, nor for
the prizes sent into the Havannah, or for the 4 other
prizes that were first taken. Soon after this, she ar-
rived in Philadelphia, where, after being completely
repaired at an immense expense, she put to sea from
that port, under the command of Capt. Joyner ; on
the second day of her sailing, she was captured by
3 frigates. There is no doubt, but that the British
at New- York, got frequent intelligence about her ;
and knew the very day on which she was to sail
and had 3 frigates in waiting for her: And shameful
to say, she was taken without her making the least
resistance, not even firing a gun : And for the hire
of this ship, the state of South-Carolina, paid up-
wards of 100,000 pounds sterling, without ever re-
ceiving the least benefit from her. -

We now began to feel the want of salt ; that neces-
sary article, which we so unwisely threw into the river
at the commencing of the revolution ;* as an impor-
ted article from the dominions of Great-Britain ;
which was prohibited by our association.

* I saw ft large ship lying near Hog-Island creek, loaded
with salt; and a number of hands employed in throwing that
cargo into the river.

212

In order to supply the state with salt, 8 gentlemen
entered into partnership, and purchased 6 fast sailing
Bermuda vessels, to be employed in importing salt:
On their first voyage, they arrived safe, and brought
in a supply of salt ; and they continued in that trade,
for that particukr purpose, till they were all takcRo

Letter jrom Col. Pixckney.
^ Camp at Port Hov/£ on Alatamaha, May "245 '78»

* Here v/e are still detained by the confounded
'delay of the South-Carolina galley, and provision
' schooner, who are not yet c ome round to this river ;
' and the reasonable and candid gentry of this state

* are throwing a thousand reflections on the general

* and the army, for not marching to attack the enemy,
' and storm Lines, without provisions and without
« ammuniiion. The v;hoIe army, except a very small
*Q:arrison to take care of our sick, and secure our
^ retreat, will however march from hence to Reid's

* bluff, three miles lower down, and on the other side
' of the river, to-morrow afternoon, or next day at
'farthest; and as by that time our ammunition
' and provision will have come round to this river,
' we shall proceed with all possible expedition for St»
< Mary's, where v/e shall have some amusement by
' the attack of Fort Tonyn ; notwithstanding any re-
« flections which may be cast on tiie propriety of the

213

* present expedition at this season ; it is nov/ incon-

< trovertable, that the movements in Carolina, the

< capture of the Hinchenbrook and the other vessels,

* and the proposed expedition, have proved the sal-

* vation of the state of Georgia ; however I cannot
^ help lamenting to you, (and I owe it to candor and

* our friendship) that you have been much too par-
' simonious in your fitting us out for this expedition-
' What can be more cruel than crowding eight, ten,

* and twelve men into one tent, or oblige those who
' cannot get in, to sleep in the heavy dews ? what

* is more inconvenient than to have only one camp«

< kettle to ten, twelve or fifteen men ? and in this

* hot climate to have one small canteen to six or

* eight men? we think no expense too great to pro-

* cure men, but we do not think after we have got
'them, that we ought to go to the expense of pre-

* serving their health ; having thus freely given you

< my sentiments concerning the articles we are in

< want of, I own I could wish, and the Gen. request-
' ed me to desire you to send round in a boat, or
^ small schooner, 500 canteens, 100 camp-kettles,
*and 35 or 40 tents, I am sure they cannot be better

< employed, even if the state should lose them all ;
' but I apprehend that cannot be the case, as they
^ ought to be a continental charge. There has been
^ a number of desertions from White's battalion of Bri-

214

' tish deserters :* I inclose you a plan of this curious
' fort and encampment, it is badly planned, and
< wretchedly constructed. By intelligence from Au-
« gustine, the enemy's force is as follows : 300 regu-=
i lars at Fort Tonyn, on St. Mary's ; 60 at St. Johns ;
' 320 at St. Augustine; 80 to the southward of Au-
^ gustine, with some Florida rangers, a few Indians,

* and some Carolina tories. Nothing could be more

* fortunate than such a division of their force. I am
' this moment informed, that the governor of this

* state, has ordered from us, to the militia, two-
' hundred barrels of rice: he likewise ordered the
' gallies 30 miles higher up the river than this place ;

* when, on account of the shallowness of the water*

* they cannot come within 10 -miles as high up as

* we are now : excellent generalship '....if you send
•^ a boat, the general would mean that the boat should

* come to Sunberry, where they will receive orders :
' we are very badly supplied with medicines : these
' articles not being sent, will not prevent our going

* on, but it will occasion the sickness of many, and
' render us less useful than we should otherwise be.*

* I am, &c.

'Charles C. Pinckney.*
' Brie:. Gen. Moultrie.'

* Go!. White's battalion, was composed chiefly, of British
deserters.

Letter to Gen. Howe.

' Charlestown, May 31, 1778.
< Dear Sir,

* I received your letter a few days ago, dated
Fort Howe, May 1 5 : the contents are complied
with ; the orders for the waggons are paid, but
with some reluctance ; I shall be glad to hear from
you whenever you arc at leisure, and wish you
could spare the time to give me a little account of
your expedition with your numbers and the strength
of your army, I wish this matter had been deter-
mined upon two or three months ago, I fear the
season is too far advanced; however, you must on-
ly go the slower to work, and make it sure ; should
the men be too much fatigued, they will sicken ve-
ry fast, so as to prevent you from carrying on your
operations and succeeding in your attempt : if the
season should be dry, I fear you will have a scar-
city of water, when you draw near to Augustine,
and what you get will be very bad and apt to throw
the soldiers into disorders, which will probably car-
ry them off fast ; I wish you success, and doubt
not but that you have taken every precaution to in-
sure it : should a failure happen, it will be attended
with bad consequences to these two southern states,
of which you are well acquainted.. .many of the peo-
ple in Charlestown wish you were all safe back, as
they dread the inclemency of the season, and are

. 216

fearful it will be fatal to a number of our men. Mr,
Valentine the commissary has been with me to
know how he is to get paid for the articles sent you
to Georgia, by your order, amounting to upv/avds of
1500 pound, as the president has absolutely refused
to allow it in his account.. .when be first shewed me
your order, he was at a loss to know how to act,
but I told him he must send the articles you wrote
for, at all events. You will be pleased to inform
me how this matter is to be settled.

' I am. &c.
* Maj. Gen. Howt.* * Wm, Moultrie.*

Letter from Gen. Gadsden,* which shows that
every article got for the continental troops, were
from the governor and council's order on the
state stores.

* Charlestown, June 4.th, 1778.

' Sir,

« I RECEIVED your favor, and immediately laid it
« before the council, who desired me to give orders

* for fifty tents, 250 canteens and two doz. kettles,
< which are all we can spare. The pork you say you

* have already ordered, inclosed is the order for the

* above articles which will be charged to Congress.

' I am, &c.

« Christ. Gad>den.'

'"fcGen. Gadsden, after iiis resignation was one of the privy
council.

217

Letter to the President of Congress.
Charlestown, June 5th, 1778,

* Dear Sir,

< Yesterday I was honored with your favor of the

* 18th of May, with a copy of the resolves of Con-
*gress, dated the 1 5th of May : I return you thanks

< for your information respecting the president's pow-

* er of suspending any of the staff-officers within his
' state, should they give cause. We are much in

* the dark with regard to the resolution of Congress,

* relative to the army ; we may be guilty of errors

* and neglect of duty without the least intention of

* either ; which was the case with Col. Francis Hu-
' ger, who did not know that the president had any

* power over him, neither did any of the army know

< of such a resolution, till after the dispute : The pre-

< sident does not inform us of any resolutions which

< he receives, as I suppose he thinks we have them

* transmitted to us. I yesterday received a letter from
*Gen. Howe, dated Fort Howe, Alatamaha, May 23,

* he does not inform me what number of men he has

* with him : We have sent him 600 continentals from

* this state, and Col. Williamson is gone from Nine-

< ty-six, with 800 militia, and there are between 6

* and 700 continental troops belonging to Georgia, and

* some militia, with these he intends to proceed to

* St. Mary's, to dislodge the enemy from a strong

* post which they have established there ; he says

VOL. r. E 2

218

* it is absolutely necessary, or Georgia may as well

< be given up. In a letter I received from Col. C. C.

< Pinckney this day, he says * notwithstanding any
' reflections vfhich may be cast on the propriety of

< the present expedition at this season, it is now un-

< controvertible that the movements in Carolina, the
' capture of the Hinchenbrook and the other vessels,
' and the proposed expeditioi? have proved the salva-

* tion of Georgia.* I fear Gen. Kowe will not be able
' to push this matter as far as we could wish, for

* want of provisions, and other necessaries : I
' am now sending them a schooner load of salt pork,
' vrith tents, kettles. Sec. I wish this movement had

* been made some months sooner ; this is a most un-
i lucky season...! fear we shall expend a great many

< of our men (but n6t by fighting) and we can very

* illy spare them, as our inlistments run out very

* fast, and we cannot induce the men to enter again,

* kc* I am, &c.

* William Moultris,

* Brisrd. Gen.
' The Hon. Henry Laurens.*

A Letter to GrN. Howe.

' Charestown, June 5th, 1778.
i DtLAR Sir,

' I RECEIVED yours, two days ago, and shall

* send off in a schooner to-morrow 150 barrels of

219

pork ; I cannot get as many canteens and kettles as
you wrote for, there are not so many in the state
store, but will send by this conveyance 250 canteens,
and 24 kettles, which are all that can be spared:
I shall order the row-boat to proceed with all expe-
dition to Sunberry. You mention that Col. Pinck-
ney had wrote me by the same opportunity, but
have received no letter from him j I wish his had
come to hand ; as you say he was more particular
than yourself. We have vessels frequently coming
in with great quantities of goods, they ure fallen in
price, 2 or 300 per cent.. .we imagine the reason of
so many getting in here is owing to the men-of-
war and cruizers being called to the assistance of
Augustine, on your movements towards that place*
I heartily wish that you were provided with every
thing necessary, that you might proceed on your
intended expedition, before the season is too far ad-
vanced : I fear for the troops in that climate in Ju-
ly and August...! can pretty well guess the incon-
veniences you must labor under, in procuring the
necessaries proper for an army of 3,000 men ; as I
am informed you are to have, when Williamson
joins you with his body of 800.
< I am, Sec.

' William Moultrie,

' Brig. Gen.*
* Major Gen. Howe.'

220

Letter to Col. Charles C. Pinckney.
< Char LESTOWN, June 5th, 177S.
' Dear Col,

< Since I sealed up my letter to Gen. Howe I have
received yours ; and am very sorry to find that you
are so illy provided with necesaries ; I am also sorry
to find the ammunition and provisions were so long
a getting to hand, it must be owing to mismanage-
ment...you charge me with parsimony in fitting you
out for the expedition, and say I have only allowed
a tent for eight, ten or twelve men, which I believe
must be a mistake ; I gave orders for 120 tents'
which I thought sufficient for 600 men, especially,
as quarter and regular guards and out posts, always
build bowers in summer, for their shelter in these
southern climates, which is done almost as soon as
pitching a tent ; I also sent a camp kettle for every
five men : I am sorry to find you are badly supplied
with medicines ; that is a matter I am quite unac-
quainted with ; I ordered the surgeons to send from
the hospital, a sufficient quantity for our troops ;
but I dare say, in putting them up they had no idea
of supplying the Georgia troops also : I fear by a
paragraph in your letter, that you and the Georgi-
ans are not upon the best footing. The governor
seems to be taking the bread out of your mouths .
I cannot conceive why he should order the gallies
so far up the river, was it to cover the crossing of

221

the militia ? or what could it mean ; I am not much
acquainted with the geography of that country,
therefore, cannot form an exact idea of his inten-
tion. From none of your letters can I collect what
force you have with you, what number of continen-
tals, and what number of militia, and who com-
mands the Georgia militia. Williamson I suppose
has joined you ere this, with eight-hundred men
from this state. I am told, the troops with you,
begin to be sickly ; there is nothing like moving
them about moderately ; it will also keep the devil
out of their heads, by changing the scene frequent-
ly. I have setit my letter to Sunberry, with 250
canteens, ^nd 24 kettles, which is all I could pro-
cure. I shall send off a schooner to-morrow, with
150 barrels of pork, and 50 tents : the tents I sup-
pose you will scarcely get till on your return. I am
surprized you should talk of crowding so many men
in tents, I would rather leave all tents and oblige
them to build bowers ; they are much healthier and
very easily done : our whole army, in the Cherokee
country, lived above a month that way ; they would
rather do it than be at the trouble of pitching and
striking their tents every day, besides you have the
less baggage to carry on : I shall be glad to hear
from you when you are at leisure. I heartily w ish

222

' you all success, and a great many laurels ; though
' you have but a barren field to gather them from.
' I am, &c.

< William Moultrie.*
'Col. Charles C. Pinckney.*

Letter from Gen. Howe.
« Camp, at Reid's Bluff, June 7th, 1778.
* Forgive me, dear sir, if I cannot write to you as
' often as I wish .'...Puzzled, perplexed, disappointed,

* and the devil and all...l have not one moment to

* spare, or spend as I wish... I have but advanced to this

* post, having been for several weeks waiting the ar-
' rival of the militia, who I have impatiently expected:
' I have marched off this day the Georgia brigades
' ...I follow to-morrow, with Pinckney's. The ene-
' my, it seems, wait for us at St. Mary's. I shall
' endeavor not to keep them long ; had I been second-
' ed as I wished, something capital might have been

* effected ; I however, still am in hopes we shall (and

* indeed I doubt not) have a few knocks ; as their

* post must be broken up for the safety of this state,
' and for theirs, must be defended, &c.

' I am, Sec.

' Robert Howe.'
' Brig. Gen. Moultrie.'

223

Letter. FROM Gen. Howe.

< Camp, at Re id's Bluff, Juue 12th, 1778.

< Dear General,

< I HAVE just a moment to inform you I am set-

* ting off instantly upon my march to St. Mary's,
' where the enemy seem to expect us, and where I

* had long since been, had not ten thousand disap-
' pointments arisen, a few of them from accident*

< but more from the operations of this state, happen-
i ed to prevent and detain me : I have been wait-
' ing several weeks for the militia, which were to

* have proceeded rapidly, but are not yet arrived, ex-

* cept 400, that are encamped about 4 miles in my
' rear, waiting to be joined by the governor, who is

* behind, as we are informed, with a large body ;

* but from him I have not directly heard for a long
' time, though I have written to him often, upon

* very important subjects ; he has, I believe, exerted

* himself to spirit up the people ; and I fancy has
« been greatly perplexed : I wished to see him before

* I moved, but I fear I shall not, unless he comes

* within half an hour ; The brigade under Elbert I

* advanced to Sittilla, to take possession of the river,
^ and by works thrown upon both sides to facilitate

* the advance, or cover the retreat of the army,
' which either may be requisite as soon as I join him,

* which will be (if nothing happens more then I ex-
pect) the next day after to-morrow, I shall proceed

224

< to St. Mary's, where we shall meet Commodore

< Bowlan with the fleet, at an appointed place ; and

* if the enemy favor us so much as to make face, we

* shall endeavor to treat them with the attention they

* derserve, and we so ardently wish to bestow.

' I am, Sec.

< Robert Howe.*
< To Brig. Gen. Moultrie.*

Letter to Gen. Howe.

< June 22d, 1778.

< Dear General,

' As I think it my duty to give you every intel-

< ligence that comes to hand, more particularly that

< which relates to your present expedition : I thought
« it proper to send you an express, to inform you,

* that the day before yesterday, Capts. Bachop and

* Osborne (in two sloops, in 10 days from St. Au-

* gustine) were taken and brought in here, by a Con-
' necticut vessel, of 18 guns, with a small sloop, her

* tender.

' By Bachop and Osborne we learn, that 1200

< men are marched out from Augustine, with a num-

* ber of Indians ; and 2 gallies, with 24 pounders,
' and other heavy cannon on board, are sent round

< to St. John's river: I have examined John Glass, a

* deserter from the first regiment, who seems to give

< a particular and good account of every thing there.

225

"He says they have 800 regular troops; 100 of

< Broom's ; 150 militia ; 95 Indians (some called them

< 200), 300 Scopholites, that are encamped up St.

* Mary's river, quite discontented and wish them-
' selves back again from whence they came.

' This force, with two field-pieces, is to dispute

* your passage over St. John's river, and perhaps

< meet you sooner. I would therefore humbly re-

< commend the keeping your little army together,

* and not to m©ve them by brigades or divisions, as

* it may be of dangerous consequences in marching

< through such a country as you are now in ; the ene-

* my will always have their scouts about you and get
' fresh intelligence every day : and when they find

* you so detached, may be tempted to strike some
<blow, which, if they effect, will be of fatal conse-

* quences, by throwing your whole army inlo con-
i fusion: pray do not think yourself secure from such

* a surprize when you are within sixty miles of them,

* as I have known a body of men to march 48 miles

* in 24 hours, in this country :* I doubt not but that

* you will take every precaution : I hope you will ex-

* cuse my dropping these hints, you may be assured

* it is entirely owing to my anxiety for your fafety.

* I was told yesterday that Williamson with his mili-

* Montgomery's hi ghlanders in the Cherokee country, from
Twelve mile-river, to Sugar-town and back again.

VOL. I. F 2

22S

' lia, was not above 9 miles from Savannah, and that

' the governor with his Georgians, were about Sun-

berry : if this be the case, for God's sake I when will

< you all join: if you still continue moving from each
i other, nothing but Augustine castle can bring you

< up ; would it not be best to halt the front, and let
' them secure themselves, and wait till they all come
^ up, then you may go on slow and sure.'

' Glass further informs me that the people at
' Augustine, are much alarmed, and are putting their

* effects on board of vessels : he says the outer line
« is not repaired at all ; and the inner one, near the

* town, is quite out of order ; that they have only a

* few pieces of cannon planted at the gate : but that

* they were pressing negroes to work for the king ;

* though he could not tell what work they were go-
< ing about : the fort at St. Mary's was evacuated.
' He says the best way 10 carry the town, is, by

* marching along the Musquito road (which is at the
' back of the town) from St. John's, about six miles
' beyond the town, where you may cross with ease ;
' then turn and march up, by which means you will
^ keep the town between you and the castle j there

* are no works at the back of the town. He was told
^ the castle mounted ilO guns, and tAvo mortars, one

* 24, and one 18 inches. ..he never was within it.. .the
^ walls about 25 feet high; the garrison tolerably well
^ supplied with provisions, but the inhabitants Yerf

227

poorly. The best way from St. John's to town, is
to take the beach, till you come near enough to take
the Musquito road... .No man-of-war at St. Augus-
tine : the Galatea lost her rudder, and is gone to
New- York. I was sorry to see, by a letter from
Col. Pinckney, that our men begin to be sickly...
that is all my uneasiness, except that the militia do
not join you as heartily as they should ; I think if
you were well united, and had every necessary, you
might have an easy conquest of Augustine, but I
fear the season is too far advanced ; if your men
should fall sick fast, as you approach the enemy, I
think it would be much the best to retreat in time,
before you get too near, as it will be very difficult
then to come off ; dragging a number of sick after
you, you must expect the Indians and light troops
to harrass your rear.

* I am, &c.

* William Moultrie.*
* Major Gen. Howe.'

Letter from Gen. Howe.

* Fort Tonyn, 5th July, 1778.
' Dear General,

' I have been waiting for the galley first, and af-

* ter her arrival a tedious while for the militia of

* this stale, and for the long expected coming of

* Col. Williamson and our countrymen with him. In

228

« short, if I am ever again to depend upon operations

* I have no right to guide, and men I have no righ<^
« to command, I shall deem it then, as now I do,

* one of the most unfortunate accidents of my life.
' Had we been able to move on at once, and those I

* expected would have been foremost had only been

* as ready as we were, a blow might have been given
' our enemies, which M^ould have put it out of their
( power to have disturbed us, at least not hastily ;
' and perhaps have been attended with consequences
' more important than the most sanguine could have

* expected; but delayed beyond all possible supposi=

* tion, and embarrassed, disappointed, perplexed?
' and distressed beyond expression ; the utmost we
' can now achieve, Avill be but a poor compensation
' for the trouble and fatigue we have undergone ; ex-
« cepting we may be allowed to suppose (what I tru-
' ly think has been effected) that the movements we
' have made, have drove back the enemy, and pre-
' vented an impending invasion of the state of Geor_
i gia, which would otherwise inevitably have over-
' whelmed it, and also a dangerous defection of the
' people of both states. This good, I am persuaded,
( has resulted from it, and this is our consolation.
' The enemy were 2 or 3 days since at Alligator
< Creek, about 14 miles from this place: their for-
i cesj by all accounts, are at least equal either to the
' governor's troops or mine, and we arc on contrary

229 •

< sides of the river, and not within 8 miles of each
I other. Ask me not how this happened, but rest

< assured that it has not been my fault: I believe,

* however, the governor will encamp near me to

* night, and if the enemy are still were they were,

* which I hope to know to night or to-morrow mor-

< ning, we shall probably beat up their quarters.

* I am, &c.
* Brig. Gen. Moultrie.* ' Robert Howe.*

Letter from Col. Charles C. Pinckney,
' Camp at the Ruins of Fort Tonyn,

« July 6th, 1778.

* Dear General,

' Our little army now too fully experience the

< sickliness of this confounded climate. The Car©li-
i nians have not been hitherto so sickly as the Geor-
« gians, but, taking the sick of both brigades into

* the account, our numbers are now one half less than

* what they were when first we joined at Fort Howe i

* our horses, too, having no grain to support them

< die daily ; we want 35 of the number we ought to
^ have, to drag our artillery, ammunition, provisions,

< and little baggage ; so that if we do not retreat soon

* by water, we shall be in a situation of not being able

* either to retire or proceed by land ; a number of
' our officers and men are now ill. Governor Hous.

* ton talks of encamping near us to day ; he seems to

230

c be totally unmindful how we are to retreat ; nor
i do I think he is in the least anxious about the health
' of our troops. I think our operations, at farthest,

* should not extend beyond the River St. John's ; in-

* deed, from the report of the quarter master con-
' cerning the horses, I much doubt whether it will
' be possible for us to get as far... I do not think that
' Gov. Houston will cross St. Mary's with half the
' militia he mentioned to our state: We hear that

* Williamson has crossed the Alatamaha, I therefore
' suppose that he must be at Sitilla by this time ; I
' hope his troops will not feel the inclemency of this
' climate as mine have done.

' I am, &c.

' Charles Cotesworth Pinckney.'

Letter from Col. C. C. Pinckney.

' Camp at the Ruins of Fort Tonyn, in East-

* Florida, July 10th, 1778-

' Dear General,

' After we have waited so long for the junction
' of the militia, we now find that we are to have as
» many independant commanders as corps. Gover-
< nor Houston declaring that he would not be com-
'manded; Col. Williamson hinting that his men
' would not be satisfied to be under continental com-
* mand ; or indeed any other commander but his
' own; and Commodore Bowlan insisting that in the

* naval department, he is supreme ; with this divided,
« this heterogeneous command, what can be done ?

< even if the season, and every other military requi-
' site were favorable (but that is far from being the

case) the continental troops have been so violently

' attacked by sickness, and the desolation made by

it, is so rapidly encreasing, that if we do not retreat

* soon, we shall not be able to retreat at all, and may

* crown this expedition with another Saratoga affair,

* in reverse, but the many reasons which ought to

* induce us to return I cannot now enumerate ; some

* of the principles I herewith enclose you : from

< thence you will learn that we have the strongest

* grounds to imagine that the enemy mean not to

* fight us seriously on this side of St. John's ; skirmish

* with us, they may, perhaps hang upon our flanks,

< and harrass our rear; and, if we would give them

* an opportunity, attempt to surprize us : but to fight

< us on this side of St John's would be the most im-

< prudent thing they possibly could do, and all their

< movements shew they have no such intention.

' At another season with battering cannon, mor-

* tars, and the command of the rivers, much might

< be done j but I think our principal movements ought
' in such case to be by water ; and we cannot begin

* too soon to build proper batteaus and vessels to car-
' ry on such an expedition. I hope we shall be able

* to retreat from this place, by water j if we do, the

232

* men who are ailing, and the convalescents, will in

* all probability, get better, before we reach Charles-
( town ; but if we are obliged to go back by land, I
' fear, much fear, that great part of the few that re-

* main well, will with the utmost difficulty, reach it,

* perhaps not at all : such an effect has the heat of
< the weather had upon our men, that as many fall

* sick on a march as when we halt.. .you would
' think we had all hospital waggons, and no baggage

* ones. Amidst all this sickness, I have the pleasure
' to inform you that Williamson's people have hith-
' erto continued very hearty ; but I cannot say the

* same of Gov. Houston's militia, who I am told, be-
' gin to grow sickly. I am informed that William-
' son's men are within a few miles of this river to

* night. ' I am, &c.

' Charles C. Pinckney.*
' Brig. Gen. Moultrie.*

' At a council of war held in the camp, at Fort

'Tonyn, July Uth, 1778.

Present,

* Major Gen. Howe, Col. Elbert, Col. White, Col.

Tarlingj Col. Rea, Lieut. Col. Roberts, Lieut. Col.

Scott, Maj. Wise, Maj. Habersham, Maj. Pinckney,

Maj. Grimkie, Col. Pinckney, Col. Eveleigh, Col.

K.irk, Lieut. Col. Henderson, Lieut. Col. M'Intosh,

Maj. Brown, Maj. Romand, Maj. Lane, Maj. Low.

233

' His excellency, Major Gen. Howe, opened the
business ; upon which the council was summoned,
\?y laying before them the following informations :
that the motions of the enemy from E. Florida, the
post they occupied, and were endeavoring to occupy,
the stations their men-of-war and armed vessels took
posession of, the number of insurgents in South-Ca-
rolina and Georgia raising in arms, and forming a
junction with the enemy, the information given by
deserters and creditable persons escaped from Au-
gustine, and also of spies sent there to make disco-
veries, upon oath ; all uniting to prove that an imme-
diate invasion against Georgia, in all appearance too
formidable to be repelled by their force alone, induc-
ed the calling to the assistance of Georgia, a part of
the continental troops of South-Carolina; and that
that state with a conduct conformable to their usual
spirit and generosity, had sent, with the utmost readi-
ness, even more men than of right could be demand-
ed of them, who, in concert with the continental
troops of Georgia, had chased the enemy out of that
country, obliged them to evacuate Fort Tonyn, from
whence they had continually made inroads into Geor-
gia, dangerous to the persons and property of its in-
habitants : by which the troops had, in the general
opinion, answered every purpose for which they had
been called ; but willing to. have with him the opin-
ion of the field-officers on every occasion, where they

VOL. I G 2

234.

dught to be consulted, and ready to reiinquish liis
own, should they offer any reasons which could au-
thorize his doing so ; he wishes to pi'opose to thenn
several questions, but prevrously to this, he thinks it
necessary to give them the following additional in-
formation, that drawing the enemy out of Georgia,
and dislodging them from Fort Tonyn were the prin-
cipal ends he aimed at, yet had the enemy in de=
fence of that post or any other thought proper to
oppose him with regulars, and he had been happy
enough to defeat them in detail, he should have been
ready to have availed himself of every advantage
which might have resulted from it: that by infor-
mation received fi'om captains Moore, Heyrne, and
Taylor, the roads were naturally bad; had been ren-
dered much worse by the enemy's having broken
them up, destroying the bridges, and by other meth<=>
ods, so that neither artillery or ammunition waggons
can pass without great loss of time and labor; and
that from appearances they conceive, and from other
informations the general learns, that the enemy
have abandoned all thoughts of opposition on this
side of St. John's river. That the deputy quarter-
master general has reported that the long march
and hard service, had destroyed many horses, and
rendered so many others unfit for use, that there is
a deficiency of at least forty, for the absolute neces-
sity of service. That the physician general, and

255

all the surgeons of the army report, that at least one
half the number of men we set out with are already
sick, many of them dangerously so, and that by the
increasing inclemency of the climate, the greater
part of the army now well, will either by continu-
ing here or advancing most probably be destroyed.
That by information from the Commodore, the gal-
lies cannot get into St. John's river without great
time and labor spent to cut a passage through the
Amelia narrov/s, and that if evert such passage was
effected, the accounts he had received all concur to
make it probable that the enemy were ready to op-
pose his operations, when in the river, with a force
superior to his. The General therefore thinks pro-
per to propose the following questions :

1 . As driving the enemy out of Georgia, and de-
molishing Fort Tonyn, were the objects principally
aimed at, have not these purposes been effected ?

Resolved unanimously in the affirmative.

2. As it appears from information above recited,
that the enemy do not mean to. oppose us in force
on this side of St. John's river, is there any other
objects important enough in our present situation to
warrant our proceeding ?

Resolved unanimously in the negative.

3. Is the army in a situation to cross St. John's
river, attack the enemy, and secure a retreat in case
of accident, though they should be aided by the

256

militia, now embodied under Gov. Houston, and Col.
Williamson ?

Resolved unanimously in the negative.

4. Does not the sickness which so fatally prevails
in the army, render a retreat immediately requi-
site ?

Resolved unanimously in the affirmative.

The Gen. then proceeded to inform the council,
that the Governor had denied him the right to com-
mand the militia, even if a junction had been form-
ed between them and the continental troops, not-
withstanding the resolution of Congress declaring,
that ' as to the propriety of undertaking distant ex-
< peditions and enterprizes, or other military opera-
* tions, and the mode of conducting them, the Gen-
' eral, or commanding officer, must finally judge
' and determine at his peril.'

The General therefore thinks proper to propose
the following questions :

!. Can he with propriety, honor and safety to
himself, or consistant with service, relinquish the
command to the Governor ?

2. Can the army, whilst the command is divided,
act with security, vigor, decision or benefit to the
common cause ?

Resolved unanimously in the negative.

Agreed to by all the officers.

237

Letter from Col. Pinckney.

' SuNBERRY, July 23d, 1778.
« Dear General,

' It is with the greatest pleasure I embrace this
opportunity of informing you that the sea air has
already had a surprizing effect on the men with
me ; the weak and convalescents are getting strong
daily, and the sick recovering fast. We have been
hitherto, very much crowded in our vessels, but
as the Georgia troops will be landed here, we shall
soon have more room: I shall be able to procure
the gallies of Georgia by Gen. Howe, and Commo-
dore Bowlan*s orders, to carry us to Port-Royal
ferry, from thence, (without I receive orders to the
contrary, as the Georgia gallies will go no further
with us) T shall march the men to Charlestown ; the
sick and ailing I shall send round by water, together
with our baggage, and that the men may be better
accommodated on their short march, I shall send
off in detachments of 40's and 50's, so that they will
be able to sleep under cover in gentlemen's barns
at night. I shall direct the commanding officers of
these detachments, to draw upon you for money, to
pay for what rations the men may want on their
march : if you do not approve of any thing above
proposed, an express will meet me (if you chuse
to send one) time enough to bring me your orders
at Port-Royal ferry, as our passage through the

238

inland navigation is very tedious and slow, and I
do not imagine we shall be able to get from this
place these two days. I dare say it will be a fort-
night before we arrive in Charlestown...! do not
write to Gen. Howe, as I do not know whether he
has left Georgia. One campaign to the southward
is more fatiguing than five to the northward. The
artillery I shall order to Fort Lyttleton at Port-
Royal.

' I am, Sec.

* Charles CoTEswoRTH Pinckney.'
*' Gen. Moultrie.*

A Letter to Col. Laurens,
President of Congress.

* Charlestown, July 26th, 1778.
">^ Dear Sir,

' I DID myself the honor of writing to you on
'the 20th instant, in which I informed you that

* our troops at the southward could not proceed any
' farther than St. John's river, if so far, since which

* by letters and a number of invalid officers that are

* returned to Charlestown, I am informed that the
' expedition is at an end ; that it was impossible to
< proceed beyond St. Mary's river. The continental

* troops, which at first amounted to 1 100, being re-
6 duced to about 350 men fit for duty ; and that their
' horses were unable to draw their waggons, and

'239

* Governor Houston refusing to put himself under

< the command of Gen. Howe ; and Col Williamson
« with the Carolina militia) insisting on his command

* to be indepen dent, that with such an army, with three

* separate commanders, nothing could be expected ;
' therefore Gen. Howe called a council of officers, in

< which it was unanimously resolved to give over the
' expedition : I am told Governor Houston and Col.

< Williamson intend to proceed to St. John's, but for
' what purpose, I cannot conceive, as it can be of

* no advantage to march an army 40 miles through

* a dreary pine barren, and return again, at this sea-

< son of the year : I dare say Gen. Howe has given

< you a full account of the whole expedition. It seems

< to be absolutely necessary for the peace of these

< two southern states, to reduce Augustine; but it

* cannot be done at this season. I should humbly

* offer my opinion to you, who are well acquainted

* with the southern states, how I would prepare for

< this expedition : I would begin shortly to get ready
' a number of batteaus, pack-saddles, and bags to coq-
' tain flour.. .with the batteaus I would convey most
' of the troops, the artillery and baggage under con-

< voy of the gallies within land, to St. John's river :

* the cattle to be drove on, under a strong guard of
' horse-men and light troops ; where I would collect

< my whole force, within 30 miles of Augustine,
^ there I would halt and prepare my army for this

240

« short march ; the men would be fresh and fit for

* immediate action : this should not be undertaken

* before the month of November, when the weather

< is moderate, and not very cold : this business can be

* done with three thousand men, and a small train of
' artillery, with some battering cannon to attack the
' castle. This plan I think cannot fail of success.

'Gen. Howe is hourly expected in town.
' I have the honor to be. Sec.

< William Moultrie.'
* The Hon. Henry Laurens.'

Oct. 6. Col. Francis Huger, quarter-master-
general, after Gen. Howe's expedition was at an
end, made up his account, and resigned his com-
mission....Col. Stephen Drayton appointed in his
place.

Letter to his Excellency, Rawlins Lowndes,
< Charlestown, November 14th, 1778.

< Sir,

« I AM sorry I was not at home the other day
' v/hen your excellency did me the honor of calling
' upon me : I waited on you the next day, but was

< so unlucky as not to find you at home ;. since which
' a general report prevails in town and seems to be
' credited by many, that this state is to be attacked
' soon, by a formidable force from New- York.

241

< The regard I have for my country, and my du-

< ty as a continental officer, obliges me to lay before

* your excellency, a few ideas that have occured to

* me, necessary for its defence, viz :

« Th e militia, already draughted, to be immediate-

* ly embodied, and marched with one month's pro-
' visions in three different divisions towards Charles-

* town, and posted in the following manner :

< The north division to be posted near Wither's, on

* Sewee Bay : The south division at Pon-Pon and

< Dorchester: the middle division about Monk's Cor-

< ner : by this disposition, the militia will be within

* two days march of the town ; and two divisions can

< readily join, should we be attacked, northwardly
' or southwardly : and that a commissary be appointed

* for each division.. .that a number of small vessels
' and boats be taken into the public service, to trans-

* port cannon and stores into the country, and also
' for removing troops from one post to another.

' That all the bricks, lime, and timber, now in

< town, be taken for the public service...that 400 or
' 500 head of cattle, and a quantity of Indian corn be
« ordered to Haddrell's point, for the support of the
' troops that may be posted there, and also to supply
' Fort Moultrie.

* Five hundred negroes to be immediately im-
« pressed for the public works :...the cattle on the

VOL, I. H 2

242

* sea-islands to be drove off, and such of them as are
' fit, to be killed and salted for public use.

' One hundred waggons to be hired immediately,

* to be ready to come to town to assist in carrying
' off ammunition, 8cc. to Nelson's ferry, or any other

< place, if necessary.

* Some of the large cannon to be mounted on field-

* carriages. All the armed vessels that are in port

* to be manned, and ready to go up Ashley and

* Cooper rivers, to prevent transports from running up

* those rivers to land their troops, and also to pre-

* vent the enemy from crossing those rivers to land
' on Charlestown neck.

< A NUDiBER of hoes, axes, spades, saws, &c. to
*.be sent to Fort Johnson, and Moultrie,

* I DOUBT not but many of these things are already

* thought ofy and perhaps all of them, and though

< it may not be thought necessary to put them into

< immediate execution ; yet I think it will be highly

* proper to have them in view, should any invasion

* take place.

* I HOPE your excellency will excuse me for this
' trouble I have given you, and that my anxiety for

* the safety of the state, will be a sufficient apology :

* should any other matters occur to me for our de-

* fence, I must beg leave to take the liberty of com-

* municating them to you. I am. Sec.

« William Moultrie*

24;

' Zuby-Ferry, November 27th, 1778.

< Dear Sir,

' The inclosed copy of a letter from Col. Elbert,

* received this mament, vi^ill inform you in what a

* a dreadful situation the state of Georgia is ; with-
^ out assistance from this state it will absolutely be

* lost; exert yourselves to the utmost to hasten up
^ the troops under the command of Col. Huger ; let

< them march with all possible expedition ; baggage
> at this time is not to be considered, and provisions

' may be had at every house, let the men force oii,

* and if some cannot inarch with the rest, let them
' proceed without the least delay ; as this attempt
' upon Georgia is indeed a serious one : I think pro-
' per to direct that more troops should march south-

:< wardly : you will therefore order either Hender-
« son's regiment, or a number equal to them, taken
' by detachment, if this could be done with equal
« expedition : this will be left to you, still holding in
' mind, however, that much depends upon their

* speedy arrival. The situation of affairs makes it

< absolutely necessary, that the deputy quarter-mas-
' ter general should be furnished with powers to press
« waggons and horses : apply to the president for

* this, and if he grants it, the troops may force their

244

' way with expedition, which at this time is so essen-
' tial to service. Let 5000 pounds of gun-powder be

< immediately sent by land, and 500 by water, as

* consequential to our operations ; you will therefore

< take measures accordingly. There is more than
' that quantity of continental powder in the hands of

< Mr. Livingston, agent j but, if not to be found, ap-

* ply to the state ; the troops are not to wait for the
^ powder :...with what powder comes by water, if 5000

* pounds of lead could be added, I should be glad, as it

* will probably be wanted. The dept. quarter master
' general, or his assistant, ought to attend the troops
' of this state, and a surgeon from the general hos-
^ pital, with every thing requisite, should be instant-
^ ly sent up. The commissary general ought to be

* ordered to lay up provisions of every kind at Mr.
' Dupont's, or some place contiguous thereto, I am
^ too much hurried to determine where: you will

* therefore appoint the place.

* I am, &c.
^ Brig. Gen. Moultrie. « Robert Howe,*

A Letter to Gen. Howe, in Georgia.

* Charlestown, Nov. 28th, 1778.
*Deaiv Sir,
'I THIS day received yours by express, and am sor-

245

ry to find the affairs are like t© prove so serious with
the Georgians ; the inhabitants of this town could
never be persuaded that matters would have come
to such a length ; now they seem frightened and
think it may be their own case ere long, as the
cloud from New- York, has not disappeared, but
still hangs over our heads, and this attack upon
Georgia confirms their ideas $ by causing a diver-
sion there, while we are to be invaded here.

< I HAVE sent an express to Col. Huger to expedite
his march, leaving his baggage and weak men be-
hind to come up more at leisure. I shall get Col.
Henderson's battahon off I hope to-morrow; Thomp-
son's regiment is not far from you, they are taking
the shortest rout to Purisburgh. The President has
given the deputy quarter-master general, a power
to impress what waggons may be wanted for the
expedition. I shall send 50G0 pounds of gun-pow>
der immediately by land ; the rest you require
shall be sent by water, it is rather unlucky that
Col. Roberts sailed about an hour before the express
came in, or I would have sent the powder by him.
Capt. Spencer, deputy quarter-mastei^'s assistant,
proceeds with our troops. The diiector-general,
has ordered Dr. Fasseaux with a proper medicine
chest to join our troops.

* I WILL consider and speak to the president re-

246

« specting the laying in stores at a proper place,
' some whercj as you mentioned.

' I ^m, &c.
* William Moultrie.
* Major General Howe.'

Letter from Rawlins Lowndes, Esq.
President.

* Charlestown, Nov. 29th, 1778.
< Sir,

* As the invasion of Georgia may presage a pre-

* meditated attack on this state, to which the present
' motions of the enemy may be a prelude, I shall be
^ glad to have the aid and advice of the military, in
' consulting on the necessary steps to be taken, for

* the defence of this country j and shall be much

* obliged to you, sir, if you, will, with your field-offi-
' cers who are in or near town, to whom it will be
' convenient, give me a meeting in council to«
< morrow, at 10 o'clock in the forenoon, to confirm

* this subject.

* I am, Sec.

' Rawlins Lowndes.'

< Brig. Gen. Moultrie.*

< General Orders, Nov. 29th, 1778.

< Colonels Pinckney, Marion, and Elliott, are to

* attend the general to-morrow, at the state house,

247

< at 10 o'clock, to meet his excellency the president
* in council at that hour.*

A Letter from Gen. Howe.

« SuNBERRY, Dec. 8th, 1778.
< Dear Sir,

' It is impossible for me to give an account of
the confused, perplexed way in which I found mat-
ters in this state upon my arrival ; nor has it been
in my power to get them, as yet in a better train.
I am sorry to inform you, that this town is not de-
fensible for half an hour, should it be attacked the
least formidably ; and its present safety is entirely
owing to the spirited conduct of the troops in the
fort, and the want of enterprize in the enemy, who
most certainly might have possessed it in a very
short time, and with little loss, though the garrison
had made (which I doubt not they would have done)
the most spirited resistance : the enemy undoubtedly
are at St. Simon's, where they are repairing the
fort, and where the regulars remain ; the Scopho-
lites having been detached to convey their booty
beyond St. John's, after which, as deserters say,
they are to return : this story of their return, I
I should not credit, had not a transport with troops
put into Tybee, a deserter from which gives a par-
ticular account of an intended descent upon this
country, and makes it probable that the Floridians

248

are waiting their arrival, and mean to second their
efforts, when they arrive ; the whole information
given by this deserter, is contained in his deposi-
tion, a copy of which, I herewith send you ; the
great firings we have heard at sea from different
quarters, v/hich appear like signals given, and an-
swered, seem to confirm the accounts brought us
by the man ; and the number of men he mentions
cannot well be on board so few transports, yet they
may certainly bring enough to shake this state, in
its weak unprepared situation, to its very founda-
tion : in short, the troops these vessels can con-
tain, must be too few for our state, and therefore,
if they mean a descent at all, it must be intended
for this country.

* I AM concerned to inform you, that notwithstand-
ing these alarming appearances, and my very ear-
ly applications for negroes to act as pioneers ; I
am as, yet, unfurnished with them ; or indeed with
any other assistance, however requisite, to carry
on the works ; without which, this state will pro-
bably be lost. The gallies are likewise, in a con-
dition, at this alarming crisis, truly deplorable.
They are now given up to my direction, and I will
exert myself to put them on a more respectable
footing : all I can say is, that my strenuous endea-
vors during my stay, shall not be wanting to make
the best defence possible against the attempts of the

249

* enemy, and if I am but heartily supported by the
< state, which I hope I shall be, I flatter myself we
' shall make the purchase of this country dearer per-
' haps than our enemies expect.

' Though I cannot think, without the most abso-

* lute necessity, of requesting of your state more con-
' tinental troops than have been ordered, yet should

* that necessity occur, being certain that my country
' will give to this, every generous support, I would

* have you hold Col. Henderson's regiment in con-

* stant readiness, to move upon the first notice ; and
' lest the exigence of affairs, should make still more
' assistance necessary, waggons and ail other things
« requisite to the march of troops, should immediate-

* ly be got in readiness, that the men, when wanted,

* may move without delay.

' I am, &c.

< Robert Howe.'
« Brig. Gen. Moultrie.'

' Savannah, in Georgia, Sunberry, Dec. 6th, '78.
^ The examination of William Haslam, a mariner.

* lately belonging to the transport ship, called the

* Neptune, of which one M'Dougal is commander, is

* as follows :

'The examinant says, he arrived in the said ship

* last Friday at Tybee, having been out from Sandy-
» Hook that day, three weeks ; that the said ship was

VOL. I I ?

250

» one of a fleet consisting of 20 sail, which were ly*
^ ing at Sandy-hook, ready to sail j that a violent
' storm having come on, the ship Neptune, and
' another ship, parted with their anchors, and were
^obliged to put to sea; that after they came out
' Capt. M'Dougal opened his orders, which were to

* proceed to Tybee in Georgia, and there remain for
' forty eight hours, and if the rest of the fleet did not

< arrive in that time then to proceed to St. Mary's,

* and there wait until the fleet should arrive at

* Georgia; that he understood the army, on board the

* said transports, consisted of about 5,000 men, and

* thinks they would be ready to sail the next day af-

* ter he came away ; that they were to come under

* convoy of the Phoenix, a 40 gun ship, tlie Vigilant

* (a large floating battery) a row galley, and one or

* two sloops of war ; that the army was mostly com-

* posed of refugees from America, and that Gen.

* Skinner commands a part of them called the Jers-ey

* volunteers; but that there are among them, 3 bat-

* talions of British regulars, belonging to the 7 1st
' regiment ; that the Neptune has on board of her,

< 100 men (besides mariners) who have, chiefly, their

< families with them, and say they came to winter

* in Georgia ; that they are called the Jersey volun-

* teers, and are under the command of Col. Allen,
' who has large possessions either in Jersey or Penn-
' sylvania ; that the Neptune is of no force but nius-

251

^ ketry ; that there was a large fleet, with about

< lOjOOO men, left New- York about 3 weeks before

< them ; that he understood they were bound for Vir-

* ginia; that he had heard no talk lately of any thing
« coming against South-Carolina, but that it was the
' common talk that the 5,000 men before mentioned,
« were coming to winter in Savannah ; that last night

< and the night before, he heard a number of large

< guns fire out at sea, and takes it to be some of the
'fleet; that he had heard no other news, but that

* it was the common report, that the orders now wxre

* to burn and destroy all who would not submit.

<The above sworn to, before , ^^ ,

V Wm. Haslam.

< me, the day above written.

* J. HOUSTOUN.'

^- J

A Letter from Col. Huger.

< Savannah, Dec. 28th, 1778,
<Dear General.

* I am just now turning out my regiment with
< Thompson's detachment, and few of the Georgia

* continentals, with orders to take the field immedi-
tately. I am informed the shipping are coming
{ nearer; if so we shall have an action, as I am convinc-

* ed they will attempt to land. It is a doubt with me,

* whether the militia will join us ; if so we shall
'not muster continentals and militia in town, more

252

'than six or seven hundred men. From the best
i intelligence received the last evening, the British
^ fleet consists of 37 sail ; no expectation of any as-
'^sistance from the country militia of this state; if
^ any, but very little.

' I am, &c.

'Isaac Huger, Brig. Gen^
'Brig. Gen. Moultrie.*

Gen. Howe's Order of Battle at Savannah.

'Head-Quarters, 29th Dec. 1778.
' General Orders, by Major General Howe*
'PAROLE FIRMNESS.

'The first brigade, is to be told off into 16 pla-
' toons of equal number of files ; the odd files to be
' formed in one platoon on the right vising of the
'brigade, to act as light infantry, according to exi-
' igcnces.

' Tv7o field officers to be appointed to the com-
' mand of the right wing of both brigades.

'The second brigade to be told off into 8 platoons,
' of an equal number of files ; the odd files to be form-
' ed on the left of the brigade, in order to act as
' light infantry, as will be directed, 8cc.

' CoL. Huger will command the right wing of the
' army, composed of the first brigade, and light troops
' belonging to it.

253

* Col. Elbert is to command the left wing, com-
i posed likewise, of the second brigade, and light

< troops belonging to it.

' Th e artillery of both brigades, and the Park to

* be posted before, and during the action, as shall be

* directed, and defend their ground until further or-

< ders. The artillery when ordered, or forced to re-
« treat, is to fall into the road leading to the western

< defile, where Col. Roberts is to take as advanta'
' geous a post as possible, to protect the retreat cf

< the line, &c«'

I INSERT so much of Gen. Howe's order of battle,
as to shew the strength of his army only consisted
of 24 platoons, and a few loose files, exclusive of
his artillery, which is agreeable to Gen. Huger*s let-
ter of 28th December.

When Gen. Howe perceived that the British, by
their movements, intended a descent upon Savannah,
he called a council of war of his field-officers, to ad-
vise with them, whether he should retreat from Sa-
vannah, or stay and defend the town with his troops :
the majority of the council were of opinion, that he
should remain in Savannah, and defend it to the
last. This was the most ill advised, rash opinion
that possibly could be given ; It was absurd to sup-
pose that 6 or 700 men, and some of them very raw
troops, could stand against 2 or 3,000 as good troops

254

as any the British had, and headed by Col. Camp-
bell, an active, brave, experienced officer.

From every information which Gen. Howe receiv-
ed, he was well assured that the British troops
were at least that number : Gen. Howe should have
retreated with his 6 or 700 men, up the country, es-
pecially as he had certain information, that Gen.
Lincoln was marching with a body of men, to join
him, and did actually arrive at Purisburgh, on the
od day of January, only 4 days after his defeat,
(which happened a few minutes after the action be-
gan.) It was a total rout, and the whole had nearly
been cut off from their retreat; the 2d brigade was
entirely so, those of them who made their escape,
were obliged to file off to the right, and cross the
Spring Hill causeway, and some were obliged to
swim Yamacraw creek, leaving their arms behind ;
those who could not swim, were either killed or
taken. The loss of the arms to us, was a very
serious consideration. On this attack the British
landed about 2,000 men.

On the 6th December, Gen. Lincoln arrives from
the northward, and issues the following order :

General Orders, by Gen. Lincoln,

* December rth, 1778.
* The honorable, tlie continental Congress, have
* been pleased to pass the following resolve ;

255

« In Congress, September 26th, 1778,
^ Resolved, that Major General Lincoln take the

* command in the southern department, and repair

* immediately to Charlestown, South -Carolina.'

Gen. Lincoln immediately after his arrival began
to prepare the troops to march to the southward, to
the relief of Georgia ; knowing that the British had
arrived there in force, and informed of the very
weak state of Georgia. On the 24th instant, some
reinforcements came in from North-Carolina, and on
the 25th, Gen. Lincoln issued the following order:

< The colonel or commanding officer of the regiment
< of new raised levies and militia, lately arrived from

* North-Carolina, will immediately call on the deputy

* quarter- master general, for such number of arms
* as are wanting in their respective regiments.*

This order shows the want of arms in the states,
even at this time, 4 years after the beginning of our
revolution : South-Carolina was better supplied with
arms and ammunition, than any state in the union;
their situation being at one end of the continent they
were more out of the way of the British cruizers,
and nearer to the islands from whence they drew
iheir supplies, and the Carolinians spared no pain«
or cost, and run every risk to procure these necessa-
ries. On the 26th instant, the following orders were
issued :

256

« General Orders.
» The first and second regiments will hold them-
' selves in readiness to march at 6 o'clock to-mor-

* row morning.'

On the 27th of Dec. we marched off tiie North and
South-Carolina troops, amounting to about 1200,
and arrived at Purisburgh on 3d January, 1779.

*= General Orders by Gen. Lincoln, at Head-
Quarters, AT FURISBURGH.

« January 3d, 1779.
' The troops will immediately after dinner remove

* to the right, near the river at the lower end of the
' town, where they will take possession of the camp
' marked out by the deputy quarter-master general/

This evening. Gen. Howe joined us with his
suite, and gave us a particular account of his unfor-
tunate affair in Savannah, he left the remains of his
troops on the other side of the river, at the two sis-
ters, under the command of Col. Isaac Huger ; the
next day they were ordered to join us at this place.

Had Gen. Howe retired from Savannah, and gone
up the country, we should soon have joined him, and
made a body of 2,000 men ; besides, such reinforce-
ments were marching to us fi'om Augusta, Ninety-
six, and many other parts of Georgia and Carolina,
that in a short time, we should have had an army of

257'

4 or 5,000 men ; with them we could have marched
down to Savannah, before the British could have had
time to fortify, and before they were reinforced by
the troops under Gen. Provost, from Florida, and
obliged them to leave the town and take to their ship-
ping again. The loss of Savannah was not the only
misfortune we met with in Gen. Howe's defeat, we
lost the aid of almost all the citizens of that state, as
the British immediately encamped the troops along
Savannah 4ver up to Augusta, and it also damped
the ardor of the well effected in our state for a time,
and I believe continued the war one year longer.
Sometimes the most trifling circumstance of error in
war, brings about great events; and the loss of Sa-
vannah was the occasion of the fall of Charlestown.
On Gen. Lincoln's taking the command in the
southern department. Gen. Howe was ordered to
join the northern army. I thought it would be
of great utility to our cause, if some gentlemen
in the civil and the military departments, would
have a private correspondence in which they co'ild
converse freely, and receive information from the ca-
binet and the field: I therefore called upon my par
ticular friend, Col. Charles Pinckney, who was high
in office, and a gentleman of very great influence., to
correspond with me.

VOL. l^ K. 2

258

Extract of a Letter to Col. C. C. Pinckney,
President of the Senate, and Member of
THE Council of Safety.

* PuRisBURGH, Jan. 10th, 1779.

* Dear Sir,

*I challenge you to open a correspondence be-

< tween Charlestown and our camp, if you accept I

* shall expect to hear from you, and shall continue to
' write you, and give you the earliest and best intelli-

* gence that comes in my way ; and shall hope you will

< answer me accordingly. We are (I mean the contin-
' nentals) encamped at Purisburgh, the N. Carolinians

* on the road leading to this place, about two miles

* from us. Our numbers are about 500 privates
' (continentals) and the North-Carolinians about

< 1200 of all ranks; we are all in good spirits, and

* ready to receive the enemy, but are not strong
' enough to pay them the first visit ; from all the

* intelligence we can get, their numbers on the op-

< posite side of the river to us, amount to about

* 1500 and they occupy all the posts near us, over

* which we could possibly pass ; besides our men

* are undisciplined and many unarmed. I hope

* Richardson and others will soon join us : I think

* we should have 5,000 men before we cross the river>

* as we shall get immediately into action, I hope we

* shall drive those gentry on board their vessels ;
^ we hear their drums beat every morning from our

259

<out posts; nay, hear their sentinels cough; I have

< no idea of the enemy coming over to us ; their
6 principal aim seems to be until they can strength-
*€n themselves from the back parts of these two

* southern states ; then perhaps they may endeavor

< to push us from hence : I hope our countrymen

* turn cut cheerfully ; if they do not, I fear the war

< will be long and serious, and brought into our own

* state, which will be very unfortunate.

<A LATE instance I have had before my eyes;
^ the poor women and children, and negroes of

* Georgia, many thousands of whom I saw on my
'journey to this place, (a spectacle that even moved

< the hearts of the soldiers) travelling to they knew

* not where.

'I FEAR we have lost Sunberry, and tv/o gallies

* that took shelter under that battery, last Thursday,

* or Friday, as we heard a very heavy cannonade

* from that quarter. The officer commanding had

< about 120 continentals and some inhabitants with-

* in the fort,.. .refused to evacuate the post ; notwith-

* standing his receiving positive orders for that pur-
' pose, he Don Quixote-like, thought he was strong

* enough to withstand the whole force the British had

< in Georgia for which I think he deserved to be

* hanged.

' We have the Congress and Lee, gallies, a ten
^ gun sloop, and two schooners, now lying under this

260

•^ bluff (they pushed up here to get out of the way
^ of the British) they may be of some service to cover
' our crossing, should it be expedient to land below
Hhis place, or to establish any post on the other
^ side of the river. I believe they cannot go much
c higher than where they now are.

^ As it is absolutely necessary to keep open the
' communication between this place and Charlestown,
' I wish you would think of some way either legis-
^ latively or otherwise, to keep the roads and bridges
^ in good order; they are now wearing away very
' fast, notwithstanding we have had so much dry
^ weather ; how will they be when the rains set in,
^ as they seem to begin to day ? for God's sake let
^ not your legislative or executive economy border
' too much upon parsimony : be generous to your
' militia, allow them every thing necessary to take

* the field ; it is now time to open your purse strings;

* our country is in danger ; be more bountiful than

* you have been hitherto in this present administra-
' tion ; have the modesty to allow that very few of
' you have the least idea of what is necessary for an

* army, and grant what the officers shall ask for that
' purpose ; they are certainly the best judges : ex-

* cuse me for this digression, but I cannot help be-
' ing warmed, when I think how ill the officers of
' this state have been treated, in being refused al-
^ most every necessary they applied for ; and had

261

* not Gen. Lincoln arrived here as he did, with the

< money, we should not have been able to take the
' field at this time, and our country might have been
« lost. I shall say no more on this head, as my

< warmth might carry me too far ; and so to news

< again....Col. Campbell with the main body of the

* enemy, is posted at Abbercorne, 6 miles below this ;
c Gen. Lincoln had a letter from him, yesterday, in

* answer to one sent him in the morning, relative
*to the exchange of prisoners, or allowing the offi-

* cers their paroles until they can be exchanged from

* the northward,* but as to soldiers, he cannot give
*them up unless British soldiers be immediately

< given for them. Maj. Pinckney is to go on this

* business to-day or to-morrow. We have various
« accounts that a strong body of the enemy are gone
*to Augusta, say 1,000, but this not certainly to be

* depended upon ; if true, I wish we were stronger

* here that we might spare a body to follow and cut

< them off from their retreat. I am, &c.

* William Moultrie*'

A Letter to Col. Charles C. Pinckney.
< PuRisBURGH, January 14th, 1779.
^ Dear Sir,

* Though I fully intended to mention to you

* Gen. Lincoln wished to have the militia soldiers paroled.

262

* the necessity of filling our battalions, when I wrote

< you last, yet I find I have forgot it. I wish you
' would urge the necessity in the legislature, of giving
' a large bounty to inlist men for 12 or 18 months :

< had not you better give 3 or 400 dollars a man:
' the country will save money, and the militia be re-

* lieved from a very heavy burthen which they must

< certainly go through this winter. It appears to me>

* as if they must keep the field until spring ; had they

* not better give large bounties, than be obliged to
' undergo so much fatigue, especially as by their
' taking the field, they do not save a penny ; for, be
' assured, they are twice as expensive as regular

< troops, and your army is a very uncertain one ;

* now were all our battalions full, the inhabitants

* might have rested quietly in their beds, and we
' would have been in Savannah, or perhaps have
i recovered it from the enemy ; instead of which, they
' are advancing upon us ; they have at this time a
« post on our side the river, called Yamassee bluff,

* not more then 4 miles below our camp ; it is re-

* coned a secure place, surrounded by a deep swamp,
^ and opposite Abbercorne bluff, one of their strong

* posts; they have a galley, a sloop, and a flatt,
' with boats lying between these two bluffs, to sup-
' port each other; however, I have detached from my
' brigade, a captain, and 40 men, to endeavor to get
^ through the swamps, and surprize them; or to dis-

26S

< cover what they are about ; I expect every moment

< to hear them begin to fire.

< A DESERTER camc in yesterday, who informs us

< that the strength of the enemy are 3,000 from the
. ' northward, and 600 regulars from Augustine, be-

* sides their rangers : he also informs of Sunberry

* being taken at the time we heard the firing.

* We hear nothing of the Georgians taking up arms
i against us ; most of them have delivered up their
' arms, and have submitted quietly to the British

* government, and I believe they will remain neuter,

* unless we go in with a considerable body, so as to

* insure success ; then perhaps they may join us.
' Richardson is encamped about 2 or 3 miles from

* this, with only 6 or 700 men ; he told Gen. Lin-
' coin he did not expect to keep them long, great

* numbers left him on their march to this place :

* this will show you what an uncertain body we
' have to depend upon, and how dangerous it will

* be to go into any enemy's country with such an
' army : we are told 1 300 more North-Carolinians
« will be here in a day or two ; what an odd appear-
' ance this must make to these people, to find so
' very few of our men at this advanced camp : I
« wish it may not have a very bad eifect : I am
' sorry to be informed that you have not made a

* house yet ; when you meet, you will have busi-

264

* ness of the utmost importance, and such as must
' be done speedily.

' I am, &c.

* William Moultrie.*

Letter to Col. Charles C. Pinckney.

' PuRisBURGH, January I6th, 1779.

* Dear Sir,

<= I WILL still continue to write you, until I hear

* whether you accept my challenge or not ; therefore

* I will go on with giving you the intelligence as it
^ comes to hand : in my last, I mentioned to you

* that I had sent a party to Yamassee bluff, where

< we thought the enemy had a post ; but we were

* misinformed ; our party went over the land ; they
' discovered the enemy had been there, but had left

* it. By two deserters who came in last night, we

* are informed that the enemy are in force about

< 4,000 : 600 at Two- sisters ; about 200 at Zuby-
' Ferry; their main body at Abbercorne : and 1,000
' Hessians at Savannah. These deserters inform

< that 1500 more are expected from Augustine, when
' they arrive, they intend to march for Charlestown.

* But for this last mancEvre they must ask our leave :

* though we are not so strong as they are, yet we

* expect great reinforcements ; Richardson's men,

* who arrived a few days ago, talk of going home

265

< soon ; Richardson himself can scarce prevail up-

< on them to stay until their relief arrives. We

* had 4 or 500 North-Carolinians, who joined us
' two days ago, all these together, do not ex-

< ceed 2,500 men in our camp ; it is serious to re-

* fleet, that should the enemy cross the river on
' different places, we would have our hands full be-

* fore we can be reinforced. These deserters also
« tell us, that none but the light infantry were en gag-

* ed at Savannah, that ihe battalions remained in
« order of battle, behind the barracks. The deser-
( ters tell us, that about 200 Georgians have already

* joined the enemy, and most of them horsemen :

* cannot our country raise a body of 4 or 500 men?

* to counteract them? they will be of infinite service ;
' it behoves you all to exert yourselves now, and to

* find out resources to strengthen our army. I can

* think of no better than to fill up our regiments...

* at all events do not let our civil policy and economy

< ruin our country, as the Georgians have done.

' I WISH the assembly would allow Capt. Senf, an

* additional pay, to enable him to live amongst us,

< he is a very useful man, and allowed on all hands,

< to be such a one as we want ; he is an extraordi-

* nary field engineer ; pray keep him if you can.

* I am, &c.

* William Moultrie.'

'01.

266

Letter from Col. Charles C. Pinckney.
< Charlestown, Jan. 17th, 1779.
' Dear Sir,

« I AM, in the first place, to thank you for your

* favors of the 10th and 14th instant; in the next, to

* ask you, how you could possibly pitch upon such a
^ lazy fellow as you too well know me to be, to com-

* mence and carry on the friendly political corres-
« pondence, mentioned in your first letter ? if you

* will not readily find a reason, I will...it must be, I

* think, that you are well assured from our long un-
' interrupted friendship and intimacy, I can refuse

* you nothing you can ask me ; therefore, go on, my
^ good sir, and be as particular as possible in all your
' letters to me ; to which, in return, I will endeavor

* (if public business and private laziness does not pre-
« vent me) to answer. As I have long known your mo-
' deration, I am well convinced you cannot expect
' my letters to be as full as yours, because I have

* not the same field for information, as you have ;
^ but in the extent of things political, falling within

* my knowledge, and not inconsistent with my pub-
' lie duty to discover, you may always expect every
^ satisfaction in my pov/er to give you. By particu*

* iar request, I communicated the news, and seve«
(■ ral of your excellent observations on the present

* regulations wanted to advance the public service
« £lS 'set forth in your first letter, to some of our great

267

men ; and gently touched on the string of parsimc-
ny, which you, and too many others have so often
complained of; the former were acceptable, pleas-
ing, and satisfactory ; but the latter jarred a good
deal, and was held inadmissible, nay, it was pret-
ty generally held and agreed, that if it had not been
for our money and our stores, and not altogether
for the money you allude to, the army could not
have marched in the good condition it did. It is
true the late supply came very seasonably, and was
very convenient to our domestic measures, in co-ope-
rating with us for the public good ; but for truth's
sake, my friend, do not let this scanty remittance
from the united treasury altogether eclipse our own
well meant endeavors to promote the general wel-
fare ; let us participate in any merit that there may-
be, in having the army marched and maintained to
their satisfaction, and it is all we ask :... enough of
these discordant matters ; let us return to some-
thing else, and for the future resolve, each in his
station, to use his utmost endeavors to advance any
and every good plan that may be proposed and
adopted for the defence and safety of our country ;
and leave the acrimony of reflection in oblivion.
We have been using our best endeavors to make a
senate and house of representatives, agreeably to
our new constitution; the former by my joining
them (much against my inclination, and declared

268

'■ sentiments, you v/ell know ; having always prefer-
*^ ed a seat in the lower house ; but which, from en-

* treuty and remonstrance, I could not, consistent
' with my zeal and the public, at present withstand)
' has been made, and I have been honored with the
^ chair ; but the latter I fear will be sometime in
' making a house.

< It seems to be the general opinion to enter in-
' to the most speedy and effectual measures for put-
' ting cur militia on the best footing, and for com-
' pleting our state battalions : as far as I can judge

* from conversation, I believe money will not be want-
« ed to encourage the poor to act vigorously in the
' public defence, and the rich no doubt will so act

* from other motives. Gen. Lincoln has wrote the exe-
^ cutive a long letter on the present state of affairs,
^ and joins you in opinion fully on the proper mea-
' sures to be pursued ; he adds the necessity of send-

* ing more militia immediately to his camp : In con-

* sequence of which, 500 men are to march in a few

* days, and the drafts from Hichardson's brigades
^ are directed to hasten their march to camp : when

* these detachments join, and the additional North-

* Carolinians also, you will have a pretty strong
« camp. I agree with you in opinion, on the bad ef-

* fects that must ensue with our neighbors from the

* defection of our people, but I hope they will be in-

* duced from our future endeavors, to judge favora-

269

bly. We are very anxious here about future events,
and fear the enemy are, and will be soon, much
stronger than is generally thought, from their oc-
cupying so many strong posts, and other opera-
tions: however we rely much on the prudence
and spirit of our army in making an effectual de-
fensive opposition, until we can be reinforced to act
offensively. The roads and bridges the president
has directed the several boards of commissioners
to have put in immediate repair ; which I hope v/ill
be accordingly done.

' I am, Sec.

' Charles C. Pinckney.*
« To Brig. Gen. Moultrie.*

Letter to Col. Charles C. Pinckney.

*PuRisBURGH, Jan. 26th. 1779.
<Dear Sir,

'Perhaps I may be too troublesome in writing
' you so often, I think this is the fourth letter since
*the 10th inst. and none from you; however, I will
Hry once more before I give over, to establish our
'correspondence. I am informed that 300 of the

* militia from town, and Haddrell's point, with 50 of
' your artillery, and two field pieces, are ordered to
*join us at Purisburgh, I could wish this order had
*been for those troops to have taken post at forts

* Johnson and Moultrie, and let us have the second

2/0

* regiment, and Roberts' artillery ; why I would wish

* this exchange, is, I think I see a large, severe, and
serious piece of business before us, therefore, we
should have as many disciplined troops as possible,
the weight of the service will lay very much upon
the Carolina troops ; those continentals from North-
Carolina, are as undisciplined troops, as any militia ;
then what are we to depend upon ? we should have
twice the enemy's number to insure success.

' By letters and persons from Augusta, we are in-
formed that some Georgians are embodied to the
number of 3 or 400. Col. Hammond has about
300, Williamson has about 700, we have about 1 50
Georgia continentals there, and we have detached
1 50 rifle men to join them ; with this body we may
be able to force one of their posts near us, which
will give us an opportunity of crossing the river ;
when we do, our army will be much too small to
attack the enemy, we can only fix upon some strong
post so as to cover the country, and encourage our
friends to come into us.

< In the first letter I wrote you, I pressed the ab-
solute necessity of keeping up our roads and bridges^
I hope you have thought of it; at this time they are
so broken, that should we be obliged to retreat, we
should lose all our stores and artillery ; and we can-
not be reinforced. ' I am, &c.

< Wit.LIAM MoULTRlEo*

271

A Letter to Col. Charles C. Pinckney.

* January 26th, 1779.
< Dear Sir,

' I AM happy at last on receiving a letter from

* you, yesterday, dated the 1 7th inst. I almost des-
' paired of success ; it has been a long time on the

* road ; I know your disinclination to trouble yourself,

* but had hopes from the regard I know you have for
' your country, to draw you into a correspondence,

* that may be of mutual advantage to us all, by in-
' formations received from each other in our diiFerent

* spheres* ; it was this, and our long friendship that

* induced me to desire you to step forth from your

* love of ease, and exert yourself in this critical mo-

* ment: I congratulate you upon your promotion to

* the senatorial chair ; it is a fine easy birth and will

* suit you well : I am in hopes that the two houses
' will keep up a constant union, and not differ about

* trifles at this juncture, when the force of every

* spring should play in unison. I am glad to hear

* that the legislative springs are set in motion.

* The longer we keep the field, the more incorj-

* veniency arises from having the militia part of our

* army ; an instance which happened two days ago, is

* a very striking one. One of Col. Kershaw's men

* was upon the main guard, and had absented him-

■A'^:

* Col. Qiarles Pinckney was president of the senate, and
a member of the privy council.

272

* self for several hours, so long as that another was
' obliged to take his tour upon sentry, when he came

* to the guard, the captain very good naturedly chid-

* ed him ; upon which the man gave him very rough

< language, the captain then ordered some of the

* guard to confine him, the man catched up his gun,

* cocked it, and presented it at the captain, swearing

* he would blow a bullet through him, upon which

* several of the guard standing bye, seized the gun

* and threw out the priming, the man struggling,

* at the same time endeavoring to fire her off, upon

* this he was confined ; and now comes the grand

* affair : Col. Kershaw applies to Gen. Lincoln for

* a general court-martial, to try the offender ; the

* court was accordingly ordered, and Col. Richard-

* son, one of the militia colonels, appointed president;

* the other members also fi'om the militia corps : up-

* on convening the court, and tendering them the

* oath, as inserted in the continental articles of war,

< a demur was made to the oath ; and that the prl-

* soner was not to be tried by those articles, but by
' the militia law : seven of the members refusing to

* take the oath, the matter was represented to Gen.

* Lincoln, who seemed to be a good deal surprised:
' I happened just then to call in upon him ; he told

* me the story, I replied, that I did not think he

* could try the militia of this state, by the articles of

* war, as they were quite ignorant of it ; neither did

I believe they would take the field on that footing,
unless their own legislature should pass a law for
that purpose : he Insisted that all the militia of other
states, serving in junction with continental troops,
and receiving pay from the continent, are subject
to these articles : for the force of this argument, I
refer you to the 17th section and 1st article of war.
To end our dispute, he desired I would summons
all the field officers of my brigade, to meet at my
quarters, they met accordingly : the arguments
that passed between him and myself, were again
brought upon the carpet, when it was unanimously
resolved by the field officers, that our militia was
not liable to the continental articles, unless they
received continental pay : Gen. Lincoln still think-
ing himself right, and as a further argument he
made use of, that they were in continental pay, was
by a letter which he had received from the presi-
dent, informing him, it was so ; he seems a good
deal staggered, and is at a loss how to act, at this
critical time, when we are so near the enemy ; he
declares they are no more under his command, and
therefore cannot furnish them with provisions; and
that they were at liberty to go off when they pleas-
ed : think of our situation, should the enemy be ac-
quainted with it, it would be an invitation for them
to cross the river ; nay, before this, at two different
posts, on which our security depended, the militia

VOL. I. M 2

274

have J^one off without acquainting us of their Inttn^

< tion : building upon their strength, we have weak-
' ened our little army much by detachments sent to
' Augusta, 350 men, to reinforce and spirit up that

quarter. I think, however it is lucky the matter

< was started at this time, before we crossed the ri*

* ver, as some of us might have been sacrificed...as

* I mentioned to you before ; I see nothing so effect-
^ ual for our security as the filling up of our conti.
'^ nental battalions ; pray let me recommend that to
•^ be your first and most necess;iry care ; then after-

< wards any new matter that can give them assistance

< in the most speedy way, should be fallen upon.

< I hear from town that 500 horse-men are to be
'■ raised ; will not this hinder our recruiting for the
' regiments? if so, I wish it were deferred, for be

< assured all the solid business is to be done by the

* foot soldiers : but to return to the militia...! see no

* other use can be made of them but to take post on

< this side of the river, and defend their own country,

< when we shall be able to go on the other side and

< attack the enemy : they increase the strength of

< their different posts every day, and have extended

* themselves as far up as Hudson's bluff, about 16

* miles above the Two^sisters ; their strong post is
' now at Two-sisters, the 71st regiment is there, liOO
'^ men, the others are at Ebenezer and Abbercorne ;
' this intelligence we got from a deserter yesterday ;

275

he says they have left only 400 Hessians at Savannah;
by their having such a number at the Tv/o-sisters,
it looks as if they had an inclination to pay us a
visit, or to proceed up the country, to stop our pro-
gress : w© must keep our eyes about us here ; vve
are took weak to extend ourselves j we depend up-
on the militia to give us notice, should they attempt
to cross, and this is but a ""^ery poor dependance>
as they have lately quitted two very important posts
without giving us the least notice : I think the only
speedy method you can fall upon to fill up our bat.
talions, is by draught from the different districts,
and allow them to send a substitute. We had a
grand representation of an action ; owing to 2 or
3 days rain, by general orders, ' all the arms that
were loaded, must be discharged at retreat beating,
and the cannon on board the gallies and armed ves-
sels, should also be fired off.' The officers of the
different corps, drew up their men on their respec-
tive parades, and discharged their arms by platoons'
which continued the firing for some time ; before
our firing was over, the enemy began theirs, at
their lower post, Abbercorne, and it run along the
river as far as you could hear them ; the gallies be-
gan as soon as the small arm-s were over, it kept
the swamp in a continual roar for about half an
hour ; perhaps ere long we shall have this grand

276

* noise realized : I dare say the people within ten
' miles of this place, thought we were engaged.

' Poor old Mr. Bryan is gone a prisoner to New-
' York. I am, S:c.

« William Moultrie.'

This letter shows what difficulties Gen. Lincoln
had to encounter, with having such an army,
mosily composed of militia, who were governed by
such a public law, that for the greatest military crime
they could be guilty of, they were only punishable
by a small pecuniary fine; with such an army, what
anxiety, perplexity, and dimculties must a general
be put too ; how uneasy must he feel, when his mi-
litary reputation was at stake, with such odds
against him, at a time when his camp were 3 miles
from an enemy, superior in force to him, and vete-
ran troops : it was fortunate that a river and a
large sv/amp vras between us : a militia army should
be brought into action immediately as they take the
field: they do not want for spirit; but they soon tire
of a camp life.. .they then get home-sick, and off they
go, without giving the least notice, or obtaining
leave, because they kno\t that the fine for their diso-
bedience is so trifling that they care not about it.
It was very fortunate for us, and impolitic in Lord

Cornwallis, to withdraw the paroles from the militia,

■■■§

277

and to order them to take arms against their country,
that being the case, they soon determined on which
side to fight, they then joined their countrymen ;
whereas, had they been suffered to remain upon
parole, I believe many of them would have been ve-
ry well pleased to have staid at home quietly, but
when once they had taken arms again in favor of
their country, they were then obliged to keep the
field as a place of security from being made, priso-
ners, and perhaps hanged. I believe one half of the
militia of the state were upon parole at that time.

Extract of a Letter to Col. John Dart.

< January 20th, J 779,
' Dear Sir,

< I HAVE nothing extraordinary to write you now ;
i but that from Augusta we are informed the people
' are embodied there to nearly a thousand, including

< 150 continentals ; Col. Elbert is gone up that way

< to take the command ; I hope their number will

* increase so as to assist us in crossing the river.

* God knows when we shall be strong enough ; as to

* Richardson's militia they are worse than nothing,
' as they absolutely refuse Gen. Lincoln's orders ;

* should we cross the river into Georgia with such an

* army, the few continentals might be sacrificed ; we

* have nothing from the enemy these several days ;

* they are lying still in their quarters and we in

275

<^ ours ; we frequently have flags going to and fro

* with necessaries to our unfortunate prisoners*.. a.
' we are just going to send one with necessaries for
« poor old Mr. Bryan who is ordered to prepare him'

* self to go to New- York.

* I am, &c.

<= William Moultrie.*

Letter from Col. Charles Pinckney.
< CharlestowNj January 22d, i779a

* Dear Sir,

' I WROTE you a few days since, and yesterday
' was favored with yours of the 1 6th instant, the con-
' tents of which has been communicated to our
^ friends agreeable to your commission ; I am glad
' the enemy have retired from Yamassee Bluff, and
< hope it will be the last Carolina territory they will
' tread. For God's sake my friend let us carry on the
' Fabian war as much as possible, until we can rein-
' force sufficiently to act otherwise. Our legislative

* powers are, at last, got to work, and I hope a few
^ days will produce some acts that will answer public
' expectation, and give the people satisfaction. Bee
' is again, very deservedly, in the chair of the lower
^ hoUse, and I daresay vidll use his utmost endea-

* Prisoners taken in Savannah when Gene Howe was defeated*

279

^ vors to promote business with spirit and dispatch :

< the senate, you must know, from the nature and
« principle of their constitution ought, and I hope
« will act wisely , though it is to be lamented, they
' are obliged to act now, without the assistance of

* yourself, Oliphant, and others of its members,

< whose aid would give a lustre to their proceedings.

< The filling up the continental battalions seems

* to be the plan most relied on, to produce the best

< effects, in the way recommended by Gen. Lincoln ;

* the militia law will also undergo some r^terial

< amendments, but I believe will not take such mill-

< tary strides, with respect to extraordinary powers,

* as some of our high flyers expect : God grant the

* means to be pursued may produce the best ends to

* promote the safety and happiness of our people.

* A FEW prizes have been brought in, within these
' few days, with some rum, sugar, &c. But these

* changes, instead of giving relief, from the present
( exorbitant prices of merchandize, generally add

< thereto ; Newton's rum and sugar, sold at public

< vendue, from 50 to 100 per cent, more than those

* articles could have been bought for, at vendue, three

* days before. It was such an unheard of proceed-

< ing one could almost be led to imagine our enemies

* have some secret commissaries to work, to raise the

* prices of these necessaries of life, and thereby add

280

* to the oppression and distresses of the people, to

< serve political causes.

'But as virtue shines brightest in enduring afflic*

< tions with manly fortitude, I hope these and eve-

< cy other endeavor of our enemies will fail, and ul-

* timately turn to our advantage.

* Strange, nothing yet from the Congress, v\^hose

( last letter was the 3d December, nor have we

< heard from Virginia j we hourly expect the last

* advices from those places. I intended to have said

* something more to you, but am summoned to bu-

* siness and so adieu. My best respects and com-

* pliments to my kinsman and friends, and believe
' me to be

' Your affectionate friend,

' Charles Pinckney.

* P. S. The governor has promised to lay Capt.

* Senf's case before the assembly, but I have heard it

* asserted he will not remain at any rate j I wish he

* may be properly tried.*

* Brig. Gen. Moultrie.'

Letter from Col. Charles Pinckney.
* Charlestown, January 25th, 1779.
' Dear General,

' Yesterday I received your fourth letter, for
^ which I thank you, and assure you I feel the cor-

281

( respondence so agreeable, that in a little time I

* shall be a-head of you ; this is my third letter.

* We are in a fair way, I hope, of filling the con-
' tinental regiments on our establishment, by grant-
^ ing large bounties, and raising the pay of officers

* and of men already inlisted, and those to be listed :

* the law is not yet passed ; a joint committee of

* both houses have agreed to these great outlines ;

* which I hope will be very soon passed into a law ;

* as soon as it does, I will endeavor to* transmit you

* a copy thereof ; the bounty is 300 dollars.* I have

* hinted your hopes about the second regiment

* being sent to join Camp ; I confess it did not

* meet my own judgement as right, with respect to

* the safety of our capital ; nor did other gentlemen

* signify any approbation thereof: the last detach-

* ment of Charlestown, both the artillery and infan-
« try, X dai'e say, will answer every expectation of
' them. The information of your intended opera-

* tions I am anxious about, and wish soon to hear
« of its good success. Gen. Williamson we have

* not heard from for some time, but doubt not his

* well established zeal and activity in the public ser-

* vice ; we expect some brilliant stroke from his
< quarter. The ordinance for raising the regiment

* Dollars much depreciated, 761 continental dollars for one
silver dollar.

VOL. I M 2 ^ - s

282

* of horse, I wrote you about, is not carried intoef-

* feet; there is so much altercation about the parti-

* cularities of it, that it moves, I may say, with lead-

* en legs : I have much endeavored to give it the

* spur, as I have the greatest expectations of its util-

* ity. The militia, I am hopeful, will be more use-

* ful when they come to be more inured to camp ;

* at present, my friend, they require much indul-

* gence ; remember they are your peaceable neigh-

* bors and fdends, and though willing to risque
' their lives and property in their country's cause,
' yet it must be difficult and distressing to them to
' act the complete parts of veteran soldiers. The
' amendment of the law, by which they are, or ought

< to be governed is under consideration, but the ex^

* tension of penalties and powers, so much desired by
' some is not relished by the generality. May the

* result of this business promote the public weal.

' The 5th of February is pitched upon, by both
' houses, for the electing of state officers,* but though
' we are using our best endeavors to collect a suffix

< cient number for that important purpose, agreeably
' to the constitution ; yet unless some of the mem-

< bers from camp, particularly two senators, do attend
' on that day, I fear the business will not be done.;

* It is really necessary to the public service, and will.

.••t tt* ■•.••■••*•.•..••■* •.^•j. •••»«
* Governor, Sec.

283

^ be a means of preserving a constitution which may
< be shaken, without a speedy choice of such officers*
< I am, &;c.

< ChABLES PlNCKNEY.

* Brig. Qen. Moultrie.*

Extract of a Letter from Col. Charles

PlNCKNEY.

' Charlestown, January 29th, 1779.
< Dear Sir,
' Your two favors of the morning and evening of
the 26th inst. I received last night, the latter
Contains important news indeed ; the contents of
which the town has been alarmed with, some little
time before, by the imprudent exclamations of sev-
eral people who ought to have known better. Port-
Royal is looked on as conquered already, by the

report of several people from the southward road
yesterday, who say a heavy cannonade began about
ten in the morning and was continued several hours.
Gen. Bull (who was in town last night, but was re-
quested to return to his duty, set oft last night) is
much alarmed and thinks Granville county is gone.
He has authority to make use of the detachments
from Charlestown, either to defend Port-Royal Isl-
and, if not already taken, or in that way to stop the
further progress of the enemy, but in all cases to
consult with and follow such directions Gen. Lin-

284

coin may please to give. It is thought the Charles*
town detachment may be now so situated, as to be
opportune for acting beneficially for the public ser-
vice 'f if Gen. Ash is got no further than Pocotaligo,
he may be assisting too, but we apprehend he had
reached your camp ; many people think, this move-
ment of the enemy is to post themselves at Port-
Royal, and there wait reinforcements from the
northward ; others, that it was done only to cause
a division and to weaken your little army, that they
might more easily pass the river; others, that it
was to destroy the town and fort, plunder and re-
turn to Tybee ; but some with more penetrating
looks and significant nods ; that the vessels appear-
ing in scull creek, as if intended, (Port-Royal was,
or is, only a feint.) to cover a real design of land-
ing suddenly on the Euhaws, march to a pass of
consequence near Elliott's hill, on the southern
road, and there throw up some field works, which
with a few cannon will entirely cut off the com-
munication from town to Gen. Lincoln's army,
and put him between two fires ; this last manos-
vre, is thought of so much consequence to the pub-
lic safety, as to raise the public anxiety; but for
my own part, I confess, from the opinion I have of
more succours coming from the northward to the
enemies assistance, that the enemy mean to make
a strong lodgment there, which in its consequences

285

may prove very prejudicial to the peace and safety of
this country ; the ordinance for completing the con-
tinentals passed both houses yesterday after some
difficulty with respect to its operation. However it
now rests in substance thus...,that all persons who
will enlist as soldiers in any of the continental re-
giments for sixteen months, (a time thought suffi-
cient by the lower house for two campaigns, but
which was disputed by the senate for eighteen, as
long as they thought the safety of the ordinance
would suffer it) shall be entitled to the following
bounty, viz. if enlisted in one month from the pass-
ing of the law, 500 dollars,* if in two months, 400
dollars, if in three months, 350 dollars, and if after
that time, 100 dollars for sixteen months service.
If these extra bounties do not procure the men,
there is no other method at present pointed out,
or ever I believe thought on to obtain them ; most
being of opinion, this.grea#encouragement will ef-
fectually answer our expectation... God grant it may '
but when I consider the struggle now making in
the lower house, to allow each militia man 30 shill-
ings per day, pay and rations Sec. I fear this will be
a great bar to the other. However it seems this
regulation is much insisted upon by a strong party.

* This appears to be a veiy high bounty, but the paper
money was depreciated as low as 761 for one silver dollar^

286

and I am doubtful whether when the bill reaches
the senate, it will meet that opposition it merits ;
add to this, the raising the corps of horae imme-
diately, will as you justly observe, be an additional
impediment ; therefore, so far as I have any infiu«
ence, you may depend I shall be active in prevent-
ing the bad consequences, we seem to apprehend.
The better regulation of the militia is also now be-
fore the house of representatives ; and the matters
I before informed you of will take place ; but with
respect to the militia being subject to the articles of
war ; I believe this will not be submitted to. How-
ever as Gen. Lincoln in a letter to the governor
(alluding to tlie case of colonel Kershaw's daring
centinel, mentioned in your letter to me,) he in-
sists upon this important point being brought to
some legislative determination, one way or other ;
I suppose you will soon know the turn it takes,,,!
am sorry the general •thinks the militia will be of
no service without being subject to the articles of
war, and therefore intends, to stop their provisions :
You know, my friend, on former occasions they have
rendered essential service to their country, under
the present regulations; and I cannot help thinking
with a little proper management, such as treating
them as you would win a coy maid, by gentle me-
thods, you may at last expect a soldier-like perfor-
mance of their duty; have patience, and try to

* bear the misconduct of the refractory militia with

* that military philosophy every general ought to be

* assessed of, and I think the resulting consequen-
*'ce5.-will prove favorable ; do not think of bringing

* free men to the halter, or perhaps the receipt of a
' bullet by the sentence of a court martial, for prac-
« itices which they cannot be convinced are crimes :

< the punishment is more than adequate to the of-

< fence,, and therefore highly improper in the case

* of freemen> who have never formally and volunta-

* rily resigned the rights of citizens to the benefits of

< the civil law, as is the case of the soldier in the

< regular service. I applaud your judgment, my
'friend, and also that of your brigade, who gave

* the opinion you mention ; see the operation of
« the continental articles over militia ; a different

* judgment must have been of bad consequences,

* and therefore I hope you will have wisdom enough

* to maintain and pursue what your judgments have
« fixed as a principle. The pardon and amnesty
^ so long expected by many, and dreaded by some

* few, is at last repealed in the lower house by a

* very great majority ; the governor in his public

* speiech. recommended it to both houses ; and the

* lower house in their address which I suppose you

* have seen, approve the recommendation : the sen-

* ate unanimously came into the measure to forward

< the good work ; originated and speeded the bill in

286

« their house ; but how amazing was the result, upon

< putting the common question, whether the bill
' should be read a second time ; some warm argu-
^ me»ts and declamations were thrown out, and only
^ eight arose to support the second reading : by
* which extraordinary conduct the bill was lost to
' the regret of many well wishers and supporters to

< the govemment.

' I am, &c.

< Charles PiNCKJfEy.*
* Brig. Gen. Moultrie.*

Extract OF a Letter from Col. C. Pincknet.

< Charlestown, Jan. 30th, 1779.
'' Dear Sir,

* I WROTE you yesterday, since which the gene-

* ral assembly has ratified the law, for filling the
' continental regiments. The general assembly have

* also ratified a law for reviving the laws for impress-
' ing boats, waggons, Sec. for public service ; and

* for imprisoning suspected persons. The law for

* further regulation of the militia, is still under con-

* sideration ; as is the ordinance for raising the regi-
' ment of horse, but they ( in my opinion happily at
' present, and until the recruiting service for the

* continental regiment goes on to completion) move

* slowly. There is likewise an ordinance, I am told

* before the lower house, for emitting one million of

289

^ dollars immediately, and power to borrow five ihil-
<- lions more on loan, to answer the present extraordi-

< nary exigencies of government.

' The public here, are much alarmed to day, by

* a report that Beaufort is in the possession "of the

* enemy : If Beaufort should be taken, pray my

* good friend, give me your candid opinion what

* steps you think should be taken for the public safe-

* ty in the capital. The committee of both houses,

* in conference, on the state of public affairs, have

< resolved that it is necessary an army of 3,000 men

* should be immediately encamped near Charlestown,

* and ready to act on the shortest notice for its de-

* fence. This report I believe v/ill be agreed to, but

* from where the men are to be got, without prevent-

* ing the encrease of your army, I know not ; but
' should the measure be adhered to, and measures
^ piirsued accordingly, pray what do you think of it ?

* you well know the state and resources of our coun-

* try, and to which measure ought the preference to

* be given ? your opinion I know will have weight ;

< therefore pray be expeditious, explicit, and full in
' your answer to the questions.

* I am, &c.

* Charles Pinckney.
' Brig. Gen.- Moultrie.*

VOL. I. 02

290

To Col, Charles Pincknet.

< Port-Royal Ferry, Feb. 1st, 1779.

* Dear Sir,

< I ARRIVED here last night, by desire of Gen»
' Lincoln, to endeavor to persuade our militia to go

* over to Beaufort, and to prevent the spiking up the

< cannon, but came too late, that business being

* done in too great a hurry, and the people moved

< off; it is lucky the militia from town are come

* up, as they have put spirits into those who hurried

* away so fast : I have nothing new to inform you

* from our camp, only that we have had a cessation

* for two or three days, on account of a conference

* between Col. Provost and Major Pinckney,* rela-

* tive to the exchange of prisoners ; this matter was

* not concluded upon, when I left our camp.

< The enemy are gone up, it is said (in force 1500)

* within fifty miles of Augusta, (I need not mention

< to you, the news from that quarter, as I suppose

< you get it as often as we do) I hope ere this, we

* have got a body of 1500 men, now together, on the

< other side the river, and expect to hear of their

* skirmishing every day : Gen. Ash joined us last

< Sunday, with a body of 1 157 men exclusive of of-

* Col. Provost and Major Pinckney couid not agree ....Col.
Provost expected we were to exchange British soldiers for citi-
zens, who tricy had taken peaceably at their homes, and not
in arms.

291

< ficers ; 234 of which are continentals. I hope be-

* fore long we shall be in motion ; we have now a

< great freshet in Savannah river, which impedes

* our operations a little.

< I am, &;c.

« William Moultrie.

Letter to Maj. Gen. Lincoln,

♦Beaufort, February 4th, 1779.
* Dear Sir,

< I wrote you a few days ago from Gen* Bull's,
when I was there ; the militia requested me to
cross the river with them ; which I readily con«
sented to. The next morning, after leaving a
proper guard to our camp, we began to cross the
fcrry,and got near three hundred over by sun set ; we
immediately marched off, and continued till we got
within one mile of Beaufort ; here I rested the
troops a few hours, and then proceeded to the town
which we entered at sun rise next morning : hav-
ing ordered the troops into quarters, and reposed
myself a little, I rode down to view the fort,* with
Gen. Bull, and two or three other gentlemen ; we
had scarce been a moment there when an express ar-
rived informing that the enemy were in full march for

• The fort was blown up, and the guns spiked.

292

* Beaufort, and not more than five miles off ; upon
' this I requested Gen. Bull to ride on to town, and

< have the men turned out ; I followed immediately,
^ and found them all paraded : and had another ac-

< count that the enemy were coming very fast. I
' then moved off the troops in order to meet thera>

* and having marched two miles, was again inform-
' ed they were within four miles of us, I then pro-
' ceeded very slowly, looking for a proper piece of
' ground to form upon ; having soon found a very

< advantageous spot, I continued there,waiting an hour

* for the enemy, and was then informed, that they
' had, after halting awhile, altered their march, and

* were going towards our ferry, I followed them and
' had gone about three miles, when I learnt that they
^ were upon their return from the ferry, in full

< march towards us, and not more than one mile

< distant ; having sent my aid, Mr. Kinlock, to recon-

* noitre and bring me a particular account, he soon

* returned and informed me they were just at hand :
^ I hastened our march to gain a swamp, which was

* near ; but finding the enemy had already got pos-

< session of the ground I intended to occupy, I

* halted at about two hundred yards distance from

< the enemy, and drew up the troops to the right and

* left of the road, with two field-pieces, (6 pounders)

* in the centre, and one small piece, (2 pounder) on

* the right in the wood; on the enemy's near ap^*

293

f proach ; I ordered Capt. Thomas Heyward to be-

* gin with the two field-pieces ; and advanced my
« right and left wings nearer the swamp, and then
' the firing became pretty general : this action was
« reversed from the usual way of fighting, between
' the British and Americans ; they taking to the

< bushes and we remaining upon the open ground :
« after some little time finding our men too much
« exposed to the enemy's fire, I ordered them to take
' trees ; about three quarters of an hour after the

< action began, I heard a general cry through

< the line, of * no more cartridges ;' and was also in-

* formed by Captains Heyward and Rutledge, that
' the ammunition for the field-pieces was almost ex-

< pended, after firing about forty rounds from each

* piece : upon this I ordered the field-pieces to be

< drawn off very slowly ; and their right and left

* wings to keep pace with the artillery to cover their

< flanks, which was done in tolerable order for un-

* disciplined troops : the enemy had beat their re-
' treat before we began to move, but we had little

< or no ammunition, and could not of consequence
' pursue : they retreated so hastily as to leave an

< ofiicer, one sergeant, and three privates, wounded,
' in a house near the action, and their dead lying on

* the field. It is impossible as yet to be particular

* with respect, to the latter. Two officers we have

* found and seven men they fought from behind

294,

' the bushes. Capt. John Barnwell,* with a few light

* horse was of infinite service in giving us frequent

* intelligence of the enemy's motions, and attacking

* their rear; he had at one time Capt. Brewer, who

* is much wounded, two sergeants, and twelve pri-

< vates, prisoners ; but a party of the enemy having

* rallied in their retreat ; retook the captain, one ser-

* geant, and six men ; the remainder, however, he
' brought off with twelve stand of arms. Barnwell

* had about fifteen men. It makes me happy to as-
' sure you, that our militia have that spirit which
' they have always been allowed to possess ; noth-

* ing but discipline is wanting to make them good
' troops ; the Charlestown artillery behaved gallantly ;

* they stood to their pieces like veterans, and served
' them well, until I was constrained to order them
' to retire, in consequence of their ammunition be-
' ing nearly expended : I had in the action only nine
' continental troops ; Capt. De Treville, two ofiicers

< and six privates, with one brass two pounder, and
' only fifteen rounds. I must, in justice to them, say,
' that they behaved well. It seems absolutely ne-
' cessary for me to remain here a few days longer,

* in order to have the wounded properly taken care

* of, and other matters put in a right channel.

^ This moment died a valuable officer and good

* Now G«n. Barnwell.

295

citizen, of the wound he received yesterday, Lieut.
Benjamin Wilkins, of the Charlestown artillery :
we have three other officers wounded ; Capt. Hay-
ward in the arm, Lieut. Sawyer and Brown, both
of the light infantry, with six or seven privates kill-
ed in the field, and fifteen wounded. I cannot be
very particular ; as yet have had no regular return
made me. The enemy's brigade consisted of two
companies of the 60th and one of the 16th regi-
ment, all picked light infantry.
< We had five deserters from them immediately
after action, who informed us of several particulars
already mentioned : also, that our second shot from
the field piece-had disabled a Howitz, which they
had fired but once.

* I am, &c.

' William Moultrie.

* P. S. The Chehaw company was sent back be-
< fore the action, about 125 men, on a report that
* the enemy had landed there.'

Brigade orders, by Gbn. Bull.

< Tuesday, February 2d, 1779.

* That Capt. Hey ward do leave his tents standing
...take two days provisions with him.. .march with a
field-piece and half his detachment to cross the fer-

296

ry, and take post at the hither end of Cedar Cause*
way.*

« That Capt. Badley, of the light infantry, do
leave his tents standing, with two or three privates
to take care of them ;... take the remainder of his de-
tachment, with two days pro visions,... cross the fer-
ry, to act as a covering party to Capt. Hey ward.

' That the remainder of the army do hold them-
selves in readiness to march at a moment's warning.

< That Col. Beekman, of the continental artillery,
do cross the ferry, and take post at the Cedar Cause-
way, and take under his command the artillery now
under Capt. Heyward. The artillery, with their
field-pieces, to lead the line ; Col. Beekman will
command this corps. The light infantry, command-
ed by Capt. Badley, to follow and support the ar-
tillery.*

Orders by Gen. Moultrie.

'Beaufort, February 4th, 1779,
* Gen. Moultrie takes the early opportunity of re-
turning his thanks to the troops, for their gallant and

* Instead of one field-piece and half the detachment, the
general afterwards thought proper to make a verbal order,
* That ;vvo thirds of the detachment, with two field-pieces
should cross the ferry.*

297

Spirited behavior on the field, in the action of yes^
terday ; and doubts not but they will always acquit
themselves in the like spirited manner, especially
when fighting in the glorious cause of liberty.

* A RETURN to be made immediately, of the kill-
ed and wounded, in the action of yesterday.*

Second Company,
S. Wilkins, John Fraser, mortally wounded.
John Anthony, John Calvert, Anthony Watts,
John Green, John Laurence, wounded.
Third Company,
John Collins, John Righton, John D. Miller,
wounded.

'Camp, at Port-Royal ferry.
* February rth, 1779.

* Received the following, which was read to the
men : Gen. Lincoln having leai^nt from Gen. Moul-
trie, the gallant and spirited behavior of the difier-
ent corps engaged in the late skirmish with the ene-
my takes the first public opportunity of returning
them his most sincere thanks.'

< On the 15th January, 1779, President Lowndes
issued orders to Maj. Grimball to detach 50 men
from his battalion, with two field-pieces, to join

VOL. I. p 2

29S

Gen. Lincoln. A meeting of officers was called,
when it was resolved to turn the battalion out, and
read the orders, to see if volunteers sufficient would
turn out, if not, then to draw... 16th January the bat-
talion turned out, 80 volunteers oifercd, and were ac-
cepted by the president.

Letter FRoar Col. Charles Pinckney.
' Charlestown, Wednes. Ev. Feb. 3d, 1779.

* Dear Sir,

' Your favor of yesterday, from Gen. Bull's camp
is just come to hand. I am extremely sorry and

* much chagrined at the very unhappy situation of
' our affairs, at and about Port-Royal, and hope soon

* to hear, some little order and regulation to ad-

< vantage may be brought out of the present confu-

< sion* It is horrible to think of our late extraordi-

* nary proceedings in that quarter. The public have

* great hopes from your presence, and the assistance

* of the Charlestown militia now there, that the fort
' may still be saved, so as to protect Port-Royal

* Island.

< I have lately wrote you several letters of the

* principal business now going on here, in the le-

* gislature ; but nothing material has happened

* therein since my last. The bill for the regiment

* of horse is not yet passed into a law, but it has so

< many advocates in both houses, who wish to e1?pe-

299

< dite it, I think it will be ratified in a few days. A
<^ bill for amending the militia law, was this morning
« brought to the senate, and read the first time. Its

< principle objects are, to oblige the militia to march

< to the assistance of a neighboring state, under the

< penalty of 500 pounds, and three times the tax
« paid by the defaulter, and further obliging the de-

* faulter to serve 12 months in one of the continental

* regiments, or to find a substitute to perform that

* service. To oblige the militia, in times of alarm,

* to a more punctual obedience of orders, under the

* same heavy penalties, and nine months service as

* regulars. To have a summary trial for the con-

* viction of offenders and levying the fines ; and to
« establish the pay of each militia private at 25 shil-
' lings per day, for service in garrison or in the field.

< I am told the bill is to continue for 1 8 months, and

< that it met great opposition in the lower house.

< What fate it vnll meet with in the senate I cannot
' say, but hope every senator will have judgment

* enough to determine properly on the essential
' rights and privileges of their fellow-citizens as free

* men, and wisdom enough to maintain those rights
« with firmness. It is not the danger, or apprehen-

* sion of danger, 'at the present moment, that should

< oblige a patriot to part with essential rights ; and

< the present extraordinary proceeding puts me in
^ mind of a spirited answer of the commons of Great=

300

t Britain, to the king, when they were told, ' That

* season was very improper to debate about rights
' and privileges, when news had been received that

* the enemy were to land an army in the kingdom,
^ in a few days.' The answer was to this effect if I re-

* member right, from the parliamentary history, < that

* if they were sure the enemy had an army in the

< heart of the kingdom, and were marching with has-
^ ty strides to Westminster, they would not part with

* one of the least rights and privileges of the people.'
' This perhaps in the opinion of some may be going

* too far, but for my own part (who consider the
*■ present militia law as a very rigorous one, and one
^ that would answer every purpose were it faithfully

* executed) I cannot, and will not, ever give my

* consent, to part with the constitutional freedom, and
^ liberty of the people, in the mode pointed out by

* this before unheard of militia Bill. Recruiting

* goes on briskly I am told, for the regular regi-
' ments, and hope cur expectations will be answered
' by the amazing bounties we have offered to get

* men.

< I HOPE we shall see you in town on Friday, if the

< public business will permit your absence from

< camp, as that is the day pitched 'upon for choosing
' a governor and other state officers. Your friends

* request to be remembered to you. Your son is

301

< now in town and well. I am, with compliments to

< all friends in camp,

* Your affectionate friend,

' Charles Pinckney.*
« To Brig. Gen. Moultrie.*

Letter from Gen. Lincoln.

' PuRisBURGH, February 8th, 1779.

* Dear Sir,

« From the latest accounts, I am informed, that

* the enemy have in the upper part of the country?

< near Augusta, about 1700 men; their views pro-

* bably are, to cut off our communication with the

< Indians, and engage them against us ; to support

< the disaffected and stop our supplies ; many of

* which we drew from that quarter. There are now,

* opposite Augusta, and the road there about, 2,000

< men ; I am of opinion that we ought to leave here,

< and at the Two-sisters ; the North-Carolina conti-

* nental troops and levies, and Col. Kershaw's militia ;

* and march with all the others up to Augusta, attempt

* to cross, and secure as much of the state of Georgia

* as we can. I wish for your sentiments on the plan.

* I am, &c.

< Benjamin Lincoln.
* Brig. Gen. Moultrie.*

302

Letter to Gen. Lincoln.

' PuRisBURGH, February 8th, 1779,
' Dear Sir,

« I received yours of this day, by which I find the
^ enemy have penetrated, with 1,700 men, as far up
< the country, as Augusta in Georgia. I agree with
' you in opinion, that should they be suffered to re-
' main there, they would increase by the disaffected,
^ and possibly by the Indians ; by which means our
' supplies from that part of the country would be
« stopt. I therefore think it highly necessary we should
' leare 1,000 men, as a guard to this post, at the Two-
' sisters, and proceed up the river, with the remain-
^ der of our army, (which you inform will be 3,000
« men) to check the progress of the enemy, and
« protect the friends of America.

' I am, &c.

< William Moultrie.*

The day after the action, I sent Lieut. Benjamin
Smith* with a flag, to the enemy's vessels, for Lieut.
Hazleton's baggage, who we had wounded and taken
prisoner, and also the other prisoners* baggage, and
received the follov,ring letter from him, viz.

Now General Smith.

303

< Port-Royal, Friday Evening, half past 7 o'clock.
<Dear General,
* Doctor Fraser and myself arrived here at half
after 3 o'clock, and proceeded (as soon as we could
procure a boat and hands) towards the enemy ; who
lay in the same position they had done for several
days past : we were met about a quarter of a mile
from the Vigilant, (who lay nearest to us) by Capt.
Mowbray, and another officer ; the former received
our dispaches, read them, and after getting into our
boat, sent the other off with directions to bring us
some refreshments. We were detained upwards of
two hours, and in the course of the conversation^
we discovered that the enemy believed us to be 500
strong in the battle, that Capt. Murray (besides
those we are acquainted with) was wounded. They
highly applauded the bravery of those officers who
were on horse-back. During the whole of the con-
versation, he absolutely disavowed any action of
plunder or intention to do so, giving a reason for
the different houses being burnt ; that they had ei-
ther received very abusive language from the peo-
ple on shore, (which he said was the case at Lau-
rel-Bay) or had found some illiberal words written
with chalk on the walls, against them : after the
long conversation, an officer came from the vessel?
and told us he would be very glad to meet us at

304

* old Talbert's, at 1 1 o'clock in the morning, when the
'things should be collected and delivered with a letter.

< We saw a sloop and a large boat, sounding up

< the river, on a supposition that you intended leav-

< ing the Island. < I am, &c.

< Benjamin Smith.*

< Gen. Moultrie.*

When I was preparing to leave Beaufort, and re-
turning with the militia to their camp on the main,
I left Col. Beekman, with a detachment of the con-
tinental artillery, with the following order.

« Beaufort, Feb. 6th, 1779.

< Sir

' You v/ill remain with the men under your

* command to transport all the stores and cannon

* in this place, and at Fort Lyttleton, to the main
' at Gen. Bull's camp ; where you are to land them.
' Have the ammunition put in some proper house :

* having executed this with all proper expedition,
' you will withdraw with your party, to Gen. Bull's
' camp, and there wait until further orders. Such of

* the cannon, as may be, in your opinion, incapable

* of being rendered fit for service, are to be left be-

< hind.

' William Moultrie.*
' Lieut. CoL Barnard Beekman.*

505

My reasons for this order was, that it was gen-
erally believed that the British would return to Savan-
nah for a reinforcement ; and that I was obliged to
return immediately to Gen. Lincoln's camp, at Pu-
risburgh ; and that the militia would not remain on
Port-Royal Island if I left them : I was therefore
obliged to march them off to their old camp again,
upon the main. Although the fort was blown up,
yet it was not so totally demolished but that a great
many of the stores were left unhurt, and the guns
so lightly spiked, that you might draw out the spikes
with a pair of pincers.

Letter to Col. Charles Pinckney.

*PuRisBURGH, Feb. 9th. 1779.
« Dear SiR)

< Yesterday I returned to this place, and I as-

* sure you not a little tired ; I find my old bones

< yield much to fatigue ; I hope, however, they will

* carry me through the war ; then I will set me down

< in peace, and indulge myself the remainder of my

* days.

* I received your several favors of the 29th and

< 30th of January, and 3d of February. I hope the

< recruiting goes on fast : when 30 or 40 are got to-

< gether, they should be sent, with their arms and

* accoutrements, to camp, with all expedition. I

* wish we had 100 of the horsemen ready ; they will

\'UL. I Q 2

506

^ be of infinite service ; I saw the use of them at

* Port-Royal : do not be led away with the idea of

* having regular trained horsemen ; we have not

* time for that ; send them to us as they are listed ;

< I wish and recommend strongly Capt. John Barn-

* well to have one company, if he cannot be appoint-
' ed one of the field-officers. You seem much dis-

* tressed about the loss of Beaufort, and think that

* if the enemy had that place they would take the

* whole country : I am quite of a different opinion ;

* I allow it will be a convenient harbor for them, but

* they cannot land on the Main if the militia will

* but do their duty, and watch their motions : would

* you believe it ? that the enemy had not more than

< 300 men when our people took fright, spiked up
' the guns, blew up the fort, and ran away : I am

* happy I went down the country at the time ; and
' wish it had been two days sooner, as I think I have
« put spirits in the militia, and convinced them that

< these red-coats are not so invincible as they ima-
' gined, and that the militia can beat them with a

* little superiority of numbers, and a confidence in
' their officers. I applied to go down, for a few days,

* to endeavor to arrange matters properly for your mi-

* litia ; but was told I could not be spared, as v/e should
' move from hence to-morrow, to follow the enemy ;
' we shall leave i.OOO men here, to guard this post and

* the Two-sisters ; and proceed to Augusta, with a-

507

< bout 3,000 men, where we expect to be joined by

< Gen. Williamson and Col. Elbert, with 1500 more:

< I have heard privately that the enemy have made

* some proposals to our disaffected people about

< Ninety-six ; but they are afraid to step forth while

< the enemy are on the other side of the river ; by
.< our movements we shall stop that communication ;

< and I dare say increase our numbers before we get

< into Georgia, which will be ere long. You need
' not be under any uneasiness for the capital, as we

* know the enemy have full half their army up the

* river, and we shall always hang about them till we
' can catch an opportunity to give them a blow,

* which, I hope, will be a decisive one. I would

* have you keep a body of men near Charlestown, to

* be enabled to make head, should the enemy turn
' that way with a part of their army.

* I AM astonished to hear of such wild imagina-

* tions getting into people's heads, as you mention ;

* they must all certainly be frightened out of their
' wits, to think that the enemy, by taking post on

* any hill on the road, can prevent our passing these
< little rivers at their heads, or many other places,

* when we have a superior army, and the whole

* country open to us : be not afraid of such manceu-
' vres ; the enemy are not strong enough to play

* that game. I am, &c.

< William Moultrie.'

r>0B

Letter to Gen. Bull.

<PuRisBURGH, Feb. 9th, 1799.
^ Dear Sir,

' You will immediately upon the receipt of this,
' order Capt. Hey ward,* to march to Purisburgh,

* with their field-pieces, and to wait there till further
orders : you are also desired, to signify, to Col.

* Beekman, that he is to finish his present business

* with all possible dispatch ; and that, having finish-

* ed it ; he is to expedite Capt. Treville, and his

* party, with the field-pieces, to join the army un-
i der Gen. Lincoln, wherever it may be : Captain

* Treville may hear of our movements, at the Two-

* sisters.

' I am, 8cc.

* William Moultrie.*

Letter from Gen. Bull.
< Camp at Port-Royal Ferry, Feb. 10th, 177^.
' Dear Sir,

< I have this moment received your favor of yes*

* terday and have ordered Capt. Heyward to march
< with his corps and two field-pieces, to Purisburgh.

* He will begin his march to-morrow morning,

* Capt. Heyward commanded a detachment of the Charles*
town artillery.

309

though he says the men are not well pleased with
the order ; and they say they cannot stay from

Charlestown longer than the first of March

Capt. De Treville has also received his orders to
march, Avith his detachment and field piece....
Lieut. Gol. Beekman is here, and brought from
the fort all the shot and stores, but the flat sunk?
by which means the powder is lost, the large boat
also sunk, with one of the 26 pounders, near the
fort. Last night the enemy's fleet had fallen fif-
teen miles down the river; whether they are on
their return to Savannah, or on their way to Beau-
fort, I shall be able to judge as soon as they move
two or three miles farther down, which they must
do either to get back into scull creek, or to go up
Beaufort river.

* I am, Sec.

< Stephen Bull.
'Brig. Gen. Moultrie.*

Letter to Col. Charles Pinckney.

* PuRisBURGH, 10th Feb. 1779.

* Dear Sir,

* Last night Col. Elbert came into camp, and I

* am sorry to inform you, that our affairs, from that

* quarter, do not wear so pleasing an aspect as we

* have been made to believe ; would you think it ?

* Williamson and Elbert, have but 800 men ; and

310

* the back people waiting to see the event be-

* tween the two armies ; though I flatter myself they

* will come ia to us, when we get up. Another bad

* piece of intelligence I am to give you, is, that a
^ whole regiment of 400 North-Carolinians, say their
' time is out, and they intend to march this day
'' homeward ; if this should take place amongst them,

* as it has done with our militia, it will be of very

* fatal consequences to this state, and the continen-

* tals that must keep the field, may be cut to pieces.

* I am going to leave this place immediately. Gen.
< Rutherford, and Col. Kershaw, are to be left with

their militia to guard this post.
' I am, &c.

< William Moultrie.*

Letter to Col. Charles Pinckney.
*Camp, 5 miles fromPuRisBUROH, Feb. Ilth, 1779.

* Dear Sir,

' I WROTE you yesterday of the bad situation of

* our affairs in the back country ; since which they

* seem to thicken : this afternoon we had an express
' from Gen. Ash, inclosing one from Gen. Wil-

* liamson, by which we are informed, that the ene-

* my are endeavoring to cross the river at Augusta,
' and to make a push for our back country, where
' they are well assured that the disaffected will join

311

i them in great force ; Williamson informs of their

< collecting in bodies to join the enemy, about Nine-

< ty-six and Saluda ; we advanced so far as this yes-
« terday, in our way up to Augusta ; but upon in-

< telligence received after we had marched seven

< miles, we thought it expedient to return to this

* place, we had great reason to believe the enemy

< intends to make a push at Purisburgh ; we are

* greatly embarrassed to know which way to move ;

< if the enemy should penetrate into this part when

< we are gone upwards, they will have three or four

* days march of us ; by which means, without your
I utmost exertions, they would get to Charlestowno

< I <:annot learn by all the letters from town, what

< number of men you have got together ; was I as-

< sured of that, I perhaps might give you a plan of

< defence : should we remain here and suffer the in-

* surgents to join the enemy, that will also be of vc-

< ry dangerous consequences ; yet I think this last
*■ seems to be the most rational plan ; as we shall be

< in a body to proceed and check the enemy any

< where : we know that should the back country be

* suffered to make head against us ; they will amount

* to a very considerable army : I sent an order for
« the Charlestown artillery to march to Purisburgh;

< but Gen. Bull informs me, they will not stay lon-

< ger than the first of March : I fear our militia law
' will ruin our country : in contending too much for

312

the liberties of the people, you will enslave them
at last ; remember, my friend, it has always been
the maxim of all communities, to abridge the peo-
ple of some of those liberties for a time, the better
to secure the whole to them in future. I would
recommend by all means to collect 3,000 men about
Charlestown ; were we assured we could make
head against the enemy a few days in Charles-
town, we ceuld go on cheerfully any where ; and
should an invasion happen, we could come to you
in some force.

* I am, Sec.

' William Moultrie/

Letter from Gen. Bull.
< Camp at Port-Royal, Feb. 12th, 1779.
« Dear Sir,

« Agreeable to your order, the continental ar-

* tillery, under the command of Capt. De Treville,
' marched off for the Two-sisters, yesterday after-

< noon, with one field-piece : I also ordered the

* Charlestown artillery to march to Purisburgh which

* occasioned such uneasiness and dissatisfaction, that

< Capt. Heyward thought it best to represent the

* matter to me, and to suspend the order for their

* march, as he found the men were determined to
^ disobey the order, and to stay out of Charlestown

313

< only until the first day of March, during whidi

< time they choose to serve in my camp. Yester-

< day seven sailors, deserters from the Lord George
' Germain ship of war, were brought in by a party

* from one of our picquets ; they say that the fleet is

* on their way to Savannah ; that their land troops

* lost, in the action with us on Port-Royal, forty killed

* and wounded, and that the night after the action, an

* express was sent by a boat to Savannah, for a rein-
' forcement, but the answer was, none could be
' spared, and that the fleet must return ; they further

* said, that they have carried off" above 300 negroes

* belonging to different people.

* I am, &c.

* Stephen Bull.*
' Brig. Gen. Moultrie.'

The preceding letters show what a disagreeable,
unpleasant and dangerous situation Gen. Lincoln
was in while at Purisburgh, with his army, being
so near the enemy, whose force of veteran ^troops,
was superior to him ; and his mostly composed of
militia who were so discordant, that they disobey-
ed every order which was disagreeable to them ;
and left their posts and guards whenever they
pleased, and that with impunity ; he therefore de-
termined not to have any thing more to say to

vol. I R 2

314

them, and left the command of the militia intirely
to me, being the senior continental officer of the state,
in hopes they would more readily obey my orders,
but they still continued in their contumacy. He
therefore requested I would take a ride to Charles-
town, and represent matters to the governor, jind
ivrote me the following letter.

« PuRiSBURGH, Feb. 14th, 1779.

* Dear Sir,

' You will please to proceed immediately to
' Charlestown, and lay before his excellency the gov-

* ernor, the very weak state of this army. You will

* represent to him that every plan which hath been

' digested for offensive operations have been render-

* ed abortive ; many of the militia have refused to

* come out, others have joined the army for a few
days, but have left it when they thought proper,

' and even this post with impunity.

' You will shew, as the militia, by a late resolve
» of the assembly, are not to be considered under the

* same control with the army, that it is necessary

* the state undertake to defend some particular part
' of the country.

' You will recommend the necessity of sending
< 1,500 militia to maintain this post, and cover the
' neighborhood thereof. And, on this being done,

315

< it is probable the continental troops may attempt

< some offensive operations.

< If this should not be agreeable, you will please
« to urge the propriety of this state taking the de-
' fence of the upper part of this country.

< You will inform him, that the time for which

< the North-Carolina militia engaged for service, ex-

< pires with the tenth of April next ; I have written

< to the governor of that state, urging the neces-

< sity of their relieving their militia here, and of

* marching their levies as soon as their furloughs

< expire. Other letters pointing to the same object,
^ I think ought to be written.

' Provision must be made by the militia of this
« state to take the place of those from North-Caroli-

* na, in case their men do not come up.

* In short, you will point out the necessity of the

* utmost exertions until Congress can afford relief.

* You will suggest the propriety of sending all
' the continental troops in Charlestown and in the

< forts, and of supplying their places with the mili-

* tia, and the Charlestown artillery.

< I am, &c.

< B. Lincoln,'

* Brig. Gen. Moultrie,*

On receiving the above letter, I immediately
prepared myself and set off for Charlestown, and on

S16

my arrival waited upon the governor. In conversa-
tion, after representing our situation in camp to him,
he promised that we should be reinforced, &c. and
wrote a letter to Gen. Lincoln, the purport of which
is in a letter to Col. Charles Pinckney.

Letter from Gov, Rutledge.

* Charlestown, February 22d, 1779.

* Dear Sir,

' Inclosed is a letter for Gen. Lincoln, express-
' ing thereby the result of the conference yesterday.

' Pray let there be a court of inquiry on De Tre-
^ ville's conduct at Fort Lyttleton, and send me the
^ report of it, as soon as you can.

^Dogharty is come down, with some witnesses,

* to attend the trial of Tweed, Groundwater, and
< their confederates ; but they cannot be tried, until
' the negroes and sailors, who were with them are
' here : I wish you would therefore have those peo-

* pie (I mean the negroes and sailors) sent down

* as soon as possible, as the keeping of the wit-

* nesses is expensive to the state, and inconvenient

* to them ;...they may be sent, under proper guard,

* to Gen. Bull's camp, with orders to him to send a

* guard of his men with them to town. I have not

* mentioned to the general any thing about forming

* a camp, because, though I think one must be

317

< formed, my opinion is not yet settled as to time,

* place, numbers, &c.

« I am, dear sir, your obedient servant,
< J. Rutledge/

< Brig. Gen. Moultrie.'

Letter to Col. Charles Pinckney.

< PuRisBURGH, February 37th, 1779*
i Dear Sir,

< I ARRIVED here yesterday, after pushing ve-

* ry hard for camp, as I received several accounts

* on the road, that great matters were doing on the

< river Savannah, which I suppose you have heard
' in town ; nay, they were so particular as to inform
' me, that we had taken 300 prisoners at Augusta,

* and that Campbell was hemmed up at Brier-creek,

* the bridge being cut away ; that Gen. Lincoln was

* gone in with 250 horse ; you must imagine all this

* gave me great spirits, and hastened my march to

* camp ; after riding fifty miles, I was greatly cast

< down by being told that Gen. Lincoln was return-

< ed to camp, that the enemy had crossed Brier-

* creek, and that we had taken very few prisoners^

* this disappointment mortified me very much.

* Our news in camp, at present, is by a letter
' from Gen. Ash, received last night at 12 o'clock,
' dated 25th instant, he informs he would be at

* Brier-creek yesterday; that the enemy retreated

318

* so precipitately from Augusta, as to leave twelve

* beef killed and skinned upon the ground ; they

* were informed, that Gen. Ash, had 11,000 men
' with him, and that Gen. Lincoln, was crossing
« below Brier-creek to cut off their retreat ; they had
' a pretty strong body ; their army consisted of 1,000
' regular troops ; 300 Col. Reed's new levies, 300
I Carolina royalists (as they call them) 500 Brown's
' and Georgians, with six brass field-pieces, two

* howitzers and four grass-hoppers ) which were a

* strong body and a handsome train of artillery ;

* however, a panic seized them, and they pushed

* for Brier-creek, which they accomplished before
' our horsemen could destroy the bridge, and they
' passed it, they burnt it down to prevent our pur-

* suit, they lost one field-piece in crossing, by the
' boat sinking : Gen. Ash has sent to have it taken
' up and brought to his camp : Provost marched up

* 1,000 men to reinforce them ; they are all now got

* down to the Two-sisters and Ebenezer ; where we
^ reckon the main body of the army are, it is agreed
' on all hands, that the enemy have a body of 5,000
*■ men now with them ; it seems to be the prevail -
' ing opinion in camp, that they are going away ; for
' my part I cannot see the reason for it ; it is said
^ the commodore has ordered all the transports to
*• wood and water for sea ; but is not this a prudent

* Step to provide for the worst, they know that our

319

reinforcements will enable us to attack ere long ;
at present we are inferior to them : I wish they
were gone ; something must be done soon ; as
there is a buzzing in the North-Carolina camp,
that their time will be out on the 10th of April, and it
will take them a month to march home, they there-
fore expect to move on the 1 0th of March ; should
this be the case, we shall be as badly off as ever,
if our militia do not get here by that time : I think
you should mention to the governor, to order his
guards at bloody point, and places adjacent, to give
him and us the earliest notice, when they observe
the enemy's fleet in motion.
' I am, &c.

< William Moultrie,*

Letter to Col. Charles Pinckney.

*PuRisBURGH, March 2d, 1779.

< Dear Sir,

* I observe in a letter from the governor to gen«

* eral Lincoln, that he intends forming a camp at

< Orangeburgh, of 2,700 men, the 1 3th instant ; and

< that he also intends augmenting them to 5,000,

< from Thomas', Lisle's, Neal's, and Williams' regi-
' ments, from the Ninety-six regiment, without in-

< terfering with the measures necessary for defend-

* ing the back country ; I think all seems to be se-

< cure thereabouts. By Col. Mason who arrived in

320

< camp yesterday, via. Augusta, I am informed that
* 350 iiorse, from our back country have joined Gen"
Ash, he saw a great many of them himself, count-
ed 250, all well mounted, and said 50 more were
only sixteen miles behind those, this will make a
body of near 500 horse, from this state, which will
be a considerable reinforcement for Ash, and make
his numbers about 2,300 men, exclusive of Wil-
liamson's division at Augusta. I am surprised to
find by the governor's letter, that he has not order-
ed the 1,200 men to this post, which I understood
him when in town, should be immediately done ;
besides forming the camp at Orangeburgh of 5,000.
I imagine he means Gen. Lincoln is to draw
horsemen from that camp when it is formed ; but
there seems nothing particular or explicit, in his
letter on that head ; I wish when he writes again
he will explain that matter. Lieut. Fotheringham
being exchanged, returned to us yesterday ; he says,
the enemy are fortifying Savannah, so as to de-
fend it with a few men ; they have marched all their
force up this way leaving only 200 in Savannah,
and about 50 at Sunberry ; they talk much of pass-
ing the river the latter end of this month, or the
beginning of the next ; but I fancy they v/ill think
better of it ; if they do not they may get a good
drubbing : I hope we will save them the trouble
of crossing ere that time comes ; and meet them

321

« on their own ground; I assure you our men longv

* much to be at them ; but this you may depend up-
' on, we shall do nothing rashly or inconsiderately ;

* we well know what we have at stake.

' The enemy informed Fothringham, that they ex-

< pected great reinforcements from New- York; but

< I believe this to be a puff. I would advise that or-
' ders be given to our militia guards, that are sta-

< tioned at Bloody-point and other places, where

* they can see the enemy's fleet at Cockspur, when

* they are preparing to sail, to send immediate no-
' tice to Charlestown, and to Gen. Lincoln : these

* little hints may appear trifling; however, they may

< be very useful; I therefore think it my duty to

* transmit them. My division of continental troops

* amount now to about 2,000 men, exclusive of con-
' missioned officers. I shall be pretty strong when

* the second regiment arrives, which I hope will be

* in two days; I am informed they marched from
' town last Saturday : the artillery arrived yesterday :
^ v/e expect a great many recruits in a few days.

* I am, &c.

« William Moultrie.*

The different divisions of our army formed seve-
ral camps, one at Purisburgh, commanded by Maj.
Gen. Lincoln, of between 3 and 4,000 men : one at
Brier-Creek, on the west side of the river> com-

VOL. I. 5 2

322

!Toanded by Maj. Gen. Ash, of about 2,S00 men ;
and one at Williamson's house, on Black Swamp, un-
der Gen. Rutherford, of 7 or 800 men ; besides Gen.
Williamson's division at Augusta of about 1200 men:
all these together made a pretty strong army, and we
began to prepare to cross the river, and give the
enemy battle ; and Gen. Lincoln sent a messenger
to Gen. Ash, to meet him and myself at Gen. Ruth-
erford's camp, to hold a council of war;^ upon a plan
of operations, and of crossing the river, and attack-
ing the enemy : accordingly, about the first of march,
Gens. Lincoln, Ash, Rutherford, and myself, had a
meeting, and we agreed to march the army from
Purisburgh (first leaving a strong guard there, to
watch the enemy's motion) to Gen. Rutherford's
camp, and cross the river, to join Gen. Ash ; this
being settled, Gen. Lincoln and myself returned to
Purisburgh. At the council of war, in conversation
with Gen. Ash, he assured us that he thought him-
self perfectly safe where he was ; that he had taken
a good possition on Brier-Creek, that his camp was
very secure ; and that the enemy seemed to be afraid
of him, believing his numbers to be much greater than
they were ; he only asked for a detachment of artil-
lery, with a field-piece or two, which Gen. Lincoln
immediately ordered, under the command of Major
Grirnkie. On the 3d of March, in the evening, to
our great surprize and astonishment, Col. Eaton
having swam the river with his horse, came full

323

gallop into our camp, and told us that Gen. Ash,
and his whole army were cut off: this to be sure
occasioned grave faces in camp : presently after this,
Gen. Lincoln received the following letter from Gen.
Ash.

Mathew's Bluff, March 3d, 1779.

<SlR,

< I AM sorry to inform you that 3 o'clock, P. M.

< the enemy came down upon us in force ; what num-

* ber I know not : the troops in my division, did not

* stand fire, five minutes ; many fled without discharg-

* ing their pieces j I went with the fugitives half a

< mile, and finding it impossible to rally the troops,

< I made my escape into the river swamp, and made

* up in the evening to this place ; 2 officers and 2 sol-

* diers came off with me ; the rest of the troops, I

< am afraid, have fallen into the enemy's hands, as

< they had but little further where they could fly to:
i luckily Major Grimkie had not got the artillery out

* of the boat, so that I shall keep them here with

< Gen. Rutherford's brigade to defend this pass un-

* til I receive further orders from you. This instant

< Gen. Bryant and Col. Perkins arrived. Col. Eaton*

• Col. Eaton was not drowned, but was the firit who gave
us an account of the defeat.

324

* was drowned crossing the river. Since writing the
-* above, a number of officers and soldiers have arri-
' ved : we have taken a man, who says he was taken
' by them, and would not take their oath, and was

* formerly under Lee to the Northward. He inform-

* ed there were 1700 red-coats, in the action, also a

* number of new levies from New-York, Georgia
^ militia and Florida scouts: that 1500 men had
^ marched up to Augusta, to fortify that place ; that
^ they are fortifying Hudson's very strongly : that
< the day before they marched off, 7,000 men had
' arrived from New York. Gen. Bryant and Ruther-
' ford are of opinion that it is better to retreat to
^ your quarters ; therefore I am inclined to m.arch
^ to night, when we get all our fugitives over.

' I am, &c.
'' ' ' John Ash.*

' Major. Gen. Lincoln.'

Gen. Ash's affair at Brier-Creek, was nothing
less than a total rout ; never was an army more
compleatly surprized, and never were men more
panic struck ; as Gen. Ash's letter, and the evident
ces at the court shows : the poor fellows I most of
them threw down their arms, and run through a
deep swamp, 2 or 3 miles, to gain the banks of a
wide and rapid river,* and plunged themselves in, to

* Savannah.

325

escape from the bayonet ; many of them endeavor-
ing to reacii the opposite shore, sunk down, and
were buried in a watery grave ; while those who had
more strength, and skill in swimming, gained the
other side, but were still so terrified, that they strag-
gled through the woods in every direction ; a large
body of them were stopped early the next morning
at Bee's-creek bridge, about 20 miles, by a detach-
ment of the second regiment, under Capt. Peter
Horry, marching to camp ; who told me he had just
heard of the affair at Brier-Creek, and saw a large
body (2 or 300) of the fugitives coming in a hasty
and confused manner, most of themi without their
arms, and Gen. Ash and Bryant with them...drew
up his men at the bridge: Gen. Ash rode up to him,
and requested that he v/ould stop those men ; that
they were running away: Gen. Bryant said they
were not running away ; Gen. Ash insisted they
were ; Capt. Horry then asked of the two generals
who was the commanding officer; it was answered
Gen. Ash: then, sir, I will obey your orders: and
presented fixed bayonets, and threatened to fire up-
on the fugitives, if they attempted to come forward,
which stopped them : afterwards Capt. Horry pro-
ceeded to camp, with his detachment, and Gen. Ash
and Bryant brought back the fugitives.

We never could ascertain the number of men that
were lost in this unfortunate affair, as many of them

525

made no stay any where until they got to their own
homes in North-Carolina. The loss of arms was al-
most total, and it was a very serious consideration
with us, at that time, as we could not replace them.
Col. Elbert, with a few continentals, and a field-piece
or two, fought some little time, but they were soon
surrounded, and made prisoners of.

This unlucky affair at Brier-Creek, disconcerted
all our plans, and through the misfortunes of Gen.
Howe and Ash, the war was protracted at least one
year longer, for it is not to be doubted that had
we have crossed the river with our army, and joined
Gen. Ash, which we were preparing to do, we should
have had a body of 7,000 men ; besides strong rein-
forcements were marching to us from every quarter
sufficient to drive the enemy out of Georgia ; and all
the wavering, and all the disaffected would have im-
mediately joined us ; and it is more than probable
that Carolina would not have been invaded, had this
event taken place

Letter from Col. Charles Pinckney.

* Charlestown, March 9th, 1779.
' Dear Sir,

' I AM no military man, capable of forming the
' certainty of events from particular situations, by
' scientifical knowledge ; but in so far as common
* understanding might be allowed to judge and to

327

* give an opinion, I foretold for several days before

< it happened, the unfortunate turn of our affairs
' would take near Brier-creek, and therefore was not

< disappointed when the dismal news of the defeat of
i our North-Carolina friends in that quarter arrived :
« we are still hopeful when particulars come to be

< known, things will turn out even better than your
« last healing letter indicates : but remember this is

< hopes only ; for by some letters now in town, we

* are told things are in a much worse situation than

* you speak of: such as the loss of Col. Elbert and
t all his regulars, killed or taken, the death of .CoI>
' Harris, the loss of all Neal's horse, except 28, and
« some of Col. Picken's party, and too many of poor
« Gen. Ash's ; this stroke I am hopeful will ulti-

* mately turn out to our common advantage, by mak-

< ing the militia more careful to prevent surprizes.

< I well know your zeal and active spirit will spur you
« on, as you hint, to change posts ; but, my friend,
' steady ! remember the Fabian policy ; this critical
' hour, in my poor opinion, should be no otherwise

* employed ; for the stake at risk is too great to

< lose, and Generals should never act from heat or
' revenge to punish a momentary insult, as it may

< lay them too open to be foiled by a skilful enemy,
' already prepared to meet and make the best advan-
' tage of the occasion...have patience, for I think the
' time must shortly come, when we shall have full

32a

satisfaction, through the means we are now using*
to obtain this desirable end : when the detachment
of the second regiment joins you, together with a
number of recruits from the various recruitino- offi-
cers, and the jolly tars now on their way up, for
the artillery, the gallies and boats, all under the
articles of war, your body of regulars must be
considerable ; then when Ash's men recover them-
selves, Rutherford, and 1200 men from Richard-
son's battalion (most of whom are nov/ in motion
towards Augusta) Horry's light dragoons raising
fast, and the arrival of the northern troops, a strong
party of which v/ere seen a few days ago at the
ridge, and the intended encampment at Orange-
burgh are all joined, the militia also m.ust be in
great force. These are the means I allude to as a
happy presage of bringing about the ends before
mentioned ; and now I really think we shall soon
accomplish, or be able to accomplish, something
clever : God grant it may be so ; therefore, my
good sir, let me repeat to you my opinion that we
had better not make more haste then good speed.
' The governor has signified his intention of tak-
ing the field, and joining the camp at Orangeburgh ;
which, I believe, will have a good effect to increase
our numbers there : we propose to raise 2 or 3
companies of artillery of some excellent seaman
and mariners now in town, v;ho have offered their

329

« services to attend the camp with half a dozen field=
' pieces. His excellency is so sanguine in this busi-
<ness, that he thinks they will be ready to march

* and act in a very few days, from the assurances he
*has received on this head : I wish it may be so :...
*my good sir, where I am not restrained by the du-

* ties of my office* from communicating measures

* to you, I always do it with the greatest pleasure,
' and heartily thank you for your kindness in the
*same way to me, and hope it v/ill reciprocally

* be continued to our mutual satisfaction : I have
' mentioned to the governor, what you desired about
' explaining his orders for the march of the 1200 men

* from Richardson's battaHon, which he says he has

< done. Also about the out-posts giving timely no-

* tice to Gen. Lincoln of the movements of the en-

* emy's fleet.

< By a very late return from Gen. Williamson, his

* brigade now on actual duty in various posts and

< services, including the state independant compa-

* nies, amounts to upwards of 1 600 men : if this body

* could be brought together soon, and with safety to

* the common cause, surely it might make a pow-

* erful stroke, in conjunction with our forces on foot.

* The late great loss of arms, and the daily call for

* them, makes us somewhat uneasy ; but by some

* One of the Privy Council .

VOL. 1 T 2

330

< measures lately taken to recruit our public stock,
' we are hopeful the service will not suffer on this
'account. Gen. Bull has orders to march 300 of

< his regiment, further and scour the country in his
' district, from his lower camp to his upper, which

* he says is 70 miles about your camp, and thinks he

* shall be able to put this in execution soon. This

< we think will be of important service to prevent

* the inroads of the small parties of the enemy's

< horse plundering as they do on this side of the

* river, and also prevent the disaffected from joining
<the enemy ; Capt. Dogharty has undertaken the
' command and is appointed to garrison Fort Littleton
'with 50 men besides officers, and thinks he can per-
' form that service with effect : we have the highest
' expectation of good in this business, from the well

* known zeal, activity and bravery of this officer,

* we hope he M'ill be soon at his post, where I learn
' that the artillery are now in good order,

' I am &c.
* Charles PiNCKNiY,
*Brig. Gen. Moultrie.*

About this time several attempts were made to
set fire to the town ; almost every night we were
alarmed with the cry of fire ; and 6 or 7 houses were
burnt on Trott's-point.

2SI

Tweed, Groundwater, and Remington were ta-
ken, going over to the enemy, and,a law was pass-
ed by the general assembly to appoint a special
court for their trial; they were tried by the sedition
act. Remington, one of the accomplices, turned
states evidence ; Tweed and Groundwater were found
guilty, and sentenced to be hanged ; some interest
was made for Groundwater, he had been captain
of a small vessel, and had been of service in the be-
gining of the war, in bringing in to us stores and
many necessary articles which we were in want of;
he was, however, strongly suspected of being con-
cerned with Tweed in setting fire to the town on
Trott's-point :* the inhabitants were so incensed
against him, that he suffered, to appease the peo-
ple.

We were now in daily expectation of strong rein-
forcements from Virginia and North-Carolina, and
Paulaski's legion from Philadelphia.

Letter to Col. Pinckney.

< PuRisBURGH, March 11th, 1779.
' Dear Sir,

< By five deserters, that came in this morning

* from the enemy, we are informed, that the British

* troops are moving down the country to Savannah ;

* North end of the Bay, above Mcy's-wharf.

3S2

' from whence they are to go round to Port-Royal ;
' I think this is a very necessary piece of intelli-

* gence for you to be acquainted with ; that you may

* order your manoeuvres accordingly ; for my part

* I think we shall have a much easier game to play

* than at present, as our posts will not be so exten-
' sive ;...as to keeping possession of every island in
' that part of the country, it cannot be expected, but
' the securing of the main land is very easy ; by this
' movement we shall be better able to draw matters

* to a point, and arrange them on a more contracted

< plan ; which will suit our army a little better ; it
' will be quite out of the way of the Scopholites.

'Gen. Lincoln sent a flag, a few days ago, to re-

* quest the favor of Gen. Provost, to give him an ac-

< count of the number of prisoners, and what officers
' were taken at Brier-creek ; -which answer was re-

* turned yesterday : he mentions in his letter, that
^ he had 162 prisoners (privates) and 24 officers, a

* list of which he sent. I am, &c.

< William Moultrie.'

The following is the copy of a Letter to Gen.
Lincoln, from a Friend which we had in the
British Camp, at Savannah, some time in Feb-
ruary, 1799.

* Sir,

* After overcoming many difficulties, I have

333

again arrived safe at home : when I first started I
met Col. Marberry who informed of the move-
ments of the enemy via. Paris'-mill, to attack
Gen. Ash ; he immediately sent off a man unarm-
ed, but has failed or was taken. It is surprising so
necessary a post as Paris*-mill was left unsecured,
the strength of the enemy now at Savannah, Sec.
is as follows; first and second battalion of the 71st.
regiment, the light infantry, Delancy's New- York
corps, York and Jersey volunteers, Carolina-royal-
ists, part of the 16th and 60th, two Hessian bat-
talions. Brown's Rangers, and the militia, consist-
ing in the whole upwards of ^vOOO : I send you in-
closed a sketch of their different posts, Sec. their
intention, you may depend, if Gen. Vaughan*
arrives, is to visit Charlestown, and I believe by
the upper road, as they made many inquiries
in my hearing relative to the road. If "Vaughan
does not come, they intend holding fast the coun-
try below Hudson's ; and have a mode of govern-
ment established : Col. Campbell gave me his hon-
or, that he refused the command without the
country was to be kept, and the expedition sup-
ported ; giving as a reason that he must falsify his
honor to the people, and deceive them : and I as-

* Gen. Yaughan was expected from New-York, with
5,000 troops.

^34

' sure you every appearance shows it ; the mer-

* chants are trading away in perfect security ; the

* northward fleet was expected every hour when I

* left town ; and when I was at Tuchefewking :

* I heard a feu-de-joye fired, which was eitlier
' for an arrival, or the admiral falling down to carry
' Col. Campbell to England, where he is going, if
' Vaughan does not arrive soon ; if he arrives he

* waits to have the honor of subduing South-Caroli-
' na ; he is a dangerous officer. You may depend
' there are 500 Indians on the Alatamaha, waiting
' to assist in the movements ; they killed a Major
' Skinner, through mistake, thinking he was as they
' termed it ' a rebel,' they expect all the Indians
' that Stuart and Cameron have influence over, to
' assist them on the frontiers of South-Carolina : I

* mentioned to the general, I thought it v/ould be
' cruel to let the Indians loose, who would massacre
' indiscriminately ; he told me they were to have
' white men to command them ; and more to divert
' the army than to do execution. They have re-
< cruiting officers now out. For Gods sake ! let
' South and North-Carolina know it : they mean to
« make two corps of royalists, viz. the South and
' North-Carolina regiments ; Coi. Maitland, with the

* light infantry, a small part of the 7 1 st. Brown's
' corps, and Formey's militia, are posted at Paris'-

* mill, and I believe mean coming no higher ; at

335

present they have strong posts from Hudson's for-
ward : they hear every thing that passes in your
camp ; and the commanding officer showed me a
letter wrote by Maj. Ross to his wife, giving an
account of the number and situation of the army ;
the night before the engagement, they knew Gen.
Ash's waggons and carts crossed Savannah river, at
Barton's-ferry ; and that Gen. Lincoln, and Gen,
Ash, met at the white house ; I doubt not when
they intend crossing, they will divert you with a
a fleet off Beaufort or Charlestown : I write to have
the town fortified by land for that is their aim ; and
have all passes to it secured ; look out for spies, for
they have them amongst you ; destroy this and eve-
ry other paper you receive from me ; they know
my hand writing, I cheerfully risk my life for
my country ; in the field I never valued it... .but a
ROPE ! there is the rub : I had my horse stolen
when I was down, which I expect to be satisfied
for, through you, at a future day ; if you have fur-
ther occasion for my services ; send me a horse,
and the one thing needful ; and I will serve you
at all risks.

* A DESCRIPTION OF THEIR PoSTS.

* 1st. At Paris'-mill they are encamped on the
' south side, and keep a strong picquet on the north ;

S36

they have what cannon they took at Brier-creek-,
and tv/o field-pieces of their own.
' 2d. At Hudson's they have a strong fort, finish-
ed round the house, and two 6 pounders, two how-
itz, and some artillery, all placed on the left of the
road as you come from Savannah : on the brink of
the hill they keep a strong picquet.

* 3d. At Paces I saw no artillery, but a strong
picquet on the brink of the hill the Savannah side,
and another picquet at about 200 yards from the
house.

* 4th. At ths:; two sisters, some artillery on the
hill to command the river, and a strong picquet
on the road where it comes up to the house.

' 5th. At a branch this side of Ebenezer, about
three miles on the Sbuth side, a rail battery and a
strong picquet.

* 6th. At Ebenezer, a redoubt on the water on the
north side ; a strong picquet at the bridge, two
strong redoubts, another round the little house near
the tavern, another down at the ferry ; another on
the hill, the south side of the south pass, and a ve-
ry strong picquet ; this place has a good train of
artillery, and is very strong, more so than Savan-
nah.

* 7th. Savannah has a redoubt on the road at the
spring-hill one at each end of the barracks ; another
down the road that leads to the governor's farm.

337

< each of which mount two 1 8 pounders ; from each

< redoubt to the other is an abbatis, or a kind of che-

* vaux-de-frise of boughs of trees, to prevent an en-
« emy mounting formed into the town : it is impos-

< sible to tell you the strength of each post, as they

< vary according to circumstances, I believe they

* mean to dispute each post: there were not 250

< regulars in town whilst I was there, and they are
( strung all up the river : there is a good train of ar-

< tillery ; and they have put the town in the posture

* it ought to have been in three years ago.'

« The proceedings of a Court of Inquiry,* held at
Purisburgh, the 13th of March, 1779, by order of
Maj. Gen. Lincoln, and continued by different ad-
journments to the 16th.

* The court being met, the order was produced
and read as follows.

< After Orders, 9th March, 1779.

' A COURT of inquiry to sit to-morrow morning, to
examine into the affair of the 5d instant, at Brier-
creek, and the conduct of Maj. Gen. J. Ash, relative
to his command there. All witnesses to attend.

• The evidences on this court of inquiry, fhow how
wretchedly the militia armies were provided with arms and
accoutrements.

VOL. X, O 2

* President Brig. Gen. Moultrie,
< Gen. Rutherford, Col. Armstrong, Col. Pinck-
nev, Col. Locke, Edmond Hyrne, D. A. General.

« Gen. Ash being asked by the President, if he
wished to say any thing before the witnesses were
examined ; answered in the affirmative ; and having
observed that the court now met had been held at
his particular desire, in order to refute some re-
ports highly injurious to his character, proceeded
to describe the situation of his camp, between Brier-
creek and Savannah river, and about a mile higher
than the spot where the brigade had been : the creek
was fordable both above and below his camp ; and
above so narrow in many places, that a tree might
have been felled over so as to permit men to pass.
The camp which had been fixed upon in the absence
of Gen. Ash, by Generals Bryant and Elbert, fronted
up the fork ; the left nearly touched the creek, and
the rio-ht reached within about half a mile of the
swamp that borders upon Savannah river. In ad-
vance about a mile was a field-officers picquet of one
hundred men ; v/hich had been divided into several
smaller ones, v»'ith a chain of sentries between each,
and advanced sentries to the v/hole, and in the rear
was posted the light infantry, with one brass four
pounder near where the bridge had stood ; a detach-
ment of the horse, under Major Ross, joined the
camp on the 1st of ?vlarch (Gen. Ash being absent)

339

part of whom had been sent out on the morning of the
3d, the day of the action, in order to reconnoitre the
enemy : they were directed to go as far as Hudson's,
or near it, the Gen. intending, when he should be
reinforced by Rutherford, to attack that post, if there
should appear, from their report, any prospect of
success : they might plainly have perceived from
several proofs, that a considerable corps of the ene-
my had moved, but did not return to give notice of
it ; another body of horse were, as Gen. Ash had
been informed by Gen. Elbert, upon his return to
camp, on the 2d day, preceding the action, a few
miles up Brier-creek ; and it appears since the ac-
tion, by a witness whom Gen. Ash could produce,
that this party, which was under the command of
Col. Marberry, not only saw the enemy cross the
creek, but even exchanged fires with them, and yet
did not send any information of their approach : the
first intelligence that Gen. Ash received of the ene-
my's motions was from an express, that was on his
way up to Gen. Williamson's, who had scarcely
communicated it, when a message from Col. Smith
confirmed it : Col. Smith commanded a party that
guarded the baggage about eight miles up the river :
Gen. Ash immediately ordered the drums to beat to
arms, drew up his men ; who, by fatigue parties^
the baggage guard, and absentees, were reduced to
about 600 in two lines ; and saw cartridges distribute

340

cd among them ; and advanced about a quarter of a
mile to meet the enemy. They came down about
three in the aftefrjoon, in three columns, six abreast ;
the centre column which came down the road, at
least (the two other the Gen. could not discern so
plainly) begun to fire at three hundred yards dis-
tance, and having displayed when about 1 50 yards
off, kept up from that time a regular, and genera^
f.re, as well with small arms, as with several grass-
hoppers : the first line stood about five minutes
and broke, the second, which was the first to break,
was not at all engaged, but for a moment on the
right. Col. Young who commanded there, having
been ordered to extend to the right, to prevent our
being flanked. Gen. Ash then added, with respect
to his own vindication, that he had no intrenching
tools ; that he had been too short a time upon the
ground to become well acquainted with the environs
of it; that the people were totally unprovided with
pouches or cartouch boxes to hold their ammunition
in, nor could he have prevented them from wasting
it, had they been supplied before the action. He ac-
knowledged that he galloped off the field whilst the
Georgians were still engaged ; but adds that it was
in order to get in the front of his own people, with
a view of rallying them, and that finding, after riding
after them near three quarters of a mile, that they
could not be stopped j and that either death or cap-

341

tivity must be his fate, if he persisted, he had en-
tered the swamp in order to make his escape to-
wards the ferry, ovei which he had passed the day
before: with regard lo his men being so panic struck,
he attributed it to the long fatiguing march they had
undergone ; to the scarcity of provisions that had pre-
vailed for many days before ; to the total want of all
necessary accoutrements, and to the superior num-
ber of the enemy, which he imagines to have been
3,000. Upon being asked whether he heard any
officer say, aloud that the enemy was turning his
flank, he answered, he heard several, but mentioned
Gen. Bryant in particular.

' Major Dogherty, Gen. Ash's aid-de-camp, was
now called upon, to declare what he knew of the
affair, and particularly of the conduct of Gen. Ash
on the 3d....He had been with Gen. Ash all the pre-
ceding part of the day, and was with him when the
news of the enemy's approach arrived, he was im-
mediately dispatched to order Col. Lyttle, with his
infantry, to the field ; and then with a message to
Col. Young, the purport of which has been already
adverted to ; found every thing in confusion upon
his return ; and the general who had appeared cool
and composed in giving his orders, now endeavoring
to rally his men.. .he adds that the Georgians, and a
small part of the first line were still engaged ; but
that the 'second line was entirely broken, for the

342

greater part of the men fled, as he believes, with-
out having discharged their pieces.

* Mr. Chapman was with the general when the
news arrived, went out to reconnoitre, returned, saw
the men served with cartridges ; saw them break in
a few minutes, and the general attempting to rally
them.

* Major Pointer.. ..He saw Gen. Ash endeavoring
to rally the men, and came up with him as he enter-
ed the swamp.

' CoL. Perkins....He did not see Gen. Ash ; his
regiment, which was for a few minutes engaged with
the enemy, was entirely broken, when Major Pointer
left the field ; he does not think they ha.d more than
15 minutes notice of the enemy's approach.

' Capt. Falls. ...He came up to the general, in
consequence of the order that had been sent to Col.
Lyttle, with whom he was accidentally upon a visit,
having crossed over from Gen. Rutherford's brigade
a few hours before, with 15 light-horse ; was imme-
diately sent out to engage the enemy ; went full
speed, and met them about half a mile of the place
where he had left the army drawn up : The general
appeared cool and composed, though hurried in giv-
ing his orders.
[The court adjourned to the 14th, to Mr. Porchers.*]

* The court adjouned to Mr. Porchers, 12 miles higher
up the river, for the convenience of the witnesses who were at
Ruthei ford's camp.

343

[The court met according to adjournment the 1 4th
of March.]

'Mr. John More, a volunteer, ^vith Capt. Fall's
light-horse.... He saw the general endeavoring to stop
several of the men ; after the whole broke, saw him
also gallop off, as he (Mr. More) imagined to make
his escape.

' The above witnesses had been all examined at
the desire of Gen. Ash, who saying that there was
no one besides present he wished to call upon, but
Gen. Bryant could probably give some information :
Gen. Bryant was accordingly desired by the presi-
dent to relate what he knew of the matter... .Gen.
Bryant, said that on Saturday, the 26th of Feb. he
marched towards the lower part of Brier-creek ; that
he had pointed out, as his opinion, the impropriety
of encamping close upon the bridge ; that he thought
the general had coincided ; but that the army, never-
theless moved down, and encamped in an old field ; the
second line being at the distance of about 200 yards
from the bridge ; this he imagines to have been in con-
sequence of the generals orders ; as he saw the brigade
quarter-master, who would have acted from his own
authority, laying out the encampment and assigning
to the officers their different stations ; a detachment
of 400 were sent out that evening under Col. Cas-
well to surprise a picquet of the enemy's. They pass-
ed the creek in a flat near where the bridee had

344

been ; that on the 28th, which was Sunday, Gen. Ash
left camp about 10 o'clock in the morninj^ to meet
Gen. Lincoln at Williamson's, but without (having
cros'ied near the Two-sisters-ferry) giving him (Gen»
Bryant) any orders : that the command now de-
volving upon him, he called a council of his field
officers, and determined for several reasons in con-
junction with them, to move the camp a mile higher
up the fork. He could have wished to have encamp-
ed across the road ; but consulted the convenience
of getting water on the left, so that his right did not
reach within 200 yards of it : he immediately fixed
places about three quarters of a mile in front for the
picquets, which consisted of a field-officer, and 100
men, whilst the camp was further secured by a
chain of sentries from the creek sv/amp across the
road, and down the road to the light infantry in the
rear ; these precautions they thought sufficient for
that evening. On Monday, the 1st of March, Col.
Williams, who was field-officer of the day,.acquainted
him (Gen. Bryant) that the enemy, both horse and
foot, had been on their lines all night ; Gen. Bryant
upon this, doubled all the picquets, but had no horse
to send out till about 12 o'clock, when Maj. Ross
was prevailed upon, though his men had suffered
very much for want of provisions, and their horses
for want of forage. He sent out a party of sixty
men, to patrole in the neighborhood of Paris'-Millj

345

the remainder of the day, and all next night, upon
Gen. Bryant expressing to him these apprehensions
of the enemy cl'ossing some where there-about. On
Tuesday, the 2d of March ; about 1 2 o'clock in
the forenoon Gen. Ash returned, and was waited
iipon in an hour or two after, who introduced Maj.
Ross to him, acquainting Gen. Ash of the party
that was sent out the day before, and of their having
made no discoveries : As Gen. Bryant left Maj. Ross
with the Gen. he knew not what orders the Gen. may
have given him, but is certain that no horse were
sent out that night ; and well remembers upon his
urging to Gen. Ash the danger that might result
from it, this was his answer : * that the horse then
< in camp were so worn down with fatigue, that many

* of the riders are unarmed ; but that, if the enemy

* did not surprise them that evening, he would take

* care to have the country Well patroled for the fu-

* ture:* here Gen. Bryant added how excessively un-
easy he had been, when he considered the long fa-
tiguing march the men had undergone ; how wretch-
edly they were equipped, and that the enemy were
ever receiving the best intelligence. Wednesday,
the 3d, (this was the day of the action) Gen. Bryant
said he was sent for, about 3 o'clock, P. M. by Gen*
Ash, and he heard the intelligence received from
Col. Smith, and immediately concured with Gen»
Elbert and the Gen. that it was advisable to march

VOL. I X 2

346

out and meet the enemy: the brigadier quarter-mas«
ter being out the way, Gen. Ash desired him (Gen.
Bryant) to order the drums to beat to arms, and to
see the men supplied with cartridges : before the
latter part of his orders could be well executed, the
picquets were fired upon : as the right of the line
was some distance from the road. Gen. Bryant was
apprehensive of the enemy's marching down that
way and turning their right flank, and ordered, up-
on his expressing his apprehension to Gen. Ash,
a regiment that way, to prevent it ; in consequence
of which Col. Perkins* regiment was ordered to move
towards the road, as no alarm posts had been assign-
ed : Col. Perkins found the Georgians in his front,
and was obliged to place his regiment on their right:
Col. Perkins*, and one or two other regiments, were
advancing towards the road, after having gone a
straight line, about 100 yards, and not more from
the place of encampment; when the enemy appear-
ed in sight, three regiments fired pretty smartly, for
a few minutes ; Gen. Bryant saw the left break very
soon, and Gen. Ash riding across the bottom through
the men, in order, as he believes, to rally them ;
at this time the right was not yet broke, but the
whole very scon gave way, and in great confusion,
towards the creek: Gen. Bryant seeing them incline
to the right, instead of going to the left, which he
knew to be the only way of escaping, and having in

54r

vain endeavored to rally them did not follow them
any longer, but took to the left, in order to make
his escape : Gen. Bryant added, that he had receiv-
ed no orders with respect to forming the line : That
what he had said of the enemy turning their flanks,
was not aloud : that he believes the men's knowledge
of their situation, added to the causes the general
had mentioned, made them retreat so suddenly ; and
that he agreed with the general, as to the impracta-
bility of fortifying themselves; the want of boats,
and the impossibility of rallying the men; he added
moreover, that there was nothing like surprize or flut-
ter about the general, and that he believed every
thing was done which the circumstances admitted of.

* Lieut. Col. Young said he had been formed to
the right of the second line, and was ordered by the
general, to extend the line, in order to prevent the
enemy flanking; that he never saw the general af-
terwards ; and that his men were drawn up some
time before the enemy came down, and appeared
eager to engage : that they soon broke, however, ex-
cept 25, with whom he joined Col. Lyttle, and march-
ed to the edge of the swamp.

* Lieut. Col. Williams said he was on the right
of the first line ; he saw Gen. Ash once, and once only,
which was when the firing first begun: the second
line was soon in a great confusion, and got ve-
ry soon too near to the first: to the reasons alrea-

548

dy mentioned why the men were so panic struck ;
he added, that the cartridges given out, did not, mar
ny of them, suit the calibers of the guns : he does
not think they had above 1 5 minutes notice, and re-
members Gen Ash saying the enemy were only af-
ter their baggage ; when their approach was men-
tioned every precaution was not, in his opinion, taken
against a surprize, as 200 horse had been in camp
that morning, many of whom might have been em-
ployed as videts.

« Col. Clinch, of Eaton's, was on the left of the
second line ; his attempt to rally them in vain, an-
swered by several whom he spoke to, that their gen-
eral had left them, and it was time to shift for
themselves : imagined that there was about 1 5 min-
utes notice, before the action, and did not see the
general.

' Major Blount, of Casewell's, was on the left

of the first line, which broke immediately after the

second line : did not see Gen. Ash at all : believes

there was about 15 minutes notice ; and that the

men were not yet all served v/ith ammunition

when the picquets were fired upon; not above 20

or 30 of his regiment discharged their pieces: he

added that he joined Col. Clinch in the swamp, whom

he heard exclaim against Gen. Ash, in the strongest

terms, and asserted that Gen. Ash was a coward, and

had ordered a retreat. Here Col. Clinch begged leave

349

to observe, that what he had said, had been col-
lected from the common men, and neither built up-
on his own knowledge, or any others officer's in^
formation.

* Col. Eaton had no notice of the enemy's ap-
proach till they fired upon the picquets ;...drew up
in his encampment, and ordered to form two deep ;
...saw Gen. Ash once, but does not remember par-
ticularly what time ;... remembers very well that there
were no videts a-head of the picquets, and no light-
horse up at Paris'-mill that day, although it was the
general opinion of the camp that if the enemy did
cross at all it would be there.

* Lieut. Col. Brevard said he had crossed with
Capt. Fall, and corroborated that gentleman's testi-
mony : he said, moreover, that he saw a column of
the enemy coming down the road, in very close or-
der, six a-breast ; he heard Gen. Ash say to some
one near the brass field-piece, that it was too late to
rally any of the men ; and adds, that the greatest
part were far a-head of General Ash, flying to the
swamp.

« Maj. M'Lewain saw Gen. Ash once, between
the lines, but did not see him again till near the
swamp ; and remembers not to have seen many
people before him in the retreat. Mr. Carter was a
mile from camp when drums beat to arms, found
^11 in confusion on his arrival, a.nd saw the genera\

S50

but once at first. Maj. Sherlock said, that the no-
tice they had of the enemy's approach was about fif-
teen minutes ; that they marched out of their en-
campment before the cartridges were well served
out to the men ; that they advanced one hundred
yards, then inclined to the right ; that proper posts
had not been assigned to the officers, nor would
they have had time to take them ; that he saw Gen.
Ash once at the head of Perkins' regiment, but that
the privates complained as they were going off, that
the Gen. had left them.

< Lieut. Patton, of Capt. Fall's light-horse, con-
firms what Capt. Fall had said, and added, that the
picqueta were absolutely surprised, and never fired at
all : that some of the sentries were found asleep
by the enemy, and that the firing which was beard
in camp, and attributed by several officers to be the
picquets, was between the enemy and them. This
Col. Brevard also asserted.

< Gen. Ash having heard the gentlemen above-
mentioned, from Gen. Bryant, go through their evi-
dences, and having also heard a paper read, which
had been drawn up by Gen^ Moultrie, and signed
by both him and Gen. Rutherford, and contained
the substance of what those gentlemen remembered
of the conference at the white house,* begged leave

* Mr. Williamson's.

351

to make a few observations ; and began with re-
marking upon Gen. Bryant's evidence ; that it was
too late to change the place of encampment the ev.
cning he arrived near the creek ; but he is positive,
notwithstanding what may be asserted to the contra-
ry, that he did, upon his departure from camp, on
the 28th February, leave verbal orders with Gen.
Bryant, to move the camp higher up the fork j and
to see that all proper guards and sentries were plac-
ed for the security of the army : adding, that he
would be back as soon as possible : he returned to
camp on Tuesday the 2d March, ^ about 12 in the
forenoon ; but being much taken up with some ne-
cessary dispatches, did not see Gen. Bryant till an
hour or two after. Gen. Bryant then informed him
of the parties that had been seen upon the lines all
night ; who were as he believes nothing but horse
thieves ; and also of the light horse that had been
detached to Paris'-mill ; them Gen. Ash says, he
understood from General Bryant, were not only to
patrole but to take post there ; as to the party
that was sent out on the morning of the Sd ;
General Ash expected them back so early as
to be able to send them on some other service that
day ; though he is certain, that had there been a day,
nay, even a week's notice of the enemy's approach ;
the confusion among his men would have been the
same ; Gen. Ash observed, that he was the first that

S52

proposed they should march and meet the enemy,
and asserted, that not a moment's time was lost af-
ter receiving the intelligence : with regard to what
he said of their coming after the baggage only, it
was before Col. Smith's message arrived : that what
Gen. Bryant said of the danger of their flanks be*
ing turned, it was aloud, and when the action was
already begun : that a post had been assigned the
Georgians, which was to repair to the centre, whilst
the other regiments had been ordered to draw up
in their encampments (though not in general orders)
and that as to any further order of battle being
given, it was first necessary to observe the enemy's
motions ; which his people did not give him time to
do ; he well remembers their having been a space
of about 70 or 80 yards between the two lines when
they were first formed : Gen. Ash then added, in
answer to two or three questions made him by the
court ; that his orders with respect to crossing the
river, were indeed discretionary, and he believes he
should not have crossed the river had he not been
advised by Gen. Williamson, and importuned by his
own officers ; that in what he had said to Gens. I^irw-
coln, Moultrie, and Rutherford, of his security at
Brier-creek, he looked forward to the large and
speedy reinforcements he had been promised, and to
a supply of entrenching tools ; that he was unac-
quainted with the nature of the ground, having been

353

but very little lime upon it, and may naturally have
been mistaken in his account of it, at the time of
Mr. Williamson's conference above mentioned : and
lastly, that the generals must have misunderstood
him, with respect to the number of boats, as he on-
ly said, by all he can recollect, that he expected
several large boats from Augusta with corn, which
might be detained for the purpose of transporting the
army over the river, if necessary.

[The court adjourned.].
[Tuesday the 16th, the court met according to ad-
journment, at Mr. Porcher's house.]
' Opinion of the court.

* The court having maturely considered the mat-
ter before them, are of opinion that Gen. Ash did not
take all the necessary precautions which he ought to
have done to secure his camp, and obtain timely in-
telligence of the movements and approach of the en-
emy ; but they do entirely acquit him of every impu-
tation of a want of personal courage, in the affair at
Brier-creek, and think he remained in the field as
long as prudence and duty required.

Signed,

< William MoultrA, president.'
[The court adjourned, sine die.]

* The Court of Inquiry, of which Major Kuger
< is president, have reported, that, on a thorough in=

VOL. I. Y 2

354

* vestigation of the matter laid before them, The

* court are of opinion that Capt. De Treville, in spik-

* ing up the guns, and evacuating the fort, at Port-

< Royal Island, did no more than his duty, and rather

< deserves praise than censure for his conduct on this

* occasion.'

Capt. De Treville had the command of the fort>
with about 20 continentals, and a number of militia ;
when the enemy appeared, the militia all left him;
he, therefore, spiked up the guns and blew up the
fort.

Letter from Col. Charles Pinckney.

' Charlestown, March 18th, 1779.
' Dear Sir,

* This being my birth day, and having reached

* forty-seven years, and consequently going down

* hill, as the saying is ; my ideas since I got up this

< morning have been very serious, and full of thought
' and meditation, on the transitory state of things

* here, both moral and political. With respect
' to the former, may my future days be folio w-

* ing the example of good old Isaac, in his even
' of life ; anfl with respect to the latter, may our

* present struggles for our rights and liberties^
' be crowned with the most happy success ; and be

< attended with the loss of as few lives as possible,

* especially in cool blood. The lives that are lost

355

« amidst the conflict in the field for contending lau-

< rels, with a few bright strokes of military philoso-

* phy, are easily and triumphantly got over ; but,
' alas ! the unhappy who suffer publicly ; perhaps

* from mistaken principles (as in my humble opin-
' ion two poor fellows* did yesterday) the sad morti-
' fications and miseries of death, amidst a gaping

< crowd, occasion so pungent a sorrow to some dis-

< positions, that it requires much time to get the

< better of it. Our old friend M . in his day,

* you know, used to say, such milky dispositions al-
^ ways gave themselves a great deal of unnecessa-

< ry grief and trouble ; and that for his part he ne-
' ver cared much about human events, but always

* laughed at them ; how true he spoke I leave you

* to determine, from some anecdotes of his life

* within our memory ; which to me, and I suppose

* to you also, seemed then to breathe a different

* idea inwardly, and that he really had his tender

< feelings as well as those he censured : I own these

* tendernesses have their inconveniences, and are

< now unfashionable, but they are so fascinating to
« me,'that they may be faulty ; I cannot cure the
^ distemper, and you must m,y friend excuse me....

* The sad spectacle of yesterday, and the necessary
^ reflections thereon, with respect to the evil con'»

Tweed and Groundwater,

356

^ sequences that may possibly arise from retaliation,
' and which, I think, might have been avoided with-
' out hurting the cause we are struggling for, makes

* many serious countenances ; but though I much

* fear it, God grant they may be the last examples
' of this kind ; for surely, between you and I, whilst
^ the enemy forbear to make similar examples, com-
' mon policy, with deffcrence to the opinions of our

* superiors, ought to direct us to be passive there-
' in : but enough of this disagreeable subject.

^ Yours, &c.

* Charles Pinckney.
* Brig. Gen. Moultrie/

« March 19th.
' Since writing the foregoing I have received

* your favor of the 1 5th, and am glad to hear of the

* enemy bending their force downwards to Savannah ;

* even though they should take a trip to our borders ;

* especially as you say, you are of opinion we should

* manage them better there than where they are,

* which opinion I think just ; this movement I think

* should alter the orders for our grand camp at O-
< rangeburgh, and pjace it nearer the capital for fear

* of a coup-de-main, I think you military men call
' it : and perhaps may be so soon ; but at present
^ it is the ruling opinion that the other place is near
' enough to receive succors from, in due time,

should they be wanted. I wish it may be so.«c
The drafts from Richardson's battalion were first or-
dered to join your post ; but when the enemy were
at Augusta, those orders were altered, and the
drafts were ordered first to join Williamson, as
there appeared the greatest danger, were subject,
nevertheless to Gen. Lincolns orders, to move
do-wnwards if he thought proper, and as these or-
ders, I believe, are now in force, and the danger
about Augusta not so great as it has been, no
doubt you will be joined by this body of men,
whenever the Gen. thinks proper; and consequent-
ly, there can be no intricacy in these orders as
you seem to hint ; but they are perfectly consistent.
You imagine, and intimate, that we cannot keep se-
crets, but I assure you, you are much mistaken :
however, events will establish the facts, depend on
it, my good sir, our best and most zealous endea-
vors, are used for the public service : but, alas, we
daily meet with so many untoward circumstances,
and distressing bars to our well meant designs,
that though they do not and cannot stop our per-
severance, yet they clog and hinder our operations
much. I dare say you military gentlemen have
also your difficulties, but let us not despair, things
will be better with us by and by. The governor
with his suite, is to set out for the grand camp
on Sunday or Monday next. By some deserters.

« the governor examined yesterday, who lately came
' from the enemy, they assert that the enemy are

* actually 5,000 strong, and expect reinforcements ; if
' so, I believe there can be little reason to think they

< are going quite off, as you hint, and hope we
' shall take your other hint, and endeavor to have

< 2 or 3,000 men in and about town, to prepare to
'^ defend ourselves against the worst. Suppose you

< were to send Gen. Ash, or any of his brigade of
' influence, about prevailing on these people* to re-
« main in town one or two months, on our militia

< pay, for the sole defence of the tov/n : do not you
' think some good may arise from it ? if you think

< so, pray do it, and let me know your thoughts
' thereon, in time, that I may be prepared here to
' do the needful, to give them the necessary en-
' couragement : I really think good quarters, good

* pay, and proper persuasion might influence at least
' some hundreds of these people to act in town for
c the above time. Paulaski is certainly not far off,

* and the North-Carolina relief, and our friends from

< Virginia are as certainly hastening to our succor.

' I am, &c,

' Charles Pinckney.
' Brig. Gen. Moultrie.*

* Their time for fervicc was almost out, and they talked of
going home to North-Carolina,

359

Letter from Col. Pinckney.

< Charlestown, March 22th, 1779.

« Dear Sir,

' I WROTE you lately ; since ^yhich I have re-
' ceived your favor of the 19th instant, and am glad to

* hear that the enemy do not very soon intend a des-

* cent on Port-Royal, as we had reason to believe

* they would have done, from news we have received
' in town for several preceeding days, which v/as

* generally believed, as it came from Gen. Bull's in-

* formation. We are in hopes you are nov/ gathering

* in force ; it will oblige the enemy to stay within
' their own new acquired lines, without daring to

* act offensively beyond them. I heard last night,
' that the continental chest has received a fresh sup-
' ply of a million of dollars, and that another is said

* to be getting ready to follow. His excellency has

* been obliged to postpone his setting off for his
' camp until to-morrow noon: I am told that there
' are not above one thousand men in that camp ; but

* that their number, in a few days, will be increased
' to double ; and in due time, if orders are complied

* with, the given number (5,000) fixed on, may be

* there : be they more or less, I wish the camp had
< been ordered near Charlestown ; and I in vain ur-

* ged it should be so, but could not prevail: If you
' join me in opinion, I wish you would write the go-

* vernor on it ; for surely the present encampment

360

* at Orangeburgh, is, considering our present circum-
' stances of expecting an attack here, much too- far

* to give that necessary assistance that might be wan-
< ted. I thank you for the sentences of the courts
' of inquiry of Gen. Ash, and Capt. De Treville, and
' am glad the gentlemen are acquitted in the manner

* specified : the former gentleman (who must cer-

* tainly be a good man, by his quitting an easy sta-

* tion, as he did, to assist us who were in distress) by

* this animadversive sentence will thereby be more
^ cautious in future, and consequently be the better
' general, and so add to his own character : and the
' latter by meeting, though slightly with praise, in-
' stead of censure, for his supposed fault, must by
' this balmy sentence, be so animated, to act here-

* after with a becoming dignity, that he will so there-

* by, add to his character: and thus these decisions

* from their great wisdom, and happy tendency, will
' promote and advance the public good; the great

* end of all courts of justice.

' I am, Sec.

< Charles Pinckney.
* Brig. Gen. Moultrie.*

Letter from Col. Charles Pinckney,
'Charlestown, 28th March, 1779.
Dear Sir,
' It is now some days since T wrote you; not for

S61

want of inclination to v/ritC) but for matter to write
on, that would be new to you ; however in the in-
terim I have two of your favors, for which I thank
you. The first brought me the disagreeable ac-
count of our gallies being taken by the enemy,
which is only a common event of the pro and con
in the fortune of war, and therefore not difficult to
reconcile. But, my friend, I cannot so easily get
over the^ principle on which the plan of attack (so
full of dangerous consequences to our cause, and
from which so little could have arisen, had we been
successful) was formed as a wise step ; but sup-
pose my doubts on the occasion must arise from
my ignorance in, rather than my knovi^ledge of, the
military science : I doubt not vv^hen you can find
time you will convince me of my error in judg-
ment. The second ha^s raised Our anxiety for the
event of things important, by your information of
both armies being in motion ; and it is our happi-
ness to think, that by a defensive plan, the interior
country will be v/ell protected, from the number
and bravery of our citizens and friends now in the

different camps, which joined together, would
make a considerable army. You wish the post you
just now left, may be reinforced with militia ; this,
in my opinion, cannot be conveniently done, other-
wise than by detachments from the grand camp at

VOL « I Z 2

362

* Orangeburgh, under the governor, with whom no

* doubt, you will exchange a letter on the subject:

< he and his suite are now, and have been for se-

< veral days past there, and it is said his camp is

* growing very strong, but I cannot inform you of

* particulars. Our town is full of strangers* from

* all parts, v/hich must come in by land, as our
« communication by water, is, and has been, for
e some time past, in a manner shut up : many no
' doubt are friends, but we have reason to think
' some are enemies ; many of them are full of conti-

* nental money, good, bad, and indifferent, or not now
' passable, and gave the most unheard of prices,! for
' slaves and all kinds of merchandize. Our poor
' arw at the last stage of patriotic patience under

* their present sufferings, for the scarcity, and high
' prices of beef, rum, sugar and necessaries of life ;
' and upon the whole, my dear sir, we are put to our
< shifts to remedy the evil : to-morrow is fixed up-

* on as a day extraordinary to discuss and determine

* on something leading that way ; pray God our re-
' solutions may be attended with some success. Our

* works at the back of the town are going on brisk*

* Thc?e were post-riders, from the northward.

t The post-riders being acquainted with the depreciation of
the money, before we could possibly know of it, brouglit mil-
lions of dollars with them, which they gave for cur property,
to the ruin of a number of our honest and iiidustri©us citizcnso

363

ly, and wc shall soon be inclosed, when I fancy
Charlestown will be declared to be a garrison
town, and proper steps, taken, as far as lays in
our power, to reap the advantages of such an
establishment, whilst our enemies are so near us,
and so formidable. There are a number of British
deserters still in town, loitering about in their red
coats ; and we really do not know what to do with
them. I wish the general, together with yourself
and friends, would give us a hint what would be
best to be done with them. The circulation of the
continental bills, of the 20th May, 1777, and the
11th April, 1778, agreeable to the order of Con-
gress and our executive, is now intirely stopped at
our state treasury : this convulsion will, I fear, sen-
sibly affect the poor and indigent : to alleviate the
inconveniency of the poor in this respect, a num-
ber of gentlemen, very able and well disposed, are
forming a society, to take off their small sums, for
a full and valuable consideration. I have almost
filled my usual quantity of paper ; I therefore, af-
ter once more hinting to you, it is the wish of your
real frtends, that you were sent down to Charles-
town, to preside, assist, and manage the defence
of the same.

* I amj &c.

< Charles PjNCKNsy.
< Brig. Gen. Moultrie.*

364
Letter to Col. Charles Pinckney.

^Black-swamp, April 6th, 1779.

* D E A R S i E ,

* I RECEIVED yours this day, dated the 28th of

* last month ; and in answer to what you say, relative

* to the principle on which the plan of attack was

* made ; I assure you it seemed to have the fairest
' prospect of success ; and had it succeeded would
' have been of infinite advantage to us ; I will give

* you my reasons : the enemy had stationed their gal-
^ ley and sloop at Yamassee bluff, opposite Aber-

* corne, where they commanded the pass down the

* river ; and in that situation they received all our
' deserters before we could overtake them, whilst a
' great number of negroes in this part of the coun-
^ try got over to them in spite of our care ; it seem-

< ed absolutely necessary, therefore, to run some
' risk to rem.ove them from thence, which had we

< succeeded in, we would have immediately followed

* up the blow upon the post at Abercorne ; which
' could not have failed of success ; as we had plen-

< ty of boats to have dropped down the river, with
^ 1,000 or 1,500 men ; this manoeuvre would have
« changed the face of affairs, and brought the enemy
' down the country ; but ' it is not in miortals to

* command success.' I hope after these reasons you
^ will not think our plan very absurd : besides, as

565

we thought* it necessary to move our camp to this
part of the country,+ we should have been obliged
to destroy the gallies. These several reasons make
it warrantable, in military matters, to run some
risk. The Fabian maxim does not agree alto-
gether with American dispositions and undisciplin-
ed troops ; they soon grow tired and desert ; too
much of which we have sensibly felt ; upwards of
100 men having left us, since we took the field,
and a great many of those gone over to the ene-
my ; nowj would it not be better to amuse them
by skirmishes? where we have an equal chance of
lessening their numbers, than to have our men go
off to them ; by which means they get reinforced
and we weakened ; the choice I leave to your own
judgment. I am glad to find you so sanguine in
your expectations of our militia. I wish v/e could
see something favorable from them to give us
spirits ; I, that seldom am out of hopes, am yet
dejected on seeing their movements so very slow i
consider, Ash's, and Rutherford's peopleif go off
on Saturday, and we shall be left here by our-
selves (continentals) if the enemy are enterprizing.

* We lost the Congress galley with 70 men, and the Lee
galley with 34 men.

+ Twenty -five miles higher up the rivero
^ About 2,000 men.

566

I know what will be the consequence. I am glad
to hear the executive authority have at last taken
upon themselves to endeavor to correct the many
abuses that have arisen in Charlestown lately ; I
hope it will have the desired effect. I have spoke
to Gen. Lincoln relative to the British deserters ;
he, as well as myself, is surprised that they are
suffered to remain in Charlestown, as they all had
passes to go on to the northward, some as far as
Philadelphia ; nay, they were ordered to go to
North-Carolina, and that may be seen by all their
passes, which they should be made to produce....
Gen. Lincoln, on my informing him what you said
about them, desired nie to write to you, and he
would write to Mr. Bee* on the subject, to order
them all out of die state to proceed northwardly.
' I AM pleased to hear you are fortifying Charles-
town ; it is best to be prepared for war ; I dare say
you will all sleep with more ease when you have
an idea of being in greater security : I hope we
never shall have occasion to try the goodness of
the works : should you be attacked you may de-
pend some of us will hasten to your assistance ;
we could soon mount a number of horsemen, so as
to throw in strong reinforcements in a few days.
This stoppage of the continental money will be a

» The licut. governor (the governor being out of town.)

367

« great hinderance to our army, as the Georgia
« chest has between 2 and SjOOOjOOO dollars in it,
« of those that cannot pass.
' I am, &c.

< William Moultrie.'

Letter to Gov. Rutledge.

< Black-swamp, Head-Quarters, April 16th, 1779.

* Dear Sir,

< I have the honor to inform you, that we ar-
« rived at our camp two days ago ; nothing extraor-

< dinary have happened since we left it : they are

* much pleased to hear of the reinforcement (1,000)

< you have sent, and that they are on their march ;
' we expect them here to-morrow, I hope ere long
( you will send us such another, so as to enable us
' to go on with the plan, which Col. Pinckney and

* myself informed you of when I was last in Charles-

* town; which was to leave 1200 men to guard this

< part of the country ; whilst we marched up to join

* Gen. Williamson, and come down the other side
' of the river, and drive the enemy from Georgia t

< this I think can be easily done, especially when
' joined by the North -Carolinians and Paulaski, who,

* I am told, was seen 10 miles from Georgetown on

< the 9th instant : as I did not know, when I was at
' Orangeburgh, what had passed between your ex-

368

* cellency and Gen. Lincoln, relative to the sending

* each his orders to Gen. Williamson, without the

* other's knowledge, I beg leaA'^e to suggest the im-

* propriety of such a measure, and v/hether it may

* not be productive of ill consequences, as one or two

* at present occurs.

< In your orders to Gen. Williamson, of the 5th
' instant, you direct him to make incursions into

* Georgia, whenever favorable opportunities offer,
' for harassing or annoying the enemy, whom he is

* to distress, to the utmost of his power : the parties
' making sUch incursions, are to destroy all the cat-

* tie, horses, provisions, and carriages they meet with

* in Georgia. This is contradictory to the idea held
' up to those unhappy ones who could not possi-
« bly get off with their little property in this camp,

* which was, that they should remain quiet at home
' until v/e should be able to cross the river and give

* them protection : what must become of the poor

* widows, orphans, and helpless old men ? should the
^ order be indiscriminately put into execution? an-

* other part of your order says, ' you will order the
' Georgia militia, and other troops under your com-
^ mand, to join you whenever you thought it neces-
^ sary.' This part of the order, in my opinion, must
*^ be void of itself; as no orders from any person in
' this state, but Gen. Lincoln, can have any effect,
^ especially as those people have put themselves tn-

S69

' tirely under his command ; and he has paid them

< to this time. I must beg your excellency to excuse

< the liberty I have taken of communicating my sen-

< timents to you on these matters ; it is done v/ith a

< view to prevent any clashing of orders, or misun-

* derstanding. I am sorry to inform you that our

< desertions still continue. We have lost thirty in

* a fortnight, and all from the post at Purisburgh ;

< and have only ten in return, from the enemy. The

< prisoners sent us from Georgia, in exchange for

* those sent from Charlestown, are quite emaciated,

* and some of them reduced so low as to be carried
' from the boats to their quarters ; they complain

< highly of their ill treatment ; they say they were

* fed upon condemned pork and oatmeal, which the

* hogs would not eat ; sometimes (officers and ail)

* were served with seven days fresh pork at one time,

< which was quite spoiled after two days ; our men

* die fast on board the prison-ships, are carried
*a-shore on the marsh, and buried so slightly as to

< be a horrid sight for those left alive, who see the

* buzzards picking the bones of their fellow soldiers.
*Does not this demand retaliation and a prison-ship ?
*I cannot help being surprised at Provost's modesty,
' in complaining to Mr. Williamson of the ill usag&
' of his people. Gen. Lincoln intends having the af-

VOL. I. A3

370

< fidavits of our people taken, and remonstrating to
' Gen. Provost on their ill usage.
' I am, &c.

' William Moultrie.*

Letter to Col. Charles Pinckney.

'Black-swamp, April 16th, 1779.
^ Dear Sir,

* I HAVE the pleasure to inform you, that I re-

* turned from Orangeburgh* three days ago, after a

* ride of two hundred and twenty miles, a very fa-

* tiguing jaunt, both to ourselves and horses, we
' were (Mr. Kinlock and myself) gone six days ; one

* day we staid with the Governor, the others in tra-

* veling. We expect Col. Stmons here to-morrow,

* with one thousand men of all ranks : this will be a

* reinforcement to us that will be very acceptable.
'frhe Governor has promised more as soon as they

* can be collected. I was sorry to see so fewf left
^ at Orangeburgh after this detachment marched off j
" though Col. Neal lay about four miles off, with

* two hundred and eighty men of his regiment, and
» was to march in that morning. Whilst I was there

* I could see the governor had a great deal of trouble,

* ' I was requested to go there by Gen. Lincoln, to have foine
* coiifercrice with the Goveriicr, upon a plan of operation.
+ i'hrce or four hundred.

371

* and I wish his zeal may not cause him to commit

< some improprieties. I think I see matters brewing

* that may bring on misunderstandings between the

* Governor and Gen. Lincoln ; such as orders issued
' from two commanders ; which may perhaps run
' retrograde to each other ; this may be of dangerous

* consequences at this critical juncture ; I shall not

< enter into particulars ; should it go further you

* shall hear. I am, &c.

^William Moultrie.'

Copy of Gov. Rutledge's Order to General
Williamson.
< Orangeburgh, April 5th, 1779.

<SlR,

*I DESIRE you will embody as many more men of

* the Ninety-six regiment, as that you may have 1000

* rank and file from those regiments on duty. You

< will keep your force collected as much as possible,

* but order incursions into Georgia ; whenever a
' favorable opportunity offers for harrassingor annoy-
<ing the enemy, whom you are to distress to the ut-

* most of your power by the parties making such

< incursions, and such parties are to destroy all the

* cattle, horses, provisions, and carriages they meet

* with in Georgia. You will order the Georgia mi-
Uitia, and other troops in that state, under your

* command, to join you when you find it necessary.

372

* Yon will use your best endeavors to prevent inter-

* course between the enemy and the inhabitants of

< this state ; and guard particularly against spies in

< and about your camp ; whom, if any should be

* detected, you will cause immediately to be hanged.

* You will order the prisoners of war, those who are

* accused of sedition, now in Ninety-six goal, to be
'safely conducted under a sufficient guard to this

* place.* All those who have been tried and con-
« demned v/ith the prisoners of war immediately.

< And those v/ho may be tried, immediately after

< conviction.

*J0HN RUTLEDGE.*

About this time Lieut. Col. Provost sent a propo-
sal to Gen. Williamson, to suffer a particular part
of the inhabitants of Georgia to remain at home un-
molested by either side ; which proposal Gen. Wil-
liamson sent to Gov. Rutledge for his approbation...
when he received the following letter :

* Orangeburgh, April 11th, 1779.
« Sir,

< Lieut. Col. Provost's proposition of a tempo-
' rary neutrality, for a part of Georgia, is really too

* The prisoners were ordered to Oiangeburgh, as a place
of greater security.

i absurd, and ridiculous to require a moments con-

* sideration : Indeed it scarce merits an answer ; how-

< ever, as you have promised, I presume you will

* give him one ; which need be nothing more than

< that you are expressly enjoined not to agree to it,

< for I desire that you will not relax a tittle in the

< executions of my instructions of the 5 th instant,

* which I delivered to you here, viz. to order incur-

* sions into Georgia, whenever favorable o pportunities
' offer for harrassing and annoying the enemy, whom
' you are to distress to the utmost of your power, by
' the parties making such incursions; and such par^

* ties are to destroy all the cattle, horses, provisions

* and carriages they meet with in Georgia. Instead

* of relaxing, I would have you as soon as possible

* put it out of the enemy's power to collect or secure

* cattle, horses, provisions, boats, or carriages, which
' is to gain time, to reingage the Indians (who, I

< hope, are sent off) to join ours : this appears to

< me, to be Lieut. Col. Provost's object.

* I am, &c. John Rutledge.

* Gen. Williamson.*

A LITTLE before this time Gen. Lincoln had sent
;nto Georgia privately to desire those who had re-
mained there and could not get away, to be quiet
until we could relieve them, and they should not be
molested by our army.

S74

■ Letter to Col. C. Pinckney.

« April ISth, 1779.
< Dear Sir,

< I WROTE you on the 15th instant, in which I

* mentioned, ' I think I see matters brewing that
' may bring on misunderstandings between some :'

* since which, I am happy to inform you, that all

* will be well again ; and that we have now a pros-

* pect of opening the campaign in a fortnight with
' success, according to our old plan, which I men-
' tioned to you when last in town : which was to

* cross the river with five or six thousand men ; and

* leave 1200 to guard this part of the country : this

* last command I am told is to fall to my lot ; I am
' to be left here, if the enemy should make any mo-

* tions towards Charlestown, to march immediately

* to its assistance : it may be an active part of the

* army, or it may not, just as the matter turns up.

* I am, &c.

' William Moultrie,'

' A Council of general Officers, held at Head Quar-
ters, Black-swamp, April 19th, 1779.

' Present.. ..Maj. Gen. Lincoln, Brigadiers Moul-
trie, Huger, and Sumner.

* Gen. Lincoln informed the council, that the
number of men in camp, with those at Gen. Wil-
liamson's camp, and five hundred promised from

375

Orangeburgh, and seven hundred from North-Car-
olina now in this state, amounted to five thousand
men ; and desired their opinion, whether after leav-
ing one thousand here and at Purisburgh, it would
be adviseable to collect the remainder near to Au-
gusta, cross Savannah river, take some strong
ground in Georgia ; prevent, if possible, the enemy-
receiving supplies from the back part of the coun-
try, circumscribe their limits, prevent their junction
with the unfriendly, and savages in Georgia, and in
the back part of the state.

* The council are of opinion the measure is ra-
tional, and do therefore advise it.
* Signed,

* B. Lincoln,

' Wm. Moultrie,

* Is. HUCER,

* Jethro Sumner.'

About this time Capt. Morgan arrived from St»
Eustatia, with a fresh supply of arms and ammuni-
tion which were much wanted ; we could not have
moved any where without them, as we lost, at the
affair at Brier-creek, upwards of one thousand stand
of arms ; and we were obliged almost always to arm
all the reinforcements that came from North-Car-
olina.

376

Letter from Lieut. Gov. Bee.

' Charlestown, April 11th, 1779.
« Dear General,

' I RECEIVED yours by Capt. Prevaux, and wish
< we were strong enough to spare the whole regl-
' ment ; to you who so well know the importance of

* Fort Moultrie, I need only mention the impropriety

* of garrisoning it with militia, or recruits intirely ;
' which would be the case if any more of the se-

* cond regiment are sent away ; as it is, I think the

* garrison too weak already. If the enemy should

* make any movements this v/ay by water, I think
' your presence in Charlestown, would be full as use-

* ful as where you are : but of this you and the Gen.

* are the best judges.

' I am, 8cc.

' Thomas Bee.
'Brig. Gen. Moultrie.'

Letter to Lieut. Gov. Bee.

< Black-swamp, April 20th, 1779.
< Dear Sir,

' I RECEIVED yours, and agree with you intirely,

* that Prevaux's company could not be spared from

* town : as it is probable we may make some mo-

* tions soon, it will also put the enemy in motion ;
« I have therefore thought proper tjo order Colonel

* Marion down to Fort Moultrie, as I well know the

377

« importance of that post, and that it should not be

* left without a field-officer : I shall be left at this

* place with about 1200 men, that I shall always
' hold in readiness to move to Charlestown, with the

< utmost dispatch, should occasion require. I am

* happy to hear that Morgan is arrived with a num-

* ber of arms, they are much wanted j we could not
^ possibly move without them : I hope there are

* other military stores arrived, muskets, powder,
« cloth, &c.

* I am, &c.

< William Moultrie.'

Gen. Lincoln marched off to day (20th April)
with about 2,000 men, light troops and cavalry, for
Augusta, leaving his baggage and artillery behind
to follow ; and on his arrival at Augusta, I received
the following letter from him.

< Mr. Galphin's, April 22d, 1779.

< Dear Sir,

< I ARRIVED here to-day between twelve and one

< o'clock. You will please to order to this place all the

< continental troops, excepting the 2d and 5th regts.*

< of South-Carolina, with all the artillery except the

* Detachments making about 220 men ,

VOL. I B 3

378

' two pounder. You will please also to direct the quar-

< ter master to move with his department, reserving

* such articles as may be absolutely necessary for

< you : no time should be lost in marching the

* troops, they must commence as soon as possible

* and pursue it with the greatest dispatch : the com-

* missary must be directed to take on rice, for three

< days, including the one in which they leave camp.

* Meat he must provide daily on the road. I will

< send waggons to meet the troops with corn and flour.

* The quarter-master must send some person for-
' ward to supply forage ; corn I suppose can be had

* in plenty. Yon will please to remain in your pre-

* sent encampment with the two regiments and Col.

* Simon's brigade of militia. And keep, as long as

< you hare it in your power, a post at Purisburgh....

* If the enemy should discover an inclination to at-

* tempt you in force, and to move towards Charles-

* town ; you will please as soon as possible to possess

* yourself of the several passes, and delay them as
' much as is in your power, and give time for us to

< come up. I wieh the matter, that the troops' are to

< join us here, might be kept secret as long as

* possible.

* I am, &c,

< B. Lincoln,
* Brig. Gen. Moultrie.'

379
Letter to Gov. Rutledge.

< Black-swamp, April 23d, 1779.
<Dear Sir,

' Yesterday afternoon a party of Indians, and
' white men all painted, (about thirty) came over the
' River at Yamassee ; and had almost taken one of

< our small guards of six men, two of them are still
' missing ; they proceeded and burnt Capt. Hart-

< stone's house. Col. Henderson, who commanded

* there, sent off a party of forty men, but could

* not come up with them : if your excellency could

* send us thirty or forty horsemen, and some Ca-

* tawba Indians, they would be of infinite service ; the

* few horsemen we have here (about 20) are quite

* insufficient for the duties absolutely necessary for

< this post* and Purisburgh : Gen. Lincoln who left

* this place three days ago for Augusta, took away alj

* the continental horse with him ; which were about

* thirty-five : I will send off to Gen. Bull) to-morrow>

< to keep some of his men on the scout in that part

* of the country ; or these Indians I fear will do a
' great deal of mischief : we are informed that the

* enemy have about fifty Indians at Abbercorne : I

< hope your excellency will be able to spare us a

* Black-swamp, about 25 miles from Purisburgh, where wc
kept a guard of 100 men, and relieved them every week.

380

* reinforcement before any movement takes place

* from hence.

' I am. Sec.

* William Moultrie,

April the 24th, 1779.
f I RECEIVED a letter late last night from Gen.

* Lincoln, in which I have orders to move all the
< continental troops to Augusta, excepting the de*
^ tachments of the 2d and 5th regiments, amounting
' to 220; I shall march them off this afternoon :* I
' wish your excellency w^ould order Gen. Bull's mi-

* litia to take the post at Purisburgh.

' I am, Sec.

* William Moultrie.
^ His excellency John Rutledge, Esq.'

Letter to Major Horry,
' Black-swamp, April, 25th, 1779.
^ Sir,

* As we have information that the enemy are in

* motion, and it is uncertain which way they intend ;

* you are therefore to keep a strict guard : keep your
< horsemen patroling at some distance from you : if
^ you find the enemy land in force, you will file off
« your detachment to the right, down Purisburgh

• Under the command of Gen. Huger, looo men with bag^

gage, and artillery

581

i road, and take post at Coosohatchie bridge : you
' must give me the earliest notice of your retreat, by
* two or three different horsemen: Mr. Kinlock will

< give you further information. If you should hear

< of any reinforcements to the enemy, you must give
I me immediate intelligence.

* I am, &c.

< William Moultrie.*

Extract or a Letter to Gen, Lincoln.

< Black-swamp, April 24th, 1779.

* Dear Sir, >

« Your letter of the 22d, from Mr. Galphin's,

< reached me late last night ; the one to Gen. Huger
^ was immediately sent to him, and every step has

* been taken this morning, which could forward the

* march of the troops ; they will move off the ground

< early in the afternoon : the director-general hav-
( ing represented to me the impossibility of getting
' the hospital stores in readiness to move before to-

* morrow morning, a party of one hundred men will

* be left to guard them. I have given the quarter-
master and commissary the necessary directions ;

* and have reserved from each department such arti-

* cles as were indispensably necessary for the use of

* this camp.

* A letter from Colonel Henderson, dated Purls-

382

burgh, 22d April, 12 o'clock at night, informs nie,
that a party of Indians, or people painted like In-
dians, about thirty or forty in number, had come
through the swamp at Yamassee that evening,
above where the guard is usually posted, and had
burnt down Hartstone's house. It is unfortunate
that neither the guard which was posted at the en-
trance of the swamp, nor the party they had re-
lieved which was at Hartstone's house, when the
Indians appeared, never fired a gun; by v/hich
means the alarm was not communicated in time,
to allow the party that was sent after ihem to im-
pede their retreat. The circumstance of their hav-
ing bayonets, makes Colonel Henderson conjecture,
that they were only Indians to appearance. Sav-
ages they certainly were. I have written to the
governor and informed him of this affair ; desiring
at the same time, that he would send us a rein-
forcement of horse and a few Catawba Indians....
Col. Henderson has information of fifty Indians be-
ing at Abbercorne with the enemy ; and that an ex-
pedition was talked of.

* I am, &c.

* William Moultrie.*

383

A Letter from Gen. Lincoln, to Gen. Huger,
who commanded the detachment, marching up the
country, to join Gen. Lincoln.
< Camp at Adams* Ferry, April 24th, 1779.
< Dear Sir,

< I THIS moment arrived here, and in the night
came into my hands, a letter, from which the fol-
lowing is an extract.

< I have just now received advice that the enemy
have been strongly reinforced, and that they intend
to cross the Savannah, at some place above Ebene-
zer ; whilst another strong body advances, to cross
higher up. This advice is received from three se-
veral persons, and induces me to believe that some
fresh troops are arrived, and that they mean to
make an attempt to cross into this state.
* You will take every precaution on your march,
that you are not surprised by the enemy ; they may
possibly mean to prevent your joining us here :
you will keep out scouts continually, and light troops
far on your left ; keep compact ; encamp on strong
ground, if possible : if you should find it necessary,
you will file off to the right : do not let the enemy
get between this post and you. Major Clayborne
will give you further information.
* I am, &c.

< Benjamin Lincoln.
« Brig. Gen. Huger.'

384

Gem Huger was inarching from Black-swamp,
with a strong detachment, to join Gen. Lincoln, near
Augusta. ..this letter was to caution him against a
surprise.

Letter to Col. Drayton, D. Q. Master-Gen.
< Black-swamp, April 25th, 1779.

* Dear Sir,

* As we have not 500 pomids of powder left, you

< will immediately apply to Lieut. Gov. Bee for 1000

* pounds of the musket powder that Morgan brought

* in with him : I shall order a waggon to town for

< that purpose, from Gen. Bull's camp ; but should
' it be detained by any accident, you must send up

* the post-rider by the best and earliest opportunity.

* I am, &c.

< William Moultrie.*

Extract of a Letter from Liiut. Gov. Bei.

Charlestown, April 29th, 1779.
« Dear Sir,

* I AM favored with yours of the 20th and 25th

< instant, and gave Col. Drayton immediate orders

* for the powder. Morgan brought only powder and

* arms ;* the arms were good and are sent on to

* The arms put us all In high spirits, as they were much

wanud.

385

« Gen. Lincoln ; the powder was all for musketry,
a further supply of those two articles I expect in
' town to-morrow ; they were sent over land from"

< Baltimore by Congress : clothing and other arti-

* cles for the troops are expected soon. The Gov.

* is again returned to Orangeburgh, from whence I

< hope he will be able to send to Gen. Lincoln ; he

* intends seeing the general and concerting mea-

* sures with him before he crosses the river : before

< the Gov. left town he wrote you concerning seve-
' ral people about new-river, who convey intelligence

* to Georgia. I hope the detachments from Gar-

* den's and Skirving's regiments are with you by

* this time, if not, you will please to write to Gerso

* Bull to hurry them on ; if you order him to joio.

* you also, he can give you full information about

* all the suspicious persons, in that part of the

* country, who ought either to be secured or v/eil

* watched ; as several of the guards* about the neck
^ have given intelligence to their friends ; would it
^ not be best to draw them to your camp, or to some
' other place at a distance, and to send others in
« their room. After much difficulty, I hope to get

* away one of the galley's to-morrow, she will pro-

* ceed to join the Rattle-snakef at Beaufort, and

* What difficulties we were under, when our very guards
would give intelligence to the enemy,
t A privateer,
VOL. I c 3

386

* they are to be under Gen. Bull's orders : I think
« these two vessels with the assistance of the guards
' about Pinckney's or Dawfushy-island, may put a

* stop to the enemy's plundering parties in that

< quarter ; will you consult with Gen. Bull on this
' subject? rice having got up to 25 pounds per cwt.

< you had better secure what you want for the army,

* in your neighborhood before it rises there also.

' I am, &c.

< Thomas Bee.
' Erigr. Gen. Moultrie/

Letter to Col. M'lNT0SK....sent by Express.
' Black- SWAMP, April 29th, 1779.

* Dear Sir,

* You must endeavor to join us, if you can with-

* out any great risk : I wish you could have given
' me an account of the enemy's number, I could
« better judge how to act ; the light horseman in-

* forms me you imagine them upwards of 300 men.
< I think you were right to retreat in time, as your
' force* would not be equal to theirs by any means.
' I expect soon to have accounts from you, and
' more particulars ; as you have no baggage you

* may cross the country to this.

' I am, &c.

* William Moultrie.'

♦ A guard of only loo men.

387

Extract of a Letter from Gen. Lincoln.
< Head-quarters, April 30th, 1779.

< Dear Sir,

< Your favor of the 27th and 29th I have receiv-

* ed: Maj. Huger and Maj. Pinckney will settle the
' matters about the prisoners, and the former take

* the necessary papers. Your information relative
' to the enemy's principal force being at Ebenezer

* agrees with accounts received here. I am happy

* in believing every thing in your power will be done,

< let their movement be what they may, for the good

< of the service and the safety of the troops.

* I am, &c.

* B. Lincoln.
* Brig. Gen. Moultrie.*

Letter to Gen. Bull.

* Black-swamp, April 29th, 1779.

< Dear Sir,

< I AM to acquaint you that the enemy landed up-

* wards of 300 men at Purisburgh, which obliged

* Col. M'Intosh to retreat from that post. I am to

< request you would order a strong detachm.ent of as

* many men as can possibly be spared from your

* men, to take post at Coosohatchie, and there wait
^ to support us, should we be obliged to retreat to
' that place ; I must also request you will send for

* what field-pieces you have got in your camp, and

588

* have them carried to Coosohatchie. I fear the

< enemy will soon have more men over; as by four

* deserters who came in to day, I am informed
« their strong post is at Ebenezer.

* I am, &c.

' William Moultrie.*

Letter to Gen. Lincoln.
« Black-swamp, April 30th, 10 o'clock, 1779.
' Dear Sir,

' From all the intelligence I have been able to
' gain ; I am induced to think that the enemy are
' landed in force at Purisburgh, and that they mean

* to enter our country : this added to the difficulty

< of getting proper and speedy information, makes

* it adviseable to quit this post for Coosohatchie....

* Our little arm.y will accordingly march in half an

* hour. The baggage and hospital stores were sent
' off this morning.

* I am, &c.

^ William Moultrie.'

Letter to Gen. Lincoln.

' Coosohatchie, April 30th, 1779.
» Dear Sjr,

* I this moment arrived at this place. The
« men under my command I expect in half an hour :
* we are informed the enemy have 1500 men at Pu-.

589

« risburgh, and it is said they are to have as many

< as will make 2,000 ; we have very few men in arms

* in this part of the country, and I fear if we are
' not strongly reinforced they will get to Charles-

* town ; I hope you will consider the situation of this
^ state, and repair to Charlestown with your army

< as soon as possible. I am, &c.

< William Moultrie.*

Letter from Col. Alex. Prl^lNTOsK.

' CoosoHATCHiE, April 30th, 1779.

* Dear General.

* Last night two deserters from the enemy came

* to Bee's-creek ; they were of the light-infantry :

* they say Col. Maitland commanded yesterday ; that

* he had the light-infantry, and the second battalion

< of the 71st regt. amounting to 8 or 900 men ; that
' they were to send for three field-pieces, and three

* six-pounders, with a reinforcement to make them

< up 1500 men; that they did not know the Colonel's
' plan, but that they heard it said that he intended
' to proceed to Charlestown, and that he had 50 or
' 40 Indians with him. I have given Gen. Bull and

* Col. Skirving information of those particulars ; the

* men are so lame that I cannot be up before to-mor-

* row night. We are all safe. I am, &;c.

* Alexander M'Iktosh,
i Brig. Gen. Moultrie.'

S90

Letter to Gov. Rutledge.

*CoosoHATCHiE, April oOth, 1779.
' Dear Sir,

* I ARRIVED here about two hours ago; I was

* lucky enough to remove all our baggage and most
' of our stores this morning early ; myself marched

< off about 2 o'clock, and proceeded for this place ; I
' had left the ground three hours, when the enemy

< was at my camp. I cannot tell their numbers, but

* I believe vastly superior to mine ; so I think I may
' say, I escaped a trimming ; but I naturally con-
' eluded after Colonel M'Intosh retired, they would
' come to look for me, knowing my weakness : yet
' weak as I was, I thought I should be of more ser-

< vice this way ; which determined me to make a
' sudden retreat ; in which I happily succeeded : I

* think it is absolutely necessary, that you should
' send some reinforcements to meet me, and that
' immediately, as I am in hourly expectation of be-
' ing alarmed by the approach of the enemy ; I shall
^ use my best endeavors to retard their march ; but

* be assured it requires your utmost exertions ; as I
'' am vastly inferior to them ; they, by all accounts,

< 2,000, and I have not 1200. I think if you could
' march out 2 or 300 regular troops to meet me,
' they would be of infinite service. You have not a

* moment to lose to collect a body together ; as you

39]

* well know what my troops consist of,* which should

< be double their number to cope with them.

* P. S. I have sent off to Gen. Lincoln this af-

< tcrnoon, to request he will return to this state.

< I am, &c.

* William Moultrie.*

Letter to Gen. Lincoln.

* CoosoHATCHiE, May 1st, 17^9.

* Dear Sir,

' I WROTE you last night, informing you that the

* enemy had marched to Black-swamp ; since which

* I have further accounts, by which I am told they

< are still at Purisburgh ; their numbers I can-

* not be informed of ; but from different accounts
6 they are allowed to be from seven to fifteen hun-
' dred ; by deserters who have come from them, we

* are told they intend making up their number to

< 2,000, and to proceed immediately for Charlestown ;

< I have with me now here about 1,200 men. Gen.

* Bull tells me he expects 200 more to-day. I have

< sent dispatches to the Gov. at Orangeburgh, and
' to Charlestown : I will impede the enemy's march

* as much as possible: if you could spare us 1,000

< men, I think they would be sufficient to prevent

* their going to Charlestown. I am, Sec.

' William Moultrie.*

* All militia J except 250 continentals.

392

Letter to Gov. Rutledge at Oran&eburgh.

' CoosoHATCHiE, May 1st, 1779.
' Dear Sir,

' I WROTE you last night via. Charlestown, since
which I am informed the enemy still remain at
Purisburgh; their number I cannot get any certain
acounts of; some say 1,500, others say less ; by
two deserters who came in yesterday, we are in-
formed their number consists of the light infan-
try, and the second battalion of the 71st, vrith three
field-pieces, six-pounders ; they also say, they are
to make up their number to about 2,000, then pro-
ceed immediately to Charlestown : I have here
with me about 1,200 men : I wish your excellency
would reinforce me speedily ; and with as many
field-pieces as possible. I will do my utmost to
prevent the enemy from going to Charlestown.
' I am, Scct

' William Moultrie.*

To Gov. Rutledge.
<Ti:llifiny, May Isi, 5 o'clock, P. M,

* Dear Sir,

* Since I sent oiT ISIr. Kinlock this morning to
' Charlestown, I am informed by Col. Eourquin that
' he had got information from very good authority,

* that the enemy's numbers are 2,000 ; and that

* Gen. Provost is certainly with them ; this makes

393

< me imagine they must be in great force : I receiv-

< ed a letter from Gen. Lincoln, of the 29th ult. in

* which he says * it is agreed by all their accounts,

* that the enemy's main body is at Ebenezer :' he
' had not yet heard of my retiring to this place : I

< wrote him two letters yesterday, informing him of

< the same : I have also requested of him, to send

* me 1,000 men, but if I can get speedily rein-

* forced from the country, I will countermand my

* request. Gen. Bull gives me great hopes of 5 or

* 600 men in two days, which I hope will be time

* enough, without breaking in upon Gen. Lincoln's

* plan.

* Gen. Bull has just now informed me, that ano-
' ther account confirms the first, of the enemy's fleet
' having left Savannah.*
* I am, Sec.

' William Moultrie.*

To Gov. RUTLEDGE AT OrANGEBURGH.

' TuLLiFiNY, May 2d, 1779,

* Dear Sir,

* This morning, two deserters from the British

< camp ; by whom I am informed that the enemy's

* main body is at Middleton-plantation (Turkey-hill)

< on Black-swamp; they say their numbers are about

* It was feared that the enemy intended a diversion with
their fleet, either at Gharlestown or Bcautort.

VOL, I X> 3

394

5 0,000, with six 5 pounders ; and that Gen. Provost
« is with them: that they are to proceed up the ri-

* ver, after Gen. Lincoln. I wish they may continue

* of that opinion, as I think he may be able to give

* a good account of them : I am greatly too weak to
^ face them, should they move this way. This ac-

< count nearly agrees with that given me by Capts.
^ Hampton and Newman ; whom I sent out to recon-

< noitre : they saw one battalion at the Two-sisters ;

* about 300 at Middleton's ; and their main body at
^ Williamson's : I think I made a lucky escape from
' them ; as the very evening I moved off from my
^ ground, they moved towards me, and halted about
' 5 miles off; intending to attack ine next morning ;
« but they were informed that I was gone. I wish

* I could have some field-pieces.

' I am, &c.

' William Moultrie,*

To Lieut. Gov. Bee, in Charlestown.

« TuLLiFiNY, May 3d, 1779.
4 Dear Sir,

« I SEND you 4 prisoners of war ; if you examine
« them, they can give you ail the information they

* have given me : from other intelligence, the enemy
' are with their whole force about Black-swamp:
' it is uncertain which way they will turn ; I keep

* out scouting parties close to them, to give me the

395

^ first intelligence of their movements; which ycu

* shall be informed of as soon as possible. The ene-

< my begin to destroy every thing before them : they
' have burnt the tv/o Dupont's houses, on the great

* swamp: if I could collect 100 horse, I could pre-

* vent it, in a great measure. I am much surprised

* that I have not heard from the governor, or your-

* self, since I arrived here : I am very much at a

* loss, to know what measures the enemy mean to
' pursue ; I think they have not any preparations for

< a sea expedition.* I am, &c.

' William Moultrie.*

Letter, with a Flag, to Gen. Provost.
'TuLLiFiNY, May 2d, 1779.

< Sir,

* The like reasons and motives that possibly in.

< duced Col. Campbell lately to claim the offices of
' humanity, to be extended to your sick, from the

* hands of Gen. Williamson, at Augusta, in a less

* degree now operates with me, and obliges nie to

* sue for the like protection, and care to be extended
^ to our sick in your hands, at the hospital, at Black-

* swamp ; to the humane, the distressed never plead

* in vain; his feelings, are not biased by party dis-

* tinction, and names without meaning ; but actua-

* It was apprehended that they would have had boats at
Beauioit, and ccMTie within laud to Charlestown,

396

* ted by the laudable motives of humanity, as well

* as Christianity, he generously supports and pro-

* tects the weak and infirm ; and feels in the discharge
of them, such an inbred satisfaction that words have

* not energy enough to express. The bearer, sir, of
' this, is Doctor Fayseaux, sen. physician to our
^ hospital ; he has my authority to assure you, that

* if the dismission of our sick, will be any accomoda-
' tion to you, we, on our parts, will estimate them pris-
^ oners of war, and make a return of them as such, the
' first opportunity : if on the contrary, the detention

* of them might be deemed more elegible, I will rest

* satisfied, from the known tenderness and generous

* feelings of Gen. Provost, that they will find, if not

* a friend, a guardian and protector.

' I have the honor to be, 8cc.

' William Moultrie,"

* Head-Quarters. Silver-bluff, May 2d, 1779,

* Dear Gen.

« I HAVE the honor of your favor of the 30th ult.

< A detachment of picked continental troops are or-

* dered to your assistance. I have written to the

< Governor at Orangeburgh, and requested that he

* would reinforce you by the mJlitia, intended for
'this arm^y, and Major Grimball's artillery. The

< enemy, I think, cannot mean to attempt Charles-

* town with the few troops they have throv/n over

397

* the Savannah. But if on further information, it

* should appear that they really do, you will give me

* the earliest intelligence of it ; every attention will

* be paid to counteract their designs and secure the

* state. * I am &c.

* B. Lincoln.
< Gen. Moultrie.*

Letter to Gov. Rutledge, Orangeburgh.
< TuLLiFiNY, May 3d. 6 o'clock P. M. 1779.
' Dear Sir,

'I THIS moment received yours ; I was in hopes
' you would have acquainted me of a strong rciu'

< forcement marching to this place : the militia in

* the country came in very slow indeed ; not 300 of

< Gen. Bull's are at their camps ; he however gives
' me hopes of receiving two or three hundred very

< shortly (in two days from Garden's) Maj. Huger

< who came from Gen. Lincoln's camp yesterday

< informs me, that Col. Garden was to march this

* day from Savannah river with 150 of his men : I

* shall be very glad to have the Catawba Indians ;

* they will be of service as scouts. I am sorry to
^ inform you, the enemy with parties of horse and

< Indians, are ravaging the country in a barbarous

* manner, killing people and burning a number of

< houses as they go on. I fancy them to be M*

* Guth's ; they have set fire to the houses of the

398

^ two Dupont's, to Gignilliacks, and several other

* houses in that part of the country. If I had 100
' horsemen I would stop their progress. The main

* body of the enemy is now at and about the Two-

* sisters ; by accounts from deserters and prisoners,.
' they have 3,000 men, reports say they intend to at-
' tack Gen. Lincoln ; other reports say, they intend
' for Charlestown. You may depend upon my ut-
' most exertions, to prevent their march that way,
' though at present I have not more than 1,200 men

* at this camp, which is vastly too few to stop the

* progress of so superior an army. I sent Dr. Fay-
' seaux, with a flag to Gen. Provost, requesting he

* would allow me to bring off some sick, which I
' I was necessarily obliged to leave behind, for want
' of waggons, and I would account with him for

* them, as so many prisoners of war, (which he very

< politely agreed to) or that he would order his sur-

< geons to take particular care of them. I have sent
' the waggons to-day for them (about sixteen). Dr.

* Fayseaux says the enemy have taken up the
' ground for their encampment, from Williamson's
' house, as far as the Two-sisters, which is about 3

< miles. Maj. Barnwell, with about 20 horse, went

< out just now after a party of the enemy's horse.
' This moment word is brought they are engaged.
' I have sent to reinforce ours. I long for the event.
« The event of the above has turned nothing only 2

399

' guns fired at 2 soldiers, who made their escape.
' I leave you to judge whether we stand in need of
' reinforcements or not.

' At r o'clock, P. M.
< Col. Laurens who is now with me, and who I
' sent out to reconnoitre on the Purisburgh road,

* went as far as Mr. Allison's, where they saw a
' field-piece in the road, at the road across where the

* Two-sisters road comes in, with a High^lander sen-

* try standing, he endeavored to go round into the

* wood to make discoveries, but found the sentries

* of the light troops and High-landers so far extend-
' ed on each flank, that he could not get near

* enough ; but I think by all appearance it looks as if

* the enemy intend for Charlestown, I wish you
' could send us a reinforcement.

' I am, &c.

* William Moultrie.*

Letter from Gen. Augustus Provost.
' PIead-quarters, May 2d, 1779,
« I AM just now honored with yours of this date..*
' you may be assured that I shall give every assist-

* ance in my power to your sick : and to the end

* that neither injury nor insult be offered to them,

* your physicians and surgeons may attend to their
' duty unmolested...! will send a safe guard there

* to-morrow morning, to rem^ain until your sick are

400

* removed ; which if equally agreeable to you, I

* should wish to be soon ; and you will please send
' the necessary carriages, with your best conve-
' niency.

< I have the honor to be, &c.

' A. Provost*
' Brig. Gen. Moultrie.'

Letter to Gen. Lincoln.

* CoosoHATciiiE, May 2d, 1779.

* Dear Sir,

* This morning two deserters came from the Bri-

* tish camp, by whom I am informed the enemy's

* main body is now at Turkey-hill, on Black-swamp ;

* they say their numbers are about 3000, with six

* nine-pounders ; that Gen. Provost is with them

* and that they are to proceed up the river, to look

* for you : I wish they may continue of that opinion,
^ as I am much too weak to face them ; and I am

* in hopes your numbers will enable you to give a
' good account of them : this agrees with the infor-

* mation I received from Captains Hampton and

* Nev/man whom I sent out to reconnoitre. I have

< sent express to the governor at Orangeburgh, and

< to Charlestown, to hasten up the militia to this

* place, at present I have not many more than when

* you left me : I think I made a lucky escape ; as

* the day that I left Black-swamp, a strong body of

401

them marched off for my camp that evening ; the
quarter-master did not leave me a single waggon
more than the regimental ones ; by which means,
I was obliged to leave some of the sick in the hos-
pital behind ; and some trifling matters of the com
missary's stores. The provisions in store I had
served out to the troops before I marched off. I
will take care to give you every information which
comes to my hand. Dr. Fayseaux will go off
this morning, with a flag, to take care of the sick
left behind. I am, 8cc.

* William Mcultrie.*

On my retreat from Black-swamp, on the 30th
April, I removed the troops under my command,
and the hospital (such as could be removed) upon
certain information by our scouts that the enemy
had crossed the river at the^Two-sisters in great
force ; I marched with all expedition to Coosohatchie,
giving notice, at the same time, to Col. M'ln-
tosh, who was posted at Purisburgh, to march im-
mediately v/ith all possible dispatch, and join me at
Coosohatchie ; which he did the same night, where
we encamped.

1st of May, I moved my camp to Tullifiny-hill,
being a much more eligible place to make a stand :
here Mr. Thomas Heyv/ard, sen. went with me to re-

VOL. I. E 3

402

connoitre the country in the neighborhood; and to
shew me all the fording places above and below his
house. It being a very dry season, the river was
very low, which allowed of several fording places :
To all of them I placed some small guards to give
me notice if the enemy moved that way ; leaving
my rear guard of 100 men at Coosohatchie ; in this
situation I was making every preparation to receive
the enemy at Tullifiny-hill ; and sending out horse-
men to reconnoitre the enemy in different directions,to
give me notice of their approach ; at this place I was
determined to engage them : our accounts to day, was
that they were encamped about ten miles in our rear.
3d of May. As the enemy was so near, I was
desiring one of my aids to go and bring off our rear
guard from Coosohatchie to join us immediately ;
but Col. John Laurens (who joined me two days be-
fore) being present, he requested me to permit him
to go on that service ; which I readily consented to,
thinking him to be a brave and experienced officer ; I
told him at the same time, that I would send 150
good riflemen to cover his flanks, lest the enemy
should be too close upon him ; I accordingly sentCapt.
James with one hundred and fifty picked men, and
100 men of the out picquet to join him ; these al-
together made a body of 550 men, which was one
fourth of my little army : but instead of Col. Lau-
rens' bringing off the guard, as he was desired, he

403

very imprudently crossed the river to the east side ;
and drew them up on the opposite bank of the river,
taking those 150 who were sent to cover his flanks,
and the 100 men of the out picquet and joined them
to the guard ; while he left the houses on the hill for
the British to occupy : in this situation did he expose
his men to their fire, without the least chance of do-
ing them any injury ; after remaining some time he
got a number of the men killed and wounded ; and
was wounded himself ; he desired Capt. Shubrick,*
who commanded after he left the field, to stay a lit-
tle longer and then to bring off the men : had not
Capt. Shubrick moved off at the very instant that
he did, his party would have been cut off from their
retreat and every man of them would either have
been killed or taken prisoner : we heard the firing
very distinctly at Tullifiny, and supposed it was our
retreating guard coming in : but presently Col. Lau-
rens came up to me, wounded in the arm: I said to
him; ' well Colonel what do you think of it ?* < why
sir, said he, your men won't stand,' upon which I said ;
* if that be the case I will retreat ;' and immediately
after our rear g«ard came in, I ordered the bridge
to be broken up ; and begun my retreat, about 12
o'clock. We marched off in good order and reach-
ed Salt-ketcher chapel that night, the British en-

» Now Col. Shubrick.

404

campe d at Pocotaligo 5 miles in our rear : had not
Col. Laurens discouraged the men by exposing them
so much and unnecessarily, 1 would have engaged
Gen. Provost at Tullifiny, and perhaps have stopped
his march to Charlestown : we were all at our posts on
a very commanding ground and expected every mo-
ment to be engaged. Col. Laurens was a young
man of great merit, and a brave soldier, but an im-
prudent officer ; he was too rash and impetuous.

From Salt-ketcher, I moved at 12 o'clock at night ;
by this early movement I got far before the British,
and burnt all the bridges in my way, which retard*
ed them very much.

Letter to Gov. Rutledge.

< Tullifiny, May, 4th, A. M. 1779.
' Dear Sir,

« The enemy are now on this side Bee's-creek,
« about five miles from this ; I hope your excellency

< will hasten your light troops to reinforce me. I
« cannot give you any account of their numbers, but
^ it is generally thought 3,000. I wish you would

< send to Gen. Lincoln to march this way, as soon
f as possible ; I shall send also.

* I am, &c.

« William Moultrie.'

405

Letter to Gen. Lincoln.
* TuLLiFiNY, May 4th, 10 o'clock P. M.

* Dear Sir,

< The enemy are now at Bee's creek, about five

* miles from this post , they have now made a halt,

< (I suppose for the heat of the day) their numbers
' I cannot well assure you of; but I think they are

< at least 3,000 : I wish you would move this way,

* as I am very unable to stand against them : if you

* would hasten some light-horse on, they will be of

* great service. I expect the governor will join me

< to-morrow from Orangeburgh with the Charles-

* town artillery ; as to what militia he had I cannot
' inform you : it seems absolutely necessary for you

* to make a speedy march to save this country.

< I am, &c.

* William Moultrie.*

Letter to Col. C. Pincknet.

< AsHEPoo, May 5th, 1779,

* Dear Sir,

* I HAVE arrived at this place after a severe

* march : the enemy keeping close to us, we are

* greatly too few to make head against them ; I will

* endeavor to make some stand here, though my

* numbers are much reduced from what they were
' yesterday ; as Skirving's and Garden's are gone to
« take care of their families and property, which is a

A06

very natural consequence ;; it is a melancholy sight
to see the movements in this part of the country :
pray have a vast quantity of provisions laid up in
town ; as you certainly will have a great number
of people with you ; have an embargo immediately
laid on ; get all tlie rice you can in store. For
God's sake, let us not want provision ; have your
works round the town finished as fast as possible ;
as the enemy march very rapidly, have a number
of large cannon mounted on your lines ; I will en-
deavor to avoid an action as much as possible ; in
order to throw my little army into town ; I think
if you exert yourself in town we shall keep them
out. Gen. Lincoln informs me he has marched
off a picked body of continental troops to reinforce
me, but I cannot tell where they are ; I have sent
him two expresses two days ago to request he will
march with his whole army j I am in hopes he
is now moving this way : the enemy are now at
Salt-ketcher, and occupy the ground which I did
the first of the last night, but moved off at twelve
o'clock and marched to this place. I have sent
Capt. B. Cattel to the governor to desire him to
join me here ; and I have ordered the fish-pond
bridge to be burnt.

* I am, &c.

< William Moultrie.*

407

Letter to Gen. Lincoln.
< Godfrey's, Savannah, May 5th, 1779.
< Dear Sir,
< I HAVE just now arrived at this place, about sev-
en miles from Salt-ketcher ; I left Tulliliny yester-
day about two o'clock, after having a little skirmish
with the enemy across Coosohatchie river with our
rear guard which I reinforced with 150 riflemen
and the out picquet about 100 more; they soon
drove our body with their field-pieces and mus-
ketry after killing and wounding some of our
people. Col. Laurens who commanded the party,
was wounded in the arm, and his horse shot : I
soon found myself under the necessity of retreat-
ing ; they appearing too numerous for me ; I have
had good information, their number are 4,000, and
that they intend for Charlestown ; I must beg you
would hasten to our assistance, or I fear the town
is in danger ; my little army decreases ; every one
running to look after his family and property ; the
enemy carry every thing before them, with fire
and sword j many good houses they have already
destroyed, and many more will be consumed, before
they can be checked ; I am retiring from them as fast
as possible, pray follow them ; and let us Burgoyne*
them. I shall endeavor to make a stand at Ashe-

* Gen. Lincoln was at the taking of Burgoyne,

408

* poo ; as I will expect the governor will join me

* there. Yesterday I was but six miles a-head of the

* enemy. I made a forced march last night.

' I am; &;c*

' William Moultrie.'

Letter to Gen. Lincoln.
< AsHEPoo, May 6th, half past 12, A. M.
« Dear Sir,

* I HAVE wrote you a number of letters request-
« ing your movement to Charlestown ; but have

* heard nothing from you on that head ; excepting

* your sending me a reinforcement of picked conti-

* nentals ; it must be very strong to be of any ser-

* vice ; as the enemy are moving to town with all

* their force ; I must again' press your marching this

* way, with all possible dispatch. I expect the enemy

* will lay before the town, before you come ; I hope

* we shall be able to keep them out till your arrival ;

* their numbers are said to be 4,000 : I have sent

* to the detachment you ordered to join me, to give

* them the route of the enemy, and to be careful
' they do not fall in with them : on your march

* downwards, you must not take the route I came ;

* as I have destroyed all the bridges ; I am just
< now cutting away that at Ashepoo ; as the enemy

* are advancing fast ; they are only four miles from

* me now : I shall move to town : I expected the

409

< Gov. would have joined me here ; but knov/ not

* where he is : I have given him caution of the ene-
' my's route : I once more beg you would hasten to

* our assistance.

' I am, &c.

< William Moultrie.'

< Head-Quarters. Janett's-ferry.

« Georgia, May 6th, 1779.

< Dear Sir,

' The troops reached this place to-day, on^heir

* march down the country, to your assistance. If the

* enemy mean any thing serious against Charlestown ,

< and our aid should be needed, we, sooner to give

< you succor, keep the boats with us, by which we can

* recross the Savannah, with great rapidity ; by mov-

< ing on this side the river, we probably shall divert

< the attention of the enemy from you ; if we do not,

* we lose no time by this pursuit ; therefore it should
' be continued.

* If the enemy should give public evidence of their

* designs against Charlestown I think, with your

* force, as you are in possession of strong passes,

* you will be able to stop their progress, and give us

* time to come up.

* I am, &c.

*B. Lincoln.

' Brig. Gen. Moultrie.'
vol. I. F 3

410

Lett«r to Gov. Rutledge.
' Dear Sir,

* Jacksonburgh, May 6th, 1779.
* I THIS moment arrived at this place, where I

* propose staying to-day ; I hope your excellency
' vv'ill be here ; the people are very much alarmed

* in town : your presence seems absolutely necessa-

* ry. The last account I got of the enemy, they
< were encamped at Godfrey's (Savannah) : I doubt
' not you will hasten your march ; as, should the

* enemy get notice of you, they will attempt to cut
' you oif.

* I am, &c.

« William Moultrie.*

Letter to Gen. Lincoln.

< Charlestown, May 8th, 1779.

* Dear Sir,

< I ARRIVED here last night, after being pursued

* by the enemy for several days : they now seem to

* have given over the chase, and have halted at Salt-

* ketcher bridge. I am in hopes they have now got

* some of your horse among them ; which will per-

* plex them a little ; I have now 150 horse which I
< shall keep close to their heels ; I have heard noth-

* inR: of the reinforcements you were to send me ;

* when I get them I will face about, and keep as
» near as prudence will allow, and harrass them

411

<• with my horse. There is a strange consternation in

< town : people frightened out of their wits ; they long
' that you should, and I hope you will soon be among

< the enemy ; I have halted the troops at Dorchester,
' where I intend to form my camp, ready to support

< you ; had the enemy continued their march, I
t really believe they would have carried the town ea-
i sily. I do not doubt but that you are marching
* to our assistance. I am, Sec.

< William Moultrie.*

I LEFT the troops at Dorchester, under the com-
mand of Colonel Daniel Horry, and went to town
myself with my suite ; when I arrived in town, I was
received with great joy and open arms, found every
thing in the greatest confusion ; and was informed
that the enemy had- taken the Ashley river road ;
I then sent the following order to Col. Horry.

< Charlestown, May 8th, 1779.

< Dear Sir,

' As the enemy are near at hand (we have in-

< formation of their being at fish-pond bridge) you

* will please order all your baggage to be in read-

* iness to move at a moment's warning : I expect to

* be up with you to night ; you will please order the

* troops to be in readiness.

' I am, &c.

< William Moultrie.*
« Col. Daniel Horry, Dorchester.*

412

The troops were marched into town on the 9th May,
and the same day I issued the following order.
' Charlestown, May 9th, 1779.
' A RETURN to be made immediately to the com-

c manding officer, by the commanders of the different

* corps, of the number of officers, with their ranks

* and dates of their commissions ; and also the non-

* commissioned officers, and the number of rank and

* file.

The militia are now marching into town from

different pai ts of the country.

May 8. At this time there never was a coun-
try in greater confusion and consternation ; and it
may be easily accounted for, when 5 armies were
inarching through the southern parts of it, at the
same time, and all for different purposes : myself
retreating as fast as possible to get into town, at first
v/ith 1,200 men ; but reduced to 600 before I got
near the town ; the British army of 3,000 men
commanded by Gen. Provost in pursuit of me : and
Gen. Lincoln with the American army of 4j000>
marching with hasty strides to come up with the
British : Gov. Rutledge from Orangeburgh, with
about 600 militia ; hastening to get to town lest
he should be shut out ; and Col. Harris, with a de-
tachment of 250 continentals, pushing on with all
possible dispatch to reinforce me ; and my sending
two or three expresses every day to the governor

413

and to Gen. Lincoln, to let them know where I was ;
and to Charlestown frequently, to hasten their works
and to prepare for an attack; in short it was noth-
ing but a general confusion and alarm. And the
militia from the north part of the country, from
every parish making what haste they could to rein-
force Charlestown ; that I may truly say the whole
country was in motion.

May 1G. I made disposition of the troops on
the lines. ' The Charlestown militia are to occupy
the right wing of the line, extending from the half
moon battery to the centre.

' The country militia are to occupy the left wing.

< The cannon upon the right wing to be manned
by the Charlestown artillery ; those upon the left
by Col. Robert's artillery.

' CoL. M'Intosh will take post with the 5th regi-
ment in the redoubt on the right side of the line.

' The redoubt on the left to be occupied by 100
men from the 2d regiment under the command of
Col. Marion.

' The advanced redoubt on the left to be occupi-
ed by Col. Harris's detachment (250.)

< The remainder of the 2d regiment, with General
Paulaski's infantry, to occupy the half moon in the
center as a corps de reserve ; and to sally out upon
the enemy from time to time, as the service may re-
quire, without breaking the line ; Gen. Count Pau-

414

laski will be kind enough, to take upon himself the
charge of posting the army according to the above
plan ; and also the daily inspection of the whole dur-
ing the siege.

< The commanding officers of the different corps
' are to take care that their men are furnished with
' 100 rounds per man.

'The quarter^master general is to furnish a num-
ber of hogsheads, for the purpose of holding water*
for tlie use of the troops along the line.

' A Capt. two subalterns, two sergeants, and forty
rank and file, and ten from the artillery, as a fatigue
party to march down to Gadsden's-wharf, to mount
some cannon there.

One Captain, two subalterns, two sergeants, forty
rank and file, to be posted near the old lines as an
advance guard.*

By my being so particular in entering my or-
ders ; I might be thought by some of my readers
to be too prolix : but while I am writing I have in
remembrance my young countrymen, who may
perhaps be called to the field some day or
other ; and by turning over a leaf or two of my
book will find some form or precedent, which may
be useful to them in their military career.

* As there was not water near, I ordered this, that the mi-
litia should not have any pretence to quit the lines.

415

Extracts of Letters.
The following letters which I received on my re-
treat from Black-swamp from the governor, and
lieutenant governor Bee, and mine to them and to
general Lincoln will shew the exact situation of
the country at that time.

Letter from Lieut. Gov. Bee.

< Charlestown, May 1st, 17T9,
< Dear Sir,

< Yours of the 29th April, directed to the gover-
nor came to me this morning ; I have sent it for-
ward by express to Orangeburgh, from whence,
if necessary, I make no doubt you will be reinforced.
I gave Col. Drayton an order ten days ago
for the musket powder you desired. I hope to be
able to send you about twenty -five or thirty of Col.
Horry's light-horse, in the morning, under Capt.
Couturier's command ; each of whom may carry
ten or twelve pound of musket powder to you, I
hope this manoeuvre of the enemy is only to draw
Gen. Lincoln's attention to this quarter ; but when
they find he is in earnest above, they will return
of course ; if otherwise it will be best to drive off
what stock may fall into their hands, in time : I
think Coosohatchie bridge will stop them for some
time at least, till the militia can be collected be-
low, I should think most of Gen. Bull's out-post

416

^ may be called in, but you will be the best judge.
' Of this I shall desire him to consult with you on
4 this head ; and as he is under your command,
you will issue orders accordingly.
< I am, Sec.

« T. Bee.
* Brig. Gen. Moultrie.*

Letter from Gov. Rutledge.

' Orangeburgh, May 2d, 1779,
* Dear Sir,

* I HAVE sent to have a parcel of Catawba's em-
bodied, and brought down, as soon as possible ;
and v/ill order them to you, when they arrive here.
I wrote to the lieut. governor, desiring that he
would immediately send as many of Horry's horse
as are mounted, and accoutred; and the rest as
soon as they can be to your camp. I am persuaded
that you will make the best disposition of the troops
under your command ; and take the most effectual
measures for opposing the enemy, and preventing
their ravaging any part of the country: and doubt
not, that Gen. Bull (to whom I now write) will exert
himself, in furnishing as many men as he can, from
Skirving*s and Garden's regiments, and in co-ope-
rating with you. I am, &c.

* J. Rutledge.
' Brig. Gen. Moults ie.*

417

Letter from Lieut. Gov. Bee.

< Charlestown, May 2d, 1779,
* Dear Sir,

< I RECEIVED your favors of 30th April, and 1st
of May, by Mr. Kinlock, at 9 o'clock last night,
and was happy to hear you had arrived safe at
Coosohatchie, and make no doubt but the govern-
or will reinforce you, as speedily as possible, from
Orangeburgh ; you know our weakness in men
here, in case the enemy makes any attempt by
sea, too well, to wish any drawn from town, unless
in the last extremity. I hope Garden's and Skir-
ving's militia will collect with spirit, when the dan-
ger is at their own doors ; but reinforcements must
be from Orangeburgh ; I have not heard from them
since the governor left town. I have ordered the
galley, and the boat under her convoy ,with stores,
for your men, to go to Combahee-ferry, as a safer
navigation, than Broad-river ; as will also Horry's
light-dragoons, who have been detained a day, for
their carbines and saddles. Drayton proposes now
to send a few pack-horses, with musket-powder
vath them.

' I am, &c.

' Thomas Bee.
* Brig. Gen. Moultrie.'

G 3

VOL. I.

418

Letter from Gov. Rutledge.

* Orangedurgh, Sunday Evening.

* Dear Sir,

* In consequence of your advice, received this
afternoon ; 1 will march with Grimball's artillery^
and all the force we have here (except about 50,
who must remain ; and 50 more, who go as an es-
cort to ihe vt^aggons with corn, 8cc. for Gen. Lin-
coln's camp) as soon as possible, to reinforce you.
I hope to get off to-morrow, and no time shall be
lost on the march. You will, without doubt, take
every step in your power, to procure all the rein-
forcements you can, and throw every obstruction in
the way, to annoy the enemy, and prevent their pro-
gress and ravages.

< I am, &c.

< J. Rutledge.
* Brig. Gen. Moultrie.'

Letter from Gov. Rutledge.
* Edisto saw-mills, at Mr. Charles Elliot's,
< 12 miles below Orangeburgh.

' Wednesday morning.

* Dear Sir,

' We began our march, with what force we could

* bring from Orangeburgh, yesterday morning, for
< your camp ; and shall proceed as quickly as the wea-

* thcr and the roads v,'ill admit. I hope to bring up,

419

* and have very close after me, 500 men (exclusive of
f oiBicers) horse, foot, and artillery. I received yours,
« dated 3d of May at 6 o'clock, about ^ 1 last night ;
« I hope you will be able to withstand the enemy, or
i stop their progress. I shall send Ailston's, and some

* other horse, as soon as they come up (which I expect
<to day) a-head, to join you. I have sent another

* express for the Catawbas. I hope to see you soon.

* I am, Sec.

*J. RUTLEDGE.

<Brig. Gen. Moultrie.'

Letter prom Gov. Rutledge.

< Edisto saw-mills. Thursday.
< Dear Sir,

< Some hours ago, on the march hither, I re-

* ceived yours of last night ; and soon after, a let-

* ter from Major Butler ; in which he says, he heard

* the enemy were at Ashepoo ; therefore, as I think

* we cannot possibly assist you at Jacksonburgh (it

* being 24 miles from hence) I have ordered the

* troops here, to cross the river, (they being now on

* this side) and proceed, by forced marches, to

* Charlestown, over four-hole and Dorchester brid-

* ges, I think you had better move. ..when you do,
' move, down by Dorchester. You will continue to

* throw obstruction in the enemy's way, and advise
*me of these, and your motions, by express to

420

' Charlestown ; for which I am just setting off; you
' will give all necessary orders for destroying brid-
* ges, &:c.

* I am, Sec.
' Brig. Gen Moultrie. * J. Rutledge.*

Letter from Lieut. Gov. Bee.
Dear Sir,

« I WROTE you this morning by express, in an-
' swer to your favor by Mr. Kinlock ; and this even-

* ing I received yours dated yesterday evening five

< o'clock. I hope you will receive the reinforce-

* ments General Bull gives you reason to expect,

* speedily , as the council were unanimously of opin-

< ion none could be spared from Charlestown, or the

* forts at present, for reasons which will occur readi-

* ly to yourself, and Mr. Kinlock will further explain ;

* by a letter 1 have just received, from the governor
> at Orangeburgh, dated yesterday morning, he had
' no intelligence from your quarter, but an express
' with the intelligence I sent from Charlestown,

* was met about thirty miles from thence, so that he

* must have arrived by day light this morning, and

* I make no doubt he has ordered every assistance
' possible; I sent another express to him this morn-

* ing ;.. .press the measure ; Horry's light horse un-

* der captain Dubois certainly march to-morrow....

* The enemy's fleet that came last week from Tybee,

421

^ are certainly gone for Jamaica. We have receiv-

< ed several accounts different ways of Mr. Kinlock,

* which will so fully explain any other matter to you,

* that it is unnecessary for me to add any thing more
' at present.

* I am, &c,

* Thomas Bee.

< Brig. Gen. Moultrie.*

Letter from Lieut. Gov. Bee.

< Charlestown, May, 3d 1779.
' Dear Sir,

< I wrote you last evening by Mr. Kinlock, since

* which I have got off the galley and boat with stores,
« for Combahee ferry. Twenty two of Horry's light

< horse, marched this afternoon for your camp and

* will hurry on the party, that went to Orangeburgh

* with the Governor, who are just returned. By a

* letter from the Governor dated Saturday, he had

* then received no accounts of the enemies move-
' ments across the river, but an express I sent from

* town, would reach here in a few hours after, so
' that I hope he has sent off all the men he had to

* you immediately, with the field-pieces, of which he
-*• has 10 in all; to-morrow morning I will get ail the

* guns I can mounted on field- carriages, and hope to

* get some fit to send you. I have received a letter
*■ from the Governor, from Orangeburgh, dated yes-

422

' terday, by which I find he is marching all his
' forces, with Grimball's artillery, immediately to
' join you, so that you will have a fine parcel of
' field-peices, with some well-trained men into
' the bargain. Col. Horry has just assured miC he
' will send off 20 light-horse, completely equipped
* by Thursday morning. 1 am, Sec.

' Thomas Bee.
* Brig. Gen. Moultrie.*

Letter from Gov. Rutledge.

' William's Ferry, Wednesday.
' Dear Sir,

« I HAVE just now received your letter of yester-
' day I will hurry on the troops with all possible dis-

* patch to your support, though their numbers (from

* 400 to 500) are very short of what I could wish.

* Major Butler sets off in four hours, with all the

* light-horse fit to be hurried on for service, their num-

* bars uncertain, as we have not yet selected them ;

* he will lose no time in getting to you. I am sure

* it is unnecessary to exhort you, to dispute every

* pass with the enemy, and to throw every obstruc-
' tion in their way so as to allow General Lincoln
' time to come in their rear, before they penetrate
' into the country. I am, &:c.

' J. RUTLEDCE.

< Brig. Gen. Moultrie.'

423

Letter from Lieut. Gov, Bee.

' Char LEST OWN, May 5th, 1779.

< Dear General,

< A PERSON has alai:ined us this afternoon with

< an account of your retreating to Salt-ketcher last

< night ; no express from you yet. We will work

< as we are in town ; if a party is ready to advance

< and cover your retreat with some field-pieces, you

< will undoubtedly have the governor with you as
* soon as this reaches you.

« I am. Sec. * T. Bee.'

« Brig. Gen. Moultrie.'

Orders issued. May llth.

< 3 Captains, 6 subalterns, 6 sergeants, and .1 50
rank and file from the country militia, to hold them-
selves in readiness to March at a moment's warn-
ing, in order if necessary, to reinforce the advance
guard.

< This day Count Paulaski's infantry came into
town from Haddrel's point the cavalry of his legion
came in with himself, on the 8th. We this morn-
ing had advice that the enemy were near our lines.
Gen. Count Paulaski, paraded his legion about (one
hundred and twenty, and some militia) and attacked
the advance of the British troops a little beyond the
old race ground in sight of our advance guard ; but
he was soon overpowered ; in this skirmish, he lost

424

his Col. (Kowatch,) kiiled and most of his infantry,
killed, and wounded, and prisoners; and it was with
difficulty, the remainder got in, with our advance
guard. Gen. Provost's army soon appeared before
the town gates, at the distance of about a mile, the
advance of his army being about Watson's house, in
the afternoon ; when I ordered the cannon at the gate
to begin to fire, which stoped their progress : We
continued at the lines, standing to our arms, all night,
and serving out ammunition to the country militia ;
who only came in the day before, with the govern-
or : we were in expectation of their attacking us that
night. About 10 o'clock, or sooner, (it being very
dark) some of the people on the right, imagined
they saw the enemy near the lines, upon which a
few hopping shots were fired ; and immediately af-
ter, the firing run almost through the lines ; with
cannon, field-pieces, and musketry : by which un-
fortunate mistake. Major Benjamin Huger, and 12
others, were either killed or wounded. By the death
of Major Huger, his country lost a brave and active
officer, an able statesman, and a virtuous citizen.
This party was sent without the lines by the gover-
nor, as I was told, to stop a gap that was left open for
a passage through the abbettis. This time the com-
mand was unsettled ; the governor looking upon it
as his right to command the militia j and I knew it
to be my right to command the continental troops.

425

The governor's orders were carried about by some
of his aids, in this manner,..* you are to ob ey the or-
ders of the governor ; of Gen. Mou Itrie ; and of the
privy council,* (8 of them) : this order I heard, as I
was riding in haste through the gate, to give some
directions: I turned myself around, without stop-
ping my horse ; cried aloud, * no orders from the privy
council are to be obeyed:' however the orders were
delivered to many, along the lines. Lieut. Col.
Mcintosh, of the 5th continental regiment, told me,
particularly, that the orders were delivered to himj
in that way ; and to which he replied...* he would
not obey any orders from the privy council ; he
would obey none, but such as came from the gene-
ral.' In this awkward, confused situation, were we,
when the enemy were before our lines, and the un-
lucky mistake of the firing happened : when I was
informed of the number of men killed and wounded
by the accident, I expressed myself with some
v/armth ; and asked * who gave the orders for those
men to go without the lines/ some one replied, ' the
governor ;' he being near at hand, denied his giv-
ing any such orders; upon which I said * gentlemen
(addressing myself to the governor and council, they
being all together) * this will never do ; we shall be

ruined and undone, if we have so many comman-
ders ; it is absolutely necessary to chuse one to

VOL. I. H 3

426

command : if you leave the command to me, I

will not interfere in any civil matters you may have

to do with the enemy ; such as parlies, capitulations,

Sec. I will attend only to the military department.'

upon this the governor and council unanimously

chose me to the command: after this was done, I

employed myself riding along the lines, and giving

the necessary directions, and desired the troops and

sentries to keep a good look out, but not to throw

away their fire. About 3 o'clock in the morning, it

being still very dark, I heard some person inquiring

for me ; I rode up, and was then told the governor

wanted to see me ; upon which I rode up to him ;

he then took me aside, and asked me * whether we

had not best have a parly with the enemy ; and

whether we were able to resist their force ;* and

asked about our number ; I assured him that they

were upwards of 2,200 men :* he replied, * he did

not think we had more than 1800 men ; and that

the enemy 's force, as he was informed, was 7 or

8,000 men, at least ; and should they force the

lines, a great number of the citizens would be put

to death.' He represented to me the horrors of

a storm : he told me, that the states' engineer, (Col.

* I guessed about 2,2co men; but had not yet had a full
return : since which some busy persons in town, alarmed the
governor and council very much, by telling them, that th^
enemy had 7 or 8,000 men.

427

Senf) had represented to him the lines to be in a ve-
ry weak state :* after some conversation, he propos-
ed to me, the sending out a flag, to knov/ what
terms we could obtain: I told him, I thought we
could stand against the enemy ; that I did not think
they could force the lines ; and that I did not chuse
to send a flag in my name, but if he chose it, and
would call the council together, I would send any
message : they requested me to send the following,
which was delivered by Mr. Kinlock.

< Gen. Moultrie perceiving from the motions of

* your army, that your intention is to besiege the

* town, would be glad to know on what terms you

< would be disposed to grant a capitulation, should he

* be inclined to capitulate.'

About 11 o'clock, A.M. the following letter was
sent in from the enemy.

< Sir,

< The humane treatment which the inhabitants

< of Georgia and this province, have hitherto receiv-

< ed, will, I flatter myself, induce you to accept of

< the off*ers of peace and protection, which I now

* make, by the orders of Gen. Provost ; the evils

* On our left they were only 3 or 4 feet thick..,.Th€ para
pets were not completed.

A2B

< and horrors attending the event of a storm, (which

< cannot fail to be successful) are too evident, not to

* induce a man of humane feelings, to do all in his

* power to prevent it ^ you may depend, that ev&ry

* attention shall be paid, and every necessary mea-

< sure be adopted to prevent disorders ; and that such

* of the inhabitants, who may not chuse to receive
^ the generous offers of peace and protection, may
<^ be received as prisoners of war, and their fate de-
^ cided by that of the rest of the colonies.

* Four hours shall be allowed for an answer; after
^ which, your silence, or the detention of the bearer

* of this, will be deemed a positive refusal.

« I have the honor to be, he.

< J. M. Provost.
< Col. commanding the advance,
' Camp, at Ashley-Ferry.

* May 11th, 1779.
' Brig. Gen. Moultrie,

* or the commanding officer in Charlestown.*

On my receiving this letter, I showed it to the
governor, who immediately summoned his council
to meet at his own house, and requested I would
go with them ; and bring Count Paulaski with
me : Col. Laurens was also sent for: and I sent to
Col. Cambray, the engineer, to work upon the
left of our lines, as fast as possible j because that

429

part was very incomplete : and also ordered the
bringing up the ammunition from town, to the lines ;
as a number of the men had not more than three
rounds, the preceeding night : they had come in
but the night before, from the country : we scarcely
had time to furnish them with arms and ammuni-
tion, when the enemy were at our gates. On the
meeting of the council, the letter was read to them ;
they argued the matter of giving up the town
amongst themselves : Gen. Count Paulaski, and my-
self, advised them not to give up the town ; that we
had men enough to beat the enemy; and so did
Col. Laurens : they then asked me our number,
which I gave the governor an account of, corps by
corps ; and which he took down, on the back of the
letter sent to me, from Col. Provost. They amount-
ed to 3, J 80, at the lowest computation. I had men-
tioned more, in some of the corps, but it would not
be allowed me : the governor was sure there must
be some mistake in the returns; that he did not
think we had more than 2,500 men on the lines.

Americans.

Charlestown militia . . , • . 730.

Grimball's artillery 150.

French 50.

Bull's brigade 400.

Col. Neal's regiment • • . , 150.

450

Two Continental regiments .
Col. Harris's detachment
Col. Beekman's artillery-
Col. M'Intosh's 5th regiment
Paulaski's, and Racoon . .

Simmons's brigade

Sailors

3,180.
A GENTLEMAN who had been reconnoitreing with
a party of horse, about Ponpon bridge and Parker' s-
ferry, was asked his opinionj respecting the number
of the enemy; he gave them to the governor, corps
by corps, according to the informatiori he had re-
ceived ; which account was taken down by the gov-
ernor on the back of the same letter from Col. Pro^
vost, and is as follows :

British.

Royal Scotch Highlanders •

Hessians

Royal Americans ....

Delancey's 1st and 16th . .

Troops from Augustine . .

York Volunteers ....

Light-horse

Indians

1300 or

1500.

500 or

700.

200.

900.

400.

120.

35620.

431

The gentleman also said, that he vras informed,
that besides those already taken down, there were a
great many tories from North and South-Carolina,
and Georgia, that had joined them : I then repli-
ed to him, ' that I believed they could not have
more than l',000; at most;' he said ' he could not
tell.'

During this business at the governor's house ;
Captain Dunbar, of the second regiment, came, in
great haste, to acquaint me, that Gen. Provost had
observed our working on the lines, during the pass-
ing of the flags;* and that if I did not immediately
desist, he would march his troops in : I sent orders
to stop the working ; and urged the governor and
council to conclude upon something, as the time was
grov/ing very short, and that I wanted to be at the
lines : at length they resolved I should send the fol-
lowing message.

' Charlestown, May 12th, 1779.

<SlR,

' I CANNOT possibly agree to so dishonorable a
* proposal as is contained in your favor of yesterday ;
< but if you will appoint an officer to confer on terms,

* This is contrary to military rules, to work on the linej
while flags are passing.

432

* I will send one to meet him, at such time and place
' as you fix on.

* I have the honor to be, Sec.

' Willi AIM Moultrie.*
* Brig. Gen. Provost.'

On my retreat from Black.swamp, Colonel Senf,
from the governor's camp, Orangeburgh, joined me
at Ponpon bridge, with the racoon company, com-
manded by Captain John x\llston, of about fifty men
on horseback ; I ordered the stores at the Borough
to be burnt, with a quantity of rice that was in
them, to prevent its falling into the enemy's hands,
and the bridge to be destroyed ; I also ordered
Colonel Senf, with his men, to keep in my rear,
and to burn all boats and bridges, and throv/ every
obstruction in the enemy's way to retard their
march ; they were the last corps that came into the
town before the gates were shut.

A¥iiEN the question was carried for giving up the
lovv'n upon a neutrality, I will not say who was for
the question, but this I well remember, that Mr.
John Edv/ards, one of the privy council, a worthy
citizen, and a very respectable merchant of Charies-
tovrn, v,-as so atfected as to weep, and said, < what.
arc we to give up the town at last ?'

The governor and council adjourned to Colonel .
Bfekman';> tent on the lines, at the gate, I sent for

43S

Colonel John Laurens from his house, to request the
favor he would carry a message* from the governor
and council to General Provost ; but when he knew
the purport, he begged to be excused from carrying
such a message, that it was much against his incli-
nation ; that he would do any thing to strve his
country ; but he could not think of carrying such a
message as that. 1 then sent for Colonel Mcintosh,
and requested he would go with Colonel Roger Smith,
who was called on by the governor, with the mes-
sage J they both begged I would excuse them; hoped?
and requested I would get some other person. I
however pressed them into a comphance : which
message was as follows.

* To propose a neutrality, during the war between
Great-Britain and America, and the question, whether
the state shall belong to Great-Britain, or remain
one of the United States ? be determined by the treaty
of peace between those two powers.*

Colonel Provost was appointed one of the com-
missioners to confer with Colonel M'lntosh and Co-
lonel Smith, and they held their conference a quarter
of a mile from our gate : we could see them from
our lines. Upon the above proposal being made,
Colonel Provost answered, ' that they did not come in

* All the messages that were carried out, were signed by the
gentlemen, and are now in my possession.

VOL. I, 12

434

a legislative capacity, but if Colonel Smith pleased,
he would show the proposal to the general.' Upon
meeting them a second time, at 12 o'clock, Colonel
Provost said ' he had nothing to do with the governor,
that his business was with General Moultrie, and as
the garrison was in arms, they must surrender pri-
soners of war.'

(Signed) « Alexander M'Intosh,'

Lieut. Col. Comdt. of the 5th Regt. Cont.
* Roger Smith,'
Lieut. Col. of the 1st bat. militia.

Upon this the governor and council looked very-
grave and stedfastly on each other and on me, not
knowing what I would say. After a little pause, I
said to the governor and council, ^ gentlemen, you
see how the matter stands, the point is this, I am to
deliver you up prisoners of war, or not ;' some replied
• yes :' I then said, 'I am determined not to deliver
you up prisoners of war,. ..we will fight it out.»
upon my saying this. Colonel Laurens who was in the
tent, jumped up, and said, < thank God ! we are upon
our legs again;' and as I was coming out of the tent,
General Gadsden and Mr. Ferguson, two of the
council, who were against giving up the town,
followed me and said, ' act according to your own
judgment, and we will support you.' I immediately
ordered the flag to be waved from the gate, which

435

was a signal agreed upon, should the conference be
at an end. They did not perceive our flag wave,
they therefore continued with theirs flying, some
time longer, upon which I sent out Mr. Kinlock to
inform them ' that I was very sorry they should be
detained so long, that our flag had been waved
some time ago ; and that all conference was at an
end.' After which [ hurried on in preparing every
thing for our defence.

In justice to the citizens, they kn^w nothing of
what was going forward in the council: they all
seemed firm, calm, and determined to stand to the
lines and defend their country.

The next morning at day-light, to the great joy
of the citizens ; it was cried out, along the line, ' the
' enemy is gone.' There is no doubt they must have
begun their retreat, with their main body, immediate-
ly after the conference' was at an end ; leaving some
of their light troops, to make a show before our
lines, to divert us from treading too close upon their
rear ; and to move themselves off", under the cover
of the night. Early next morning, not seeing any
of them, it was conjectured they were gone ; and
Count Paulaski went out on horseback, and made
two or three circuits at full speed ; and not disco-
vering any of them, returned in, and made his re-
ports, and then collected the cavalry, and followed ;
but they had crossed Ashley-river before he got

436

there : I had given orders to him, to endeavor to
find out where Gen. Lincoln was, with his army.

Immediately after Gen. Paulaski went out, I
issued the following order.

May 13th.
^ One colonel, 2 lieut. colonels, 2 majors, 10 cap-
tains, 20 subalterns, 20 sergeants, and 1,000 rank
and file are to hold themselves in readiness, to
march at a moment's warning ; and also 1 captain,
2 subalterns, and a sufficient number of men from
the artillery, with 2 field-pieces and 100 rounds for
each piece,*

This detachment I ordered to be in readiness, to
reinforce Gen. Lincoln ; as soon as I could hear of
him.. ..On the 1 4th I received the following letter from
Gen. Lincoln.

* May 10th, 1779, 4 o'clock, P. M.
« Dear Sir,

' I JUST now received your favor of the 8th....
6 We are making, and shall continue to make every
c exertion, for the relief of Charlestown. The bag-
' gage will be left.. .the inability of the men only,
< will put a period to our daily marches...! am un-
* happy to inform you, that the 1,000 horse you
' mention, are decreased to less than 150 ; a niim-

437

^ ber scarcely sufficient for our front and flank guards,

< and the other necessary duties of camp.. .pray sti-
' mulate your people to every exertion, for the de-

* fence of the town, until the troops here, can ar-

< rive. Our men are full of spirits ; I think they will

* do honor to themselves, and render service to the

< public... Do »:oT give up, or suffer the people
' to despair.

* I am, k.c.

< B. Lincoln*
« Brig. Gen. Moultrie/

A COPY of this letter was taken by the Bri«
tish on the 11th, near our lines, which we sup-
pose obliged them to retreat so precipitately ; as they
found Gen. Lincoln was on his march downwards,
with about 4,000 men ; and had they staid two or
three days longer on the town-neck, they would have
been in a very unpleasant situation, between two
fires : and if they had retreated the same way back,
they would have met Gen. Lincoln's army : they
therefore filed off to the left, and went on the
islands.

Letter from General Lincoln.

< May 12th, 1779, 5 o'clock, P. M.

* Dear Sir,

' I HAVE heard nothing from Charlestown, since

* your favor of the Sth ; nor have I any thing more

438

' to say, than that I observed to you, in mine of the
' 10th: I hope our affairs in your quarter, wear a

* better face, then they did at the time you last
' wrote : we are now encamped about 35 miles from

* Wort's ferry, on Edisto :...we will join you as soon
' as possible. I am, Ecc.

' B. LiNCOLW.

* Brig. Gen. Moultrie.'

Letter from Gen. Count Paulaski.
[Translation.]

* Sir,

' I SHALL remain here, about the environs of
' Dorchester bridge. The 40 horse remaining, are

* not in a state to furnish me with the least necessa-

* ries to fonn a party of observation : all the vo-
' lunteers* have left me : I do not know if those I
' left near the ferry, and other places, have made to

* you any report. I repeat to you, my general, that
< it is very necessary to fortify the town better.. .at

* present we have the time, of course let us make
' use of it.. ..I have sent all along the river a patrole...
' the instant I receive any information of Gen. Lin-.

* Militia.

439

< coin, I will advance with my party. I have noth-
* ing more to say, but that

* I am, &c.

' C. Paul ASK I.
< Brig. Gen. Moultrie.*

A Letter to Gen. Lincoln.

<Charl£stown, 13th May, 1779,

* Half past 12 o'clock.

< Dear Sir,

< I wrote you this morning, informing you that

< the enemy have very precipitately left this place,

< (the lines) since which, I find the reason was, that

* they took an express coming from you to me, in

* which, I suppose, they have discovered your motions

< and intentions. I therefore think it absolutely neces-

< sary to send you this intelligence, that you may
' conduct yourself accordingly. I will give you very

* frequent notice ; I herewith enclose you their

< general^orders for their line of march, which we

< got from an orderly book taken from one of their

< sergeants, which may give you some idea of their

* numbers.

* I am, Sec.

< Wm. Moultrie.*
<Maj. Gen. Lincoln.*

440

Letter to Gen. Lincoln.
* Charlestown, 13th May. 1779, in the Evening.

* Dear Sir,

' This morning before day the enemy left their

* camp, at Strickland,* near our lines, as they moved

* very precipitately, we imagine they have got some
' intelligence of your coming, and are marching, either

* to attack you, or to get away before you come up*
^ I send you this, to give you the earliest notice in or-

* der to prepare yourself for their reception. Their

* number, from all the accounts I can gather, is be-

* tween 3 and 4 thousand men ; you know what regu-
' lar troops they have, therefore can tell the number of

* the others, amongst whom are about 100 Indians: a

* 1000 men are ordered to hold themselves in readi-
< ness to march at a moment's warning, and are in-
' tended to co-operate with your army, as soon as I
' shall have received more certain intelligence. The

* enemy appear to have taken the Ashley-ferry road.

' I am, kc.

* Wm. Moultrie.*
* Maj. Gen. Lincoln.*

* The old race ground.

441

Letter from Gen. Lincoln.
< Edisto Mills, 14th May, 1779, 9 o'clock.

< Dear Sir,

< I WAS early this morning honored with your

< two favors of yesterday's date. I hear that the

* enemy were the last evening on this side Ashley-

< ferry, what movements they have made to day, I

* cannot yet hear, but expect soon to know their si-
' tuation, and more of their designs, I shall always

* be obliged by being favored with the information

< you may, from time to time, obtain of their move'

* ments, views, &c.

« I am. Sec.

< Brig. Gen. Moultrie. < B« Lincoln.'

Letter to Gen. Lincoln.

< Charlestown, May 14th, 1779,

< Dear Sir,

< The enemy are now at Ashley-river ; some few
« have extended themselves on James' -Island. The

* people in town are apprehensive that they mean to

* cross over the river to attack us in rear ; but this

< I think cannot be done, as we have a number

< of armed vessels stationed on that part, and some

< of them of considerable force; I doubt not but you

< will keep a good look out for the enemy ; they im-

* agine you do not exceed 1500 men. One of Count

^ Paulaski's officers, who is upon parole, assures me
vol.. I. K 3

442

* Provost told him so ; upon some conversation which
« he had with him, he asked Captain Celeron where

< you would get more men ? Captain Celeron told me
' he saw the whole British army, and does not think
' they exceed 3,500 including 3 or 400 Indians. I

< should be glad to know where ynu are, and what

* reinforcement I shall send. 1 have about 3,000 men

* in town.

* I am, &c.

' Wm. Moultrie.*

Letter to Gen. Lincoln.

< Charlestown, May, 15th, 1779.

< Dear Sir,

* I RECEIVED your favor from the mills. I can«

* not give you any further account of the enemy's

* motions ; all my intelligence hitherto, has been

* from Count Paulaski, who I suppose is now with

* you. I have marched off this morning, to join you,

* 400 continental troops, including artillery, with four

* field-peices, three 4, and one 3 pounder, and about

* 350 mililia ; the militia are mostly those living

< where the enemy have made such havock, I have

* informed them they would have a chance of gather-

* ing their property, as I doubted not, v/hen you sent

< out any parties to collect and stop plundering, they

* would be of the number. I shall be glad to hear

* from you as soon as possible, and whether I should

443

« send any more men. I shall hold all the country
< militia in readiness, to march at a moment's warn-

Mng.

< I am, &c.

« Wm. Moultrie.'

Letter to Gen. Lincoln.

*May 15th, 1779.

< Dear Sir,

< I WROTE you about two hours ago, informing you
the enemy were making their way towards Port-
royal, since which, I have intelligence, they are
encamped about three miles above Ashley-ferry,
and some of them near the parish church ; by the
length of their different encampments, as discribed
by a sensible, faithful negro, it appears the enemy's
whole force are there. I am at a loss whether to
move the reinforcement to you or not, as the enemy
may carry the town before you can be up. I think,
however, I shall order them to move tolhe ferry-
road, and gain all the intelligence they can, and
there wait your orders.

* I am, &c.

« Wm. Moultrie.*

Letter to Gen. Lincoln.

< May 15th, at half past 1 o'clock.
< The governor and council have requested that I

444

^ would detain the detachment in town, till they

* can be better informed, as they are apprehensive

< the enemy will cross over behind the lines. I have

< accordingly stopped their march, until I hear fur-

< ther from you. I have about 2,500, or 3,000 men

* in town.

* I am, Sec.

' Wm. Moultrie.*

Letter to Gen. Lincoln.

< Charlestown, May 16th, 1779. 5 o'clock, A.M.
« Dear Sir,

< Since I wrote you yesterday, a deserter came

* in, who informs me the whole British army are

< now on James'-Island, with all their artillery, stores,
^ &c. as if they intended a lodgement there : I am

* informed they have a number of boats, such as
( schooners and large row-boats, which they have
' collected about the country ; it looks as if they

* meant to attack the town from that quarter : I have
^ countermanded the march of the detachment I had
6 ordered to join you, as we must guard the town all

* around.

^ I am, &c.

* William Moultrie.'

By the movements of the enemy at Wappoo and

on James'-Island, (which we could discern very plainly
from the church' steeple) the citizens were appre.

445

hensive the town would be attacked from that quar-
ter, which obliged us to alter our disposition, and
change our front : and also we were fearful they
would take possession of Fort Johnson ; upon which>
I received the following letter from the governor,
and issued the necessary orders.

Letter from the Governor.

< May 16th, 1779.

* Dear Sir,

< I REQUEST that you will be pleased to give
' the necessary orders for having the guns at Fort

* Johnson re-spiked with steel spikes,* and the shot
' brought away to town : if time will hereafter ad-

* mit of our bringing off the guns, or throwing them
' into the river ; it will be expedient to do so ; but
« I find this will be a work of great labor and delay :

* in the mean time, pray do not let us lose a mo-

* ment, in doing what I now propose : it will take a

* very short time ; and from the inclosed observa-

* tions from Mr. Timothy, on the church steeple ;
^ I do not apprehend there is any great danger in

* When the garrison was withdrawn from Fort Johnson 5
they were slightly spiked with naiJs.

446

* the attempt...Treville says he will effect it with a

* small party of picked men.

* I am, &c«

* J. RUTLEDGE.

* Brig. Gen. Moultrie.*

Orders to John M'Queen, Esq^
< Sir,

* You will please to proceed with your vessels,
^ down to Fort Johnson ; and draw as near as you

* canj to cover a party, going over to bring off some

* cannon.

' William Moultrie** _^

Orders to Capt. De Treville,

*SlR,

* You are to proceed over to Fort Johnson, with
' 25 men, to bring off the shot, and spike the can-

* non left therein.. ..The party to be taken from the

* continental troops, completely armed.

^ William Moultrie.*
This party was surprized, and some of them taken
prisoners.

Disposition of the Shipping.
< Capt. Newal's ship to lay in the river, near
James '-Island creek.*

447

* Capt. M'Queen's ship to lay between Fort
Johnson, and Broughton's battery.*

< Capt. Newton's ships to be stationed near
Wappoo-creek.*

' Each of those vessels to keep out their boats at
night, to discover the enemy, (should they attempt
to cross the river) and give notice, by firing 3 guns ;
and immediately to keep up a brisk fire upon the
enemy, to prevent their landing in town.'

' The gallics are to be stationed between the ships
and the shore of Charlestown.*

* The French ship to haul up Town-creek, so as
to flank the lines.*

* The detachment commanded by Col. Harris, to
join General Lincoln's: Georgia brigade (250) ; Cols.
Garden and Skirving's regiments ; Capts. Waring and
Linning*s companies; detachment from Robert's,
with 2 field-pieces ; detachment from Major Grim-
ball's, with 2 field- pieces; 100 riflemen, from the corps
of Majors Ellison, Irvine, and Lyde ; such of Col.
Horry's regiment who have horses ; and Capt. All-
ston's company, are to join this detachment.*

' This detachment to hold themselves in readi-
ness to march at a moment's warning.'

[This detachment was countermanded, and or-
dered to join the line again.]

448

* That Col. Marlon, with the detachment of the
second regiment, under marching orders, do imme-
diately repair to Fort Moultrie.*

'The commissary to lay in two months provis-
ion, for 500 men, at Fort Moultrie.*

[We were apprehensive the British would make
some serious attempt upon Fort Moultrie.]

* Caft. Barrel's company to repair to their own
fort.'

' The volunteer company to take post at the
Exchange.'

'The grenadier company to take post at the bat-
tery near Roper's-wharf.'

* The true-blue company to take post at the fort^
near the Governor's-brids-e.*

* CoL. Harris, with his detachment, to occupy the
two redoubts, on the left of the line ; and reinforce
the horn-work at the gate-way, with the like num-
ber of men, as are taken from thence, belonging to
the second regiment.'

* Col. Garden's detachment to take post at Gads-
den's-wharf.'

* The artillery, under marching orders, with their
4 field-pieces, and the remainder of the second re-
giment, are to be posted at, or near the Beef-market,
as a corps de reserve ; to be always ready to support
any part of the town that may be attacked.'

' Gen. Count Paulaski's corps to join the reserve.'

449

< Capts. Allston*s, Sinclair's, and Legare's troops
are to patrole the streets ; six horses m each
patrole ; going different ways ; and when any alarm
shall happen, they shall repair to the place, and in-
quire the cause, and immediately acquaint the com-
manding officer thereof.'

< Col. John Harleston will remain at Cumming's-
creek with Capts. Linning's and Waring's companies,
and detach a corporal's guard to the little battery, to
the southward of his post.'

< All the troops in garrison are to be under arms
at 3 o'clock, and to continue until it is clear day-
light, every day.*

The enemy being on James'-Island and Wappoo,
only about 2 miles from us, (in sight, from the church
steeple) and having a sufficient number of boats, to
transport their troops at one time over to Charles-
town, kept us continually upon the watch, and ob-
liged us to break up our little army into a number
of small guards, to be posted round the town, (as the
foregoing orders show) to prevent us from being
surprised : and the whole of these orders show that
we were apprehensive of an attack every night.

TOL. I, L 3

450

Letter from Gen. Pkovost.

' Head-Quarters, Ashley-ferry.

« May 13th, 1779.
« Sir,

' The anxiety of Capt. Celeron, for his ex-
< change ) and the total want of necessaries, which
' can be illy supplied by us, at present , has induced
' me, to allow him, and Mr. De la Close* to return

* on their parole, to Charlestown : I have to request
' that Capt. Constable be sent back in his place, as

* soon as possible, to the head-quarters of the Bri-

* tish army ; or that he may, agreeable to his parole,
« surrender himself a prisoner at Savannah, in twen-
' ty days from this date ; if you do not chuse to comply
« with my application, any British lieutenant, in the
' place of Mr. De la Close, will be received in ex-

* change.

' I have the honor to be, &c«

* A. Provost.

* Brig. Gen. Moultrie.* B. G.

Letter from Gen. Lincoln.
' Head-Quarters, Ford's-ferry, 16th May, 1779.
' Dear Sir,

* I HAVE received your tivo favors of yesterday's
' date ; I cannot learn, with any degree of certainty'

• Capt. Celeron and Lieut. Dc la Close, were of Paulaski's
legion, and were taken before the town, on the I2th instant*

451

< where the enemy are. I expect every moment to

* be relieved from my present doubts on that head.

< I think while the enemy are hovering about Charles-

* town, you had better remain there with the troops

< you had detached * but as soon as it is evident that

< they mean to leave it, you will please to follow

< them and join us. Our time yesterday was taken

* up in preparing ammunition for the militia. Col.

< Hammond, whom I sent with a party of horse to

< Salt-ketcher, is on his way, with about 100 negroes,

* whom the enemy were sending to Georgia. I ex-

* pect to write again in an hour or two, for I think

* in that time I shall know better the enemy's situ-

* ation, and more of their intentions* than I have at

* present been able to learn. The accounts I have

* are vague and contradictory.

I am, &c.

< B. Lincoln.*

< Gen. Moultrie.*

From the Same.
<Head-Quarters,Parker's-ferry, May 1'7, 1779.

* Dear Sir,

< The army arrived here last evening; a party of
« our light-horse is at Jacksonburgh; about 300

* negroes have been taken from the enemy ; I have

* ordered an account to be taken of them, and to

< whom they belong, by the quarter-master ; after

452

« that is done, 1 shall send a copy of it to town,
' and the negroes to Colonel Ford's or Dorchester.
' I hope their owners will send for them as soon as
« they be known. Part of the enemy (by good in-

< formation) were yesterday at Governor Rutledge's
' plantation, under Colonel Provost, viz. High-

* landers, a party of Brown's corps, and a party

* of the green coats. General Provost is said to have
« passed either at Stono or Wappoo ; the former (by
« some information I had last night) is the most pro-

* bable : you will please, as I said before, as soon as
^ you can leave the town with safety, to tread on the

* heels of the enemy ; and remember, at the same

* time, that it !^ possible that you may be driven to

< the necessity of retreating, the means of which,

< you will keep in your power.

< There are a number of people in the neighbor-

< hood who have taken protections ; I have forbidden

* them to come into camp, for we cannot admit them

< as friends, and they will incumber the army if we
« consider them as enemies. I wish to know what,

< under the present situation of affairs, the civil au-

< thority of the state, would wish me to do in this
« matter ; those whom I find dangerous to the army,
« I shall confine,

* I am, Sec.

* B. Lincoln.
* Brig. Gen. Moultbie.*

4>- «
DO

From the Same.
« Beach-Hill, Col. Pinckney's Plantation.
' 11 o'clock, P. M. 18th May, 1779.

* Dear Sir,

< We just arrived here on our ^vay to Bacon's

* Bridge, in the neighborhood of which, the troops

< will probably encamp this night. I wish to see

< you, either this evening, or in the morning. We
i have a body of light troops marching by the road

* on our right, and a party of horse gone to recon-

< noitre the enemy ; on their return, I expect some

* further account of their situation, Sec.

' I am, &c.

< B.Lincoln.

< Brio:. Gen. Moultrie.'

From the Same.
« Bacon's-bridge, May 18th, 1779. 3 o'clock.

< Dear Sir,

* I JUST now arrived at this place, where the

< troops are to be encamped ; and will remain for the
t night.. .the party below last night, have taken 172

< negroes ; many of them, I hear, are the property

< of his excellency Gov. Rutledge ; I wish you would
^ mention the matter to him, and request he would
* send some person to receive them. I beg to repeat

454

< my request, that you would give me the pleasure

* of seeing you as soon as possible.

' I am, Sec.

< B. Lincoln,
« Brig. Gen. Moultrie.*

Letter from Gen. Provost.

< Head-Quarters, May 19th, 1779.
« Sir,

' I expected to have had the honor of a letter

* from you, in answer to mine, by Capt. Celeron?
' from Ashley-ferry.

' I AM now to acquaint you, that I have got about

< 50 of the Beaufort and John's-Island militia, or
' state troops, including officers ; who I am willing
' to exchange, for an equal number of ours, who
' may be now in your hands ; taking first, such as

* may have been taken, during our march through

< Carolina. There are, besides, 15 wounded; who are

< permitted to go to their own friends* houses, with

< a surgeon to attend them, until their recovery.

< I have the honor to be, &c.

* A. Provost.
B. G.
« P. S. I must not omit to acquaint you, that a

< Sergeant Cooke, of the 60th regiment, has been
« this day, carried off from a Mrs. Roans, where he

455

< had been placed as a safe-guard :* as this has not

< been the first instance of the kind ; and as it is di-
« rectly contrary to all rule ; I beg leave to acquaint

< you, that if this sergeant is not returned to his

< corps, I shall never again allow of any safe-guard

* to any place, be the consequence what it will.

* Brig. Gen. Moultrie,

' or officer commanding in Charlestov/n.'

Letter to Gkn. Lincoln.

« Charlestown, May 21st, 1779.
« Dear Sir,

* The governor and council have agreed I should

* reinforce you with 1200 men ;t I have accordingly

< ordered them to be in readiness to march off this

* afternoon, with 4 field-pieces ; I hope they will be

< with you to-morrow morning : I am informed of

* 90 Catawba Indians on their march to join you :

* I cannot hear any more of Kershaw's 500 men.

* I am &c.

* William Moultrie.

* Gen. Lincoln.*

» A safe-guard left any where, is always looked upon, by
all parties, as a sacred person, and never should be molested :
he was taken by some of the militia...he was returned.

+ It was agreed between Gen. Lincoln and myself, that
when we wrote about our numbers, we should write double of
what they really were; therefore the detachment was only
6oo. This was to perplex the enemy, should they take our
letters*

456

y Letter from Gen. Provost.

* Head-Quarters, May 21st, 1779.

< Sir,

< I AGREE to the exchange you propose....! am
* sorry Capt. Constable should be excepted against,

< as from the best information I have been able to

< procure, I am persuaded there is not any just rea-
« son can be given for his detention, or the hardships
' he has been made to experience : the crime alleg-

< ed against him, was never proved, or in any legal
« or satisfactory manner brought home to him ; and
' as it was supposing him to have been the author of it
« ...it was previous to his being admitted to parole, and
« whilst he was in confinement. I beg to recom-

< mend this man's affair to your candor. Sergeant
« Cooke has been returned. The pilot boat may be
' sent when you please to John's-Island, for the pur-

< pose you mentioned ; but I had rather it should be
' sent to Wappoo-creek, and notice given to the se-

* veral ladies and families, to meet it there ; but if

* you incline the former, you will please to let me

< know the landing you wish to send it to : I should
' ever be happy to gratify every request of yours ; and

< to soften, as much as is in my power, the rigors

* of war, to suffering individuals. Inclosed you will
' receive a list of the prisoners on this, and on John's-

< Island : there are about 20 more, v/hose names I
' cannot now send you, but they shall attend to-mor-

457

< row at Glen's-landing, Major Moore ©f the Geor-

< gia brigade, was sometime since, sent into Carolina

< for Major Fleming ; on Fleming's arrival here
' Major Moore will be free to act. For any number
' you send us, exceeding that which we have here to

* deliver you, you shall have an order on the com-

* missary general, of prisoners in Georgia, who at

< the same time will have direction to give passports

* to such prisoners, to the head-quarters of the

< American army in this province, sending lists and

< duplicates to this. ...I wish for the relief of both, to

* include in the exchange, those people who were
« some time ago taken on their way to join the royal

* army in Georgia, and are now in confinement in

« Carolina : humanity should incline to this measure ;
' on that score I recommend it to you.
* I have the honor to be, &c.

< A. Provost,
< Brig. Gen. Moultrie.

Letter, to Gen. Provost.

' Charlestown, May 21st, 1779

* Sir,

* I BEG leave to propose in exchange for Captain?
< Celeron, Captain Whitley of Colonel Brown's corps
' and Lieutenant Dawkins for Lieutenant De la Close

* of Count Paulaski's legion. I am sorry to inform
« you, that Captain Constable is excepted against

VOL. I. M 3

458

by the state, whose prisoner he is, as having been
guilty of breaking his parole, and thereby rendered
incapable of being exchanged. I herewith send you
a list of prisoners of war now in our hands, and
should be much obliged to you, if you would in
return, favor me with a list of such of our people
as may have been made prisoners by your army,
during your march through a part of this state. I
am intirely unacquainted with any circumstances
relating to Sergeant Cooke ; he is, in all probability,
made prisoner by a party from the army under
General Lincoln. I should esteem it as a favor,
if you would permit a surgeon's being sent from
hence, in order to attend our sick and wounded,
on John's-Island ; as there are several ladies upon
the island who are desirous of returning to Charles-
town, with their families, they may, if you think
proper, embrace the opportunity of returning, by
the pilot-boat that carries the surgeon. Captain
Cattell and Mr. Hall, will wait your answer.
' I have the honor to be, yours, &c.

' Wm. Moultrie.'
* Brig. Gen. Provost.'

Letter to Gen, Provost.

< Charlestown, May 22d, 1779.
< Sir,

* Mk, Dawkins being amenable to the laws of this

459

^ state, against which he has offended, cannot be con-

< sidered as a prisoner of war, and the exchange I

* yesterday proposed, with respect to him, cannot

< take place ; I am sorry that I was not sooner made

* acquainted with such circumstances as make it
' improper to exchange him. Lieutenant Ellis
' will, if you think proper, be given for Lieutenant

* De la Close ; Captain Constable having violated

* his parole, is, and will be considered as unexchange-

* able by the state ; circumstances respecting his
' guilt and treatment, I am as yet a stranger to.

* Major Fleming will be at liberty to act, whenever

* Major Moore shall have joined the American army,

* of which, immediate notice will be given. An or-

* der upon your commissary of prisoners in Savan-

* nah I cannot receive ; but a number of your men,

* prisoners with us, will be given for an equal num-
' ber of ours, prisoners with you, delivered at Wap-

< poo. The persons taken on their way to join the
' army of his Brittanic majesty, are not under my
' direction, having been delivered up to the civil

< authority of the state. Mr. Wright, who is now

* on parole, will, if agreeable to you, be exchanged
^ immediately ; his name added to your list of pri-

* soners, will make the number 63.

' I have the honor to be, yours, &c.

* Wm. Moultrie,'

460

Letter from Gov. Rutledge.

' May 22d, half past 5 o'clock, P. M.
« Dear Sir,

' Mr. Timothy will inform you of a discovery
which he has just made, of some boats of the ene-

< my at Wappoo (according- to Mr. Tucker's ac-

* count, to whom you gave a flag, and who went

< with it to Wappoo to-day) Gen. and Col. Provost
were both at Wappoo, with Maitland and others •

* may it not be very probable, if Mr. Timothy's eyes

* do not deceive him with respect to the number of

* boats, that a surprize may be attempted this after-

* noon, or rather in the evening, or to night.. .con-
' sequently proper to give the necessary orders to
^ guard against such a measure.. .you will, if you

* think proper, give such orders.

' I am, &c.
• < J. Rutledge.

* Brig. Gen. Moultrie.'

Letter from A. Provost.

< Head-Quarters, 23d May, 1779.
< Sir,

' Being too much taken up, as to attend to the
' number of private flags constantly flocking in, that
* I am to desire, that none may be permitted or

461

' sent, unles it is upon public business, and those
* will only be received in Wappoo-creek.

' I have the honor to be, &c.
* A. Provost.*
< Brig Gen. Moultrie.*

About this time individuals were continually in-
treating and teazing Gen. Provost and myself, for
private flags from one array to the other, to see their
friends, or to look after some little property ; v/e
were constantly interrupted, so that we could
scarcely attend to other business. I cannot but say
that I was not displeased, when General Provost
put a stop to it, as on my part I could not refuse
my fellow citizens that favor.

Letter to Gen. Lincoln.

< Charlestown, May 23d, 1779.

* Dear Sir,

< By an exchanged officer* who came yesterday,

* I am informed that the enemy's main body are at

* James'-Island ; he saw about 400 men by them-

* selves, about 200 of which were Hessians ; some

* others are gone to James'-Island i by his account,

* they seem much dispersed : I think they may be

* attacked with great advantage about Ashley-river :

» Mr. Adams.

462

t he says they were in great bustle yesterday about

* Wappoo ; and it was thought by some, that you

* were moving towards them : they are collecting a

* number of boats about the Island, it is thought, to
' make their retreat : you see by the inclosed, that

< they have their vessels coming round to them : if
' we can destroy them, it will be a great stroke : I

* have sent Mr. , to conduct any party you think

' proper to send : you will see by the governor's let-
' ter the plan appears easy and reasonable.

' I am. Sec.

^ William Moultrie.
' Gen. Lincoln.'

Letter from Gen. Provost.

< Head-Quarters, 24th May, 1779.

«SlR,

' I AM just now honored with yours ; with respect

* to the exchange of Mr. W , I am sorry it is not

* in my power to comply with the request, as it is de-
' termined to exchange no more gentlemen, until we
' have satisfaction for the treatment some of our's

< have received among you, particularly, till it is
' agreed to exchange Captain Constable and Lieuten-
' ant Dawkins, for officers of their rank. On the
' contrary, I intend very soon to summon in, every

463

< gentleman that has been admitted to parole, during
« my march from Georgia.'

* I have the honor to be, &c.

' A. Provost.

« Brig. Gen. Moultrie.*

Letter from Gen. Lincoln.

« Head-Quarters, May 26th, 1779.

< Dear Sir,

< I WISH to see you this evening at the ferry house;

< I will cross the ferry and meet you between 9 and
« 10 o'clock. I have something to communicate,
« which I dare not commit to writing, and which
« ought not to be delayed.

< I am, Sec.

' B. Lincoln.
< Brig. Gen. Moultrie.'

Letter from Gen. Provost.

< Head-Quarters, 27th May, 1779.

< Sir,

' Having received information that Capt. Knowles

< of his majesty's navy, had fallen into your hands,
« I am to propose his exchange for Major Habers-

< ham, who shall immediately be ordered at liberty,
* and permission for him to return to the American
« army. Or any other Major that may be in our
« hands. I have to request likewise, to be furnished

464

< with a list of those officers of the navy that may
' have been taken at that time, or since.

* I have the honor to be, &c.

^ A. Provost.
* Brig. Gen. Moultrie.*

Letter from Gen. Lincoln.

MS Mile-house, Mrs. Ellis', 30th May, 1-779.

10 o'clock, A. M.
< Dear Sir,

* The enemy are throwing up some works at
' Stono-ferry, where they are collecting their schoon-

* ers and boats. I hope our armed vessels will keep
' them from getting to sea in their craft, while we

* watch their motions on the land.

* I am, &c.

< B. Lincoln.

* Brig. Gen. Moultrie.'

Letter from Gov. Rutledge.

*May 3Ist, 1779.
^ Dear Sir,

* On my return home just now, I was informed by
* one of the aids, of a message from you, that you
' intended sending a fxag to General Provost, and
' wished to know, if Lieutenant Knowles might be
' escbanR-ed for Major Habersham, or some other

465

' officer, in the enemy's hands; but I cannot consent

* to a proposition of this kind : I chuse to reserve

* Mr. Knowles, in order to exchange him, at a pro-

* per time, for any officer of the navy of this state,
' who may be taken.

* I am, Sec.

* J. RUTLEDGE.

* Brig. Gen. Moultrie.*

From Gen. Lincoln.
< 13 Mile-house,* June, 1st, 1779.
f Dear Sir,

' I RECEIVED yours of yesterday's date last even-

* ing. I am glad to hear that your armed vessels are

* gone round ; two of the enemy's gallies are ia

* Wadmalaw, and it is said, more are expected.

* They attacked a pilot boat and a small schooner,
' sent up yesterday by Captain Anthony, (on a sup-

* position that they were not vessels of force) and

* soon obliged our people to leave their little crafts

* We marched yesterday morning towards the ene-
' my ; but on their being reconnoitered by Count
' Paulaski ; he thought them too strongly posted and
^ of too great force for us to attack, and therefore or-

* dered the troops to retire. For particulars I refer

* Stono.

VOL. I, N 3

466

* you to Major Oliphant, who will wait on you with

* this and give you them.

* I am, &c.

< B. Lincoln.
'Gen. Moultrie.'

From Gen. Huger.

* Camp, Stono, 1st June 1779.
< Dear Gen.

' Yesterday morning I was detached with one

* thousand foot to attack a post of the enemy's, at

* Stono-ferry (this side of the river) with Count Pau-
' laski and Horry's horse ; the light infantry and a

* party of Williamson's foot, to begin the attack on
' their right flank ; General Butler, with a party of
<■ his Brigade on their left ; the 1 st and 6th Carolina

* continentals, with four field-pieces with me j I was

* to charge them in front, and endeavor to force their

* lines, supported by General Lincoln, and the re-

* mainder of the army a mile in our rear. Count

* Paulaski on reconnoitering their works, found them

< entrenched with a line on their front, and flanked

* by batteries completely manned, with very large

* reinforcements from General Provost, too strong

< for us to attempt, therefore ordered me to retreat.
' A deserter shortly afterwards joined us, and said

46r

^ Colonel Provost was strongly posted at the ferry,

< with fifteen hundred ready to receive us.

* I am, &c.

* Isaac Huger.

* Gen. Moultrie.*

From Count Paulaski.

[Translation.]
< Farr's Plantatjon, June 2d, 1779.
<■ On reconnoitering the enemy we have had a
' skirmish. Two of my officers are wounded, and

< the enemy retired near a thick wood. We had de-
' termined to re-attack them in their Hnes, which

* were formed near the ferry ; but on their receiving

* reinforcements made us change our intention. To-
^ day we are informed that there are some of the en-

* emy's gallies in the river. I cannot find a favorable

* opportunity to act.

' I remain, &c.

' C. Paulaski.
' Gen. Moultrie.'

Letter to Gen. Provost.

* James'-Island, 4th June, 1779»
« Sir,

* I WAS honored with your two favors of the 27th
' inst. Captahi Knowles being captured by a ship of
' war of this state, must consequently be a prisoneJ

468

of war to this state. To exchange him for any-
other than a naval officer of South-Carolina, would
be prejudicing our marine; as it would be an injury
done our officers ; and though you may not know
any difference betwixt continental and state prison-
ers, you must allow the propriety of our making
the distinction. I am sincerely sorry Captain
Knowles' private affiiirs should suffer by his cap-
tivity, and would with pleasure, be of service to him,
where my being so. did not interfere with my duty
to my country. I cannot think, because v/e are
unwilling to ill treat the officers of our navy, to
favor one of your's, you will put your threat in
execution, of sending to New- York the prisoners
with you and in Georgia : a little reflection must
convince you of the injustice, as well as cruelty of
such a proceeding. I must observe to you also,
that there are num.bers of British prisoners in the
United States, and that unnecessary hardships and
severity shewn our people, unfortunate enough to
be in your pov/er, will demand a like treatment to
such of your's as the fortune of war may have
placed in our hands. With this I send you a list of
prisoners with us, who may be exchanged as soon
as agreeable to you. I likewise send you a letter I

received from Mr. P , by which you will learn

his opinion of his situation; Mr. M' >, if not

with you already, is on his way to your camp. I

469

•- will give notice to the gentlemen, a list of \vhose

* names you have sent me, and copies of whose

* paroles I have received, that you expect they will

* repair immediately to the head-quarters of his

* Britanic majesty's army on John's-Island. You

< have sent by mistake, two copies of Mr. M'Pherson's

* and Mr. Lyn's paroles ; so that I have received six

* copies of paroles, and not eight, as you mention.

* I know nothing of Captain Harrison, where he

* is, or who he is. Captain O , though indulged

< on parole, is not at liberty to act. The money
' brought from the last flag, from you, I have sent

* to our commissary of prisoners of war, who will

* deliver it as directed : I shall esteem it as a favor,
' of your permitting Mrs. S— -, Mrs. E— —, and

< families, to leave John's-Island. I will send a boat

< for them.. .where and when you may appoint, if you
^ grant them permission:

* I have the honor to be, yours, Sec.

< William Moultrie.*

From Gen. Pbovost,

He AD -Quarters, 5th June, 1779.

* Sir,

' I have the honor of your's of yesterday, and beg

* leave in the most sincere manner, to return my

* best thanks to you and the other gentleman, from
^ whom Captain Knowles receives civilities. As

470

i Captain Knowles is always employed with the

* army, I judged it fell to our share to exchange him,
' as much as to the navy ; and therefore proposed to

< give Major Habersham, a gentleman of character

< also, for him, or any other of that rank, you might
' pitch upon. I still think, it might be managed in
' this way, notwithstanding the distinction made by

* your governor ; and wish, for the sake of both the

* gentlemen, it might be so done ; Captain Knowles
' to act on the arrival of the other gentlemen

* with your army. Inclosed, I send you a list of

* prisoners* of war upon parole, who I desire may

* have directions to repair forthwith, to my head-

* quarters, to have their paroles renewed in more

* ample form, than the hurry of a march would admit

* of, I have the honor to be. Sec.

' Brig. Gen. Moultrie. A. Provost.*

Letter from the President of Congress,
WITH Resolves.
< Philadelphia, May I5th, 1779.
' Major Gen. Lincoln's ill state of health, has in-

* A list of which I shall keep to myself, of 1 6 prisoners ,
most of whom followed the British army to get a protection,
instead of being paroled ; some of them we found in town after
the evacuation, and some of them went off with the British.
Their petitions to the legislature, praying for mercy after we
came into town, will point out many of them.

471

* duced Congress to permit him to retire from a di-
< mate and service unfriendly to its recovery.

< I HAVE now the honor of transmitting to you, t
i copy of an act of the 13th instant, appointing you

* commander in his absence, during the continuence
^ of the Southern army to the southward of North*
J Carolina ; and until the further order of Congress.

< Accept my best wishes, that this appointment

* may be productive of fresh laurels, and that you

* may again be the instrument of encreasing the ho-

* nors and security of your country.

* I have the honor to be, Sec.

' John Jay, President.
* Brig. Gen. Moultrie.'

< In Congress, May 13th, 1779.
* Resolved that Brig. Gen. Moultrie, be com-

* mander, in the absence of Major Gen. Lincoln, of

* the Southern army, during its continuence to the

* southward of North-Carolina ; with the allowance

* of a Major General, on a separate command, until

* the further order of Congress.

' Extracts from the Minutes.

* Charles Thomson, Sec'ry.'

Answer to the President of Congress.
< Charlestown, June 7th, 1779.
i Sir,

' I have been honored with yours of 15th May,

472

^ inclosing the copy of a resolution of Congress ; by

* which I am, in the absence of Gen. Lincoln, ap-
' pointed commander in chief of the Southern army,
' during its continuence to the southward of North-

* Carolina : the present posture of affairs will, I

* trust, prevent Gen. Lincoln from availing himself
« of the permission granted him by Congress ; but
< should the state of his health require , at any fu-

* ture time, his return to the Northward, and de-
' prive us of an officer to whom the country is so

* much indebted, be assured, sir, that my ambition

* will be to supply so great a loss, to the best of my
' abilities ; and that my utmost endeavors will be ex-
' erted for the w^elfare of this sta^e, and in defence
' of our common cause : permit me, in the mean

* time, to make, through you, my most sincere ac-
' knowledgements to Congress, for this proof of the
' confidence they are pleased to honor me with.

* I have the honor to be, &c.

< Wm. Moultrie.
' His excellency John Jay, Esq.
' President of Congress.*

Letter to Gen. Provost.

'- Charlestown, June 8th, 1779.

^ Sir,

' Capt. Knowles having been frequently em-

* ployed with your army, does not, I conceive, ren-

* der him the less a sea-oincer, and as it is not at all

473

' impossible, but that some officer of our navy may fall

< into your hands ; the reasons urged by the governor

< for not exchanging him on the terms you propose,

* must appear a very proper one : let me, however,

< assure you sir, that Capt. Knowles shall, in the mean

* time, meet with every degree of attention that is

* due to a gentleman; and that the circumstances of

< the present juncture will admit of. Mr. W— , is

< on his way to Georgia ; but with respect to the

* other gentlemen, v/hose names are included in your
« list, as several deny their having been made prison-
' ers of war ; it is absolutely necessary that an au-

* thentic copy of each parole should be sent.

* I have the honor to be, Sec.

* Wm. Moultrie.'

From Gen. Lincoln.
* Near 13 Mile-house, Stono-feery,

* June 8th, 1779.

* Dear Sir,

' If the boats which were a few days ago at

* Ashley-ferry, have been sent to town, I wish you

* would give orders for all of them immediately to
' return to the ferry : and that they be kept under a
' good guard, on the Charlestown side, with orders,

* if the enemy should approach, to go up or down the

* river, as the tide may favor, and rather than let them

< fall into their hands, destroy them. The enemy
VOL. I. o 3

474

< seem to have in contemplation some movements;
' they will be attentively watched, and our troops
( ready to march on the shortest notice.

' I am, &c.

* B. Lincoln.
< Gen. Moultrie.*

The occasion of this letter, was, that we were
apprehensive the enemy would endeavor, by surprise,
to take our boats, to help themselves off.

From the Same.

< Camp, June 8th, 1779,
« Dear Sir,

< I HAVE not heard, since the return of Gen.
' Huger, any thing relative to the fleet, seen off Sto-
' no-inlet ; if you discover that which looks like a
' movement, pray give me the earliest notice of it,

< Col. Richardson, who is stationed near Rantowle's-

< bridge, v/ith a number of infantry and militia-horse,
' informs me, that a schooner or two, not far below

< it, were, the day before yesterday, loading, with
' what he could not ascertain, and that a detachment
' from Kershaw's regiment, had deserted their post :
* viz, 1 capt. 1 subaltern ; and 27 privates.

' I am, &;c.

* B. Lincoln.
' Gen. Moultrie.'

4>75

From the Same.
'Head-Quarters, 13 Mile-house, Stono.

< June 9th, 1779.

< Dear Sir,

< I DO myself the honor to inclose you a copy*

< of the two acts of Congress ;* one passed March

< irth, the other May 13th ; the former permitthig

< me to return Northward : the other appointing you
« to the command here ; a copy of which, I suppose

f has been sent you also : I congratulate you on the
« honor done you, and most cordially wish you full

< support ; and that these states may be soon extri-

* cated from their present embarrassments.

* I am, See.

< B. Lincoln.
« Gen. Moultrie.'

To Gen. Lincoln.
< Charlestown, June 10th, 1779.

< Dear Sir,

< This will be handed you by the Marquis De

* Bretigny ; who will give you a piece of intelligencef

< of very great consequence to us ; which should not

< be communicated to writing : you will, I doubt

* not, inform him of your plan of operations, for the

* Two acts, same as sent me by the president of Congress.
+ Relative to Count D'Estaing's coming to our assistance.

476

* reasons which he will mention to you. I send you
' Mr. Timothy's observations from the church stee-

* pie ; it seems as if the enemy had a mind to amuse

< us this way ; perhaps to play some other gam.e : I

< shall watch their motions closely, and doubt not,

* but you will observe them narrowly : I have sent a

* reinforcement of 40 men to Fort Moultrie,* which

* will make the garrison 300 strong.

' I am, &c.

' Wm. Moultrie.
< Gen. Lincoln.'

About this time. Gen. Lincoln was very much
displeased, because some ill natured persons bad
been casting reflections on him, for his having
marched up to Augusta with the main body of his
army ; and leaving the low country exposed to the
enemy ; and putting Charlestown in such im.minent
danger : these reflections v/ere thrown out by per-
sons who were not acquainted with Gen. Lincoln's
motives for taking that step, in which he was per-
fectly justifiable ; as the council of general officers,
held at Black-swamp on 19th of April, advised the
measures as being rational and proper. Gen. Lin-
coln was a brave, active, and very vigilant officer ;

* We were apprehensive the enemy would attempt to sur-
prise Fort Moultrie; we therefore always kept a strong gar-
rison there, with Gen. Marion.

477

and always so very cautious, that he would take no
stepof any consequence; without first calling a coun-
cil of officers, to advise with them on the measures.

Letter from Gen. Lincoln.

'Near 13 Mile-house, June 10th, 1779.
« Dear Sir,

* In your's of the 8th, you express a wish that I

* should still retain the command of the army in this

* state ; the same motives which led me here, would
' retain me, so long as my health should permit me
< to act : if there was the same prospect of rendering'

* sservices to ms country, as when I took command

* in this department ; but as it appears, from the un-

* kind declarations daily thrown out in your capital^

* that I have lost the confidence of the people ;

* whether justly or not, must be determined on some

* future day, without which, I can render little service

* to the public. I ought to retire ; for whenever this

* happens to be the case, I think a man should sa-

* crifice his own feelings to the public good, and
' resign the command into the hands of those that
< will render them more essential services. From
^ the attachment of the people to you, and your know-

* ledge, judgement, and experience in military mat-

* ters, I have great confidence, that you will command
' with honor to yourself, and with the approbation of

* your country ; that you may, and that it may soon

4rs

* be relieved from its present distresses, is the sin-

* cere wish of

' Dear sir, &c.

< B. Lincoln.

< Gen. Moultrie.*

Letter from Gov. Rutledge.

< June 11th, 1779.

< Dear Sir,

' You will hear what the bearer, Mr. M says

< with respect to the James'-Island company,* and the
« want of guards on Jamess '-Island, and about Wap-
' poo. Don't you think it would be best to bring

* that whole company to town, and send some othe r
' to do duty at those places instead of them, as they

* behave in such a manner; according to this man's
' account, they are of no kind of service, and guards
' are absolutely necessary, at James'-Island and

< Wappoo, to prevent a surprise.

' Your's, &c.

* J. Rutledge.
* Gen. Moultrie.*

* They would mount scarcely any guard, but contented
themselves in the d.iy to ride patrole, opposite to John's-Island,
where the enemy where encamped.. ..nay, some of them went
over to the British camp at night, in small canoes, and others
went to their homes; so that they could not be depended upon ;
it was therefore necessary to remove them to Ghaiiestown, and
put others in their room.

479

About the 15th of June, General Lincoln came to
town from his camp at Stono, to consult with the
goyernor and council, upon a plan of operation to
attack the British lines at Stono-ferry, with his
troops and a strong detachment from Charlestown, to
go over to James'-Island, to co-operate with occa-
sionally. After the plan was agreed upon, he sent
me the following order, and returned to his camp at
Stono.

Letter from Gen. Lincoln.

< Charlestown, June 16th, 1779.

< Sir,

< You will please to hold the troops in this garrison,

* in readiness to march on the shortest notice, with

* 50 rounds of cartridges to each man, 18 or 20 in
' their cartridge-boxes, and the remainder in good

* boxes to be put in waggons, which are to be held

* in readiness to move also ; the remainder of the

* fixed ammunition, so as to complete 100 rounds to
' be kept ready to follow as soon as possible. You
' will please immediately to procure a return of all
' the ordnance in town, their different calibers, and
' the quantity of fixed ammunition to each, and send
« me a copy as soon as possible. You will also call

< for a return of the artillery men, and if the number

< is not sufficient for the ordnance, you will please, by

* inlistment, or by draught, to complete their num-

480

* bers, for it is necessary, that the men should be,

* as early as may be, trained to the use of the guns,

< I am, &c.

' B. Lincoln.
* Gen. Moultrie.*

Letter from Gov. Rutledge.

< Charlestown, June 17th, 1779.

< Dear Sir,

< Mr. W- set off some time ago for Savannah,

< according to engagement. It does not appear to

* me that any other persons, whose names are men-
j tioned on the list inclosed in General Provost's let-

* ter of the 5th instant, are prisoners of war on
' parole, for several of them, to whom I have spoken,

* deny themselves to be so ; it is therefore necessary,

* in order to satisfy me what the nature of their parole

* is, and what directions I should with propriety give
' respecting them, that an authentic copy of each
' man's parole be transmitted to me.

'I am. Sec.

' J. RUTLEDGS.

' Gen. Moultrie.'

Letter from the Governor.

Thursday, half past 3, P. M.
« Dear Sir,

'The council have agreed that 1200 men shall ^o

481

« from this town, as proposed by Gen. Lincoln, of

* which you will please to acquaint him, that he may

* be preparing his disposition : you will, of course,
« take the necessary measures for your's ; and for

< informing yourself of every thing material to know

* with respect to landings, retreating, &c. if you

< want any thing done or ordered by me, or I can
' further any part of the service, only let me know
' how I may do it, and I will with the greatest rea-

* diness and pleasure.

' I am, &c.

< J. RUTLEDGE.

< P. S. Pray get Paulaski with all the horse to

< join Gen. Lincoln, as soon as you think they can ;

< I will send to Allston to do so.

* Gen. Moultrie.'

Letter fro3i Gen. Provost.

' Head-Quarters, June 17th, 1779.

< Sir,

< I AM again to propose the exchange of Capt.

< Knowles, for any Major you may pitch upon ; al-

• so Ensign M'Pherson of the 71st regiment, who was

* taken sick at Mrs. Heyward's, where it is believed

< he is still upon parole v^ith his servant : These gen-

* tlemen may be sent to Purisburgh, from thence to

• Savannah, where the exchange may take place.
What makes me so anxious for Capt, Knowles' ex-

VOL. !. P 3

482

< change, is. that I know his private affairs suffer by

< his captivity. We know no difference betwixt con-

< tinental and state prisoners ; to us they are all as

* one. I am therefore to inform you, that if this
' proposal is not now agreed to, I shall forthwith
^ order the prisoners, both here and in Georgia, to

* be sent to New-York ; there to be e xchanged by th

* commander in chief : and as we have now at Flat-

* bush on Long-Island upwards of 400 officers, prison
' ers, I fancy it v»^ill be some time before your south-

* ern gentlemen return to you.

' I have the honor to be, &:c.

* A. Provost.
< B. G
' P. S. You may have any field-officer for Capt.
' Knowles.*

' Gen. Moultrie.*

Letter from Gen. Provost.
^ 'Head-Quarters, 17th June, 1779.
' Sir,

* Colonel Provost beino; absent at the time I re-
^ ceived the honor of your last letter, relative to those
* gentlemen I had required lo come to renew their

* The more anxious Gen. Provost was for exchanging Capt.
Knowles, die less inclined was the governor and council to ex-
change him, thinking he was of so much use to the British
army that they could not do v/ithout him.

483

« patroles, has prevented my sending an answer

< sooner. The inclosed, are all that the hurry of a

< rapid march would permit us to take ; I beg leave

< to refer you sir, to the paragraph of Colonel Pro-

* vost*s letter, wherein, the reason he gives, I hope

< will appear such as to account to you for the

< seeming neglect of taking a verbal* word of honor,

< of people we then took to be gentlemen.

< Extract of Col. Provost's Letter.
« I AM sorry to find by your letter, that some per-

* sons (for they are not gentlemen) who were taken
' prisoners in our progress through Carolina, refuse
' to acknowledge themselves as such, and demand a
' copy of their paroles, in order to be convinced of
« their being prisoners ; it is a pity that General

< Moultrie did not see fit to mention their names,

< that he might have been furnished with authentic
' proofs of their villainy. On a march, it could not
' be expected that such persons would be dismissed

* with that formal regularity, which seems to be ex-

* A verbal parole ought to be held more sacred than a
written parole ; because a generous conqueror had an unbounded
confidence in his prisoner. Officers arc often paroled on the
field of battle, where there is not time for a written parole, in
that case, a gentleman will always consider himself as strictly
bound by his word, to the utmost extent ef a written parole.
At the same time, it is to be understood, that your adversaries
conduct themselves with propriety, and agreeably to the customs
of war.

484

^ pected* A gentleman's honor, to consider himself
' a prisoner in every respect, not to act against the
' king's troops, and to surrender himself when called
' upon, was deemed sufficient ; his name Avas taken

* down and he was suffered to depart. I hope that

' neither Mr. P ' nor Mr. M' are of the num-

« ber. Mr. W and D , taken together by

' Major Barron, and a party sent to view the coun-

' try, Mr. H. and many others, can hardly have

' forgot their engagements. I can put Mr. P

* in mind of some circumstances relative to his ov/n
' parole, that would put him to the blush, if he is
^ guilty of denying it.'

' How far I am justifiable in my opinion, I leave

* you sir, to judge. I therefore again urge these
^ people's returning to my camp, agreeable to my
^ former summons ; otherwise they will be wholly
' blameable for any severity that may be inflicted in
' future, on those who may fall in our way. I am

^ to mention a Captain H , a mariner of your's,

^ v/ho v/as permitted to return on parole to Carolina ;

* the same indulgence was given to a Captain O

* of our's, therefore, I wish to know if an exchange is
« admitted, and whether they are looked upon to be

485

* at liberty. I send with this, copies of paroles in my
' hands, eight in number.

'■ I have the honor to be, &c.

* A. Provost.
< Brig. Gen. Moultrie.*

From the Governor.

'June 1 8th, 1779.

* Sir,

< Inclosed are the minutes of the council, on the

« case of captain Knowies, also of Mr. M' and Mr.

' S , who are the only prisoners mentioned on

' the list sent by General Provost, some time ago,

* and demanded as prisoners of war on Paroles, that

* appear to be so.

' I am, &c.

' J. RUTLEDGE.

< Gen. Moultrie.'

The above letter shows that the governor and
council took upon themselves to judge of the validity
of a parole, and in their opinion a verbal parole was
of no consequence : in my opinion, a verbal parole
ought to be held more sacred than a written one, as
your adversary had an unbounded confidence in your
word.

486

F»oM Col. Parsons, on his Parole.
*Dear Sir, * June 18th, 1779.

' In answer to what Gen. Provost is pleased to

* say in his letter to you, to wit : that ' he could put
' me in mind of some circumstances relative to my

* parole (as he called it) that would put me to the

* blush, if I was guilty of denying it :' I think it be-

* hoves me to acquaint you, that after my arrival in
' town, in consequence of the governor's proclama-
' tion, I told him of every circumstance that then
' occurred to me to be material, that happened to
' me on the day, and at the time; that in a very po-
' lite manner I received unasked for, (but, as I ve-

* rily believe, upon a supposition that I came for it)
' a paper, purporting that I was at liberty to return
' to my family ; and that I was not to be molested
^ in my person, family, or property ; and that I also
' shewed the governor that paper, and said, then
' a.nd since, that if an express parole had been in-
' sisted upon, 1 would have given it, but that no
' such had been demanded from, or given by me ;

* and if I was to die this moment, I would declare
' with sincerity, and without blushing, that I do not
*• recollect there was ; but I do now remember, which

* I take to be the circumstance Gen. Provost alludes

* to, that after the paper was delivered to me, which
' I shewed you also, signifying that I was at liberty

* to return to my family, and not to be molested, Sec.

487

< I went back into the tent, and told Col. Provost

* that I thought it incumbent on me, to acquaint

* him, that I was not going to return, but intended

* to come on towards town, or to that effect ; and
' that he politely answered, I might go v/here I

* pleased : under these circumstances, I confess I

* thought that whilst I reaped the benefit of the pro.

* taction, I ought not, nor would voluntarily take up
' arms ; and now, though it has not secured me from

< being, since I got it, plundered of upwards of sixty

< negroes, many horses, geldings, mares, colts, cat-

< tie, sheep, household furniture, &c. I pretend not

* to judge for myself, but would rather suffer any
' hardships my broken spirits and constitution are

< able to bear, than even an enemy should have just
' reason to complain of my want of honor or candor,

* or that any man should suffer, in the least degree?
' from a justly conceived idea I had deviated from
' either ; however, as the governor and council, it

* seems, have resolved that no inhabitant shall be
' considered as a prisoner of war, or exchangeable
' as such that was not taken in arms ; as it is not in

* my power, of my own accord, to go and give a for-
' mal parole, and as an inquiry is ordered to be made

* and now on foot, whether I am not to be consider-
' ed, in consequence of my receiving the paper be-
' fore mentioned, as inimical to this country ; I have

* it not in my power to dispose of myself, but ac-

48S

* cording to the will of the ruling powers, and these,

* I will readily obey, if I shall be considered, even
' constructively, as upon parole, v/hich may, for

* ought I can or will take upon me to judge, be the
' situation in which I ought to be considered.

' I am, dear sir, your most obedient,
* and very humble servant.

* James Parsons.
* Gen. William Moultrie.

From Gov. Rutledge.

June 19th, half past 8, P. M.

< Dear Sir,

' General Lincoln, in a letter just received, has

* communicated to me the contents of his letter to

< you, brought, I presume, by the same opportunity,
» and added, " I beg your assistance in this matter."
' Inclosed are instructions to the captains of the gal-
' lies, and to the public boat-keepers, to follow your
' orders respecting the gallies and boats, as I think it

* probable, that the former may be useful, and the
' others necessary, on this occasion. You will

* therefore be pleased to give such orders, as you
' think proper, about them. If I can give any fur-

* ther, or other aid, I v/iil readily, on knowing what
' may be desired.

' I am sir, your most obedient servant.

'Gen- Moults rE« J. Rutledge,*

489

From Gen. Lincoln.

< SxoNo-FfiRRY, June 19th, 1779,

< Dear Sir,

< You will please, immediately on the receipt of
' this, (unless you should see some good reason) to

< throw over on James'-Island, all the troops which

* can be spared from town ; shew them to the enemy

< on John's-Island ; carry your boats up Wappoo-

* cut, ready to throw your men on John's-Island, in

< case an opportunity should offer without risking

* too much. If you should liear any firing in the

* morning at Stono-ferry and find the enemy on

* John's-Island moving from you, you will endeavor

< to tread on their heels. I have written to Coxint Pau-

* laski, to aid you in your movements.

* I am, &c.
* Gen. Moultrie. B.Lincoln.'

To GfiN. Lincoln.

< Wappoo, June 20th, 1779.

< Dear Sir,

' I this moment arrived at this place with about

< 700* rank and file, with one galley, not yet through

< the cut. I am very sorry I could not get to this

* place by the time you appointed : the want of boats?

* Besides a number of gentlemen volunteers, who went over
with me.

vol. I. (^3

490

* vessels, &c. made it impossible ; especially as I

* hear you have had a skirmish with the enemy to
< day. I send to know your orders, and what plan
' we can co-operate in together. I shall not under-

* take any thing material, till I hear from you.

* I am, &c.

* Wm. Moultrie.
' Gen. Lincoln.*

Before I had got half way over with the detach-
ment from Charlestown to Jamcs'-Island, General
Lincoln had begun his attack on the British lines at
Stono-ferry, and the firing was intirely over before
v/e arrived at Wappoo-cut. General Lincoln, after
having some men killed and wounded, finding he
could make no impression on the British lines, drew
off his men, and retired to his camp, about two miles
back.

A LETTER from General Lincoln, which ac-
counts for his attacking the enemy before I
could get to Wappoo-cut. He was apprehensive
they would get off before he could have a stroke at

them.

* Near Stono, June 20th, 1779.

* Dear Sir,

* From various accounts of deserters, and others,

* which we were informed of by a person of charac-
' ter, who left the enemy's lines the evening before

491

the last, I was led to believe that they were retreat-
ing, and by the same person who spent a day in
their lines at Stono-ferry, that their whole force
then did not exceed six hundred men : we thought
it our duty to attack them this morning ; this
resolution caused me to write to you yesterday,
requesting you would attempt to divert them on
John's-Island. The attack was made, which lasted
about 56 minutes, during that time, we had some
officers and men wounded, and some few men killed,
among the former, was our brave and good friend
Colonel Roberts, since dead of his wounds. The
enemy did not choose to leave their lines, and being
much better covered therein, than was expected,
and having in the time of the action, received a very
considerable reinforcement, I was induced to with-
draw our troops, after securing our wounded, wag-
gons and artillery, as I saw no prospect of continue
ing with any rational hope of success. In justice
to the officers and men, I must say they behaved
well in general. I wish the troops had been so
broken to service as that they could have been
brought to charge the enemy with fixed bayonets.
The soldiers are in good spirits, and think that if
they had had the enemy out of the lines, they
could have flogged them easily I think they

492

f would : it is said by many of the officers* who saw

* the enemy's dead, that their loss is very consider-

* able. If your troops are on James'-Island, it will

* be well to keep them there, (if it can be done with
' safety to the town,) for probably you may aid there-

* by some future movements of ours. I yet think

* the enemy mean to leave their present post soon,

* and hope we shall have an opportunity of harrassing
' their rear. After a little rest, I shall be able to

* give you a more particular state of matters, than I

* can undertake at present, having been ten hours on

* horseback, without any sleep. I cannot get a list

* of the wounded officers, none were left dead on
< the field. Major Anerum is dangerously wounded,

* Colonel Lamoy and General Huger, had each a

* slight wound.

* There was a creek on the right of the enemy's

* works, which ran in front of the redoubts, and

* which was the real reason why our continental

* troops did not storm the works as was intended :

* we were wholly ignorant of there being such an

* obstruction in the advance of our troops, otherwise,

* our order of attack would have been reversed :
^ however, it proved the bravery of our men, who

• Part of our army got into the enemy's lines, upon their
left, a party sallied out upon our left, where Colonel Hender-
son and Major Pinckncy were with a detachment, ihey were
soon drove, leaving an officer and some men behind.

493

' marched to the very brink of the creek, and there
' remained exposed to the fire of the enemy, who

* were under cover, by their works. The order for

* retreat was not given, until the causeway, which is

* three-fourths of a mile long, and twenty-eight feet

* wide, leading from John's-Island, (and which you

* might clearly discern from our right) was completely

* covered from the woods down to the river, with

* the Biitish reinforcements. The retreat was con-
' ducted in an orderly and regular manner, our

* platoons frequently facing about and firing by the

* word of command iipon their pursuers, who, how-

* ever, very soon gave over the chase.

* I am, Sec.

« B. Lincoln.

* Gen. Moultrie.*

Letter from Gov. Rutledge.

* Sunday night, past 10 o'clock.
< Dear Sir,

* I SEND Major Harleston, with a letter for you

* from General Lincoln, which I opened, understand-

* ing there had been an action ; I make no doubt you

* will not keep the troops on James'-Island, if you

* apprehend that the safety of the town would be in

* danger by your so doing. I wish to know by a

* line from you, by Major Harleston in the morning.

494

« what resolution you take, in consequence of what
< has happened or what may, before you write.
' Your's, &c.

* J. RUTLEDGE.

* Gen. Moultrie.*

Letter from Gen. Lincoln.

' Head-Quarters 13 Mile-house,
' Dear Sir, June, 21st, 1779.

' Your favor from Wappoo of yesterday's date, I

* received last night. I am of the same opinion, as
' when I wrote you yesterday : that it would be well

* to keep all the troops which can be spared from

< Charlestown, on James'-Island, ready to throw

* across to John's-Island, when a favorable oppor-
' tunity shall offer. I yet think that the enemy
' mean soon to remove, but expect to know more
' of the matter between this and the evening. As

* early as wq can co-operate with a probability of
' success, I will give you the earliest notice of it.

< I am, &c.
' Gen. Moultrie. B. Lincoln.*

Letter from Gen. Provost.

' Head-Quarters, John's-Island,

< Sir, June 21st, 1779.

* I expected before now to have had an answer
' to my two last, sent you on the 17th. The letters

495

' herewith now sent, were omilted. I shall be glad
< you would direct Captain Knowles to be delivered.
* There is also some money sent by this opportunity^
' which I suppose will be delivered as directed.
*" I have the honor to be, &c.

' A. Provost.

* Gen. Moultrie.*

Extract of a Letter from Col. Grimkie,
To J. Kean, Esq.
< Camp at Sommers, June 21st, 1779.

* The enemy having established themselves at
Stono-ferry, on the Main ; maintained a garrison
in their works, of about 5 or 600 men. It was of
the utmost consequence that it should be in their
possession, as it secured the navigation of the Sto-
no-river, and facilitated their retreat to Georgia)
towards which place all their movements pointed :
they had already withdrawn their cavalry to John's-
Island, where the main body of their army v/as en-
camped: their transports had arrived from Savan-
nah, and the baggage was embarking. The sea-
son for action was almost exhausted ; and the heat
of the weather, or the attendant disorders of our
summer, would very shortly have put an end to
the contention of the two armies, and compelled
them to retire into Summer quarters. The cam-
paign had as yet for us been unfortunate ; for af-

496

* ter the retreat of the army out of Georgia, a feeble

* and fruitless attempt was made on the enemy's gal-
< lies, in the river Savannah : a detachment of Geor-

* gia continental troops, and North-Carolina militia,

* amounting to 7 or 800 men, had been surprised?
' and totally routed at Brier-creek : and the march

* of Gen. Lincoln to Augusta, 120 miles from the

* town of Savannah, to cross the river there, into
.* the state of Georgia ; had left the state of South-
t Carolina open to the irruptions of the enemy, who

* had appeared before, and summoned Charlestown to

* surrender ; spreading ruin and devastation from

* the Savannah, to the Ashley-river : a proper and
' well concerted attack upon the enemy at Wappoo,
c whilst they were divided in their force, was coun-
' termanded, almost at the very moment of the as-

* sault on their works : in consequence of which,
' Gen. Paulaski had withdrawn his legionary corps
' from the service, in disgust. Our army now en-

* camped at Sommers, mouldering away : the South-
' Carolina militia under Gen. Williamson, were re-
' tiring home privately, and individually ; and the

* time of the Virginia and North-Carolina militia,
' would expire in a few days. This was the situation

* of the two armies, when Gen. Lincoln called a
' council of war, on the evening of the 19th of June,
« wherein it was determined to attack the enemy's

' post at Stono-ferry, on the next morning : the ar-

497

< my was in motion at midnight ; and having joined
the battalion of light-infantry, under Lieut. Col.
Henderson, which had been advanced towards the
enemy's works ; we arrived about an hour after
day-break before the works, the front of the ene»
my was covered by two square redoubts, and a bat-
tery between them of three pieces of ordnance,
which pointed down the road leading from the
ferry, over Wallis-bridge, to Charlestown : their
right was secured by a marsh, and a deep creek,
over which led a very narrow causeway that was
defended by a round redoubt, and one piece of ar-
tillery, posted on the outside of this last work : a
small breast- work on the bank of, and at right an-
gles with the river, sufficient to cover about 80 or
100, with 2 field-pieces, protected the landing ;
and between this w^ork, and their left square re-
doubt, mentioned before, was almost equidistantly
placed a small flank : the river covered their rear ;
and an abbattis surrounded the whole of their
works. Our flanks were covered by the two batta-
lions of light-infantry : the left of our line was com-
posed of continental troops, under Gen. Huger,
with 4 field-pieces ; and the brigade of North and
South-Carolina militia, with 2 field-pieces, under
Gen. Sumner, formed our left : In the rear of this
body was posted the Viri^inia militia, with 2 field-

VOL. I, R 3

4$S

* pieces in reserve ; and the cavalry were posted up-

* on the right of the reserve, and rather more retired.

« The position of the enemy was nearly in the

* center of an old field, (extending about a mile along;

* the river) and was advanced about 200 yards from
' its margin,

< Unfortunately for us, by the misinformation

< of our guides, we formed our line at the distance

< of three quarters of a mile from the enemy's works,
' which retarded the progress of the right of our ar-

* my, very much, as the ground over which they

* had to pass, was very fully wooded with a vast

* number of pine saplings ; the left advanced with

< more facility, as the grou>id over which they pass-

< ed, had never been cleared, and was wooded only

< with full grown, tall, and stately pines. Our light-

* troops soon drove in their picquets, who made lit-
I tie or no resistance : and the battalion commanded
« by Lieut. Col. Henderson on our left, in endeavor-

* ing to gain his position, fell in with two companies

< ol the 7 1st regiment, which had been posted in the

< woods, with a design of checking those daily at-
i tacks, which our light troops had been accustom-

< ed to make upon them every morning. Lieut Col.
' Henderson, who was in column, when he first per-

< ceived the Highlanders, formed under their fire

< very deliberately, and returned it ; then, ordering

* a charge with bayonets, drove the enemy with

499

< great precipitation into their works, leaving nearly
* half of their men killed or wounded on the field.'

To Gen. Paulaski.
* Hudson's, James'-Island, June 22d, 1779.

* Dear Sir,

* I WAS just now honored with your favor. I

* have ordered the batteau to the cut ready to bring

* over any horses. I shall have a bridge made over
' there, very soon ; in the mean time, a dozen horse

* will be sufficient to assist us in patroling the island,

* these we can swim over the cut for the present ser-

* vice. Any information that may fall in your way,

* I make no doubt, but that you will acquaint me
< with.

* I am, &c.

< Wm. Moultrie,*

Orders to Capt. Pyke.

» Hudson's, June 2 2d, 1779.
' Sir,

' You will proceed with the three gallies under

* your command, to Stono-ferry, there you are to
' endeavor to destroy a bridge of boats* the ene-

* my have thrown over the river. In your pas-

* We were infornned the enemy h^d a bridge of boats, at
Stono-ferry, from John's-Island to Stono, but it was not so :
they had boats at the ferry, but no bridge.

500

sage up, and on your return, you are to sink,
burn, and destroy any of the enemy's boats or
vessels that you may meet with ; if you should
succeed in destroying the bridge of boats, you are
to send me an account, either by land or water,
as you shall judge best, and remain in some place
of safety, until you receive your further orders.
Should any troops be landed, the Marquis de
Bretigney will take the command.
' I am, See.

* William Moultrie.*

To Marquis de Bretigney.

<SlR5

< June 22d, 1779»

* You will proceed with the gallies that may be

* ordered for the service intended, and will take

< the command of any troops on board, if a landing

^ shall be thought practicable and necessary.

< 1 am, &c.

* Wm. Moultrie,*

To Gen. Lincoln.

* Hudson's, June 22d, 1779.
i Dear Sir,

' I AM to inform you that I have got three gallies
^ through the cut. I mean to attack the enemy's

50 i

bridge of boats to night ; this deterrni nation is so
sudden, and so necessary to be executed immedi-
ately, that I could not have any time to consult on
any plan with you, as the enemy may make pre-
parations for us. I think if we can cut off their
communication, the remainder of the work will be
easy. I have sent to General Paulaski, who is en-
camped at Savage's, to be in readiness, should w&
have occasion for him. I imagine the gallies may
get up about two or three o'clock in the morning.
< I am, &c.

* Wm. Moultrie.'

From Capt. Pyne.

< RuTLEDGE-GALLEY, June 2od, 1779.

<SlR,

* Last night the three gallies got under way from

* Wappoo, in order to proceed to Stono-ferry ; we
' passed by Gibbs' without any interruption ; on
« coming up to Stanyard*s received a brisk fire from

< the enemy, witti field-pieces and small-arms ; not-

< withstanding their perpetual fire, for three-quarters
' of an hour, we took a schooner from under their
« guns, and after silencing their guns, we went up

< the river, and met with another attack, at the next

* bluff, from a battery consisting of three field-pieces

< and a great deal of musketry : when we had si-

502

< lenced that battery, day-light coming on, and the

* tide being spent, were under the necessity of coming

< to anchor, off Mr. Thomas Eveleigh*s plantation,

* where we now are : at sun rise we discovered about
' 1,200 men in camp, and on the causeway with

* cannon intrenched. The pilots informed me that
' we must pass within pistol-shot of their intrench-

* ment, on which I thought prudent to acquaint

* your honor of their force : we now lay in safety,

< and bhall remain until further orders. We like-
' wise discovered them sinking a large schooner

* under their cannon in the river, to obstruct our

< passage through. •We amuse them sometimes with

< a round shot into their camp.

< From yours, Sec,

'James Ptne. "^ Captains
)f the gal-

*Abel Frisbie. ^ofth(
'Capt. BouTARD.J lies.

' Gen. Moultrie.'

To Capt. Pyne.
<SiR, ' Hudson's June 25d, 1779.

' As the enemy must be much alarmed from the
< firing last night, I would have you advise with your

* captains, to consider whether you can proceed any

* further with a probability of success, without risking

* too much. I leave to you, and their determination

503

< whether it is best to return : let me know what

* damage you have sustained.

'P. S. SiNCt the above, I have received your joint

* letter, informing me of your success; on which,

* I congratulate you, and leave intirely to the deter*
« mination of yourself, and the other captains, whether

* to proceed or not.

< I am, &c.

' Wm. Moultrie.*

From Capt. Pyne.

<SlR,

* RuTLEDGE-GALLEY, June 23d, 1779.

< I RECEIVED your's, and have consulted with the

' other captains of the gallies, and they all judge it

* best to return.

< I have the honor to be. See.

' J. PYNKe

' Gen. Moultrie.*

To the Governor.

< Hudson's, June 23d, 1779.

< Dear Sir,

* The gallies returned last light, bringing with

* them their prize schooner : the enemy made great

< preparation for them on their way back ; they had

* several batteries built, with two nine pounders

504

* mounted, and field-pieces ; had they not returned

* when they did, the banks of the river would have

* been so strongly fortified, as v/ould have stopped

* them altogether, or at least done them great dam-

* age. When I found they were received so warmly

* the first night, I sent over land to Captain Pyne,

* desiring him to call the captains together, to know
'* whether they should proceed or not, they agreed

* to return. I believe they killed some of the enemy

* and disconcerted their camp pretty much, &c. By

* the return of the boats made me, I have not more
' than will carry 320 men : I shall be obliged to

* your excellency, to order me as many more : Capt.

* Pyne informs they are in want of ammunition, Sec.

I am, &c.

' Wm. Moultrie.*

From the Governor.

'June 24th, 1779.
' Dear Sir,

« I RECEivEiD your's per Capt. Anthony, and
' am sorry to hear Boutard suffered so considerably :*
« I have desired Capt. Blake to take the necessary
* measures, for sending on immediately, the boats,

* Beuiard liad six \v,hn kilktl, and a number v/ounded.

505

< cannon, ammunition, Sec. you desire, which I
* doubt not, he will directly.
* I am, &c.

< J. RUTLEDGE.

« Gen. Moultrie.*

From Gen. Lincoln.

* Head-Quarters near Stono-ferry.

« June 24th, 1779, 8 o'clock, P. M.

< Dear Sir,

< I have just received information that the ene-

< my have abandoned their post at Stono-ferry ; when

< this movement took place, it is uncertain, as \^
' was discovered this evening by a party who had
' been near their lines all day. If the enemy on

< John's-Island appear to be retreating, tread on their

* heels, if you can do it, without risking too much :*

< if they mean to keep their present station, watch

* them J and send to town for flats, suitable to trans*

• I had not boats, to take over the river, more than 320 at
one time, which would have been much too few to leave on the
Island, until I could make a trip or two moie.

506

^ port artillery ; and give me the earliest information

* in what state matters are : if they have moved, you
< will please to send a boat down the river, to watch

* their movements, in case they put to sea.

< I am, &c.

<B. Lincoln.
* Gen. Moultrie.*

END OF THE FIRST VOLUME.

MEMOIRS

OF THE

AMERICAN REVOLUTION,

so FAR AS IT RELATED TO

THE STATES OF NORTH AND SOUTH
CAROLINA, AND GEORGIA.

compiled from the most authentic materials, the
author's personal knowledge of the various events,
and including an epistolary correspondence on
public affairs, with civil and military officek.s,
at that period.

BT WILLIAM MOULTRIE,

LATE GOVERNOR OF THE STATE OF SOUTH CARO-
LINA, AND MAJOR GENERAL IN THE ARMY
OF THE UNITED STATES DURING
THE AMERICAN WAR.

VOL. II
NEW-YORK:

PRINTED BY DAVID LONGWORTH,

FOR THE AUTHOR.

1802.

[Copj'right Sscured."]

CAkNCB

MEMOIRS

OF THE

AMERICAN REVOLUTION

General Lincoln attacking the British lines at
Stono-ferry, and I attacking them from James'-Is-
land with the gallies, made their situation on John's-
Island, rather unpleasant ; and, no doubt, they ex-
pected we should make some other movements to-
wards them ; they therefore thought it best to quit
that place, and get to a place were they could be
supported by their shipping ; accordingly they went
from Island to Island, until they got to Port-royal,
where they established a strong post at Beaufort ;
we never could get a sufficient number of boats to
follow them, as they had possession of that part of
the country where most of the boats belonged.

To Gov. RUTLEDGE.

< J/viMEs'-IsLAND, Juuc 25th, 1775.
* Dear Sir,

< By a letter I received this morning from Gen.
^ Lincoln, I am informed that the enemy are moving,
^ and have actually quitted Stono-ferry ; this is con-
^ jfirmed by private intelligence of my own j so that

* there is not left the least room for doubt : a party

* is sent down the river to perceive something of
» their motions, if possible ; and another party is

* this moment embarking, with a view of reconnoi-

* tering that part of the Island which is nearest us.

* Permit me, sir, to request an additional number of

* boats and flats ; they may be indispensibly nc-

* cessary.

' I am, Sec.

' Wm. Moultrie.*

From Gov. Rutledge.

<Charlestown, June 26th, 1779.

* Dear Sir,

* Notwithstanding repeated orders to the
' commissioners of the navy to have flats and other

* boats collected and sent to you, I apprehend there

* is, as usual, in all our operations, which com-

* monly renders them of less consequence than they
' otherwise would be, much delay ; and Major Har-

* leston having off*ered his service to go about and
' collect all that may be necessary, and proceed with
' them to your camp ; I have requested him to do

* SO....I hope he will obtain a sufficient number of

* boats to transport Paulaski's horse, also Gen. Lin-
' coin's troops of infantry ; as well as yourself; for
' if a blow of any importance is to be struck, (your

* men being too few) it seems requisite that you and

< they should co-operate with each other : you will

< of course, apprize them of the number of boats you

< have, and concert with them the most effectual

< plan for annoying the enemy. I understand they
' have not vessels enough to carry off all their own

< troops at once ; (much less the negroes, and plun-

< der they have taken) so that some will probably

< wait for the return of the vessels.

* I am, &c.

< J. RUTLEDGE.

* Gen. Moultrie.'

To Gen. Lincoln.
* James'-Island, June 26th, 1779.
<Dear Sir,

< From all the information I have been able to

< collect, and particularly from a deserter who came

< in this morning, and left the enemy about 5 o'clock
« yesterday afternoon it seems certain that they

* are all gone on board of their shipping : I had no

< opportunity of giving them a blow on their retreat,

< it was so sudden and so rapid : I had ordered a

* party, and a field-piece already in the boat, when
«'I received a letter from Capt. Hall, informing me

* that the enemy were busily employed in throwing

* up some intrenchments at Mr. William Gibbs*, and

< that a great body of them were there : this deter-

* mined me to countermand my order ; the next

VOL. II. B

* account I had of them, was at night, when they

* were at Simons'-Island, and embarking ; I then
thought it needless to follow them, as it would be

* carrying my troops at too great a distance from

* town :* I have sent the gallies to endeavor to take
'^ some of their transports, or destroy them : Capt.

* Anthony and INIilligan are going to observe the

* motions of the enemy, they will call on you for

* any orders you may have.

* I am, &c.

' Wm. Moultrie.

* P. S. Since writing the above, two sergeants,

' deserters, are come in, they say the enemy have

* not vessels sufficient to carry them all off at once ;
*^ the 7 1st and light-infantry are now halted at the

* meeting house ; I have too few to attack them : I
' shall therefore send some flats and boats to the
< ferry, to facilitate your crossing : I will join you

* if you think necessary.'

On the 27th June, I ordered all my boats from
Wappoo-cut to Glen's-landing ; and on the 28th cm-
barked all my troops and landed them in Charles-
town about noon. About the 30th instant, I was or-
dered out, to take the command of the army at Sto-
no J Gen. Lincoln wishing to come to Charlestown.

* We always kept in view ; that the enemy might come
round by water, and attack the town.

To Gov. RUTLEDGE.

< Stono, July 3d, 1779.

« Dear Sir,

* From Gen. Williamson's information, I find
it is impossible to keep his men in the field any
longer ; and the expectation of a relief for them, is
intirely vanished ; as I saw a letter from Col. Lyle,
and others, in that part of the country, to William-
son, informing him he could not get the men to
march down this way ; and as an excuse they have
played the old stale game of Cameron's being in
the Cherokees, v/ith a number of white men and
Indians, ready to fall on their part of the country ;
and also 1,000 tories coming from North-Carolina,
&c. In short, I cannot tell what to advise, unless
we could discharge all our back country militiai
and begin a new plan with them, such as the le-
gislature may adopt ; I think it would be best : I
have prevailed upon Williamson's men to stay un-
til I hear from you ; when I did not doubt but that
they would be allowed to return home, especially
as most of these men are the best of them, and have
been in the field five months..,.! shall be glad to
have your ansv/er soon.

' I am, &c.

* Wm. Moultrie.'

To Gen. Lincoln.
« Stono, Sommer*s, July 3d, 1779>
' Dear Sir,

* I HAVE nothing extraordinary to write you

< from hence : by a letter from Colonel Horry, which

< is dated Port-royal-ferry, July 1st, I am informed

< that the enemy's army are not yet got to Beaufort,
^ that only a party of marines, were on that island,

* and stationed opposite his post, but upon his ap-
^ pearance they were called in, and went on board the
^ Vigilant and two transports which lay there, that
^ they had no more than 200 hundred men altogether
^ at that place, including the Vigilant's crew. By
^ three deserters from the enemy's gallies yesterday,
^ I am informed that they are still on Edisto-Island,

< but they agree that their intention is to go for
^ Beaufort. I think it not adviseable to move from
' hence, while they remain where they are. The
' North-Carolinians begin to move to day, their sick

* and weak, 202, the remainder will go next Sunday
'' week. I fear I shall not be able to detain our mi-

* litia any longer. Williamson tells me his men
^ seem determined to go in a few days ; no argument
^ can prevail on them to stay. I herewith send you
^ a letter from Governor Houston, with inclosed
^ letters and papers from Colonel Dooley, I am un-
^ acquainted with any plan you have directed, there-

( fore could say nothing to him. I shall he glad of
' your instructions.

' I am, Sec,

< Wm. Moultrie.'

From Gen. LiNcoLir.
* Head-Quarters, Charlestowk,
< July 4th, 1779,

* Dear Sir,

* I RECEIVED your*s of yesterday, this morning.

* I wish you would immediately send to Mr. Goi-

* phins 500 pounds of powder, lead, flints, and 100
^ stand of arms, under the escort of the Georgia

< Brigade, which will remain in that part of the

* country, till further orders. After we came to the

* 13 Mile-house, (Stono) I was informed that tl>e

* enemy had left the state of Georgia ; upon that I

* advised the inhabitants thereof, to collect and at-^

< tempt to gain as much of it as possible. On this

* recommendation they have assembled 4 or 500 men,

* and wish to be aided in the attempt, but as our

* little army will soon be reduced ; I have written

< to Colonel Dooley that he must at present content

< himself with covering the upper part of the country,

* for we cannot reinforce him, but with the few Geor-

* gia troops, whose times are near out and who it is

* said, can be engaged provided they can return. I ,
' think you judge right in keeping your ground until

* the enemy leave Edisto-Island, or at least till their

* main body do it.

' I am, Sec.

' B. Lincoln.
* Gen. Moultrie.*

To Gen. Lincoln.

' Stono, July 5th, 1779.

* Dear Sir,

' I HAVE just received information from different
' quarters, that the enemy are now upon Port-ioyal-
' Island. In consequence, I have ordered Colonel

* Pinckney's and the Georgia brigade, to be ready

* to march to-morrow morning early, and shall order

* General Sumner's to follow the next day ; I shall

* march them in divisions, because it would be in-

* convenient to have them all together, when they

* came to cross the rivers. I propose forming my
' camp near Colonel Garden's, and keep my picquets
' on the river side; I shall order two field-pieces
' with each division, the remainder of the artillery

* I think may be as well sent to*town ; but for this
' I shall wait your orders. I shall remain here a day

* or two longer, to know your pleasure relative to the

* Virginians and North-Carolinians whose times are
' near expiring. Mr. Houston was with me yester-
' day, and informed me that you promised some arms
< and ammunition to Colonel Dooley, for the state of

< Georgia. I shall be glad to know how many and

< what quantity I shall send them. Williamson's

< men are anxious, and seem determined to get home.

< I wrote the governor concerning them. I shall be
* glad to have his answer.

' I am, &c.

' Wm. Moultrie."

From Gen. Lincoln.

* Head-Quarters, July 5th, 1779,

< Dear Sir,

< Your favor of yesterday's date I received last
evening: I am sorry that Colonel Pichin's men have
left him, and that General Williamson's are like to
follow their example. The governor informs mc
that the council cannot be persuaded, that the safety
of the state will not admit of their being dis-
charged. The governor and council have ordered
a draught of one third of the militia, to march im-
mediately to camp; on their arrival they will con-
sent that those now therein shall be discharged.
I suppose the consequences will be, that the militia
will discharge themselves. You will endeavor to
keep pace with the enemy ; if they make a partial
movem.ent, and you cannot find means to attack
them, I think you had better reinforce Col. Horry,
I think, with you, that it would be hardly worth
while#o march the North-Carolina troops to Port-

* royal-ferry, for their time of service will be out
' soon after their arrival, and it would lengthen their

* march, which if possible, should be avoided this

* hot weather : I think, as your force decreases, you

* had better send some of your artillery to town.

' I am, Sec.

* B. Lincoln.
* Gen, Moultrie.'

From Col. Daniel Horry.

* PORT-ROYAL-FERRV, July 6th, 1779.

^ Dear Sir,

* Capt. Dogharty (who has lately been with us
^ for a day or two) went from hence to Beaufort, in
« cog. £tnd was for a few hours at a friend's house ;
^ who informed him that. Gen. Provost was expected
^ from Edisto every hour, with the remainder of his

* army : that about 2,000^ including sick, wounded,
' convalescents, &c. were already at Beaufort, but

* kept on board ship : that Commodore Christie
^ will not permit any boat on shore after retreat
^ beating ; and that they had already wooded and
' watered ; this appears to us as if they meant a
^ speedy embarkation.

' I am, Sec.

« Daniel Horry.

^ Gen. Moultrie,*

To Gen. Lincoln.

« Stono, July 5th, 1779.

5 Dear Sir?

< I informed you some time ago, that I had
directed Col. Drayton to have a number of bags
(200) made for the purpose of carrying corn-meal
from Augusta, to any place where it may be want-
ed : As we are now bringing down meal, those
bags would be of infinite service to us, and a great
saving to the public, by more expeditiously loading
the waggons, and by preventing great waste of the
meal, which often happens from bad casks, and
especially as each waggon may carry five bushels
more, which is the difference between the casks
and the bags : I shall be much obliged to you, to
speak to Drayton about them : he informed me
they were made some time ago, and sent up ; but
God knows where ; he could not tell where they
were sent to, nor by whom : if this is to be the
case with other articles, our calls for money will
be endlesss I am, &c.

* Wm. Moultrie.*

From Gen. Lincoln.

' Charlestown, July 6th, 1779,
^ Dear Sir,

* I HAVE been honored with your two favors of
« yesterday. . I am fully with you in opinion, that

VOL. II, C

part of the artillery ought to be sent on to town.
I yesterday expressed my sentiments with regard
to the North-Carolina militia. I think you may
want the Virginians with you, if you think you
should not, you will also leave them behind. I have
spoken to the governor often, perhaps too often,
about the Williamson militia; I hope he will give
you an answer. Colonel Drayton will explain to
you the matter of the bags.

* I am, &c.

< B. Lincoln.*
< Gen. Moultrie.*

From the Governor.

« Julyrth, 1779.

< Dear Sir>

* I AM favored with your's of the 3d, inst. which,
« together with General Williamson's of the same

< date, I laid before the council. I have wrote fully

< on the matter to General Williamson, who will

< communicate the contents to you, &c.

* I am, &c.

* J. RUTLEDGE.

* Gen. Moultrie,*

To Gen. Lincoln.

' Stono, July 7th, 1779.

« Dear Sir,

« I REciEVED your favor, date the 5th inst.

< upon General Williamson's frequent representation

< to me, that he could not keep his men a day

* longer in camp, and upon telling me he thought it
« would be best for the service to discharge them,

< and suffer them to go home and send others down

* in their places, as the relief had absolutely refused

* to come ; I accordingly issued an order for their re-
' turning home this day: I know they would go
' without my leave, had I not done it; (their num-
' bers 726.) I have sent four pieces of artillery to

* town, by Major Grimkie, we shall have two left,

< which will be quite sufficient for our little army.

< I shall also order the arms* down, about 300 stand.
« I wrote you that I would order Sumner's brigade

< to Port-royal-ferry, since which, I think they will

* be as useful here at present, as marching them to

* that place, especially as I am informed by two de-

< serters who came in last night, and who left the

* enemy two days ago, that they are on St. Helena-

* Wc were always obliged to keep a number of arms in
campi as wc were obliged frequently to arm the reliefs from the
militia*

< Island,* and their shipping laying in the sound.
' I will endeavor to keep pace with the enemy ; I
c have sent Colonel Pinckney, with about 250 men, to

* reinforce that post at Port-royal-ferry, and to take
' command there. General Sumner has applied to

< me for leave to go home, owing to his ill state of

* health ; he tells me he thinks he can be of more

* service, and that if he was in North-Carolina, he

* might recover, and be on the spot to forward on
' the troops to this place, as fast as possible, which
' he lias promised me to do : I have accordingly
^ given him leave to return home.

'On Gen. Williamson's men being permitted to go

* home, to prevent the disagreeable necessity of their
^ leaving camp without orders, I have requested the
' general (as I know his influence over these people)

* to return to that part of the country, and to send
^ out the reliefs as soon as possible, which he has

* promised to do. I will be much obliged to you, to
^ request of the governor to have some large flats
^ stationed at Ponpon, Ashepoo, and Combahee rivers,
^ to facilitate the marching of troops through those
f parts of the country ; it seems to be absolutely

* They could soon sail round to Charlestovvn, which was
my reason for remaining ac Stono j from whence I could readily
march down to town.

' necessary, as they are now obliged to go many
'miles round. I am, &g,

* Wm. Moultrie**

To Gen. Lincoln.

< Dear Sir, Stono, July 7th, 1779.

< I WROTE you this morning by Major Grimkie,
« since which I have received intelligence by letter,

< from Col. Mayson at Port-royal-ferry ; that Capt.

* Dogharty was on the Island the Gd instant, and re-
^ ports, from good authority, that Provost means to
' summer it there, and to take post on the Main,

* with ) ,000 men, at all hazards : they have it amongst
f them, that your army is dispersed : I shall order

* Sumner's brigade off to morrow. 1 have ordered

< the several bodies of militia that are raised south^

< wardly, to join ours at Port-royal-ferry. I wish I
' could have about 20 light batteaus fixed upon wag-

* gon carriages always in camp j as we could some
^ time surprise some of their posts on the Island.

* I am, &c.

^ Wm. Moultrie.*

From Col. Horry.

• PoRT-ROYAL-FERRY, July 8th, 1779^

* Dear General,

' You will herewith receive John Livingston, a
^ prisoner, which our party made yesterday, at the

* plantation of Dr. Fraser, on Port-royal-Island ; he
' is a son to the widow Odengell, and has been with

< the enemy ever since they took possession of the

* town, and therefore may be a proper person for you

* to obtain intelligence from; he says he is only 15

< years of age, and stayed with his mother : the

* enemy from their talk, mean to remain on the Is-
« land and to take post with a party of 2,000 men on

< this side the river : that they intend next high wa-

< ter to come up here with one or two gallies, to at-

* tempt to prevent us from going on with erecting

* our little redoubt.

* I am, 8cc.

* D. Horry.
* Gen. Moultrie.'

From Gen. Lincoln.

' Charlestown, July 8th, 1779.
' Dear Sir,

' I HAVE been honored with your two favors of
' yesterday's date.
' The governor and council have ordered a draught

* of one third of the militia to serve three months af-
' ter they join camp : I hope this order will be put

* into execution, and that in future, your militia will

* be relieved regularly, for unless they are, it is not

* probable they will render us much service in camp ;

* or remain there with any satisfaction to themselves.

I do not think that the enemy mean to remain on
Port-royal-Island, much less attempt to take post
on the Main ; however, I think you perfectly right,
in preparing for the worst. There is but little
money in the military chest ; I wish you would
take that, and let Mr. Rapely* return to town ; he
will join you again, when the auditors return to
camp : I will replenish the chest.

< I am, &c.

' B. LiKCOLX.

< Gen. Moultrie.'

To Gen. Lincoln.

* Stono, July 8th, 1770,

* Dear Sir,

« Upon my moving the troops to Port-royal-fer-

* ly, and my ordering the commissary and quarter-

< master's stores to follow: I find we have not a sin-

* gle waggon for that purpose ; I therefore request

* that you will order the quarter-master to send us
« ten waggons ; I shall also send to Port-royal-ferry

* for some regimental waggons ; I shall want some

* to remove the flying hospital immediately : our

< wounded officers and men cannot be removed at

* present, especially those with fractured limbs. I

* Mr. Rapely was pay.master.

' have wrote Doctor Oliphant* on the subject, I

* have 3 waggons load of arms (317 stands) they
« were given in by Gen. Butler,! who, I suppose,

< will deliver as many more to-morrow. Gen William-

* son has sent his spare arms up the country. Col.

* Thaxton's brigade| marched ofF this morning. I.
' cannot leave this place, until I see the stores in a
« way of moving en.

* I am, Sec.

< Wm. Moultrie,*

To Gei^. Lincoln.

* Stono, July iOth, 17 79,

* Dear Sir,

^ I RECEIVED your favor, dated the 8th inst. in

* which you inform me that the governor and coun-
' cil had ordered a draught of one third of the militia ;
' I hope they will have something to bind them to

< their duty stronger than any thing vre have had yet.
' At present I have no militia v/ith me, but about 25
^ of Colonel Hammond's ; all Goodwin's went off ex-
'' cept the major, 3 lieutenants, and 5 privates, whom

* Director-general ot the hospital.

f Of NTordiGarolma. This shows that when we had re-
inforcements from N. C. we were obliged to furnish them with
arm?, and when their times were our, they delivered them up
again.

1 North-Carolina.

< I discharged, and sent the officers home to collect

* more men. I should be glad to have some more

* bags for conveying corn-meal ; as Col. Hammond

* informs there is a great deal ground up, and a large
' quantity of corn, which we may still have from

* Beach-Island. This is like to be our principal de«

< pendance this winter, as I am informed our wheat

* in the back country is totally lost. I received the

* military chest from Mr. Rapely, containing about

< 36,000 dollars; he is to return to day. I have

* just now received a letter from Col. Horry, inform-
' ing me that the enemy have landed at Beaufort,

< and mean to maintain the Island : they still talk of

* taking post on the Main : this last I give but little

* credit to : a party of our troops went on the Island,

< and brought off a young man, a prisoner, whom I

* have sent to town ; he says they have landed their

< sick and wounded, and placed them in the court*

* house and goal, which they have converted into

< hospitals : this looks as if they intended staying

* there. Is it not scandalous to America, that a

* handful of men, with two small men-of-war, should
« ride triumphant, and distress these southern states -
' when perhaps our continental vessels are cruizing

< for the emolument of their commanders.. ..Should

* not this be represented to Congress ? At all events

VOL. II. D

•^ I shall set off on Monday for camp at Port-royaL
^ ferry. I fear we are beginning a new campaign.
' I am, &c.

• William Moultrie.*

From Gen. Lincoln.

' Charlestown, July lOth, 1779,

* I^EAR Sir,

< I HAVE been honored with your favor of yes-

* terday's date: Major Pinckncy has returned from

* Port-royal-river, where he has been to negociate
' an exchange of prisoners : the enemy make a con-

* dition, previous to a general exchange taking place J

* that the officers who have absconded, and broken

* their paroles, and those taken, must be returned be-
' fore this business can be accomplished.

' I AM sorry that any officer who has the ho-
' nor to hold a commission, should conduct himself

* in a manner, so unjustifiable, and which in its con-

* sequences will do so much prejudice to their broth-

* er officers : those who were taken, I do not view

* in an unfavorable light, but I think from the tenor
•^ of their paroles they cannot act until exchanged.

* F. S. For particulars you must inquire of Major
^ Finckney.

' I am, 8cc.

' B. Lincoln.

* Gen. Moultrie.'

From Gen. Lincoln.

< Charlestown, July llth, 1779,

< Dear S|R, •

'Your favor of yesterday's date I received this

* morning. I hope that your conjectures, that we

* are now commencing a new campaign, are v/ithout

* foundation, for we are by no means prepared for

* such an event. We have at present neither men,

< stores or money ; indeed the latter is so depreci-

* ated, that I apprehend that unless something is

* done to increase its value, it will not long answer
' the purpose of carrying on the war ; if that fails us,
' our only resource is the virtue of the people ; how
' far that will avail us at this day, I leave you to

* judge.

< I am, &c.
* Gen. Moultrie. B. Lincoln.

A GREAT numbev of the preceding letters will
show what little dependance we could put upon the
virtue of the people.

From Gen, Lincoln.
•Dear Sir, Charlestown, 13th July, ]779*

< Sergeant Jasper with a party of men wait upon

* you, desirous of something being given them to do.

< Your being immediately on the spot, will better
enable you to judge of the most advantageous man-

* ner in which they may be disposed of. It is theirs
i and my wish tliat they may be employed at your
< discretion*. • •

* I am, Sec.

< B. Lincoln.*
*Gen. Moo ltrie.'

To Gen. Lincoln.

« Sheldon, July Uth, 1779.
•^ Dear Sir,

* I HAVE the honor to acqiiaint you that I arrived
' at this camplabt night. I have ordered the Cieorgia

• At thr commencement of the war, William Jasper entered
into my regiment, (ilie second) and was made a sergeant; he
was a Ijravc, active, stout, strong, cntci prising man, and a very
great partlzan. I had such confidence in him, that whm I was
in the field, 1 gave him a roving conunission, and liberty to pick
out his men irom my brigade, he scldoui would toke mo c than
six : he went ottcn out, uid ictumcd wi»J) pri.-;oncrs before 1 iviirw
he was gone. I have known of his c^'tthin^ a party tliat was
looking for him. He has told me that he could have klikd
single men seveial times, but l>c would not, he would rather
let them get "ff. He went into the B;itish hnes :tt Savannah,
and delivered himself up as a deserter, complaining at the same
time, of our ill usage to him, he was gladly received (ihcy
having hcird of his chinctcr) and caressed by them. He
stayed eight diys, and after informing him'^eif well of their
strength, situation and intentions, he returned to us again ; but
that game he could not play a second time. With his little
party he was always hovering about tlie enemy's camp, and
was trequently bringing in prisoncis. I have already spokci
of him on the aStli of June 1776, and shall say mojc of him
in another place hereafter.

' Irnuun f'» »riovr for Auj.^ijnia. I Jiave ncrit u ilol

* frcHTi Aftlicpoo to (^oinljalicc, over laiul ; .ui'i
< will luvf; fj \:i.r'//: onf: firiiHlied iti u fr.w Ouyr..

* I fjo iiol write you ju»y tiling rcltttive to f)Ur ryrnp,

* or tlic enemy, as I liuvr not had time to make the

* nccc!i*ttry 'mf|uiricM. I therefore refer you to Col.

* I). ! lorry, who wuit?> on yon with this. Wr «;hall
' warit liiiii at^yin.

' I rjrn, hi ,

*■ Wm. Mou Lt hit/

'Jo THK Sam*,

» SMfci.iiOH, liily I7tli, 177V.

* l)f:AR S/i',

* I p lA.y. r/ y. h your hjvorr; (>f the Jlfli and I'ith.
' riic Iu!it information I received froifj tlir cnruiy,

* ancf from y/uu] anthoriiy, in, that thry havr ncnt
« flomc ol their troop", to Savannah, anrJ h,'ivc kept
' the 7 1 P.I, tlw; htrjit.-infantry, and r.ome 11' -..jan*,
» posted iri the following foanncr; the 7 hit af Bcati-
< fort, and thr HesnianM at Milc-Knd, throwio;.', \i\>

* some work'} ; thi'v pl;u,r i". a narrow n'' k of Inrid,

* abont a mile from fiir. tr^vvn, not niom th^uj 500

* yards ar,ro«^H, (jn r:i< \i ?,ide i . a navi^ahlr. river,
' •vl.i(.!i rrjakc'i it a vv.vy stronj^ po'it indeed : the

* li^ht-infantry, (hctwecn 5 and 400) are o})po»)tc

* Port-royal ferry, in ni^ht of one ol our jMiardf. at

* the redoubt ; the whole of their number does not

* exceed 1,000 men. It appears to me as if thev
" would leave the place befoi*c long. I imay^ine they

* have not shipping enough to take them oif at

* one trip, and ai*e thcrcfoi'e obliged to wait the re-

* turn of the vessels which carn.d the first division.

* As there are matte i*s of the utmost consequence

* to come on the carpet, at the meeting of the

* general assembly, 1 propose to be in town, to at-

* tend the Senate, if you have no particular objec-

* lion : and will also give leave to as many officers,
' members of the assembly, to attend as can possi-

* bly be spared. The business here, in my opinion,

* will be only to wait on the motions of the enemy,

* which I think will be passive enough ; they only
' mean to keep possession of the Island in peace

* while they stay. 1 have sent off the Geoi^ia troops,
' and have also detached Capt. Newman's company
' of horse, and Jasper's little party, to harrass and
' perplex the enemy in that state ; 1 have given them
' directions to join Col. Dooley, should he be under-
' taking any thing capital. I have been employed,
' these two days, in reconnoitcring the country in

* this neighborhood: Col. C.aixlen, with about 100

* men, has taken post at Gordon's plantation, on
' Scotch-neck, and detached about 20 men to Page's-

* point, where the battery is built : Col. Hammond
< is here with about 40 men ; these are all the mili-

< tia of this state, that arc now in the ficld, near this

* place : I have changed my opinion, relative to

* commencing a new campaign, I rather think the

* enemy are lingering out the old one : Our camp

* will be very small in a foJtr/ight, as the time of

* the North-Carolinians will expire, and I sec no
c method taken by this state, to replace their num-

* be:-s: before I quit thi9> I wil! arrange matters in

* the best way I can : Col. Pinckney informs me

* that the 3rd regiment mutinied this morning ; their

* complaint is, the want of pay and cloathing ; it is up-

* wards of four months, and some of them five, since
' they have received any pay ; which must appear

* long to those who had always been paid regularly

* every month. I will be obliged to you to order the
' auditors to make a few copies of forms for pay-bills,

* such as Congress directs : several sets of pay-bills

* have been sent down, but are returned with this

* answer, " that they are not proper, and cannot be
t paid." I wish something would be done to bring

* their pay regularly about as usual.

* I am, &c.

* Wm. Moultrie.'

To THii, Same.
t Dear Su> * Sheldon, July 18th, 1779.

* I WROTE you yesterday, since which, 1 have
been i nformed that Gen. Scott is on his march from

^ Salisbury to this place : as there is no immediate
' call for those troops this way, I would humbly

* submit my, opinion to you, whether it would not be

* best to order them through the back country, to

* Augusta ; where they can be supplied with every
' necessary, and keep the enemy in continual appre-

* hension ; besides encouraging and supporting our
' friends in that quarter ; I fear if they march through
' this low country, at this extreme hot season, it

* will render many of them useless, for a considera-

* ble time. Col. Twig was with me yesterday, and
' says they are in want of ammunition at Augusta :
< I informed him that you had sent some to Col.

* Dooley : I wrote you yesterday that I proposed be-
' ing in town at the meeting of the general assem-

* bly : if you have no objection, I shall leave this

* next Friday.

* I am, &c.

* Wm. Moultrie.*

From Gen. Lincoln.
« Head-Quarters, July i9th, 1779,
' DfiAR Sir,

' Sensible of the necessity for your attendance

* in the Senate, it is my desire, yourself, and as ma-

* ny officers, members of the house, as can, consist-
*^ ent with the duties and welfare of the service, be
^ spared, may, with all convenient spaed, repair to

< town, after the meeting of the house. The audi-

< tors and pay-masters are to repair to camp this af-
' ternoon, in order to pay the army.

* I am, Sec.

* B. Lincoln.
< Gen. Moultrie.*

Gen. Lincoln wished all the officers of the army
that were members of the general assembly, to at-
tend at the meeting, that they might be upon the
spot, to inform the Representatives with the difficul-
ty there was in this state to keep an army together :
that it was a folly to depend upon the militia ; that
it was impossible to keep them in the field : there-
fore some other method must be fallen upon'to raise
an army, or else the country must be given up.

Letter from Col. Maitland.

« Beaufort, July 19th, 1779.

< Dear Sir,

« I SEND you by this flag of truce, a young man,*
* which Lieutenant Parham, one of your officers,

* This yoang man was left as a safeguard on the field, to
protect Captain Campbell from being killed by our soldiers, but
he had nearly been killed by their's : when we were obliged to
retreat, Captain Campbell could scarcely save him. *Tis an
unpleasant situation to be placed as a safeguard on the field oi
battle, over any one.

VOL. II. E

* was so good as to leave vrith Captain Collin Camp-
' bell of the 71st regiment, when wounded at Stono.
' The lad should have been returned long ere now,
i but our army's being in motion, and Captain Camp-
■'• bell at a distance from where I was, rendered it
"• impossible. We are extremely obliged to Mr.
' Parham for his attention to Captain Campbell,
^ who begs you will assure him, that he will ever

< retain a most grateful sense of his humanity and
' goodness. A Mrs. Odin^seil of this island, has

< acquainted me that a small party of your people

< took her son, (a boy) from the plantation some
« time since, and that he still remains a prisoner.

* I cannot help thinking that this has been done
' without your consent, as the boy is only fourteen

* years old, and never carried arms ; however, if
^ you hold him as a prisoner of war; as his mother
^ is extremely uneasy on his account, I sliall take it

* as a favor, if you will release him, and send him

* here on his parole, until we can exchange him.

* By this opportunity, I also send you some letters ;

* amongst them is one for Miss C— , containing

* 160 pounds Carolina currency, and a 50 dollar bill;
' a portmanteau containing cloaths, and a letter with
' 3 half joes, are also sent to Ensign M'Pherson, of

* the 71bt, who was left sick at the widow Keyward's,

* these 1 beg you will order to be delivered him ; if
' there should occur to you any thing in which I

can be of service to you here, I shall be happy in
the opportunity of obliging you. There was a pro-
posal made by Major M' Arthur, to Major Pinckney
of yours, relative to the exchanging of Ensign
M'Pherson for Doctor Hailing. I should be happy
to knov/ whether you approve of this exchange
taking place.

' I am sir, &c.

^ John Maitland,
^ Lieut. Col. 7 1 st Regt.

' Gen. Moultrie.'

To Col. Maitland.

< Sheldon, July 20th, 1779,
« Sir,

* I WAS honored with your favor of yesterday :
' the soldier who was left by Lieut. Col. Henderson

* of the 6th South-Carolina regiment, with Col. Camp-
' bell on the field at Stono, is returned, but without
' his arms. Lieut. Parham of the 1 st regiment, v/as
« the gentleman who assisted another of your ofScers,

* when laying wounded on the field, and who, after
< repeated intreaties, received his watch of him :* if

* the officer still survives, and will send his name,

* Mr. Parham will immediately return his watch ;

* having, at same time, assured the owner that he

* A handsome gold watch.

* would receive it upon no other terms ; as it was

* for liberty, not for plunder that we fought. Mrs.
^ Odingsell's son was brought off before I came to
' this place : I will endeavor, however, to get him
< restored to his mother j upon his parole, at least,
' as soon as possible. I have received the several

* letters that accompanied your's ; that, containing
« 160 pounds, and a 50 dollar bill, and the other shall

* be delivered, as directed. Mr. M'Pherson's port-

* manteau, containing the articles specified in the

* letter, with the three half-joes shall be sent him, by

* the first opportunity ; I am infinitely obliged to

* youj for your kind oiTer of service ; and shall be
^ happy, in my turn, to have in my power to oblige

* you : I must beg you would excuse my being so

* frequently troublesome, in granting flags and pas-

* ses ; but, as there are a num.ber of widow ladies,

* who flatter themselves with the hopes of recovering
^ some part of their property on the Island, I cannot

* well refuse them. Not having seen Major Pinck-

* ney since his interview with Major M'Arthur, it
^ is not in my power to say what passed between
- them, relative to the exchange.

* I am, &c.

* Wm. Moultrie.'

July 20th. At this time, nothing material was
done ; the legislature was in session j and our little

army remained at Sheldon, waiting upon the British,
who had taken post at Beaufort, under the com-
mand of Col. Maitland. About the 4th of Septem-
ber, an officer came to town, from Count D'Estaing's
fleet, then off our bar, consisting of 20 sail of the
line ; two 50 gun ships ; and 1 1 frigates, to acquaint
Gen. Lincoln that the Count D'Estaing was ready-
to co-operate with him in the redaction of Savannah,
and at the same time, to urge the necessity of dis-
patch ; as he could not remain long upon our coast)
at tiiis season of the year. This information put us
all in high spirits ; the legislature adjourned : the
governor and council, and the military joined hear-
tily, in expediting every thing that was necessary :
boats were sent to Count D'Estaing's fleet, to assist
in taking the cannon and stores on shore : every one
cheerful, as if we were sure of success ; and no one
doubted but that we had nothing more to do, than
to march up to Savannah; and demand a surrender ;
the militia were draughted ; and a great number of
volunteers joined readily, to be present at the sur-
render ; and in hopes to have the pleasure of seeing
the British march out, and deliver up their arms ;
but, alas ! it turned out a bloody affair ; and we
were repulsed from the lines, with the loss of 8 or
900 men killed and wounded : and 1 think I may
say, that the militia volunteers were much disap-
pointed J as I suppose they did not go with the ex-

pectation of storming lines ; I was pleased, when I
was informed that in general they behaved well ; and
they could truly say, they had been in very severe
fire. On the 5th of September, Gen. Lincoln order-
ed all ofiicers and soldiers to join their respective
regiments ; and on the 8th the continentals were
dra\7n from the forts, which were garrisoned by
the militia : Gen. Lincoln goes oft to take command
of the army at Sheldon, about the 12th, and orders
the troops, that were appoiated to join the army, to
follow as soon as possible ; leaving myself the com-
mand of Charlestown, with a few continentals and
the militia : Gen, Lincoln lay with his army at
M'Millens', three miles from Savannah, from the
irth to the 23d September: on the 23d our army
joined the French, and encamped before Savannah.

From Gen. Lincoln.
' Campj before Savannah, Sept. 24th, 1779.
' Dear Sir,

* I AM very glad you detained the North-Coro-
' lina militia in town ;* for they cannot, I think, arrive
* here in time. Ground was broken last night, very
' near the enemy's lines, towards their left, v/ith very
' little interruption. The cannon t and mortars will

* A reinforcement just came in to us.

f The cannon and mortars were landed at Thunderbolt,

about five miles from Savannah, and drawn to camp over land*

' soon be up, and ground opened in different places.

* I should invite you to camp, but think the matter

* will be determined one way or other, before you

* can possibly arrive. ' I am^ Sec.

' Gen. Moultrie. < B. Lincoln.' -

To Gen. Lincoln.

' CaARLESTOWK, Sept. 26th, 1779.

< Dear Sir,

< I HAVE just now been honored with your favor

< of the 24th inst. by which, I am glad to be informed
' that you have approached so near the enemy's lines,
' without any loss. I hope a few days more will de.

* terminc them to surrender to the united forces of
i France and America. I should have been ex-

* tremely happy to have shared the glory, but the
' fates have forbid it. I hope soon to have the plea-
' sure of seeing some of your young gentlemen with

* the joyful news of the surrender of Savannah.

< Yesterday arrived another 500,000 dollars for the

* state of Georgia. I have ordered it to be lodged
' with Mr. Jervais in the same manner as the former,
' until I shall receive your orders thereupon.* One

* At this time our money was very much depreciated, i6iS
for one, and we talked of n^iilllons, and in fact, it was next to
nothing j th-re was ore convcnitncy in it, which was, that a
couple of men on horse-back, with their bags, could convey a
jTjiUion of dollars from one end of the continent to the o:hcr.
in a little time, v.ith great facility.

* million and a half more, v/ill be in to-morrow, for
' the purpose of exchanging the two emissions which
' were stopped in circulation.

' I am, &:c.

< WiM. Moultrie.'

The army before Savannah was employed in mak-
ing fascines, and building batteries ; and the 4th of
October, at 5 o'clock, A. M. the batteries opened
upon the town with 37 pieces of cannon, on the land
side, and 1 6 from the water ; and 9 mortars, to
throw shells at one and the same time. The French
army lay before Savannah, 7 days before Gen. Lin-
coln's army got up, and demanded a surrender on
the 16th September, and the garrison requested 24
hours, to consider on an answer : in the mean time,
Col. Maitland got into Savannah, with a strong re-
inforcement from Beaufort. The batteries continued
their fire, for 4 or 5 days, with very little intermis-
sion : Gen. Provost sent out to request leave to send
the women and children without the lines ; but it
was denied, supposing he only wanted to gain time.
Count D'Estaing having been now a month with his
fleet on cur coast, and close in shore ; his officers
remonstrated to hinj, the dangerous situation the
fleet jWas in, and the hazards they run of being at-
tacked by the British fleet, whilst theirs was in a
bad condition ; and a great many of their ofRcers

and men on shore : these representations determin-
ed the Count D'Estaing to call a council, in which
the opinion of the engineers was, that it would re-
quire 10 days more to work into the enemy's lines ;
upon which it was determined to try to carry them
by an assault ; and on the 8th, the following order
was issued.

Evening Orders, by Gen. Lincoln.
WATCH WORD...LEWIS.

* The soldiers will be immediately supplied with
40 rounds of cartridges ; a spare flint ; and have
their arms in good order.'

* The infantry destined for the attack of Savannah,
will be divided into two bodies : the first composed
of the light troops, under the command of Col. Lau-
rens ; the second of the continental battalions, and
the first battalion of the Charlestown militia, except
the grenadiers, who are to join the light troops : the
whole will parade at 1 o'clock, near the left of the
line ; and march by the right, by platoons.*

' The guards of the camp, will be formed of the
invalids, and be charged to keep the fires as usual,
in camp.'

< The cavalrjr, under the command of Count Pau-
laski, will parade at the same time with the infar«
try, and follow the left column of the French troops?
and precede the column of the American light troops ^

VOL. II. F

they will endeavor to penetrate the enemy's lines,
between the battery, on the left of the Spring-hill
redoubt, and the next towards the river : having ef-
fected this, they will pass to the left, towards Ya-
macraw ; and secure such parties of the enemy, as
may be lodged in that quarter.'

' The artillery will parade at the same time; follow
the French artillery, and remain with the corps de re-
serve, until they receive further orders.'

* The whole will be ready by the time appointed,
with the utmost silence and punctuality ; and be rea-
dy to march, the instant Count D'Estaing and Gen.
Lincoln shall order.'

* The light troops, who are to follow the cavalry,
will attempt to enter the redoubt, on the left of the
Spring-hill, by escalade, if possible, if not, by en-
trance into it ; they are to be supported, if necessa-
ry, by the first South-Carolina regiment : in the
mean time, the column will proceed with the lines
to the left of the Spring-hill battery.'

< The light troops, having succeeded against the
redoubt, will proceed to the left, and attempt the
several works between that and the river.*

'The column will move to the left of the French
troops, taking care not to interfere with them.*

* The light troops, having carried the works to-
wards the river, will form on the left of the column.*

' It is expressly forbid to fire a single gun before

the redoubts are carried, or for any soldier to quit his
rank, to plunder, without an order for that purpose :
any who shall presume to transgress, in either of
these respects, shall be reputed a disobeyer of mili-
tary orders, which is punishable with death.'

^ The militia of the first and second brigades;
Gen. Williamson's, and the second battalion of the
Charlestown militia, will parade immediately, under
the command of Gen. Huger, after draughting 500
of them ; the remainder of them will go into the
trenches, and put themselves under the command of
the commanding officer there : with the 500, he
will march to the left of the enemy's lines, and re-
main as near them as he possibly can, without be-
ing discovered, until 4 o'clock in the morning, at
which time, the troops in the trenches, will begin
an attack upon the enemy : he will then advance,
and make his attack as near the river as possible ;
though this is only meant as a feint, yet should a
favorable opportunity offer, he will improve it, and
push into the town.'

< In case of a repulse, after having taken the
Spring-hill redoubt, the troops will retreat, and rally
in the rear of the redoubt ; if it cannot be effected
that way, it must be attempted by the same rout at
which they entered.*

* The second place of rallying (or the first, if the
redoubt should not be carried) will be at the Jew's

burying-ground, where the reserve will be placed r
if these two halts should not be effectual, they will
I'etire towards camp.*

' The troops will carry on their hats, a piece of
white paper, by which they will be distinguished.*

The order for the attack, shows it was to have
been made on the British lines at 4 o'clock in the
morning, but by^ some means or other, it was de-
layed until it was clpar day-light, which gave the
enemy a very great advantage, because they could
see our columns marching up, and knew where to
direct their fircj consequently our troops suffered
much, before they got up to the works ; and on their
attack upon the Spring-hiil battery, they were so
crowded in the ditch, and upon the berm, that they
could scarcely raise an arm ; and while they were
in this situation, huddled up together, did the Brit-
ish load and fire upon them very deliberately, with-
out any danger to themselves : a body of them came
out, and formed a line to the left of their battery,
within their abbettis, and kept up a warm fire upon
our troops until they retreated : in all this confusion
Lieuts. Hume and Bush planted the colors of the
second South-Carolina regiment upon the ramparts,
but they were soon killed. Lieut. Grey was on the
ramparts, ne^r the colors, and received his mortal
wound J and the gallant Jasper was with them, and

supported one of the colors, until he received his
death wound, however he brought off one of the co.
lors with him, and died in a little time after. The
second regiment gained great honor in this affair:
they lost Major Motte, marching up to the attack ;
and 3 lieuts. and Sergeant Jasper, killed in support-
ing their colors on the ramparts ; besides many
others killed and wounded ; of the Carolina troops,
Major Wise and Capt. Shepherd v/as killed, and
Capt. Warren wounded. Count D'Estaing received
two wounds ; and Count Paulaski, at the head of
his cavalry, received his mortal wound, from one of
the gallies.

Our troops remained before the lines, in this hot
fire fifty-five minutes : the generals seeing no pros-
pect of success, were constrained to order a retreat,
after having 637 French, and 457 continentals killed
and wounded: the Charlestown militia, although in a
warm part of the fire, were fortunate enough to have
only Captain Shepherd killed, and five or six wounded.
General Huger made his attack at the same time,
but had to wade through a rice field ; he was received
with music and a warm fire of cannon and mus-
ketry, and after losing a few men, they retreated
faster than they marched up. The assailants upon
Savannah were about 2,500 French troops, headed by
Count D'Estaing, and 4000 Americans, militia includ-
ed, headed by Gen. Lincoln ; the garrison was about

2j500, and of those, only 150 of them were militia.
The British it was supposed, had information the day
before, by a sergeant from the Charlestown Grena-
diers, who went into them, and gave them a particu-
lar account of our plan of attack. They knew our
force was to be led to the Spring-hill battery, and
they were prepared accordingly by filling that post
with as many men as it could possibly hold ) and
they knew that General Huger's attack was only to
be a feint, they therefore drew almost all their
troops from their left to their right. There cannot
be a doubt, but that if the French and American
armies had marched into Savannah when they ar-
rived on the 17th, they would have carried the town
very easily, because at that time, they had only the
Spring-hill battery completed and no abbettis round
the town; instead of which, they employed themselves
in throwing up batteries for their cannon and mor-
tars, which were of very little consequence till the
9th of October, before they made their attack, which
gave the besieged three weeks to fortify themselves,
and their success proves that they were not idle in
that time. After this repulse, the idea of taking
Savannah by regular approaches, was still kept up ;
but Count D-Estaing's marine officers being very
uneasy at the situation of his fleet, pressed his de-
parture, he then ordered all his cannon and stores
on board, and^embarked his troops from Thunderboltj
and left the coast of America.

We were then in a much worse situation than
before he arrived : the unfortunate militia of Georgia
who had taken the British protection, could not go
back to them again, after they had joined us, but
were obliged to seek for shelter in a strange country,
or live in the back woods of their own. This disap-
pointment depressed our spirits very much, and we
began to be apprehensive for the safety of these two
southern states ; it also depreciated our money so
very lowj that it was scarcely worth any thing.

General Lincoln retreated with the Americans
as far as Ebenezer Heights, and, on the 19th of
October, left the army to follow him to Charlestown.
In November the small-pox broke out in Charlestown,
after it had been kept out of the country near twenty
years.

Letter to Gen. Lincoln.

< Charlestown, Nov. 17th, 1779.
D£AR Sir,

* I have nothing new to write you ; but new
' discoveries are made every day of the small-pox ;
< the persons are immediately removed to the pest-
' house. I expect it will continue to make its ap-
* pearance for some days to come ; but I hope we
' shall be able to put an entire stop to it soon.
* I am, &c.
' Gen. Lincoln. « Wm. Moultrie.*

The small-pox breaking out in Charlestown, was
a very good pretence for the militia not coming into
tov/n : in fact, they dreaded that disorder more than
the enemy.

The British finding they could make no impres-
sion upon the northern states, reversed the proverb of
" taking the bull by the horns," and turned their
thoughts on the southern states ; their late success

in the repulse of. the French and Americans from
Savannah, and still keeping possession, encmiraged
them in the undertaking, and in Decem.berA'ai, large
army embarked from New- York, under command of
Sir Henry Clinton, convoyed by Admiral Arbuthnot,
with several men of war : they had a long and boister-
ous passage, and arrived at Savannah on the 11th of
February ; after staying there a few days, a strong
detachment under General Patterson, was ordered to
cross over to Purisburgh, and march through the
southern parts of the state; whilst Sir Henry Clinton
with the body of the army, came round with the
fleet to Stono-inlet, and landed the troops on John
and James '-Islands. We soon received accounts of
the arrival of the British army at Savannah : at this
time the legislature were sitting, they immediately
adjourned, and all oScers and soldiers were ordered
to their posts.

Letter from Gen. Provost.

« Savannah, Feb. 19th, llTSOc

< Sir,

* I HAVE received the honor of your letter of
the 16th inst. and*am much obliged to you for the
favor : Captain Pemberton has been detained at one
of our posts, from which he will be sent back, as
soon as my letter arrives there. General Lincoln
will also accept my thanks. I have been happy to
find that our prisoners have been treated v/ith
civility, particularly Captain Constable, unjustly
oppressed. I was to send back your's on parole,
but a fleet and army being arrived, I have not had
it in my power to effect it, they having demanded to
defer their going : the other flag came in a canoe ;
it has not been thought prudent to send her back

* as yet, from this place.

' I have the honor to be. Sec.

< A. Provost,
I Col. Dan. Horry.*

From Gen. Lincolst.
« Head-Quarters, Charlestown
Feb. 19th, 1780.
<Dear Sir,

« You will please to proceed immediately to Ba-

* con's-Bridge, where you will form a camp of the

* militia of that part of the neighborhood, and of

VOL, II, G

those who are ordered to this town ; if you should
find it necessary, or for the safety of the troops
under Colonel Marion, or for the defeace of your
post, you will call on him also : you will at all times
keep hanging on the enemy*% flanks, and oppose
them at every advantageous pass. As the horse
will be under your direction, you will give such
orders as may be necessary for a co-operation of
them and the infantry. You will cause to be re-
moved, all the horses, beaves, sheep, swine, car-
riages, boats, and indeed every thing which may
comfort the enemy, or facilitate their march, saving
such as may be necessary for the support of fami-
lies left. You will throw up a work on the rising
ground, on this side Bacon's-bridge, to command
it. You Vv ill on approach of the enemy, previous
to your leaving your post) effectually destroy the
bridge. You will please to examine Stan's-bridge,
and the swamp above it, and report your opinion of
the practicability of passing it with heavy cannon.
You will keep a small guard at Dorchester-bridge,
and one on your right at Slan's-bridge. You will
advise me daily of your situation and strength, and
of the state of the enemy. You will keep the horse
as near the enemy as possible.
' I am, &ic.

*B. Lincoln,
< Gen. Moultrie.*

To Gen. Lincoln.
< Bacon's-bridge., Feb. 2 2d; IfSO.
i Dear Sir,

< I DID not write you sooner, as I waited for

< the return of a parly of horse that had gone out

< towards the enemy's lines at Stono, which returned

< last night. Major Jemison infornis me he was

* within view of the Gentries of their picquets, posted

* at the Cross-roads, that he had not heard of any
' number coming out, except the first day or two,

< to drive in some stock. By the accounts he got,
' he believes there are not so many at Stono, as

* when they first took post there, that some of them

< are returned to John's-Island. I have not one mi-

* litia-man doing duty here. I am informed they

* are patroling in their different districts ; they de-
' dare against going to town ; from what I can un-
' derstand, they arc afraid of the small-pox breaking

* out, when they are cooped up, which they say,

* will be worse to them than the enemy. When

< they collect here, I shall employ them in drawing

* off the stock, and destroying such provisions as

* cannot be brought away, from those plantations

* that are left to themselves. The rains have filled
' our rivers and swamps so much, that it is almost

* impossible for the enemy to drag their cannon and

< artillery stores along. I think they cannot pass
' this way ; it therefore becomes us to look out, a.ni

^ expect thCi^ from some other quarter. I am told

< they have four gallies. I beg leave to suggest,
« whether it will not u^ more practicable for them to
« transport their army in fiat-bottomed boats, under

< cover of these gallies, through Wappoo-cut, and
« land them on the west of the town ; then to march

* them round this way ; or whether they may not

* draw their flat-bottomed boats from Rantowle's to

* Ashley-river, drop down, and land near our lines ;
^ or cross at Ashley-ferry and land on the causeway.
' I think the causeway should be cut across within

* grapeshot distance of the field-pieces, under Major

* Hog's command. I hope we will have some heavy

* pieces of cannon mounted on the west of the town,

< and that the creeks about Cumins* and the sugar-

* house be filled across. I am throwing up some

< works on a commanding hill at this place ; two

< field-pieces will make it very strong. We have a
« detachment of horse constantly waiting on the

* enemy, to observe their motions.

* I am, &c.

* Gen. Lincoln. William Moultrie.*

To Gov. Rutledge.
♦ Bacon's-brioge, Feb, 22d, 1780.
< Dear Sir,

« I RECEIVED your favor of the 20th inst. and
« forwarded the inclosed packets, agreeably to your

request. Colonel Skirving was here at the time,
in his way to town, but is gone back to execute
your orders : not one militia-man at this place on
duty : they are much averse to going to town :
they are apprehensive of the small-pox breaking
out, when the weather grows warmer, and they
cooped up in town, would be worse to them than
the enemy. I am informed they are doing patrclc
duty in their own districts ; if they were collected
here, I would employ them in driving off the stock,
and destroying the provisions which cannot be
brought off. The continentals and state cavalry,
I employ in waiting on the enemy. These heavy
rains will retard the enemy's march this way, as
all the rivers and swamps are full. I think we
ought to have a watchful eye towards Wappoo-cut.
I am informed they have four gallies and a number
of flat-bottomed boats ; some heavy cannon should
be mounted on the west of the town, and the
creeks about Cumins* stopped. A detachment
of our horse returned last night from the enemy's
lines, but discovered no movements from that
quarter.

* I am, &c.

< Wm. Moultrie.

• His Ex. J. RUTLEDGE.*

To Gen. Lincoln.
< Bacon's-bridge, Feb. 23d, 1780.
8 Deab Sir,

« I HAVE the pleasure to inform you that Major
« Maham and Captain Sanders with a party of horse,

< took Captain M'Donald and eight privates yestcr-
' day, near their picquet ; I shall send them down to
' day. We are much in want of ammunition : the
*^ people about the country have none.

^ I am, &c.

« Wm. Moultrie.'
* Gen. Lincoln.*

February 23d. The returns made me this day of
the troops under my command at Bacon's-bridge,
were, cavalry of all ranks 379, and the infantry under
Colonel Marion 227; total 606. My being so strong
in cavalry, kept the enemy pretty close to their
lines.

From Gen. Lincoln,

' Charlestown, Feb. 24th, 1780.
« Dear Sir,

^ Your favor of yesterday, I have received, and

< the prisoners.

< Would it not be best to divide your horse, and
* keep two thirds, or more, over Stono-swamp, near
' where we encaipped last year, and in the neighbor-

«hood; frequently shifting their ground; and al-

< ways have a party to watch the enemy's motions,

< to prevent surprise, and to give you the earliest no«
« tice ; the other to watch them at Rantowlc's, and
« look at them as far as Wappoo ?

< I am, &c.

< B. Lincoln.

< Gen. M0ULTR12.*

To Gen. Lincoln.

< Bacon's-bridge, Feb. 25th, 1780.
f Dear Sir,

« I received your favor, yesterday : I had ac-
quainted Major Jemison that I would sent his corps,
and Major Call's to some where near the places
you mention ; and where the most fodder is to be
had : I should have removed them yesterday, but
took the 2 majors, and a party with me, to recon-
noitre the enemy on James' and John's-Islands : we
proceeded to Wappoo-cut, from whence we had a
very good view of their whole encampment ; their
left on Stono-river, extending their right, along the
ditch, in Mr. Hudson's pasture, to the end of the
ditch, near Wappoo-creek, which I take to be a
quarter of a mile : by the stacks of arms and num=
ber of men moving about, I judge them to be about
1,000 or 1,200, British and Hessians; in Stono-
river, I saw 3 gallic s and 3 schooners, and some

^ small boats, sailing down the river ; 1 galley lay at
* the mouth of Wappoo-cut ; another lay at Hudson's*
« landing, and 1 at Fenwick's lower landing : they

< have thrown up a work near the Cut : I was in-

< formed by several persons, that 90 flat-bottom boats
« and canoes, went down Stono, towards the Cut a
« few days ago ; and yesterday, 6 proceeded down
« the river : for further particulars, I refer you to
' Major Jemison.

* I am, S^c.

* Wm. Moultrie.*

To THE Same.
< Bacon's-bridge, Feb. 26th, 1780.

* Dear Sir,

< I JUST now received two letters from Col. Skir=

* ving, both of which I send you enclosed : I also

* send dovm the prisoners mentioned in them : I al-
' so wrote to Col. Skirving, to send his militia, to
^ endeavor to disperse the disaffected that are in
' arms : though should I v/ant them in the mean

* time, I shall send for them. There are, as yet,

* no militia* at this post. I most earnestly request
' you will order me some ammunition ; as, not only

* the militia want it, but, that Major Venier report-

* The mUitIa refusing to go to town, on account of tii:
/■nail -pox*

< ed to me to day, that he had not more than

< four rounds per man, for his corps, &:c.

* I am, &c.

< Wm. Moultrie.'

From Gen. Lincoln.
« Head-Quarters, Charlestown, Feb. 28th, 1780.
' Dear Sir,

* I was last night favored with your letter of
' the 26th instant, inclosing two from Col. Skirving ;
' a representation has this morning been made on

* the subject, to the governor : I shall order some

* ammunition to be sent you : the enemy are open-

< ing the ground near Fort Johnson : I expect our

* ship will disturb them before night.

' I am, Sec.

* B. Lincoln.
< Gen. Moultrie.*

From Col. D. Horry.
^ Camp, near Ashley-ferry, Feb. 28th, 1780.
« Dear General,

' I AM just returned from Lucas' old field, and

* Wappoo-cut ; and with a small party, I went over
' to a point called Long-Island : the galley is at her

< old station, and about twenty-four or five at Mr.
' Hudson's-landing, with four armed schooners, and
i two other schooners, with a number of armed boats

VOL. XI, a

54,

c are now gone up to Stono ; probably with an intention

< to bring off the baggage from that post ; which we

< are told now consists of a command j with 600
« men to guard their provisions and boats. The

* party we saw to-day, must consist of about 200 men
' including the galley's crew ; and from every intelli-
'^ gence we can obtain, the enemy will soon make a

* point of collecting at Fort Johnson ; where they
' are now busily employed erecting some works.

' I am, &c.

< D. Horry.
* Gen. Moultrie.*

From Major Call.

« Stono, Feb. 29th, 1780,

^ Sir,

* None of the enemy have been out since Sun-

< day ; when a pretty strong party advanced as far as

* Culp's-house, but returned, before ihe detachment
' of horse got down : I had all the country recon-

* noitered yesterday, between Ponpon-road and Mrs.

* Thomas' plantation, and not a man was to be seen.

< The officer who went down the Ponpon-road, re-

* ports that their drums beat, and horns sounded
' about 8 o'clock, where the picquet was usually
' kept ; after waiting some time, in expectation of

< their coming out, he moved up the Will-town
' road, found the guard drawn in, and the log-bridge

t torn up, which stopped his farther progress. The

* inhabitants seem to think they are gone, or about

* to leave Stono-ferry : several schooners were pass-

* ing to and fro yesterday from that place, to New-

* cut ; which in some measure strengthens the ac-

* counts of the inhabitants : though those I saw had

* got too far to discover what number of men they

< contained. I have sent a party this morning, to
' get some certain intelligence, if possible, of their
' disposition, &c. ^

* I am, &c.

< RicHARn Call.
< Gen. Moultrie.'

From Gen. Lincoln*

< Charlestown, Feb. 29th, 1780.

< Dear Sir,

< Your favor I have received, and am much
' surprised to find the militia so unreasonable as to

< wish to avoid this tov/n : are not the North-Caroli-

* nians here, who have not had the small-pox ? have

* they views and interests to support that the inhabi-

< tants of this state have not? surely no! the safety

* of the town depends upon their coming to its assist-

* ance ; and I cannot give them the least encour-

* agement to hope that they will not be brought

* down : they must be brought down ; they ought

* to have been here before now, for they have jioth=

< ing to apprehend from the small-pox : there has
' been this day, the strictest inquiry, by the com-

* missioners of the town ; the surgeons of the hos-

* pitalsj and the officers of ihe army ; and they re-
' port to me that it is not in this place. Our garri-
^ son is at present so weak, that I shall be obliged to
' send for the light troops the moment that you
^ have a hundred or two of the militia join you.

' I am, Sec.
* Gen. Moultrie. B. Lincoln.*

To Gen. Lincoln.

' Bacon's-bridge, March ist, 1780.
^ Dear Sir,

'I THIS moment received intelligence from
^ Major Vernier that all the enemy have crossed

* Wappoo i and are approaching this way ; our horse
^ are retreating towards us : should the intention of
^ the enemy be for this post, I shall, on their com-

* ing near, have the bridge destroyed, and make a
<^ stand, as long as the force I have will permit :
' having been confined to my bed, ever since last
^ Tuesday, I shall be obliged to leave the command
^ to Col. D. Horry. In case of a retreat, I shall be
' glad to know whether you would have the light
^ troops come to town, or remain in the country
^ with the horse. By order,

9 Philip Neyle, A. D. C.'

To THE Same.
< Bacon's-bridge, March 7th, 1780*
? Dear Sir,

* By accounts received from IVIajor Vernier and

* a prisoner taken this morning, the enemy crossed
< Wappoo last night at 8 o'clock, with 1,000 grena-

* dicrs and light-infantry : the last accounts we had

* of them, they were about 3 miles from Ashley-fer-
« ry ; we cannot learn what their intentions were?
^ unless they designed to surprise Major Vernier's
^ post. By order,

< Philip Neyle, A. D,C.'

From the Same.

< Charlestown, March, 1780.
« Dear Sir,

' I AM happy to hear that you are better, and

< that probably you will soon be on your legs ; in or-

< der to hasten that, I have sent Gen. Kuger to Ba-
' con's-bridge, to take all care from you ; as soon as
' you arc able, you had better come to town.

' I am, &;c.

< Gen. Moultrie, B. Lincoln.'

On the 9th of March I left the command at Ea-
con's-bridge, to Gen. Huger, and came to Charles-
town, where I v/as confined to the house for several
days, owii>g to my weakness from my late illness.

Extracts of letters to a particular.

friend in the country.

• Charlestown, March 19th, 1780.

« The enemy are at Fenwick's place, at the

' mouth of Wappoo-creek, making batteries and

« other works directly opposite the town : their ship-

* ping lay off our bar ; and perhaps, may attempt to
< get in, to-morrow or next day : if they remain on

* our coast, much longer, they may be surprised by

* a Spanish fleet :* we are all in high spirits : the
' Virginia troops are expected in a few days.

' Yours, &c.

« Wm. Moultrie.*

To THE Same. '
« Charlestown, March 20th, 1780.
< This morning the enemy's ships (7 of them)

* got over our Bar ; and are now in Five-fathom-
' hole : perhaps they may begin their attack to-mor-

* row : I hope we shall give a good account of them :

* the enemy still remain at Wappoo ; we hear they
' are to march to day, this way.

' Yours, &c.

' Wm. Moultrie.*

* Col. Ternant was sent to the Havannah, to endeavor to
get the assistance of:" a fleet and army, but could not succeed,
because they did not think he was autliorized by the governor.

To THE Same.

' March 21st, 1780.
< The enemy have got in ten of their men of war,*
one of fifty guns, two of forty-four guns, and seven
frigates and twenty gun ships. We expect in a
day or two, to see some smart firing between them
and our vessels and Fort Moultrie : we have sevenf
ships and three gallies to oppose them, if they will
lay any time before the fort, I will engage we beat^
them ; but it is generally thought they will pass as
fast as they can, and endeavor to take their stations
above the town, in Cooper or Ashley rivers,. where
they will incommode us a little at our lines ; but
we are erecting batteries to keep them clear of us,
which I hope will answer the purpose. I suppose
we shall have their army soon on the neck, to
blockade us j when that happens, you will hear but
seldom from

« Your's

' Wm. Moultrie/

* Three of them store ships.

f The Bricole of forty guns, the Providence and Boston
frigates, each thirty-two guns, the Queen of France twenty-eight,
L'Avanture and the Fruite, each twenty-six guns, brig General
Lincoln twenty guns, and three gallics.

Z General Pinckney was commanding officer of the fort at
that time.

To THE' Same*

< March 22d, 1780.

« I WROTE you yesterday; since which, we have
altered our plan greatly ; all our ships and gallies
are ordered up to town, and their guns taken out
and placed in the batteries, and manned by the
sailors, by which means we have a reinforcement
on shore, of 1 ,200" men, which adds greatly to our
strength. "We are to sink some ships, to stop the
channel from the exchange over to the marsh, on
the other side. The Virginia line, is expected in
three. or four days.

*The reasons for altering the plan fixed upon to
dispose of our fleet, v^^as, that Commodore Whipple
did not choose to risk an engagement with the
British fleet. 1 think he was right in the first in-
stance, when stationed just within the bar to pre-
vent the British fleet from coming over, as that
was a dangerous place, but his second position)
when he was to lay a little above Fort Moultrie?
within point blank shot of the fort, with his ships
across, to rake the channel : in that situation it
would have been im.possible for them to pass Vr'ith-
out losing some of their ships ; I scarcely think
l^iey would have attempted it. The fleet was of little
service to the besiegers in blocking up our port, as
all the reinforcements that we got, or could expect to
have, came in by land ; it is true. Admiral Arbuthnot

« had the honor of having Fort Moultrie tamely given
« up to him, without firing a single gun, after Colonel

< Pinckney,* was withdrawn from that command.

< After the British fleet had passed Fort Moultrie, it

< was no longer of use to us, but rather a dead weight.
« We fired at them yesterday, which obliged them to

* move a little ; two of their boats were sounding
« Ashley-river, but we soon made them retire. The
« fleet still lays in Five-fathom-hole. We can manage
« them easy enough. We are sinking some vessels

< across the river, from the Exchange to the marsh

< opposite, which I think will stop the channel. We
« expect the Virginians every day. Yours, &c.

< Wm. MoULTaiE.'

To THE Same.

« March, 26th, 1780.
' The enemy are advancing slow; the head of

< their army is about John Cattel's, but I imagine

< they intend crossing over to Gibbs' place with

* their main body ; they are busily employed on the

* opposite shore, in making fascines and other things ;

* I suppose it will be a day or two yet, before they

* appear before our lines : they have three gallies at
' the m«uth of Wappoo-creek, quite open to us.

< Yours, &c.

* Wm, Moultrie.'

* Now General Pinckney.

VOL. II. I

To THE Same.

« April 3d, 1780.
« The enemy are now before our lines,* and
throwing up works very fast; they have four redoubts
abreast finished ; one at the broad road at Watson's,
one at Hamstead, where St. Edmond Head's house
stood, and one between those two, another they

have on our left, near Cumin 's-point ; I suppose, to-
night they will have one, where Tagart's house
stood. We began to cannonade them yesterday,
and shall continue every day ; their batteries are
not yet opened, but I suppose to-morrow or next
day, they will begin ; then you will hear a great
deal of noise, but there is very little danger from
this sort of fighting. I hope the obstructions laid
across our river before the Exchange, will deter
their shipping from coming up. We have estab-
lished an hospital at Cainhoy meeting-house, for
all those who are not able to do duty, to repair to.
I forgot to mention to you, that the women walk
out from town to the lines, with all the composure
imaginable, to see us cannonade the enemy, but I
fancy when the enemy begin, they will make
themselves pretty scarce. We had a skirmish
with the enemy, on their approach to our lines.

* They crossed Ashley-river, in force, above the ferry and
it Gibb»' within a mile or two of the town. y

!•■'- - • -> ' ■ ■■ . ^.

« Colonel Laurens commanded a corps of light

< troops, and fought them two or three hours, several

* were killed and wounded on both sides, and he was
' obliged to retire within the lines. Major Hyrne

* was wounded in this skirmish.

< Your's, &c.

< Wm. Moultrie.*

To THE Same. <

< April 7th, 2 o'clock, P. M.

'The Virginians are now landing at Gadsden's-

' wharf; we intend as soon as they land and march

< up, to fire thirteen guns, man the lines, and give
^ three cheers.

^Your's, &c.

' Wm. Moultrie,

To THE Same.

« April 8th, irso.
* No doubt you have heard the firing yesterday'

< it was the British men-of-war passing Fort Moultrie

* they are now lying by Fort Johnson ; the fort has

* damaged them a little, and obliged them to burn
' one that got on shore ; we cannot tell whether it

< is a man-of-war, or a store-ship,* but we see the

* people from the fort are very busy iii picking up
' their plunder. We have not yet heard from the

* She was a store ship.

^ fort, but I dare say they have little or no damage
« done them, and perhaps not a man killed. I sup-
<= pose in a few days they will attempt to pass the
' town, then you must expect to hear a very great
* firing indeed, but we shall be pretty secure in our
^ batteries. They have nine laying near us, but not
^ more than seven men-of-war. Your's, &c.

' Wm. Moultrie.*

To THE Same.

< April 27th, 1780.

^ We are now closely blocked up, and only expect

^ to be relieved by our friends. I have lost my

' brave and worthy aid, Philip Neyle,* killed by a

* cannon ball on the 18th inst. which took away a
^ part of his head, since which, my poor brother

* Tom was killed on his return into our lines ; they
« went out to sally into the enemy's entrenchments;

* they brought in twelve prisoners, and bayoneted
^ fifteen or twenty more ; my brother was the only
' man killed, and two wounded, in this sortie, of 3G0
^ men. We two days ago had Colonel Parker killed,
^ or else very little damage has yet happened ; not
« above ten killed and forty wounded, notwithstanding
< the great number of cannon bails and shells that

« are thrown into the town.

« Wm. Moultrie.*

The only child of a crippled and aged father^

Evening Orders by Gen. Lincoln,

March 26th.
* As General Moultrie is to direct the disposition
« of the artillery of the different batteries and works
« in and about the town, all orders relative thereto,
* issued by him, are to be obeyed.*

A JOURNAL OF THE SIEGE OF
CHARLESTOWN.

Tuesday, March 28th, 1780.

The enemy crossed Ashley-river, in force, above
the ferry.

Wednesday, 29th.

The enemy advanced on the neck. The light-
infantry were this evening reinforced with two com-
panies, and the command given to Colonel Laurens.
Thursday, 30th.

The enemy came on, as far as Gibbs*, where they
continued skirmishing throughout the day, with our
light-infantry : the enemy were reinforced in the
evening, with two field-pieces, and ninety men, which
obliged our party to retire into garrison about dark.
Capt. Bowman of the North-Carolina brigade killed ;
Major Hyrne, and seven privates wounded. The
enemy were ail this day transporting troops from
Old-tov/n, on Wappoo-neck, to Gibbs%

Friday, 3 1st.
The garrison employed in mounting cannon ;
throwing traverses, &c.

Saturday, April 1st.
Nothing materials the troops employed as yes-
terday.

Sunday, 2d.

Last night the enemy broke ground, and this
morning, appeared two redoubts ; one nearly oppo-
site the nine gun battery, on the right of the horn=
work ; and the other, a little to the left of the same,
at about twelve hundred yards distance from our
lines.

Monday, Sd.

The enemy employed in completing their two re-
doubts, and erecting one on our left, at an equal
distance from the rest.

Tuesday, 4th.

Several deserters within these three or four days,
who say the enemy on Thursday last had upwards
of twenty men killed and wounded ; among the lat-
ter, a lieutenant colonel of the 60th regiment; Lord
St. Clair badly ; and that they are bringing their
cannon on the neck : since the appearance of the
enemy's works, they have been cannonaded : tv/o
ten inch and one seven inch mortars were remove d
from the Bay, and employed in retarding them. The

enemy all this day employed in finishing their re-
doubts, and throwing up a line of communication.
Wednesday, 5th.

Last night the enemy continued their approaches
to Hamstead-hill, on which they erected a battery
for twelve cannon ; and a mortar battery a little in
the rear. The cannon and mortars employed as
usual, in annoying their works : the battery from
Wappoo, and the gallies, have thrown several shot
into town ; by which, one of tlie inhabitants in King-
street, was killed.

Thursday, 6th.

The enemy approached from their centre redoubt
and erected a five gun battery on the angle, between
batteries No. 11 and 12. The Virginians,* under Bri-
gadier General Woodford, got in by the way of Addi-
son's-ferry ; and some North-Carolina militia under
Colonel Harrington.

Friday, 7th.

This afternoon twelve sail of the enemy's vessels,
passed Fort Moultrie, under a very heavy fire ; one
of them, supposed to be a store ship.. .having met
with some accident, ran aground in the cove, where
she was blown up by her own people : the remain-
der were ten square rigged vessels ; viz. one fifty and

* About seven-hundred.

two forty-four gun ships ; four frigates ; two ships,
supposed to be store ships ; a schooner and sloop
anchored under Fort Johnson.

Saturday, 8th.
The enemy employed in finishing their batteries
on the right.

Sunday, 9th.
The enemy last night continued their approaches
from their redoubt on the left, and threw up a bat-
tery for ten cannon, against the angle of our advanced
redoubt, and the redan No. 7. Some shot were
thrown at the shipping, by our batteries in town, but
without effect.

Monday, 10th,
Sir Henry Clinton, and Admiral Arbuthnot sum-
moned the town.

Summons to Maj. Gen. Lincoln.

* April J 0th, 1780.
'Sir Henry Clinton, K. B. general and commander
in chief of his majesty's forces, laying on the Atlantic,
from Nova-Scotia, Sec. Sec. Sec. and Vice-Admiral
Arbuthnot, commander in chief of his majesty's
ships in North -America, Sec. Sec. Sec. regretting the
effusion of blood, and consonant to humanity towards
the town and garrison of Charlestown, of the havock
and desolation with which they are threatened from
the formidable force surrounding them by land and
sea. An alternative is offered at this hour to the

inhabitants, of saving their lives and property con=
tained in the town, or of abiding by the fatal conse-
quences of a cannonade and storm.

< Should the place in a fallacious security, or its
commander in a wanton indifference to the fate of its
inhabitants, delay the surrender, or should public
stores or shipping be destroyed, the resentment of an
exasperated soldiery may intervene ; but the same
laild and compassionate offer can never be renewed.
The respective commanders, who hereby summons
the town, do not apprehend so rash a part, as further
resistance will be taken, but rather that the gates
will be opened, and themselves received with a de-
gree of confidence which will forebode further recon-
ciliation.

< Henry Clinton.
* M. Arbuthnot.'

From Gen. Lincoln.
* Head-Quarters, Charlestown,
* April 10th, 1780.

* Gentlemen,

' ' I HAVE received your summons of this date ;
« sixty days have passed since it has been known that

* your intentions against this town were hostile ; in
< which, time has been offered to abandon it ; but

vol. II. K

' duty and inclination point to the propriety of sup-
* porting it to the last extremity.
< I have the honor to be,

' Your Excellency's humble servant.

*B. Lincoln.'
Tuesday and Wednesday, lith and 12th.
The enemy busied in completing their works and
mounting their cannon.

Thursday, !3th.
Between 9 and 10 o'clock this morning, the
enemy opened their cannon and mortar batteries.
The cannonade and bombardment continued, with
short intermissions, until midnight : the gallies and
battery at Wappoo also fired. An embrazure at re-
dan No. 7 destroyed ; a sergeant and private of the
North-Carolina brigade killed ; a twenty-six pounder
destroyed, and one eighteen pounder dismounted, in
the flanking battery, on the right : some women and
children killed in town. The enemy's cannon were
chiefly twenty-four pounders ; and tTieir mortars from
five and an half, to ten inches : they threw several
carcasses from eight and ten inch mortars, by which
two houses Vv'ere burnt.

Friday, 14th.
The enemy began an approach on the right, and
kept up a fire of small arms. Cannonade and bom-
bard continued. One sergeant of the North-Caro-
linians killed by a cannon ball : one of the militia

artillery killed, and one wounded : two matrosses of
thp Soulh-Carolina artillery killed.
Saturday, 15th.
The enemy continued approaching on the right :
the mortars ordered to the right, and commence a
firing immediately, to annoy them. A continual
fire of small arms, cannon, and mortars. A battery
of two guns, opened by the enemy at Stiles' place,
on James-Island. Major Grimball's corps of militia,
relieved from the advance redoubt, by a detach-
ment of continental artillery, commanded by Major
Mitchell.

Sunday, 16th.
It is said the enemy attempted to land at Hobcaw-
neck with two gun boats, but were prevented by
Col. Malmadie. Two 18 pounders, a quantity of
provisions, and other valuable articles got out of the
wreck of the vessel near Fort Moultrie.
Monday, 17th.
A MAN, inhabitant of the town, killed by a cannon
ball, and a woman wounded ; both from Wappoo
battery.

Tuesday, 1 8th.
The enemy continued a warm firing from their
cannon, mortars, and sm.all arms. Mr. Neyle, aid-
de-camp to Gen. Moultrie, killed by a cannon ball.
We advanced a breast-work to the left of the square
redoubt, for riflemen, to annoy the enemy on their

approach. Five men killed by small arms; and
three wounded by a shell : a sentinel at the abbattis
had his arm shot off by one of our own cannon :
a twelve pounder* bursted in the horn-work, by which
two men v/ere much hurt. The enemy ceased
throwing large shells. We hear that our cavalry
under General Huger, have been defeated f ; and that
we lost between 20 or 30 killed and wounded ; among
the former was Major Vernier of Paulaski's legion.
General Scott with the light-infantry crossed Coo-
per-river, into town : about 40 Virginians got in
last night. The enemy continued their approaches
^to the right, within 250 yards of the front of the
square redoubt : they threw during the night a great
number of shells from sixteen royals and Cohornsj
chiefly in the North-Carolina camp : one man killed,
and two wounded.

Wednesday, J 9th,
The enemy began an approach from the left bat-
teiy, towards our advanced redoubt ; and moved

* This was one of the guns belonging to the Actcon frigate,
that got on shore while engaged with Fort Moulciie, in 1776,
and was burnt. It is remarkable that eight or ten of those
guns which we weighed, and mounted on our lines, were
every one of them bursted, after two or three rounds: whicli
makes me suppose that their being heated by the fire of the ship,
and suddenly plunging into the water while red-hot, destroyed
their metallic parts, and left only the dross behind,

+ This was a sliameful surprise, at Monk's=corner, in the
open dave

some mortars into the former : they also advanced
on Hobcaw-neck, and exchanged a few shot with
our advance party. Two or three persons killed in
town.

Thursday, 20th.

The approaches continued on the left; their mor-
tars removed from their left battery, into their
approaches ; an eighteen pounder dismounted at
Captain Bottard's battery on the right; four of their
gallies after dark, moved from Wappoo-creek to the
shipping at Fort Johnson, under a very heavy fire from
our batteries. The enemy retreated from Hobcaw
across Wappataw-b ridge, which it is said they have
burnt. Two magazines in the batteries commanded
by Capt. Siskj blew up by shells, but no persons hurt.
Friday, 21st.

A flag sent to Sir Henry Clinton.

* Charlestown, April 21st, 1780.
< Sir,

' I AM willing to enter into the consideration pf

* terms of capitulation, if such can be obtained as

* are honorable to the army, and safe for the inhabit-

* ants. I have to propose a cessation of hostiliiies

* for six hours, for the purpose of digesting such

* articles. * I have the honor to be,

* Your Excellency's, he,

* B. Lincoln^
* His Ex. Sir Kenry Clinton.'

From Sir Kenry Clinton.
<^ Camp BEFORE Charlestown, April 21st, 1780.
« Sir,

* Admiral Arbuthnot, who commands the fleet,

* should have been addressed jointly with me on
' this occasion. As I wish to communicate with him,
< and as I give my consent to a cessation of hostilities

* for six hours, I desire an aid-de-camp* may pass
' to the ships, with a letter, and my request, that the

* battery on James'-Island may desist firing.

' I have the honor to be, &c.

' H. Clinton.*
' iVIaj. Gen. Lincoln.'

ARTICLES OF CAPITULATION PROPOSED
BY MAJOR GENERAL LINCOLN.

* Charlestown, April 21st, 1780.

Art iCLE 1. That all acts of hostilities and works
shall cease between the naval and land forces of
Great-Britain and America, in this state, until the
articles of capitulation shall be agreed on, signed, or
collectively rejected.

Art. 2, That the town, forts and fortifications
belonging to them, shall be surrendered to the com-
mander in chief of the British forces, such as theV
now stand.

* The aid was permitted to pass to the ships, from Gibbs',
round Ashley-river, to the vessels near Fort Johnson.

Art. S. Thatthe several troops garrisoning this
town and forts, including the French and American
sailors, the French invalids, the North-Carolina and
South-Carolina militia, and such of the Charlestown
militia as may choose to leave this place, shall have
thirty-six hours to withdraw to Lamprier's, after the
capitulation be accepted and signed on both sides;
and that those troops shall retire with the usual
honors of war, and carry off at that time their arms,
field-artillery, ammunition and baggage, and such of
their stores as they may be able to transport.

Art. 4. That after the expiration of the thirty-
six hours mentioned in the preceding article, the
British troops before the town shall take possession
of it, and those now at Wappataw shall proceed t*
Fort Moultrie.

Art. 5. That the American army thus collected
at Lamprier's, shall have ten days, from the expira-
tion of the thirty-six hours before mentioned, to
march wherever General Lincoln may think pro-
per, to the eastward of Cooper's-river, without any
movement being made by the British troops, or
part of them, out of the town or Fort Moultrie.

Art. 6. That the sick and wounded of the Amer-
ican and French hospitals, with their medicines,
stores, the surgeons and director-general, shall re-
main in the town, and be supplied with the . neces-

saries requisite, until provisions shall be made for
their removal, which will be as speedily as possible.

Art. 7. That no soldier shall be encouraged to
desert, or permitted to inlist on either side.

Art. 8. That the French consul, his house, pa-
pers and other moveable property, shall be protected
and remain untouched.

Art. 9. The continental ships of war, Provi-
dence, Boston, and Ranger, now in this harbor,
with the French ship of war, the Adventure, shall
have liberty to proceed to sea, with the necessary
stores on board, and go unmolested, the three former
to Philadelphia and the latter to Cape Francois, with
the French invalids mentioned in article three.

Art. 10. That the citizens shall be protected in
their persons and property.

Art. 11. That twelve months be allowed to
those who do not choose to live under the British
government, to dispose of their effects, real and
personal, in the state, without any molestation what-
ever, and remove such parts thereof, as they
choose, with themselves and families; and during
that time, they, or any of them, may have in their
option to reside occasionally in town or country.

Art. 12. That the same protection to their
persons and property, and the same time for the
removal of their effects be given to the subjects of
France and Spain, residing amongst us, as are re-

quired for the citizens residing amongst us in the

preceding article.

< B. Lincoln.*

Sir Henry Clinton and Vice-Admiral Arbuth-
NOT TO Major General Lincoln.
<Camp before Charlestown, April '21st, 1780.
'Sir, 8 o'clock at night.

< We have in answer to your third article (for we
« cannot proceed further) to refer you to our former

< offer, as terms, which, although you cannot claim,

< yet we consent to grant. These however, must be

* accepted immediately, and responsible hostages, of

* the rank of field-officers, must be sent us as secu-

* rities, that the custom of war in these cases must
' be strictly adhered to, that no person of the garrison

< or inhabitant be permitted to go out, nothing be

* removed or destroyed, and no ships or vessels pass

< from the town. All dependant posts are to be in-
' eluded in the surrender, and the hostages to be as an-

* swerable for these as the town. Your answer is ex-

< pected at ten o'clock, at which hour, hostilities will

* commence again, unless our offers are closed with,

* H. Clinton.

* Maj. Gen. Lincoln.' < M. Arbuthnot.*

On the summons of Sir Henry Clinton, and Ad-
miral Arbuthnot, General Lincoln called a council
of war, of field-officers, on the propriety of evacu-

VOL. ir. L

ating the lowu. They were of opinion ^ that it
^ was unadviseable, because of the opposition made to
' it by the civil authority and the inhabitants, and be-

* cause, even if they could succeed in defeating a
^ large body of the enemy posted in their way, they
' had not a sufficiency of boats to cross the Santee
i before they might be overtaken by the whole Bri-

* tish army.' The council therefore recommend-
ed a capitulation.

Saturday, 22 d.

Approaches continued on our left in front of the
advance redoubt. The enemy kept up a heavy can-
nonade. Three men wounded.
Sunday, 23d.

Approaches continued on cur right and left;
those on the right within twenty yards of the wet
ditch. About eight at night two deserters from the
enemy; they report them to have received a consider-
able reinforcement* from New-York, and that they
detached to day, ten companies of light-infantry
to get footing at Haddrell's-point, they say the enemy
have lost a number of men by our shells.
Monday, 24th.

A party composed of three hundred men, Vir-
ginians and South-Carolinians, under the command
of I/ieutenant Colonel Henderson, made a sortie
upon the enemy's approaches, opposite the advance

* Lord Cornwaliis with 2500 mcri

redoubts at day light, they were completely surprised^
and lost about fifteen or twenty men killed with the
bayonet, besides twelve persons brought off, seven of
whom were wounded. Captain Moultrie killed and
two men wounded on our side. The enemy at-
tempted to support their guards from the trenches ;
but on receiving rounds of grape, made them retreat.
The prisoners report their party to have been com-
manded by Major Hall of the 71st regiment, but no
officers were to be found. Colonel Parker killed
about eight o'clock, looking over the parapet; tv.o
privates killed and seven wounded. The greatest
part of the 1st South-Carolina regiment came into
garrison this morning, with Colonel C. Pinckney from
Fort Moultrie.

Tuesday, 25th.

Between twelve and one this morning, a heavy
fire of cannon and musketry, commenced from our
advanced redoubt, and the right of the lines occa-
sioned as it was said, by the enemy's advancing in
column. It is certain they gave several huzzas, but
whether they were out of their trenches, it is not
clear ; they kept up a very heavy and incessant fire
with musketry, for thirty minutes. The enemy
threw several light balls into town. Two o'clock
P. M. Lord Cornwallis at Mount-Pleasant.
Wednesday, 26th.

The Lord George Germaine, and a sloop, joined

the enemy's fleet. The enemy "were very quiet all
day, and last night ; we suppose they are bringing
cannon into their third parallel : they are strengthen-
ing their approaches : Lord Cornwallis took posses-
sion of Mount-Pleasant yesterday. Brigadier Gene-
ral Du Portail* arrived from Philadelphia. The
garrison ordered to be served with the usual quantity
of provision ; a plentiful supply having been receiv-
ed. One killed ; Captain Goodwin of the third
South-Carolina battalion, and one private wounded.
On General Du Portail delaring that the works
were not tenable, a council was again called upon
for an evacuation, and to withdraw privately with
the continental troops : when the citizens were in-
formed upon what the council were deliberating,
some of them came into council, and expressed them-
selves very warmly, and declared to General Lin-
coln, that if he attempted to withdraw the troops,
and leave the citizens ; that they would cut up his
boats, and open the gates to the enemy : this put a
stop to all thoughts of an evacuation of the troops,
and nothing was left for us, but to make the best
terms we could.

* As soon as General Du Portail came into garrison, and
looked at the enemy, and at our works, he declared they were
not tenable ; and that the British might have taken the town,
ten days ago : he wished to leave the garrison imnicdiatclyj but
General Lincoln would not allow him, because it would dis-
pirit the troops.

Thursday, 27th.

About 1 o'clock in the afternoon, four of the ene-
my's gallics, an armed sloop, and a frigate, moved
down the river, and anchored opposite the mouth of
Hog's-Island creek. Five militia men, late of James*-
Island, deserted last night from South-bay in a boat.
Our post at Lamprier's-ferry, retreated across the
river, in the night, to Charlestown, after spiking up
four eighteen pounders, they were obliged to leave.
One private killed, and five wounded.
Friday, 28th.

Colonel Charles Pinckney is requested to assist
General Moultrie in directing and disposing the
artillery of the different batteries and works in and
about town. Two deserters from the enemy at Hob-
caw, brought over by our troops that retreated last
night. Some supernumerary officers quitted the
garrison. The enemy busy in throwing up their
third parallel, within a few yards of the canal. Our
fatigue employed in inclosing the horn-work : two
privates killed ; Lieutenant Campaign of the North-
Carolinians, and two privates wounded.
Saturday, 29th.

We are throwing up a redoubt on the right of th©
horn-work. The enemy's batteries remarkably si-
lent ; they seem to intend erecting two batteries in
their third parallel ; one at the gate opposite the
horn-work, and the other in front of Col» Parker's

regiment. A heavy bombardment by the enemy dur-
ing the night : a deserter from them ; who says that
they are preparing a bridge to throw over the canal.
Captain Templeton of the fourth Georgia battalion,
wounded by a shell, of which he died.
Sunday, oOth.
The deserter yesterday further tells us that the
huzzas which occasioned the firing last Tuesday
morning, v/ere from the enemy's working parties*
who thought we were sallying : their engineer, he
says, had ordered them, in that event, to give three
huzzas, and fall back upon the covering party's, who
not having been apprised of it, received them as an
enemy ; in consequence of which, a considerable
number of them were killed and wounded : he af-
firms the account of the enemy's receiving a rein-
forcement from New-York, and says their detach-
ment on Hobcaw, amounts to upwards of 2,000 ; that
they look for their shipping up every night ; and
are preparing a large number of fascines to fill up
the canal. Lieutenant Hall of the North-Carolinians
wounded ; his leg broke by a grape-shot, from our
own batteries. Lieutenant Philips of the Virgini-
ans wounded in his thigh by a shell.
Monday, May 1st.
Our fatigue employed in erecting another redoubt
on the left of the horn-work, and completing the
new works. The enemy appear to be about another

battery in their third parallel, opposite No. 12, on
our right. The garrison congratulated in the gene-
ral orders of yesterday, on the certainty of large
reinforcements being at hand. Five men deserted
from the galley last night. Captain Montford of the
North-Carolinians wounded, and Mr. Lord,* a volun-

* Mr. Lord and Mr. Basquin, two volunteers, were sleeping
upon a matrass together, when Mr. Lord was killed by a shell
falling upon him, and Mr. Basquin at the same time, had the
hair of his head burnt, and did not wake till he was called upon.
The fatigue in that advance redoubt, was so great, for want
of sleep, that many faces were so swelled they could scarcely
sec out of their eyes. 1 was obliged to relieve Major Mitchell
the commanding officer : they were constantly upon the look
out for the shells that were continually falling among them, it
was by far, the most dangerous post on the lines. On my
visit to this battery, not having been there for a day or two, I
took the usual way of going in, which was a bridge that crossed
our ditch, quite exposed to the enemy, in the mean time, they
had advanced their works within seventy or eighty yards of the
bridge, vvhich I did not know of; as soon as I had stepped upon
the bridge, an uncomimon number of bullets whistled about me,
on looking to my right, I could just see the heads of about
twelve or fifteen men firing upon me, from behind a breast-
work, I moved on and got in ; when Major Mitchell sav/ me,
he asked me which way I came in, I told him over the bridge,
he was astonished, and said, *' sir it is a thousand to one that
you were not killed," ard told me, " that we had a covered
way to go out and in," which he conducted me through on my
return. 1 stayed in this battery about a quarter of an hour, to
give the necessary orders, in which time we were constantly
skipping about to get out of the way of the shells thrown from
their howitzers, they were not more than one hundred yards
from our works, and throwing their shells in bushels on our
front and left flanks.

teer in the continental artillery, killed yesterday by a
shell, in the advanced redoubt. A smart bombard-
ment during the day.

Tuesday, 2d.
Last night the enemy were making a ditch on the
right, to drain our canal. A number of men killed
and wounded within these last three 6r four days ;
their number not ascertained. A nine pounder
bursted at battery No. 12, and a quantity of fixed
ammunition blown up by accident at batteries No. 10
and 12. The enemy throw shells at us charged with
rice and sugar.*

Wednesday, 3d.
Ou R fatigue employed in fixing picquets, &c.

Thursday, 4th.
Our rations of meat reduced to six ounces, coffee
and sugar allowed to the soldiers. The fire from
the enemy's cannon still slack, but they do not
spare their shells.

Friday, 5th.
Captain William Mitchell of the continental ar-
tillery, badly wounded by a shell.
Saturday, 6th.
From ail appearance, Fort Moultrief is in the

* They were misinformed if they fupposed us in war.t of
those articles.

f Fort Moultrie was given up without firing a gun.

hands of the enemy ; a British flag was seen flying
on the flag-staff.

Sunday, 7th.

The above confirmed. Our principal magazine*
near being destroyed, by a thirteen inch shell burst-
ing within tenyards of it.

Monday, 8th.

A SECOND summons from Sir Henry Clinton in-
informing us of the fall of Fort Moultrie, and that the
remains of our cavalry were cut to pieces the day
before yesterday. The embrazures of the enemies
batteries in the third parallel! opened last night.
Our meat quite out, rice sugar and coffee served out.

* The old magazine behind St. Philip's Church : in
consequence of that shell falling so near, I had the powder
(io,ooo pounds) removed to the north east corner, under the
exchange, and had the doors and windows bricked up. Not-
withstanding the British had possession of Charlestown so
long, tkey never discovered the powder, although their provost
was the next apartment to it, and after the evacuation, when
We came into town, we found the powder as we left it.

t When the enemy's third parallel was completed, we had
sand-bags placed upon the top of our lines, tor the riflemen Jo
fire through. The sand-bags were about two feet long and one
foot thick, wc laid down first two of them, three or four inches
one from the other, and a third laid upon the top of the two,
which made a small loop hole for the riflemen to fire through,
the British immediately follpwed our example: many men
were killed and wounded through these hole?.

VOL. II. M

From Sir Henry Clinton.
<Camp before Charlestown, May 8th, 1780,
« Sir,

* Circumstanced as I now am with respect to the

* place invested, humanity only can induce me to lay

* within your reach the terms I had determined should

* not again be proffered. The fall of Fort Sullivam
' the destruction on the sixth instant, of what re-
' mained of your cavalry, the critical period to which

* our approaches against the town has brought us,

* mark this as the term of your hopes of succor,

* could you have framed any, and as an hour beyond

* which, resistance is temerity. By this last sum-
' mons therefore, I throw to your charge whatever

* vindictive severity exasperated soldiers may inflict
» on the unhappy people, whom you devote by per-
^ severing in a fruitless defence.

* I SHALL expect your answer until eight o'clock,
« when hostilities will commence again, unless the

* town be surrendered, &c. &c.

* H. Clinton.*

* Mai. Gen. Lincoln.

From Gen. Lincoln.

* Charlestown, May 8th, 1780.

* Sir,

* Your letter to me of this date, is now un-

* der consideration. There are so many different

< interests to be consulted, that I have to propose
' that hostilities do not again commence until twelve

' o'clock.

' B. Lincoln.

< His Ex. Sir Henry Clinton.*

From Sir Henry Clinton.
^ Sir, May 8th, 1780.

' I CONSENT that hostilities shall not again com-
« mence before the hour of twelve, as you desire.
* I have the honor to be, Sec.

' H. Clinton.
' Maj. Gen. Lincoln.'

From Gen. Lincoln.
' Sir, May 8th, 1780.

* As more time has been expended in consult-
< ing the different interests, then I supposed there

* would be, I have to request that the truce may

* be continued until 4 o'clock.

' B. Lincoln,
* His Ex. Sir Henry Clinton.'

ARTICLES OF CAPITULATION PROPOSED
BY MAJOR GENERAL LINCOLN.

Charlestown, May 8th, 1780.

Art. 1. That all acts of hostilities and works

shall cease between the besiegers and the besieged>

until the articles of capitulation shall be agreed on,
signed, and executed ; or collectively rejected.

Art. 2. The town and fortifications shall be sur-p
rendered to the commander in chief of the British
forces, such as they now stand.

Art. 3. That the continental troops and sailors,
with their baggage, shall be conducted to a place
to be agreed on ; where they shall remain prisoners
of war, until exchanged : while prisoners, they shall
be supplied with good and wholesome provisions, in
such quantity as are served out to the troops of his
Britannic Majesty.

Art. 4. The militia now in garrison shall be
permitted to return to their respective homes, and
be secured in their persons and properties.

Art. 5. The sick and wounded shall be con-
tinued under the care of their own surgeons, and
he supplied with medicines, and such other necessa-
ries as are allowed to British hospitals.

Art. 6. The officers of the army and navy shall
keep their horses, swords, pistols, and baggage ;
which shall not be searched ; and retain their servants.

Art. 7, The garrison, at an hour appointed, to
march out v/ith shouldered arms, drums beating, and
colors flying, to a place to be agreed on, where they
•will pile theijr arms.

Art. 8. That the Freneh consul, his house, pa-
pers, ^nd other moveable property, shall be protect-

ed and untouched ; and a proper lime granted to
him for retiring to any place that may. afterwards be
agreed upon between him and the commander in
chief of his British forces.

Art. 9. That the citizens shall be protected in
their lives and properties.

Art. 10. That twelve months time be allowed
all such as do not choose to continue under the Bri-
tish government, to dispose of their effects, real, anf.1
personal, in the state, without any molestation whate-
ver ; or to remove such part thereof as they choose,
as well as themselves and families : and that, dur-
ing that time, they, or any of them, may have it in
their option to reside occasionally in town or country.

Art. 1 1. That the same protection to their per-
sons and properties, and the same time for the re-
moval of their effects ; be given to the subjects of
France and Spain, as are required for the citizens
in the preceding article.

Art. 12. That a vessel be permitted to go to
Philadelphia vv^ith the general's dispaches, which are
not to be opened.

(Signed) B. Lincoln.

From Sir Henry Clinton.
'Sir, May 8th, 1780.

• As I wish to communicate with the Admiral
* upon the subject of your last letter, I have to de-

< sire that an aid-de-camp* may be permitted to
' pass to the fleet for that purpose-

' I have the honor to be, &c.

* H. Clinton.
' Major General Lincoln.'

From Sir Henry Clinton,

« May 8thj six o'clock, P. M.
' Sir, •

* In order to give the articles of capitulation

* which you proposed, a due consideration ; I propose

* that the cessation of hostilities shall continue until to-
' morrow morning at eight o'clock ; and that in the

< mean time, every thing shall continue in its present

* situation : if you accede to this, you will please to

* give me immediate information of it.

' I have the honor to be, &:c.

< H, Clinton.
' Major General Lincoln.'

From Gen. Lincoln.

*May 8th, 1780.

,SlR, ,

'I ACCEDE to your proposal, that hostilities
* shall cease until to-morrow morning at eight o'clock,

* To pass from GibVs, down Ashley-river, to the fleet
lying at Fort Johnson... .it was granted.

' and that in the mean time all works shall continue
< in their present state.

(Signed) * B. Lincoln.

< His Ex. Sir Kenry Clinton.

From Sir Henry Clinton.
< Sir, May 8th, 1780.

' Your answer to my letter proposing a contin-
« nation of the truce until to-morrow morning at

* eight o'clock, only accedes to the cessation of hos-

* tilities, and that in the mean time all works shall

* continue in their present state ; but my proposition

* was, that, until that time, every thing should con-

* tinue in its present situation ;, and my meaning

* was, that there should not be an attempt made to

* remove any of the troops, or destroy any of the
' ships, stores, or other effects whatever, now in

* the town or harbor : If your idea is the same, I

* must request you will express yourself more cx-
' plicitly.

* I am, &c.
♦ *H. Clinton.

< Major General Lincoln.*

From Gen. Lincoln.
' Sir, May, 8th, 1780.

' In agreeing that the truce should be continued
until eight o'clock to-morrow morning, and all

* works remain as they v.- ere, I meant to accede to
' your proposal, that every thing should continue in

* its present situation, which I again assent to.

' B. Lincoln/
' His. Ex. Sir Henry Clinton.'

While these flags were passing, the militialooked
upon all the business as settled, and without orders,
took up their baggage and walked into town, leaving
the lines quite defenceless.

ALTERATIONS OF ARTICLES OF CAPITULATION
PROPOSED BY MAJOR GENERAL LINCOLN, AND
ANSWERED BY THEIR EXCELLENCIES, SIR HENRY
CLINTON, K, B. AND VICE ADMIRAL ARBUTHNOT.

Article 1. All acts of hostilities and work shall
cease until the articles of capitulation are finally
agreed to or rejected.

Art. 2. The town and fortifications, with the
shipping at the warves, artillery, and all public stores
whatever, shall be surrendered in their present state
to the commanders of the investing forces. Proper
officers shall attend from the respective departments
to receive them.

Art. 3. Granted.

Art. 4. The militia now in garrison shall be
permitted to return to their respective homes, as

prisoners upon parole, which, so long as they ob-»
serve it, shall secure them from being molested in
their property by the British troops.

Art. 5. Granted.

Art. 6. Granted, except with respect to their
horses, which will not be allowed to go out of town,
but may be disposed of hf a person left from each
corps for that purpose. ^

Art. 7. The whole garrison shall, at an hour to
be appointed, march out of town, to the ground be-
tween the works of the place and the canal, where
they will deposit their arms. The drums are not to
beat a British march, or colors be uncased.

Art. 8, Agreed, with this restriction, that they are
to consider themselves as prisoners of war on parole.

Art. 10. The discussion of this article, of course,
cannot possible be entered mto at present.

Art. 11. The subjects of France and Spain shall
have the same terms as ai^e granted to the Frencli
consul.

Art. 12. Granted: and a proper vessel, with a
flag, will be provided for that purpose.

All public papers and records must be carefully
preserved, and faithfully delivered to such as shall
be appointed to receive them.

(Signed) H. Clinton-.

M. Arbuthnot*
Camp before Charlestown, May 9th, 1780.

VOL. II, N

Fkom Gen. Lincoln.

< May 9th, 1780.
* Sir,

* In reply to your answer on the articles of capi-
^ tulation, I must remark that in their present state
c they are inadmissable ; and have to propose those
' now sent, may be acceded to.

' If any further explanation should be necessary,
* I have to propose also, that two or three gentle-
« men be appointed to meet and confer on the sub-
' ject. I have the honor to be, £^c.

« B. Lincoln.
° His Ex. Sir Henry Clinton.

ALTERATIONS OF ARTICLES OF CAPITU-
LATION, PROPOSED BY MAJOR GENERAL
LINCOLN.

Art. 2. The town and fortifications ; with the
shipping at the wharves (excepting those which are
private property) and all public stores shall be sur-
rendered in their present state, to the commander
in chief of the British forces

Art. 4. The militia now in garrison, shall be
permitted to return to their respective homes, with
their baggage unmolested ; and not to be considered
as prisoners of war.

Art. 6. Such of the officers as may be unwilling
to dispose of their horses, may keep them.

Art. 7. This article to stand as at first propos-
ed : the drums beating a British march.

Art. 8. The French consul, never having borne
arms, and acting in a civil capacity, is not to be
considered as a prisoner of war.

Art. 9. The citizens, and all other persons, now
in town, who are inhabitants of this state, shall be
secured in their persons and properties, both in
town and country ; and not to be considered priso-
ners of war.

Art. 10. This article to stand as at first propos-
ed : the persons who may claim the privileges
therein expressed, giving their paroles that they
will not act against the British government, until
they are exchanged.

Art. 1 1. This article to stand as at first proposed,
with the same restrictions as are mentioned in Art.
10. In order to prevent disputes, it is to be under-
stood that all officers of the continental army, who
are citizens of this state, be entitled to all the bene-
fits of citizens, with regard to the security of their
property. All public records now in town, will be
delivered to such persons as may be appointed to re^
ceive them. (Signed) B. Lincoln.

Done at Charlestown, May 9th, 1780,

To Gen. Lincoln.

< May 9th, 1780.
« Sir,

< No other motives but those of forbearance and
« compassion induced us to renew offers of terms you

* certainly had no claim to. The alterations you

* propose, are all utterly inadmissable ; hostilities will
iji consequence commence afresh, at eight o'clock.

' H. Clinton.'

^ M. ARByTHNOTe'

* Maj. Gen. Lincoln.

After receiving the above letter, we remained
near an hour silent, all calm and ready, each waiting
for the other to begin. At length, we fired the first
gun, and immediately followed a tremendous cannon-
ade,* and the mortars from both sides threw out an
immense number of shells; it was a glorious sight,
to see them like meteors crossing each other, and
bursting in the airj it appeared as if the stars were
tumbling down. The fire was incessant almost the
whole night; cannon-balls whizzing and shells hissing
continually amongst us ; ammunition chests and
temporary magazines blowing up; great guns burst?
ing, and wounded men groaning along the lines ; it
was a dreadful night! it was our last great effort, but

* About i8o or zoo pieces of heavy cannon fired off at the

lame moment.

it availed us nothing; after this, our military ardor
was much abated ; we began to cool, and we cooled
gradually, and on the eleventh of May we capitu-
lated, and in the morning of the twelfth, we marched
out and gave up the town.

To Sir Henry Clinton.

* Charlestown, May, 11th, 1T80.

<SlR,

* The same motives of humanity, which inclined
« you to propose articles of capitulation to this garrison

* induced me to offer those I had the honor of send-

* ing you on the 8th inst. They then appeared to

* me, such as I might proffer, and you receive, with

* honor to both parties. Your exceptions to them,

* as they principally concerned the militia and citi-

* zens, I then conceived were such as could not be

* concurred with ; but a recent application from
< those people, wherein they express an unwillingness

* to comply with them, and a wish on my part to

* lessen as much as may be, the distresses of war to
' individuals, lead me novv^ to offer you my acceptance
^ of them.

< I have the honor to be, Sec.

' B. Lincoln.*

To Gen. Lincoln.
* Camp BEFORE Charlestown, May 11th, 1780.

< Sir,

' When you rejected the favorable terms which

< were dictated by an earnest desire to prevent efFu-
' sion of blood, and interposed articles that were

* wholly inadmissable ; both the admiral and myself,
' were of opinion that the surrender of the town at

* discretion, was the only condition that should after-
^ wards be attended to ; but as the motives which then
' induced them, are still prevalent, I now inform

* you that the terms then offered, will still be grant-
i ed. A copy of the articles shall be sent for your
i ratification, as soon as they can be prepared, and
« immediately after they are exchanged, a detachment

* of grenadiers will be sent to take possession of the
' horn-work, opposite your main gate. Every ar-

< rangement which may conduce to good order in

* occupying the town, shall be settled before ten
' to-morrow, and at that time your garrison shall

* march out.

* I have the honor to be, 8cc.

« H. Clinton.*

ARTICLES OF CAPlTULATIOl^ BETWEEN HIS EXCEL-
LENCY SIR HENRY CLINTON, 8cC. AND MARIOT
ARBUTHNOT, ESq. VICE ADMlRALj AND MAJOR
GENERAL LINCOLN.

Art. 1. That all acts of Art, 1. All acts of hos-
hostilities and work shall tilities and works shall
cease between the besie- cease, until the articles of
gers and the besieged, capitulation are finally a-
until the articles of capi- gretdto, or rejected,
tulation shall be agreed on,
signed and executed, or
collectively rejected.

Art. 2. The town and Art. 2. The town and
fortifications shall be sur- fortifications with the ship-
rendered to the command- ping at the wharves, artil-
er in chief of the British lery and all public stores
forces as they now stand, whatsoever, shall be sur-
rendered in their present
state, to the commander
of the investing forces.
Proper officers shall attend
from the respective depart-
ments to receive them.
Art. 3. The ct)ntinen- Art. 3. Granted,
tal troops and sailors with
their baggage, shall be
conducted to a place to be
agreed on, where thev

c9t$i$^iikD

shall remain prisoners of
war until exchanged; while

prisoners, they shall be

supplied with good and
wholesome provisions in
such quantity as is served
out to the troops of his
Britannic majesty.

Art. 4. The militia now Art. 4. The militia now
in garrison shall be per- in garrison shall be per-
mitted to return to their mitted to return to their
respective homes, and be respective homes as pri-
secured in their persons soners of war on parole,
and property. which parole, as long as

they observe, shall secure
them from being molested
in their property by the
British troops.
Art. 5. The sick and Art. 5. Granted,
wounded shall be continu*
ed under the care of their
own surgeons, and be sup-
plied with medicines and
such necessaries as are
allowed to the British hos-
pitals.

Art. 6. The ofncers of Art. 6. Granted, except
the army and navy shall with respect to the horses,

101

keep their horses, swords, which will not be allowed
pistols and baggrage, which to go out of town, but
shall not be searched, and may be disposed of by a
retain their servants, person left for that purpose

from each corps.
Art. 7. The garrison Art. f. The whole gar-
shall at an hour appointed, rison shall at an hour to be
march out with shouldered appointed, march out of
arms, drums beating and the town, to the ground
colours Hying, to a place between the works of the
agreed on, where they place and the C5.nal, where
will pile the arms. they will deposit their

arms. The drums not to
beat* aBritish ma^'ch, or
the colors to be uncased.
Art. 8. That the French Art. 8. Agreed, with
consul, his house, papers this isestriction, that he
and other moveable pro- consider himself as a pris*
perty, shall be protected oner on parole,
and untouched, and a pro-
per time granted to him
for retiring to any place
that may afterwards be
agreed upon between him
and the commander in
chief of the British forces.

• We marched out with the Turk's mjircb-
o

102

Art. 9. That the citi- Art. 9. All civil officers
zcns be protected in their and citizens who have
dersons and property.- borne arms during the

siege, must be prisoners
on parole, and with respect
to their property in the
city, shall have the same
terms as are granted to
the militia; and all other
persons now in town, not
described in this or other
articles, are notwithstand-
ing, understood to be pris-
oners on parole.
Art. 10. That twelve Art. 10. The discuss-
months time, be allowed ion of this article of course
all such as do not choose cannot possibly be enter-
to continue under the ed into at present.
British government to dis-
pose of their effects, real,
and personal, in the state,
%vithout any molestation
whatever ; or to remove
such part thereof as they
choose, as well as them-
selves and family ; and
during that time, they,
or any of them, may have

103

at their option to reside
occasionally in town or
country.

Art. 11. That the Art. 11. The subjects
same protection to their of France and Spain shall
persons and property, and have the same terms as
the same time for the re- are granted to the French
moval of their effects, be consul,
given to the subjects of
France and Spain, as are
required for the citizens
in the preceding article.

Art. 12. That a ves- Art. 12. Granted; and
sel be permitted to go to a proper vessel, with a
Philadelphia, with the gen- flag, will be provided for
eral's dispatches ; which that purpose,
are not to be opened.

All public papers and records must be carefully
preserved, and faithfully delivered to such persons
as shall be appointed to receive them.
Done in the Camp before Charlestown, .
May 12th, 1780.

H. Clinton.
M. Arbuthnot#

104

A Letter FROM Sir Henry Clinton and Ad-
miral Arbuthnot, to General Lincoln.
*Head-Quarters before Charlestown,

< Sir, May 12th, 1780.

* We have to request you will propose some
' proper contiguous building in the town, for the
' residence of the private prisoners of V7ar, not to be

* on parole ; those will be, of course, such as may,
' in discretion be asked.

' The officers of the army and navy will go to the

< barracks at Haddrell's-point, and boats will be at

< the wharves to convey them at 3 o'clock.

< The militia must depart as speedily as possible ;

* and by a report of the numbers departing home-

* wards, on parole, by the several roads of the coun-

* try, beats shall convey their baggage to Stono-
' ferry ; to Dorchester ; to Strawberry-ferry ; to

* Cain-hoy : themselves shall be escorted beyond
' our neighboring posts.

' We beg from you, a general return of all per-
' sons bearirg arms ; and also all persons yet in
* town, in civil capacities.

* As soon as the detachment of grenadiers take
^ possession of the horn-work, our deputies of depart-

< ments shall meet your's-, who will deliver up to them,

< all public eifects : and when your troops shall have
quitted the town ; the garrison destined to it, shall

€ march in. Your officers shall be allowed to go to

105

^ the extent of six miles from the barracksj but to
' pass no river, creek, or arm of the sea.
« We have the honor to be, Sec.

* H. Clinton.

< M. Arbuthnot,*

Early in the siege, General Lincoln requested^
and urged the necessity of the governor and council
leaving the town ; that their being in the country
would keep up the civil authority, and be more use-
ful than they could possibly be, by staying in town :
the governor made many objections, and said the
citizens would say he left them in a time of danger ;
at last they fell upon an expedient that satisfied all
parties, which was, that the governor, and three of
his council, should leave the town ; and that lieuten-
ant governor Gadsden, and the five others of the
council, should remain within the lines : this being
agreed to, on the twelfth day of April, Governor
Rutledge, the honorables Charles Pinckney, John
Lewis, Gervais* and Daniel Huger left the town,
and went into the north part of the country. It was
very fortunate for the province, that the governor
was not made a prisoner in town : his presence in
the country^ kept every thing alive, and gave great
spirits to the people, to have a man of such great
abilities, firmness, and decision amongst them : he
gave commissions j raised new corps j embodied the

106

militia, and went to Philadelphia, to solicit reinforce-
ments : he returned, and joined the army ; he stay-
ed by them ; enforced the laws of the province ;
called the legislature ; in short, he did every thing
that could be done for the good of the country.

A RETURN OF THE NUMBER OF CANNON, &C. IN
CHARLESTOWN, AT THE SURRENDER, ON THE
TWELFTH OF MAY, 1780, IN THE BATTERIES.

BATTERIES ON THE LINES.

GUNS.

No. 1. Beginning on the left. ..... 10

2 6

3 6

4 2

5. . . 6

6. 3

7, 4

8 4>

9. ...... 2

10 • • 2

U 2

12 . . . • 9

lo. ...» ••

15. Advance redoubt • ^

16. Cambray's battery ^

lor

BATTERIES ON THE WATER-SIDE.

GUNS.

No. 1 . Liberty battery, where liberty-tree stood 6

2. Lauren's wharf 10

3. Cravan*s Governor-bridge . . ; 7

4. Exchange 14

5. Grenville's* 8

6. Lyttleton's 12

7. Broughton's 20

8. Gibbs's-wharf ••..... 7

9. Britigney, behind Gibb's house . . 4
10. Sugar-house ......•• 7

Fort Moultrie 50

125
Four and six pounders .... 17

142
GUNS. POUNDS. SHOT.

15 ... 24 ... 2817
31 ... 18 ... 7279
43 . . . ' 12 ... 4990

68 ... 9 ... 4670

157
About fifty thousand pounds of powder.

Mortars, (number not known.)
N. B. A number of the above guns were taV-e»
from the ships, two frigates and others.

• Soutfe end of East-Bar,

108

About eleven o'clock, A. M. on the twelfth of
May, vve marched out between 1300 and 1600 conti-
nental troops, (leaving five or six hundred sick and
wounded in the hospitals) without the horn-work, on
the left, and piled our arms ; the otncers marched
the men back to the barracks, where a British guard
was placed over them ; the British then asked where
our second division was ? they were told these were
all the continentals we had, except the sick and
wounded ; they were astonished, and said we had
made a gallant defence. Captain Rochfort had
inarched in with a detachment of the artillery to
receive the returns of our artillery stores: while v/e
were in the horn-work together in conversation, he
said ' sir you have made a gallant defence, but you
had a great many rascals among you,* (and mention-
ed names) ' who came out every night and gave us
information of what was passing in your garrison.'
The militia marched out the same day and delivered
up their arms at the same place; the continental offi-
cers went into town to their quarters, where they re-
mained a few days to collect their baggage, and
signed their paroles, then were sent over to Haddrell's
point. The militia remained in Charlestown. The
next day the militia were ordered to parade near
Lynch's pasture,* and to bring all their arms with

"Where the spring pump now stands.

109

them, guns, swords, pistols, &c. and those that did
not strictly comply, were threatened with having the
grenadiers turned in among them ; this threat brought
out the aged, the timid, the disaffected, and the in-
firm, many of them who had never appeared during
the whole siege, which swelled the number of militia
prisoners to, at least, three times the number of men
we ever had upon duty : I saw the column march out,
and was surprised to see it so large ; but many of
them we had excused, from age and infirmities ; how-
ever, they would do to enrol on a conqueror's list.
When the British received their arms, they put them
in waggons, and carried them to a store-house, where
we had deposited our fixed ammunition (about 4,0G0
pounds) and although they were informed by some
of our officers that the arms were loaded, and several
of them went off before the explosion took place, yet
in taking them out of the waggons they threw theni
so carelessly into the store, that some at last set
fire to the powder, which blew up the whole guard
of fifty men, and many others that were standing
by ; their carcasses, legs, and arms were seen in
the air, and scattered over several parts of the tov/n.
One man was dashed v/ith violence against the
steeple of the new independant church, which was
at a great distance from the explosion, and left the
marks of his body there for several days. The
houses in the town received a great shock, and the

window sashes rattled as if they would tumble out
of the frames.

Most of our militia were still together ; after de-
livering up their arms, they vrent in a body to assist
in extinguishing the fire, that had communicated
itself to the neighboring houses; and while they
were working they were under the dreadful appre-
hensions lest the magazine should take fire, as the
w^ork-house and others that v/ere next to it were
in a blaze ; at last some timid person called out,
that ' the magazine was on fire,' this gave the
alarm ; every one took fright, both British and
Americans, and instantly broke off from work, and
run away as fast as possible through the streets,
throwing down, and tumbling over each other, and
others coming, after tumbling over them, in endea-
voring to get as far from the expected explosion,
as possible : I have heard some of them say, that
although they were so confoundedly frightened at
the time, they could not keep from laughing, to see
the confusion and tumbling over each other : the
alarm was soon brought into the town ; I was then
in a house, joining St. Michael's church, with some
company ; I advised the going out of the house, and
walking to South-bay, because I was apprehensive,
from the great shock which vras felt in the houses,
from the explosion of 4j000 pounds of powder, that^
should the magazine blow up, which had 10,000

Ill

pounds of powder in it, many of the houses in towft
would be thrown down : on my way thither, I met
a British officer, who asked me how much powder
was in the magazine ; I told him 10.000 pounds:
^ Sir,' said he, < if it takes lire, it will blow your
town to hell !' 1 replied, * I expected it would give
a hell of a blast!' The British wcie very much
alarmed at the explosion ; all the troops were turned
out under arms, and formed: they could not tell
what was the matter : some of the British and Hes^
sian officers supposed it was designed by us : I was
abused, and taken up by a Hessian officer (whose
guard was at Broughton's-battery) he was very angry,
and said to me, ' you, General Moultrie, you rebel's
have -done this on purpose, as they did at New- York j'
and ordered his guard to take me a prisoner, into a
house near, and placed a sentry at the door, where
a number of us were confined ; but I soon got a
note over a back way, to Ger^eral Leslie acquaint-
ing him of my situation, upon which he immediately
sent one of his aids to me, with an apology, that
my confinement v/as contrary to orders, and ordered
the sentry from the door : after a little time, the
alarm subsided ; they went back, and stopped the
progress of the fire : and if they had considered for
a moment, they would have found that it was almost
impossible for the magazine to take fire from the
adjacent houses, because U W'as inclosed with a high

112

brick wall ; and the magazine itself wUs built of
brick, and bomb proof.

To Gen. Patterson.

^ Charlestown, Jmie 15thj 1780,
6 Sir,

' The surgeons, at Haddrell's-point, represent

* to me, a number of patients under inoculation .
« and many down with the yellow-fever ; and no me-

* dicines, or the common necessaries of life, to as-
' sist them : they have sentra list of such medicines

* as are wanted, to the surgeons of our hospital, who

< say they cannot furnish them, being only supplied,

< from time to time, with what are im.mediately ne-
' cessary : and we are unable to purchase any, for
« the want of hard money : I am therefore to request

< the favor of you, to order the director-general of

< your hospital, to furnish the surgeons, with what

< medicines may be necessary, for the use of the
« officers and servants at Haddrell's-point.

* I have the honor to be. Sec.

' W. Moultrie.*

To the Same.

* Sir, June 16th, 1780.

* I DO myself the honor of informing you, that
« the American commissary of prisoners, reports to

* me, that the British commissary refuses issuing

113

* provisions to the prrsoner^ of war, as the returns

< from Haddrell's-point, exceed, by twenty -five, the
' real number : the reasons, I believe to be, is
J in the drawing rations for the general officers, each

* drawing six rations for himself and servants, when

< perhaps they have only one or two servants : I will

* inquire and have the matter cleared up. The

< officers at Haddrell's-point, are irregularly served

< with provisions, occasioned by the uncertainty of a
' boat at the precise time it should go off, which is

* sometimes attended with the loss of tide ; the pre-

< sent boat is used with great risk, both to the men

* and provisions, as one hand is almost constantly
( employed to bale : I am therefore to request the fa-

* vor of you, to allow the officers at Haddrell's-point,

* to be supplied with provisions weekly ; and that

* you will be pleased to order the deputy quarter-

* master general to furnish the American commissa-

* ry of prisoners, a large canoe, for that purpose.

* I have the honor to be, &C.

* Wm. Moultrie.*

114

Copy of a Return of Prisoners made by the British,

- RETURN' OF THE REBEL FORCES, COMMANDED BY MAJOR CF.NERAL
LINCOLN, AT THE SURRENDER OF CWARLESTOWN, THE TWELFTH
OF MAY, 1780; NOW PRISONERS OF WAR.

REGIMENTS,
OR CORPS.

Geneial Staff,

Engineer do.

South-Carolina Artillery.

North-Carolina do.

CharlCitown BatL of do.

Cannoniers,

lit Regt. of South- Carolinians

iid do. do.

3d do. do.

1st Rest, of North-Carolinians,

2d 00. do.

3d do. do.

lit Regt. of Virginians,

2d do. do.

3d do. do.

1st Detachment of Virginians,

2d do. do.

4th Virginia Regiment,

5th do. do.

6th do. do.

7th 40' • do.

8th do. do.

10th do. do.

lith do. do.

Light Dragoons,

Officers of Georgia,

1st Bate. Charlestown Militia,

2d do. do.

S. and N. Carolina Militia,

Citizens,

French Company,

i>pani5h Compar'y,

21 V

=3 12

ConiiJii.i'ioned
Offi -. r,.

Regtl. Staff

'■J

4 1

3 IfS 9i2i!l4.5l62 4l! II 7

6 18 6 32SI

62
45
]4(>
159
176'
195
208
234
245
130
268
24t>
198
235
218

312

4-t6"

1079

14704

Civil List.

1 L'eut. Governor,

3 Privy Council,

i Commissary of Pur-
chases,

1 Clerk of the House
of Representatives,

1 Assbtant Judge,

1 S!ier;rr,

1 Clerk of Sessions,

1 Cierk of Pleas,

1 Ordinary,

1 Aud. Gen. of accts.

1 Reg. of Conveyances

1 Mcbseng. or" Council,

4 Ciergvmen.

General Hospital

Stair.

Director-Generals

Physicians and

Surgeons,

Assist. Surgeons,

Apothecary-Gen.

Apothecary,

Apothecary's

Matt-,

Chaplain,

Purveyors,

Payma-,ter,

Stewards,

Waggoner.

t^uaner Masier-
Generai's De-
partment.

Commissary

General's
Department.

1 Q.r. Master-Gen
1 A>,sist. do.

1 Dep. do. of forage

2 Do of Hides,

1 Waggon Master-
General,

3 Waggon-Masters,

1 Powd. Inspector,'!
1 Arsenal Store-
keeper,

1 Purchaser of
Wood,

2 Waggoners,
1 Stable-keeper,
1 Conductor.

Commissary
General,
Dep Commis-
sary General,
Conductor,
Commissary of
Stores,
Cierk of do.
Conductor of do.

115

From Brig. Gen. Patterson.

CharlestowNj June 17th, 1780,
* B. G. Patterson presents his compliments to

< General Moultrie, and begs he will do him the

< honor to call at his quarters, at any time most
* convenient to him this afternoon. He should wait
( upon the general himself, but is detained at home

< on very particular business, by appointment of

< several gentlemen of the town and country.

< Gen MouLTBXE.'

In the afternoon, I waited upon General Patterson
who received me very politely ; he wished to have
some conversation with me ; he said he had had a
number of applications from our citizens, for dif-
ferent purposes, and wished to take my advice and
opinion upon them, he informed me he was entirelv^
a soldier, and very little acquainted with the civil
matters, and therefore begged to have some con-
versation with me respecting the prisoners on Had-
drell's-point; after an hour's conversation, I left him,
and he very politely attended me down the stairs to
the outer door.

From Gen. Lincoln,

< Charlestown, May 18th, 1780,
^ Dear Sir,

< The ofiicers go this morning to Haddrell's-

116

< point, you being the senior, I have to request that
*■ you would make an arrangement of the barracks,
* and see that justice is done to all the officera, with

< respect to the rooms.

' I am, dear sir, your's sincerely,

< Gen. Moultrie. B. Lincoln.'

When we got to Haddrell's-point, it was ve-
ry difficult to get quarters in barracks, for the
number of officers that v,^ere sent over ; they went
to the neighboring houses, within the limits of their
paroles* ; and many of them built huts about in the
woods, and in a very little time, were comfortably
settled with little gardens about them : the number
of officers (prisoners) at Haddrell's-point, and the ad-
jacent houses, were two-hundred and seventy-four,
(Colonel Pinckney and myself were in excellent
quarters, at Mr. Pinckney's place, called Snee-farm)
it would be too tedious to insert their names, I will
only give a general return of all ranks, and the states
to which they belonged.

* I was, at this time, allowed to come to town when I
pleased.

Lines.

;-.
a>

(LI

o
O

2
1
1

•

(ft

D-

•
y.
*->

■«->

c
fcy:

o
73

•

•—>

■♦->
to

Quarter Masters.
Muster Masters.

•

Virginia 2

5
o

1
1
1

2
1
1
1

27
14

23
2

IL'

n
O

1
1

o
2

il5

, 59
55

N. Carolina

S- Carolina

2i 1
li

Do. Artillery

—

19
7

Corps Eng.

Horry's horsei

i 1

Polaski's leg.

Georgia line j 1

1 4

274

Total f-

I' lliI2i7S

^9195 3

11 5 1

General Lincoln was furnished with a vessel, to-
carry him, and his suit, to Philadelphia ; but before
his departure, he appointed Captain George Turner,
deputy commissary general of prisoners, for the
southern department, who was allowed, for a time,
to stay in Charlestown, to transact the business of
his office.

VOL. n, 9^

118

To Capt. Turner.

* Sir, < Snf.e-farm, May 28th, 1780.

< I RECEIVED your favor of the twenty-second

* instant, in \Thich you recommend the appointing
i some proper person to act as issuing commissary ;

* that business is already done ; but I am sorry to

* say, that our provisions are very irregularly served

* out to us ; some times three days* bread, and two

* days' meat ; at other times, half day's rations of

* beef, and full rations of flour : in short, we have

* been almost starved : crabs and fish, have support-

* ed us hitherto : a very few of the officers have hard

* money ; and if they had they could not purchase any

* thing here ; the families have barely sufficient to
^ support themselves : the officers here who have

< lately come from the Northward, inform it is cus-

* tomary for our prisoners with the British, to re-
' ceive their pay in hard money : as you are late-

* ly from there, you can inform us how that matter

< is ; I wish it could be brought about at this time,

* I observe you sign yourself commissary general of

* prisoners ; I shall be glad to know what instruc-

* tions you have, relative to the prisoners, that they
'may apply to you accordingly.

* I am, &c.

* Wm. Moultrie.
' Capt. George Turner,
' Dep. Com. Gen. of prisoners.'

119

The officers, prisoners at Haddrell's-point, were
very ungovernable indeed; and it was not much to
be wondered at, when two hundred and fifty of them
from different states, were huddled up together in
the barracks, many of them of different dispositions,
and some of them very uncouth gentlemen; it is
not surprising that their should be continual disputes
among them, and frequent duels. General M'Intosh
who was the senior officer that resided constantly
with them, complained to me of their disorderly
conduct and uncivil behaviour to each other, upon
which, I wrote him the following letter.

*Charlestown, June 26th, 1780.

* Sir,

' I AM sorry to be informed that our officers

* behave so much amiss, as to make it necesary to
« hold court martials over them, and that they even

* dispute any authority we may have ; I am there -

* fore to request, that you will let them know that I

< think myself fully authorized for that purpose, not-

< withstanding we are prisoners of war, and should

* any disorders happen, you will apply to me, and I

* will immediately order a court martial to be held,

* and approve or disapprove as I shall think right,

* and will transmit the sentence to Congress, for

120

' their approbation. The commandant* of the British

' troops agrees with me in opinion as to my right,

and will allow me to send a flag to Congress for

* that purpose. I am sorry to inform you that the
^ gentlemen must not apply for any more indulgen_

* ces for the present, as Mr. Pendleton's escape has
' put an end to all those matters.

' I am, &c. I

* Wm. Moult R IE.
'Gen. M'Intosh/

Having received information that Doctor Hous-
ton, a prisoner of war to Sir Henry Clinton, wh o
had permissioii to go to Georgia upon his private
business, was arrested and sent to jail on a charge
of treason, I wrote the following letter to Lord Corn-
wallis :..,

< Charlestown, June 29th, 1780,
« My Lord,

' I HAVE the honor to inform your Lordship,
^ that Doctor Houston, a continental officer, and
« prisoner of war upon parole to his Excellency Sir

< Henry Clinton, is now detained in Georgia on a

< charge of treason ; three evidences appear against
« him, who, to support this charge, swear they saw

* Lord Cornvvaliis.

121

< him in the American camp, when tliat "pkce was
« besieged, aiding and assisting the French and

< Americans ; my Lord, I look upon it my duty to
' require his discharge from his Excellency Sir James

< Wright, and that he may be permitted to return

< to the hospital in Charlestown, where he is much

< wanted ; I am therefore to request your Lordship

* will allow me to write to Georgia for that purpose.

' I have the honor to be, &c.

* Wm. Moultrie.

' Lord CORNWALLIS.*

From Lord Cornwallis' Aid,

< Charlestown, 29th, 1780.

< Sir,

< The Earl Cornwallis has directed me to ac-

< quaint you, that he has not the least objection to

* your writing to Sir James Wright.*

* I have the honor to be, &c.

< Henry Haldane.
< Acting as aid-de-camp.
< Gen. Moultrie.*

• Gov. Wright and his chief justice, had just arrived at
Savannah, and began to exercise his civil functions with a high
hand, before the military had arranged their mattasj which
gave great offence to Col. Clarke, who commanded there, as
Lord Cornwallis informed me.

i22

To General Patterson,

' Charlestown, June 29th, 1780.
« Sir,

« Colonel Pinckney, the officer appointed to
' superintend the South Carolina line, informs me

* that of the officers who were left with him for that
' purpose, one of them is dead, and two others very
'ill; he requests Captain Gadsden may be permit-

* ted to come to town to assist him ; I therefore will

* take it as a favor if he may be allowed to come.

* I am, &c.

' Wm. Moultrie,
* Gen. Patterson.*

When the officers were first ordered over to Had-
drell's-point, four from each line were allowed to re-
main in town, to take care that the sick and wound-
ed were not neglected ; but from information they
had received of some misconduct in our officers, or
Pendleton's escape, or some caprice, I cannot tell
which, I received the following order, after writing
the above to Gen. Patterson.

' Charlestown, June 30th, 1780.

'Brigadier General Moultrie, Brigadier General

' Woodford and all the officers now prisoners of war,

* without exception, are to be in readiness to be

123

conveyed from Drayton's-wharf,* to morrow morn-
ing at six o'clock, where Ihey are to remain
until further orders. The servants that are now al-
lowed at Haddrell's-point, are to remain .there,
provided General Moultrie makes himself absolutely
responsible for their being accounted for in the
exchange of prisoners : should any of them desert
from Haddrell's-point they are on no account to be
replaced. All indulgence of working is to be im-
mediately stopped. Orders are issued for appre-
hending all prisoners that may be seen in town
without a pass from Mr. de Rossette commissary
of prisoners. The rolls of the prisoners are to be
called by the commissary or his deputy every morn-
ing and evening, and the officer commanding the
guard is to be accountable for any deficiencies. Any
prisoner who shall attempt to make his escape will
be confined on board of a prison-ship.
' By order of Brig. Gen. Patterson, Comdt.

* J. Money. Town Major. '^

To Gov. Wright.

< Charletown, June 30th, 1780.

* I HAVE just now received certain information from.

' Doctor Houston, an officer in the continental service,

* Wrag's wharf, where Colonel Drayton deputy quarter-
master-general kept his boats and carts, while he lived in Mr-
Manlgault's house,

124

* of his being a prisoner in your state, and arrested

* for treason by Anthony Stokes, Esq. chief justice

* of Georgia ; the evidences against him are three

* persons, who swear they saw him in the American

* camp, aiding and assisting the French and Ameri-
' cans at the time of the siege ; if this be his charge,

* I warn you of the consequences of proceeding on

< the trial, as should any injury be done his person,

* retaliation will certainly be made by Congress and

* their allies, on the subjects of his Britannic majesty.

< I inform you, he is a prisoner upon parole, to his

< Excellency Sir Henry Clinton, and had his

* leave to go to Georgia to settle some business,
« and to return agreeably to his parole ; I therefore,

* require his releasment from you.

< I have the honor to be, Sec.

' Wm. Moultrie,

< His Ex. Sir James Wright/

This letter was sent open to Lord Cornwallis, who
ordered it on to Sir James Wright, to which I re-
ceived no answer, but Doctor Houston was imme-
diately released.

From Capt. Turner.

< Charlestown, June 30th, 1780.

« Sir,

< I HAVE been honored with your letter of this

125

< morning, in which are these words : * As you sent

* me word by Major Doctor Ellient that you did not
' think yourself accountable to me for your conduct

* as commissary of prisoners, I shall appoint some

< other person.' Give me leave to say, that the ap-

* pointing of another t® the office, under present cir-
' cumstances, would create in me, no chagrin : un-

* provided as the department is, with every necessa-

< ry, I have found it a troublesome and unthankful

* office ; and nothing but the hopes of hearing from.
' Congress, and a wish to serve my fellow prisoners,

* induced me to continue in it : as to the right of

* displacing me, I deny that it rests in any body

< here ; I hold myself accountable to none but Con-

< gress ; the commander of the southern department ;

< and the commissary general of prisoners ; and for

* your further satisfaction, I beg leave to inclose you
' a copy of my appointment. The message brought

< me this morning by your major of brigade, was

* to this effect : that you desired of me my account
' current, which ycu would transmit to Congress

* by the same opportunity that conveys your letter

* concerning Mr. Pendleton's breach of parole : I

* did not conceive this a proper demand, and there-
' fore desired Major Doctor Ellient to inform you,
^ that I, myself, v/ould transmit w^hat accounts

* I had to Congress ; and beg to know if they could
' be sent with your dispatches. Before I concludej

. VOL, 17, X

126

* permit me to observe, sir, that I believe I have acted
« up to my duty, and that you will not impute to my

* conduct, any personal pique, or the want of re-
' spect^ which I have always had for your character.

* I am, he.

' George Turner,
< Gen. Moultrie.' D. C. P. S. D.

A FEW days ago, v/hen Mr. Justice Pendleton
violated his parole, and left Charlestown, Lord
Cornwallis sent a message over to me at Haddrell's-
point, requesting to see me ; upon which, the next
day, I waited upon him, at General Patterson's quar-
ters : (Mr. Motte's house) I was received by Lord
Cornwallis and General Patterson, very politely in
the drawing-room, up stairs ; after some little con-
versation respecting his rout through our back coun-
try, and telling me what a fine country we had, and
that he had taken all our stores, laid in different
places ; he then informed me that Mr. Pendleton
had broke his parole, and was gone off; he therefore
hoped I would order him back, or the prisoners at
Haddrell's-point should suffer for it : upon which I
told him, I was not accountable for any man's pa-
role but my own : he said he had a right to discri-
minate, and take some one in confinement, for Mr.
Pendletpn ; I told him he might do as he pleased,
but that his lord&hip was too much of a soldier, not

i2r

to know that every one was accountable but for his
own parole, and for no other ; besides, that Mr.
Pendleton was a civil officer, I therefore could have
nothing to do with him : I told his lordship that I
would write to Congress, for them to decide upon
the matter : upon which he was satisfied, and said
he would forward the letter to Sir Henry Clinton ;
which letter I wrote, dated the thirtieth of June, and
sent it to Lord Cornwallis, who forwarded it to Sir
Henry Clinton ; and by him, sent to the President,
who laid my letter before Congress ; and upon in-
vestigating the matter, they passed a resolve,
justifying Mr. Pendleton's* conduct ; and sent a copy
of the resolve, to Sir Henry Clinton.

To THE President of Congress.

* Sir,

< I HAVE the honor to inform you, that a few
< days ago, information was officially laid before me?

* by his Excellency Lord Cornwallis, and the Honora-

* Mr, Pendleton's case was this : that the day he made his
escape, he was informed by a friend, who had it from a Bri-
tish officer, (Captain Constable) that if he did not get away
that day, it was determined, by a party of tories (William
Holliday, v/ho kept the corner tavern, at their head) to take
him from his quarters that night, and hang him at the town
gate. Mr. Pendleion counterfeited Major Benson's hand,
and made out his pass jby which he got ciT,

128

ble Brigadier General Patterson, commandant of
Charlestown, of the departure of Mr. Justice Pen-
dleton, one of the judges of this state, from Charles-
town, in violation of his parole, given by him, as a pri-
soner of war, to his Excellency Sir Henry Clinton,
shortly after the surrender of this place ; and I was
desired, as I think it my duty to do, to lay the same
before the honorable the Continental Congress.
' Such a violation of honor, as well as those rules
and principles which all civilized nations have esta-
blished and ever held sacred in the conduct of war,
I am sure by the respectable body over which you
preside will be deemed highly criminal, and as me-
riting the severest punishment ; as in its conse-
quence the misery of thousands may be involved ;
and such an offence is an injury to mankind in
general,

< I HAVE also. Sir, to inform you, it is the earnest
desire and expectation of his Excellency Lord Corn-
wallis and the Hon. Brig. Gen. Patterson, that the
Hon. the Continental Congress do interpose in this
affair, and give the speedy remedy which is due in
such cases by laws of nations and of war ; and
which they have formaly demanded through me ;
intimating, at the same time, that unless Mr. Jus-
tice Pendleton is by authority ordered immedi-
ately to return to his parole, the prisoners now on
parole will suffer for this offence.

129

< I THINK it my duty also, Sir, to intimate to you
that the situation of the continental hospital, and
the officers and privates, prisoners of war, is truly
distressing, and such as calls for the immediate at-
tention of Congress : as the bills left by Major
General Lincoln, on his departure from this place,
cannot be negociated, the hospital department, and
the army, now prisoners, must want every ne-
cessary and comfort, intended for them by the
transfer of those bills ; and at a time, when, from
the inclemency of the season and climate, and the
hardships those men have already experienced,
humanity, would make every exertion, to soften
the hardships of war, and the rigor of captivity to
the brave, and the good soldier : I would there-
fore recommend, that the Congress do, as speedily
as possible, obtain permission of a flag to Charles-
town, by sea ; in order to make the necessary pro-
vision for the army here, and particularly the hos-
pital ; in such manner as may appear most expe-
dient and proper, either by a transmission of money,
or of bills, for the purchase of those necessaries,
so much required.

< Captain George Turner, of the first South-Ca-
rolina regiment of foot, is appointed commissary
of prisoners, by Major General Lincoln, for the
American army here : the bills of exchange* left

* Fifteen hujidred pounds sterling.

130

* by General Lincoln, for the army, were given to

* him, to be negociated for that purpose ; but holding

* himself in no wise accountable to me for his trans-

* actions in that department, I shall therefore ap-

* point another, until the pleasure of Congress is

* known.

' I have the ^onor to be, &c.

/ < Wm. Moultrii.

* His Ex. Samuel Huntington,

< President of Congress.'

From Capt. Roberts.
Sir,

< I THINK it incumbent on me to acquaint you,
for the information of the general, that the conduct
of the rebels at the barracks at Haddrell's-point,
during the course of this night, has been very irre-
gular and improper. Not contented to celebrate
this day, of their supposed Independence, with
music, illuminations, Sec. they have presumed to
discharge a number of small arms ; which, I ima-
gine, it is thought they were not (nor indeed ought
not to be, by the articles of capitulation) to be in

possession of,

< I am, &c.

' T. B. Roberts,

' Captain of the sixty-fifth regiment ;

* Commanding at Fort Arbuthnot.
^' Major Benson.

* Fort Moultiie.

131

From Gen. Patterson.

< Charles TOWN, July Cth, If 80*
« Sir,

< I AM extremely mortified to find myself

< under the necessity to transmit to you, the en-

* closed,* and in consequence of it, to beg, sir, that
' you will be pleased immediatdy to make the most

< particular inquiry ; and report upon it, for the in-

* formation of the commander in chief, who is very

< much displeased, to see such an indecent abuse of

* lenity.

« I MUST also, sir, insist upon it, that the officers

< do immediately, and without exception, deliver up
' all their fire-arms to the commanding officer at Fort
( Arbuthnot.

< As soon as I am honored with your answer and

< report, a court-martial shall proceed to Haddrell's-

< point, to examine into the particular circumstances

* and persons, concerned in this gross outrage.

* I have the honor to be, &c.

* J. Patterson,

< Commandant,
« Gen. Moultrie.*

* Captain Roberts' letter.

To Gen. Patterson,

Christ-church Parish, July 6th, 1780.

' Half-past seven o'clock, P. M*

«S!R,

* As I am quartered Sve miles from the bar-

* racks, I did not receive your letter of this morn-

* ing (inclosing onei'rom Captain Roberfe, to Major

* Benson) until this moment : I will do myself the

* honor of answering it more particularly, to mior-

* row. ' I have the honor to be, &c.

' Wm. Moultrie,
' Brig. Gen. Patterson.'

To the Same.

' Christ-church, July 7th, 1780.
'Sir,

' In answer to your letter of yesterday with
which you were pleased to honor me, I am to in-
form you, that every continental officer in Christ-
church parish who was well attended at the bar-
racks at Haddrell's-point, in order to celebrate with
decent festivity the anniversary of the Declaration
of Independence, I had the satisfaction of being
there, and can assure you I saw no " indecent abuse,
or gross outrage " in any manner committed : with
regard to music, except two or three fifes which
played the Call for Dinner, there was none but what
was brought by a person in your service., who with

two others and some women danced for two or three
hours in one of the rooms in the barracks, and went
away about four o'clock in the afternoon. At five
o'clock in the evening I departed, and am informed,
that at eight some of the windows in the barracks
were illuminated ; I am sorry to find that some pis-
tols were fired, which, at the same time, I disap-
prove; I hope you will impute this to no intended
aftront, but to that exhilaration of spirit which in
young men is too frequently the effect of convivial
entertainments. This, sir, is a candid statement of
the transaction of the 4th instant; and I am at a loss
to conceive wherein we have so grossly erred in
celebrating that day. It was by no means incon-
sistent with our paroles to do so ; and the celebra-
tion of particular festivals, even by prisoners, is not
uncommon. I go no further back than the present
war; the British troops have given us several pre-
cedents of it ; the seventh regiment, now in Charles-
ton, celebrated the anniversary of St. George's day
when prisoners at Carlisle; and the convention
troops kept the birth-day of his Britannic majesty
both in the years 73 and 79, without the harsh ani-
madversion of "indecent abuse of lenity "and " gross
outrage." With regard to that part of your letter
wherein you require me to order all the officers,
without exception, to give up their fire-arms ; be-
fore I do any thing in that matter, I must beg leave

VOL. II. s

134

* to observe, that by one of the articles of capitula-
' tion, the officers are to keep their pistols ; nor, in

* my humble apprehension, can they be deprived of
» them Avithout a violation of that article. As to
' their fuzees, they were not fired on the fourth
' instant ; and I, some time ago, delivered you a let-

* ter, written by Sir Henry Clinton's order, and
' signed by Major Andre ; wherein his excellency
' permitted the officers to amuse themselves with
' their fuzees. Upon the whole of this matter, when

* my Lord Cornw^allis, and General Patterson, come

* to review this affair, I trust they will not take it in

* the light, they seem to have done ; that they will

* not imagine any gross outrage was meant, where
' none was intended ; but impute it to the warmth of
^ a cause which the continental officers at Haddrell's-
' point have embraced through principle ; in which
' some of them bled ; and for which all of them are
^ now suffering.

* I have the honor to be, Sec.

' Wm. Moultrie,
' Gen. Patterson.'

From Gen. Patterson,

* Char LE STOW N, July 9th, 1780.
« Sir,

' I SHALL, for the present, decline entering in-
i to the propriety of your letter to me of the seventh

135

< instant, on occasion of the festivity, in commemo'

* ration of the Declaration of Independence, cele-
' brated by the officers at Haddrell's-point : their
' situation as prisoners of war, I apprehend, gives

* us a right, by every law of nations, and of war, to

* expect from them, a decent behavior ; far short of

* illuminations, and other irregular demonstrations

* of joy ; and I think it my duty to shew my dis-

< approbation of their conduct, by immediately with-

* drawing the indulgence granted them, of being al-
' lowed their fowling-pieces : I am therefore, sir, to

< insist upon their being forthwith delivered up to

* the officer commanding at Fort Arbuthnot.

' I have the honor to be, &c.

* J. Patterson",

' Commandant.
' Gen. Moultrie.'

To Gen. M'Intosh.

< Snee-farm, July 10th, 1780,

< Dear Sir,

' As General Patterson declines entering into

< the propriety of my letter, on the seventh instant ;

* he thinks it his duty, immediately to withdraw the

* indulgence granted the officers, of being allowed

* their fowling-pieces. I am therefore to request you

* will order all the officers, immediately to deliver up

* to you their fowling-pieces (each officer marking;^

136

^ his own piece) and send them over to the officer,
< commanding on Sullivan 's-Island, that you may
* have them ready to deliver to his order.
' I am, Sec.

* Wm. Moultrie.

To Capt. Roberts.

« Snee-farm, July 12th, 1780.
' Sir,

* In consequence of a requisition from General
' Patterson, I have directed such of the officers at

* Haddrell's-point, as have fowling-pieces, to deliver
' them to General M'Intosh, who resides at the bar-

* racks ; and have desired him, as soon as they are

* brought in, to acquaint the commanding officer

* on Sullivan's-Island with it, that they may be deli-
' vered to his order.

« I am, &c.

« Wm. Moultrie.*

Orkers received from the Commandant.

« August 6th, irso.

< The commandant, being determined, rigidly to
adhere to the terms of the capitulation on his part,
expect they will be as rigidly adhered to on the part
of the prisoners.

< No officer, under the rank of a general officer,
can be allowed to keep a horse, unless his state of

137

health is such as demands it ; in which case, a cer-
tificate from a physician, will be required, and an or-
der from the commandant, be obtained for that pur-
pose. Such horses as are the property of persons
not in the above direction, must be immediately dis-
posed of: such as are not claimed as property, are
to be delivered up to the commanding officer of the
fort ; and such as have been taken from the inhabi-
tants, are to be returned to them immediately.

< All complaints and applications, in order to
their being regurlarly attended to, are requested to
be made in writing, through the commissary of pri-
soners, to the commandant, by the general officer
commanding.

' A DEPUTY commissary of prisoners will be or-
dered on the Point, to facilitate the above.

' Orders will be given to the commissary of pri-
soners, to grant powder to the prisoners, restricting
them to the limits of six miles from the Point ; not
crossing any creek, river, or branch of the sea (gene-
ral officers excepted) who have the range of the
parish, without the above restriction.

' No more than one servant, can be allowed to
each officer (general officers excepted, who will be
allowed three). Such servants as desert, cannot be
replaced ; but any officer detecting his servant
in the attempt, on his delivering him up to the com-
manding officer at Fort Arbuthnot, taking his receipt,

138

and sending it to the commissary of prisoners ; will
have one ordered to him.

(Signed) < G. Benson,

* Major of Brigade.*

To Lt. Col. Balfour,

< September 1st, 1780-

< Sir,

* On perusing the paper of the 29th August of

< Robertson, M'Donald, and Cammeron, published

* by authority, to my astonishment T find a para-

* graph to this effect : " The following is a correct
' list of prisoners sent on board the Sandwich yester-

* day morning," and underneath, the names of a
' number of the most respectable gentlemen, inha-

* bitants of this state} most of whose characters I

* am so well acquainted with that I cannot believe

* they would have been guilty of any breach of their
' paroles, or any article of the capitulalion, or done

* any thing to justify so rigorous a proceeding against

* them : I therefore think it my duty, as the senior

< continental officer, prisoner under the capitulation,

* to demand a release of those gentlemen, particular-

< ly such as are entitled to the benefit of that act.

* This harsh proceeding demands my particular at-

< tention ; and I do, therefore, in behalf of the Unit-

* ed States of America require that they be admitted
' immediately to return to their paroles j as their be-

1S9

< ing hurried on board a prison-ship, and, I fear,

< with out being heard, is a violation t)f: the 9th arti-
' cle of the capitulation. If this demand cannot be

< complied with, I am to request that I may have
« leave to send an officer to Congress to represent
« this grievance, that they may interpose in behalf of

< these gentlemen in the manner they shall think
« proper.

< I am, &c.

< Wm. Moultrie.

Answer to the preceding Letter.

'Charlestown, September 4th. 1780.

« Sir,

< The Commandant will not return any an-

< swer to a letter wrote in such exceptionable and
' unwarrantable terms as that to him from Gen. MouN

< trie, dated the 1st instant; nor will he receive any
' further application from him upon the subject of it.

' By order of the Commandant.

« G. Benson,
< Major of Brigade.
< Gen. Moultrie.*

To Lt. Col. Balfour.
< Christ-church Parish, Oct. 16th, 1780.

« Sir,

< However my letters may be thought by you

1 40

< to be wrote in '' excepiionable and unwarrantable
« terms," yet I cannot be deterred from representing

* matters of such consequence, as I am now con-
' strained to do, in the strongest manner: though it

* is indifferent to me whether I write to you or the

* commissary of prisoners on trifling applications ; yet

* when my duty calls upon me loudly to remonstrate

* against a proceeding of so high a nature as a viola-

* tion of a solemn capitulation, I then think it ne-
' cessary to make application as near the fountain

* head as possible ; I therefore, sir, address myself

< to you to complain of a great breach of the capitu-
' lation in sending the continental soldiers on board

< of prison-ships (the truth of which I have not the
' least doubt of) as part of the agreement for which
' the town was delivered up to Sir Kenry Clinton

* was, that the continental soldiers should be kept

* in some contiguous buildings in the town, as ap-

< pears by the following extract from their Excel-

< lencjes' Sir Henry Clinton and Admiral Arbuthnot's
« letter of the I2th May, 1780, antecedent to the sur-

* render.
«' Sir,

" We have to request you will propose some
' proper contiguous buildings in the town for the re-

< sidence of the private prisoners of war not to be

* upon parole j these will be of course such as may
in discretion be asked/* The barracks and some

141

adjacent houses were then proposed and agreed
upon ; as a proof of which the soldiers have been
confined in those buildings from the very instant of

the surrender until this present removal, which I
do most solemnly protest against, and complain to
you, sir, of a direct violation of the third article of
the capitulation, and demand that the continental
soldiers be ordered back to the barracks and other
houses in which they were first confined. In .his
demand I think I am clearly within the line of my
duty, as well as in the demand I made for the citi-
zens on the first of September last; and though they
may not appear to you in the same military
view, yet Lord Cornv/allis and General Patterson
would have held them clearly so, as they insisted
I should Vv^'-itc to Congress respecting Mr. Pendle-
ton's breach of parole, and considered me answera-
ble for the whole militia in town, at the time of
the capitulation, as being the senior cfificer after
General Lincoln's departure from hence. Should
I be as unfortunate in this demand, as in that made
for the citizens, I shall rest myself satisfied, that I
have done my duty ; and as these matters may be
discussed at some future day, I flatter myself I
shall stand acquitted to the world of any charge
of neglect on my part.

' I am, Sec.

« Wm. Moultrie.'

VOL. II, T

This letter was delivered by Major Doctor Ellient,
who received a verbal answer from the commandant,

< That he would do as he pleased with the prisoners
' for the good of his majesty's service ; and not as
' General Moultrie pleases.*

From Doctor Oliphant.

' Charlestown, Nov. 14th, 1780.
' Dear General,

' I SEND by the bearer the few articles you re-
quire. Inclosed is the return of our sick for last
month ; the mortality is great ; by much the greater
number of deaths happen to those patients from on
board the prison-ships : within these three days,
there is an appearance of a jail fever from the ship
Concord ; she has been a prison ship throughout
the summer. No less than nine of the sick, sent
from that ship, died in the space of 24 hours; all
of them bearing the appearance of a putrid malig-
nant fever. The unfortunate sufferers are the mi-
litia sent from Camden. I am much at a loss how
to act in these our times of distress ; my confine-
ment renders me incapable of giving such attend-
ance or service as I wish or ought to do. I have
no person to look up to but you, sir ; therefore I
crave and entreat your assistance.

' I am, Sec.

« D. Oliphant.

< Gen. Moultrie.*

143

To Lt. Col. Balfour.

< Christ-church Parish, 22d Nov. 1780.
^ Sir,

< By a letter from Dr. Oliphant, and by returns

* from our general hospital, I am exceedingly shock-

* ed to know of so great a mortality among our un-
' fortunate prisoners; I cannot tell to what cause to

* attribute it ; but our Director General (on whom
( we principally depended for the good order and
' well governing of our hospital) being so long con-
' fined to his house by the board of police, conse-

* quently could not attend to his duty where he was

* so much wanted. I was led to believe, some time

* ago, by a letter from Dr. Fraser, that it never was

* your intention to prevent Dr. OHphant attending

< the hospital : yet still he is restrained. I am so af-

* fectcd at the distresses of our poor soldiers, that I

< am at a loss how to address you on the subject ;

* but I must begin by calling on your humanity, and
' request you, for God's sake, to permit Dr. Oliphant

* to attend the hospital whenever he shall judge it
« necessary : and also beg you will order the pri-

* soners from on board the Concord ship (where

* they are infected with the jail fever) to some other
^ vessels, if they cannot be permitted to be on shore.

' I am, 8cc.

* Wm. Moultrie.'

144

From Lt. Col. Balfour.
' Charlestown, Nov. 28th, 1780.^
(■ Sir,

^ I HAVE received your letter of the 22d inst.
' in which you so pathetically call upon me to grant

* permission to Dr. Oliphant to attend your hospital
' whenever he shall judge it necessary, as you ap-

< prehend, his not attending to his duty, as the di-

< rector general of it, by reason of the restraint he
' is laid under by the board of police, has been one

* of the principal causes of the general mortality,
^ which you say rages among the prisoners.

< I ASSURE you, sir, that whenever, with proprie-

* ty, and consistent with my duty, I can remedy
' even an ideal grievance, my inclination sufficiently

< inclines me to it ; therefore, although I do not
« think that Doctor Oliphant's absence, has been
' materially injurious to the hospital, no objection

* ever lay with me to his having visited it, at pro-
^ per times, as often as he pleased.

* I AM informed that an application to Colonel
^ Hamilton, on behalf of the widow, and orphans of

< a friend of Doctor Oliphant's,* who became his se-

* curity, for the debt in question, was a prevalent
' motive with him, to take the steps he has done?
f= to oblige the doctor to do justice ; and although

* Major Hugcr.

< their husband and father fell, fighting in the cause

* of treason and rebellion, we do not wish to see them

< involved in ruin and distress.

< With respect to the last part of your letter, I

* was no sooner informed that there was a considera-

* ble sickness on board the Concord, than I ordered
' her to be inspected; and although it was reported

* to me that there was not any symptoms of the dis-

* ease you mention I removed the prisoners on shore.

< I am, sir,

' Your most obedient servant.
< N. Balfour,
' Gen. Moultrie,*

GENERAL OFFICERS BELONGING TO THE
AMERICAN ARMY.

December 15th, 1780.

RANKS. DATES OF COM.

Com. in Chief, June 15, 1775.

Major Gen. June 19, 1775.

Ditto, - May 16, 1776.

officers' names.
George Washington,
Israel Putnam, - -
Horatio Gates, - -
Nathaniel Greene,
William Heath, - -
Wm. Earl Sterling, -
Arthur St. Clair, - -
Benjamin Lincoln, -
Marq. de la Fayette, -
Robert Howe, - -

Aug. 9, 1776.
Aug. 9, 1776.
Febr. 1777.
Febr. 1777.

Febr. 1777.
Ditto, - July 31, 1777.
Ditto, - Oct. 20, 1777.

Ditto,
Ditto,
Ditto,
Ditto,
Ditto,

146

OrnCERS* NAMES.

Alexander M'Dougal,
Baron Stuben, - -
William Smallwood,
Sam. Holden Parsons,
William Thompson, *
James Clinton, - -
Wm. Moultrie, - -
L. M'Intosh, - - -
Henry Knox, - - -

John Glover, - - -

John Patterson, - -

Geerge Weadan, - -
Anthony Wayne,

Peter Mulhenbury, -

George Clinton, - -

Edward Hand, - -

Charles Scott, - '^-
Jedediah Huntington,

John Starkes, - - -
Chev, du Portail,

Jethro Sumner, - -

James Hogan, - -

Isaac Huger, - - -

Mordecai Gest, - -

William Irvine, - -

Daniel Morgan, - -

RANKS. DATES OF COM.

Major Gen. Oct. 20, 1777.

Inspect. Gen. May 5, 1778.

Major Gen. Sep. 15, 1780.

Ditto, - Oct. 23, 1780.

Brigadier Gen. Mar. 1, 1776,

Ditto, - Aug. 9, 1776.

Ditto, - Sep. 16, 1776.

- Dec. 27, 1776.

Ditto,

Ditto,
Ditto,
Ditto,
Ditto,
Ditto,

These gentlemen,
by resolve of Con-
gress, of Feb. 2 1 ,
.are to rank accor-
^ding to the rank
of their commis-
sions in the army
at that time.

- Mar. 25, 1777.

- Apr. 1, 1777.
-„ Apr. 2, 1777.

- May 12, 1777.

- Oct. 4, 1777.
Do. chief Eng. Nov. 1 7, J 717,
Brig. Gen.- Jan. 9, 1777.

Ditto, - Jan. 9, 1777.
Ditto, - Jan. 9, 1777.
Ditto, - Jan. 9, 1777.
Ditto, - May 12, 1779.
Ditto, - Oct. 13, 1780.

147

To Col. Innis.

< December 25th, ]f80,

< Sir,

< Mr. Gibbs, deputy commissary of prisoners
brought me an order yesterday from you, direct-
ing " the officers, (general officers excepted) pri-
soners of war, to be forthwith drawn within three
miles of Haddrell's-point."
< In the third article of the capitulation, it is sti-
pulated, " that the continental troops and sailors,
with their baggage, shall be conducted to a place
to be agreed on, where they will remain prisoners
of war, until exchanged ;" and the place agreed
upon for the officers, by their Excellencies Sir
Henry Clinton and Admiral Arbuthnot, and Major
General Lincoln, before the gates were given up,
was " Haddrell's-point, and six miles thereof;
without passing any river, creek, or arm of the
sea ;" a copy of which I transmit to you ; and, as
a confirmation of this, all the officers' paroles (Gene-
ral officers excepted*) were filled up to Haddrell's-
point, or within six miles thereof, with the above
restrictions ; and Colonel Balfour, in his first or-
der as commandant, restrained the officers to six
miles. As the officers are now situated agreeable to

* General officers restrained to twelve miles in their
paroles.

148

* the agreement, made under the capitulation, espe-
' cially as it is impossible to get proper quarters with-
< in the bounds you prescribe, and the barracks them-
« selves are so unfmished, as make them very cold
' and disagreeable in a winter season, I hope, sir,
' you will consider the great inconvenience the prison-

* ers must necessarily be put to by a removal ; and
' permit them to remain in their present quarters.

' I am, Sec.

« Wm. Moultrie.'

Th e officers were allov/ed to remain in their quar-
ters.

December, 1780.
General du Portail being now exchanged went
out from Haddrell's-point; and, on his way to Phila-
delphia, visited General Greene's camp.

To GsN. Greene.
* Christ-church Parish, Jan. 1st. 178U
' Sit?,

' Three days ago I was honored with your fa-
' vor of the eighteenth of December last : I am sor-
' ry I cannot collect the returns which you require
* of me to transmit you by the favorable opportunity
' of General du Portail, who leaves this place so im-
mediatelv as not to allow time ; I thought it,

149

* however, best to send you such as I had ready ;
' which is a copy of one delivered to the British com-
< mandant, to send to New-York ; and consists prin-
' cipally of the prisoners of war, under the capitula-

* tion of Charlestown ; they stand upon the return

* as they are first to be exchanged, as settled by the

* general officers, prisoners here ; which are to be

* those who have been longest in captivity ; and the

* senior officer of the rank, proposed to be exchanged.

< I WILL have returns collected of all the prisoners
' of war in this state ; and transmit them to you as

* soon as possible ; those of the non-commissioned

* officers and privates can easily be procured, as
' they are all on board of prison-ships : my last re-
' turn of the continental soldiers amounted to about
' 1400.

' Your's, &c.

' Wm. Moultrie. >

The following proposal was made to my son, which
I found in his desk among his papers, after his
decease ; in his own hand writing : viz.

'Lieutenant Colonel Balfour's Proposal to
General Moultrie.

'January 14th, 1781.
' Mr. Moultrie, your father's character and your

' own have been represented to me in such a light

' that I wish to serve you both : what I have to say
vol. II. u

150

* I will sum up in a few words. I wish you to pro-
' pose to your father, to relinguish the cause he is
' now engaged in, which he may do without the

* least dishonor to himself; he can only enclose his
' commission to the first general officer, (General
' Greene for instance) the command will devolve on

* the next officer ; which is often done in our service ;
' any officer may resign his commission in the field
' if he chooses : if your father will do this, he may
' rely on me, he shall have his estate restored to
' him, and all damages paid him : I believe you are

* tlie only heir to your father. And as for you, sir,
' if your father continues firm, I shall never ask you

* to bear arms against him. These favors, you may

* depend, I shall be able to obtain from my lord Corn-
' wailis ; and you may rely on my honor, this mat-
' ter shall never be divulged by me.'

This proposal from Colonel Balfour convinces
me, that the letter which I received from Lord
Charles Montague, some time after, did not origi-
nate vrith himself: when I shewed Lord Charles'
letter to my son, he then told me of Colonel Bal-
four's proposal to him. He told Colonel Balfour,
' lie could not make such a proposal to his father,
for he was sure he would not listen to it.*

T51

To Lt. Col. Balfour.

'January 24 th, ITS I.

' Sir,

* O^ my arrival in town, some days ago, I was
« informed that some of the British officers frequent-

* ed the American hospital, with an intention to in-

* list the men, to the great disturbance and disorder
< of the hospital ; upon which I ordered captain Shu-

* brick to wait upon you, to acquaint you with their

* proceedings : you assured him it was contrary to

* your orders, and desired to have the officers' names,

* which I herewith inclose you : I could not procure
' them time enough to be sent before I left town.
' On my way to the boat, to return to this place, to
' my great surprise, I saw an officer, and a gentle-
' man dressed like a clergyman, leading a number
*^ of the continental soldiers down to the wharf;
' which I took to be two of the officers named on the

* inclosed list, as I was informed that morning they

* had inlisted many from the hospital ; I hope, sir,
< as it was done in violation of your orders they will

* be directed to deliver those men back, and not be

* permitted to visit the American hospital on any

* pretence whatever.

< I am, Sec.

* Wm. Moultrie.

152

From James Fraser,
< Charlestown, Jan. 28th, ITS I.
« Sir,

< I AM desired to inquire what letter General

< Greene received from you by General du Portail,

* as no letter of your's was sent here for inspection

< that was forwarded by that gentleman ; and, at the

* same time, beg to be acquainted why General du

* Portail visited General Greene on his way to Phila-
{ delphia, the camp of the latter not being on his di-
^ rect road to that place.

* By order of the Commandant.

* I am, sir,

* Your most obedient humble servant,

' James Fraseb,
* Com. Prisoners.
' Gen. Moultrie.'

To Gen. Greene.
* Christ-church Parish, Jan. SOth, 1781.

< Sir

< I DID myself the honor to write you on the
< 1st inst. in which I enclosed you a return of the

* officers prisoners of war at Haddreli's-point ; I now

* send you a return of all the prisoners in this state

* that I can get information of, as well militia as con-

* tinental, and those sent to Augustine. I shall be
' much obliged to you for some direction relative to

15S

the exchange of prisoners. I have made some
partial exchanges, and shall be glaO to know whe-
ther I shall continue to exchange as I have done
hitherto ; if so, be pleased to favor me with a list
of such British prisoners as you have upon parole,
that I may know how to guide myself in that busi-
ness when it is proposed to me : about fifty privates
have been proposed for exchange, but that I post-
poned till I should hear from you, as you may give
me some directions upon a more enlarged scale.
By the resolutions of Congress of the 5th and 12th
of August last, I am authorised to appoint a suit-
able person to act as commissary of prisoners in
Charlestown ; and am directed to return the name
of the person, so appointed, to the commander in
chief of the southern department. In pursuance
of which resolution, I have nominated Mr. James
Fisher for that office, and acquainted General
Gates of the same for his approbation : I beg leave
to recommend him to you as a gentleman who will
exert himself to the utmost in the punctual and
faithful performance of his duty.
* I AM happy to inform you, that by a letter from
Mr. Matthews, a delegate for South Carolina, that
a general exchange is agreed upon between their
Excellencies Gen. Washington and Sir Henry
Clinton ; and that it will soon take place. I am
sorry that I cannot yet give you ?.n account of the

154

c arrival of the flag from Philadelphia : we are in
' hourly expectation of seeing her.
* I am, &c.

' Wbi. Moultrie.

To Doctor Fraser.
< Christ-church Parish, Feb. 2d, If81.

<SlR,

* I RECEIVED your's of the twenty-eighth of

* last month, the evening before last ; and, for the

* satisfaction of the commandant, enclose you a copy

* of the letter sent to General Greene, assuring him,

< at the same time, that I had not the least idea of

* sending a letter to the American camp, or any

* where else, in a clandestine manner, and contrary

< to my parole ; but doubted not it would be examined

* by the British officer who was to attend General
' du Portail without the lines ; and that if there had

* been the least impropriety it would not have been
' allowed to pass ; I left it open for perusal, and re-

* quested the favor of General du Portail, when it
' was examined, if he proceeded immediately on to

* Philadelphia, after he left the British lines, that he
' would seal up the packet, and forward it to General

* Greene : General du Portail informed me, he be-
^ lieved (but was not certain) he would be under the
' necessity of going to General Greene's camp, to
' procure money and horses, to carry him on to

153

« Philadelphia ; as to what rout he took when he
' left this, it was entirely at his own option ; he best

* knew what his exchan^^e allowed, and, I dare say>
' will anwer any objections that may be made on tliat
' head.

' I am, &c.

< Wm. Moultrie.'

From Doctor Oliphant.

< Charlestown, Feb. 3rd. 1781.
< Dear Sir,

< Without your support, it will be impossible

* for me to do my duty by our unfortunate sick. I

* am to acquaint you, that I received a message

* by Doctor Hayes from the commandant this morn-

* ing, desiring me to dismiss Mr. M'CIean,* our

* steward, from the service of the hospital ; for he

* was determined he should not continue any longer

* in that place : no crime is laid to his charge : I

* conceive it contrary, to my authority to dismiss him
' without a regular trial, as he has ever, to the best

* of my knov/ledge, acted as a faithful servant to the
' public. I look upon it I should commit the great-

* est act of injustice were I to pay any attention to

* the requisition.

* M'CIean was a faithful steward ; his only crime to them
was his dissuading the men to inlist in the British service.

156

' The physicians and surgeons were this day de-
nied access to the sick in the hospital : no person,
at 12 o'clock at noon, could pass or repass the
gates, except the steward or his assistant, to fetch
provisions for the sick : under such a choice of
difficulties, I am much distressed how to conduct
myself; permit me, therefore, if compatible with
your situation, to entreat that you may come to
town, and, if possible, put matters on a better foot-
ing, for the relief of our unfortunate sick.
* I am yours, Sec.

< David Oliphaxt.

' Gen. Moultrie.'

From Lt. Col. Balfour.
* Charlestown, February 8th, 1781.
« Sir,

* I HAVE before me your letter of the 4th inst.
' containing the complaint of Dr. Oiiphant, respect-
' ing my directions for the dismission of the steward
' of your hospital, which is a point I must still insist
' on, as, by the report of the Deputy Commissary of
* Prisoners, he has been guilty of a conduct highly
' blameable from one under his situation.

* For the sole right, which you assert. Dr. Oli-
' phant has to give directions in the medicinal line
' of your hospital, I must conceive, as he is no lon-
^ £-er a prisoner of war, but detained here for the

157

failure of private contract, in not liquidating his
debts, that neither you nor he can have claims on
his person to any advantages arising from the capi-
tulation of Charlestovvn ; and that therefore his be-
ing at all allowed to officiate in his public capacity
should rather be attributed to sufferance than claim-
ed as a right.

'The officers of your hospital being precludedy
for a short time, admittance to it, as it was without
my directions, was immediately rectified on com-
ing to my knowledge ; but, I must here remark,
though against my inclination, that, in general, your
people seem to be more solicitous for the causes
of complaint, than ari:«"rj'as, on their own parts, to
remove them. You have my full permission to
write what you please, within the line of propriety,
lo General Greene, provided the same is submitted
to proper inspection ; and as this, sir, is an express
condition of your parole, and I have some cause to
think it has been violated in your letter by General
du Portail to General Greene, I may hereafter,
when I have completed my information, have occa-
sion to write you more explicitly on this subject.
General du Portail's making General Greene's
camp, on his way to Philadelphia, v/as a direct
breach of that passport; under which he had liberty

VOL. II. X

158

* lo proceed there; of which I therefore think it my

* duty to inform the commander in chief.

* I am, &c.

< N. Balfour.

* Gen. Moultrie.*

Letter from Lord Charles Montague.

< Charlestown, Feb. 9th, 1781.

* Dear Sir,

* It is a longtime since I have had the pleasure
' of seeing you ; but the length of time has not ef-
' faced the civilities and marks of friendship I receiv-

< ed from you. I wish much to see you; you know

* I have again returned to this country for a short

< time.

< If it is agreeable to yon, I will either call upon

< you, or be glad to see you here, at No. 57 , Old

* Church-street.

* I SEND this by my old servant Fisher.

* Your sincere friend.

* Charles Montague.

* Gen. Moultrie.*

To Lt. Col. Balfour.
< Charlestown, February 12th, 1781.
« Sir,

^ I RECEIVED your's of the 8th inst. in which
< you inform me, you must insist upon the dismission

159

* of the steward of our hospital, as he has been guil-

* ty of a conduct highly blameable.* I am sorry the

* steward has behaved himself in a manner unbecom-

* ing his station. I wish I could have been inform-

* cd of it in time, to have prevented any ill conduct

* in future. I claim the sole right of Dr. Oliphant's

* giving directions in our hospital in the medicinal

< line, from a circumstance which, I imagine, you
' must be unacquainted with ; and, for your informa-

* tion, I inclose you a copy of Dr. Oliphant's parole ;

* by which you will see, that, though exchanged, yet
' that exchange is not thoroughly completed, as he
,' is there obliged to stay to do his duty in the hospi-

* tal ; therefore he is still a prisoner upon parole,
' and has still the direction of the hospital ; and
( should he make satisfaction to those who have de-
t tained his person for a private contract, yet he

* could not leave the hospital without first obtaining
' permission from the American officer commanding

< in the southern department. I was well assured
' that you were unacquainted with the physicians and

* surgeons being refused admittance! into our hospi-

* tal was the reason I wrote you on the subject, as I

* Dissuading tlie American soldiers from enlisting in the
British service.

+ Because some British oiEcers were then in the hospital ei^
deavoring to enlist the men.

160

have been informed that you wished more care was
taken of the sick.

< I AM very sorry you should have cause to think
I have violated my parole in the least ; I stand ac-
quitted in my own idea ; and I am sure a gentlemen
of your candor will be of the same opinion, when
you come to enquire more particularly into the cir-
cumstances : the letter itself the most exact scru-
tiny cannot take any exceptions to j and the send-
ing a list of the prisoners I had your permission for
so doing,

< Gen. du Portail is undoubtedly a gentleman of
the strictest honor, and, I dare say, considered his
gc^ng to Gen. Greene's camp as no impropriety, or
he would not have taken that rout.

* I am, Sec.

< Wm. Mou;.trie.*

To Major Harleston and Capt. Peter Gray.
< Haddrell's-point, Feb. 27th, 178U
5 Gentlemen,

' You are at the receipt of this, to repair with
< your baggage, servants, Sec. to the barracks near
« Haddrell s-point, there to take your quarters.
* X am your's, &c.

< James Place.

e Ac C. Pc'

161

From Major Harleston.

'Distillery, Feb. 28th, 1781.

<SlR,

< As I conceive the cnclesed mandate to be a
flagrant breach of a most essential article of the
capitulation, and as ray refusal to obey it, may in-
volve me in a contention I wish to avoid, I beg
leave to address you on the subject, requesting an
application may be made to the commandant for
obtaining satisfaction in the premises ; and for si-
lencing threats ; one of which was conveyed to me
since the enclosed, in a verbal message, by a ser-
geant, apparently calculated to irritate ; and which
any attempt to execute, ought to be considered as
discharging the party threatened from the obli-
gations of a parole. I am led to observe, that the
distance of this place from the barracks, in a di-
rect line, does not exceed three quarters of a mile,
nor does the circui ous rout imposed on me by the
obstructions thrown in my way, protract the dis-
tance to be more than two miles and an half.

* I am your's, &c.

« Isaac Harlestok»
^ Gen. MouLTRii.*

162

To Gen. Greene.

< Charlestown, February 28th, 1781.
« Sir,

* I HAVE the honor to inform you, that I have
' made exchange for a number of continental officers,

* a list of whose names are herewith transmitted to

* you, and doubt not will meet with your approbation.

* I had proposed to exchange some militia, but Col.

* Balfour, commandant of Charlestown, did not

* choose to enter upon their exchanges, as that mat-

* tcr would be settled in a general exchange ; which

* we are in hopes will soon take place.

' I SHALL esteem it as a particular favor if you
' would inform me, whether it is the custom, in our

* army, in making exchanges, to adhere to the old

* customs of war ; exchanging cavalry for cavalry,

* infantry for infantry, artillery for artillery ; or whe-

* ther we should go on as hitherto, by seniority and

< the longest in captivity.

< I am, 8cc.

' Wm. Moultrie.*

The Hon. Board of War, Philadelphia.

* Charlestown, March 1st, 1781.
* Gentlemen,

' I am honored with your favor of the
' 19th of December last, with invoice and bills of lad-
' ing of sundries for clothing the prisoners of war ;

< and also of three hundred and forty-four barrels of

* flour : all which are come safe to hand ; and a re-

* ceipt for three thousand six hundred and forty-

* seven dollars for the use of the officers ; the goods

< were a little damaged ; the flour I shall have sold,

* and the money appropriated, by employing the

* most necessitous people in making up the clothing ;

* and what balance may be left, shall be distributed,

* as directed to the continental troops and militia

* who were actually taken in arms : the money I

* have ordered to be paid to the officers, agreeable

< to rank; which amount to nine days pay, including

* the hospital department. I am sorry I cannot send
' you an exact return of the prisoners of war, as

* many of them are inlisted in the British service ;

* I imagine, what remains, cannot exceed one thou-
' sand ; I heartily wish their supply had arrived a

* little sooner ; the officers are much in want; their
' supplies were so trifling, as to be of very little ser-

< vice to them.

* I HEREWITH send you an account of disburse.

< ments for the vessel: we have done every thing in

* our power to have her dispatched.

' I have the honor to be, &c.

< Wm. Moultrie.*

16i

To Col. Balfour,
' Christ-church Parish, March 2d, 1781.
« Sir,

* I AM again unoer the necessity of troubHng
you upon a subject on which I have too frequently
wrote : I was in hopes matters had been so arrang-
ed, as would require no farther a.pplication, but a
letter I received last night from General IVMntosh,
a copy of which I beg leave to enclose you, in-
forms me that a British sergeant is ordered to be
quartered in the barracks amongst the officers ; and
that they are to turn out of a particular room, to
accommodate this sergeant ; the reason given is,
' that four of our officers, the other night, stole a
boat, and went to town in her :" if this be true, I
could wish they were pointed out, and punished ac-
cording to the offence ; which, in my opinion, is of
a very heinous nature, and deserves the severest
treatment ; but I cannot conceive the propriety of
reducing the whole to a disagreeable situation for
the ill conduct of a few. A parole is a sacred act
between parties, which, if violated on either side, is
void in itself; I cannot help observing, that this
sergeant beingplaced among the officers upon parole,
is unusual, and has the appearance of a guard : I
hope, sir, you will consider it in that Ught, and
have him removed. The officers are now exceed-
ingly crowdedji yet six of them must turn out to

165

give a room to this sergeant : many of them are
now under the necessity of building huts in the
woods, for their better accommodation ; though
we have had an exchange lately, yet their number
was replaced by the gentlemen of the Maryland
and Delaware lines.

* Major Harleston and others have also informed
me that they have received a positive order from
Mr. Place, assistant commissary of prisoners, to re-
pair with their baggage and servants near Had-
drell's-point, there to take up their quarters. This
order, I cannot but imagine, must arise from some
mistake, as they are clearly within the line prescrib-
ed by the capitulation; on a direct course not more
than half a mile, and on a circuitous rout not more
than two miles and a half.

< Another matter I must trouble you with ; Ge-»
neral M'Intosh, with a number of other gentlemen,
are threatened by Mr. Scott to be turned out of his
house, (which was allotted by the barrack master
for the reception of the prisoners of war) and their
baggage stopped for the payment of the rent. I
hope, sir, when you come to consider of these se-
veral matters, here related to you, that you will
agree with me in opinion, that the placing a ser-
geant * among gentlemen upon parole carries 9.

* The sergeant was withdrawn.

VOL. II, Y

166

i^ suspicion of their honor ; that Major Harleston and
« others being ordered to the barracks is a violation

< of the capitulation ; and that Gen. M'Intosh and

< other gentlemen being turned out of their quarters,

< and obliged to pay rent, would be an injustice done

< them. I find myself under some difficulty in not
' being permitted to send an officer to town to deliv-

* er any letter or message which I may have occa-

* sion to send you ; it leaves me in an uncertain si-

* tuation when my letters are to be sent to the assist-

< ant commissary of prisoners for his conveyance.

' I am, £cc.

' Wm. Moultrie.*

From Lord Charles Montague.

* March Uth, 1781.

* Sir,

< A SINCERE wish to promote what may be to

* your advantage, induces me now to write ; and the

* freedom with which we have often conversed makes

* me hope you will not take amiss what I say. My

< own principles, respecting the commencement of

< this unfortunate war, are well known to you, and,

* of course, you can conceive what I mention is out

* of friendship : you have now fought bravely in the
« cause of your country for many years, and, in my
' opinion, fulfilled the duty every individual owes to

* it. You have had your share of hardships and dif-

lev

< ficulties, and if the contest is still to be continued,

< younger hands should now take the toil from you.

< You have now a fair opening of quitting that ser-

< vice, with honor and reputation to yourself, by go-

* ing to Jamaica with me. The world will readily
' attribute it to the known friendship that has sub-

* sisted between us : and by quitting this country for

< a short time, you would avoid any disagreeable

* conversations, and might return at leisure, to take

< possession of your estates for yourself and family.

''The regiment I am going to command, the on-

< ly proof I can give you of my sincerity is, that I
' will quit that command to you with pleasure, and

* serve under you. I earnestly wish I could be the

< instrument to effect what I propose, as I think it

* would be a great means towards promoting that re-

* conciliation we all wish for: a thousand circum-

* stances concur to make this a proper period for

* you to embrace : our old acquaintance : my hav-
' ing been formerly governor in this province : the

* interest I have with the present commanders.

< I GIVE you my honor, what I write is entirely

* unknown to the commandant, or to any one else ;
' so shall your answer be, if you favor me with one.

* Think well of me.

* Your's sincerely.

* Charles Montagus,

^ Gen. M0ULTRI£.* V

168

To Lord Charles Montague.
< Haddrell's-point, March 12th, 178 U

< My Lord,

< I RECEIVED your's, this morning, by Fisher;

* I thank you for your wish to promote my advantage,
' but am much surprised at your proposition ; I flat-
' tered myself I stood in a more favorable light
« with you : I shall write with the same freedom
' with which we used to converse, and doubt not,

* you will receive it with the same candor : I have

* often heard you express your sentiments respecting

* this unfortunate war, when you thought the Ameri-

* cans injured ; but am now astonished to find you
^ taking an active part against them; though ^not
' fighting particularly on the continent, yet seducing

* their soldiers away, to inlist in the British service,
' is nearly similar.

' My lord, you are pleased to compliment me
' with having fought bravely in my country's cause
' for many years, and in your opinion, fulfilled the

* duty every individual owes to it ; but I differ very

< widely with you, in thinking that I have discharged

* my duty to my country, while it is still deluged

* with blood and over-run with British troops, who
' exercise the most savage cruelties. When 1 en-

* tered into this contest, I did it with the most m^a-

* ture deliberation, and with a determined resolution

* to risque my life and fortune in the cause. The

169

hardships I have gone through I look back upon
with the greatest pleasure and honor to myself : I
shall continue to go on as I have begun, that my
example may encourage the youths of America to
stand forth in defence of their rights and liberties.
You call upon me now, and tell me I have a fair
opening of quitting that service with honor and re-
putation to myself by going with you to Jamaica.
Good God ! is it possible that such an idea could
arise in the breast of a man of honor. I am sorry
you should imagine I have so little regard for my
own reputation as to listen to such dishonorable
proposals ; would you wish to have that man whom
you have honored with your friendship play the
traitor ? surely not. You say, by quitting this
country for a short time I might avoid disagreeable
conversations, and might return at my own lei-
sure and take possession of my estates for myself
and family ; but you have forgot to tell me how I
am to get rid of the feelings of an injured honest
heart, and where to hide myself from myself ; could
I be guilty of so much baseness I should hate my-
self and shun mankind. This would be a fatal ex-
change from my present situation, with an easy and
approved conscience of having done my duty, and
conducted myself as a man of honor.
' My lord, I am sorry to observe, that I feel your
* friendship much abated, or you would not cndeav-

170

* think it will be the means of bringing about that

* reconciliation we all wish for. I wish for a recon-

* ciliation as much as any man, but only upon ho-

* norable terms. The repossessing my estates,' the

* offer of the command of your regiment, and the

* honor you propose of serving under me, are paltry
' considerations to the loss of my reputation : no,

* not the fee simple of that valuable island of Jamai-
^ ca should in(Ju.ce me to part with my integrity.

' My lord, as you have made one proposal give me

* leave to make another, which will be more honor-

* able to us both ; as you have an interest with your

* commanders, I would have you propose the with-

* drawing the British troops from the continent of
< America, allow the independence, and propose a
' peace : this being done, I will use my interest with

* my commanders, to accept of the terms, and al-

* low Great Britain a free trade with America.

' My lord, I could make one proposal,* but my
' situation as a prisoner circumscribes me within cer-

* tain bounds ; I must therefore conclude with allow=»

* Which was to advise him to come over to the Americans:
this proposal I could not make when on parole.

171

* ing you the free liberty to make what use of this

* you may think proper^ Think better of me.

< I am, my lord,
« Your lordship's most obedient
* Humble servant,

< Wm. Moultrie.*

From Lt. Col. Balfour.

* Charlestown, March, 1781.
' Sir,

* I TAKE this Opportunity to transmit to your
information the proceedings of a court of inquiry
held here ; in consequence of which, Lieut. Col.
Grimkie and Major Habersham are committed close
prisoners until Lord Cornwallis* pleasure shall be
known. On perusing these proceedings, the lenity
of British officers must forcibly strike you ; as it
must come within your own knowledge and feelings
that breaches of parole have heretofore been over-
looked ; and their justice, if it were necessary, will
be fully evinced in Mr. Place being dismissed from
his office. You will be so good as to return the
original letters,* which accompany these proceed-
ings.
< I am now to address you on a subject, with

* which I am charged by Lord Cornwallis, who hav-

* Keanc's Grimkie's and Habersham's.

172

ing- in vain applied to General Greene for an equit-
able and general exchange of prisoners, finds it ne-
cessary, in justice to the king's service, and those
of his army, who are in this disagreeable predica-
ment, to pursue such measures, as may eventually
coerce it ; and his lordship has consequently or-
dered me to send all the prisoners of war here,
forthwith to some one of the West-India Islands ;
which, I am particularly directed to inform you,
cannot be delayed beyond the middle of next month ;
and for this purpose, the transports are now al-
lotted, of which an account will soon be transmitted
you.

' I AM sorry to add, that the treatment our mili-
tia received, when made prisoners by Brigadier
General Marion, is such, as unless speedily redress-
ed, v/ill compel me, in justice to those unhappy
persons, to a severe retaliation ; and, in that case,
X shall be obliged to seperate the militia from the
continental prisoners of war.

* I am your's, Sec.

< J. N. Balfous.

* Gen. Moultrie.'

To Col. Balfour.
« Christ-church Parish, March 31, 1781.
« Sir,

^ I RECEIVED your's yesterday evening, dated

173

sine die, 1781, with the proceedmgs of a court of in*
quiry, ordered on Lt, Col. Grimkie and Major Ha-
bersham and several letters relating thereto, and
find every clause of so much consequence that I
could expatiate very largely on each ; but my be-
ing a prisoner prohibits me, I shall touch slightly
upon them and leave the rest to those who are more
at liberty. You inform me that Lt. Col. Grimkie
and Major Habersham are close prisoners until Lord
Cornwallis* pleasure shall be known. I observe, the
court is of opinion they are guilty of a breach of their
paroles, in corresponding by letters with a man not
in the king's peace, and who is at Beaufort. I am
informed, that the court were of opinion that the
letters contained nothing criminal or of a bad ten-
dency ; if merely writing a letter is to be construed
a breach of parole, I believe there is scarcely an
officer in the British or American service, who has
been a prisoner any considerable time, but has vio-
lated his parole. I am much at a loss to recollect
any breaches of parole that have been overlooked ;
my feelings cannot point them out to me. I here-
with return the original letters which you require.
< The subject of your next clause is of a very se-
rious nature and weighty consequence indeed ; be-
fore I enter particularly into that, I must request
you will be so kind as to inform me, whether you
deem the capitulation dissolved ? You tell me. Lord

VOLr II, 2

ir4

< Cornwallis has frequently applied to General Greene

< for an equitable exchange of prisoners. I can also
assure you, that General Greene, in a letter to Ge-
neral Mcintosh, mentions that he proposed such a
measure to Lord Cornwallis ; and I can also assure
you, that by a letter from a delegate in Congress
we are warranted to say, that Congress has proposed
a plan for a general exchange, which Sir Henry
Clinton approved, and signified to Gen. Washing-
ton his readiness to proceed on it; and, for ought
we know, is at this moment taking place ; how-
ever, the sending of us to the West-India islands
cannot expedite the exchange one moment; neither
can the measure alleviate the distresses of those of
your officers who are'prisoners, as you must be well
assured such treatment a;s we receive will be fully
retaliated by Gen. Washington.

' I AM sorry to hear Gen. Marion should use any
prisoners ill ; it is contrary to his natural disposi-
tion: I know him to be generous and humane.
Before you proceed to extremities I must request
you will permit me to send an officer to General
Greene, with a copy of your letter, and the pro-
ceedings of the court, with the letters relative to
Lieut. Col. Grimkie and Major Habersham for his
inspection.

' I am, &c.

< Wm» Moultrie,*

175
PROCEEDINGS OF A COURT OF INQUIRY,

HELD BY ORDER OF LIEUTENANT COLONEL BALFOUR,
COMMANDANT OF CHARLESTOWN, ScC.

Charlestown, March 23d, 1781.

Major M'Arthur of the seventy-first regiment,
President.

Captain Bean of the sixtieth regiment, Captain
Blackc of the twenty-third regiment, members.

Major Barry laid before the court the letters
No. 1 and 2, addressed to Lieutenant J. F. Grimkie
and Major John Habersham, Haddrell's-point.

Mr. Charles Wroughton master of a galley sta-
tioned near Haddrell's-point, appeared before the
court, and the following questions were put to him
by Major Barry, viz :

Q. What conversation had you with Captain
Shubrick when he was a-long side the galley ?

A. I ALWAYS speak all boats passing near the
galley on their way to Haddrell's-point. Captain
Shubrick, with two ladies, totally unknown to me,
came in a boat a-long side the galley ; as I had not
the pleasure of knowing the ladies, I asked them for
their passes, and Captain Shubrick made answer,
' That one was his lady, and he did not conceive that
she had occasion for a pass,' or words to that pur-
pose. I then asked Captain Shubrick if he had
any letters, he answered * No.' Lieutenant John«

ston commanding the galley, then permitted the
boat to go a-shore.

Q. (By the Court.) Was any person present at
the time of your asking Captain Shubrick if he had
letters ?

A. No, none to my knowledge, except those in
the boat with Captain Shubrick.

Ensign Place, assistant commissary of prisoners,
appeared before the court ; and Major Barry put
the following questions to him, viz :

Q. What passed between you and Captain Shu-
brick, respecting the two letters ?

A. Captain Shubrick told mc the officer of the
galley had desired him to inform me that Mrs. Shu-
brick was in the boat, and he desired to know if I
had any objections to her landing ; I said not, and
proceeded, as usual, upon business, which was that
of asking for letters ; but I do not recollect I asked
him for any, though he gave me several.

Mri Charles Wroughton further informed the
court, that when he went a-shore, he was surprised
to find Mr. Place had received letters from Captain
Shubrick.

Captain Shubrick being called upon to answer to
the evidence of Mr. Wroughton and Mr. Place,
declared positively to the court, that he never was
asked for letters, by the master of the galley or any
one else on board ; that the orders he received from

177

the galley respecting the ladies were strictly com-
plied with. He further declared, that Mr. Place
never asked him for letters but that he gave them to
him. He further added, that he went to Mr. Place
first to get permission for Mrs. Shubrick and the
other lady to land ; and when they were landed, he
went a second time to Mr. Place and delivered the
letters.

Respecting the letters No. 1 and 2, Lieut. Col.
Grimkie and Major Habersham confessed to the
court, that upon a strict and serious examination in-
to the parole given to the officers at Haddrell's-point,
they certainly have been guilty of a breach of that
parole ; but, at the same time, hoped the court would
not consider it in a criminal light, nor as from a de-
sire, by any means, to prejudice his Majesty's ser-
vice, but merely to divert a few hours of tedious cap-
tivity,

Lieut. Colonel Grimkie, in order to convince the
court of the innocence of the correspondence, further
informs the court, that the gazette alluded to in
Mr. Kean's letter, was only a recapitulation or men-
tion of those numerous and trifling reports, which
commonly prevailed among the officers at Haddrell's-
point,

Lieutenant Colonel Grimkie and Major Haber-
sham further informed the court, that any news or
jnform.ation that was sent Mr. Kean, was prevailing

178

at Haddrell's-polnt about six weeks before Mr. Kcan
received it, from which they conceived no design of
hurt could be intended to his majesty's arms.

Lieutenant Colonel Grimkie and Major Haber-
sham, respecting that part of the parole, viz : « Or
< have intercourse, or hold correspondence with his

* enemies' they conceived it only extended to persons
without the British lines, or such as were wavering
in their principles.

And further, in order to shew the real intention
of the gazette, the motto prefixed to it, was
* Dissipant nugcs curas edacss,*

The following letters from Mr.Kean were the cause
of Colonel Grimkie's and Major Habersham's being
confined ; they were delivered to the commissary of
prisoners, and sent by him, to the commandant.

Copy of Mr. Kean's Letter from Beaufort, to
Lieut. Col. Grimkie at Habdrell's-point.

< March 4th, 1781.

No. 1. * Sweet are the gratulations of friendship,

( especially to a heart buried in sorrow ; your friend-

' ly letter has roused me, and from this moment I

* drive the fiend from me. Sorrow, thou drawer

* of gloomy dejecting; pictures, thou anticipate r and

179

vade the sacred mansions of ray friends. My heart
has no room but for my mistress and my friends.
I am not ordered to Charlestown ; no town, no
charms shall keep me from you when I am ordered,
if I can gain permission to come where you are.

< The amusements you prevailed on Habersham
to send me have given me the greatest satisfaction ;
was I to send you a gazette for this latitude how
different would it be.

< I AM sorry to allay any joyous moments you may
possess by repetition of losses ; however, for fear
common fame might say more than there is occa-
sion for, I will tell you myself. You know I am a
provident lad, and not having occasion to make use
of my crops of Indigo, for these last three years
past, I had left them at Augusta, and they were
coming down Savannah river in order to be turned
into money for my travelling expenses, with all
my present year's provision : the genius of the
river, has taken a fancy to it, himself; and has
chosen to impurple his robe at my expense, say-
about 1,000 pounds sterling.

< I AM sorry for the reduction of your regiment,
for I fear it was literally reduced ; your known
abilities can never want employ ; we will strike out
some plan for an exertion of your abilities, and our
friendship shall be a stimulas to carry us to the
pinnacle of fame ; I have a lonp- race to run ere

150

< I gain the height you already have : Pliny says

* there are but two points of view worthy our atten-

< tion, the endless duration of fame, or the extent of

* life ; those who are governed by the former, must

< pursue it with unremitting ardor ; those who are

* influenced by the latter should quietly resign thcm-
' selves to repose, nor wear out a short life in pe-

* rishable pursuits.

' Write me frequently, and tell Hab. not to fail

* to send me his monthly exercises.

' That you may enjoy a Mahometan paradise in

< this world, and such a heaven as is most pleasing

< in the next, is the wish of your sincere friend.

(Signed) < John Kean.*

Copy of a Letter wrote to Major Habershah,
by the same.

< March 5th, 1781.
No. 2. < I THANK you, my dear Jack, for your

< friendly congratulations ; and believe me, I have

* not received more true pleasure, since my capti-
« vity, than your letter afforded me : your gazette

* has roused my mind from a lethargy into which it

< was sunlv by accounts so diametrically opposite, that

* I supposed there was nothing on this continent,

* save Mon. Rochambeau to make any opposition :
' indeed, to such a degree of apathy had I sunk, that,
^ save yourself and two or three more, I cared not

if the whole world had been perfectly annihilated s
it is truly a rascally world.

' Lechmore our present commandant, you know,
is my particular acquaintance ; besides, you kno\Yi
I am of a kind of placid disposition. Let me alone;
do not come in my way, and I will let you do as
you please ; this is the reason I fancy why I have
not been ordered to Charlestown.

< It is certainly most convenient for me to be here,
but it has exposed me to most severe trials ; figure
to yourself an aged mother, a youthful sister, (all
that remains of a once numerous family) looking
up to me, the only male left of their line, and ad-
ding their entreaties to those who stile themselves
my friends, to become a subject : we should sin-
cerely pray against temptation. I do heartily hope
to be endowed with a sufficient degree of fortitude >
to withstand every attempt : should I not, with
those who know my situation, I shall receive some
degree of credit, that I have so long withstood
such powerful persuaders. Remember Cor iolanus
fell in the most virtuous time of the Romans : if I
do, (which heaven forbid) it will be the most vir-
tuous of my country.

« Adieu to serious subjects! live all the little
amusements that enable us to pass away our pro-
bationary stay in this transitory world. I sincerely
condole with you for your amazing loss, and, had

VOL. II, 2 A

182

< I not bid farewell to serious subjects, I would tell
' vou of one that I have met with.

< My poetical genius has left me a long lime ; the
« mind ill at ease, cannot please, nor strike out any

< gay thought. I have sent you a copy from a good

< author, which, perhaps (as I imagine you have no
« library) may fill up a gap in your gazette. Re-
^ peat the dose monthly of your amusement, it will

* awaken my genius perhaps.

< Adieu my friend, Sec.

' John Kean.*

The court having duly considered the evidence
for and against Lieutenant Colonel Grimkie and
Major Habersham, both of the American army,
is of opinion they are guilty of a breach of their pa-
roles, in corresponding, by letters, with a man not in
the King's peace, and who is at Beaufort.

From Lt. Col. Grimkie^

^ SlTT,

* In obedience to your order of March the twen-

< ty-third, I repaired to Charlestown, and attended

* at Lieutenant Colonel Ballbur's, for the purpose of
' explaining the nature of a correspondence, which

* I had held with Mr. Kean at Port-royal. Captain
i BaiTy's secretary informed me that a court of offi-

* sers had been ordered to investigate the matter.

185

« and that I must attend thereon : I was much sut-
' prised at the mode of inquiry pointed out, and ex-
' pressed my sentiments accordingly ; concluding

< with a desire that Colonel Balfour would suffer me

* to see him, as I was certain I could explain the

* whole occurrence to his satisfaction, without the

* mediation of a court : but this request was pc-

< remptorily objected to; and Captain Barry demand-

* ed, in a very importunate manner, a specific

* answer, whether 1 would appear before the court

* of officers, ordered to assemble on the occasion ?
' I reflected, as no other means of inquiry were left
' to me but this court, that I should gratify my ene-
' mies in a most essential point, and with the most
' singular advantage. Had I continued to refuse the

* explanation, in the way it was demanded of me,

* they might have represented, that, conscious of an

* intentional criminality in the correspondence allu-

* ded to, I had purposely avoided the inquiry, not
' daring to submit my conduct to the view of man-
t kind ; and that I preferred laying under the suspi-
' cion only of being guilty, rather than confirm it

* by my own examination : the natural consequences

* would have been, that I should have been conveyed

* to some place of confinement ; and, vinder the se-
' verest interdictions, have been precluded all mode

* of explanation and appeal : this conduct, I foresaw,

* would have contributed to the pregnant suspicions

184

^ of mankind, and to my own condemnation. The
' subsequent part of their conduct towards me, evin-
' ces the propriety of my behavior upon this occa-

< sion, and the justice of this reflection : to remove,
< therefore, a cukimny of the most illiberal kind, I

« was compelled to listen to their proposals of a court,

* sensible that nothing criminal could be alledged

* against me, supported by facts.

* Capt. Barry laid before the court a letter written

< by Mr. Kean at Beaufort to me. There are few

* sentences, which, even in the cooler hours of rea-

* son, considered abstractedly, and unsupported by

< the general tenor of the subject, may not be per-

* verted, and which may not admit of several modes

< of construction. In the present precarious mo-
' ments w^hich awaken suspicion and tend to create

* jealousies and distrusts : the fears of an enemy may

* be alarmed by the most trifling incidents. Several

* paragraphs of this letter were pointed cut as ob-
' noxious, and which required an explanation. The

< most natural, as well as the most immediate and
' ready answers were given to every exceptionable

* part ; but, nevertheless, words were deprived of

* their intrinsic meaning, and a sense imposed upon

* the different paragraphs foreign to the intention of
« the writer ; for instance, the word amusement was

* said to mean information, and the Latin word nug^i

* which literally and properly signifies trifles, W4S

IS3

forced to assume the meaning ol Jolly. This sus-
picion I deemed excusable in people who had them-
selves given such recent and notorious proofs, that
they deemed themselves bound by no engagements
in infringing the articles of a most sacred capitula-
tion. They could not but be of opinion that their
conduct not only merited, but would have justified
any mode of retaliation. It is more than probable,
that men devoid of the finer feelings of honor, would
suspect a recrimination of injuries from a person
whom they had also previously injured : such appre-
hensions are natural to the weak, the base, and the
guilty ; for they are incapable, from an irrecover-
able badness of heart, to conceive a soul equal to
the sufferings of injuries imposed on it ; and for a
forbearance of its just resentment at the same mo-
ment. To remove, therefore, these plausible jea-
lousies, I candidly proposed to the court that they
would permit me to write to Mr. Kean, whom I
would request to send immediately the necessary
papers to me ; and that they would defer the con-
sideration of this matter until I could procure
them ; they were absolutely necessary for an elu-
cidation of the subject : they were absolutely ne-
cessary for their information, and also for my de-
fence and acquittal. So sudden and unexpected a
proposal gave the alarm of the consciousness of my
own innocence and the certainty of my acquittal j

186

' but this reasonable demand was not listened to by

* the court. I am yet in doubt to resolve, whether

* this neglect proceeded from the native propensity

* of the court, or from the dictatorial mandate which
>■ was now delivered to them by captain Barry, and

* which they said proceeded from Lt. Col. Balfour.

* Capt. Barry told the court that the contents of the

* letters were by no means an object of their con-

* sideration ; that it was wholly out of their province

* to judge of the criminality of the expressions ; and

* that be the subject ever so innocent the fact alone
' of having corresponded constituted the guilt. He

* added, that Mr. Kean's letter sufficiently indicated

* that he was an enemy to the king, and that my pa-

* role provided that no correspondence or intercourse

* should be held with his enemies. I was astonished
' at this new doctrine and uncandid interpretation

* which was put upon the parole. I observed how
' inequitable it was to adopt a literal construction of
' the parole, and to assume a forced application for

* the terms of INIr. Kean's letter. That my concep-
^ tion of the sense of the parole was very different;
< I was, indeed, bound not to communicate any in-
^ telligence to an enemy of the king of Great Britain ;

* but did not appear to preclude my writing to *

* friend, who was a prisoner upon parole, and v/ithin
' the enemy's lines as well as myself. Besides, the

* correspondence was perfectly innocent, and did no

isr

injury to the cause against which we were engaged.
I had not endeavored to confirm Mr. Kean in the
principles which he had adopted, as I was sensible,
from the strength of his judgment and the upright-
ness of his heart, that he would persevere in so just
a cause. If I had mistaken the parole, and been
too liberal In my construction of it, that the inten-
tion ought to be weighed by the court. Supposing
it possible that the interpretation given to the pa-
role by Captain Barry should be thought the usual
and received one, I must then confess that I had
been guilty of a breach of it ; but as it was without
design, and without criminality, it could be deemed
but an indiscretion, and, consequently, venial.
< In the course of this conference, you will be pleas-
ed to observe that Mr. Barry changed his ground,
who strenuously endeavored to establish the crimi-
nality of the correspondence, by pointing out such
passages as would bear a double meaning : but af-
ter I had offered to produce the papers, he conclu-
ded with assuring the court that it was not neces-
sary to consider whether the expressions were cri-
minal or not, but only whether a correspondence
existed, for, in that alone the guilt lay. Upon
the declaration of this positive command of Colo-
nel Balfour, and the letters alone of Mr. Kean, was
founded the sentence of the court ; although I ob-
serve that these proceedings positively declare an

18S

* acknowledgement of a breach of my parole, and
' that they pronounced their sentence upon that con-

< fession, without making any mention whatever of

* the doubts which had arisen in my breast, concern-

* ing the propriety of their interpretation, or the con-

* ditionality of the acknowledgement.

' I MADE apphcation to Captain Bluck for a copy

* of the proceedings of the court, which was refused
' me : I must confess my uneasiness at this refusal,

< apprehending some omissions, and that on so deli-
' cate a subject, the text might be attended with a

* variety of constructions ; it ought, therefore, to

* have been as full as possible, and the instances of

* misinterpretation, then before m.e, pointed out the

* necessity : since you did me the honor of the peru-

* sal of the proceedings of the court, I am sorry to

* say, I find my suspicions confirmed ; I have, there-

< fore, taken the liberty of representing to you the

* facts as they happened ; and supplied those disin-

* genuous omissions which I have discovered.

* In consequence of their opinion, I was detained

* in the City-guard for ten days, without any allow-

< ance of provisions, fire, or candles, and it is proba-

* ble that if you had not interposed and represented

* the injustice of such proceedings, that the same

* injurious treatment would have existed to the mo-

* was acquainted v/ith Major M' Arthur the president

189

* of the court, had two interviews with him after

* our confinement ; wherein that gentleman very

* candidly disavowed the least suspicions of criminali-
^ ty in our intentions, and advised us to write to
' Colonel Balfour. This advice I had reason to think

* was the result of a conference which he had held
with that gentleman. He told us also, that were

' the papers produced which we had sent to Mr.

* Kean, it was more than probable we should imme-

* diately be dismissed. Such an inconsistancy of be-

* havior, filled me with more astonishment, than
' the injurious treatment I had received. At first

* the papers are refused to be seen, and a court forms
' a solemn sentence without them, though offered :
' Col. Balfour sends them word it is not necessary to

* consider the contents of the letters ; and afterwards

* he thinks it requisite that they should be laid before

* himself. I treated this childish behavior with the

* contempt it deserved, and would not take any steps
' to produce the papers required. The confinement

* in a public prison, and the charge of the crime, of

* the deepest die, left open no door of reconciliation
< or further explanation on my part. One day's im-

* prisonment drew upon me the suspicions of the

* people, and the continuance of the punishment

* could avail no more. I presumed that as soon as

* Mr. Kean arrived in town, he would be able to ex-

* plain such matters as they were solicitous to make

' 2 fi

190

t appear mysterious. The consequence of his letter
' was, that on the 1 7th April we were informed, that
' Col. Balfour was convinced that we had not inten-
<■ tionally been guilty of a breach of paroles, but that

* he could not release us until he had heard from

* Lord Cornwallis ; to whom he had written upon the
^ subject. This was a very extraordinary confession

* of our innocence, indeed, since no new matter was

* laid before Colonel Balfour which could have induc-
' ed him to have changed his opinion. I told Ma-

* jor Fraser that I imagined Colonel Balfour had been
' perfectly convinced of the purity of our intentions

* ever since he had received the proceedings of the
' court, which he candidly acknowledged ; whilst I

* had reason to believe that Colonel Balfour was con-
< vinced of the propriety of his own conduct, I re-

* mained satisfied, though I could not approve of it ;

* nay, sir, I even acknowledged the justice of the
' confinement I was suffering, whilst I was persuad-
^ ed that Colonel Balfour's conduct proceeded from

* a mistaken principle, and not from the wanton ex-
' crtion of a temporary power. It is difficult to judge

* what were my feelings when I w^as informed that I

* w?.s acknowledged not to be guilty intentionally or
' criminally, but that notwithstanding this declaration,
« I liud not only been punished, but was to experience
' a continuance thereof : could language be more
' iasulting or could actions be more malicious. Is

191

« it possible that any man can have so base, so ser-

< Tile a spirit, as to exercise an office whose charac*
« teristic function is an indiscriminate infliction

< of punishment, without the additional property of

* dispensing justice or extending mercy ? At length,

< after a confinement of five weeks, I was told by

* Major Fraser, that letters had been received from

* Lord Cornwallis, and that his lordship was of

< opinion, that we had not been guilty of a breach of

* parole ; this part of their behavior deserves as

* little attention as credibility, though it was not the

< least extraordinary. It is well known that Major

* Benson, who attended General Scott, did not see

< General Greene, and that they did not know where

< to find Lord Cornwallis,* and therefore returned

* without having executed that part of their com-

* mission.

< I AM sorry, sir, that I was not acquainted with

< the opportunity you had of writing to General

< Greene, and of your intention of inclosing the

* The Briiish in Charlestown, were very much at a loss
to know what was become oi Lord Cornwallis : after the battle
of Guildford, they could get no account of him ; they therefore
fell upon this expedient, which was, to let General Scott go to
Virginia upon parole, but that Major Benson should atetnd
him until they came to Lord Cornwallis or General Greene ;
but in this they were disappointed, as a part of General Greene's
army met them and would not let them pass, but ordeied them
back again, and General Scott returned to us at Haddrell's-
point.

192

* papers relative to me in your dispatches ; had this

* explanation been included in your packet, it would

< hart given a very different appearance to this affair
« than will be the result of the perusal of the British

* papers. I have therefore to request of you to

* communicate these facts to General Greene, before
' whom the British papers have been laid, and you

* will add to the obligations already conferred on me.
^ I should have represented my situation to you at

* an earlier period, but reflecting that I had been
' refused a copy of the proceedings of the court, I

< did not imagine that permission would have been
^ granted me to write to you ; I therefore declined

< it until I should be released from my confinement ;

* and I take this early period to offer you my warm-

* est acknowledgments for your interposition in my
' favor, to assure you how sensibly I am obliged to

you, and that

* I api, &c,

* J. F. Grimkie.*
' Gen. Moultrie.'

From Col, Grimkie.
' Sir,

« The confinement I suffered, in the City-guard

* of Charlestown, having rendered the parole which
^ I gave upon the surrender of that place null and
' void, and no other promise or parole having been

193

« given by me since, I thought myself at liberty to

< return to the duty of my country. I have inclosed

* you a copy of a letter written to me by Major

< Fraser the night before I left town, to which I re-

< turned no answer at all. The situation* in which
' you are, precluded me from asking your opinion

< upon a point of so much delicacy ; I have therefore

* left my reasons for your perusal ; hoping that I shall

< be vindicated in your opinion, which I highly

* esteem, and in that of the other officers, prisoners
' at Haddrell's-point.

' I am. Sec.

* J. F. Grimkie.'
* Gen. Moultrie**

Colonel Grimkie went off and joined General
Greene's army.

To Lt. Col. Balfour.

* March 21st, 1781.

< Sir,

' You cannot possibly be more tired with read-

< ing my letters than I am of writing them ; yet I

* must intrude upon your multiplicity of business, and

< remonstrate against every violation of the capitula-

< tion, and represent every grievance which occurs to
' us, whether they are attended to or not. What I

* A priscner.

194

* am now to remonstrate against, is a most violent

< and inhuman breach of the capitulation ; which is

* the impressing the American soldiers from on board

< the prison-ships, taking them away by violence, and
' sending them on board the transports, to be carried

* from the continent of America ;* many of them

* leaving wives and young children, who may possi-

* biy perish for want of the common necessaries of
' life ; if I cannot prevail upon you to countermand
« this violation altogether, let me plead for those un-
' happy ones who have families to be exempted from
' this cruelty. I beg you will consider their situation

* and suffer your humanity to be partial in their favor.

' I am, &c.

' WiLLiAiM Moultrie.'

No answer to this letter.

To Lt. Col. Balfour.

< April 3d, 1781.

< SlK,

< I AM to acknowledge the receipt of your's of
' yesterday's date, and as I cannot be permitted to

* send an officer to General Greene with my dis-
' patches, I have sent them down for your perusal)

< and request the favor you will forward them : I am

* Several hundreds of them were forced to inlist in Lord
Charles Montague's regiment, and were 'Carried to Jamaica.

195

' also to request that I may be permitted to send to
( Congress your letter and my answer, relative to

< the sending the continental and militia prisoners of
« war to the West-Indies ; which, if you agree to, I
« have sent down to be put immediately on board the
' flag going to Philadelphia, that she may not be dc-

< tained one moment.

* I am, Sec.

< Wm. Moultrie.*

To Gen. Grebne.
^ < April 3d, 1781.

< Sir,

< I DO myself the honor to transmit to you the

* copies of two letters received from Lieutenant Colo-
' ncl Balfour commandant in Charlestown and my
« answer thereto, relative to the sending the conti-

< nental and militia prisoners of war to the West-In-

* dies ; and also the copies of the proceedings of a

< court of inquiry, ordered by Colonel Balfour, to ex-

* amine a charge against Lieutenant Colonel Grim*

* kie and Major Habersham, for a breach of parole :
' the letters and papers are numbered as follows,
' which if you find right, I request the favor you will

* signify to me by the return of the bearer.

< I am, 6cc.

< Wm. Moultrie.'

196

From Maj. Fraser.

' April 29th 1781, 8 at night,

< Sir,

< I EEG leave to acquaint you that a boat will be

< ready at Wragg's-wharf to-morrow morning, at

* half past eight o'clock, for the purpose of carrying

* you, Major Habersham, your servants and baggage
' to Haddrell's-point ; where you will consider your-
' selves on parole, in the same situation with the rest
« of the officers there. I will thank you to commu-

* nicate this to Major Habersham.

* I have the honor, Sec.

< C. Fraser. Town Major.

* Lieut. Col. G R I M K I E .'

To Maj. Benson.

' April 30th, 1781.

<SlR,

< I RECEIVED your's at twelve o'clock, in which

* you inform me, that the commandant wishes to see

* me on business of consequence. I must request
« }ou Vrill make my compliments, and I will wait on

* him to-morrow morning.

* I am, &c.

' "VVm. Moultrie.-

197

To Col. Balfour.

< Charlestown, May 2d, 17Q\.

<SlR,

* At your request, by letter from Major Benson,
I came to town yesterday, on some business of con-
sequence, on which I was informed you would
wish to speak to me ; on my arrival I sent my aid-
de-camp. Captain Shubrick, to acquaint you, and
to know what hour you would wish to see me ;
you appointed this morning at ten o'clock ; I ac-
cordingly attended at your quarters, and after
waiting some little time, was much surprised to
find, instead of your spe'aking to me, a verbal
message delivered by Major Barry ; by whom I
was informed that you were then so busy that you
could not see me ; but that he had it in charge to
acquaint me, " That the continental and militia offi-
* cers were to be sent to Long-Island, (instead of

< the West-Indies, as had been threatened before)

< at the particular request of General Greene."
However polite you may conceive this treatment,
I look upon it quite otherwise ; and hope for the
future, when a matter of so much consequence, as
the total dissolution of a capitulation is to be trans-
acted, that it v/ill be done by letter, when no mis-
understaridings can be pleaded on either side ; and

VOL. II 2 c

193

^ I therefore request that Major Barry's message
* may be transmitted to me in writing.
* I am, &c.

' Wm. Moultrie.*

Articles of a Cartel for the exchange and relief
of prisoners of war, taken in the Southern depart-
ment; agreed to at the house of Mr. Claudius Pe-
gues on Peedee, the third of May, 1781 ; between
Captain Cornwallis, on the part of Lieutenant
General Earl Cornwallis;; and Lieutenant Colonel
Carrington, on the part of Major General Greene.
' I. That regular troops be exchanged for regu-
lars, and militia for militia.

' IL That men inlisted for six months and up-
wards in continental or state service be looked upon
as regulars.

< in. That the mode of exchange be rank for
rank, as far as similar ranks shall apply.

' IV. That officers be exchanged by rotation,
according to date of captive ; but a reciprocal option
to be exercised as lo subjects, in non-commissioned
and privates, by naming particular corps or particu-
lar persons.

* V. That no non-commissioned officer or pri-
vate soldier admitted to parole, shall be considered
as a prisoner of war, but finally liberated, unless
paroled on the faith of a commissioned officer.

199

' VI. That officers who cannot be exchanged
for want of similar ranks to apply, be immediately
paroled to their respective homes until exchanged ;
subject to be recalled for a breach thereof, or for a
violation of the cartel, by the party to whom they
belong.

< VII. That passports be allowed for such sup-
plies as may be sent from either side, to prisoners
in captivity.

* VIII. That commissaries of prisoners be per-
mitted to pass from each side into the opposite lines,
and reside there, for the purpose of viewing and re-
presenting the situations of the prisoners ; but remo-
ved by the respective commanding officers.

' IX. That prisoners shall not be sent from the
continent whilst the articles of the cartel continue
to be observed.

* X. That commissaries of prisoners shall im-
mediately put in practice exchanges on the above
principles, as far as the subjects on each side will
go ; and continue them in future as characters shall
apply.

' XI. That the first delivery of American pri-
soners shall embark at Charlestowri, on or before
the fifteenth of June, and sail immediately for James-
town, in James-river, where the first delivery of Bri-
tish prisoners shall embark, on or about the first

200

week in July, and sail immediately to the nearest
British port.

* XII. That the flag of truce shall be sacred
going with the American prisoners, and returning
with the British to the port where they are to be
delivered.'

This cartel being agreed upon, Major Hyrne
the American commissary of prisoners, came to
Charlestown and proceeded upon the exchange of
prisoners, and where similar ranks could not apply,
the officers were paroled; some went to Philadelphia,
others to Virginia Avith what soldiers were left, and
the sick to the hospital.

I WAS allowed a small brig for myself and family,
and such others as I chose to take on board; in con-
sequence of v/hich, by applications and intreaties
of my friends, we had upwards of ninety souls on
board that small brig j we sailed some time in June,
and after a pleasant passage, arrived safe in Phila-
delphia ; the other vessels all arrived in Virginia,

As soon as Colonel Grimkie joined General
Greene's army, he solicited for a court of inquiry on
his conduct at kaving Haddrell's-point; a court was
accordingly appointed, of which Colonel Harrison of
the Virginia line of artillery was president; and that
they were unanimously of opinion, that Colonel

201

Grimkie had not broke his parole, and that he was

justifiable in quitting Haddrell's-point; which was
approved of^by General Greene; and who was so
strongly impressed with the justice and propriety of
his conduct, that when he proposed to him to let him
have a party of troops to bring off all his brother
officers who were prisoners at Haddrell's-point, he
immediately consented to it, and gave him a letter
to General Marion on the subject, who was fully of
opinion that the officers were absolved from their
paroles; the general accordingly furnished him with
a detachment, with which he proceeded to Haddrell's-
point, and from which, he did not retreat, until he
had made the British commissary prisoner within
sight of the town, and until he had possession of the
barracks and all the officers, and a number of the
officers had proceeded on their way off, as far as the
church, which was five miles from the barracks, and
near the quarters where General Pinckney and my-
self staid ; there they halted, and sent to know
whether we would go off with them ; we refused to
go, though not one of us doubted the right or the
propriety of the measure, because we were convinced
that the British had violated the capitulation, against
which we had often remonstrated, but we expected
soon to be exchanged, and we thought it best to
remain, rather than run any risk.
The circumstance of General Greene's giving en-

202

couragement to those oiiicers on parole to quit that
parole, if they could do it with security to their per-
sons, acknowledging thereby, as did every officer in
our army, who v/ere not prisoners, that every officer
on Haddrell's-point, was freed from the parole which
he had given, by the excessive outrages of the
British, and their many and flagrant violations of
our capitulation.

During the siege of Charlestown, on the 25th of
Apnl) Lord Cornwallis passed over to Mount-Plea-
sant with 2,000 men, by v/hich movement we were
completely invested ; he soon afterward moved his
main body to Brabants.*

While the siege of Charlestown was pending, a
French fleet under the command of Admiral Ter-
nay, of seven ships of the line and five frigates and
a number of transports, with five thousand as good
troops as any in France, on board, hastening to
our relief, but did not arrive in time ; they were so
near the coast as to take the vessel that was carrying
Sir Henry Clinton's dispatches to New- York, with an
account of the surrender of Charlestown. Their
plan was to have gone into Ball's-bay, landed the
troops at Sevee-bay, marched down to Haddrell's-
point, and from thence, to cross over to Charlestown ;

* Bishop Smith's seat.

which they could very easily have done, and would
have effectually raised the siege and taken the British
fleet in Charlestown harbor, and in Stono-inlet and
in all probability their whole army.

Colonel Buford was marching with a detachment
of the Virginia line, between three and four hundred
men, and a few of Washington's cavalry, to rein-
force the garrison of Charlestown ; but when he ar-
rived at Nelson's-ferry, he received information of
their surrender ; upon which he began his retreat
for N. Carolina. Lord Cornwallis who being in-
camped at Brabant's, in St.Thomas* parish some con-
siderable time before the surrender, on the 18th
May began his march for Huger's-bridge, Avith about
2500 men and 5 field pieces from thence to Leneau's-
ferry, on Santee-river, where he found some difficul-
ty in crossing ; the Americans had destroyed most
of the boats ; some few were hid in the swamps, but
the negroes discovered them and the army crossed ;
from whence Colonel Tarleton was sent off to George^
town to drive off, or take any Americans that were
to be found there. Lord Cornwallis proceeded on
with the main body to Nelson's-ferry, where he was
joined by Tarleton, whom he immediately detached
with a body of about 700 infantry and cavalry in quest
of Colonel Buford, who had begun his retreat from
that place about ten days before. Colonel Tarleton
(who had discretionary orders^ left the army on the

204

27th, and the next clay arrived at Camden, where he
got intelligence of Buford ; no time was to be lost to
prevent his junction with a detachment of Americans
that v/ere incamped near the Catawba's. At two
o'clock in the morning, the British being refreshed?
continued their pursuit to Rugley's, and at daylight
they were informed that the continentals had retreat-
ed about twenty miles towards ihe Catawba settle-
ments to meet their reinforcements. In order to de-
tain Colonel Buford on his march Captain Kinlock
was sent off with a flag to. summons him to surrender
upon the same terms as the continentals had in
Charlestown ; informing him at the same time, that
Colonel Tarleton had 700 infantry and cavalry: to
which Colonel Buford sent back a message of defiance*
at the same time continued his march while convers-
ing with the flag ; and at the near approach of the
enemy he drew up his men in open order in the
wood on the right of the road, his infantry in one
line, with a small reserve and his colors in the cen-
tre ; his artillery and waggons he ordered to continue
on their march. Colonel Tarleton drew up his men
in the following order at the distance of three hun-
dred yards. Major Cochran commanded his right
wing of sixty dragoons, and as many mounted in-
fantry with orders to dismount to gall the flanks :
Captains Corbet and Kinlock with the dragoons of the
i7th and a part of the legion to charge the centre

2Q5

while Tarleton with thirty chosen dragoons and some
infantry, were to attack their flanks and reserve :
the dragoons, the mounted infantry, and the three
pounder, were ordered to form in the rear as a re-r
serve, as they came up with their tired horses : as
the British approached, the Americans were within
about fifty yards; the officers called out ' not to fire
until they were within ten yards,* which Tarleton
said himself ' he was surprised to hear:* in my
opinion this was a great error. Colonel Buford
committed two very capital mistakes in this affair :
the first was his sending away his waggons and ar-
tillery, which ought to have been his chief depend*
ance. On the approach of the enemy he ought to
have formed them into a hollow square, with small
intervals between each ; in these intervals to have
placed platoons ; taking out the baggage and placed
it a little in the front of each platoon, which would
have served as a breast- work, and would have discon-
certed the cavalry in their charge : his field-pieces
planted in the front angles of the square : an inter-
val in the rear of the square for the cavalry, who
should face outward asd be ready to sally when oc-
casion should offer : six men in each waggon : with

this disposition the enemy could have made no im-
pression upon him : nay, Tarleton would never have
attacked him. Another mistake was hi§ orcjering

V<?V H' 3 D

20G

his men not to fire upon the enemy (who were chief-
ly cavahy) till they came within ten yards of him.

A RETURN of rebels, killed, wounded, and taken, ia
the affair at Waxsaws, the 29th of May, 1781.
One lieutenant colonel, three captains, eight sub-
alterns, one adjutant, one quartermaster, ninety-nine
sergeants and rank and file, killed ; three captains,
five subalterns, one. hundred and forty-two sergeants
and rank and file wounded, unable to travel and left
on parale ; one hundred and thirteen killed, and one
hundred and fifty-one so badly wounded as to be left
on the ground ; taken, three stand of colors, two
brass six pounders, two royals, two waggons with
ammunition, one artillery forge cart, fifty-five barrels
of powder, twenty-six waggons loaded with new
cloathing, arms, muskets, cartridges, new cartridge-
boxes, flints and camp equipage.

(Signed,) B. Tarleton*

Lieut. Col. Com. B. legion.

A RETUSN of British killed and wounded in the
affair at Waxsaws, the 29th of May, 1781.
Cavalry, two privates killed ; one subaltern and
eight privates wounded. Infantry, two subalterns one
private killed.

Lieutenant Pateschall of the seventeenth dra.
goons wounded ; Lieut. M'Donald and liieut. Camp-

2or

bell of the legion killed. Eleven horses killed and
nineteen wounded.

(Signed,) B. Tar le ton

Lieut. Col. Com. B. legion.

Marshall Saxe says, page thirty, ^ At the battle

< of Belgrade I saw two battalions cut to pieces in an
' instant; being surrounded by a thick fog, a strong
' blast of wind suddenly arose and dispersed it, when
' we immediately saw a battalion of Loraine and
' another of Neuperg upon a hill, separated from
' the rest of our army ; Prince Engine at the same
' time, discovered a party of horse in motion up the
' side of the mountain, and asked me, if I could dis*
' tinguish what they were ? I answered, they were

< thirty or forty Turks ; then, repeated he, those
' two battalions are undone ; at which time I

* could perceive no appearance of their being at-

* tacked, not being able to see what was on the

* other side of the mountain, but galloping up at full

* speed, I no sooner arrived in the rear of Neuperg's

* colors, than 1 saw the two battalions present, and
' ^ivQ a general fire upon a large body of Turks, at
' the distance of about thirty paces instantaneously
' after which the Turks rushed forward through the

< smoke without allowing them a moment's time to

* fly, and with their sabres cut the whole to pieces
' upon the spot. The only persons who escaped.

^ were M. de Neuperg, who happened luckily to be on

< horseback, an ensign wiio hung to my horse's mane,

< and two or three privates ; the Turks of their own

* accord retired. Upon the arrival afterwards of
i

some ca'V'alry and infantry, M. Neuberg desired a

' detachment to secure the clothing ; upon which

* sentries were posted at the four angles of the ground,

* ^occupied by the dead bodies of the two battalions
':J^d their clothes, hats, shoes &c, collected in heaps
i together; during which time I had curiosity enough
' to couat the number of Tu^ks which might be de-

* stroyed by the general discharge of the two battal.
^ ions, and found it amounted only to thirty-two.'*

• TfiESE two instances show the superiority which
cavalry have over infantry.

This victory of Tarleton's gained him the high-
est esteem and confidence of Lord Cornwallis, who
recommended him in a very particular manner to
his majesty's favor. The total destruction of Bu-
ford's detachment left South Carolina and Georgia
without a single continental soldier but what were
prisoners of war ; in this situation all military ope-
rations and all opposition to the British army were
suspended for a time : after this the principal object of
the British was to secure the submission of the in-
habitants throughout the state, they accordingly sent
detachments, and took post at Camden, Georgetown,

209

Cheraws, Beaufort, and Congaree, and the citiiens
sent in flags from all parts, (some excepted who wtre
in the back parts of the state still kept out) with
their submission to the British governmentj praying-
that they may be admitted upon the same terms as
the citizens of Charlestown.

Early in June Sir Henry Clinton goes to New-
York with the main body of the British army, and
leaves about 4,000 of the troops under the command
of Lord Cornwallis, who came to Charlestown to ar-
range the civil matters, and in July or early in Au-
gust returns to Camden, leaving Col. Nesbet Balfour
commandant in Charlestown.

On the first of June Sir Henry Clinton and Admi-
ral Arbuthnot as commissioners for restoring peace
to America, issued their proclamation, offering * to

* the inhabitants, with a few exceptions, pardon for
< their past treasonable offences, and a reinstate*

* ment of the possession of all those rights and im-

* munities which they hitherto had enjoyed under a

* free British government, exempt from taxation,
» except by their own legislatures.'

The people quite harrassed out and tired of war;
their capital fallen, and their army prisoners, no
place, of safety for them to fly to with their families
and properly; ^;l>e British troops in possession of
their whole country, and no prospect of relief from
the neighboring states ; in this situation they thought

210

aJi further resistance was useless, they therefore rea-
dily accepted of the pleasing offers, in hopes they
would have been suffered to remain peaceably and
quietly at home with their families, and to have gone
on with their business undisturbed, as before ; but
how great v/as their astonishment three days after-
wards, on the third of June, to see a proclamation
from the British commander [See appendix, note 2 1.]
setting aside all paroles given to prisoners not taken
by capitulation, and who were not in confmement at
the suri^nder of Charlestown, ' To be null and void
' after the twentieth of the same month ; and the
' holders of them were called upon to resume the
' characters- of British subjects, and to take an active
* part in forwarding military operations, or to be
' considered as rebels against his majesty's govern-
« ment.' This violation of all faith, this ill-grounded
policy, enrolled into the American service, thou-
sands of their citizens, v,ho had indulged themselves
with the pleasing hopes of remaining neuter until
the end of the war ; but they said, ' if we must fight
let it be on the side of America, our friends and
countrymen.' A great many exchanged their paroles
for protections, and remained with the British : some
few of them who were warm friends to the British
government, prepared an address, [See appendix,
note 22.] and carried it about town, to be signed
by the inhabitants j many at first refused, some were

211

persuaded, and others threatened that if they did
not sign, they would be informed against : this to
the timid was very alarming, lest they should be
put in the provost, or otherwise ill treated, which
obliged two- hundred and ten of the inhabitants to
sign the address. In answer to their address they
were promised the privileges and protection of Bri'
tish subjects, on subscribing a test oath to support

the royal government.

The capitulation of Charlestown was of very little
benefit to the citizens who came under that compact*
especially those who refused to sign the address ;
the British found so many ways of evading or viola-
ting that contract, that it was rendered almost useless
to the citizens ; but they were a little more cautious
with the continental officers.

If one or two citizens, in walking the streets of
Charlestown, should happen to look at a British offi-
cer and smile, they were sure to be abused and per-
haps sent to the provost.

Gen. Lincoln, during the siege of Charlestown,
continued writing to Congress, to Virginia, and
North Carolina, for reinforcements, representing the
weak state of his army, and the dangerous situation
that Carolina was then in, until we were complete]}
invested ; at length Congress deterttiined that a con-
siderable reinforcement from their main army should
be sent ; and Major Gen. Baron de Kalb with four-

212

teen hundred continental troops of the Delaware and
Maryland lines were ordered to the southward ; they
marched from head-quarters at Morristown in New-
Jersey on the 16th April, 1780 ; embarked at the
head of Elk in May, and landed soon at Petersburgh
in Virginia, and from thence proceeded by land
through the country towards South Carolina. Vir-
ginia made great exertions to expedite the move-
ments of this little army. The South part of North
Carolina being so much exhausted of provisions by
the great bodies of militia armies of whigs and to-
ries that had been moving about, that it was al-
most impossible, when Baron de Kalb got into that
part of the country in July, to support his army ; for
many days they lived upon stewed peaches ; there
was scarcely food enough left to support the unhap-
py women and children that were obliged to stay at
home.

In a letter from Baron de Kalb to Chevalier De
la Luzerne, minister from France in Philadelphia ; he
says ' You may judge of the virtues of our small ar-
' my, from the following fact : we for several days
' lived on nothing but peaches ; and I have not heard
' of a complaint : there has been no desertion.*

The State of North Carolina ordered a large de-
tachment of their militia to take the field and to be
relieved every three months : this army was intend-
ed to raise the siege of Charlestown, but too late for

213

that purpose : they were, however, a very great check
to the British and stopped their rapid progress over
North and South Carolina. Upon Colonel Tarlcton's
near approach with his detachment to Mulinburgh
county, Gen. Rutherford took the field, and in three
days raised fifteen hundred men, which obliged Col.
Tarleton immediately to retreat, and the rnilitia re-
turned to their homes : soon after, Lord Rawdon
took post at Waxsaws : General Rutherford again
raised a body of militia of eight-hundred men, and
obliged his lordship to retreat.

The North Carolinians were always active and
ready to defend their country, but they were bad-
ly provided with suitable armor for defence ; they
were obliged to turn their implements of husbandry,
into those of war, by hammering up their scythes
and sickles, and forming them into swords and
spears : powder and lead was also scarce with them*

The war was now carried from the lower, to the
upper part of South Carolina, and into North Caro-
lina, and the friends of independence were obliged
to retreat before them into North Carolina : among
the most conspicuous and useful of these, was Colo-
nel Sumpter, who had formerly commanded the
fifth South Carolina continental regiment ; a brave
and active officer, and well acquainted with the in-
terior parts of North and South Carolina ; the exiles
from South Carolina joined their friends ia North

VOL. II. 2 £

214

Carolina, and made choice of Colonel Sumpter to
command them : at the head of this small body of
republicans, he retumed into South Carolina, almost
without arms or ammunition, and no stores to sup-
ply their wants, and when most of the inhabitants
had given up the idea of supporting their indepen-
dence : in this situation did he oppose himself to
the victorious British army: they sometimes began
an action with not more than three rounds per man,
and were obliged to wait to be supplied with more,
by the fall of their friends or enemies in battle ; when
they proved victorious, they supplied themselves
with arms and ammunition, from the killed and
wounded.

At this sudden irruption of Americans into South
Carolina, the British were greatly astonished, as all
mihtary operations on the part of America had
ceased for upwards of six weeks, and they had re-
presented, * That the inhabitants from every quarter,

* had repaired to the detachments of the royal ar^

* my, and to the garrison of Charlestown, to declare
' their allegiance to the king, and to offer their ser-
' vices in arms, to support his government ; and in
' many instances they had brought in prisoners, their

* former oppressors and leaders : and that there

* were very few men in South Carolina that were
' not either their prisoners, or in arms with them.'

Lord Rawdon, who commanded at Camden, was

215

exceedingly irritated, vexed and disappointed, to
find the Americans were again embodying and mak-
ing head against the British troops in South Caroli-
na, and encouraging the British troops to desert, and
conceal themselves amongst the inhabitants : he
wrote the following letter.

< To H. RuGELY, Major of British Militia.
' Near their Head-Quarters at Camden.

* Sir,

' So many deserters from this army have passed

* with impunity through the districts which are un-

* der your direction, that I must necessarily suspect

* the inhabitants to have connived at, if not facilita-

* ted their escape. If attachment to their sovereign

* will not. move the country people to check a crime

* so detrimental to his service, it must be my care

* to urge them to their duty as good subjects, by

* useing invariable severity towards every one who

* shall show so criminal a neglect of the public in-

* terest. I am, therefore sir, to request of you that

* you signify to all within the limits of your com-

* mand my firm determination in this case : if any

* person shall meet a soldier straggling without a
.* written pass, beyond the picquets, and shall not do

* his utmost to secure him, or shall not spread an alarm
^ for that purpose, or if any person shall give shelter

* to soldiers straggling as above mentioned, or shall

216

serve them as a guide, or shall furnish them with
passes or any other assistance ; the person so of-
fending, may assure themselves of rigorous pu-
nishment, either by whipping, imprisonment or by
being sent to serve his majesty in the West-Indies,
according as I shall think the degree of criminality
may require. I have ordered that every soldier
who passes the picquets, shall submit himself to be
examined by any of the militia who have a suspi-
cion of him : if a soldier, therefore, attempts to es-
cape, when ordered by a militiaman to stop, he is
immediately to be fired upon as a deserter.. .single
men of the light horse need not be examined, as
they may be often sent alone upon expresses : nor
is any party of infantry, with a non-commissioned
officer at the head of it, to be stopped. I will give
the inhabitants ten guineas for the head of any deser-
ter belonging to the volunteers of Ireland ; and five
guineas only, if they bring him in alive : they
likewise will be rewarded, though not to that amount,
for such deserters as they may procure, belonging
to any ether regiment. I am confident that you
will encourage the country people to be more ac-
tive in this respect.
' I am, sir,

' With much esteem, &c.

(Signed,) < Rawdon,^

217

Lord Rawdon on the report of the American
army approaching, ordered all the inhabitants, in,
and about Camden, to take up arms and join the
British troops, and all those who refused were con-
fined in a jail, upwards of one hundred and sixty-
persons were imprisoned ; twenty or thirty of the
most respectable citizens were put in irons, in close
confinement.

Colonel Sumpter's little party soon increased
their number to one hundred and thirty-three, with
these few he attacked a detachment of British troops
and a large body of Tories, on the twelfth of July,
1780, at William's plantation, in Ninety-six district,
commanded by Captain Huck ; they were posted in
a lane, both ends of which, was entered by the
Americans at the same time. Colonel Ferguson
of the British militia. Captain Huck, and several
others were killed. Captain Huck did every thing
he could to distress the inhabitants, by insult and
injury ; his profanity shocked them to a great degree,
he had a particular hatred to the presbyterians, he
burnt their meetings and dwelling houses, and des-
troyed their property, wherever he could find it ;
he was often heard to say, * that God Almighty was
♦ turned rebel, but that if there were twenty Gods on
< their side, they should all be conquered.'

On the twentieth of June, 1780, a large body of
the Tories collected together at Rumsour's, in North

218

Carolina) under Colonel Moore, contrary to the ad-
vice of Lord Cornwallis, who had recommended to
them to remain quiet till he had advanced into their
settlements. General Rutherford marched against the
insurgents, but v^as so short of lead, that he could
arm only three hundred men ; he detached Colonel
Lock with these, twenty-five miles, to discover the
motions of the enemy, whilst he remained behind,
in expectation of lead from the mines of Virginia.
Colonel Lock, though greatly inferior to the enemy,
was under the necessity of attacking them, which
was done with great spirit and resolution. Captain
Falls, with a party of horse, charged the enemy and
threw them into great confusion. Colonel Lock had
twenty-two of his men killed and wounded, Captain
Falls and five other officers were killed; Colonel Moore
proposed to Colonel Lock, to cease from hostilities
for an hour, which was agreed to ; in the mean time
Colonel Moore went off with his party. Soon after
this party of Tories were dispersed, General Ruther-
ford received information that Colonel Bryan of Rowan
county, was at the head of another party, who were
marching to join the British ; he went in pursuit of
them, but they effected their purpose by marching
down the east side of the Yadkin-river, and joined
them at Camden. About this time, the extremities
of North and South Carolina adjoining each other,
were in great commotions ; large armed parties of

219

Whigs and Tories were continually moving about and
frequently falling in with each other and fighting se-
vere battles, so that the two countries were in one
general confusion ; and the animosities between the
two parties were carried to great lengths ; to enume-
rate the cruelties which were exercised upon each
other would fill a volume of themselves. The Bri-
tish detachments that were marching through these
two countries were not backward in their severities
against the unhappy citizens, many of whom they
hung up or otherwise cruelly treated or put to death
in a wanton manner ; in short the war was carried
on with great barbarity: this treatment of the
Americans by the British and their adherents, soon
increased Gen. Sumpter's number to six-hundred i
with these on the 30th of July, he made a spirited
attack on a British post at Rocky-mount, but failed
of success : however, in eight days after he made a
successful attack on the post at Hanging-rock, which
was defended by the Prince of Wales* regiment, and
a large body of Tories under Col. Bryan : in this at-
tack the Prince of Wales' regiment suffered exceed-
ingly, and the Tories were intirely routed and dispers-
ed : v/hen Gen. Sumpter began this attack, he had
not more than ten rounds of ball to a man ; but be-
fore the action was over, he was amply supplied with
arms and ammunition from the British and Tories
that fell in the beginning.

^20

It Was now well known that an American army
was marching from the northward for the relief of
the southern states ; this intelligence gave the Ameri-
cans great spirits ; they began to rear their heads
and look forward to a recovery of their country :
they first embodied in small parties, and chose their
officers ; with these they took the field, and often at-
tacked the detachments of the British army that
were moving about, and they were a very great
check to the Tories, who were collecting to join the
British. Col. Williams of Ninety-six district, a brave
and active officer, and warm in the American cause,
raised a large body of men, and frequently attacked
the British parties. On the 18th of August, 1780,
he attacked a large party of British and Tories at
Musgrovc's-mills on Enoree river, under the com-
mand of Col. Innis of the South Carolina royalists,
whom he defeated ; and wounded Col. Innis.

In the summer of 1780, a report prevailed which
was much talked of among the officers, prisoners at
Haddrell's-point, that Congress had given up the idea
of contending any longer for the southern states, and
that a peace was to be made with Great Britain, and
that the two southern states were to be ceded to her :
this gave some uneasiness for a time, until we got
information of Congress having entered into th«
following resolve.

221

< In Congress, June 25th, 1780.
< Whereas it has been reported, in order to se-
duce the states of North and South Carolma and
Georgia, from their allegiance to these United
States, that a treaty of peace, between America and
Great Britain was about to take place, in which
those two states would be ceded to Great Britain.
Resolved unanimously, that the said report is in-
sidious, and utterly void of foundation, that this
confederacy is most sacredly pledged to support
the liberty and independence of every one of its
members, and in a firm reliance on the divine bles-
sing, will unremittingly persevere in their exertions
for the establishment of the same, and for the re-
covery and preservation of any and every part of
these United States that has been or may hereafter
be invaded or possessed by the common enemy.*

' Extracts from the minutes.

< Charles Thomson, Sec'ry.*

On the twenty-seventh of July, 1780, General
Gates arrived from the northward, with orders from
Congress, to take the command of the continental
troops in North Carolina, hitherto commanded by-
Major General Baron De Kalb. General Gates be-
ing a soldier of great reputation, and having had the
good fortune to capture General Burgoyne and his
army, much was expected from his military abilities;

VOL. II 2 F

222

it was not doubted that he would soon oblige the
British to break up all their posts and retire into
Charlestown, and that we should have possession of
the whole country again. On the fourth of August,
General Gates issued a proclamation which was very
much approved of by the inhabitants. [See appendix,
note 23.]

General Marion, who was lieutenant colonel
commandant of the second South Carolina continental
regiment, was in Charlestown at the beginning of the
siege by Sir Henry Clinton, by some accident sprained
his ancle, which rendered him unfit for service ; he
therefore came under that general order issued by
General Lincoln, * That all supernumerary officers,
< and all officei^ who were unfit for duty, must quit
* the garrison and retire into the country.* Fortu-
nately for Carolina he went out, and when he went,
was so lame that he was obliged to sculk about from
house to house among his friends, and sometimes
hide in the bushes until he grew better ; he then
crept out by degrees, and began to collect a few
friends ; and when he got ten or twelve together he
ventured out, and upon hearing of General Gates'
anny, he moved on and joined them ; after the de-
feat of General Gates, he was obliged to quit the
state, and go into North Carolina for a few days ;
when he returned, he had about seventy volunteer
militia with him, but most of them quite unarmed ;

223

he took the saws from the mills, and set the smiths
to work, to turn them into horsemen's swords ; he
frequently engaged when he had only three or four
rounds to a man ; his little party would sometimes
be reduced to five and twenty men. ..as is common
with the militia, they grow tired, and have a pretence
to go home, or sometimes without any pretence at
all : he was very troublesome to Major Wemys, who
had taken post on Peedee with a detachment of Bri-
tish troops, and had burned a number of the inhabi-
tants houses on Peedee, Black-river and Lynch's-
creek, supposing the owners had joined General
Marion. The British by their impolitic conduct, re-
cruited General Marion's little party very fast, who
always lay in the woods, in the most unfrequented
places, with nothing but their blanket to cover them-
selves ; he had his scouts out constantly, and when
they brought him intelligence (which they frequently
did) of any small party of the enemy, or any escorts
with stores, he sallied out, and was sure to have
them : Lord Cornwallis was heard to say, ' That he
would give a good deal to have him taken.* And
always praised him, as a good partisan officer.*

* General Marion and myself, entered the field of Mars to-
gether, in an expedition against the Cherokee Indians, under
the command of Colonel James Grant, in 1761 ; when I had
the honor to command a light infantry company, in a provin-
cial regiment ; he v,vas my first lieutenant.«he was an active,
brave and hardy soldier, and an excellent partisan officer.

224

Early in August, General Marion was detached
by General Gates with fifteen or twenty men, down
the country towards Georgetown, to inform the
well affected inhabitants of his arrival in South Caro-
lina, with a respectable and well appointed army,
and to shew them his proclamation, calling upon
them to join the American army: he was ordered
to destroy all the boats, flats and crafts of every
kind which he could find, quite down to the sea, to
prevent the enemy's army at Camden, from escap-
ing to Charlestown : on General Marion's arrival
near Georgetown, he was joined by Colonel Peter
Horry and Captain Logan of the continental line,
and some militia officers : the morning after Ge-
neral Gates* defeat, which General Marion knew
nothing of for several days, nor until he had surpris-
ed at Sumpter's old field, near Nelson's-ferry, a
captain and forty British soldiers, on their way to
Charlestown, escorting thirty American soldiers,
prisoners (part of General Gates' army) to Charles-
town : at this time Marion had but thirty militia with
him, with these he released the prisoners, and re-
treated to Briton's-neck, on Peedee-river, to be farther
from the enemy, and. in hopes of being joined by
more of the militia, and to get the released prisoners
armed, but they absolutely refused to stay any long-
er with him : so gloomy were American affairs
at this time that very few would join him ; and the

225

Tories were now gathering from all quarters ; the
nearest party of them were on little Peedee, under
Captain Barfield ; these were surprised in their
camp, some killed, wounded and taken prisoners,
with little or no loss to the Americans, and Marion
again returne^ to Briton's-neck : the enemy begin-
ning to perceive that he would be very troublesome
to them, determined upon a plan to drive him off:
two parties were sent after him from Santee and
Georgetown, and Tarleton it was said, was on his
way from Camden, on the same errand : on receiving
information that the two first parties were very near,
Marion with about fifty men, retreated to White-
marsh, in North Carolina ; the enemy did not pur-
sue far, which gave Marion a few days to reflect and
project further operations ; he was informed that a
number of Tories had assembled at Black-mingo, he
returned into South Carolina, and attacked them at
night, and both parties suffered considerably. Cap-
tain Logan and others were killed ; the enemy were
routed, and many escaped and got into Georgctov/n
much terrified : soon after this, another party of To-
ries was heard of, under Colonel Tines ; these were
completely surprised in their camp ; many were
killed and wounded ; their colonel and two other
officers taken prisoners ; when they were fired upon,
they could not but think it was their own men in di-
version ; several were killed with cards in their hands*

226

The enemy now began to see Marion's import-
ance, and that now was the time to force him out of
the country : General Gates defeated and gone, and
Sumpter at so great a distance, either at Ninety-six
or Mecklenburgh, North Carolina, that he could
receive no assistance, a plan was concerted in Charles-
town, which seemed to insure success ; it was made
DO secret of, Col. Watson was sent from Charles-
town with a detachment, and on his way to Marion
was joined by another, under Colonel Small : they
came up with the General a little below Wibo-swamp,
on Santee-river, where a skirmish ensued ; a second
took place at the lower bridge, on Black-river, and
a tliird at Sampit bridge. Colonel Watson got into
Georgetown very much harrassed and fatigued :
Colonel Small after the first skirmish, left Colonel
Watson near Wibo, and marched with his detach-
ment to Camden. Colonel Peter Horry had a de-
tachment of eighty picked men, all well mounted,
half riflemen, to hang on the enemy and harrass them
all in his power ; he frequently ambuscaded them,
made many feints and false charges on the line,
fired on their advance guards, centinels and videts,
and at night gave them constant alarms. Colonel
Watiion was so perplexed and vexed, that he com-

plained, and said it was unprecedented in war...* that
the Americans dared not come to battle.

General Marion retired to Lynch 's-creek, and
was soon informed that Colonel Watson and a
party of Tories were advancing fast upon him, the
first in his rear, the second on his right, and that
Colonel Doyle from Camden was in his front, thr^e
detachments from different directions, and all point
cd towards Marion, with an intention to drive him
out of the country. They knew he could get no
support or assistance, and that he had but very fe\r
men with him : General Marion made kno^vn his
situation to Colonel Peter Horry, and said if the
enemy did drive him out of the country, he was de-
termined to retire over the mountains, with as many
as would follow him, and from time to time would
gather a party and sally down the country, and do
them as much injury as he could, until he was kill-
ed or they had left the country, he would not leave
off warring against them : he said he was afraid
that if he should be hard pushed, that many of his
men would not leave their families and fly with him.
General Marion desired Colonel Peter Horry to call
the field-officers together privately, and lay the cir-
cumstances of their situation, fully before them ; to

• It was a little extraordinary, thv^t Colonel Watson, who
was said to be a good partisan officer, should complain of this
mode of harrasslng a party.

225

Rcquamt them of his determination, and to have
their's, in order that he might know how far he
could rely on them : he recommended that the offi-
cers should unite with him as a band of brother offi-
cers ; and that each should most solemnly pledge to
the other, his sacred word and honor, to be faithful^
and never submit to the enemy but with their lives.

The field-officers then in camp, were Colonel Pe-
ter Horry, Hugh Horry, James Postell and Ir^^in:
Majors, James Baxter and Swinton ; these met and re-
solved according to the wishes of the general, and with-
out hesitation, said they were bound in honor to adhere
to his fortune, whether good or bad ; and they all declar-
ed they vrould be faithful to each other, and would
carry on the war as the general should direct: these
determinations being made at a time when there was
the greatest prospect of distress, was truly honorable
to themselves and to their country. On- General Ma-
rion's being acquainted with. their resolutions, he said
' he was satisfied, and that one of the enemy's de-
tachments should feel his force :' and in about an hour
he decamped, crossed Lynches creek, and marched
up Peedee to meet Col. Doyle's detachment; pre-
ferring to attack this party because if he should be
defeated he had the country open for a retreat : the
next morning arriving at a house on the road, he was
inform.ed that Colonel Doyle had encamped there
that night, and that he had received an express from

229

Camden, informing him that General Greene was
advancing fast towards that post, that he marched
off before day in great haste for Camden, so fast that
it was impossible for Marion to overtake him ; he
pursued for several hours, but in vain ; he then wheel-
ed about to look for Colonel Watson, said to be
on little Peedee, but he had also received an express
the same night as Colonel Doyle had, with the same
information ; and had immediately destroyed all his
stores, waggons, carts, and every species of heavy
baggage, and decamped early the next morning, and

crossed little Peedee : Marion judging they would
cross over to Georgetown and Santee, pushed on for
Manigault's-ferry, to intercept them en their way
to Camden : Watson crossed as Marion got to
Manigault's-ferry, on the south side ; he was inform-
ed that Watson had just crossed over to the north
side, a few miles above, and pushing fast for Cam-
den, he got safe in, without any further loss. The
scene was now reversed ; instead of Watson and
Doyle pushing Marion out of the country, he faces
about and pursues them towards Camden ; their
marches were too rapid for them to be overtaken.

General Marion in his pursuit of Watson, w^as
joined by Captain Conyers, with a small party of
dragoons, v/ho informed him that he was sent by
Colonel Lee, to let him know that he was on his
way to join him, and that General Greene was ac-

VOL. II. 2 G

230

tually advancing* towards Camden : Marion retired
to Snow's-Island, where he was joined by Colonel
Lee with his legion, who proposed to the general,
a plan to surprise the garrison at Georgetown, by
night ; Marion agreed to it, and allowed the colonel
wholly to project and carry into execution.

January 25th, 1781, General Marion with his
brigade of militia, retired to Snow's-Island, and
was there joined by Colonel Lee with his legion.
Colonel Lee formed a plan to surprise Georgetown,
which was garrisoned with about three hundred re-
gular troops, and some militia, under the command
of Colonel Campbell : Captain Carnes and Captain
Rudolph, with about ninety (mostly of Lee's infan-
try) were sent down from Snow's-Island, about forty
miles from Georgetown, in a large boat, to drop
down the river, towards the town, while General
Marion and Colonel Lee were to have come down
with the main body by land : just before day-break?
on the second day. Captain Carnes with his party,
landed at Mitchell's-point, about a quarter of a
mile to the east of the town j they landed and march-
ed on a bank through the rice field, and was in the
town a little before day-light ; the British knev/
nothing of them, until they were alarmed by a few
popping shots, and then, very great confusion en-
sued ; the oflBxers running about for the men, and
the men for the officers ; in this hurry and confu-

231

sion, the guides got so alarmed and frightened, that
they lost their way to the fort, where the main body
of the British were quartered, or else the surprise
would have been complete. A party went to Colo-
nel Campbell's quarters, took him out of bed, and
carried him of, without any other clothes than his
shirt, to about a quarter of a mile on the back of the
town, through bushes and briers ; he begged and
in treated so much that they would allow him to go
back and be paroled to Charlestown ; after a little
time, they had compassion upon him, and suffered
him to go back upon parole : by this time the ene-
my began to embody, and the firing was heard from
different parts of the town, and General Marion and
Colonel Lee not entering the town at the same time,
Captains Carnes and Rudolph thought it adviseable
to retreat : had our guides not missed the ir way to
the fort, it is more than probable this little detach-
ment would have taken the whole garrison prisoners ;
some few men were killed on both sides. The ca-
valry under General Marion and Colonel Lee, did
not arrive, and as they met with a breast-work not
easily to be mounted, they proceeded no further, par-
ticularly, as the infantry had already retreated.

General Gates takes the command of the conti-
nental troops, and is joined by the North Carolina
militia, at the cross roads, forty-five miles from Cam-
den, on the tenth of August; 1780, and was joined

232

by General Stevens on the fifteenth, with a brigade
of Virginia militia : the American army now amount-
ed to three thousand six hundred and sixty-three,
and not more than nine hundred continental infan-
try and seventy cavalry ; with this army General
Gates moved towards Camden, being possessed with
a belief that the British intended, and were prepar-
ing to retreat ; he therefore was determined to be
near at hand, to prevent them, or to be close in their
rear, to harrass them as much as possible.

Lord Rawdon who commanded at Camden, sent
an express to Lord Cornwallis in Charlestown, to in-
form hira of the American army approaching :
Lord Cornwallis immediately sets out, and arrives
at Camden on the thirteenth of August, and takes
the command of tlie army, and at the same time,
four companies of light troops arrived form Ninety-
six ; they took three American soldiers, who inform-
ed that General Gates had given orders to move from
Rugley'si to attack next morning :. at ten o'clock,
p. M. the British moved from their ground, and a
little after two o'clock, the advance of the British
charged the advance of the Americans, and a firing
commenced ; after some time they both retreated to
their main bodies.

Lord Cornwallis' army consisted of seventeen hun-
dred infantry and three hundred cavalry ; on the
night of the fifteenth he marched out to attack the

233

American army ; at the same time General Gates put
his army in motion, to take a position on Sander's-
creek.

The American army was drawn up on the sixteenth
of August, in the following order : the second Mary-
land brigade, commanded by Brigadier General
Gist, on the right of the line, flanked by a morass ;
the Virginia militia commanded by Brigadier Gene-
ral Stevens, on the left, flanked by the North Caro-
lina militia, light infantry, and a morass ; and the
North Carolina militia, commanded by Major Gene-
ral Caswell, in the centre : the artillery was posted
in the intervals of the brigades ; Major General Ba-
ron de Kalb commanded on the right of the line ;
Brigadier General Smallwood was posted as a corps-
de-reserve, two or three hundred yards in the rear
of the whole : General Sumpter was posted with a
strong body (one hundred pontinentals, seven hun-
dred militia and two field-pieces) on the opposite
side of the Wateree-river, to prevent their retreat
that way : in the morning a general engagement
took place : the British appeared at about two hun-
dred yards distant, all drawn up in front of the
North Carolina troops ; the artillery was ordered to
fire, and General Stevens to attack the column
which was displayed on the right ; he marched up
with great bravery, and advanced with his brigade
ki good order, within fifty paces of the enemy,

who were also advancing) and called out to his
men, * My brave fellows, you have bayonets as well
as they ; we'll charge them.* At that moment the
British infantry charged bayonet with a shout : the
Virginians threw down their arms, and run off as
fast as possible ; the North Carolina militia followed
their example, except a few of General Gregory's
brigade, who halted a little longer ; a part of Colonel
Dixon's brigade fired a few rounds ; but the great-
est part of the militia run off, without firing a sin-
gle shot : this dastardly behavior of the militia,
left the continentals to be attacked by the whole
British infantry and cavalry : they fought bravely ;
never did men behave better than the continen-
tals ; and a great fire of musketry Avas kept up on
both sides, with great obstinacy ; at length. Lord
Comwallis ordered his cavalry to charge, which
soon put an end to the contest : General Gates en-
deavored to rally some of the militia, to cover the
retreat of the continentals, but in vain. The ca-
valry pursued the fugitive militia, upwards of twen->
ty-five miles, and made a dreadful slaughter
among them ; the road on which they fled, was
strewed with arms, baggage, the sick, wounded
and 4^^^ > ^he whole of the baggage which was
ordered, on the day before, fell into the enemy's
hands, and eigkt field-pieces.
General Sumpter who was on the south side of the

135

Wateree until the sixteenth, and had been fortunate
enough to take a small fort and a strong detachment
going up with stores for the British troops at Cam-
den when he heard of General Gates* defeat, he
was retreating with his prisoners and captured stores
up the river. Lord Cornwallis detached Colonel
Tarleton with his legion and a body of infantry after
him ; he was overtaken on the eighteenth, on Fishing-
creek ; the British horse was in their camp before
they knew, or had heard any thing of their being
near them ; it was a complete surprise, the greatest
part of his troops fled to the river, some were killed
and wounded, and others taken ; the whole of his party
were dispersed, and the British prisoners, about three
hundred, were retaken, and all the stores conducted
to Camden : Colonel Sumpter lost all his artillery.

This victory over General Gates, and the surprise
of General Sumpter, occasioned great rejoicings
and congratulations in Charlestown: [See appendix,
note 24.] the troops were turned out and fired a fue
dejoye, whilst the poor prisoners were quite dispirit-
ed at the total defeat of their army ; they lost all
hopes of ever recovering their country again : most
of the officers who were taken at Camden and Fish'
ing-creek, were sent to Haddrell's-point, upon pa-
role with the officers taken in Charlestown, which
l^ave us an opportunity of knowing many particulars
relative to these two unfortunate affairs.

236

The situation of America in the southern depart-
ment was truly deplorable, their army dispersed and
taken. Lord Cornwalls, when he joined his army
at Camden, found himself in a critical situation,
and very difficult to retreat to Charlestown ; he had
been on the east side of Wateree-river, with but very
few boats to cross his troops, and General Sumpter
on the opposite side with six or seven hundred men
to oppose his passage, and General Gates with three
thousand six hundred men, only eight miles distant :
Lord Cornwallis knowing the number of General
Gates* army, and that they were mostly composed of
militia, determined to risk a battle, and he, unfortu-
nately for our cause, gained a complete victory.

General Marion always gave strict orders to his
men, that there should be no waste of the inhabitants
property, and no plundering : he was so conscious
of his not having injured any one, that when a bill
was brought before the legislature after the war, to
indemnify the officers and to prevent vexatious suits
against them, his name was inserted in the bill ; upon
which (being a member of the house) rose from his
seat, and moved ' that his name should be struck out ;
' that if he had injured any person he was willing to
* make them compensation.*

About this time General Sumpter's and Marion's

23r

parties, and the inhabitants of the New Acquisition,*
were almost the only American force to oppose the
British troops in South Carolina : the inhabitants of
the New Acquisition had never been made prisoners,
neither did they take protection ; it was from them
that General Sumpter recruited many of his men ;
and after his defeat on the 10th of August, they went
back to their settlements, and kept in small parties,
for their own security: some of them joined Major
Davie, who commanded fifty or sixty volunteers
equiped as dragoons.

Soon after General Gates' defeat, the hot weather
and the unhealthy season came on, which put an end
to any further military operations by the British; nay,
they had no force to oppose them ; the American
army was quite broke up and dispersed ; they there-
fore had nothing to fear. Colonel Ferguson, an
experienced, brave, active partisan ofHcer, made an
excursion near the mountains, with a few regular
troops, in hopes to have recruited a large number
of men for Lord Cornwallis' army, and to have

* The New Acquisition was a tract of country taken from
North Carolina in 1772 ; the line between the two states had
been loog disputed, till by an order of the king and council, ic
was run, beginning a c the corner tree, on the Salisbury road,
and which took fourteen miles of the south part of North Ca-
rolina into South Carolina, and run parallel with the old Unc
sixty-five miles,

VOL, II. 2 H

238

trained and fitted them for the field ; -with these he
was to have joined the main army, and at a proper
season, to assist in reducing North Carolina. They
continued some time near the western mountain, in
hopes of intercepting Colonel Clark, on his return
from Georgia.

Colonel Clark, in September, 1780, raised a
bcdy of riflemen, and marched through the upper
part of South Carolina, on his way to Georgia. The
inhabitants of Ninety-six endeavored to dissuade him
from his design of attacking the British post at
Augusta ; he persisted however, and made an attempt
in v/hich he failed, and was obliged to make a pre-
cipitate retreat, and leave the country altogether.
This ill-timed attempt was of very great injury to
the inhabitants about Augusta: Colonel Brown, who
commanded there, treated the people with the great-
est severity. Many of those who had joined Colonel
Clark, and were supposed to have favored his design,
were obliged to resume their arms for their own se-
curity, and join the Americans.

The British now began to exercise their cruelties.
In a few days after General Gates* defeat, Lord Corn-
"wallis issued the following inhuman order, by which
he let loose the degs of war upon the poor inhabitants,
and Tarleton, with his blood-hounds, excelled in bru-
talit)'. Unfortunate men, who were found peaceably
^nd quietly at their homes, were cut to pieces: others

239

taken out of the gaols and hung up without being
questioned, or even having a hearing, and every spe-
cies of cruelty was exercised throughout the country.

EXTRACT OF A LETTER FROM GOVERNOR RUT LEDGE,
TO THE DELEGATES IN CONGRESS FROM SOUTH
CAROLINA, DATED THE 8th OF DECEMBER, 1780.

* It is really melancholy to see the desolate con-

< dition of Mr. Hill's plantation in the New Acquisi-

* tion ; all his fine iron-works, mills, dwelling-houses,

< and buildings of every kind, even his negro-houses,

* reduced to ashes; and his wife and children in a
' little log hut. I was shocked to see the ragged,

* shabby condition of our brave and virtuous men,

< who would not remain in the power of the enemy,

< but have taken to arms. This, however, is but a

< faint description of the sufferings of our country ;

< for it is beyond a doubt, the enemy have hanged

* many of our people, who from fear, and the im-

* practicability of removing, had given paroles, and

* from attachment to our side, joined it. Nay, Tarle-

* ton has since the action at Black-stocks, hung one
' Johnson, a magistrate of respectable character :

< they have also burnt a prodigious number of houses,
' and turned a vast many women, formerly of affluent

* and easy fortunes, \yith their children, almost naked
' into the woods. Tarleton, at the house of General

* Richardson, exceeded his usual barbarity^ for, hav-

240

« ing dined in his house, he not only burnt it after-

< wards, but having- driven into the barns a number of

< cattle, hogs, and poultry, he consumed them, toge-

< tlier with the barn and the corn in it, in one gene-

* ral blaze. This was done because he pretended to

* believe, that the poor old general was with the rebel

* army; though had he opened his grave before the
' door, he might have seen the contrary. Colonel

* Charles Cotesworth Pinckney's family was turned
' out of his house: in short, the enemy seem deter-

< mined, if they can, to break every man's spirit, if

* they cannot ruin him ; engagements of capitulations
' and proclamations, are no security against their op-
' pressions and cruelties.'

E-Xf RACT FROM LORD CORNWALLIS' ORDERS,

< I KAVE given orders that the inhabitants of

* the province Avho have subscribed, and have taken

* part in this revolt, should be punished with the

* greatest rigor, and also those who will not turn out,

* that they may be imprisoned, and their property

< taken from them, or destroyed. I have likewise

* ordered that compensation be made out of their
' estates, to the persons who have been injured or

* oppressed by them. I have ordered in the most
' positive manner, that cA'ery militia man, who has
' borne arms with us, and afterwards joined the ene-

* my, shall be immediately hanged. I desire you

241

< will take the most rigorous measures to punish the

< rebels in the district in which you command, and

< that you obey in the strictest manner the directions

* I have given in this letter, relative to the inhabitants

< of this country.'

* CORNWALLIS.'

These orders were sent to every post throughout
the country.

The unfortunate Colonel Hayne was executed un-
der this general order, as appears by Colonel Bal-
four's letter to General Greene.

Extract of Colonel Balfour's Letter.
< I COME now to that part which respects Colonel

* Hayne ; on which head, I inform you, it took place

* by the joint order of Lord Rawdon and myself, in

* consequence of the most express directions from

* Lord Cornwallis to us, in regard to all those who

* shall be found in arms, after being at their own re-
' quest, received as British subjects, Sec'

Colonel Hayne subscribed a declaration of alle-
giance to the king of Great Britain, but with an
express condition, that he never should be called
upon to take up arms against his country : notwith-
standing, he was soon called upon to take up arms
and join the British, and upon refusal, he was

242

ihrcatened with close confinement ; this induced him
to consider himself as released of engagements with
the British ; and he took the command of a regiment
of his countrymen J he was soon after taken by a
party of British horse, carried into town, and in a
little time, executed without a trial.

These were horrid times for poor Carolina I The
loss of property was now of no consideration, whilst
the blood of their citizens was streaming down from
every pore.

It was generally said, and believed, that in the
district of Ninety-six alone, fourteen hundred un-
happy widows and orphans, were left to bemoan the
fate of their unfortunate fathers, brothers and hus-
bands killed in the war.

The mountaineers, a bold and hardy people, began
to be alarmefi at Colonel Ferguson's near approach
to them with a large body of men, and being inform-
ed that they plundered all the Whig inhabitants and
treated them ill, (they had never yet felt the effects
of the war,) they spread the alarm throughout their
country, and immediately every man took up his
rifle, blanket and knapsack, saddled his horse, and
went in pursuit of Colonel Ferguson, leaving some
few in their rear to drive the cattle after them ;
and some hunters were kept out to supply them
more plentifully with provisions. They soon fell in
with Ferguson's encampment at the foot of King's

24S

mount,* the whole of their force making nine hun-
dred and ten men. Though Colonel Campbell wdiS
said to command, yet Colonels Cleveland, Shelby, Se-
vier, Williams, Laccy, and Brenan, each commanded
their own men, and an excellent disposition they
made, so that their attack would have disconcerted
the most experienced officer with the bravest troops.
Colonel Cleveland, in going round the mountain, dis-
covered one of the enemy's pickets, upon which he
addressed his men : * My brave fellows, we have beat
the Tories, and we can beat them again ; they are all
cowards : if they had the spirit of men, they would
join their fellow-citizens in supporting the indepen-
dence of their country. When you are engaged^
you are not to wait for the word of command from
me : I will show you by my example,.how to fight ;
I can undertake no more : every man must consider
himself as an officer, and act from his own judg-
ment. Fire as quick as you can, and stand your
ground as long as you can : when you can do no
better, get behind trees, or retreat ; but I beg you
not to run quite off: if we are repulsed, let us make
a point of returning and renewing the fight ; per-

* This took its name from one King, who lived at the foot
of the mount with his faraily : it is near the corner where the
North and South Carolina line intersects the Cherokee Indians
boundary line.

2ii

« haps we may have better luck in the second attempt

* than the first. If any of you are afraid, such shall

* have leave to retire, and they are requested imme-

* diately to .take themselves off.'

When th& firing began, the Americans were
scattered about the woods.... They soon collected and
were all animated ; every one acted as he pleased :
the picket in a little time gave way and were pursu-
ed up the mountain to their main body : Colonel
Ferguson upon hearing the firing made ready his
men ; and upon the near approach of the Americans,
ordered his men to charge bayonets, which obliged
them to retire. Immediately after, Colonel Shelby
came up with his party unexpectedly, and threw in a
heavy fire, which obliged Colonel Ferguson to face
e.bout, and engage Colonel Shelby, who he drove
back with fixed bayonets ; at the same time. Colonel
Campbell came up from another quarter and renewed
the attack : Colonel Ferguson again faced about and
obliged him to fall back. By this time the men who
first begun and retreated, returned and made another
attack. In short, Colonel Ferguson was so beset
from every point by a number of active, brave, deter-
mined men, that it was impossible for him to retreat ;
and extricate himself, he could not ; and surrendet,
he would not. At length h^ received his mortal
wound, and soon after, his patty asked for quarters,
v/hich was granted, and they surreDdered themselves

245

prisoners of war: ten of the most notorious, who de-
served death by the laws of their country, were im-
mediately hung up, in retaliation for a number of
Americans whom the British hung at Ninety-sixj
Camden, and other places. In this action, the enemy
lost, in killed, wounded, and taken, upwards of eleven
hundred men, amongst them nearly one hundred re-
gulars. The Americans lost very few, but amongst
them the brave Colonel Williams, of Ninety-six dis-
trict, and Major Cronicle ; and it is easily accounted
for : the British made use mostly of the bayonet in-
stead of firing their pieces. It was impossible fo''
those heavy armed troops to come up with the
strong, active mountaineers, who were dispersed
about the woods. Had Colonel Ferguson dispersed
his men (who were equally acquainted with bush-
fighting) and fought his adversaries in their own way,
he would have had a better chance to make a retreat*
This battle, as well as many others under Generals
Sumpter, Marion and others, proves that the militia
are brave men, and will fight if you let them come to
action in their own way. There are very few in-
stances when they have drawn up in line of battle,
that they could be brought to stand and reserve their
fire until the enemy came near enough. The charge
of the bayonet they never could stand, and it gan ne-
ver be expected that undisciplined troops could stand
so formidable an attack; witness the affairs of Gene-

VOL. II* 2 I

246

ral Gates, at Camden, and General Greene, at Guil-
ford Court-house. It was a maxim with the old king
of Prussia, that young troops should begin to fire at
two hundred yards distance ; by which he said ' they

< became animated, and enveloped with smoke, saw

< no danger, and rushed on like old soldiers.*

This affair at King's mount revived the drooping
spirits of the Americans, and at the same time it was
a vxry severe blow to Lord Cornwallis, to lose a
brave, experienced and confidential officer, and eleven
hundred men, was a serious consideration to him;
after which he was obliged to contract his plans into
very narrow limits, and he lost all hopes of recruiting
his army from that part of the country.

Soon after General Gates' defeat, when the hot
weather and unhealthy season was at an end, Lord
Cornwallis left a small guard at Camden, and march-
ed off with the main body of his army, and took post
at Charlotte, in North Carolina. This proved to be a
very uneasy position for him, as Generals Sumner
and Davison encamped in the neighborhood with a
large body of North Carolina militia ; and any de-
tachments that were sent out by him were sure to
be attacked and driven in, or taken. Major Davies*
party was considerably increased by volunteers from
the low country : he was very fortunate in frequently
falling in with their foraging parties and convoys,
and taking them. The riflemen would often creep

24r

near to their camp, and shoot down stragglers : none
dared to venture far from their guards. At last, Lord
Cornwallis found his situation so very disagreeable,
and being apprehensive for the safety of his army,
marched off, and took post at Winnsborough.

The defeat of Colonel Ferguson, and the retreat
of Lord Cornwallis to Winnsborough, encouraged the
American militia to collect and repair to the camps
of their respective commanders : their turning out
again obliged them to submit to strict discipline, and
fight bravely ; for, if they should be taken a second
time, they were sure to be hanged : their only place
of safety was with the army. The state of North
Carolina put their militia who were under General
Smallwood under martial law.

Early in October, General Gates dstached Gene-
ral Morgan from Hillsborough, with three hundred
Maryland and Delaware troops, and eighty dragoons,
to aid and support the militia of Mecklenburgh and
Rowan counties ; from this [detachment, Colonel
Washington made an excursion with a small force,
to Colonel Rugely's fort, about fourteen miles from
Camden ; in which he had collected one hundred
and twelve of the British militia : upon the appear-
ance of Colonel Washington's force before the fort*
Jie immediately surrendered the whole of his party?
to a pine-log which they had been accustomed to see
every day, elevated a few feet from the ground by its

d4a

branches. ; but upon steinga-tnihtiry. force rabouJt it,
their fears converted it. into, a field-piece^ readp to
Jre upon them.; this occssioned; their surrender.-.

After General Sunipter's defeat on the eighteenth
of August, he again eoliected a nuniber of volunteers,
and took the field ; and immediately after, thirty ©f
his former party rejoined him, and one hundred of
Ahe militia, at his request^ also joined him at Sugar-
creek, and the militia from all parts came in to hirti,
and put themselves imder his command. General
Sampler's active, martial spirit jyould not allow hiiSi
to lay still, whilst the British parties were roving
about the country unmo}e§ted, j:obbing and murder-
ing the inhabitants, -^i^l 'sizin^S. ^d"? dy:^"^ ni .t^ift

jVlthough there was.. bo .tamtinental army in
South Carolina for several jnoDths, it can never be
said she was a conquered tcmntryj whilst Generals
Sumpter and Marion each ^epta body, of.men in the
field, in support of her independence. General
Sumpter's party increased every vday;; he ranged
about Enoree, Broad and Tyger rivers ; often chang-
ing his ground which he could, do with great facili-
ty and expedition, as his men were all on horseback-;
by thus moving about from place to place,- he fre-
quently fell in with the enemy, and ^irraished v/ith
them when they least expected it, which gave Wm
a great advantage.. - Onrthfr twelfth x>f November,
}y^9r . i»e _bad , a £maf t^, action wiih JVIajor Wey ms,

349

who:c0mmahded:a bodjr'iifdfeikfttEy^lAnd dragoons :
he defeated: theiiif wounded ibfeirttottlniatKling offi-
cer and took him pcisonetf ; :^^id altfebugh'this man
had ordered some of the citiieiis-to l>e hanged, and
attended personally, at. their execution, burnt many
of their hpuses, and destroyed their property i^ a
wanton and cruel manner, yet he was treated po-
litely, and suffered to goto Char^eston upott his
parole ! Soon after this affair . with" Major- Weyms,
on the seventeenth of November, 1780, Gjolonel
Tarleton attacked General Sumpter at BlAiik-st^cks,
near Tyger-river, with a considerable body t)f infan-
try and cavalry : this was a serious and "severe^ con-
flict, in which the British lost three bffi^ei!%-and a
great number of men ; the Americans lost but few ;
^General Sumpter was among the wounded, by which
unlucky accident, we lost the service, for several
months, of a brave, active, and experienced' offi-
cer, and one on whom the militia had the greatest
reliance ; his spirited and prudent conduct in the
ijcveral actions which he had had with the^ British,
procured him the entire confidents of his country,
ajQd the thanks of Congress. {See appendix,' ilote" ^ 5 .]
..ji^^IpNGREs^ J authorized- and Feq^test^d General
r^ashingteu Uf stppoint^an officer to' command ih the
nSouyjerj^ tiepartment^ ^ iQ:^*oh8equ&«de ofS^hitih he
iHmrinated Majo^:G&HeFaVG*feene,-^ iiative o
Isltind:'^ thi«-app«^tttvijhl>^fii^greai' satisfaction to

250

every one ; his military abilities* his active spirit,
his great resources \yheii reduced to difficulties in the
field, his having been quarter-master general to the
army under the commander in chief ; all these qua-
lities combined together, rendered him a proper offi-
cer to collect and to organize an army that was broken
up and dispersed. General Gates' army that had
been defeated near Camden, on the sixteenth of Au'
gustj in the latter end of the year 1780, moved down
to Charlotte.

General Greene immediately set off to take the
command of the Southern army, and arrived iaChar-
lotte, on the second day of December, 1780 ; on the
eighth, the returns made to him of the q.rmy, amount-
ed to nine hundred and seventy continentals, and
one thousand and thirteen militia, and a respectable
cavalry, which was the security of his army ; most
of the continentals were the remainder of the Mary-
land and Delaware lines that had been defeated near
Camden on the si;gteenth of August ; they had been
four years in service, and were as good troops as
any the British had ; they were half starved, unpaid,
and ill clad, and had been in this situation for seve-
ral months, yet there was no murmuring and no
desertion : with this army General Greene took the
field, against a superior victorious British army, and
many other difficulties he had to encounter; the
clothing) the pay and feeding the troops, were al-

251 -

most impossible to be ejected : that country had al-
ready been so pillaged and robbed, that scarcely enough
was left for the inhabitants ; the difficulty he had in
procuring provisions for his army at Charlotte, in-
duced him to divide his force ; he accordingly de-
tached General Morgan with a strong body, to the
western extremities of South Carolina, and marched
on the twentieth of December, with the main body
to Hicks'-creek, opposite Cheraw-hiii ; by this dis-
position, he covered the two extremities of the coun-
try, and gave encouragement to the militia in those
parts, to embody and join his troops. It was a very
wise measure in General Greene to divide liis army
and separate them so far ; whereas, if he had kept
them together, they would have been an object for
the British to strike at, but in this detached, distant
situation, Lord Cornwallis could have no apprehen-
sions from them, of any successful operations against
his superior force.

The British established a post at Ninety-six, which
they kept possession of thirteen months : moderate
measures v/ere first pursued with the inhabitants ;
hut some of the most notorious, infamous villians,
who called themselves king's men, by shirking, creep-
ing, and mean submission, insinuated themselves in-
to the confidence of ihe British so much, that they
were appointed officers of the militia : they then be-
gan to shew their resentment and take revenge upon

252

their former friends and neighbors, for mere private
disputes which had subsisted between them, long
preceding this time : they robbed, they plundered, and
even murdered the whig inhabitants : and, although
frequent applications were made for redress, no at-
tention was paid to them : this ill treatment, this
violent usage, soon alienated the new subjects from
their allegiance and obliged them to break their en-
gagements to the British, and to resume their arms>
and join the Americans.

Lieutenant Colonel Nisbet Balfour, a proud,
haughty Scot, carried his authority with a very high
hand ; his tyrannical, insolent disposition, treated
the people as the most abject slaves ; he even issued
an order * That every man who was not in his
house by a certain day, should be subject to military
execution.

The inhabitants, tired of their ill treatment and
great oppression, and finding no security for their
lives or property, sincerely wished for an American
force to come among them. At this critical time,
General Morgan, on the twenty-fifth of December,
appeared amongst them with a body of troops ; and
on the twenty-ninth, detached Lieutenant Colonel
Washington with his own regiment and two hundred
militia horse, under Lieutenant Colonel M'Call, and
dispersed a body of Tories who were plundering the
Whig militia ; Colonel Washington fell in with them

253

near Hammonds' store ; he immediately charged,
and routed them ; many we re, killed, and about forty
taken prisoners* The. next day Colonel Washington
detaclied an officer with a small body of infantry and
cavalry to pursue the fugitives, and to surprise a fort
about seventeen miles from Ninety-si^, in which Ge-
neral Cunningham commanded about one hundred
and fifty militia, in which was a great d«al of plun-
der taken from the whig inhabitants, besides forage
grain, and other provisions for the British army.
The Americans, after destroying the fort and all the
provisions which they could not carry off, joined Co-
lonel Washington again,. Lord Coniwallis could not
bear the idea of suffering General Morgan to remain
in that part of the country, and draw the militia ovet?-.
to the Americans t ::h^. therefore detached Colonel
Tarleton with one thousand infantry and two hundred
and fifty cavalry, the flower of his army, with two
field pieces, to dispossess General Morgan and drive
him quite off. General Morgan got intelligence that
Colonel Tarleton was in pursuit of him. The Ame-
ricans endeavored to avoid an action, and were re-
treating as fast as possible, because they knew that
Tarlcton's force was greatly superior to theirs. The
British having left a part of their baggage about
twenty -five mires in their rear, under a guard of one,,
hundrejd; jnea tOvfollow, pursued the Americans so

closely that they could not get off without the loss of
VOL. II. 2 k

254

their baggage, which they were unwilling to part
with. The last and best account which General
Morgan got of Tarleton, was by a horseman who left
them at about fifteen miles distance ; and before he
could have got to General Morgan, they must have
been within ten miles of him: he immediately called
some of his officers together to consult upon what
was best to be done, when it was determined to try
the event of a battle, and if they were not successful,
they could but retreat, and give up their baggage.
At their near approach, on the seventeenth of Janu-
ary, 1781, General Morgan drew up his men on an
©pen pine barren in the following order : (the ground
equal to both) the militia of about four hundred men
formed the first line under General Pickens ; the con*
tinentals of about five hundred (two hundred of whom
were six months men, very raw troops) formed the
second line, commanded by Colonel Howard, about
two hundred yards in the rear of the first. Colonel
Washington, with about seventy-five continental ca-
valry, and forty-five mounted militia, with swords,
under Colonel M'Call, in the rear of the whole : in
this disposition did they wait to receive the enemy.
Colonel Tarleton, as he drew near, saw the Ame-
ricans already formed : he halted and formed his
men ; they then advanced, and threw in a heavy fire
upon the militia. General Pickens had ordered his
men to reserve their fire, till the enemy came within

. 255

fifty yards, which they did, with great firmness and
success ; but they were soon obliged to give way and
retreat behind the second line. The British imme-
diately advanced upon the second line, who received
them very warmly, and a heavy fire commenced bc»
tween them : at length, the second line began to give
way. Colonel Washington perceiving this, imme-
diately rode up close to the rear of the second line
with his cavalry, and spoke to Colonel Howard, ' that
• if he would rally his men, and charge the enemy's
•line, he would charge the cavalry that were got

< among our militia in the rear.* Colonel Washing-
ton, Tiding up so close to the rear of our second line,
stopped the British for a moment, which gave time
to Colonel Howard to rally his men, and charge with
fixed bayonets. This soon obliged the British to fall
back upon their second line, and our militia at the
same time recovered themselves and charged, which
threw them into the utmost confusion; and Colonel
Washington charged the enemy's cavalry, who were
cutting down our militia, and soon drove them off.
At the moment that the enemy were in this general
confusion, Colonel Howard called out to them, to
' lay down their arms, and they should have good

< quarters. Upon this, upwards of five hundred laid
down their arms, and surrendered themselves prison-
ers. The first battalion of the seventy-first, and two
companies of light infantry, laid down their arms.

256

Upwards of two hundred were left dead upon the
field, besides a great number wounded ; eight hun-
dred stands of arms, two field pieces, and thirty-five
baggage waggons fell into the Americans hands.
Colonel Washington pursued the British cavalry-
twenty -five miles ; at fifteen miles, he came to where
they had burnt their baggage waggons. So great
was the consternation in which the British infantry
were, at seeing their cavalry gallop off, that, either
from pique or panic, numbers of them never fired a
gun. In this action, six hundred were made pri-
soners ; so that this large detachment of one thousand
infantry, and two hundred and fifty cavalry from
Lord Cornwallis' army, was almost entirely lost; very
few got off, except the cavalry, and those who were
left in the rear with the waggons.

This victory was so complete, that the Americans
were astonished at it themselves. The Americans
had only twelve men killed, and sixty wounded.

This defeat of Colonel Tarleton's at the battle of
the Cowpens, chagrined and disappointed the British
officers and Tories in Charlestown exceedingly. I
happened to be in Charlestown at the time when the
news arrived. I saw them standing in the streets in
small circles, talking over the affair with very grave
faces. I knew the particulars as soon as they did.
Governor Rutledge sent in a person on some pretence
with a flag; but in fact, it was to inform the Ameri-

257

can prisoners of crur success : the person informed
me of the whole affair, which I communicated to the
officers at Haddrell's-point, on my return in the even-
ing. The news gave great joy, and put us all in high
spirits. Some of the old British officers who were
made prisoners, and paroled to Charlestown, when they
came down, were exceedingly angry indeed, at their
deifeat, and were heard to say, ' that was the conse-
< quence of trusting such a command to a boy like

* Tarleton.' There is no doubt but Colonel Tarleton
was a brave man, and a good soldier, but in this aifalr
he displayed neither generalship nor courage, but
galloped off with his two hundred and fifty horse,
when pursued by about seventy continental cavalry,
and forty-five militia horse, and left his infantry to
be made prisoners of. Colonel Tarleton should have
requested a court of inquiry to have cleared himself
of any charge of misconduct in this affair, notwith-
standing his aquittal in a letter from Lord Cornwallis
to him.

Extract of a Letter from Lord Cornwallis
TO Colonel Tarleton.
* You have forfeited no part of my esteem as

* an officer, by the unfortunate event of the action
' of the seventeenth instant ; the means you used to

bring the enemy to action, were able and masterly,

* and must ever do you honor j your disposition was

258

* unexceptionable ; the total misbehavior of the troops>

sv . . . ■

i could alone have deprived you of the glory which
;j' was justly your due.*

The thanks of Congress were given to General
Morgan and his officers and men. [See appendix,
note 26.]

This great victory at the Cowpens* changed the
face of American affairsj and raised the drooping
spirits of her desponding friends. In two actions
soon after each other, the British lost about two
thousand men : that at King's mount, on the seventh
of October, and that at the Cowpens of the seven-
teenth of January, 1781 : the latter was of more se-
rious consequence to Lord Cornwallis, because it
deprived him of nine hundred of his best troops.

Colonel Tarleton having been successful in sur-
prising unguarded troops, and the more unguarded
militia, Lord Cornwallis had no doubt of his being
a brave and active officer ; and having a mean opi-
nion of our militia, from their behavior at Camden,
he was, no doubt, flattering himself, that he would
receive accounts from Colonel Tarleton, of his hav-
ing defeated General Morgan ; while he was pos-

• An account of the affair at the Cowpens, I had from an
American officer of great veracity and high rank, and one that
was very conspicuous on that day in the action •

259

sessed of this idea, to his utter astonishment, he
got the unwelcome and unexpected intelligence of
Tarleton's complete overthrow. What must his feel-
ings have been, when he received this account of
his favorite officer, and one in whom he had the
greatest opinion, in regard to his military abilities,
and who had with him upwards of twelve hundred
of the pick of his army, that he should be defeated
by about one thousand men, and half of them mili-
tia ? His chagrin and his disappointijient must have
been great indeed, upon this occasion.

Lord Cornwallis, in hopes of retrieving the credit
of his troops, and recovering the prisoners taken at the
Cowpens, left all his baggage, and took only a few
waggons, sufficient to carry the necessaries for his
army, and went in pursuit of General Morgan ; his
long and rapid marches, soon brought him near to
General Morgan ; they came to the Catawba-ford
on the evening of that day when the Americans cross,
cd it ; and before the next morning, a heavy rain
made it impassable, by which fortunate event, Gene-
ral Morgan pushed on with his detachment and pri-
soners, and got off, and Major Hyrne proceeded
with the prisoners. The hasty marches after Gene-
ral Morgan, induced General Greene to retreat from
Hicks'-creek, lest the British should get between
the two divisions of his army. This affair of Colonel
Tarleton's, at the Cowpens, hurried Lord Cornwallis

•260

into his plan of subjugating North Carolina : before
it was ripened into maturity, Major Hyrne, had
been previously dispatched to receive the prisoners,
and conduct them to Virginia.

General Greece left the main body of his army
under the command of General Huger, with orders
to proceed and rendezvous at Guildford Court-house.
To facilitate his march, all the heavy baggage was
ordered to Hillsborough, and he, himself, rode one
hundred and fifty miles, to join General Morgan on
the Catawba- river, who was at some considerable
distance before Lord Cornwallis, where he could
best command the two divisions of his army.

At this time. General Greene joined General
Morgan (who intended to have gone over the moun-
tains, to avoid Lord Cornwallis) and directed the
movements of both divisions of his army, so as to
form a junction at Guildford Court-house.

As soon as the Catawba-river was fordable, Lord
Cornwallis prepared for crossing ; and, in order to
deceive the Americans, made several feints at differ-
ent fording places, and early in the morning, on
the first of February, he crossed over, near M'Gow-
ans, which was defended by a party of militia, un-
der General Davidson ; the British crossed the ri-
ver, under fire of the militia, with shouldered arms,
and formed on the opposite bank ; they then engag-
ed the militia, but General Davidson being killed

261

early in the action, his men were dispirited, and
made a precipitate retreat : the militia about the
neighborhood, although General Greene was amongst
them, could not be persuaded to take up arms : all
the fords were abandoned, and the British crossed
without any opposition.

The British having possession of the two southern
states, began to extend their views to the conquering
Virginia and North Carolina; and the more easily to
accomphsh their plan, Major General Leslie v/as
detached from New- York to Chesapeak, with three
thousand men. On his arrival there. Lord Corn-
wallis ordered him to march immediately to Charles-
ton, with fifteen hundred men, and then to join his
army : one frigate and two sloops of war, took por^
session of Wilmington ; and Major Craig was de-
tached with three hundred men, to take post there r
this position was extremely convenient for Lord
Cornwallis' army, from whence he could draw sup*
plies for his troops, without any risk.

About this time, a large detachment was sent from
New- York, under Major General Phillips and Briga-
dier General Arnold, the American traitor, who the
British gave, for his treachery, the rank of brigadier
in their army.

Now the British and American generals began to
display their military skill; the one in pursuing, the

VOL, II, 2 L

362

other in retreating; marching and counter-marching,
and various manoeuvres were made; the one endea-
voring to join the main body of his army under
General Hugcr, -whilst the other endeavored to bring
on an action before the junction could be made. Ge-
neral Greene crossed the Yadkin, partly in flats, and
partly by fording, on the second and third day of Fe-
bruary, and secured all the boats on the north side
of the river. Lord Cornwallis -was close in his rear,
but the want of boats, and the rapid rise of the river,
from the excessive rains, rendered his crossing im-
possible. This was the second narrow escape General
Morgan's detachment had from Lord Cornwallis.

The British, disappointed at not crossing the trad-
ing ford on the Yadkin, were obliged to march to the
upper fords, which are generally passable. This gave
time for the junction of the two divisions of the Ame-
rican army. Whilst Lord Cornwallis and General
Greene were opposed to each other in North Carolina,
General Marion was not idle in the lower parts of South
Carolina ; he had a small party of mounted militia,
and his principal range was between Santee and
Cooper-rivers ; his camp was in Santee-swamp,
sometimes on the south side, at other times on the
north of the river ; always in a safe position, where
he never could be surprised ; from whence he sent
out small parties, and frequently intercepted the
convoys of provisions. He perplexed the British

263

very much, by moving his camp so often that they
could not tell where to find him ; and to hunt for
him in the swamps, they were afraid, lest they should
fall into an ambuscade. On the twenty-ninth of Janu-
ary, he sent out two' small parties, under the com-
mand of Major and Captain Postell, to cross Santee,
and take different routs ; the first destroyed a great
quantity of stores at Manigault's-ferry ; the latter
did the same at some other place. Soon after this,
he got information of a number of waggons under a
convoy, near Monk's cerner ; he immediately march-
ed off, surprised them, and destroyed fourteen wag-
gons loaded with stores, took forty prisoners, most
of them regular troops, without losing a man.

General Greene and General Huger formed a
junction at Guilford Court-house, on the seventeenth
of February, 1781, yet their numbers were so in-
ferior to the British, that General Greene could not
venture an action : he called a council of his officers,
and the result of their opinion was, that he ought
'to retire over the Dar and avoid an action as much
as possible, until he should be reinforced.

Lord Cornwallis, well knowing the inferiority of
the American army, endeavored to cut off General
Greene's retreat into Virginia ; and with this view,
he kept possession of the upper country, where the
rivers were fordable, which obliged General Greene
to keep below where the rivers were impassable ; and

264

being informed that there were not sufficient num-
bers of boats to cross his army, was in hopes of fore*
ing General Greene to an action, before he could
cross the river.

General Greene, before he began his retreat from
Guilford Court-house, very wisely made two divisions
of his army. The light troops were composed of
Lee's legion, and Colonel Howard's battalion (com-
pleated) ; the cavalry commanded by Colonel Wash-
ington, and a corps of Virginia riflemen under Major
Campbell, the whole together making about seven
hundred men. These he put under the command of
Lieutenant Colonel Williams, commandant of the
Maryland line : he began his march from Guilford
Court-house on the tenth of February. The maia
army and light troops took different routs to avoid a
pursuit. The next day, the latter had a reincountre
with the advanced of the British army, in which an
officer and six or seven men of Tarleton's legion
were made prisoners, and some few killed. The light
troops manoeuvred and skirmished with the British in
order to deceive Lord Cornwallis with respect to the;
route of the main army, which gave General Greene
time to send off his baggage. Lord Cornwallis by,
his close pursuit obliged the American light troops
on the fourteenth, to retreat forty miles ; and Gene-
ral Greene on that day crossed the whole of his army
artillery and baggage into Virginia, over Boyd's and

26T

Irvm's ferries, on the Daii, without any intef^ruptiori,
and waited himselfthe arrival of the light troops, an&
saw them all safe over that night. The pursuit of
the British was so close that the van of their army-
arrived at the river, as the rear of the Americans had
crossed. *^

'^^T-HE British were extremely mortified and disap-
pointed at General Greene*s escape into Virginia be-
fore they could have a blow at him : they had thought
it impossible. However, Lord Cornwallis consoled
himself with driving General Greene off, and having
entire possession of North Carolina. He dared not
to follow the American army into Virginia, as he
knew that state would be too powerful for him. He
contented himself with staying in North Carolina, and
calling upon the loyal inhabitants to make good their
promise of rising in favor of the British government;
and to make it more convenient for them to join him,
he retired to Hillsborough, where he raised the royal
standard, and by proclamation called upon all his
friends to join him. General Greene, in order to
frustrate Lord Cornwallis' plan of embodying the
Tories, re-crossed the Dan en the twenty-third, and
detached General Pickens with some light troops, and
Lee*s legion in pursuit of Colonel Tarleton, who,
with a considerable force of infantry and cavalry had
crossed the Haw-river to encourage and support the

Tories. Cblohel Pyles, who, with three hundred

266

and fifty Tories, was oarching to join the British,
fell in with the American party : having no suspi-
cions of their re-crossing the Dan, he took them for
Tarleton's detachment. While they were under this
mistake, the Americans attacked them to great ad-
vantage, and even when they were cutting them
down, they were protesting their attachment to the
king. About the same time, a party who were go-
ing to join the British, fell in with Tarleton's detach-
ment, who took them for rebels, and cut them to
pieces, so that the poor Tories were between two
fires. Lord Cornwallis continued several days in
that part of the country were Pyles was defeated, in

hopes of picking up some of the stragglers belong-
ing to the loyalists; but in that he was disappointed:
he said himself, that he could find none but * timid
* friends, or inveterate enemies.'

General Greene's re-crossing the Dan-river in-
to North Carolina, obliged Lord Cornwallis to quit
Hillsborough, a few days after he had issued his
proclamation, inviting his friends to join him at that
place, and was very much disappointed at not be-
ing reinforced by the loyalists, from v/hom he had
great expectations. A large body of them, had
marched to join him, but upon hearing that the
American army had returned into North Carolina,
and knowing the fate of their friends under Colonel
Pyles, they were terrified, and returned home, tp
wait a more favorable time.

267

General Greene's retreat into Virginia, awak-
ened the people of that state, and they began to be
alarmed for their own safety : a great number of
the militia turned out, but very few of them were
armed, and many of them declined going into
North Carolina. A small brigade of four or five
hundred men, commanded by General Stevens, was
all the reinforcements General Greene could get
from Virginia ; with these he re-crossed the Dan.
Although General Greene's array was greatly in-
ferior to Lord Cornwallis' yet he was obliged to go
into North Carolina, to be a check upon the Tories,
and to prevent, as much as possible, the British
from getting supplies for their army. General
Greene kept as close as he could, without coming
to an action, as his cavalry could always secure him
a safe retreat. For two or three weeks the two armies
were manceuvreing, in marching and counter-march-
ing : Lord Cornwallis endeavoring to bring on an ac-
tion, whilst General Greene as studiously avoided it,
until his reinforcements should arrive from V'irginia
and North Carolina. On the eleventh of March, Ge-
neral Lawson arrived from Virginia, with a brigade
of militia, and four hundred regular troops, raised
for eighteen months, besides two brigades of mili-
tia, commanded by Generals Butler and Eaton, from
North Carolina : these gave the Americans a great
superiority in numbers ; and General Greene began
now to prepare to give Lord Cornwallis battle, and

268

broke up his corps of light troops, commanded by
Colonel Williams, with thanks to them for their
eminent services, while acting as a separate corps
from the main army ; he ordered them to fall in the
line, and join their respective corps ; and he then
marched to Guilford Court-house, and issued the
following order :

^ < The great probability of coming to a general
' action in a short time, must be a consideration
* that will induce every officer and soldier to do his
' duty ; and if order and discipline are maintained,
' so great a confidence has the general in the brave-
' ry of the troops, that he flatters himself the efforts
< of his countrymen will be favored by heaven, and
' crowned with success,'

On the fifteenth of March, 1781, the two armies
were drawn out near Guilford Court-house for action :
the Americans consisted of about four thousand,
five hundred men, in three lines : the North Caro.
Una militia under Generals Butler and Eaton, of
about one thousand men, formed the first line : the
second line was commanded by Generals Stevens
and Lawson, of about seventeen hundred Virginia
militia : the third line was of the Maryland and
Delaware continental troops, of about fifteen hun-
dred men, commanded by General Huger, on the
right, and Colonel Williams on the left : Colonel

269

Washington with his cavalry, and a body of the De-
laware light infantry and some riflemen under Colo-
nel Lynch, covered the right flank: Colonel Lee,
with his legion, and some riflemen under Colonel
Campbell, the left. After the cannonade begun
the British advanced in three columns, and display-
ed the Hessians on the right. Colonel Webster's
brigade on the left, and the guards in the centre.
Webster's brigade attacked the front line, which
gave way when their adversaries were at the distance
of one hundred and fifty yards, many of them with-
out firing a gun : the Virginians kept up a smart
fire and did great execution, until they were ordered
to retreat. General Stevens had posted some rifle-
men in the rear of his line, with orders to shoot
every man down, that quitted his post. General
Stevens, when he saw the North Carolina militia
give way, ordered his line to open intervals, to let
them pass through, and gave out amongst his men,
that they had orders to retreat, which prevented it
having any bad effect upon them. The continental
troops were next attacked, and the business between
them and the British, became very serious. The
cavalry under Colonel Washington, supported by
the Maryland troops, commanded by Colonel Gunby
and Colonel Howard, made such a charge, that

they rode down the whole regiment of guards, in
which a great many of their officers and men were

VOL, Ho ? M

270

killed and wounded. This heavy charge, being
well supported by the infantry, obliged the British
to fall back ; and when General Huger received or-
ders to retreat, the Americans were pressing close
upon them. This action lasted one hour and an
half, when the Americans retreated. Lord Corn-
wailis kept the field, and General Greene retired
over the Reedy-fork, about three miles. This vic-
tory cost the British dear : their killed and wounded
were upv/ards of six hundred;* amongst the first
were two colonels, three captains, and a number of
subalterns : of the latter, tv»o brigadiers, one colo-
nel, and a number of other officers. The Ameri-
cans had three hundred continentals, and one hun-
dred of the Virginia militia killed and wounded, and
lost two field-pieces (six pounders) which had been
alternately in the possession of the two armies, dur-
ing the action. At this victory, 'there were great
rejoicings in Charleston, the troops were turaed
out, and a feu-de-joye was fired ; though some of

* It is remarkable that whenever the British and Americans
came to fair firing in battle, the first always lost double the
number of men ; and the reason is, perhaps, because the
Americans are bred to arms, and accustomed to fire at single
objects, and were they blind-folded, would naturally level
their pieces well; whilst the British soldiers, who are taught
to fire by platoons, aiweys fire too high or too low.

the British said that such another victory would ruin
them. Lord Cornwallis' conduct after this affair
proves that this victory gave him no advantage, and
that it left him in a much worse situation than be-
fore it happened. Three days after the battle, he

issued a proclamation, [See appendix, note 27.] set-
ting forth his complete victory, and calling upon all
the loyal subjects, to come forward, and take an
active part in restoring good order and govern-
ment, offering pardon to all who should surrendei*
themselves by the twentieth day of April ; and oh
that day, his lordship destroyed all his baggage, left
his hospital and seventy-five wounded men, with a
great number of loyalists in the neighborhood of
Guilford, and marched off for the sea-coast, which
shows that he thought himself in no condition to
keep the field; and thirteen days before the expira-
tion of his act of grace, he reached his shipping at
Wilmington, and left the whole of the upper coun-
try in the power of General Greene's army. Lord
Cornwallis was extremely mortified at not receiv-
ing some support from the Scotch Highlanders,
settled at Cross-creek: although he marched through
their settlements, and they were opposed to the
American measures, yet they kept aloof from the
British. On General Greene's being informed of
Lord Cornwallis' movements, he immediately de-
camped, and followed him, and continued his pur-

2^2

suit as far as Ramsay's mill, on Deep-river, so ra^
pidly that the British had just crossed, when the
Americans arrived : they suffered much in this pur-
suit, for want of provisions. Lord Cornwallis re-
mained three weeks at Wilmington, with the Bri-
tish army ; then marched them to Hallifax, and
from thence to Petersburgh in Virginia, on the
lower route, where he met with no opposition ; and
on the twentieth of May he joined the British forces
in Virginia, under Major General Phillips and Bri-
gadier General Arnold.

General Greene, before he knew of Lord Corn-
wallis' determination to proceed to Virginia with his
army, resolved to re-commence military operations in
South Carolina, but first issued his general amnesty,
inviting the loyalists to join him, and sent orders to
General Pickens to collect the militia of his brigade,
and to prevent supplies from going to the British at
Ninety-six and Augusta: and Colonel Lee with his
legion and part of the second Maryland brigade, was
ordered to advance before the continental troops, to
co-operate with General Marion. General Sumpter
was now recovered of his wound, and as soon as he
was informed that Lord Cornwallis had quitted the
state in pursuit of General Greene, he collected a
body of men, and penetrated into the heart of the
country to encourage the friends of independence,
and early in February he crossed the Congaree-river

in force, and appeared before Fort Granbee, and de-
stroyed all their stores. Lord Rawdon immediately-
marched from Camden for the relief of that post,
upon which General Sumpter retired, and appeared
before another British post near Colonel Thomson's ;
and the second day after, he attacked and defeated an
escort convoying some waggons going from Charles-
ton to Camden with stores: thirteen of the British
were killed, and sixty-six were taken prisoners: the
stores were sent down the river in boats, but were
retaken on their passage. General Sumpter with
three hundred horse, swam across Santee-river, and
marched to Fort Watson at Wright's-bluff ; but on
being informed that Lord Rawdon was marching to
its relief, he retired to Black-river, and on his return
he was attacked near Camden by Major Fraser with
a considerable force of regulars and militia, who he
obliged to retreat after twenty of his men were killed.
General Sumpter hitherto performed all his emi-
nent services with militia, but finding them so uncer-
tain a body, and as the war was to be renewed in South
Carolina, it was thought proper to have a more per-
manent body; therefore General Sumpter with the ap-
probation of General Greene raised three small re-
giments of regular state troops for ten months, in
March, 1781 ; with these and the continental troops,
the war was renewed in South Carolina with great
vigor and spirit^ and more regularity. Colonel Har-

274,

den with his friends and neighbors from about Beau-
fort, and the south parts of Carolina, and Colonel
Baker from Georgia, with some of his friends and
neighbors, about seventy-six in all, who had been
with General Marion on the north side of San tee-
river, resolved to visit their settlements, and in their
way, fell in with about twenty-five of the royal mi-
litia at Four-holes, whom they took ; the privates
were paroled, the officers were carried off prisoners.
Colonel Harden was very active in the southern
parts of the state : he sent parties to the houses of
the royal militia ; some were taken, whilst others
fled to Charleston ; he had several skirmishes with
the British, in which he was successful ; he took
Fort Balfour at Potataligo, he surrounded it, and
persuaded them that his numbers were many more
than they really were, which induced Colonel Fen-
wick, Lichmore and Rassal, to surrender the fort,
with thirty-two regular dragoons and fifty-six militia-
men, on the twelfth of April, 1781. Colonel Har-
den *s friends and neighbors were extremely glad to
see him with a body of Americans; (hitherto there
had been none but British parties amongst them)
they turned out cheerfully and joined ; by which,
his party soon became very formidable : he carried
on tlie partisan war as Sumpter and Marion did, and
was very troublesome to the enemy.

General Greene marched with the main body

275

of his armyj on the seventh of April, from Deep*
riyer, in North Carolina, towards Camden : the
British were a good deal surprised, when they were
informed that Colonel Lee had gone through the
country and joined General Marion near San tee, and
that General Greene, with the Americans, had en-
camped on the nineteenth of April, near Camden.

The British had established a line of forts on the
banks of the Santee and Congaree rivers, to secure
the provisions, and render their communication to
Camden more safe and easy. Fort Watson, at
Wright's-bluff, on Santee, was closely invested on
the fifteenth of April, 1781, by eighty militia, and
a body of continentals under Colonel Lee : the fort
was built on an Indian mount ; but Colonel May-
ham contrived to raise another within shot, much
higher, with logs and rails, filled in with earth,
which he raised, so that they could look down into
the fort, and the besieged were intirely exposed to
the fire of our riflemen. On the twenty-third, the gar-
rison consisting of one hundred and fourteen men,
commanded by Lieutenant M'Kay, surrendered by-
capitulation. The American army of about seven
hundred continentals, took post at Hobkirk's hill, about
one mile from Camden, which Jay in the fork of Wa-
teree-river and Wateree-creek ; was fortified with six
redoubts and a battery defended with nine hundred
men commanded by Lord Rawdon, who ordered

276

every man in garrison that could carry a musket to
take arms; and on the twenty-fifth marched out to at-
tack General Greene. So little did the Americans
expect the British out of their lines, that the second
in command, General Huger, told me that they had
just come to their ground, and that a number of offi-
cers with himself were washing their feet, and a num-
ber of soldiers were washing their kettles in a small
rivulet that run by their camp, when their picket was
engaged with the enemy. They ran to camp as fast
as they could, and the British was soon after them,
when a general action took place, and it would pro-
bably have been a serious surprise upon General
Greene, had it not been for Washington's cavalry,
which were saddled, and only the bits of their bridles
out of their mouths; they were soon got ready, and
General Greene ordered them to charge the enemy's
right flank, which they did, and soon got in their
rear; this threw them into the greatest confusion,
and gave General Greene time to make a good re-
treat to Gun-swamp, about five miles. Colonel
Washington paroled a"^numt)er of officers upon the
field, and amongst them eleven surgeons who were
dressing their wounded. General Greene immedi-
ately sent them in to Lord Rawdon, (knowing they
would be wanted for the wounded) who was so pleased
with General Greene's liberal conduct, that he im-
mediately sent to the commandant in Charleston to

277

allow General Moultrie to exchange the like number
of his medical line, such as he pleased, and that they
should be conducted to any American post that he
required.

At one time Golonel Washington had made up-
wards of two hundred prisoners, but upon the Ame-
rican army retreating, he was obliged to relinquish
them all to about iifty, which he brought into camp,
and lost only three men. This gave me an oppor-
tunity of exchanging Doctor Fayssoux,* whom I had
several times proposed for exchange, but was always
refused : they did not like him, and threw every ob-
stacle in the way of his exchange even his private
debts, although he told them he left a great deal
more in their hands than would satisfy them all. Theii
principal dishke to Doctor Fayssoux was, that he was
too faithful to his friends, and wrote and spoke too
freely of his enemies, respecting their conduct in
his department ; as a number of his letters to Doc-
tor Oliphant, director-general of the hospital, shows,
and one to Doctor Ramsay, which is an exact state-
ment of their conduct in our hospital at that time.
[See appendix, note 28.]

The Americans lost in this affair at Hobkirk's,
about two hundred killed, wounded, and missing.

• Doctor Fayssoux was surgeon-general in the hospital.

VOL. II. 2n

2^8

The next day Colonel Washington went down
■with fifty men, to reconnoitre the British lines ; he
showed but a few of his men, and kept his main bo-
dy concealed in the bushes. His scheme answered
very well j his intention was to draw out their cavalry.
As soon as they saw this small party, Major Coffin
sallied out in pursuit of them, with forty Irish vo-
lunteers : they immediately rode oiF and drew him
into an ambuscade, and as they passed, the Ameri-
cans rushed out from the bushes, and attacked them
in the rear, and killed about twenty of them.

Soon after the action of the twenty-fifth. General
Greene sent off a detachment to reinforce. General
P*/Iarion near Nelson's-ferry, to prevent supplies go-
ing to Camden, from Charleston or the country;
and sent parties to the Wateree to take a position,
to prevent supplies going in from that quarter.

On the seventh of May, 1781, Lord Rawdon re-
ceived a considerable reinforcement, by the arrival
of Colonel Watson with his detachment ; and en-
deavored the next day to bring General Greene to
another action, but that could not be effected. Ge-
neral Greene knew that Lord Rawdon was so sur-
rounded, that he could not get supplies, and that
he must soon quit Camden ; he therefore declined
an action ; and Lord Rawdon knowing his situation
was growing more critical every day, by the in-
crease of the American forces, and that he would be

279

the more closely invested, determined to evacuate
Camden, and retreat lo Charleston; and on the
tenth, he burned the gaol, mills, and many private
houses, and destroyed a great part of his baggage,
and retired with his army to the south side of San-
tee-river, leaving his own sick and wounded, and
as many Americans, who they had taken on the
twenty-fifth of April : by which movement he gave
up the whole of South Carolina, that was on the
north side of Santee, Wateree and Congaree-rivers ;
a large extent of country. Most of the militia with-
in those limits, immediately joined General Greene.

Lord Rawdon invited the Tories to accompany
him to Charleston, and promised them every assist-
ance in his power ; but very few of them attended
him : the greater part chose to stay, and trust to
the mercy of their countrymen : those who v/ent
down with the British, were cruelly neglected. Af-
ter their arrival in Charleston, they built themselves
huts without the lines, which was called Rawdon-
town : many of these unfortunate wouien and chil-
dren, v/ho lived comfortable at their own homes near
Camden, died for want, in those miserable huts.

This evacuation, and the enemy's posts falling in
such quick succession, and the British falling back
to the low country, gave great spirits to all Ameri-
ca. The day after Lord Rawdon left Camden, the
post at Orangeburgh, consisting of seventy militia,

280

and twelve regular troops surrendered to General
Sumpter. After the surrender of Fort Watson,
General Marion and Colonel Lee crossed the Santee,
and moved up to Fort Motte, which lies about the
fork, on the south side of Congaree, where they
arrived on the eighth of May, and began their ap-
proaches, which were carried on very rapidly. They
informed Mrs. Motte, that they were afraid that they
should be obliged to set fire to her house, which
stood in the centre of the fort : she begged them
that they would not consider her house as of any
consequence in the general cause ; and with great
patriotism and firmness, presented them with an
African bow, and quiver of arrows, and requested
they would burn the house as quick as they could.
With the arrows, and skewers with combustibles
tied to them fired from muskets, they soon put the
house in a blaze ; and the garrison commanded by
Lieutenant M'Pherson immediately surrendered at
discretion. Mrs. Motte who had retired to a house
at a little distance from her own, was extremely
rejoiced at seeing the garrison surrender, although
at the expense of her own elegant house.

Two days after this surrender, the British quitted
their post at Nelson" s-ferry, on the south side of
Santee-river, about sixty miles from Charleston,
blew up their works and destroyed a great part of
their stores. A few days after, Fort Granby, in

281

Granby, on Congaree-river, (which had been much
harrassed by Colonel Taylor's regiment of militia)
surrendered to Lieutenant Colonel Lee. The gar-
rison commanded by Major Maxwell, consisted of
about three hundred and fifty men, most of them
militia : in all these different forts, the Americans
took a large quantity of stores. Lord Rawdon being
on the south side of Santee-river, marched immedi-
ately to the relief of Fort Granby, but after marching
fourteen miles, he met officers of that garrison on
their way to town as prisoners of war, and paroled to
Charleston ; upon which, he returned.

General Marion with his brigade of militia,
marched to Georgetown. As soon as he begun his
approaches, the British left the place, and retreated
to Charleston by water : General Marion soon after
moved off, and left Georgetown under a small mili-
tia guard ; and one Manson, an inhabitant of the
country, came with an armed vessel, and demanded
leave for his men to land, which was refused : he
then sent some on shore, under the cover of his
guns, and set fire to the town, and burnt forty-four
houses in that small place.

The British had now lost all their posts in the
three southern states, except that at Ninety-six, one
at Fort Golphan, and one at Augusta, in Georgia.
These were the only objects General Greene had
to contend against.

282

Mant people from the upper part of Georgia,
crossed Savannah-river and went to the northern
states, and some over the mountains, and a great
number of Carolinians and Georgians had submitted
to the British, and were at first treated kindly, but
they were called upon to take up arms against their
countrymen, which they declined.

Colonel Clark returned to Georgia at the head
of a party, in September, 1780, and laid siege to
Augusta, in which Colonel Brown commanded: Lieu-
tenant Cruger marched with a detachment from the
garrison of Ninety-six, to relieve Colonel Brown,
which obliged Colonel Clark to retreat : after this,
Colonel Brown treated all his adherents, and those
supposed to be so, with the utmost severity : this
ill treatment of the Americans was now become in-
sufferable, and parties in different parts of the back
country, were arming to oppose the British : Cap-
tain M"Koy marched with a large body, and posted
them along the banks of Savannah-river, and fre-
quently intercepted boats going up with supplies
for the British : upon this. Colonel Brown detached
an officer, twenty-five regulars and twenty militia :
Captain MKoy attacked them at Mathew's-bluff,
killed the officer and fifteen of them ; the remainder
retreated in haste.

Agreeably to General Greene's plan at Deep-
river, of returning to South Carolina, General Pic-

233

kens, and Colonel Clark, with a body of militia, had
for some time harrassed the British about Augusta.

Th e day after the surrender of Fort Granby, Co-
lonel Lee marched with his legion to Augusta : the
first place that surrendered to a detachment of his
legion under Captain Rudolph, was Fort Golphan,
with seventy men, a field-piece and valuable stores.
The next post that was invested, was Fort Corn-
wallis at Augusta, commanded by Colonel Brown.
Colonel Grierson who occupied an out-work that
was dependent, relinquished his post, and endeavored
to throw his force into Fort Cornwaliis : thirty of
his men were killed and many more taken prisoners,
but himself and a few others got off into the fort.
The approaches were carried on with great rapidity,
and Colonel Brown, an active officer, defended it
with great bravery : several batteries were erected,
two of which were within thirty yards, that over-
looked their parapet, and the riflemen shot into the
fort, with great success, and every man that attempt-
ed to fire at the besiegers was immediately shot
down. On the fifth of January, 1781, the garrison
consisting of about three hundred men, capitulated
after making a gallant defence.

The Americans lost Major Eaton, and about forty
killed and wounded. Colonel Grierson, who was
very obnoxious to the Americans, was shot down by
an unknown hand, after he was a prisoner. One

284

hundred guineas reward was offered to any person
who would point out the offender, but in vain. No
doubt Colonel Brown expected the same fate from his
vindictive disposition towards the Americans, but he
was furnished with a guard, although he had hanged
thirteen American prisoners, and others he gave into
the hands of the Indians to be tortured. On his way
to Savannah he passed through the settlements where
he had burnt a number of houses, and hung some of
the relations of the inhabitants. At Silver-bluff, Mrs.
M'Koy obtained leave of the American officer who
commanded his safeguard to speak to him, when she
thus addressed him: " Colonel Brown, in the late
' day of your prosperity, I visited your camp, and on
' my knees suppUcated for the life of my son, but you

< were deaf to my intreaties, you hanged him, though
' a beardless youth, before my face. These eyes have

< seen him scalped by the savages under your imme-

< diate command, and for no better reason than that
f his name was M'Koy. As you are now a prisoner to

* the leaders of my country, for the present I lay aside
« all thoughts of revenge, but when you resume your

< sword, I will go five hundred miles to demand satis-

* faction at the point of it, for the murder of my son.'*

While the detachments from General Greene's
army were reducing the small posts. General Greene
proceeded on with the main body to Ninety-six. This
i^-as a post of mnch consequence to the British, it

S85

being situated in the middle of a fertile and populous
country : the fort was garrisoned by a large body of
regular troops commanded by Lieutenant Colonel
Cruger, a brave and gallant officer. The garrison
made a gallant defence. On the left of the fort was a
work in the form of a star ; on the right was a strong
stockade fort, and two block-houses : within the town,
flanked by those two works and picquetted all around,
and surrounded by a ditch and a high bank. There
were also several flushes in different parts of the
town : to all the works was a communication by co-
vered ways.

On the twenty -third of May, 1781, the main body
of the American army encamped within half a mile
of the British post, and that night threw up two
flushes within one hundred and fifty yards of the star-
fort ; the next morning the enemy made a sally, and
being supported by the artillery and musketry from
the star-redoubt, obliged the besiegers to retreat. The
next night two strong block-batteries were erected at
the distance of about three hundred yards, which were
opened in the morning : soon after two batteries of
twenty feet high ; one within two hundred yards, and
the other within one hundred yards of the main fort.
Approaches were carried on at the same time on
the left, under the direction of Colonel Kozinsco, a
young gentleman of distinction from Poland. On
the fourteenth of May, a third parallel within fifty

VOL. II. 2 O

286

yards of the ditch was completed, and a rifle-battery
upwards of thirty feet high, erected at the same dis-
tance. On the seventeenth, the abbattis were turned,
and two trenches and a mine were within six feet
of the ditch. Great perseverance and bravery were
exhibited on both sides ; riflemen were employed,
who immediately fired at any person that appeared,
and seldom missed their aim. Many severe skir-
mishes took place between the covering parties and
those from the garrison, who frequently sallied out.
On the third of June, a fleet arrived at Charleston
from Ireland, having on board the third, nineteenth
and thirtieth regiments of British troops ; a detach-
ment of guards, and a great number of recruits ; the
whole under the command of Colonel Gould. Lord
Cornwallis had left orders to detain those troops in
South Carolina if they should be wanted : according-
ly, on the seventh of June, 1781, Lord Rawdon
marched. from Charleston with this reinforcement
for the relief of Ninety-six. This was a dreadful
prospect for these newly raised troops arrived from
Europe, immediately from on board ship, who had
not yet recovered the use of their legs, heavy armed
and thick clad, to be forced to undertake a march
of two hundred miles at this inclement season of the
year : it is not to be doubted that numbers of them
must have been left behind at the end of every day's
march* They had been amused with the idea, that

287

on their arrival in Carolina, they would have nothing
to do but sit themselves down quietly, on some of
the forfeited estates of the rebels.

General Greene had carried his works so near
the British garrison, as almost to insure success ;
and the moment when he expected them to surren-
der^ intelligence was received that Lord Rav/don
was near at hand with two thousand men. The wife
of a British officer (an American) then in the gar-
rison of Ninety-six, received a large bribe to convey
a letter to Colonel Cruger, to inform him of their
near approach, which she did : as she was well
known to all the American officers, she rode about
their camp, unsuspected of any ill design, and her
servant M'ith her, conversing with one and then
with another, until she found an opportunity; gave a
signal to the fort, it is said, by holding up a let-
ter, upon which a man was sent out from the fort
upon horseback, who got the letter, and gallop-
ed back into the fort with it : he had several shot
fired at him, but without effect. General Greene
attempted to retard Lord Rawdon's march, but his
men were too few to carry on the siege, and stop
the progress of the British troops : their near ap-
proach obliged General Greene to raise the siege,
or attempt to carry the place by a coup-de-main ;
which last was agreed upon, aad a disposition made
on the eighteenth of June. Lieutenant Colonel Lee

ssa

with the infantry of his legion, and Captain Kirk-
wood's light-infantry, made the attack upon the
right : Lieutenant Colonel Campbell, with the first
Maryland and first Virginia regiments, were to have
stormed the star-redoubt, the ditch of which was
eight or nine feet deep, the parapet eleven or twelve
feet high, and raised with sand-bags near three feet

more. The forlorn iiopes were led on by Lieute-
nants Duval and Sheldon^ and followed by a party
with hooks and entrenching tools, to pull down the
sand-bags. Had this been effected, the besieged could
not have annoyed the assailants without exposing
themselves to the American riflemen. The artillery
soon made breaches in the redoubt on the right ; It
was therefore abandoned, and they took possession
without loss. On the left, great exertions of resolu-
tion and bravery were displayed, but without success.
The forlorn hopes entered the ditch through an inces-
sant fire, and made every effort to get down the sand-
bags. Both of the officers were wounded, and there
was not more than one in six of the forlorn hopes
but what were killed or wounded*

Lord Rawdon by his rapid marches was very near
to Ninety-six at the time of the assault, which obliged
General Greene to make a precipitate retreat over
the Enorece Lord Rawdon pursued General Greene,
but finding it impossible to overtake the Americans,
and supposing they had got to North Carolina er

289

Virginia, contented himself with the idea of having
driven him quite out of the country. The arrival of
the British reinforcement, and the retreat from Nine-
ty-six, gave reason to suppose that the British would
re-establish their posts which they lost to the south-
ward of Santee. The destination of Lord Cornwallis*
array having been known for sonie time, the British
commanders in South Carolina were obliged to draw
in all their posts within the limits of Santee, Congaree
and Edisto rivers, and to confine their future opera-
tions within those bounds. The vicissitudes in war
are many, and it is the part of a good general to know
when to fight, and when to run away. See Lord
Rawdon at one time pursuing General Greene with
hasty strides, and he as hastily getting off; at another
time when Lord Rawdon divides his force, General
Greene faces about and offers him battle, whilst the
other retreats as precipitately to Orangeburgh, and
takes a strong position to secure himself from an at-
tack.

Whilst General Greene lay near Orangeburgh
endeavoring to bring Lord Rawdon to an action, he
got intelligence that Colonel Cruger was marching
the garrison of Ninety-six to join Lord Rawdon,
which in his situation he could not prevent ; he there-
fore retired with the American army to the highjiills
of Santee.

On the post of Ninety-six being evacuated, the

290

whole of the upper country was in the possession of
the Americans, except a few of their small parties
moving about, that often fell in with ours, who gene-
rally routed them, and made many prisoners. Cap-
tain Eggleston with a part of Lee's legion, came up
with forty-nine British horse, and took forty-eight of
them. Colonel Lee with his legion, took all the wag-
gons and horses belonging to the convoy of provisions.
Colonel Vv'ade Hampton charged and routed a party
of British near Charleston ; he also took fifty prison-
ers at Strawberry, and burnt four vessels loaded with
stores for the British army. Generals Sumpter and
Marion appeared before the camp at Biggen Church,
which consisted of five hundred infantry, and one hun-
dred cavalry : their advance fell in with the enemy's
picquet, had a small skirmish, and were obliged to re-
tire : in the evening they set fire to the church, with
all their stores, and retreated over Wadboo-bridge
towards Charleston. Generals Sumpter and Marion
with their brigades, Lee's legion and Hampton's state
cavalry pursued them closely. The cavalry came up
with them near Quinby-bridge, and took their rear-
guard with their military chest and all their baggage.
Some of the plank of the bridge being taken up, re-
tarded the pursuit a little : however, the main body
came up with them at Quinby (Colonel Shubrick's
plantation) where they had possession of the negro-
houses and other out-houses. In this situation, they

291

were attacked with great spirit, till upwards of fifty
Americans were killed and wounded ; and finding they
could not dislodge them from the houses, and hearing
that a reinforcement was coming from town, via Hob-
caw, they then ordered a retreat. Captain Arm-
strong with five of Lee's legion, rode into their camp,
while the officers and men were dispersed, and charged
several small parties, and came off with the loss of
only two men.

About this time, every thing seemed to riui re-
trograde with the British : they were very much
perplexed and embarrassed, not knowing how to
conduct their affairs. If they kept their forces to-
gether in the upper country, the Americans were
sure to get between them and Charleston, and with
small parties, surprise and take their supplies going
up to them ; and if they divided their force, they
were beat ; and the people that went over to them
for protection, finding they could not be protected,
joined the Americans again, so that ihe British
interest declined daily. Disconcerted in all their
schemes, driven from all their posts, in despair
and vexation, to appease their wrath, the unfortu-
nate Colonel Hayne was executed without a trial.
At the time that Generals Sumpter and Marion were
detached down the country, the main army was on
the high hills of Santee, and the British returned
to the fork of Congaree and Wateree. In this siUia-

292

tion the two armies lay within fifteen miles ©f each
other, with a rapid river between them : they knew
that no sudden attack could be made on either side,
as no boats were to be had. General Greene, whose
martial active spirit would not allow him to remain
idle, formed a plan to drive the enemy again from
their post. As he could not procure boats where he
was, he took a circuit of about seventy miles, where
boats were to be had, and where the river was fordable
in some^ places. Soon after he had crossed the river,
he was joined by General Pickens with a body of the
Ninety-six militia, and by the state troops under Co-
lonel Henderson. General Marion with his brigade
had been to Pon-pon, to support Colonel Harden in
opposing the British, who had taken post near Com-
bahee-ferry, and had issued orders to the inhabitants
to bring their rice to the neighboring landings, that
it might be carried to Charleston. Colonel Harden
exerted himself to oppose their designs, and found
it necessary to call in some other militia of the
state: many skirmishes took place, in which the
enemy lost a number of men. After this, Genera!
Marion joined General Greene.

The American force being collected, marched
the next morning to attack the British army com-
manded by Lieutenant Colonel Stewart. The British
had retired from Congaree to Eutaw, about forty miles
nearer to Charleston. The advance of the Amevi-

293

cans fell in with two parties of the British who were
rooting potatoes, about four miles from their main
body ; they were charged by the legion of state
troops, which obliged them soon to retire. It was
unfortunate they fell in with these parties, other-
wise their main body would have been completely
surprised. They had not the least suspicion of Ge-
neral Greene's being any where near them: they
immediately drew up their men, and General Greene
drew up his little army consisting of about two thou-
sand men, in two lines. The first consisted of the North
and South Carolina militia, commanded by Generals
Marion and Pickens, and Colonel Malmedy: the se-
cond consisted of the continental troops from North
Carolina, Virginia and Maryland, commanded by
General Sumner, Colonel Campbell and Colonel Wil-
liams. Colonel Lee with his legion covered the right
flank, and Colonel Henderson with the state troops on
the left. Colonel Washington with his cavalry, and
Captain Kirkwood with the Delaware troops, were
formed as a corps of reserve. The enemy was drawn
up in a wood, their left among some scrub-oak trees.
The front began to fire, and advance upon the Bri-
tish, till the action became general, and they in their
turn obliged to give way. They were well supported
by General Sumner's brigade, most of whom were
raw troops, composed of militia-men, who were turned
over to the continental service for their precipitate

VOL, II. 2 p

291

flight in former actions: Colonel Williams and Co-
lonel Campbell were ordered to march up with trailed
arras, and charge. Nothing could exceed the brave'
vy of the officers and men on this occasion: they
marched up through a heavy fire of musketry with
such intrepidity as obliged the enemy to fall back.
Colonel Henderson who commanded the state troops,
was wounded early in the action ; the command then
devolved upon Colonel Wade Hampton, who made a
very spirited charge, in which he took upwards of one
hundred prisoners. In this confusion, Colonel Wash-
ington brought up the corps de reserve, and charged
so briskly on the left as gave them no time to rally,
and upwards of five hundred were made prisoners.
Colonel Washington charged with his cavalry in a
thick 5crub-oak wood, which was very unfavorable
for the horse : the British reserved their fire till the
cavalry was almost upon them. When Jihey gave fire,
Colonel Washington's horse was shot under him, and
he fell into their ranks. He received a wound with
a bayonet, and would have been killed, but was saved
by a British officer, and made prisoner. Most of his
officers were either killed or wounded, and a great
many of his men. After this, the enemy retrtated
to a strong brick-house and a piquetted garden at
Eutaw, where they renewed the action. Four field-
pieces (six-pounders) were brought up to fire upon
the house, from whence the British were firing : they

295 \

sallied out and took the pieces. The Americans re*
tired out of the reach of their fire, leaving a strong
picquet upon the field. The next evening, Colonel
Stewart destroyed a great quantity of stores, and re-
treated towards Charleston, leaving upwards of se»
venty of his wounded, and a thousand stand of arms.
They were pursued several miles, but could not be
come up with. About fourteen miles below Eutaw,
they were joined by a strong detachment under Ma-
jor M' Arthur; however, they retreated down to Wan-
toot, (Mr. Ravenel's) twenty miles below Eutaw,
where they encamped some time. After this battle,
the British were so alarmed that they burnt their
stores at Dorchester, and the gates of the town were
shut. A number of negroes were employed in felling
trees across the road on Charleston- neck.

The loss of the British at Eutaw, was upwards
of eleven hundred men : the Americans lost about
five hundred, including about sixty officers : Colo-
nel Campbell of the Virginia line, was among the
slain, universally lamented.

After the battle of Eutaw, the Americans retired
to their old camp on the high hills of Santee.
n-- In the latter part of the year 1782, General
Marion was encamped with his militia at VVadboo,
(a place belonging to Mr. Colleton) where he was at-
tacked by Major Eraser, with two or three hundred
dragoons: Maiion got notice of his approach, and

296

posted bis men in the house and out-houses. They
came to the charge at full gallop, and were received
with such a warm fire from the houses, as obliged
them to retire very precipitately, leaving a captain
and several others on the ground, killed and wounded.
Shortly after, Colonel Maham appeared before
the post at Fairlawn (Sir John Colleton s place) with
a small party of cavalry, took upwards of eighty pri-
soners, and burnt the house, with all their stores:
and although the British were greatly supei'ior in
force, yet they dared not to stir out of their works to
save their stores. Colonel May ham was constrained
to burn the house, because his men were making too
free with the liquors.

Congress honored General Greene for his con-
duct in the action at Eutaw, with a British standard
and a golden medal. [See appendix, note 29.]

The latter part of the year 178 1, about two months
after the battle of Eutaw, General Greene moved his
army into the lower country, to secure provisions for
his army: during the winter, the main body of his ar-
my was put in motion under the command of Colonel
Williams.

General Greene with two hundred horse, and two
hundred infantryj appeared near Dorchester. The
British, believing his whole army was near at hand,
immediately abandoned their post, and retired to the
Quarter- house, at Charleston-neck. General Greene'.

f4Y

army encamped on the west side of Ashley-river,
about sixteen miles from Charleston, by which he
secured for his army all the provisions in the southern
parts of the state, except the sea-islandsy on which
the enemy had collected a great number of cattlie.
Very little of military operations were going on now,
except some excursions with cavalry and infantry:
one was made in February, 1782. While General
ISIarion was attending the legislature of Jacksonbo-
rough, his brigade was surprised near Santee, by a
party of British cavalry commanded by Colonel
Thomson, in which Major Benson, Mr. Brought5n
and several others were killed.

On the nineteenth of March, 1782, Captain Ru-
dolph and Lieutenant Smith, with twelve men, took
and burned a British galley, in Ashley-river, which
mounted twelve guns, and forty-three men. They
disguised themselves, and passed for negroes going;
to market with poultry : they were allowed to come so
near that they boarded her with ease, the enemy not
suspecting them. Three or four were killed ; the
rest were brought off prisoners.

While the American army lay on the south side
of Ashley-river, the greater part of the men were s6
completely ragged, that their clothes would scarcely
cover their nakedness : every little piece of cloth was
taken up to tie about their waists ; and that was not
the worst of their grievances ;. the want of provisions

2^8

was severely felt by them. Sometimes they had
meat without bread or rice, sometimes bread and rice
without meat, and sometimes were without either.
In this situation did they continue for several months,
and only sixteen miles from Charleston, where the
British army was in garrison, with a greatly superior
force ; fortunately, Ashley- river was between them.
By their being encamped so long in one place at this
season of the year, (July, August, September and Oc-
tober) they began to be sickly, discontented and mu-
tinous. The long arrears of pay, and the want of
provisions and clothing, was truly distressing, and
very hard upon this brave little army, who had been
marching and counter-marching, and fighting, almost
the whole year round, that now they came to have
a little respite, that they should be in want of every
•necessary ; but it could not be otherwise : it was the
unfortunate situation of the country at that time,
which made it so. Il is not surprising that these
men were dissatisfied, and began to brood mischief;
a few of them had formed a plan to deliver General
Greene, their beloved commander, into the hands
of the British ; but the plot was discovered, and
prevented fron\ being carried into execution. Only
twelve men were concerned in this wicked design,
and only one (sergeant) executed.

While General Greene lay encamped at Ashley-
river, there were frequent communications between

299

*^€harleston and the army. Flags were passing almost
every day upon public or private business. Governor
Mathews, by assistance of Mr. Joshua Lockwood,
got out a quantity of clothing and other necessaries
for the army, which quieted them, and restored good
order, and duty was cheerfully performed as before.
Soon after the British had taken possession of
Charleston, Brigadier General Patterson was ap-
pointed commandant to superintend the civil affairs
of the town : he conducted himself with politeness
towards the prisoners : he shortly after went for
New-York, and Lord Cornwallis nominated Lieute-
nant Colonel Nisbet Balfour to that office, with very
extensive powers in all civil matters. While he was
commandant, a board of police was established to
determine all disputes in a summary way, (but under
the control of the commandant, James Simpson, Esq.
intendant of the board) a depreciation table was
drawn up, ascertaining the value of the paper cur-
rency at different times. This had the appearance of
justice and civil authority ; but it created a great
deal of mischief and discontent ; many suits were
commenced, and great numbers ruined.

The place allotted to confine their prisoners, was
a part of the cellar under the Exchange, and called
the Provost ; a damp, unwholesome place, which oc-
casioned amongst the prisoners much sickness, and
some deaths. It was a horrid place to confine citi-

300

zens in. They had no respect to age or sex : they
were all huddled up together in one common room ;
American prisoners of war, and British felons. Two
young ladies of a respectable family, were confined
among the other prisoners, for several days, on a
groundless suspicion of giving intelligence to the
Americans. I had frequent applications from the un-
fortunate sufferers in the Provost, requesting I would
interest myself in their behalf, to get them released
from that loathsome place : in some of my applica-
tions I succeeded ; in others I could not. The un-
fortunate citizens of Charleston, who would not take
the British protection, on the slightest pretence
were hurried away to the Provost. The violent andr
arbitrary administration of Colonel Balfour, lessened
the British party, and very much strengthened the
American interest.

The first distinction of names in America at the
commencement of the revolution, was that of sub-
scribers and non-subscribers ; the first were those
who signed the association agreed upon by Congress ;
the latter were those, who, from timidity, or attach-
ment to the British government, refused to sign ;
they were but very few, and were looked upon in a
very odious light; their former friends would scarce-
ly speak to them, or have any dealings with them •
these distinctions were made before we had any idea
of going to war.

301

The next (^stinction was of a more serious na-
ture, that of Whig and Tory. This was after the
state had raised troops and established funds. The
Whigs were in favor of America, the Tories for the
British. Those in favor of Congress gave certificates
for such articles as they were obliged to impress
from their friends, which was paid for by the money
then in circulation, and was esteemed at first as
good as specie. What the Tories took, was looked
upon as a robbery, because they had no funds to
draw upon. Each party oppressed the other as
much as they possibly couFd, which raised their in-
veteracy to so great a height, that they carried on
the war with savage cruelty : although they had been
friends, neighbors and brothers they had no feelings
for each other, and no principles of humanity left.
When the British party prevailed; after the surrender
of Charleston, they gave full scope to their interested
and malicious passions. Some of the most aban-
doned characters came from their hiding places,
called themselves king's men, and committed the
most violent acts of cruelty and injustice, which was
sanctioned by the British, provided they called them-
selves friends to the king, and the outrages were
committed on such as were called rebels. Many
houses were burnt, and many people murdered*
The unfortunate Whigs were obliged with their fa-
milies to quit iheir homes, and lie in the woods, as
vol.. II. 2 (^

the only places of security. I will here give one or
two instances of their cruelties, which will suffice
for the whole.

When General Greene returned to South Caro-
lina in the spring of 1781, Major William Cunning-
ham, of the British militia, came out of Charleston
with a party, and kept bye-roads and private paths,
till he got in the rear of the American army undisco-
vered into the district of Ninety-six. The many acts
of cruelties which had been committed by the Tories,
induced the Whigs to associate in small parties, and
to arm in self-defence. Captain Turner and twenty
men, had taken post in a house, and defended them-
selves till their ammunition was expended ; they then
surrendered, upon a promise of being treated as pri-
soners of war; notwithstanding, they were instantly
put to death, by Cunningham and his party. Soon
after, this same party attacked a number of the Ame-
rican militia commanded by Colonel Hayes, and set
fire to the bouse in which they had taken shelter:
ihey were reduced to the sad necessity of surrender-
ing themselves prisoners, or be burnt. Colonel Hayes
and Captain Daniel Williams were immediately hung
upon a pole ; this breaking, they both fell : upon
which, Cunningham cut them to pieces with his own
hands, and continued his savage barbarity on the
others, till he was quite exhausted ; then he called to
his men to kill which of them they pleased. They

303

instantly fell to, and put to death such of them as
they disliked. Only two fell in the action; fourteen
of them were deliberately put to death.

Whkn General Greene returned to South Caro-
lina, in 1782, every thing was reversed. In a few
weeks, the British were dispossessed of all their
posts in the upper country, and the injured and ex-
asperated Whigs had again the superiority. On
their return to their homes, they found starving fami-
lies, and desolate places. Sweet revenge comes now
to reek her vengeance on those infamous, mercilessj
bloody villains that had gone before. The Whigs
began to plunder and to murder.

THfc conduct of those two parties was a disgrace
to human nature, and it may with safety be said
that they destroyed more property, and shed more
American blood than the whole British army.

About this time. Governor Rutledge returned to
South Carolina, and exerted himself in re-establish-
ing good government: he issued his proclamations
strictly forbidding all violence. [See appendix, note
30.] Magistrates were appointed in every part of
the state, not in the British possession: civil go-
vernment was restored, and property secured. [See
appendix, note 31.] A few weeks after, several
hundreds came out of the British lines, and greatly
reinforced the American militia. Many made their
excuses for remaining with the British, on account

304.

of the situation of their families : others who took
British militia commissions, said it was at the re-
quest of their neighbors, to keep them from having
officers put over them, who would abuse and ill treat
them. It is within my own knowledge, that several
gentlemen took militia commissions, to protect their
friends and neighbors from insult. Many of the ci-
tizens who had been lately exchanged and sent to
Philadelphia and Virginia, and some who had been
banished, returned to South Carolina ; among them
most of the civil officers of the state, and members
of the former legislature : and the American army
at Jacksonborough (a little village, about thirty-six
miles from Charleston) induced Governor Rutledge
to convene a new legislature ; accordingly, he issued
bis writs for a new election, which was ordered to
be held at the usual places, where it was practicable ;
and m other cases, as near as safely and other cir-
cumstances would permit. All those who had taken
British protection, were excluded from voting, or
having a scat in the legislature.

A GENERAL asscmbly was chosen, and met in
January, 1782, and were addressed soon after their
meeting, by Governor Rutledge.

305

THE SPEECH OF JOHN RUTLEDGE, ESQ^ GOVEBKOR
AND COMMANDER IN CHIEF OF THE STATE OF
SOUTH CAROLINA, TO THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY
MET AT JACKSONBOROUGHj ON FRIDAY, 1 Sth JANU-
ARY, 1782.

* Honorable Gentlemen of the Senate,

< Mr. Speaker, and Gentlemen of the House
< of Representatives,
' Since the last meeting of a general assembly,
the good people of this state have not only felt the
common calamities of v/ar, but, from the wanton
and savage manner in which it has been prosecuted,
they have experienced such severities as are un-
practised and will scarcely be credited by civilized
nations.

* The enemy, unable to make any impression on
the northern states, the number of whose inhabit-
ants, and the strength of whose country^Jiad baified
their repeated efforts, turned their views towards
the southern, which, a difference of circumstances,
afforded some expectation of conquering, or at least
of greatly distressing. After a long resistance, the
reduction of Charleston was effected, by the vast su-
periority of force with which it had been besieged.
The loss of that garrison, as it consisted of the con-
tinental troops of Virginia and the Carolinas, and
of a number of militia, facilitated the enemy's
march into the country, and their establishment of

206

^ strong posts in the upper and interior parts of it ;
i and the unfavorable issue of the action near Cam-

< den induced them vainly to imagine, that no other
( army could be collected which they might not ea-

* sily defeat. The militia, commanded by the bri-

< gadiers Sumpter and Marion, whose enterprising
' spirit and unremitted perseverance under many dif-

* ficulties are deserving of great applause, harrassed

* and often defeated large parties ; but the numbers
^ of those militia were too few to contend effectually

* with the collected strength of the enemy. Regard-

* less therefore of the sacred ties of honor, destitute
t of the feelings of humanity, and determined to ex-

* tinguish, if possible, every spark of freedom in this

* country, they, with the insolent pride of conquerors,

* gave unbounded scope to the exercise of their ty-
' rannical disposition, infringed their public engage-

* ments, and violated the most solemn capitulations.
' Many of our worthiest citizens were, without cause,

* long and c'osely confined.. .some on board of pri-

* son-ships, and others in the town and castle of St.

* Augustine, .their properties disposed of at the will

* and caprice of the enemy, and their families sent

< to a different and distant part of the continent with-

* out the means of support. IMany who had surren-

* dered as prisoners of war were killed in cool blood....

< several suffered death in the most ignominious

< manner, and oUiers were delivered up to savages

oor

and put to tortures under wliich they expired.
Thus the lives, liberties' and properties of the peo-
ple were dependent solely on the pleasure of British
officers, who deprived them of either or all on the
most frivolous pretences. Indians, slaves, and a
desperate banditti of the most profligate characters,
were caressed and employed by the enemy to exe-
cute their infamous purposes. Devastation and
ruin marked their progress and that of their adhe-
rents...nor were their violences restrained by the
charms or influence of beauty and innocence...even
the fair sex, whom it is the duly of all, and the
pleasure and pride of the brave to protect.. .they,
and their tender offspring, were victims to the in-
veterate malice of an unrelenting foe. Neither the
tears of mothers, nor the cries of infants, could ex-
cite in their breasts pity or compassion. Not only
the peaceful habitations of the widow, the aged and
the infirm, but the holy temples of the Most High
were consumed in flames, kindled by their sacrile-
gious hands. They have tarnished the glory of the
British arms, disgraced the profession of a British
soldier, and fixed indelible stigmas of rapine, cru-
elty, perfidy and profaneness on the British name.
...But I can now congratulate you, and I do so
most cordially, on the pleasing change of affairs,
which, under the blessing of God, the wisdom,
prudence^ address and bravery of the great and

SOS

* gallant General Greene, and the intrepidity of the
' officers and men under his command, has been hap-

< pily effected... a general who is justly entitled, from
^ his many signal services, to honorable and singular
' marks of your approbation and gratitude. His suc-
i cesses have been more rapid and complete than the

< most sanguine could have expected. The enemy,
' compelled to surrender or evacuate every post which
' they held in the country, frequently defeated and
^ driven from place to place, are obliged to seek re-

* fuge under the walls of Charleston, and on islands

* in its vicinity. We have now the full and absolute

* possession of every other part of the state ; and the
^ legislative, executive and judicial powers, are in
' the free exercise of their respective authorities.

* I ALSO most heartily congratulate you on the glo-

* rious victory obtained by the combined forces of

* America and France over their common enemy.
' Vv^hen the very general who was second in com-
' mand at the reduction of Charleston, and to whose
' boasted prowess and highly extolled abilities the
^ conquest of no less than three states had been ar-

* rogantly committed, w as speedily compelled to ac-
' cept of the same mortifying terms which had been
- imposed on that brave but unfortunate garrison, to

* surrender an army of many thousand regulars, and

* to abandon his wretched followers, whom he had
' artfully seduced from th';;lr allegiance by specious

. 309

promises of protection, which he could never have
hoped to fulfil, to the justice or mercy of their
country :...on the naval superiority established by
the illustrious ally of the United States... a superi-
ority in itself so decided, and in its consequences so
extensive, as must inevitably soon oblige the enemy
to yield to us the only post which they occupy in
this state:. ..on the reiterated proofs of the sincerest
friendship, and on the great support which America
has received from that powerful monarch. ..a mo-
narch whose magnanimity is universally acknow-
ledged and admired, and on whose royal word wc
may confidently rely for every necessary assistance:
...on the perfect harmony which subsists between
France and America.. .on the stability which her in-
dependence has acquired. ..and on the certainty that
it is too deeply rooted ever to be shaken ; for, ani-
mated as they are by national honor, and united by-
one common interest, it must and will be main-
tained.
« What may be the immediate effects on the Bri-
tish nation, of the events which I have mentioned ;
of their loss of ten'itory in other parts of the world ;
and of their well-founded apprehensions from the
powers of France, Spain and Holland, it is impos-
sible to foretel. If experience can teach wisdom
to a haughty and infatuated people, and if they will

now be governed by reason, they will have learned
VOL. n. 2 R

that they can have no solid ground of hope to con-
quer any state in the union ; for, though their ar-
tnies have obtained temporary advantages over our
troops, yet the citizens of these states, firmly re
solved as they are never to return to a domination,
which, near six years ago, they unanimously and
justly renounced, cannot be subdued.. .and they
must now be convinced that it is the height of folly
and madness to persist in so ruinous a war. If,
however, we judge as we ought of their future by
their past conduct, vire may presume that they will
not only endeavour to keep possession of our capi-
tal, but make another attempt, howsoever improba-
ble the success of it may appear, to subjugate this
country :...it is therefore highly incumbent on us to
use our most strenuous efforts to frustrate so fatal a
design. And I earnestly conjure you by the duty
which you owe-, and the sacred love which you bear
to your country ; by the constant remembrance of
her bitter sufferings ; and by the just detestation of
British government, which you and your posterity
must forever possess, to exert your utmost faculties
for that purpose, by raising and equipping, with all
possible expedition, a respectable permanent force,
and by making ample provision for their comforta-
ble subsistence. I am sensible the expense will be
great, but a measure so indispensable to the pre-
servation of our freedom, is above every pecuniary
consideration.

311

< The organization of our militia is likewise a sub-
^ ject of infinite importance. A clear and concise

* law, by which the burdens of service will be equally

* sustained, and a competent number of men brought
Vforth, and kept in the field when their assistance
^may be required, is essential to our security, and

* therefore justly claims your immediate and serious

* attention. Certain it is, that some of our militia

< have, upon several occasions, exhibited instances

* of valor which would have reflected honor on vete-

* ran troops. The courage and conduct of the gene-

* rals whom I have mentioned, the cool and deter-

* mined bravery repeatedly displayed by Brigadier

* Pickens, and indeed the behavior of many officers

< and men in every brigade, are unquestionable testi-

* monies of the truth of this assertion ; but such be-

< havior cannot be expected from militia in general,

< without good order and strict discipline. ..nor can

* that order and discipline be established but by a

* salutary law steadily executed.

. * Another important matter for your deliberation,
^ is the conduct of such of our citizens as voluntarily
J avowing their allegiance, and even glorying in their

* professions of loyalty and attachment to his Britan-

* nic majesty, have offered their congratulations on

* the success of his arms, prayed to be embodied as

* royal militia, accepted commissions in his service,

* and endeavored to subvert our constitution and esta-

312

bifsh his power in its stead.. .of those who have re-
turned to this state in defiance of a law by which
such return was declared to be a capital offence,
and have abetted the British interest.. .and of such
whose behaviour has been so reprehensible, that
justice and policy forbid their free re-admission to
the rights and privileges of citizens.

< The extraordinary lenity of this state has been
remarkably conspicious : other states have thought
it just and expedient to appropriate the property of
British subjects to the public use, but we have for-
borne to take even the profits of the estates of our
most implacable enemies. It is with you to deter-
mine whether the forfeiture and appropriation of
their property should now take place. If such shall
be your determination, though many of our firmest
fi'iends have been reduced; for their inflexible attach-
ment to the cause of their country, from opulence
to inconceivable distress, and, if the enemy's will
and power had prevailed, would have been doomed
to indigence and beggary, yet it will redound to the
reputation of this state to provide a becoming sup-
port for the families of those whom you may deprive
of their property.

* The value of paper currency became of late so
much depreciated, that it was requisite, under the
powers vested in the exectitive during the recess of
the general assembly, to suspend the laws by which

313

it was made a tender. You will now consider whe-
ther it may not be proper to repeal those laws, and
fix some equitable mode for the discharge of debts
contracted whilst paper money was in circulation.

'In the present scarcity of specie it Avould be diffi-
cult, if not impracticable, to levy a tax to any con-
siderable amount towards sinking the public debt ;
nor will the creditors of the state expect that such a
tax should, at this time, be imposed ; but it is just
and reasonable, that all unsettled demands should be
liquidated, and satisfactory assurances of payment
given to the public creditors*

< The interest and honor, the safety and happiness
of our country, depend so much on the result of
your deliberations, that I flatter myself you will
proceed, in the weighty business before you, v/ith
firmness and temper, with vigor, unanimity and dis-
patch.

' John Rutledge.*

To this speech the following addresses were re-
turned by the two branches of legislature.

* THE ADDRESS OF THE HONORABLE THE SENATE IN

* ANSWER TO THE GOVERNOR'S SPEECH.

< May it please your excellency,
* We beg leave to return your excellency the

* thanks of this house for your speech.

^'Any words that we might adopt would convey
' but a very faint idea of the satisfaction we feel on
« the perfect re-establishment of the legislative, exe-

< cutive and judicial powers in this state.

* It is with particular pleasure, that we take the

< earliest opportunity to present to your excellency,

* our unfeigned thanks for your unwearied zeal and

< attention to the real interest of this country, and

* to testify our entire approbation of the good conduct

< of the executive since the last meeting of the gene-
' ral assembly.

' We see and revere the goodness of Divine Pro-
' vidence in frustrating and disappointing the attempts
' of our enemies to conquer the southern states; and,

* we trust, that, by the blessing of the same Provi-
' dence, on the valor and intrepidity of the free citi-
' zens of America, their attacks and enterprises will
' continue to be repelled and defeated.

' We reflect with pleasure on the steady resolution
' with which Charleston was defended by a small

* body of brave men against such a vast superiority of
' force, and we gratefully acknowledge the meritori-
' ous conduct and important services of the officers

* and privates of the militia, who stood forth in the

* hour of danger, and whose coolness, perseverance

* and ardor, under a complication of difficulties, most
^ justly entitle them to the applause of their country.

* We flatter ourselves that the blood which the

315

< enemy has inhumanly spilled, the wanton devasta-
' tion which has marked their progress, and the ty-

* rannical system that they have invariably pursued,

< and which your excellency hath so justly and pa-

* thetically described to us, will rouse the good peo-
' pie of this state, and will animate them with a spirit

* to protect their country, to save their rights and li-

* berties, and to maintain, at all hazards, their inde-

* pendency.

* It is with inexpressible pleasure, that we receive
' your excellency's congratulations upon the great
' and glorious events of the campaign, on the happy

* change of affairs, and on the pleasing prospect be-
' fore us ; and we assure your excellency, that we
' concur most sincerely with you, in acknowledging

* and applauding the meritorious zeal, and the very
' important services which have been rendered to

* this state by the great and gallant General Greene,
J and the brave and intrepid officers and men under

< his command, and to whom we shall be happy to

* give the most honorable and singular testimonies

* of our approbation and applause.

* We are truly sensible of the immense advantage

* which the United States derive from the magnani-

* mous prince their ally : we have the most perfect

* confidence on his royal word, and on the sincerity

* of his friendship ; and we think ourselves much in-

* deb ted to that illustrious monarch for the great and

SI6

' effectual assistance which he hath been pleased to
« give the confederated states, and by whose means
' they have been enabled to humble the pride of Bri-

< tain, and to establish their independency upon the

< most permanent basis,

' The importance of the several matters which
' your excellency hath recommended to our consider-

* ation is so evident, that we shall proceed to delibe-

< rate upon them with all possible dispatch ; and we

* flatter ourselves that our business will be carried on

* with temper, firmness and unanimity.

* J. L. Gervais, President.*

i THE ADDRESS OF THE'HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
*IN ANSWER TO THE GOVERNOR'S SPEECH.

' We, the house of representatives of the state of

* South Carolina, in general assembly met, return
' your excellency our most cordial thanks for your

* very interesting speech to both houses at the open-

* ing of this session, the language of which, evident-
' ly bespeaks a heart glowing v/ith ardent zeal for

< the interest and welfare of our common country.

* Wf. want words to express our heart-felt exulta-

< tion on the pleasing reverse in our affairs. On
' this spot, but a few months past, a military despo-

* tism prevailed, and tyranny, with lawless violence,

* was desolating our fair possessions ; but we now,
with ecstacy, behold a free government re-establish-

317

t ed, liberty, that greatest of temporal blessings, re-

* stored, and every citizen secured in the possession
«■ of his property by the firm barrier of the law of his
f country. This auspicious change is in a great de-
« gree owing to the prudence, firmness and good con-

* duct of your excellency.

r-Ji Ir any thing can add to the sublime and refined

* enjoyment, which must arise from your excellen-
*i cy's own reflections on your persevering, unabated

* and successful exertions towards rescuing your coun-

* try from the iron hand of oppression, be pleased,

< sir, to accept the most sincere and unfeigned thanks

* of your grateful fellow-citizens.

' The black catalogue vyhich your excellency has
*" given of British barbarities, forms but a small part

* of the whole. Whenever the historic page shall be

< stained with their story, it will exhibit a nation de-

* void of faith ; with whom oaths, treaties, and the
' most solemn compacts were considered ^s trifles :

* who, without scruple or remorse, had abandoned
' all regard to humanity, honor, justice and every
'ennobling sentiment of the human breast. It is
' hardly possible to conceive any circumstance that
*^ could aggravate the atrocious wickedness of their

* conduct. There is not left a step in the degrada-
' tion of national character to which they can now

* descend. The name of a Briton must hencefor*

< ward be a term, of reproach among all nations,

VOL. 11. 2 s

318

< We should betray a great degree of insensibility,

* and be wanting in justice to his merit, should we

* omit this occasion of acknowledging, with the
' warmest gratitude, our obligations to the great and

* gallant General Greene. His atchievements in

< this state, while they rank him with the greatest

< commanders of ancient or modern date, will cn-

< grave his name in indelible characters on the heart
f: of every friend to this country. Our acknowledg-
' ments are also due to all the brave officers and
^ men under his command, who have so often fought,
*: bled and conquered for us. The Generals Sump-
' ter, Marion and Pickens, with the brave militia

* under their commands, those virtuous citizens who
•did not despair of the commonwealth in her greatest
' extremity, are deserving of the highest commend-

< ation. The friendly, seasonable and effectual aid
'. recently afforded us by our great and illustrious

* ally, by means of which the General on whom the
' British nation seemed most to have placed their
' dependence, has been compelled to surrender the

* flower of the British army to our immortal com-
' mander in chief, must greatly increase the flame

* of gratitude which had been before kindled in the

* breast of every American, and which it will not be
» in the power of time or accident to extinguish.
« We perfectly concur in sentiment with your excel-

* lency, that, from our connection with this powerful

519

< and wise monarch, we may expect, with well-

* grounded confidence, that our independence will be

* shortly established upon an immoveable basis, nor

* need we harbor a single fear of its dissolution.

v4 <»An union which originated from such liberal and

* generous motives, and which is founded on mutual

* interest, that best cement of nations, must and will

* continue. Whether the series of losses, disasters

< and defeats of the year past, will at length recover

* Britain from her delirium, time only can disclose ;

* but as misfortune hitherto, instead of producing re-

* flection and prudence, has operated to increase her

* insanity, we agree in opinion with your excellency,

* that it is probable she will not only endeavor to keep

< possession of our capital, but make another attempt

* to subjugate the country. ..we shall therefore imme-

* diately enter upon the prosecution of the measures

* recommended by your excellency, as necessary for

* its safety; and being fully sensible how much de?

* pends upon the result of our deliberations, we will

* endeavor to proceed in the weighty business with

* firmness and temper, with vigor, unanimity and dis-

* patch.

* By order of the house,

< Hugh Rutledge, Speaker.*

On the execution of Colonel Hayne, the regular
officers of the continental army petitioned General

S20

Greene tliat he would retaliate on the British officers-;
[See appendix, note 32, 33.]

., The British emissaries had induced the Cherokee
Indians to commence hostilities against the Ameri-
cans. They, with a number of white men disguised,
made an incursion into the district of Ninety-six^
murdered some families, and burnt some houses;
General Pickens collected three hundred and ninety-
four men, and marched into the Cherokee country,
burnt thirteen towns, killed upwards of forty Indians,
and took a great number of Indians prisoners, and r^
returned in fourteen days ; not one of his party killed,
and only three wounded. This was the second time,
during the American war, that the Cherokees had
been chastised in their own settlements, and again
sued lor peace, which they obtained upon a promise
not to listen to the British emissaries, and to deliver
up all who endeavored to instigate them to war*
against the Americans.

It now became necessary, agreeably to the con-
stitution, to choose a new governor; when the honor-
able Christopher Gadsden was chosen governor, who
delivered a short speech, which he concluded as fol-
lows : ' The present times require the vigor and ac-
< tivity of the prime of life, but 1 feel the increasing
' infirmities of old age to such a degree, that I am
' conscious I cannot serve you to advantage : I there-
' fore beg, for your sakes, and for the sake of the pub-.

321

< lie, that you will indulge ms with the liberty of de-

* dining the arduous trust.' He was indulged in his
request. Then the general assembly elected the ho-
norable John Mathews governor : he filled up all va-
cancies in the civil departments, and re-established civil
government in all its branches. They also delegated
to the governor the same extensive powers with simi-
lar limitations, which they had entrusted to his pre-
decessor, « of doing all matters and things which were

* judged expedient and necessary, to secure the li-
' berty, safety and happiness of the state.*

The legislature then proceeded to business. Laws
were passed for confiscating the estates and banishing
certain persons mentioned therein ; and for amercing
the estates of others, as a substitution for the per-
sonal services of which their country had been de-
prived. The reasons that induced the assembly to
adopt the measures of confiscation, &c. were stated
by themselves in the preamble to the act, which is iu
the words following : ' Whereas the thirteen British
« colonies, now the United States of America, were,
' by an act of the parliamcHt of Great Britain, passed
' in or about the month of December, in the year of
' our Lord one thousand, seven hundred and seventy-
' five, declared to be in rebellion, and out of the pro-
' tection of the British crown ; and by the said act
* not only the property of the colonists was declared
' subject to seizure and condemnation, but diver?

seizures and destruction of their property having
been made after the nineteenth day of April, anno
X)omini one thousand, seven hundred and seventy-
five ; and before the passing of the said act, such-
seizures and destruction wtVQ by the said act de-
clared to be lawful : and, v/hereas the good people
of these states having not only suffered great losses
and damages by captures of their property on the
sea by the subjects of his Britannic majesty, but by
their seizing and carrying off much property taken
on the land: in consequence of such proceedings
of the British crown, and those acting under its
authority, the honorable Congress of the United
States, after due and mature consideration, au-
thorized the seizing and condemnation of all pro-
perty found on the sea, and belonging to the sub-
jects of Great Britain, and recommended to the se-
veral states in which such subjects had property, to
confiscate the same for the public use ; all political
connection between Great Britain and the United
States having been dissolved by the separation of
these states from that kingdom, and their declar-
ing themselves free and independent of her : in
pursuance of which recommendation, most, if not
all, have disposed of such property for the public
use. And, whereas, notwithstanding this state has
forborne even to sequester the profits arising from
the estates of British subjects, the enemy, in viola-

S2S

ition of the most solemn capitulations and piibKc.
*• engagements, by which the property of individuals
' was secured to them, seized upon, sequestered and

< applied to their own use, not only in several instances,
« the profits of the estates, but in other instances
' the estates themselves of the good citizens of this
« state, and have committed the most wanton and
« wilful waste of property both real and personal, to
' a very considerable amount.

< And whereas, from a proclamation of Sir Henry
« Clinton, declaring, that if any person should ap-
' pear in arms in order to prevent the establishment

< of his Britannic majesty's government in this coun-

< try, such persons should be treated with the utmost
' severity, and their estates be immediately seized in

* order to be confiscated : and whereas, from a letter

* of Lord Rawdon to Lieutenant Colonel Rugely, die-

< daring, that every militia-man who did not use his

* utmost endeavors to apprehend deserters, should

* be punished in such manner as his lordship should
' think adequate to such offence, by whipping, im-
' prisonment, or being sent to serve his Britannic

< majesty in the West-Indies. From Earl CornwaN

* lis' letter to Lieutenant Colonel Cruger, bearing

< date the eighteenth of August, 1780, declaring

* that he had given orders that all the inhabitants

< who had submitted, and who had taken part v/ith

* their countrymen in the first action near Camden,

524

although such submission was an act of force or
necessity, should be punished with the greatest ri-
gor...that they should be imprisoned, and their
whole property taken from them or destroyed. ..and
that he had ordered, in the most positive manner,
that every militia-man who had borne arms on the
part of his Britannic majesty, and who had after-
wards joined his fellow-citizens, although he had
been compelled to take up arms against themjf
should be immediately hanged ; and ordering thc^
said Lieutenant Colonel Cruger to obey these di-
rections in the district in which he commanded, in
the strictest manner. And, from the general tenor
of the enemy's conduct in their wilful and wanton
waste and destruction of property as aforesaid, com-
mitting to a cruel imprisonment, and even hang-
ing, and otherwise putting to death in cold blood
and an ignominious manner, many good citizens
who had surrendered as prisoners of war, it is evi-
dent that it was the fixed determination of the ene-
my, notwithstanding their professions to the con-
trary, to treat this state as a conquered country;
and that the inhabitants were to expect the utmost
severities, and to hold their lives, liberties and pro-
perties, solely at the will of his Britannic majesty's
officers.

* And it is therefore inconsistent with public jus-
' tice and policy to afford protection any longer to

325

" the property of British subjects, and just and rea*
' sonable to apply the same towards alleviating and
< lessening the burdens and expenses of the war, which
' must otherwise fail very heavy on the distressed
^ inhabitants of this state ; Be it therefore enacted'...

The Jacksonborough assembly was much censur-
ed by some, and thought to have been very severe
and cruel to their fellow-citizens, in passing the con-
fiscation, banishment and the amercement laws : but
when it comes to be considered the very men wh6
composed that legislature were yet in the field, and
many of them had been fighting during the whole
war ; and some of them perhaps with their wounds
still bleeding ; and others just returned from capti*
vity and banishment, it is not to be wondered at,
that they should be in an ill humor, and displeased
with their countrymen, who had entered into a so-
lemn compact with them, to support the rights and
liberties of their country ; and that they should be at
that very time within the British lines, under their
protection, and some of them with British commis-
sions in their pockets. The taking protection, and
remaining quiet was no great offence ; it was una-
voidable with many. I advised several of my friends,
after the fall of Charleston (who were not in the con-
tinental army) to take that step, and to stay with
their families, till we could come in force to release

VOL. II. 2 T

ihem : but to take protection, then a commission,
and then to treat their countrymen worse and with
more rigor than enemies themselves, was unpardona-
ble; but for the honor of the Jacksonborough assem-
bly, the most of those very men were members at
the first meeting of the general assembly which met
in Charleston after the evacuation. When they had
got possession of their country again, and peace was
restored, they were softened with pity, and had com-
passion for their fellow- citizens, and listened with
cheerfulness to the prayer of their petitions. I had
the honor of being appointed chairman to a large
committee from the senate, to meet a very large
committee from the house of representatives, to hear
the merits of their several petitions ; and after sitting
several weeks and giving every one a fair and im-
partial hearing, a report was made to the separate
houses in favor of a great majority ; and a great part
of those names which were upon the confiscation, ba-
nishment and amercement lists, were struck off;
and after a few years, on their presenting their pe-
titions year after year, almost the whole of them had
their estates restored to them, and themselves re-
ceived as fellow-citizens.

About the middle of January, 1782, General
Greene took post with the American army below
Jacksonborough. and in April moved down lo Beach-
hill, near Bacon-bridge, where he remained till the
seventh of July, when he came down and took post

337

at Ashley-river, about sixteen miles from Charleston :
on the fourth of April he received the following let-
ter from General Leslie :

« Head-Quakters, April 4th, 1782.
s *SiR,

* It was with deep concern I viewed, in the pro-

* ceedings of your last assembly, acts for amercing

* the property of some persons, and confiscating that

< of others, whose principles had attached them to

* the cause of their sovereign. Yet, alarming as the
<^ public resolutions appeared, I was in hopes hu-

< manity, as well as policy, would have arrested

* their execution, and that I should not have been

* compelled to take measures for their counteraction,

* injurious to the country, and therefore painful to

* me. But when these hopes were disappointed, and
:"*! found the effects of the loyal and well-affected re-

< moved from their estates, and carried to parts far
;'* distant from them, I could no longer remain the

4 quiet spectator of their distresses ; but, in order to
i-induce a juster line of conduct, I have employed a

* part of the force intrusted to my charge for their

* protection, in seizing the negroes of your friends,

* that restitution may be thereby made to such of

* ours as may suffer under these oppressive and ruin-

* ous resolutions. This, sir, was the object of the
'.*late excursion towards Santee, and these principles

328

« will greatly mark the future operations of this army,
' unless a relinquishment of this assumed right on

* your part should justify less destructive measures
' on mine.

' To point out to you, or the world, the distinction

< between temporary sequestration and actual confis-
' cation, would be impertinent; but it will by no
V means be so to observe on the opposite conduct

< pursued by each party in carrying into execution
' these very different measures ; for whilst you have

* endeavored to involve, in perpetual ruin, the per-

< sons and estates of those who have differed from
' you in political sentiments, I can safely appeal even

* to those whose violent opposition to the king's go-

< yernnient compelled the with-holding from them
' for a time their possessions in this province, for the
' great attention which has been invariably paid to
' their property. ..the connected state in which it has
' been preserved, .and the liberal allowances that were

* made to their families, insomuch, that, while other
' estates were running to waste by the distractions of
^ the country, these have greatly thriven at the ex-
' pense of government.

. * Thus far I have deemed it necessary to urge the
* mpiives of humanity, policy and example, for your
' suspension of such rigorous procedures; and should
' you tliink a meeting of commissioners on each side
^ plight tend to lessen the devastations of war, and

53§

* secure inviolate the property of individuals, I shall

* have a peculiar happiness in embracing proposals

< that may accomplish such benevolent purposes ;
' but, if, notwithstanding this earnest representation,
« you should still persevere in executing these acts
« of your assembly, I trust this letter will hold me

* justifiable to the world for any measures which
' necessity may adopt in counteraction of steps unjust

* in their principles and personally distressful in their

< consequences ; and that, whilst I only endeavor to

* secure to those, who with respectable steadiness

* have attached themselves to our cause, the full pos-

< session of their effects, or, in case of losses, to pro-
' vide an equitable restitution for them, I shall be

* clearly exculpated from all the horrors and calami-

* ties which the road you now point out unavoidably

* leads to.

* I have the honor to be,
' your most obedient

' and most humble servant,
(Signed) ' Alex. Leslie.

\'* To Major General Greene.*

To this letter General Greene returned an imme-
diate answer, ' that he had the honor to command

< the forces of the United States in the southern de-

* partment, but had nothing to do with the internal

* police of any state.' On which Lieutenant General

330

'^Leslie addressed himself to Governor Mathews, and
inclostd the letter which had been addressed to Ge-
neral Greens, to which Governor Mathews gave the
following answer :

« April 12th, 1782.
« Sir,

* I HAD the honor of receiving your letter of the
'^'•'eighth instant, inclosing one from you to Major Ge-
^'* neral Greene of the fourth, and his answer to you

"* of the same date.

< The manner in which you refer to your letter to
' General Greene, obliges me to view that letter as

* now addressed to me. I must therefore beg leave
'"*~to observe upon it, previous to answering the one

' immediately addressed to me,

* Your remaining so short a time in this state, af-

* ter the surrender of Charleston, and not returning

* to it till most of the sequestered estates had been
< rescued from the hands of your sequestrator, has

* put it out of your power to speak of the manage-
' ment of them in this country from your own know-
« ledge, consequently what has been said by you on

* that subject must have been from information. The

* character of General Leslie has always been repre-

* sented to me in so favorable a light, that candor
' forbids me to entertain the most distant idea of his

* having intentionally represented matters so con-

331

= 1 trary to fact, to answer even the greatest political

* purposes ; but it is evident that he has been most

< grossly imposed on by men in whom he had con-
' fided, and that they have betrayed him into an as-

* sertion which must injure his feelings whenever he
« is. possessed of a true state of the management of
' those estates that were put under sequestration by
' order of Lord Cornwallis.

* I WOULD not, sir, give an hasty answer to your

* observations on this subject, and thought myself

* well justified in deviating from the rule of polite-

* ness in delaying an answer, that I might have an

* opportunity of investigating truth. I have taken

* much pains in my inquiries, the result of which hao

* been the most indubitable proofs, that so far from

< these sequestered estates " having had the greatest
" attention paid to them... being preserved in a con-
<* nccted state.. .and greatly thriven," most of them,

* while under the management of your sequestrator,

< have been very greatly injured ; many have been

* nearly ruined, and others altogether so. What ex-

* pense the British government has incurred on their

* account I know not, but, I can with confidence as-
' sert, the sequestered estates have been very little be-

* nefited thereby.

* I WILL now appeal to a fact within your own know-
' ledge. You know that great numbers of the nc'
^ groes, belonging to these esates, are now within

aS2

< your lines, and lost to their owners. And on few
' plantations is a four-footed animal to be found. How

* then do you prove that the estates have been pre-

* served in a connected slate, when one half of some,

* two-thirds of others, and the whole of a few of the
^ estates have been deprived of the negroes and stock

* that were upon them when put under sequestration?

* How do you prove that these estates have greatly
*■ thriven, and that the greatest attention has been

* paid to them?

' As to the liberal allowance made to the families

* of those persons whose estates were sequestered,

* this, sir, I must beg leave to say you have been as

* greatly deceived in, as the other parts of your in-
' formation. So far from the wives and children

* having been allowed the stipulated sums out of their

* husbands' and fathers' estates, the truth is, that

* after much intreaty, and in many instances very

* unbecoming treatment, some have obtained trifling
' sums compared with what they were entitled to,

* while others have been altogether denied.

' On tlus ground of investigation, I am ready to

* meet you, sir, whenever you think proper, when

* I will undertake to produce to you the proofs of

* every thing I have here advanced.

* Your observation en the opposite conduct of
^ each party in carrying into execution the measures

* of sequestration and confiscationj so far from being

333

founded iti fact, evidently shew the uniform decep*
tion into which you have been led. In the common
acceptation of the word, it is true, sequestration
means no more than a temporary privation of pro-
perty ; but your sequestrator general, and most of
his officers, have construed this word into a very dif-
ferent meaning; and, regardless of the articles of
capitulation of Charleston, as well as of the most
sacred contracts contained in marriage-settlements,
every species of property, negroes, plate, household-
furniture, horses, carriages, cattle, &c. have been
indiscriminately torn from their owners by persons
now under your immediate command, and have been
either sent beyond seas, for the benefit of those who
had taken... I had almost said plundered them, op
now remain within your lines, and in either case
lost to their owners.

< Now, sir, let us for a moment view the conduct
of the legislature of this state in their late session*
The most sacred regard has been paid by them to
private contracts, neither marriage-settlements nor
the faith of individuals have been violated, but left
to their full Operation. A provision also was made
for the families of those whose estates have been
confiscatedi And although the property of British
subjects within this state has been confiscated, yet
the debts due to them from the citizens of this stat^
have been left untouched. And be assured, sir,

VOL, II. 2 u

d34

whilst I have the honor of holding the rank I now
do, it shall be my particular business to sec that
this, as well as every other law of the state, is exe-
cuted with lenity, fidelity and integrity.

* After these observations, permit me, sir, to
draw your serious attention to a candid and impar-
tial view of the conduct of each party on the opera-
tion of your sequestration and our confiscation acts,
when I leave you at liberty and at leisure to judge,
whether you find any difference between them, and
if you do, whether confiscation on our part is likely
to be productive of more ruinous consequences to
those who are affected by it, than sequestration on
your part has been to those unfortunate citizens of
tliis state who have felt its effects.

* As to the assumption of a right on the part of
the state, to treat its citizens according to their de-
merits, I must beg leave to observe such language
is only calculated to irritate, and by no means to
accomplish the ends you aim at. And, sir, if you
conceive ours to be no more than an assumed right,
1 have reason to suppose that no convention that
can be entered into in the negociation that you pro-
pose can be looked upon by you as binding, after it
has been in the most solemn manner concluded.
And, did T not suppose the expression had inadvert-
ently escaped you, I should rest the matter here,
and think no more about it. But the opinion I en-

335

tcrtain of General Leslie forbids me to imagine him
capable of deception.

< You entirely mistake my character when you
suppose me to be intimidated by threats, and there-
by deterred from executing the duties of the office
with which the state has honored me. For, be as*
sured, sir, the laws of this state trusted to me* must
and shall be carried into execution...maugi'e the
consequences.

' The powers vested in me by the state are very
extensive ; but I shall ever be extremely cautious
how I exercise them, and when I do I must be con-
vinced that the exercise of my extraordinary powers
is calculated to produce some proportionate benefit
to the state.

* I WOULD recommend to you, sir, to consider well
the consequences before you carry into execution
the threats you hold out ; for, remember, the estates
reserved for marriage-settlements, and the debts
due to those who have attached themselves to your
cause, as well as the debts due to the subjects of
Britain, are in my power, and that I can, in an
hour's time, deprive them of every benefit to be
derived to them from the benevolent intentions of
the legislature of this state. My sensibility would
be extremely wounded, should I be reduced to the
painful necessity of exercising this power ; but it
rests with you, sir, whether I do or not. And I shall

536

^ be as ready as you are to appeal to the world for the
^ rectitude of my conduct.

* < Your proposition for suspending the operation

* of the confiscation act, without offering any equiva-

* lent, is inadmissable. If you have any thing seri-
' ous and solid to propose on this head, I am ready
f to appoint commissioners on my part to meet those
^ of yours to confer on the business.

* I have the honor to be,
* sir, your most obedient
' and humble servant,
(Signed) * John Mathews.

^ Lieutenant General Leslie.'

After the capture of Lord Cornwallis* army in
Virginia, the Pennsylvania line marched to South
Carolina and joined General Greene, which enabled
him to send a detachment to Georgia, under the
command of General Wayne. That country had
been entirely laid waste by the desolations of war :
the rage between Whig and Tory ran so high, that
what was called a Georgia parole, and to be shot
down, were synonymous.

Armed parties were frequently making excursions
against the British detachments. Colonel Clark com-
manded a party of Georgia militia, and the twenty-
third of March, 1781, fell in with Major Dunlap,
near Ninety-siX) with a detachment of British troops :

337

the major and forty-three men were killed, and forty-
two taken prisoners.

In January, 1782, General Wayne was detached
to Savannah-river with one hundred dragoons, undec
Colonel White ; he crossed at the Two-sisters' ferry ;
having previously ordered the Americans at Augusta,
to join him at Ebenezer : he was afterwards reinforc-
ed by three hundred continental infantry under Colo-
nel Posey. The British commander hearing of the
Americans, sent orders to all the different posts, to
burn the provisions in the country, and retire withiti
their works at Savannah. The provisions were so
effectually destroyed, that the Americans were oblig-
ed to depend chiefly upon South Carolina for their
support. The garrison at Savannah consisted of
about one thousand regulars and some militia, under
the command of Brigadier General Clarke. Notwith-
standing, General Wayne appeared frequently be-
fore their lines, and attacked their picquets. Several
attempts were made to surprise the advance of the
Americans under Lieutenant Colonel Jackson, but
without effect.

About this time. Governor Martin, of the state of
Georgia, came with his council from Augusta to
Ebenezer, and re-established the American govern-
ment near the sea-coast. Soon after his arrival, he
issued his proclamation, offering every British and
Hessian soldier who would leave Savannah, two

338

hundred acres of land and some stock j which had a
very good effect.

On the twenty-first of May, 1782, Colonel Brown
marched out of Savannah, with an intention of attack-
ing the Americans, but General Wayne got between
him and Savannah, attacked him at twelve o'clock at
night, and routed his whole party. Colonel Brown
had forty men killed and twenty taken prisoners*
The Americans had only five killed and two wounded*
On the twenty-fourth of June, 1782, a party of
Creek Indians, with a British ofHcer at their head,
made an attack on General Wayne in the night.
They conducted the affair with so much spirit, that
they got possession of two field-pieces that were in the
rear; the troops so rallied and recovered the two
pieces. This was a smart action, in which they
fought hand to hand with tomahawks, swords and
bayonets: the Indians were routed; they lost one of
their chiefs, and fourteen were killed. The Ameri-
cans took a British standard and a number of horses.
The American army interrupted the intercourse be-
tween the Indians and Savannah. A party of them
were on their way to Savannah with a large quantity
of skins and a number of horses, which were taken by
General Wayne. Two of them were detained as
hostages; the remainder were sent home with provi-
sions and a friendly talk. This kind treatment, with
the successes of General Greene and the surrender

339

of Lord Cornwallls, detached the Indians from their
friends the British. *

Early in 1782, Great Britain was induced to aban-
don all offensive operations in America ; and on the
twentieth of May, 1782, General Leslie proposed to
General Greene a cessation of hostilities, but this was
declined for want of instructions from Congress; how-
ever, nothing of consequence was attempted on either
side.

A SCHEME was now adopted of evacuating the
smaller posts in the United States; Savannah being
the first southern post which was evacuated. It was
evacuated on the eleventh of July, 1782.

When the merchants and others came to be in-
formed -of this determination, they obtained per-
mission to apply to General Wayne for the security
of their property. To their deputies he replied, * that,

* should the British garrison eventually effect an evacu-

* ation, the persons and properties of such inhabitants

* and others, who choose to remain in Savannah,

* -will be protected by the military, and resigned in-

* violate into the hands of the civil authority, which
< must ultimately decide.* The merchants and in-
habitants of Savannah, having sent out a second
flag. General Wayne, at the desire of the civil au-
thority of the state, sent them for answer, ' that the
' merchants, not owing allegiance to the United

* States, will be permitted to remain a reasonable

640

* time to dispose of their goods and settle their af-

• fairs.' Major Habersham, who was charged with
this message, pledged himself that they might rely,
with the utmost confidence, on the terms proposed
to them.

On the eleventh of July, 1782, the British evacu-
ated Savannah, and the Americans took possession.
Peace was restored to Georgia, after it had been
four years in the possession of the British. It was
supposed that state lost one thousand of its citizens,
and four thousand slaves.

Early in 1782, a report circulated that the Bri-
tish intended to evacuate Charleston very shortly.
The Americans were looking forward for that happy
event every week, which, however, did not take place
till the fourteenth of December. The moving such
a body of troops with their baggage and stores, the
property of the merchants and others, and the vast
property plundered from the Americans, was a work
of time, and required a great many vessels to take
them off which could not be easily procured. How*
ever, the Americans were in possession of the whole
country, except Charleston and about five miles with-
out the gates. Major Ganey was at the head of a
small party of Tories about Little Peedee, who
hid themselves in the swamps, and would frequently
sally out, and distress the people in that neighbor-
hood. On the twenty-eighth of April, a paity of

S4l

them came out under the command of Captain Jones,
and set fire to Colonel Kolb's house; he afterwards
surrendered himself, upon a promise of his being
treaied as a p^i^oner. Notwithstanding, he had been
so notorious a villain, that he was immediately put
to death before his wife and children. Ganey was
so troublesome, that General Marion made a treaty
of neutrality with him in 1781. [See appendix, note
34.] Afterwards, the state gave them a full pardon
for all treasons which they had committed, and a se-
curity for their property, on condition of their deli-
vering up their plunder.

After it was given out in general orders that
Charleston would be evacuated, General Leslie wrote
to General Greene, offering payment tor rice and
other provisions to be sent into Charleston ; [See ap-
pendix, note 35.] at the same time threatenin^j;, that
if it was not granted for money, that it should be
taken by force.

On the proposed evacuation, the merchants and
others, who came with the British to Charleston, were
in a disagreeable situation : they had contracted large
debts with those without the lines, who were unable
to pay; they therefore applied to General Leslie,
for leave to negociate for themselves, which was
granted. A deputation trom them waited on Gover-
nor Mathews, who granted permission for them to
reside in South Carolina eighteen months, to coi-^

VOL. II. 2 z

^42

lect their debts and settle their business. This in-
dulgence was extended to a longer time by the le-
gislature.

The government refusing to send provisions to
Charleston, was the occasion of much specie being
carried away, besides losing the opportunity of sell-
ing a large portion of the produce at a very advanced
price. It was owing to their friendship for the
French nation, as it was believed, that the British
intended to supply themselves with a large quantity
of provisions, to carry on the war in the French
West-India Islands. General Leslie, finding that he
could not purchase, sent out large parties to seize
provisions near the different landings, and bring
tiiem by water to Charleston. This was effected, in
some instances, before a body of nlen could be sent
to prevent it.

': A LARGE party of the British were sent to Comba-
hee-ferry to collect provisions ; where they arrived
on. the twenty-fifth of August, 1782. Brigadier Ge-
neral Gist was detached with about three hundred
infantry and cav'alry to oppose them : he captured
one of their schooners, and prevented them, in a
great measure, from getting provisions. When the
two parties were near each other. Colonel John Lau-
rens, being advanced with a small party, fell in with
a superior force, which he engaged : he was too far
advanced to be supported by the main body. In this

343

affair he received his mortal wound, and died in tiie
field. Several of his men were killed and wounded.
The party were obliged to retreat. Soon after this,
an attack was made on a party of British on James-
Island, near Fort Johnson, by Captain Wilmot, who
was killed with some of his party ; the rest retreated.
This was the last blood which was shed in the Ame-
rican war.

When the evacuation of Charleston drew near, k
was apprehended that the British army would carry
off some thousands of negroes which were within
their lines, * To prevent this, Governor Mathews
wrote a letter to General Leslie, dated August seven-
teenth, 1782, in which he informed him, ' that, if the
' property of the citizens of South Carolina was

* carried off from its owners by the British army,

* he should seize on the debts due to the British

* merchants.. .and the confiscated estates.. .and the

* claims on those estates by marriage-settlements...

* which three articles were not included in the confis-
« cation act.' This conditional resolution operated as
a check on some, so as to restrain their avidity for
plunder, and induced General Leslie to propose a
negociation, for securing the property of both parties.
The honorable Benjamin Gerard and Edward Rut-
ledge, Esqrs. were appointed commissioners in behalf
of the state, and Alexander Wright and James John-
son; Esqrs. in behalf of the royalists. After sundry

.M4

con'wrsations, the commissioners on both sides, on
-the tenth of October, 1782, ratified a compact on this
subject, of which the following are the principal arti-
cles :

« First, That all the slaves of the citizens of South
' Carolina, now in the power of the honorable Lieu-
' tenant General Leslie, shall be restored to their

< former owners, as far as is practicable- except such
' slaves as may have rendered themselves particularly

< obnoxious on account of their attachment and ser-

< vices to the British troops, and such as had specific

< promises of freedom.

< That the faith of the state is hereby solemnly
« pledged, that none of the debts due to British mer-

< chants, or to persons who have been banished, or

* whose estates have been confiscated, or property
« secured by family settlements fairly made, or con-

* tracts relative thereto, shall now, or at any time
' hereafter, be arrested or with-held by the executive
« authority of the state...that no act of the legislature

< shall hereafter pass for confiscating or seizing the

< same in any manner whatever, if it is in the power

< of the executive to prevent it.. .and that its whole
' power and influence, both in its public and private

* capacity, shall at all times be exerted for that pur-

* pose.

« That the same power shall be allowed for the re»

* covery of the debts and property, hereby protected
and secured by the parties or their representatives,
in the courts of justice or otherwise, as the citizens
of the state may at any time be entitled unto, not*
withstanding any act of confiscation or banishment,
or any otiier disability whatever... and that the same
may be remitted to whatever part of the world they
may think proper, under the same, and no other
regulations than the citizens of the state may be sub-
ject to.

* That no slaves restored to their former owners,
by virtue of this agreement, shall be punished by
authority of the state for having left their masters,
and attached themselves to the British troops ; and
it will be particularly recommended to their respect-
ive owners to forgive them for the same.

' That no violence or insult shall be offered to the
persons or houses of the families of such persons as
are obliged to leave the state for their adherence to
the British government, when the American, army
shall take possession of the town, or at any time af-
terwards, as far as it is in the power of those in au-
thority to prevent it.

« That Edward Blake and Roger Parker Saunders,
Esqrs. be permitted to reside in Charleston, on their
parole of honor, to assist in the execution of the first
article of this compact.'

^46

In consequence of this agreement, Governor Ma-
thews ^ave a commission and a flctg to the honorable
Thomas Ferguson and Thomas Waring, Esqrs^to re-
side near the British lines, with instructions to receive
such negroes as should be delivered from the garri-
son. Edward Blake and Roger Parker Saunders,
Esqrs. had also acommi;^sion and a flag given them to
reside in Charleston, and forward the delivery of the
negroes to the gentlemen who were waiting to receive
them without the garrison. Governor Mathews re-
quested the citizens of the state to attend for the
purpose of receiving their negroes, and earnestly in-
treated that they would forgive them for having de-
serted their service and joined the British. Great
■were the expectations of the suffering inhabitants,
that they would soon obtain re-possession of their
property ; but these delusive hopes were of short du-
ration. Notwithstanding the solemnity with which
the compact had been ratified, it was so far evaded as
lo be in a great measure ineffectual for the end pro-
posed.

Edward Blake and Roger Parker Saunders, Esqrs*
having waited on General Leslie, were permitted
to examine the fleet bound to St. Augustine ; but
were not suffered to examine any vessel that wore
the king's pepdant. Instead of an examination?
the word of the commanding officer, to restore aH
the slaves that were on board; in violation of. the

' 54?

compact, was offered as an equivalent. In their search
of the Augustine fleet, they found and claimed one
hundred and thirty-six negroes. When they attend-
ed to receive them on shore, they were surprised to
find no more than seventy-three landed for delivery.
They then claimed this small residue of the original
number, to be forwarded to the other commissioners
without the lines, but they were informed by Gene-
ral Leslie, that no negroes would be delivered, till
three soldiers wei-e restored that had been taken by
a party of General Greece's army. On that occa-
sion, the following letter was written to Edward
Blake and Roger Parker Saunders, Esqrs:

< Head-Quarters, October 18th, 1782,
* Gentlemen,
^ GfcNERAL Leslie was much surprised on finding

< that a large patrole from General Greene's army,
' two days ago, came down so near our advanced
' post on CharleSton-neck, as to carry off three sol-
' diers who were a little way in the front. At the
' time this act of hostility was committed, Mr. Fer-
' guson and another person was at Accabee, where I
' btlieve they still remain, in expectation of receiving

* the negroes to be delivered up, without any sanction

* but that of the agreement entered into.

* I AM directed to observe, that if a line of conduct

< on th^ p^irt of General Greene so different from

348

* ours, is adopted, that it must 6f course put an end

* to the pacific intentions General Leslie means to

* follow in regard to this province, during the short

* time he is to remain in it.

* He wishes you will inform Governor Mathews,

* that he expects the soldiers taken away will be re-
' turned, and that the governor will take proper

* measures to have this requisition complied with.
< Until this is done, General Leslie must be under

* the necessity of putting a stop to the farther com-

* pletion of the agreement.

' I am, gentlemen,
' your most obedient,
* humble servant,

' J. Weyms, D. A. General*
' Roger P. Saunders and

' Edward Blake, Esqrs.*

This letter being forwarded to Governor Mathews,
he replied to it in a letter to General Leslie, in the
following words :

< October 19th, 1782, ^

* I WAS a few minutes ago favored with a let=
^ ter from Messrs. Biake and Saunders, inclosing
< one to them from Major Weyms, written by your
* authority. As I do not like a second-hand corres-

349

< pondence, I therefore address myself immediately

< to you.

< I ADDRESSED a letter to you this morning, by

* which you will find, that I was not even then with-

< out some apprehensions of an intended evasion of

* the compact entered into on the tenth instant: but

< on the receipt of Major Weyms* letter, no room

* was left me for doubt ; which obliges me, without

< giving farther trouble to those engaged in the busi-
' ness, and introducing farther altercation between

< us, to declare, that I look on that agreement as

* dissolved, and have accordingly ordered my com-

< missioners immediately to quit your lines. But. be-

* fore I take my final leave of you, permit me to make

* one or two observations on Major Weyms' letter,
' as probably the whole correspondence between us

* may one day be brought to public view.

' On the twelfth instant I wrote to you, to know

* whether persons going to Accabee, to bring off

* their negroes when brought there, should be pro-
' tected from your armed parties; and farther, to

* permit me to send a party of miilitia to guard the

* negroes remaining unclaimed to some part of the

* country where they could be supplied with provi-
' sions. To this letter I have received no answer,
' which has obliged me to use the precaution of giv-

* ing flags to all persons who have applied to go to

* Accabee, as I could on no principle look on that

VOL. II. 2 r

350

' ground as neutral until it had been mutually agreed

< on as such. Indeed, I was left to conclude the con-

* trary was intended on your part, both by your tedi-

* ous silence, and detachments from your army mak-

* ing excursions as far as Ashley-ferry, which was

* absolutely the case the morning of the day that tho

< party from General Greene's army took the soldiers
' you so peremptorily demand of me. And, if I am
' rightly informed, hostilities were commenced by

* your party. But, be that as it may, I conceive it of
« little consequence, as either party had a right to

* commence hostilities on hostile ground, and be-

* tween enemies every spot must be considered as

* such until mutually agreed upon to be otherwise.

< Besides, it is a well-knov/n fact, that there is not a

* day but some of your armed parties are on that very

< ground which you affect to hold neutral.

< With regard to Messrs. Ferguson and Waring

< remaining at Accabee unmolested ; I hold myself
i under no manner of obligation to you for this for-
*,bearance, as I informed you they were there under

* the sanction of a flag...that they were to remain

* there for the purpose of receiving the negroes sent
« out by the agents in Charlestown* They were there-
i fore authorised to continue there till you signified

* the contrary to them. Flags from you have re-
i mained within half a mile of our lines for several

* days, even on private business, without the least

351

^ molestation whatever. Besides, sir, if your reason-

* ing, as far as it applies to those gentlemen, proves

* any thing, it proves too much, because, on the same

< principle, the other two commissioners, being in

* Charlestown, ought to make that neutral ground also,

* notwithstanding no stipulation for that purpose had

< been entered into. I never interfere with General
« Greene's military plans, therefore the paragraph
' which relates to his operations ought to have been

< addressed to him ; but I believe he pays as little

* regard to threats as I do.

* I have the honor to be,
(Signed) < John Mathews,

* Lieutenant General Leslie.*

This was the unsuccessful termination of a bene-
volent scheme, originally calculated for mitigating
the calamities of war. Motives of humanity, toge-
ther with the sacred obligation of the provisional ar-
ticles of peace, prevented the state of South Carolina
from extending their confiscation laws. Instead of
adding to the list of the unhappy sufferers on that
score, the successive assemblies diminished their
number.

The prospects of gain, from the sale of plundered
negroes, were too seducing to be resisted by the offi-
cers, privates and followers of the British army. On

S5$

their departure from Charlestown, upwards of eight
hundred slaves, who had been employed in the en-
gineer department, were shipped off for the West
Indies. It was said and believed, that these were
taken by the direction, and sold for the benefit of
Lieutenant Colonel Moncriefi. The professional abi-
lities of that distinguished officer cannot be too much
applauded, nor his rapacity too much detested. The
slaves carried off by the chief engineer were but a
small part of the whole taken away at the evacuation,
but their number is very inconsiderable Avhen com-^
pared with the thousands that were lost from the
first to the last of the war. It has been computed by
good judges, that, between the years 1775 and 1783,
the state of South Carolina was deprived of negroes
to the amount of twenty-five thousand.

The evacuation, though officially announced by
General Leslie on the seventh of August, as soon to
be adopted, did not take place till the fourteenth of
December, 1782.

The latter end of February, 1782, while I was at
Philadelphia, I received my certificate of exchange,
with my parole (cancelled) from Colonel Skinner :
as they come from the first authorities, I here insert
them that they may serve for precedents in future.

* These are to certify, that Brigadier General

555

i William Moultrie, in the service of the United
' States of America, and late prisoner of war to the
' British, was, on the ninth day of this month, re-

< gularly exchanged, with a number of other Ameri*

< cans, by composition for Lieutenant General Bur-

< goyne, of the British forces, and late a prisoner of

* war to the United States of America.

< Given under my hand this nineteenth day of

< February, 1782.

' Abraham Skinner,
< Commissary General of Prisoners*

* To whom it may concern.*

< I DO hereby acknowledge myself to be a prisoner

* of war upon my parole, to his excellency Sir Hen-

< ry Clinton, Sec. and that I am thereby engaged,

* until I shall be exchanged, neither to do, or cause

< any thing to be done, prejudicial to the success of

< the arms of his Britannic majesty : and I do further

* pledge my parole, that I vvill not intentionally go

< within twelve miles of any British garrison or post,

< and that I will surrender myself when required,

* agreeable to the terms of the cartel made on the
' third of May, 1782, for the exchange and relief of

* prisoners of war taken in the southern depart'
^ ment*.

* For the Articles of a Cartel of Exchange, see psge 1983
vbl. iio

354

^ In witness v>'hereof, I have hereunto subscribed
c my name this eighth day of July, in the year of
< our Lord, one thousand, seven hundred and eighty-
' one.

< Wm. Moultrie,
* Brigadier General,
* Charlestown, South Carolina,
^ John Brown, A. Commissary of Prisoners.
* Geo. Gibes, D. A. Commissary.*

General Burgoyne's exchange, released almost
a whole brigade of American officers, prisoners of
war. Only two of the South Carolina line were in-
cluded in this exchange, which were Colonel C.
Pinckney* and myself.

Soon after my being exchanged, I prepared to set
off with' my family for South Carolina, and early in
April left Philadelphia, and arrived at Waccamaw
in South Carolina in June, where I was informed
that General Greene's army lay at Ashley-river,
quite inactive, and no military operations going on.
I remained at Winyaw till late in September, at
which time I paid a visit to General Greene. It
was the most dull, melancholy, dreary ride that any
one could possibly take, of about one hundred miles
through the woods of that country, which I had

General Pinckney •

ass

been accustomed to see abound with live-stock and
wild fowl of every kind, was now destitute of all. It
had been so completely checquered by the different
parties, that not one part of it had been lefc unex-
plored; consequently, not the vestiges of horses, cat-
tle, hogs, or deer, &c. was to be found. The squirrels
and birds of every kind were totally destroyed. The
dragoons told me, that on their scouts, no living erea-
ture was to be seen, except now and then a few
camp scavengers,* picking the bones of some unfor-
tunate fellows, who had been shot or cut down, and
left in the woods above ground. In my visit to Ge-
neral Greene's camp, as there was some danger from
the enemy, I made a circuitous route to General Ma-
rion's camp, then on Santee-river, to get an escort
which he gave me, of twenty infantry and twenty ca-
valry: those, with the volunteers that attended me
from Georgetown, made us pretty strong. On my
way from General Marion's to General Greene's
camp, my plantation was in the direct road, where I
called and stayed a night. On my entering the
place, as soon as the negroes discovered that I was
of the party, there was immediately a general alarm,

and an outcry through the plantation, that * Mass£|

-0
was come ! Massa was come I' and they were runmng

from every part with great joy to see me. Lstood in

* Turkey buzzards.

S56

»he piazza to receive them : they gazed at me with
astonishment, and every one came and took me by
the hand, saying, ' God bless you, massa! we glad for
see you, massa !' and every now and then some one
or other would come out with a ' ky 1' And the old
Airicans joined in a war-song in their own language,
of ' welcome the war home.' It was an affecting
meeting between the slaves and the master: the tears
stole from my eyes and run down my cheeks. A
ti umber of gentlemen that were with me, could not
help being affected at the scene. Many are still
alive, and remember the circumstance. I then pos-
sessed about two hundred slaves, and not one of them
left me during the war, although they had had great
offers, nay, some Avere carried down to work on the
British lines, yet they always contrived to make their
escapes and return home. My plantation I found to
be a desolate place ; stock of every kind taken off j
the furniture carried away, and my estate had been
uoder sequestration. The next day we arrived at
General Greene's camp ; on our near approach, the
air was so infected with the stench of the camp, that
we cauld scarcely bear the smell; which shows the
necessity of moving camp often in the summer, in
these hot climates. General Greene expecting the
evacuation io take place every week, from the month
of August, was the reason he remaii^ed so long Oi\
tiie s:iine ground.

357

Before I conclude my memoirs, I must make iny
last tribute of thanks to the patriotic fair of South
Carolina and Georgia, for their heroism and virtue
in those dreadful and dangerous times whilst we
were struggling for our liberties. Their conduct de-
serves the highest applause ; and a pillar ought to be
raised to their memory : their fortitude was such as
gave examples, even to the men to stand firm ; and
they despised those who were not enthusiasts in their
country's cause : the hardships and difficulties they
experienced were too much for their delicate frames
to bear ; yet they submitted to them with, a he-
roism and virtue that never has been excelled by
the ladies of any country; and I can with safety
Say, that their conduct during the war contributed
much to the independence of America.

From J. Burnet, Esq^

< AsHLEY-HiLL, December ISth, 1782,

' Sir,

< The general commands me to say, that
< his excellency the governor, intends passing the

* river at Cedar-grove, and to meet him on the

* other side of Ashley-ferry, at 12 o'clock to-mor-
' row.

' General Greene wishes to leave this place bs-

VOL. II* 2 z

358

•^fore 10 o'clock ; when he hopes to have the plea-
sure of seeing you here. ^.'J'
* I have the honor to be, &c. "'^

* J. Burnet, ^^
< The honorable Aid-dc-Camp.

* Major Gen. Moultrie,
• Middleton-place.'

EVACUATION.

On Saturday, the fourteenth day of December,
1782, the British troops evacuated Charlestown, af-
ter having possession two years, seven months, and
two days.

The evacuation took place in the following manner :
Brigadier General Wayne was ordered to cross Ash-
ley-river,* with three hundred light-infantry, eighty of
Lee's cavalry, and twenty artillery, with two six-
founders, to move down towards the British lines,
v/hich was near Colonel Shubrick's, and consisted of

three redoubts. General Leslie who commanded in

town, sent a message to General Wayne, informing
him, that he would next day leave the town, and for
the peace and security of the inhabitants, and of the'
town, would propose to leave their advanced works

* General Greene's army lay on the west side of Ashley*
ifiver, above the terry.

next day at the firing of the morning gun ; at which
time, General Wayne should move on slowly, and
take possession ; and from thence to follow the Bri-
tish troops into town, keeping at a respectful dis-
tance (say about two hundred yards ;) and when the
British troops after passing through the tov/n gates,
ihould file off to Gadsden's-wharf, General Wayne
was to proceed into town, which was done with
great order and regularity, except now and then the
British called to General Wayne that he was too fast
upon them, which occasioned him to halt a little*
About 1 1 o'clock, A. M. the American troops march-
ed into town and took post at the state-house.

At 3 o'clock, P. M. General Greene conducted
Governor Mathews, and the council, with some other
of the citizens into town: we marched in, in the
following order: an advance of an ofiicer and thirty
of Lee's dragoons ; then followed the governor and
General Greene ; the next two were General Gist and
myself; after us followed the council, citizens and
officers, making altogether about fifty : one hundred
and eighty cavalry brought up the rear : we halted in
Broad-street, opposite where the South Carolina
bank now stands j there we alighted, and the cavalry
discharged to quarters: afterwards, every one went
where they pleased ; some in viewing the town,
others in visiting their friends. It was a grj^nd and

360

pleasing sight, to see the enemy's fleet (upwards of
three hundred sail) laying at anchor from Fort John-
son to Five-fathom-hole, in a curve line, as the cur-
rent runs ; and v/hat made it more agreeable, they
were ready to depart from the port. The great joy
that was felt on this day, by the citizens and soldiers,
was inexpressible : the widows, the orphans, the aged
men and others, who, from their particular situations,
were obliged to remain in Charlestown, many of
whom had been cooped up in one rooni of their owa
elegant houses for upwards of two years, whilst the
other parts were occupied by the British officers, ma-
ny of whom where a rude uncivil set of gentlemen ;
their situations, and the many mortifying circum-
stances occurred to them in that time, must have
been truly distressing. I cannot forget that happy
day when we marched into Charlestown with the
American troops; it was a proud day to me, and I
felt myself much elated, at seeing the balconies, the
doors, and windows crowded with the patriotic fair,
the aged citizens and others, congratulating us on
our return home, saying, « God bless you, gentle-
men ! you are welcome home, gentlemen I* Both ci-
tizens and soldiers shed mutual tears of joy.

It was an ample reward for the triumphant soldier,
after all the hazards and fatigues of war, which he
had gone through, to be the instrument of releasing
his friends and fellow citizens from captivity, and re=

561

storing to them their liberties and possession of thck
city and country again.

...This fourteenth day of Dc;cember, 1782, ought
never tp be forgotten by the Carolinians ; it ought to
be a day of festivity with them, as it was the rea^
4ay: pf their deliverance and independence.

ITht fell owing orders should have been inserted in the preach hg

part of this volume, but was omitted by mistake.}
• besolutions of congress and orders froh
general v^ashington*

* Head-Quarters, Shutt's-Hill,

June 18th, 1780.
« As it is at all times of great importance, both
for the sake of appearance and for regularity of ser-
vice, that the different military ranks should be distin-r
gnished from each other, and more especially at the
present, the commander in chief has thought proper
to establish the following distinctions, and strongly
recom.mends to all the oilicers to endeavor to conform
with them as speedily as possible.
- * The major generals to wear a blue coat with buff
facings and lining, yellow buttons, white or buff under
clothes, two epaulets with two stars upon each, and a
black and white feather in the hat,

• The brigadier generals the same uniform as the
major generals, with the difference of one star instead
of two, and white feather. The colonels, lieutenant

S63

colonels and majors, the uniform of their regiments
and two epaulets ; captains, the uniform of their regi-
ments and an epaulet on the right shoulder ; the sub-
alterns, the uniform of their regiments and an epau-
let on the left shoulder.

< The aid-de-camps, the uniform of their rank and
corps ; or, if they belong to no corps, the uniform of
their general officers : those of the major general
and brigadier generals, to wear a green feather in
their hats; those of the commander in chief, white
and green.

' The inspectors, as well sub, as brigade, the uni-
form of their ranks and corps, with a blue feather in
the hat.

< The corps of engineers, and that of sappers and
miners, a blue coat with buff facings, buff under
clothes, and the epaulets of their ranks : such of the
staff, as have military rank, to wear the uniform of
the rank, and the corps to which they belong in th©
Kne; such as have no military rank, to wear a plain
blue coat, with a cockade and sword.

' All officers, as well warranted as commission*
ed, to wear side arms, either swords or genteel bay-^
onets.

* By order of his Excel. General Washington.

^ ScA5iMEL, Adjutant GeneraU*

APPENDIX.

NOTE I.

Letter from the President.
Sir, April 6th, 1778.

I HAVE received letters and information from the
Congarees, which give good grounds to suspect that
some design is formed to disturb the tranquility of the
interior parts of this state. Several of the inhabitants
have suddenly and secretly withdrawn themselves
from their habitations, and have manifested, by other
parts of their behavior, that some enterprise is in
agitation, that may, if not timely attended to, sur-
prise us at a disadvantage. I have ordered Colonel
Beard to keep a good look out, and to raise a proper
number of his militia, so as to be in readiness to op-
pose any sudden attempt that may be undertaken by
those people called Tories. I have taken the liberty
to direct him in case the matter should wear a serious
aspect and require a greater force than he can rea-
dily draw from his regiment, to apply for aid and suc-
cor to Colonel Thomson, who, I believe has a detach-
ment of his regiment near those parts, as I intended
to apply to you to give the required assistance. I
wish the present appearances whicl\ have given this
alarm may blow over without producing any ill con-

364*

sequences. Perhaps the late incursions of the Florida
scouts in those parts, may have afforded an opportu-
nity of tampering with the ill-affected, and of exciting
ill humours amongst them. However this may be,
it is prudent to be prepared against the worst.

I am, czc»
Rawlins Lowndes.

The honorable General Moultrie,

Hitherto the state had paid and clothed the troops,
and furnished every article that was necessary for
m.ilitary operations from their own stores, the conti-
nent having nothing here at the time, which blended
the civil and military so much together, as brought on
disagreeable altercations, and made it quite a hetero-
geneous command, because it constrained the com-
manding officer of the troops to apply to the president
for the smallest article for the use of the army. In
consequence of the above letter from the president, I
■wrote the following. -

NOTE II.

Letter to the President.
Sir, April 11, 1778.

As there are disturbances in this and the neighbor-
ing-states, and as the matter may grow more serious,
I shall frequentl)^ have occasion for different articles
from the public stores, for the use of the continental

,365

troops in this state. I have daily applications from the
different commanding officers, sometimes for trifling
articles, which I am sorry to trouble you with at
every Call; I shall therefore be obliged to you, to or-
der the public store-keeper to deliver to my order, or
to the deputy quarter-master general on his giving a
receipt for the same, such articles as may be wanted
for the troops or forts, in times of alarm or actual
invasion. It is impossible I can have time to send
to you by letter or otherwise for every article ; should
I be under that necessity, it would retard our busi-
ness, and perhaps be the loss of the whole.

The deputy quarter-master general informs mcj
he is in want of twenty thousand pounds to pay the
debts already incurred, and for future services: I
shall be much obliged to your excellency for an or-
der on the treasurer in favor of the deputy quarter*
master general for that sum, for the use of the troops

in this state. I am, &c.

William Moultrie-

To his Excellency Rawlins Lowndes,

NOTE III.

Letter to the President of Congress.
Sir, April 19th, 177S.

The honorable Major General Howe being now
in Georgia, the command of the continental troops in

VOL. II. 3 A

366

this state devolves upon me : I therefore do myself
the honor of writing you to inform you of such
matters as fall within the line of my duty.

Another matter which occurred the other day,
was this : requesting the favor of the president to or-
der the treasurer of this state, to advance to the deputf
quarter-master general, twenty thousand pounds for
the use of the continental troops in this state, he re-
fused, until he could first see the quarter-master's ac-
counts ; I desired the deputy quarter-master general
to send him his books for his perusal, which he ac-
cordingly did, by his clerk, but the president was not
well pleased on his not waiting upon him himself:
the deputy quarter-master general said, he had no
business with the president ; his business was with
the commanding ofEcer: the president also desired
the accounts to be drawn out and placed in the hands
of the auditor of this state. I told him I thought the
auditor had no business with the accounts; that he
was not a competent judge whether they were right
or not; that the accounts were transmitted to the
board of v/ar and to General Mifflin, who were the'
proper judges, and who laid them before Congress.
The president apprehended, by a resolution of Con-
gress, passed February the ninth, 1778, that he had
the power of suspending Colonel Huger, but I differ-
ed entirely with him, and told him, that officer had
his commission immediately from Congress: he re-

567

plied, that * he was only a deputy of General Miff-
< lin's.' I shall be much obliged to your honor to
represent these matters to Congress and have them
cleared up, as I should be extremely unhappy to
have any difference with the executive authority dur-
ing my command. I yesterday received letters by
express from General Howe, acquainting me that he
is apprehensive of an invasion on the state of Georgiai
but does not mention any particulars; but, from flying
reports, the insurgents from our back country are
gone off, to the number of five or six hundred, to join
Kirkland, who has a body of men at Pensacola, and
Brown, at St. Mary's. They are to be supported by-
troops from Augustine, with some Indians. Ge-
neral Howe has ordered me to send him two hundred
and fifty continental troops, and thirty matrosses with
two field-pieces. The president has ordered three
hundred men from Bull's, and four hundred from
Williamson's regiment, to rendezvous at Purisburgh,
ready to support them, which I thinls. will be quite

sufficient, &c.

I have the honor to be, yours. Sec.

William Moultrie.
The Honorable Henry Laurens,

S68

NOTE IV.
Extracts of a Letter from General Howe.
Savannah, April i4th, 1778.
Dear Sir,

The situation of aifairs here, makes it ne-
cessary to desire that the men under marching or-
ders, repair, with all possible expedition to Puris-
burgh, where they will receive directions as to their
further conduct. You will take care that they are pro-
vided with every military requisite, as this slate can-
not furnish them. You are, however, not to delay
the march of the men, for any preparations of this
sort^ as I am exceedingly anxious for their arrival,
and shall continue to be so, till they do arrive.

I HAVE written to the president, requesting the
favor of him to supply you with such stores, or other
requisites as the continental agent cannot furnish you
with, and inclose you a memorandum of what just
now occurs to me. When I wrote you before, though
I thought it eligible to prepare for the worst, yet I
had hopes that things would not have been so serious ;
but the aspect they now wear, induces me to believe,
that this state, deplorably weak in itself, will need
every support yours can give it : I am therefore un-
der the necessity of ordering fifty men from the first
regiment, and also thirty men from the artillery,

369

with two field-pieces, with every thing proper for
action.

I am, &c.

Robert Howe.
* Brig. Gen. Moultrie.

- NOTE V.

Letter to the President.

Charlestown, April 18th, 1778»
Sir,

Major General Howe has ordered me to send a
detachment of two hundred and fifty men. and thirty
matrosses with two field-pieces, from this state, to
march immediately to Georgia : he has also sent me
a list of military stores much wanted there and has
desired me to request the favor of you- to let us have
such articles from the arsenal of this state as can be
spared, and that we cannot be supplied with from
the continental agent here. I herewith send you a
list of the articles wanted, and also sixty tents for the
detachment, and three hundred havi-e-sac. He de-
sires me, by all means, to have the commissary, the
pay-master and the deputy quarter-master general to
be well provided with money ; all of which he must
know cannot be done without the favor of this state
lending the money, as we have no military chest
here. I am sorry to be under the necessity of re-
quiring a loan from the treasury, as I know the great

demands upon it, and the little money in bank ;
however, if we cannot be supplied, I fear it will be
of very dangerous consequences to Georgia, as well
as to this state, if not soon relieved by us. I have
shown you General Howe's letter, in which you see
how pressing he is to expedite the marching of the
troops.

J have the honor to be, 8cc.

William Moultrie,
Brigadier General.
To his Excellency Rawlins Lowndbs.

NOTE VI.
Letter, from the President.
Sis, April irth, 177$.

Several gentlemen being out of town, I am
not able to make a council. Such part of the articles
which you mention in your list that we can spare,
consistent with a proper attention to our own safety,
you shall have ; but I cannot ascertain the quantity or
species, until I make further inquiry. The tents,
the iron and the lead, we shall be obliged to curtail,
as also the cartridge-paper. The most difficult article
is the cash, which we certainly are not in a condition
to supply in any considerable amount.
I am Sir, &c.

Rawlins Lowndes.

Brig. Gen. Moultrie. -^

NOTE VII.

Letter to General Howe.

Charlestown, April 18th, 1778,

Dear Sir,

I received yours by express, last night, and
shall order the first detachment off to-morrow morn-
ing ; the remainder of the first regiment and the
artillery will march off on Monday, under the com-
mand of Colonel Charles C. Pinckney ; he, I think
you will be glad to see with the detachment. I ap-
plied to the president for the articles you wanted, a^
by your list sent me. He says, < what we can spare,
' consistent with a proper attention to our own safety,

< you shall have, but I cannot ascertain the quantity
« or species, until I make further inquiry. The tents,

< (I applied for sixty,) the iron and the lead, we shall
« be obliged to curtail, and also the cartridge-paper.
« The most difficult article is the cash, which we
* certainly are not in a condition to supply, in any
' considerable amount.' The treasury, I know,, is at
a very low ebb just now, owing to the many large
draughts for our navy. They are almost tired of ad-
vancing for the continent. I wish you had been
more particular in your letter, relative to your ap"
prehensions of Georgia. You have left us to guess
at the number, situation and posture of the enemy.
A part of our unfortunate fleet is returned.. .the Gene-
ral Moultrie and Morgan. They give us the parti-

372

culars of the unhappy fate of the Randolph. She blew
up in about fifteen minutes engagenient, fighting
at a most infernal rate. The ship she engaged was
the Yarmouth of sixty-four guns. They were so
jiear as to throw their hand granades from their tops
upon each other's decks : in short, during the lime
of the action, it was one continual blaze of fire. &c.
I am, Sec.

William Moultrie.

NOTE VIII.
Extract of a Letter from General Howe's
Aid-de-camp.
Savannah, April 18th, 1778.
Sir,

I am directed by General Howe to request of
you, that you would have the remaining part of the
continental troops, amounting to one half the number
and allowed by the president and council of your state,
in immediate readiness for marching, upon receiving
the general's orders. The general is extremely anxi-
ous to have the stores he wrote for forwarded with
ali possible expedition, and which he trusts your di-
ligence will exert itself not to permit to be delayed at
a time of such critical danger.
I am, &c.

J. F. Grimkie, Aid-de-Camp.
To Brig. Gen. Moultrie.

373

NOTE IX.
Letter from Major Grimkie.

Savannah, April 21st, 1778.
Sir,

Inclosed you have the deposition of a person
arrived in Savannah this evening, in three days from.
St. Augustine, which is of the utmost importance.
I am sure, sir, that you will not only see the necessity
of ordering up the remainder of the troops allowed
by the governor and council, but that you will,
without delay, execute the orders I inclosed you this
morning. You will therefore be pleased to order
them to rendezvous at Savannah as soon as possible.
The person who makes this affidavit, is a gentleman
of_ reputation, and has traded to Savannah ten or
twelve years.

I am, Sec.

T. F. GRiMivii^, Aid-de-Camp.
Brig. Gen. Moultrie.

NOTEX.

Georgia*
Captain James Mercer at Savannah, bemg auiy
sworn, maketh oath and saith, ' that the deponent

< about the seventeenth day of A.pril, sailed from Stjt

< Augustine with a French lad, and set sail from

* thence with intent to come to this state, where he

* is now happily arrived ; after mentioning to the peo«

vol. II. 3 b

5r4

pie in Augustine that the deponent was bound to
St. John's, the better to secure his safe passage and
prevent suspicions of his coming to Georgia.. .That
a number of troops under the command of, and with
General Provost, had left Augustine, and were des-
tined towards the Alatamaha, as the deponent was
informed... That he believes about three hundred
men, regular troops, were left to garrison at Augus-
tine, as was said. ..That the deponent, on his arrival
m Augustine, was informed there were about four-
teen hundred men in Augustine ; and the deponent
saw some of the battalions reviewed.. .That about
three hundred men from the back parts of South
Carolina had arrived and encamped at St. Mary's ;
and that seven hundred more were expected, and on
their march to join them; and that advice of the
three hundred had been sent to Augustine...That an
express had come from the Creek Indians, inform-
ing, that they, the Indians, were coming down to join
the people of St. Augustine, as was reported.. .That
it was generally believed that an expedition was on
foot against Georgia.. .That a number of French
prisoners had been sent off, and that two cartels
bound to Chariestown or to Georgia, were ready to
sail, with a number of prisoners on board the vessels
appointed for that purpose; and that no ships of war
were off the bar of Augustine when he the deponent
left the place, other than Bachop's sloop of twelve

375

< guns, in the harbor, bound on a cruizc.That the
i deponent further said, that he saw and partook of
* plenty of salt provisions, but very little fresh, &c.

* James Mercer.'
Sworn before me, 21st April, 1778.

Wm, Stephens, Attorney General.

NOTE XI.

Letter from Colonel Elbert to General
Howe, inclosed to me.

Frederica Harbor, on board the Sloop Rebecca*
Dear General, April 19th, 1778.

I HAVE the happiness to inform you, that about
ten o'clock this forenoon, the Brigantinc Hinchen-
brook, the Sloop Rebecca, and the prize brig, all
struck the British colors, and surrendered to the
American arms. Having received intelligence that
the above vessels were at that place, I put about
three hundred men, by detachments, from the troops
under my command at Fort Howe, on board the
three gallies...the Washington, Captain Hardy ; the
Lee, Captain Braddock; and the Bullock, Captain
Hatcher; and a detachment of artillery with two
field-pieces, under Captain Young, I put on board a
boat. With this little army we embarked at Darien,
and last evening effected a landing at a bluff, a mile
below the town ; having Colonel White on boai'd the
Lee, Captain Melvin on board the Washington, and

3/6

Lieutenant Petty on board the Bullock ; each with a
sufficient party of troops. Immediately on landing,
I dispatched Lieutenant Ray and Major Roberts with
about one hundred men, who marched directly up to
the town, and made prisoners three marines and two
sailors belonging to the Hinchenbrook. It being
late, the galley did not engage until this morning.
You must imagine what my feelings were, to see
our three little men-of-war going on to the attack of
those three vessels who have spread terror on our
coast, and who drew up in order of battle. But the
weight of our metal soon damped the courage of
those heroes, who took to their boats; and as many
as could, abandoned their vessels, with every thing
on board. ..of which we immediately took possession.
What is extraordinary, we have not one man hurt.
Captain Ellis is drowned, and Captain Mawberry made
his escape. As soon as I can see Colonel White>
who has not come up with his prize, I shall consult
with him and the others on the expediency of attack^
jng the Galatea, now laying at Jakyl.
I am, &c.

Samuel Elbert*

NOTE xn.

Letter to General Howb.
Dear Sir, April 24th, 1778.

J received yours by express, last night, and

heartily rejoice at your success under Colonel Elbert,
and hope soon to hear of their taking the Galatea. I
doubt not but this will rouse the drooping spirits of
the Georgians, and I think it will stop General Pcor
vost's further progress. Our first detachment march- .
ed off a few days ago, and Colonel Charles C. Pinck-
ney with the second, went off yesterday. I have the
use of the state galley to send to Georgia ; I shall
man her with some soldiers, and in her send you ten
thousand pounds of powder, and the cannon-shot, with
some cartridge-paper, &c. with some of your stores^
Ithinkthey mightgetto Savannah sooner than if they
went by land. I have ordered the remainder of Thom-
son's and Sumpter's regiments to be ready to march
on my receiving your further orders. I cannot send
you a general return of the troops by the express, but
I will have them ready to send you by the next op-
portunity. Our number of continental troops be-
longing to this state, amount to about fifteen hundred.
I doubt not but that you will have boats ready to
convey the troops from Purisburgh to Savannah. I
am much hurried in getting the stores on board the

galley. I therefore refer you to Colonel Charles C.

Pinckney for particulars, S^c.

1 am, &c.

William Moultris.

Brip;adier General.

276

NOTE XIII.
Letter from Major Grimkie.

HsAD-QuARTERS, Savannah, April 26th, 1778.
Sir,

I HAVE to request your excuse if I did not de-
liver myself so explicitly as I was ordered to do in
the last letter I wrote you by desire of Major Gene-
ral Howe. As I did not keep a copy, not having
time to write it over again, I cannot refer to the or-
der, nor do I at present recollect in what mode of ex^
pression I delivered myself. The order, sir, that it
was my intention to transmit you, should have posi-
tively declared the necessity for the immediate march
of the troops, forming the remaining part of the
continental battalions in the state of South Caro-
lina. You will please, therefore, to order the troops
you refer to, whom you say you have directed to
be ready to march at a moment's warning, and
consists of the other parts of Colonel Thomson's
and Sumpter's regiments. They are to proceed
to Fort Howe, by the shortest road upon the Ala-
tamaha, without touching at Savannah, &c.

By order of the General,

I am, &c.
J. F. Grimkie, Aid-de-Camp.
Bii,^. Gen. Moultrie,

379

NOTE XIV.

Letter to Major Grtmkie.
Sir, Charlesto-wn, May 1st, 1778.

The excuse you request should rather be asked
by me, as I neglected to inform you, that your orders
were very explicit, and I accordingly put them in ex*
€Cution, excepting for Thcm.sons, in lieu of which I
sent the first regiment, as they are better clothed and
disciplined. I hope this last detachment will reach
you by Sunday next. I can scarcely have time to or-
der them to the Alatamaha: their orders w^ere to pro-
ceed immediately to Purisburgh. I think it will still
be the best w^ay, as I have sent the galley round to
Savannah, with a quantity of stores and officers' bag-
gage. I am sending a schooner with about two hun-
dred barrels of pork ; if more should be wanted, we
can spare it very well. I wish General Howe would
order the galley back as soon as she has delivered
her cargo, that she may be here ready, in case he
should want any other assistance.
I am, &c.

William Moultrie.
Brigadier General*

NOTE XV.
Letter from General Kowe.
Dear Sir, Savannah. May 3, 1778.

As the quantity of medicines, Sec. sent up are by
no means proportioned to the troops already here,

380

and, consequently, must be very inadequate to the
wants of the army, when the other detachments ar-
rive, I must desire that a surgeon from the general
hospital, with medicines and every necessary appa-
ratus very liberally proportioned to the men sent
may, without the least delay, and by the shortest
route, be ordered to join the army at Fort Howe.

I am, Sec.

Robert Howe.
Brig. Gen. Moultrie,

NOTE XVI.
Letter from Colonel Charles C. Pinckney*
Savan:nah, May 4th, 1778.
Dear General,

From every appearance here, it is probable we
shall have something to do. The design of the Hinch-
enbrook, Rebecca, and the other vessels that WTre
lately taken, was to attack Sunberry, while General
Provost with some Augustine troops, penetrated into
and ravaged the interior parts of this state ; but the
capture of those vessels has, I believe, considerably
damped their ardor : they, however, yet maintain their
advanced post on St. Mary*s, and, from a letter of
Brov/n's, mean to maintain it. On board the Hinch-
enbrook was found three hundred suits of clothes be-
longing to my regiment, which were taken in Hatter :
thesf:, I presume, were intended for the insurgents.
We have been in daily expectation of the arrival of

the row-galley with the ammunition and stores, but
it is not yet come. The General has countermanded
your order relative to the waggons ; has ordered
me to take them on with me ; indeed, we could no
possibly do without, for they will be as necessary to
lis from Savannah to Alatamaha and St. Mary's, as
they were from Charlestov/n to Savannah.
I am, &c.

Charle s Cotesworth Pinckney.
Brig. Gen. Moultrie,

NOTE XVII.

Letter from General Howe.
Camp at Fort Howe, May 23d, 1778.-
Dear Sir, -^

The strange delay of the Carolina galley. -vvith
the military stores, has detained me much against my
inclination, and to the great injury of the service.
The enemy are determined co give us something to
do at St. Mary's, where they are pretty well posted,
and assisted with cannon. Had I not been detained,
I should have prevented their being quite so well pre-
pared ; but, upon the whole, perhaps it is for the best,
for should they exhaust their strength in out posts^
the ultimate result may be much more important
than at first we hoped. St. Johns, also, they are
preparing to render formidable to us by posts on
both sides of the river. We have sanguine hopes of

VOL. 11. 3 c

692

success upon these posts, that if we obtain, any fur-
ther progress will depend intirely upon circumstances:
Toothing too extensive, or risk, will be undertaken you
may depend upon it. It is, however, absolutely neces-
sary to dislodge the enemy from those advanced
posts, or Georgia may as well be given up to the ene-
my. As I have been under the necessity of taking
©n the schooner with the provisions, I would wish
you to procure another vessel, and forward to us at
least one hundred and fifiy barrels of pork, or two
hundred if possible ; and I recommend that expedi-
tion should be used upon this occasion. I have to
lament that you did not furnish the. men with more
kettlesv canteens and tents, when so many were in the
arsenal. 1 assure you the men suffer exceedingly, for
the canteens, particularly, in a country like this, when
a whole day's march may be made without one drop
of water. I would wish a row-boat with live hundred
canteens, two hundred kettles, and as many tents as
could be got, be dispatched with them, with orders to
proceed, both by night and by day, to Sunberry, whe^re
they will receive orders, &c.

I am, Sec.

Robert Howe.
Brig. Gen. Moui.trif..

383

^^^ NOTE XVIII.

Letter from the President of Congress.
York-town, May 18th, 1778.
EViR General,
^^^ On the thirteenth instant, I was honored with
your favor of the twentieth of April ; the next morn-
ing I presented it to Congress, and it was ordered
with his excellency President Lowndes* dispatches,
to a select committee. When a report is made, and
I receive commands, you shall be immediately in-
formed : in the mean time, I may safely assure you,
the deputy quarter-master general is liable to sus-
pension by the president, should he, which I hold
to be impossible, give cause by improper conduct.
I shall this day return thanks to Governor Living-
ston, for his attention to public interest, by suspend-
ing many staff-officers... among them, a person ex-
actly upon a line with Colonel F. Huger, a depu-
ty quarter-master, appointed by General Mifflin. I
may as safely add, the president, refusing to grant
money before preceding grants had been accounted
for, is generally applauded, and, I presume, will be
more especially noticed by the committee, Sec.
I am, Sec.

Henry Laurens,
Brig. Gen. Moultrie,

S84

NOTE XIX.
Letter from General Howe.
Camp at Fort Howe, State of Georgia,
Dear Sir, May 15th. 1778.

I was obliged to draw upon the president for
money to pay for waggons which the deputy quarter-
master general of your stale was by necessity of ser-
vice obliged to purchase, and which, however, are a'
cheap bargain. I therefore wish you to wait upon
the president, and exert yourself to have the orders
paid, as the case of the men will be deplorable indeed,
should they be disappointed ; and the credit of conti-
nental officers so injured, that they will not be able
to obtain any thing the service may require, however
necessary it may be, &c. 1 am, &c.

Robert Howe.
Brig. Gen. Moultrie.

NOTE XXI. Page 210.
SOUTH CAROLINA.

Proclamation by his Excellency Sir Henry Clin=
Tox, Knight of the most honorable order of the
Bath, General and Commander in Chief of all his
Majesty's forces within the colonies lying on the
Atlantic ocean, from Nova Scotia to West Florida
inclusive, 8cc. &c.
Whereas, after the arrival of his majesty's forces

under my command in this province in February

385

last, numbers of persons were made prisoners by the
army, or Toluntarily surrendered themselves as such,
and such persons were afterwards dismissed on their
respective paroles : and whereas, since the surrender
of Charlestown, and the defeats and disperses of
the rebel forces, it is become unnecessary that such
paroles should be any longer observed ; and proper
that all persons should take an active part in settling
and securing his majesty's government, and deliver-
ing the country from that anarchy which for some time
hath prevailed ; I do therefore issue this my proclama-
tion to declare, that all the inhabitants of tliis pro-
vince, who are now prisoners upon parole and were
not in the military line (those who were in Fort
Moultrie and Charlestown at the times of their capitu-
lation and surrender, or were then in actual con-
finement, excepted) that, from and after the twenti-
eth day of June instant, they are freed and exempt-
ed from all such paroles, and may hold themselves
as restored to all the rights and duties belonging to
citizens and inhabitants.

And all persons under the description before men-
tioned, who shall afterwards neglect to return to their
allegiance, and to his majesty's government, will be
considered as enemies and rebels to the same, and
treated accordingly.

Gxv EN under my hand, at head-quarters in Charles-

386

town, the third day of June, 1780; and in the twen-
tieth year of his majesty's reign.

(Signed) H. GLiNTaif*-^-

By his Excellency's command, -^

(Signed) Peter Russel,''!'

Assisting Secretary.

NOTE XXII. Page 210.
To their Excellencies Sir Henry Clinton, Knight
*=" of the Bath, General of his Majesty's Forces, and
Mariot Arbuthnot, Esq. Vice-Admiral of the
Blue, his Majesty's Commissioners to restore Peace
and good Government in the several Colonies in
rebellion in North- America.

'The humble Address of divers Inhabitants of
Charlestown.

The inhabitants of Charlestown, by the articles of
capitulation, are declared prisoners on parole ; but we
the under-written, having every inducement to return
to our allegiance, and ardently hoping speedily to be
re-admitted to the character and condition of British
subjects, take this opportunity of tendering to your
excellencies our warmest congratulations on the re-
storation of this capital and province to their politi-
cal connexion with the crown and government of
Great Britain ; an event which will add lustre to your

^387

:excellencies characters, and, we trust, entitle you to
ihe most distinguishing mark of the royal favor. Al-
though the right of taxing America in parliament,
excited considerable ferments in the minds of tl^e peo-
ple of this province, yet it may, with a religious ad-
herence to truth, be affirmed, that they did not en-
tertain the most distant thought of dissolving the
union that so happily subsisted between them and
their parent country ; and when, in the progress of
that fatal controversy, the doctrines of independency
(which originated in the more northern colonies)
made its appearance among us, our nature revolted
at the idea, and we look back with the most painful
regret on those convulsions that gave existence to a
power of subverting a constitution, for which we al-
ways had, and ever shall retain the most profound
veneration, and substituting in its stead a rank de-
mocracy, which, however carefully digested in theory>
on being reduced into practice, has exhibited a sys-
tem of tyrannic domination, only to be found among
the uncivilized part of mankind, or in the history of
the dark and barbarous ages of antiquity.

We sincerely lament, that after the repeal of those
statutes which gave rise to the troubles in America,
the overtures made by his majesty's commissioners
from time to time, were not regarded by our late
rulers. To this fatal inattention are to be attributed
those cakmities which have involved our country in

oas

a state of misery and ruin, from which, however, wc
trust, it will soon emerge, by the wisdom* and cle-
mency of his majesty's auspicious government, and
the influence of prudential laws, adapted to the na-
ture of the evils we labor under; and that the peo-
ple will be restored to those privileges, in the enjoy-
ment whereof their former felicity consisted.

Animatei? with these hopes, we entreat your ex-
cellencies interposition in assuring his majesty, that
we shall glory in every occasion of manifesting that
zeal and affection for his person and government,
v/ith which gratitude can inspire a free and joyful
people.

Charlestown, June 5th, 1780.

[SjGNED by tvfo hundred and ten of the principal
inhabitants.]

NOTE XXIII. Page 222,

Charlestown, August 29.
Copy of a Proclamation issued by General Gates
at pEEDEE, the fourth instant.

By Horatio Gates, Esq. Major General and Com-
manded' in Chief of the Army of the United States
in the Southern Department of America, &c. 8cc.

A PROCLAMATION.
The patriotic exertions of the virtuous citizens of

America, .ha'ving enabled me, under the protection

389

of Divine Providence, to vindicate the rights of Ame-
rica in this state, and by the approach of a nume-
rous, well-appointed, and formidable army, to com-
pel our late triumphant and insulting foes to retreat
from their most advantageous posts, with precipita-
tion and dismay ; 1 have judged it most expedient,
at this period of my progress, to give assurances of
forgiveness and perfect security to such of the unfor-
tunate citizens of this state, as have been induced by
the terror of sanguinary punishments, the menace of
confiscation, and all the arbitrary measures of military
domination, apparently to acquiesce under the British
px)vernment, and to make a forced declaration of al-

legiance and support to a tyranny, which the indig-
nant souls of citizens resolved on freedom, inwardly
revolted at, with horror and detestation.
i« And in order to afford an opportunity to the real
friends of America to testify their affection and at-
tachment to the cause of liberty, an invitation is
hereby held out to them to assert that rank among
the free and independent citizens of America, in
which their former exertions and zeal had deservedly
placed them, and to join heartily, when called upon,
in rescuing themselves and their country from an
opposition of a government imposed on them by the
ruffian hand of conquest. Nevertheless, I cannot at
present resolve to extend these offers of pardon and
security to such, as in the hour of devastation, have

VOL. 11^ 3 D

3^©

exercised acts of barbarity and depredation on the
persons and property of their fellow-citizens ; nor to
such, as being apprized of the security aiforded to
them by the army under my command, shall be so
lost to a sense of honor and the duty they owe to
their country, as hereafter to give countenance and
Support to that enemy, who, but for the disaffection
of triany of the apostate sons of America, had long
ere this been driven from the continent.
**■ The inhabitants of this state may rely on the as-
surance that an army composed of their brethren and
feilow-citizens cannot be brought among them with
the hostile vices of plunder and depredation. Such
triumphs, under th^ color of protection and support,
are left to grace the British arms alone : but they
may rest satisfied, that the genuine motive which has
given energy to the present exertions, is the hope of
rescuing them from the iron rod of oppression, and
restoring to them those blessings of freedom and in-
dependence which it is the duty and interest of the
citizens of these United States, jointly and recipro-
cally, to support and confirm.

Given at head-quarters, on the river Peedee, this
fourth day of August, in the year of our Lord one
thousand seven hundred and eighty, and in the fifth
year of our independence.

Horatio Gates.

By the General's command,

Christ. Richmond, Secretary^

39 1

NOTE XXIV. Page 2S5.

To the right honorable Charles Earl Cornwal-

;, LIS, Lieutenant General of his Majesty's Forces,

&c. &c. ^

The humble Address of divers loyal Inhabitants of
Charlestown.

/ We, his majesty's dutiful and loyal subjects, in'-
habitants of Charlestown, finding ourselves disap-
pointed in the expectation we entertained of your
lordship's returning shortly to this capital, whereby
we are precluded of personal access to your lordship,
take this opportunity, through the intervention of the
commandant, of tendering to your lordship our joy-
ful congratulations on the total defeat and dispersion
jof the rebel army, by his majesty's forces under
^our command.

- When we reflect on the desolation and ruin with
which this province was threatened by the unrelent-
ing cruelty of a formidable and menacing enemy,
we think ourselves fortunate that we had no idea of
our danger, until we were effectually relieved from
it by the glorious victory obtained by your lordship,
:wherein the interposition of a protecting providence
'is evident; which inspires us Avith gratitude to ths
Supreme Ruler of the universe ; and at the same time
excites in our minds a due sense of the manifold ob-
ligations we have to your lordship, for your dis-

992

tinguished conduct and courage, so eminently con^
spicuous in the accomplishment of that great event,
which has rescued this province from impending
destruction, and is no less advantageous to our most
gracious sovereign and the British empire, than ho-
norable to your lordship ; and which fame will trans-
mit to the latest posterity, with that tribute of praise
and admiration your lordship has so justly merited
on this important occasion.
^Tr Although a prevailing faction subverted our ex-
cellent constitution, and established a democratic
kind of government in its stead, yet, as that arbitra-
ry system of rule was annihilated by the surrender of
this capital, and submission of the country, every
member of the community had an indubitable right
to consult his own happiness; and as the people
in general, induced by their predilection and venera-
tion for the old constitution, have made an expli-
cit declaration of their allegiance, and availed them-
selves of the protection of that government under
which they formerly enjoyed the highest degree of
civil and political liberty, as well as security in their
properties, we cannot but consider the late attempt
of Congress to subjugate the freemen of this province
to their tyrannical domination, an additional proof of
their restless ambition, and of the wicked machina-
tions of the contemptible remains of that expiring
faction, who have so recently exercised a despotic

393

afid lawless sway over us; and vre tfiist that every
other hostile experiment, by the goodness of God-j
and your lordship's vigilance and animated endeavors^,
'^ill be rendered equally futile. : ::: --/

^ That Heaven, propitious to your lordship's active
zeal in the service of your king and country, may
crown your future exertions with success, and incline
our deluded sister colonies to partake of those bles-
sings of which we have so fair a prospect, are the
sincere and ardent wishes, not only of us, but we are
persuaded of every other loyal inhabitant of Charles-
town.

September 19th, 1780.
[Signed by one hundred and sixty-four persons.]

NOTE XXV. Page 249.

Saturday, January 13th, 1781.

The committee, to whom was referred the letter
of December seventh from Major General Greene,
delivered in a report ; whereupon, .- uc.*:^

Congress taking into consideration the eminent
services rendered to the United Stales by Brigadier
General Sumpter, of South Carolina, at the head of
a number of volunteer miUtia, from that and the
neighboring states^ particularly in the victory ob-
tained over the enemy at the Hanging-Rock, on the
sixth of August ; in the defeat of Major Weyms and
tlw corps of British infantry and dragoons under his

command, at Broad-river, on the ninth day of No-
vember, in which the said Major Weyms was made
prisonerj and in the repulse of Lieutenant Colonel
Tarleton, and the British cavalry and mfantry under
his command, at Black-Stocks, on Tyger-river, on
the twentieth day of November last ; in each of which
actions the gallantry and military conduct of General
Sumpter, and the courage and perseverance of his
troops, were highly conspicuous : :ntE

a';REsoLvED, therefore, that the thanks of Congress
be presented to Brigadier General Sumpter, and the
militia aforesaid, for such reiterated proofs of their
patriotism, bravery and military conduct, which en-
title them to the highest esteem and confidence of
their country; and that the commanding officer of
the southern department do forthwith cause the same
to be issued in general orders, and transmitted to
General Sumpter. -<^

NOTE XXVI. Page 258.
In Congress, March, 1781.

Friday, March 9th, 1781.
On the report of a committee, consisting of Mr.
Burke, Mr. Varnum and Mr. Bee, to whom were
referred sundry letters from Major General Greene
and Brigadier General Morgan, the following reso-
lutions were passed :
The United States in Congress assembled, con-

S95

sidering it as a tribute due to distinguished tnerit to
give a public approbation of the conduct of Erigadiei*
General Morgan, and of the officers and men under
his command, on the seventeenth day of January last ;
when, with eighty cavalry and two hundred and thir-
ty-seven infantry of the troops of the United States,
and five hundred and fifty-three militia from the
states of Virginia, North Carolina, South Carolina
and Georgia, he obtained a complete and important
victory over a select and well-appointed detachment
of more than eleven hundred British troops, com-
manded by Lieutenant Colonel Tarleton; do there-
fore resolve : .:

That the thanks of the United States in Congress
assembled, be given to Brigadier General Morgan
and the men under his command, for their fortitude'
and good conduct displayed in the action at the Cow--
pens, in the state of South-Carolina, on the seven-
teenth day of January last:

That a medal of gold be presented to Brigadier
General Morgan, and a medal of silver to Lieutenant
Colonel Washington, of the cavalry, and one of silver
to Lieutenant Colonel Howard, of the infantry, of the
United States, severally, with emblems and mottoes-
descriptive of the conduct of those officers respectively
on that memorable day :

That a sword be presented to Colonel Pickens^
of the militia, in testimony of his spirited conduct in
the action before mentioned ;

C96

That Major Edward Giles, aid-de-camp of Briga-
dier General Morgan, ha\x the brevet commission of;
a major; and that Baron de Glasbeck, who served'
vith Brigadier General Morgan as a volunteer, have-
the brevet commission of captain in th$ army of the
United States, in consideration of their merit and ser-
vices. .
^'Ordered, that the commanding officer in the-
southern department communicate these resolutions
in general orders.

NOTE XXVII. Page 271.
By Charles Earl Cornwallis, Lieutenant Ge-
neral of his Majesty's Forces, &c.
A PROCLAMATION.
Whereas by the blessing of Almighty God, his
majesty's arms have been crowned with signal suc-
cess, by the complete victory obtained over the rebel
forces on the fifth instant, I have thought proper to
issue this proclamation, to call upon all loyal subjects
to stand forth, and take an active part in restoring^
good order and government : and, whereas it has
been represented to me, that many persons in this
province, who have taken a share in this unnatural
rebellion, but having experienced the oppression and
injustice of the rebel government, and having seen
the errors into v/hich they have been deluded by
falsehoods and misrepresentations, are sincerely de* ^
sirour- of returning to their duty and allegiance, f do

39r

hereby notify and promise to all such persons (mur-
derers excepted) that if they will surrender them-
selves, with their arms and ammunition, at head-
quarters, or to the ofncer commanding in the district
contiguous to their respective places ci residence, on
or before the twentieth day of April next, they will
be permitted to return to their homes, upon giving a
military parole ; and shall be protected in their per-
sons and properties from all sorts of violence from
the British troops ; and will be restored, as soon as
possible, to all the privileges of legal and constitu-
tional government.

Given under my hand at head-quar*€rs, this
eighteenth day of March, A. D. 1781, and in the
twenty-first year of his majesty's reign-

(Signcd) CoRNwALtis*

NOTE XXVIII. Page %77,
Letter from Dr. Fayssoux to Dr. Ramsay.
Charlestow¥, March 26th, 1T85.
Sir,

In compliance with your request, I now send you
some of the most remarkable facts relative to the
treatment the American prisoners, the sick in parti-
cular, received, during their captivity in Charlesto\vn,
from the British. The director general having been
confined by the British, the immediate charge of the

American hospital devolved on me, I can therefore

yoL. II. 3 a

answer for the truth of this account, as every circum-
stance v/as v/ithin my own knowledge. From the
surrender of Charlestov/n to the period of General
Gates' defeat, I do not think we had any material
cause of complaint.

The regulations for the government of the hospi-
tal, the supplies of medicine and diet, were in gene-
ral prescribed by ourselves and acceded to by th©
British.

After the defeat of General Gates, our suffer-
ings commenced. The British appeared to have
adopted a different mode of conduct towards their
prisoners, and proceeded from one step to another,
until they fully displayed themselves, void of faith,
honor or humanity, and capable of the most savage
acts of barbarity.

The unhappy men who belonged to the militia,
and were taken prisoners on Gates' defeat, experien-
ced the first effects of the cruelty of their new system.

These men were confined on board of prison-ships,
in numbers by no means proportioned to the size of
the vessels, immediately after a march of one hun-
dred and twenty miles, in the most sickly season of
this unhealthy climate.

These vessels were in general infected with the
imall-pox -, very few of the pnsonershad gone through
that disorder. A representation was made to the
British commandant of their situation, and permis-.

399

sion was obtained for one of our surgeons to inocu-
late them. ..this was the utmost extent of their hu-
manity...the wretched objects were still confined on
board of the prison-ships, and fed on salt provisions,
without the least medical aid, or any proper kind of
nourishment. The effect that naturally followed, was
a small -pox with a fever of the putrid type ; and to
such as survived the small-pox, a putrid dysentery...
and, from these causes, the deaths of at least one
hundred and fifty of the unhappy victims. Such were
the appearances, and such was the termination of the
generality of the cases brought to the general hospi*
tal after the irruption of the small-pox...before the
irruption, not a single individual was suffered to be
brought on shore. If any thing can surpass the above
relation in barbarity, it is the following account :...

The continental troops, by the articles of capitula-
tion^ were to be detained prisoners in some place
contiguous to Charlestown ; the barracks were pitch-
ed on as the proper place ; this was agreed to by
both parties....Thc British, in violation of their so-
lemn compact, put these people on board of prison-
ships....Confined in large numbers on board of these
vessels, and fed on salt provisions in this climate in
the months of October and November, they natural-
ly generated a putrid fever from the human miasma.
This soon became highly contagious. The sick
brought into the general hospital from the prison-

ships, generally died in the course of two or three
days, with all the marks of a septic state. Applica-
tion was made by Mr. de Rosettee, the British
commissary of prisoners ; the vast increase of the
numbers of deaths was pointed out, and he was re-
quested to have proper steps taken to check the pro=
gress of a disorder that threatened to destroy the
whole of the prisoners.

In consequence of this application, Mr. Fisher^
our commissary of prisoners, and Mr. Fraser, who
formerly practised physic in this country, but then
acted as a British deputy commissary, were ordered
to inspect the state of the prisoners in the vessels.
This report confirmed the truth of v/hat had been ad-
vanced...this can be proved by a very particular cir-
c?Jimstance....My hopes were very sanguine that some-
^-hing would be done for the relief of those unhappy
persons, but they were entirely frustrated by a per-
son from whom I did not, and ought not to have ex-
pected it. Dr. John M-Namara Hays, physician to
the British army, a person who had been taken by
the Americans on the capture of Burgoyne, who had
received the politest treatment from the Americans
when a prisoner, and who had the generosity to ac-
knowledge the usage he had met with...this person
was ordered to report on the state of the prisoners...
to my astonishment, I was informed his report was,
that the pris©n-ships were not croudcd, perfectly

wholesome, and no appearance of infectious disor-
ders amongst the prisoners.

I THEN determined to make one more effort for
the relief of these unhappy persons...for this purpose
I had two of the dead bodies kept in the area of the
hospital, and, upon Doctor Hays' daily vi&it to our
hospital, I marked to him the appearances of the sub-
jects, whose bodies were highly tinged with a yellpw
suffusion, petechied over the breast and trunk, with
considerable ecchymosis fronx extravasated or dis-
solved blood about the neck, breast and upper extre-
mities. I inquired if it was possible a doubt could re-
main respecting the nature of their disorder, and ex-
pressed my surprise at the report he had made. The
words of his reply were, ' that the confinement of the
'prisoners in prison-ships was the great eye- sore,
* and there was no help for that, it must be done.'
The disorder in consequence continued until the
cold weather ; the number of deaths, joined with the
number that were compelled by this treatment to in-
list with the British, removed in a great measure the
cause. Hitherto a number of our prisoners who were
tradesmen had been permitted to remain in the bar-
racks, or in the city, where they were employed by
the British...about the month of January, 1781, they
were all confined to the barracks, and there British
emissaries were very busy amongst them, to persuade
them to. inlist in their new corps. About the same

time a supply of clothing, and some money to pro-
cure necessaries; arrived from the Congress for the
use of the prisoners.

Mr. Fisher, our commissary, was prevented from
distributing the clothing, and the prisoners were in-
formed it was a deception, for no suppUes had arrived
for their use. Their motive was, that by the com-
plicated distress of nakedness and imprisonment,
^"eir patience would be exhausted, and inlistment
with them would ensue.

To prevent this, means were found to have se-
veral bales of the clothing brought to the picquets
v/hich inclosed the barracks, and in sight of our sol-
diers ; this measure established the fact.

Disappointed from this quarter, the British
commandant or his ministers determined to observe
no measures but what would accomplish their own
pui'poses. All the soldiers in the barracks, includ-
ing the convalescents, were paraded, and harangued
by Fraser, the British deputy commissary, and one
Low, a recruiting officer for one of the British corps.
The conclusion of the affair was, that such as chose
to inlist with the British should leave the ranks, and
the remainder go on board of the prison-ships. A
few who had been previously engaged withdrew from
the ranks ; the large majority that stood firm, after
three different solicitations without effect, had this
dreadful sentence pronounced by Fraser, < that they

4o3

< should be put on board of the prison-ships, wher6
* they could not expect any thing more but to perish
^ miserably ; and that the rations hitherto allowed
' for the support of their wives and children, from
« that day should be withheld ; the consequence of

< which would be, they must starve in the streets.'

Human nature recoiled from so horrid a declara*
tion...for a few seconds the unhappy victims seemed
stupificd at the dreadful prospect ; a gloomy and uni-
versal silence prevailed. ...This was followed by a loud
huzza for General Washington; death and the pri-
son-ships was the unanimous determination.

The hospital at this time was reduced to the grea.t-
est distress imaginable. ..the sick without clothing,
covering, or any necessary but one pound of beef and
bread.. .very little sugar, no wine, and rarely a small
allowance of rum.

Wfi had no resources, and the British would only
furnish the absolute necessaries of life. The officers
of the hospital, on the mildest representation, were
threatened and insulted, frequently prohibited from
visiting the sick, once I remember for three days.

It was scarcely possible for men to support such an
accumulated load of misery ; but when least expect-
ed, a relief was administered to us. A subscription
for the support of the sick was filled by people of
every denomination with amazing rapidity. Several
of the ladies of Charlestown, laying aside the distinct

404

tion of Whig and Tory, were instrnmental aud assi-
duous in procuring and preparing every necessary of
clothing and proper nourishment for our poor, worn-
out and desponding soldiers.

Thus, sir, I have furnished you with some of the
most material occurrences of that unhappy time. I
have not exaggerated or written a single circumstance
from hatred or prejudice. I could furnish you with
a long detail of cruelty and distress exercised on in-
dividuals....Major Bocquet's case, exposed in an open
boat for twelve hours in a violent fever, with a blister-
ing plaster on his back, extended at length in the bot-
tom of the boat, then put into the dungeon of the pro-
vost with the vilest felons and murderers, left to lan-
guish under his complaint until his death seemed
morally certain, only released from his confinement
from the dread of a just retaliation...the moment his
recovery seemed probable, again hurried back to the
provost, there to remain until the general exchange
released him from their power.

This instance of severity exercised on an indivi-
dual, whose only crime was a steady attachment to
the cause of his country, and a determined resolu-
tion to keep sacred the solemn oath he had taken in
its cause, would appear as nothing, were I to enu-
merate the scenes of woe and distress brought on
many citizens of this once happy country, by British
cruelty and unnecessary severity. I am sure evevft

405

breast would be softened, even tears would fall from
British eyes.
-Tr I amy sir, with esteem) yours, &c.

P. Fayssoux.

NOTE XXIX. Page 296.
By the United States in Congress assembled,
October 29th, 1781.
Resolved, that the thanks of the United States in
Congress assembled, be presented to Major General
Greene, for his wise, decisive and magnanimous
conduct in the action of the eighth of September last,
near the Eutaw Springs, in South Carolina; in which,
with a force inferior in number to that of the enemy,
he obtained a most signal victory i*

That the thanks of the United States in Congress
assembled, be presented to the officers and men of the
Maryland and Virginia brigades, and Delaware bat-
talion of continental troops, for the unparalleled bra-
very and heroism by them displayed, in advancing to
the enemy through an incessant fire, and charging
them with an impetuosity and ardor that could not
be resisted.

That the thanks of the United States in Congress
assembled, be presented to the officers and men of
the legionary corps and artillery, for their Intrepid
and gallant exertions during the action.

That the thanks of the United States in Congress
VOL. II. 3 r

406

assembled, be presented to the brigade of North Ca-
rolina, for their resolution and perseverance in attack-
ing the enemy, and sustaining a superior fire.

That the thanks of the United States in Congress
assembled, be presented to the officers and men of the
state corps of South Carolina, for the zeal, activity
and firmness by them exhibited throughout the en-
gagement.

That the thanks of the United in Congress assem-
bled, be presented to the officers and men of the mi-
litia, who formed the front line in the order of battle,
and sustained their post with honor, propriety, and a
resolution worthy of men determined to be free.

Resolved, that a British standard be presented to
Major General Greene, as an honorable testimony of
his merit, and a golden medal emblematical of the
battle and victory aforesaid.

That Major General Greene be desired to present
the thanks of Congress to Captains Pierce and Pen-
dleton, Major Hyrne and Captain Shubrick, his aids-
de-camp, in testimony of their particular activity and
good conduct during the whole of the action.

That a sword be presented to Captain Pierce, who
bore the general's dispatches, giving an account of
the victory, and that the board of war take order
herein.

Resolved, that the thanks of the United States in
Congress assembled, be presented to Brigadier Ge-

40f

Tieral Marion, of the South Carolina militia, for his
wise, gallant and decided conduct, in defending the
liberties of his country, and particularly for his pru-
dent and intrepid attack on a body of the British
troops, on the thirtieth day of August last, and for
the distinguished part he took in the battle of the
eighth of September.

Extract from the minutes,

Charles Thomson, Secretary.

NOTE XXX. Page 30S.

SOUTH CAROLINA.

By his Excellency John Rutledge, Esq. Governor

and Commander in Chief of the said State.

A PROCLAMATION.
Whereas many persons taking advantage of the
late disturbed and unsettled condition of the state,
and hoping in the confusion and disorder occasioned
by the calamities of war to escape punishment, have
committed the most wanton and rapacious acts of
plundering ; some under color of indemnifying them-
selves for losses they have sustained ; others, under
pretence that the persons to whom such property be-
longed are Tories or enemies of the state; and others,
from a wicked and inordinate desire of acquiring
wealth by any means, however unjustifiable, and
from any persons, whether friends or foes ; and
whereas the public safety requires that the most ef-

408

fectual measures should be taken for suppressing
such an unwarrantable and pernicious practice, inas-
much as good and faithful subjects should be secured
and protected in the full and free enjoyment of their
property, and no man, although criminal, should be
despoiled of his estate but by due course of law : I
have therefore thought fit to issue this proclamation,
strictly forbidding all persons from plundering, tak-
ing, or holding the property of others under any
pretence, or for any cause whatever ; warning per-
sons possessed of such property, of the danger which
they will incur by continuing to withhold it, and
charging them immediately to restore such property
to the owners of it, unless such owners are with the
enemy ; and in that case, to deliver it to the briga-
dier general of the district in which it is, as they
will answer the contrary at their peril ; for speedy
and effectual punishment shall be inflicted on the of-
fenders : and I do direct all justices of the peace di-
ligently and faithfully to execute their office, and to
use all lawful means that may be necessary for ap-
prehending, securing, and bringing to justice such
persons as are or may be accused of the above-men-
tioned, or any other criminal offence. I do morer
over command all military officers of this state to
give such aid and assistance to the civil magistrates,
as they may require for that purpose : and I do ex-
hort all those who know, or have reason to believej

409

where any plundered property is concealed or se^
creted, or by whom it is possessed, to make discovery
and give information touching the same to the near-
est magistrate, in order that proper steps may be
taken for the recovery thereof.

Given under my hand and the Great Seal, at thsr
High Hills of Santee, this fifth day of August, IZSl,
and in the sixth year of the independence of America.

John Rutledgk.
By his Excellency's command, -^

John Sandford Dart, Pro. Secretary.

NOTE XXXI. Page 303.

SOUTH CAROLINA.

By his Excellency John Rutledge, Esq. Governor'

and Commander in Chief of the said State.

A PROCLAMATION.
Whereas the forces of the United States having
compelled the troops of his Britannic majesty to
surrender or evacuate the several strong posts which
they held in the upper and interior settlements, and
retreat to the vicinity of Charlestown ; and the enemy,
being therefore unable to give that protection and
support which they promised to their adherents, left
many inhabitants of this state, who had taken up
arms with them, induced so to do by their artful re^
presentations, to become victims to their injured
country} whereupon, such persons, to escape or avoid

410

the effects of its just resentment, followed and remain
with the British army, or lurk and conceal themselves
in secret places : and whereas the commandant of
Charlestown having sent beyond sea the wives and
families, which were in the said town, of all the
avowed friends of America; the several brigadiers
of militia were ordered, as a retaliation of such treats
ment, to send the wives and families, within their
respective districts, of all persons who had joined or
adhered to, and remained v^ith the enemy, into their
lines : and whereas it is represented to m.e, in behalf
of the unhappy men who are with the British troops
or secreting themselves as aforesaid, that they are
now convinced, being reduced with their families to
great distress and poverty, that they relied on false
and specious engagements, and were flattered with
vain expectations and delusive hopes, and that they
are therefore anxious, if they may be admitted, to
return to their allegiance, and use their utmost ex-
ertions to support American independence. On
duly weighing and considering the premises, I have
thought fit, by and with the advice and consent of
the privy council, to issue this proclamation, offer-
ing, and I do hereby offer, to all persons who have
borne arms with the enemy, and who now adhere
to or are with them in this state, or are lurking or
concealing them.selves in secret places in any part
of the state, a FULL and FREE PARDON and

411

OBLIVION, for such their offence of having born«
^rms with, or adhered to the enemy, upon the con-
ditions following: that is to say, that such persons
do, and shall, within thirty days after the date here-
of, surrender themselves to a brigadier of the militia
of this state, and engage to perform constant duty as^
privates, in the militia, for six months next ensuing
the time of such surrender, and that they actually per-
form such duty. And I do further offer to the wives
and children of such persons, upon their husband?
or parents complying with the condition first abaye-
mentioned, license and permission to return to_ their
habitations, and to hold and enjoy their property jo
this state without molestation or interruption. Pro-
vided always, that if such persons shall desert from
the militia service within the time above limited, their
families shall be immediately sent into the enemy's
lines, and neither they or their husbands or parents^
suffered to return to, or. reside in this state. Never-
theless, I do except, from the pardon hereby offered,
and from every benefit of this proclamation, all such
persons, as having gone over to, or joined the ene-
my, were called upon by me in and by two several
proclamations, to surrender themselves to a magistrate
within forty days after the respective dates of those
proclamations, in pursuance of an ordinance, entitled.*
' An ordinance to prevent persons withdrawing from
* the defence of this state, to join the enemies there-

412

* of :' all such as were sent off or oblig^ed to quit the
state for refusing to take the oath required of them
by law, who have returned to this country ; all those
who subscribed a congratulatory address, bearing
date on or about the fifth day of June, one thou-
sand seven hundred and eighty, to General Sir
Henry Clinton, and Vice-Admiral Arbuthnot, or
another address, bearing date on or about the nine-
teenth day of September, one thousand seven hun-
dred and eighty, to Lieutenant General Earl Corn-
wallis; all such as hold or have held any commis-
sion, civil or military, under the British government*
and are now with the enemy; and all those whose
conduct has been so infamous, as that they can-
not, consistently with justice or policy, be admitted
to partake of the privileges of Americans. Notwith-
standing which last mentioned exception, such per-
sons, if they should be deemed by me, or the gover-
nor and commander in chief for the time being, inad-
missabic to the rights and privileges of subjects, will
not be detained as prisoners, but shall have full and
nee liberty, and a pass or permit to return. At a
juncture, when the force of the enemy in this state,
though lately considerable, is greatly reduced by the
many defeats which they have, suffered, and particu-
larly in the late important action at Eutaw; when
they ^re dispossessed: of every post and garrison ex-
cept CiiaViestovru; when the formidable fleet of his

413

most christian majesty, in Chesapeak-bay, and the
combined armies of tlie king of France and of the
United States, under the command of his Excellency
General Washington, in Virginia, afford a well-
grounded hope, that, by the joint efforts of their ar-
mies, this campaign will be happily terminated, and
the British power in every part of the confederate
states, soon totally annihilated ; it is conceived, that
the true and real motive of the offer hereby made,
will be acknowledged. It must be allowed to pro-
ceed, not from timidity, to which the enemy affect
to attribute every act of clemency and mercy on our
part, but from a wish to impress, with a sense of their
error, and to reclaim misguided subjects, and give
them once more an opportunity of becoming valuable
members of the community, instead of banishing
them, or forever cutting them off from it ; for even
the most disaffected cannot suppose that the brave
and determined freemen of this state have any dread
of their arms.

With the persons to whom pardon is thus offered,
the choice still remains, either to return to their alle-
giance, and, with their families, be restored to the
favor of their country, and to their possessions, or
to abandon their properties in this state forever, and
go with their wives and children, whither, for what
purpose, on whom to depend, or how to subsist, they
know not...most probably to experience, in some

VOL, II. 3 G

414,

strange and distant country, all the miseries and hor-
rors of beggary, sickness and despair....This alterna-
tive is now, for the last time, submitted to their judg-
ment...it will never be renewed.

Given under my hand and the Great Seal, at the
High Hills of Santee, this twenty-seventh day of Sep-
tember, in the year of our Lord, one thousand seven
hundred and eighty-one, and in the sixth year of the
independence of America.

J. RUTLEDGE.

By his Excellency's command,
John Sandford Dart, Sec'ry.

NOTE XXXn. Page 320.
Camp, Southern Army, High Hills of Santee,

August 20th, 1781.
The subscribers commissioned officers serving in
the southern army, beg leave to represent to the
honorable Major General Greene, that they are in-
formed, not only by current reports, but by official
and acknowledged authority, that contrary to express
stipulations in the capitulation of Charlcstown, signed
the twelfth day of May, 1780, a number of very re-
sf>ectable inhabitants of that town and others were
confined on board prison-ships, and sent to St. Au-
gustine, and other places distant from their homes,
families and friends. That notwithstanding the ge-
neral cartel settled for exchange of prisoners in the

415

southern department, and agreed to the third of May-
last, several officers of militia and other gentlemen,
subjects of the United States, have been, and still
are detained in captivity ; that the commanding of-
ficer of the British troops in Charleslown, regardless
of the principles, and even the express tenor of the
said cartel, hath not only presumed to discriminate
between the subjects of the United States prisoners
of war, partially determining who were and who
were not objects of exchange, but hath even dared
to execute in the most ignominious manner. Colonel
Hayne, of the militia of the state of South Carolina,
a gentleman amiable in character, respectable in his
connections, and of eminent abilities: and this violent
act, as cruel as it was unnecessary and unjust, we
are informed, is attempted to be justified by the im-
puted crime of treason, founded upon the unfortunate
sufferer's having, in circumstances peculiarly dis-
tressing, accepted of what is called a protection from
the British government.

If every inhabitant of this coirfitry, who, being
bound by the tender ties of family-connections, and
fettered by domestic embarrassments, is forced to
submit to the misfortune of falling into the hands of
the enemy, must therefore become a subject of such
inhuman authority, and if such subjects are liable to
be tried by martial law for offences against the said
civil government of the British nation, their situation is
truly deplorable 5 but we conceive forms of protection

416

which are granted one day, and retracted, violated,
disclaimed or deserted the next, can enjoin no such
condition or obligation upon persons who accept
them. We consider the citizens of America as
independent of the government of Great Britain as
those of Great Britain are of the United States, or of
any other sovereign power, and think it just the
severities and indulgences to prisoners of war ought
to be reciprocal. We, therefore, with submission, beg
leave to recommend, that a strict inquiry be made
into the several matters mentioned, and if ascertained^
that you will be pleased to retaliate in the most
efTectual manner by a similar treatment of British
subjects which are or may be in your power.

Permit us to add, that while we seriously lament
the necessity of such a severe expedient, and com-
miserate the sufferings to which individuals will
necessarily be exposed, we are not unmindful that
such a measure may in its consequences, involve our
own lives in additional dangers ; but we had rather
forego temporary distinctions, and commit ourselves
to the most desperate situations than prosecute this
just and necessary war upon terms so unequal and
60 dishonorable.

We are, sir, with the greatest regard,

and most respectful sentiments of esteem,

your most obedient and most humble servants.
[Signed by all the officers of the army.]
The Honorable Major General Greene,

417

NOTE XXXIII. Page 320.
PROCLAMATION.
By Nathaniel Greene, Esq. Major General, com-
manding the American Army in the Southera
Department.

Whereas Colonel Isaac Hayne, commanding a
regiment of militia in the service of the United States,
was taken prisoner by a party of British troops, and
after a rigorous detention in the Provost's prison at
Charlestown, was condemned and executed on the
fourth of this month, in the most cruel and unjustifi-
able manner, in open violation of the cartel agreed
upon between the two armies, for the release and
exchange of all prisoners of war; and it being no
Jess the duty than the inclination of the army to re-
sent every violence offered to the good citizens of
America, to discountenance all those distinction^
which they have endeavored to establish, in making
a difference in various orders of men, found under
arms for the support of the independence of the
United States ; and further considering that these vi-
olences are committed with a view of terrifying the
good people, and by that means preventing them
from acting in conformity with their political interests
and private inclinations ; and that this method of trying
and punishing, in consequence of those distinctions, is
no less opposite to the spirit of the British, than it is
inclusive of an unwarrantable infringement of all the

418

laws of humanity, and the rights of the fi-ee citizens
of the United States ; from these consideraiions I
have thought proper to issue the present proclama-
tion, expressly to declare. * that it is my intention
* to make rc-prisals for all such inhuman insults, as
often as they shall take place.* And whereas the
enemy seems willing to expose the small number of
the deceived and seduced inhabitants, wno are-attach-
ed to their interests, if they can but find an opportu-
nity of sacrificing the great number that have stood
forth in defence of our cause ; I farther declare, * that
' it is my intention to take the officers of the regular
' forces, and not ihe seduced inhabitants who have
' joined their army, for the objects of my reprisals.'...
But while I am determined to resent every insult that
may be offered to the United States for having main-
tained our independence, I cannot but lament the ne-
cessity I am under of having recourse to measures so
extremely wounding to the sentiments of humanity,
and so contrary to the liberal principles upon which
I wish to conduct the war.

Given at the head -quarters at Camden, twenty-
sixth of August, 1781, in the sixth year of American
independence.

(Signed) Nathaniel Greene.*^ -

419

NOTE XXXIV. Page 341.
Articles of Treaty between General Marion, in
behalf of the State of South Carolina, and Major
Ganey, and the inhabitants under his command,
. which were included in the Treaty made the seven-
teenth day of June, 1781.

Article I. Major Ganey and the men under his
command to lay down their arms, as enemies to the
state, and are not to resume them again until ordered
to do so, in support of the interest of the United
States, and of this state in particular.

II. We will deliver up^; all negroes, horses, cattle,
and other property that have been taken from this or
any other state.

III. Wb will demean ourselves as peaceable citi-
zens of this state, and submit ourselves to be go-
verned by its laws, in the same manner as the rest of
the citizens thereof.

IV. We do engage to appreliend and deliver up all
persons within our district, who shall refuse to accede
to these terms, and contumaciously persist in rebel-
lion against this state.

V. Wa will deliver up as soon as possible, every
man who belongs to any regular line in the Ameri-
can service, and every inhabitant of North Carolina,
of this, or any other state, who have joined us since
the seventeenth of June, 1781, when the former treaty
was made, or oblige them to go out of the district,

420

and whenever they return, to take and deliver them
into safe custody in any gaol within the state.

VI. Every man is to sign an instrument of writ-
ing professing his allegiance to the United States of
America, and the state of South Carolina in particu-
lar ; and to abjure his Britannic majesty, his heirs,
successors and adherents, and promise to oppose all
the enemies of the United States, and the state of
South Carolina in particular.

VII. All arms, ammunition, and other warlike
stores, the property of the British, to be delivered up.

VIII. The above seven articles being agreed on,
they shall have a full pardon for treasons committed
by them against the state, and enjoy their property,
and be protected by the laws thereof.

IX. Such men who do not choose to accede to these
articles, shall have leave to go within the British
lines, and to march by the twenty-fifth instant, and
be safely conducted with such of their wives and
children as may be able to travel, and carry or sell
their property, except cattle, sheep and hogs, which
they may dispose of, but not carry with them. Such
women and children who cannot be removed, may
remain until the first day of September next. The
officers to keep their pistols and side-arms ; all other
arms to be disposed of, and not carried with them.
Each field-officer and captain to retain one horse, not
exceeding twelve in the whole, and no other person

421

to take with him any more horses that may be fit fot
dragoon service within the British lines.

We have agreed to the before-mentioned nine ar-
ticles, and have signed the same at Birch's-mill, on
Peedee, this eighth day of June, 1782.

Francis Marion,
Brigadier General,
State of South Carolina.
MiCAjAH Ganey,
Major Loyalists, Peedee*

NOTE XXXV. Page 341.

Head-Quarters, August 13th»
Sir,

The measure which I lately adopted, of send-
ing a force to collect provisions on the Lower Santee,
for the use of this garrison, was a necessary conse-
quence of the conduct your party had thought pro-
per to observe, in the prohibitions which prevented
our receiving supplies of the kind from the country*
From the respect which I owe to the sentiments
which appear to govern the present conduct of Great
Britain towards America, I should have given a will-
ing preference to any means less distressful to the
country, by which this necessary purpose might have
been obtained ; I am equally desirous to forbear the
further prosecution of these measures ; and am rea-
dy to enter with you into any composition to that ef«

VOL. II. 3 H

422

feet, which may, I think, be established on terms to
the mutual advantage of both parties, affording- to us
a supply to our future necessities, and to you securi-
ty from further depredation, and a voluntary com-
pensation for what the force of arms has already given
us in possession. The success which has attended
this enterprize must convince you, that principles of
benevolence and humanity are the true motives of a
conduct, the moderation of which must appear strik-
ing to you.

I HOPE these considerations will induce you to ac-
cept a proposal so evidently advantageous to the in-
terests of your own party ; and that you will in con-
sequence order rice and other provisions to be sent
into town, in quantities proportioned to our demand,
which will be considerable, from the necessity of sup-
plying the king's subjects who may think proper to
remove from hence to the province of East-Florida.

If, notwithstanding these offers, you think proper
to adhere to your former line of conduct, the neces-
sity which constrains will justify the measures which
I shall be forced to take.

I have the honor to be, Sec.

Alex. Leslii.

To Major General Greene.

THE END.

422

lAs the author of the Memoirs has not arranged bis
'work under any particular divisionary heads or chap-
ters, but has pursued his luork through one unbroken
narrative^ the publisher, to facilitate the turning to any
particular passage of cons equence the reader may occa^
sionally iviih to peruse, has annexed the foUoiving table
ofcojitentSy referring to the pages, and pointing out ivherc
the relations of the most prominent events may be exa--
mined,"]

CONTENTS.

VOL. I.

PACE

Boston resolutions for a general non-im-
portation received at Charlestown — Pro-
ceedings thereupon — A provincial Con-
gress appointed in South Carolina— Jour-
nal of their proceedings — Bill of rights
— Association of the delegates of the
twelve provinces — Their resolutions —
Address of the South Carolina Provin-
cial Congress to Governor Bull — His
answer — Resolutions thereupon — Con-
gress adjourns, 9 — 56

Meeting of the Provincial Congress —
Bishop Smith's discourse on the occa-
sion— Formation, of the militia uniform
companies — Scarcity of arms and am-
munition—-The committee take posses-

424

sionof the public mail from England — wage
The Provincial Congress summoned to
meet— Their resolution to raise a regi-
ment of cavalry rangers—Arrival of
Lord William Campbell — His conversa-
tion with Captain M'Donald — Charac-
ter of the latter — His visit to St. Augus-
tine—rHis narrow escape— Lord Wil-
liam Campbell goes on board the Tamar
sloop-of-war — Meeting of the Council
of Safety — William Moultrie, Esq. ap-
pointed Colonel of the 2d regiment
of provincial troops — Meeting of the
Georgia Congress— .The provincials take
1 7000 lbs. powder from a vessel off St.
Augustine- — Recruiting parties sent into
Virginia and North Carolina, 56 — 80

The Council of Safety send a talk to the
Catawba Indians — Dorchester made an
armed post — Fort Johnson taken posses-
sion of— Public stores, records, &c.
sent to Dorchester— Presents sent to
the Cherokees to prevent an Indian
war — Taken by the Tories — Hostilities
began by sinking two British schooners
near Hogg-Island — CharlestowH blocked
up by British ships of war — All supplies
from the city denied them— -The Ame-

425

ricans take possession of SuUivan's-Island p a &e
' — Colonel Gadsden takes command of
the Carolina troops — Institution of the
South Carolina General Assembly —
Their constitution — Mr. Rutledge's ad-
dress.— General Armstrong takes com-
mand of the South Carolina troops— A
British fleet arrives off the coast of South
Carolina— General Lee arrives from the
northward, 80 — 144

General Lee's orders to attack the British
on Long-Island— Countermanded — Or-
ders to detach a body of troops to the
main — General Lee's particular orders
to Colonel Moultrie, relative to mili-
tary discipline — Letters to Colonel
Moultrie on the projected bridge be-
tween Sullivan's-Island and the main,
and other occupations in that quarter —
Letter from President Rutledge — From
General Lee — Returning thanks for the
brave defence of Sullivan's-Island— Let-
ters to and from General Lee, General
Gadsden, and Colonel Moultrie, rela-
tive to the military transactions on Sul-
livan's-Island— Account of the British
naval attack on the fort' at Sullivan's-
Island — Sergeant Jasper presented with

a sword — The declaration of indepen- page
dence received at Charlestown — The
siege of St. Augustine projected — An
expedition against the Cherokee In-
dians, 144—184
The Cherokee Indians sue for peace — Con-
ditionally granted — General Lee's expe-
dition against St. Augustine — Set aside
by his recal to the northward — British
attempt to attack Savannah — Retreat —
They summon Sunbury fort, but de-
cline an attack— South Carolina troops
recalled from Georgia- — Captain Biddle
sent on a cruize with the Randolph fri-
gate, Sec— And a small expedition or-
dered for the relief of Georgia — Captain
Biddle's squadron sails for the West In-
dies— The event — The British cruizers
quit the South Carolina coast — Dread-
ful fire in Charlestown — New slate con-
stitution framing — Tories embody, and
alarm the state— The Georgians in dan-
ger, and request assistance from South
Carolina — Alexander Gillon, Esq. and
others, commissioned to build or pur-
chase three frigates in France for the de-
fence of the coast — His failure— -Hires
a large frigate from the Duke of Lux-

427

cmburgh— Sails on a cruize — Reduces, page
on a junction with a Spanish force, the
Bahama Islands — Arrives at Phila-
delphia— Refits — The frigate taken by
the British — Her immense loss to South
Carolina, 184—211

Distress for salt — Means used for procur-
ing supplies — Calamitous situation of
the Carohna troops in Georgia — .Colo-
nel Pinckney requests supplies — Grant-
ed— Reduction of the American army
in Georgia, by sickness — Relinquish the
expedition against St. Augustine — Re-
turn to Savannah — Rumors of a naval
expedition at New- York, against Georgia
— The fleet arrives off Tybee, and me-
nace a descent upon Savannah'— -Resolu-
tion of the Americans to defend the
town — Reflections on that determina-
tion— Defeat of the American troops at,
and loss of Savannah— General Lincoln .
arrives from the northward, and takes
command of the troops — Marches them
for the relief of Georgia — Arrive at
Purisburgh — Further observations on
General Howe's endeavor to hold Sa-
vannah, 211— .25S

Condition of the American troops at Pu-

428

risburgh — Distressed situation of the page
Georgia refugees — Sunbury taken — De-
sertions of the Georgia militia — De-
signs of the British troops on South
Carolina — Letters relative to the opera-
tions of the campaign — Instance of the
licentious conduct of the mihtia — The
consequent difficulties of the commander
in chief — West-India prizes brought in-
to Charlestown by American cruizers —
The legislature of South Carolina grant
bounties for the Inlistment, and raising
the pay of the military — Election of ci-
vil state officers — The law ratified for
filling the continental regiments, 256 — 283

Various letters from miilitary officers rela-
tive to military operations and events
in South Carolina- — Engagement near
Beaufort — The Americans retire, from
want of ammunition — General Moultrie
thanks the troops for their gallant be-
havior— The enemy penetrate to Augus-
ta— Discontents in the provincial army,
and its weak condition— The British re-
treat from Augusta — A body of five hun-
. dred American cavalry from the back
country approach Augusta — Different
stations of the American armv — Panic

429

bf the Americans under General Ash at page
Brier-creek, who fly from seventeen
hundred of the enemy, and are totally
routed — Probable consequences of this
defeat— Attempts to set fire to Charles-
town — A deserter hanged — Description
of the British posts in Georgia, 288—356

A court of inquiry held on the affair at
Brier-creek — Particulars of the trial and
examinations — The opinion of the court
— Opinion of a court of inquiry on the
evacuating Port-royal-Island fort -In- .
teresting letters from Colonel Charles
Pinckney on the pending events— Gene-
ral Moultrie's answer — Governor Rut-
ledge's orders to General Williamson
respecting incursions into Georgia— Co-
lonel Provost's propositions relative to
a partial Georgia neutrality — Captain
Morgan arrives from Eustatia with a
supply of arms and ammunition — Colo-
nel Marion stationed at Fort Moultrie—
General Lincoln marches two thousand
men for Augusta- — His orders to Gene-
ral Moultrie — Indian incursions into
South Carolina, at Yamassee— The ene-
my collect their principal force at Ebe*
nezcr — The Americans retreat from Pu-

VOL. Ha 3 i

430

risburgh in consequence of the British page
inarching to that place — General Moul-
trie retreats from Black-swamp, and
takes post at Coosohatchie, in conse-
quence of fifteen hundred British reach- *
ing Purisburgh, 336 — 392
Two thousand of the enemy encamp at
Black-swamp — General Moultrie addres-
ses General Provost in favor of Ameri-
can sick prisoners — Barbarity of the Bri-
tish and Indians — -General Provost an-
swers General Moultrie in behalf of the
prisoners, sick and wounded— The lat-
ter moves his camp to Tullifinny-hill— .
Colonel Laurens w^ounded — His military
character — General Moultrie arrives at
Ashepoo, the enemy in his rear — Their
devastations— ^General Liuculn detaches
a body of troops from Georgia to Ge-
neral Moultrie's assistance — General
Moultrie reaches Charlestown — Conster-
nation of the citizens— The militia
inarch into the town from different parts
of the country — -Disposition and order
of the* troops — General situation of
South Carolina at this period — Count
Paulaski's infantry arrive at Charlestown
from the northward-— He attacks the ad«

431

vance of the British ne^ir Charlestown— pace
Overpowered — General Provost's army
appears at the gales of Charlestovvn—
Their pro.^jress stopped — Major Huger
Jiilled, and others — His character, 392—424

Military orders from the privy council of
Charlestown disputed by the command-
ing generals — The command devolves
on General Moultrie — fie sends a flag
to General Provost, and requests his
terms of capitulation — General Provost's
reply — The privy council summoned to
meet — Number of American troops at
this time in Charlestown, and the num-
ber of the besiegers—General Mouly^ie
disagrees to Provost's terms, and re-
quests a conferencc-=-Proposals in the
privy council for giving up the town on
conditions of neutrality— A message to
that effect sent to the British command-
er—He refuses to treat except on a sur-
render of the garrison as prisoners of
war— The American army determined
to defend the town— The retreat of the
enemy, who cross Ashley-river in the
night — Followed by Paulaski's cavalry— ^

General Lincoln advances w4th four
thousand men from Georgia for the re«

432

!ief of Charlestown, of which the enemy vagi

had been informed by an intercepted letter
—General Lincoln reaches Edisto-mills
^ — The enemy at Ashley-river and James'-
Island — Four hundred troops detached
to General LiRcoln--The British army
wholly encamped on James'-Island — Ap-
prehensions of the Americans for Fort
Johnson — The garrison withdrawn and
guns spiked up-— A party on this busi-
ness made prisoners — Disposition of the
armed shipping to prevent the enemy
crossing to Charlestown^Other milita-
ry land dispositions — -Guards posted
round Chariestov/n to prevent surprise —
General Lincoln moves to Parker's-fer-
ry — General Provost passes Stono — Fur-
ther movements of General Lincoln— «
General Provost proposes an exchange
of prisoners— -An exchange of prisoners
agreed to, 424— -456

The enemy's main body continue on James*-
Island — Arrangements respecting ex-
changes of officers, Sec— A plan of at-
tack on the enemy at Stono-ferry —
Which is set aside on finding the strength
of their works — General Lincoln deter-
piines to retire from the service, from

453

ill health— Congress appoint General page
Moultrie in his stead— American breach
of verbal paroles — The enemy move
to John's-Island— General MouUrie ar-
rives at Wappoo, with 700 men— Ge»
neral Lincoln attacks the British lines
at Stono-ferry-— Retires— Particulars of
his attack and retreat— An attack on the
enemy's bridge of boats at Stono-ferry—
Partial success — The enemy abandon
their post at Stono-ferry, 456— 50S

CONTENTS.

VOL. IL

The British establish a strong post at
Beaufort — The Americans unable to
prevent them for want of boats— General
Moultrie re-lands his troops from James'-
Island at Charlestown — Takes the com-
mand of the southern troops at Stono—
Various proceedings relative to the mi-
litia, stores, &c. — A general exchange
of prisoners contemplated — Obstruc-
tions— Distress of the Americans for
men and money — ^Particulars of Ser-

PAGE

434

geant William Jasper — Disposition of page
thQ British forces at Port-royal-Island—
Appearances of their leaving it — Count
D'Estaing's fleet arrives off Savannah-
bar — His cannon and military stores
landed — Dispositions made for an attack
on Savannah — Particulars of that unfor-
tunate affair, 1—36
Military orders for the attack on Savan-
nah— Repulse and defeat of the Ame-
rican and French troops — Retreat of the
Americans to Ebenczer-heights— -Count
D'Estainor re-embarks and leaves the coast
of America — The British army to the
northward turn their views to a reduc-
tion of the southern states — Admiral
Arbuthnot's fleet arrives off Savannah,
from New -York, and land an army-^—
The enemy approach Ashley-ferry — Ge-
neral Moultrie returns to Charlestown on
account of ill health — The enemy throw
up fortifications at the mouth of Wappoo-
creek — Seven of the British ships pass
over Charlestown-bar — The body of the
fleet approach Fort Moultrie — Disposi-
tions for opposing them— Admiral Ar-
buthnot takes possession of Fort Moul-
trie— The British land-army advance to-

435

wards Charlestown — On April 3d, 1780, page
they approach the American lines and
throw up works — A skirmish — The Bri-
tish fleet anchor off Fort Johnson — The
town blocked up — The disposition of the
artillery intrusted to General Moultrie
— Journal of the siege of Charlestown,
(page 65) — Sir Henry Clinton's sum-
mons to General Lincoln to surrender
the town—The General's reply — The
British open their batteries on Charles-
town— A flag sent to Sir Henry Clinton
— General Lincoln's proposals for a ces-
sation of hostilities for six hours — Gene-
ral Lincoln's proposed articles of capitu-
lation— A council of war called — They
recommend a capitulation — The British
approaches on the land side continue——
They receive a reinforcement from New-
York — American sortie on the British—
The American works not ten able against
the besieging force — Exertions of the
Americans to defend Charlestown — A
second summons from Sir Henry Clin-
ton— General Lincoln's reply — Articles
of capitulation, with subsequent letters
on the occasion— Alterations, &c. 36—92

General Lincoln's proposed alterations of

4S6

the articles of capitulation — Inadmissible page
on the part of the British commanders-^
Conduct of the people of Charlestown on
this occasion — The place capitulates —
General Lincoln's motives for that step
— Articles of capitulation as finally
agreed to, between General Clinton,
Admiral Arbuthnot and General Lincoln
— Return of the military stores taken in
Charlestown — The Americans pile their
arms — Treacherous conduct of several
Americans during the siege — A British
guard blown up by an accidental explo-
sion— General Moultrie remonstrates to
the British on the neglect and ill usage
of American prisoners- — British returns
of prisoners— An interview between Ge-
neral Moultrie and General Patterson—^
The American officers sent to Haddrell's-
point— A return of all ranks of the pri-
soners— General Lincoln sails for Pitita-
delphia — Situation and treatment of the
American officers at Haddrell's-point—
Their disorderly conduct-*— Interview be-
tween General Moultrie and Lord Corn-
wallis — General Moultrie's letter toCoR»
gress on Mr. Pendleton's parole — Um-
brage taken by the British officers on the

437

American prisoners at Haddrell's-point, page
celebrating the fourth of July— -General
Moultrie justifies their conduct, 92— '133

iBritish restrictions on the American prison-
ers— Commandant's orders to enforce the
restrictions— General Moultrie's requi-
sition of certain American officers sent
on board the prison-ships — The com-
mandant's refusal to reply— General
Moultrie's letter to Colonel Balfour on
the same subject — An abrupt verbal an-
swer— Mortality among ihc American
prisoners at and near Charlestown— Ge=
neral Moultrie remonstrates to Colonel
Balfour on the occasion — The Colonel's
answer — List of general officers of the
American army — Breach of the general
articles of capitulation on the part of the
British — General Greene requests a re-
turn of the prisoners from General Moul-
trie— His answer — Colonel Balfour's pro-
posals to a son of General Moultrie— «
Holds forth inducements to their re-
linquishing the American cause — At-
tempts of the enemy to inlist prisoners
in the hospital — General Moultrie trans-
mits a return of prisoners at HaddrelPs-
point to General Greene — Physical aid
VOL. ir, 3 K

4J8

refused the hospital prisoners — Balfour's page

3-pology — A partial exchange of prison-
ers— Situation of the remainder — Letter
from Lord Charles Montapjue to Gene-
ral Moultrie, in which he endeavors to
detach General Moultrig from the Ame-
rican service— Offers to resign the com-
mand of his regiment in Jamaica in his
favor— General Moultrie's noble and
spirited reply— Colonel Balfour threatens
to send the American prisoners to the
West Indies, in case o£ an exchange not
being speedily agreed to, 132 — 172

Colonel Grimkie and Major Habersham
committed to prison for a supposed
breach of parole, in corresponding by
letter — Proceedings of a court of inquiry
on that affair— Copy of the letters of cor-
respondence— The correspondenis found at
guilty — Colonel Grimkie's letter of ex-
planation to General Moultrie — Joins
General Greene's army — General Moul-
trie remonstrates with Colonel Balfour
on the impressment of American sol-
diers from the prison-ships— Receives
no answer — General articles for an ex-
change of prisoners— General Moultrie
sails for Philadelphia in a cartel — Ad-

439

miral Tornay's fleet arrives off Carolina page
after the surrender of Charlestown-^
Their intentions thereby frustrated —
Transactions in the interior country of
Cornwallis and Tarleton — The battle at
Waxsaws, with a return of the killed
and wounded — Historical instances of
the superiority of cavalry over infantry —
Colonel Tarleton in high reputation for
his success — The British endeavor to se-
cure the submission of the country— Sir
Henry Clinton returns to i-^cw York
with the main body of his army, but
previously offers a pardon to all who
would join the British arms — Many ac-
cept the offer — British perfidy- — Baron
De Kalb ordered to the southward by
Congress with fourteen hundred troops
— Distresses on his march, 172—212

The state of North Carolina detach bodies of
militia to the southward— Check the Bri-
tish in South Carolina*— Colonel Tarle-
ton compelled to retreat — The war car-
ried into the upper parts of South Ca-
rolina by the British — The Americans
retreat to North Carolina — Colonel
Sumpter takes the command of them— ^
Returns to the southward and opposes

440

the enemy — His success — Astonishment page
of the British at this event — Lord Raw-
don's severe orders with regard to de-
serters from the militia-^Confines in jail
all Americans in his power refusing to
join the British arms — .Dispersion of the
Tory insurgents from North Carolina-
Animosity between the Whigs and To-
ries— Cruel excesses on both sides — Ge-
neral Sumpter with 600 men attacks a
British post at Rockey-mount, but fails
of success — Soon after cieieats a British
regiment and Tories at Hanging-rock
—Intelligence arrives of an army being
on its march from the northward for the
relief of the southern states — Small par-
ties embody in the Carolinas and check
the British and Tories — Colonel Wil-
liams' success at Enoree-river, 212—220
Congress resolve to support the liberty
and independence of the thirteen states
— General Gates takes command of the
continental troops in North Carolina, and
issues his proclamation— General Ma-
rion with a small force moves from South
Carolina to join General Gates— x\nnoys
the British on several occasions— His
great exertions in the. American cause—

441

His excellent character as apartizan of- page
ficer — He routs a party of the enemy
and their adherents near Georgetown —
In junction with Colonel Lee's legion he
surprises Georgetown — Their retreat-
General Gates joined by the North Ca-
rolina militia — Moves towards Camden
—Lord Cornwallis arrives at Camden —
Takes command of the royal army —
The- two armies mutually a.dvance and
charge — Retreat—Order and disposition
of the American army on the 16th of
August — They engage the British — Pa-
nic and retreat of the Virginia and North
Carolina militia — ^Slaughter of the Ame-
ricans— And disastrous event of the bat-
tle— General Sufnpter defeated — Rejoic-
ings of the British at Charlestown, in
consequence of this atTair-— Deplorable
situation of the southern states, 22C — 236

Outrages and cruelties exercised by Lord
Cornwallis- through the country — Letter
from Governor Rutledge to Congress en
this subject — Lord Cornwallis'. orders in
respect to the inhabitants who had taken
oaths of allegiance^— Condemnation and
execution of Colonel Isaac Hayne under
those orders — ^Particulars relative toColo«.

442

nel Hayne— Devastations in Ninety-six
district — Colonel Ferguson marches to-
wards the western parts of South Caro-
lina— The back country inhabitants arm
to oppose him — Battle at King's-moun-
tain — ^ Ferguson mortally wounded, and
his troops surrender — Account of the
enemy's loss, and cause of their disaster
— Observations on militia-men in general,
and what only should be expected from
them — Maxim of the old king of Prussia
—Influence and effect of this defeat on
the plans of Cornwallis — The Americans
roused by this fortunate event — Corn-
wallis retreats to Winn sborough— Colo-
nel Washington takes a fort near Cam«
den and one hundred and twelve prison-
ers— General Sumpter's activity with
militia companies through South Caro-
lina—His lenient conduct to Major
Weyms — His advantage over Colonel
Tarleton — Wounded — General Greene
appointed to command in the southern
department — Character of this officer-
He arrives at Charlotte — Takes com-
mand of an ill provided and dispirited
army — Divides it, and intrusts one half
to General Morgan — Which are detach-

ed to the western parts of Carolina^- page
The British establish a post at Ninety-
six— Despicable behavior of part of the
inhabitants to their countrymen — Lord
Balfour's insolence and tyranny — Gene-
ral Morgan reaches the western parts of
the state, and disperses a body of To-
ries, 236—252
Cornwallis detaches Tarleton with one
thousand infantry against General Mor-
gan— Morgan determines to fight them
— Tarleton's troops defeated and five
hundred lay down their arms — The vic-
tory completed with a trivial loss to the
Americans — The British in Charlestown
much disconcerted at this news — Corn-
wallis stigmatizes the conduct of Tarle-
ton's troops — Cornwallis sets out in pur-
suit of General Morgan — Menaces North
Carolina — General Greene joins Morgan
and forms a junction of their troops at
Guilford Court-house — The British cross
Catawba-river — Their plans of attack on
North Carolina and Virginia — Detach-
ments of British sent from New- York to
the southward — Military mancEuvres of
both armies — General Greene passes the
Yadkin— General Marion's activity to

444r

the southward — General Greene re- page
treats his army from Guilford Court-
house in two divisions — Re-crosses the
Dan, and defeats several bodies of Tory-
insurgents — The Virginians send troops
into North Carolina — Battle of Guilford
Court-house, 252—268

Lord Cornwallis marches towards the sea-
coast, and reaches his shipping at Wil-
mington— Proceeds to Halifax, (N.C.) —

To Petersburgh — General Greene re-
commences hostilities in South Carolina
— Lord Rawdon marches to oppose him
— Engagement at Hobkirk's hill — Lord
Rawdon retires from Camden — Orange-
burgh surrenders to General Sumpter—
Surrender of Fort Motte — Of Fort
Granby — The British leave Georgetown
— Augusta capitulates — General Greene
marches to Ninety-six — -A fleet arrives
at Charlcstown from Ireland, with troops
— Lord Rawdon marches to relieve
Ninety-six — The siege raised — General
Greene's retreat — Ninety-six evacuated
by the British — Various partizan ex-
ploits— Battle of Eutaw — Congress pre-
sent General Greene with a British
standard and gold medal— The British

4Aj

abandon Dorchester—General Greene ?age
encamped at Ashley-river— Tyranny of
Nesbit Balfour — Treachery of the tory
Cunningham — The Wliigs retaliate—
Governor Rutledge returns to South Ca-
rolina and re-establishes xivil govern-
ment-^His proclamation and speech-
Answer of the two branches, 268—316
The mihtary offi.cers petition General
Greene to retaliate for Colonel Hayne—
General Pickens marches to the Chero-
kee country, and burns thirteen towns —
General Gadsden chosen governor of
South Carolina' — Session and proceed-
ings of the legislature — General Greene
changes his ^position— -General Leslie's
letter to him — Reply — Leslie's letter to
Governor Mathev/s — The Pennsylvania
line join General Greene — General
Wayne detached to Georgia-^Americaii
government re-established in Georgia-
General Wayne defeats Colonel Brown
— Conflict with a party of Creek Indians
The British abandon offensive opera-
tions— ^Evacuation of Savannah — The
Americans in possession of all South Ca-
rolina except Charlcstown and its vi«
cinity — ^Preliminary steps for evacuate

VOL» II. 5 L

D. LONGWORTH,

AT THE SHAKSPEARE GALLERY, NEW-YORK,

PRINTER, FUBLISHER, AND BOOKSELLER,

Will execi 2 all orders for printing, 8cc. with

\yhich he may be honored from the southern states.

JfoTE ^e.-Tc^ocGiiroac^

^, mid, ^JfMt

^.i^^'^^

T THE FIRST REGUliAR MEET.

ING of the City Council of Charles-

"^ ^'^ ton, S. C, held on the 14th Novem-

ei-

ber, 1882, in the renovated City
Hall, an Inaugural Address was delivered by
Mayor Courtenay, and some business trans-
acted.

5:5

ifi

. The Mayor announced to Council that Col.
T. Bailev MYEHh\ of New York City, had presented
to the City three rare ajjd valuable Engravings of
ereat local interest to our citizens :

,•■ I. ^iR Henry Clinton's Map of the Siege or
Charleston, 1780. showing the city, the army, and
harbor and surrounding country, the fortifications,
and position of the fleet under Vice-Admiral Mariot
Arbuthnot.

II. An Fngravkd Portrait of William Pitt.
Earl of Chatham, Secretary of State from the year
1755 to 1768, by James Barry, R. A., September, 1778.

III. An F.xact l'K()si'R(^r of Chakif^ Town, the
metropolis of the Province of South Carolina — an
original engraving, published in the London Maga-
zine, June, 1762.

Alderman White presented the following resolu-
tions :

Whereas, Mr. T. Bailey Myers, of New York-
City, has generously presented to the City Council
three rare and valuable P^ngravings, of great local
interest to the citizens of Charleston, comprising, ist,
Sir Henry Clinton's Map of the Siege of Charleston,
1780; 2d, An Engraved Portrait of William Pitt, Earl
of Chatham, published in 1778; 3d, A view of our
City as it appeared in 1762, Be it

Resolved, That the thanks of the City Council are
due and are hereby tendered to Mr. Myers for these
valued gifts, and we assure him that his liberality is
highly appreciated by the City Council and citizens
of Charleston.

Resolved, That these Engravings be hung on the
walls of the Mayor's Office, and carefully preserved,
as objects of general interest to our community.

The resolutions were unanimously adopted.

At the regular Meeting of the City Council, held
on 26th December, 1882, the following letter was
read and ordered to be spread upon the minutes:

Sir: I desire to acknowledge your favor of the 29th
ult., and to return through you my thanks to the
Honorable the City Council for the graceful and
ample acknowledgment it enclosed of my small con-
tribution to their restored official home.

y l)oyh(i()<i, in passing
ida, I had acquired j
nt city as a strantjc
Vorld wlioii travcUii
'a collision iiationali —

:ccnt associations, ir
cd appreciation of ■
to improve the pre
y aid his cfTort.

irly impressions led tr
li cause me to feel, >
is neither wholly as a

kind as to convey to t
3t yourself the assur;
-)n of,

your obedient servan;
T. HAlLi:V MV

Mo. 4- -^-t

As a visitor in my boyhodd. in passing to and from
my intercuts in Florida, I had acquired kuch impres-
siitns of your ancient city as a straog<ip retains of
those of the Old World when travelling, with the
additional interest of a common natinnali -y.

discovering, in 'recent associations, ir your ener-
getic Mayor, a kindred appreci.ition of nemorials of
the past and desire to improve the present, I have
endeavored to slightly aid his eflTort. i

Perhaps those early Impressions led to more active
associations, which ciuse mc to feel, when I visit
Charleston, that it is neither wholly .is ,1. traveller or
a stranger.

W ill you be so kind as to convey to those gentle-
men and to .accept yourself the assurances of the
grateful appreciation of.

Very truly, your obedient servant

T. I?AII.I-:V MYpRS,
No. 4 West 34tli Street, New York.
Uccembcr 8lh, 1S.S2.

Cli:i<k nti-- CouNfii.

THE NEW YORK PUBLIC LIBRARY

REFERENCE DEPARTMENT

This book is under no circumstances to be
taken from the Building

THE C COLLECTION' OF

PRE SEATED IJY
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TO THE

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IX MEMOllYOF

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LIEUTE XANT-t O.MMAXDE K

ITXITED STATKS XA>'1

189»

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Full text of "Memoirs of the American Revolution : so far as it related to the states of North and South Carolina, and Georgia"

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