enrg (Bteen Q$equeaf0eo fig 0tm fo f0e feifirarg of (princefon Sfteofogtcaf £$eminarg 78-/3 Occo It* (M-Tr- **) » S - O i > ) LEE'S MEMOIRS. 'J6» ~J MEMOIRS OF THE WAR SOUTHERN DEPARTMENT OF THE UNITED STATES. / BY HENRY LEE, LIEUTENANT COLONEL COMMANDANT OF THE PARTISAN LEGION DtfRING THE AMERICAN WAR. Quseque ipse miserriraa vidt Bt quorum pars fui. Vihqii,, IN TWO VOLUMES, VOL. II. PHILADELPHIA: PUBLISHED BY BRADFORD AND INSKEEP; ASTD INSKEEP AND BRADFORD, NEW YORK. Fry and Kammerer, Printers^ 1812. MEMOIRS OF THE WAR IN THE SOUTHERN DEPARTMENT OF THE UNITED STATES. CHAPTER XXVIII. IT has been before observed, that the British cabinet, despairing of the subjugation of the United States, had changed its plan of operations, in the expectation of wresting from the Union its richest though weakest section. In pursuance of this system, the breaking up of Virginia was deemed of primary importance, and to this object sir Henry Clinton devoted all his dispo- sable force. It will be remembered, that general Ma- thews, with a small detachment, in 1779, laid waste all the seaboard of the state; destroying, or transporting to New York, an immense quantity of naval and mili- tary stores, besides private property; and that a sub- sequent expedition under major general Leslie had taken place, which was soon abandoned, in conse- quence of the derangement which occurred in the Vol. II. A 2 Memoirs of the War in the plans of lord Cornwallis by the fall of lieutenant colo- nel Ferguson. The British commander in chief, pursuing steadily this favorite object, prepared, as soon as it was prac- ticable, a third expedition for that devoted country. It consisted only of one thousand six hundred men, and was placed under the direction of brigadier general Ar- nold; who, preferring wealth with ignominy, to poverty with honor, had lately deserted from the service of his country, having been detected in the infamous attempt to betray West Point, with the care of which fortress he was then entrusted. The object being devastation and plunder, sir Henry Clinton could not have made a more appropriate selection: but when we consider the nice feelings inherent in soldiership, he ran no incon- siderable risk of alienating the affections of his army, by honoring a traitor with the command of British troops. Mortifying as was this appointment to many, it seems that the British officers determined to submit in silence, lest their opposition might delay, if not prevent, an expedition deemed necessary by their commander in chief. Arnold, foul with treason to his country, and with treachery to his friend, escaped from the probable consequence of a well digested plan laid by Washington for his seizure, which had advanced almost to the point of consummation, when he removed from his quarters to prepare for the expedition to Vir- ginia. He was accidentally withdrawn from surround- ing conspirators, ready, on the night of that very day, to have seized his person, conveyed him across the Southern Department of the United States. 3 North river to Hoboken, where they would have been met by a detachment of dragoons, for the purpose of conveying the traitor to headquarters. Thomas Jef- ferson still continued at the head of the government: a gentleman who had taken an early and distinguished part in the revolution, highly respected for his literary accomplishments, and as highly esteemed for his amia- bility and modesty. General Greene, when passing to the south through Richmond, had left, as has been mentioned, major general baron Steuben in command in Virginia. Early in December, the governor was informed, by letter from the commander in chief, of the preparations in New York for an expedition to the south; but nei- ther the governor nor the baron seems to have acted under this communication, presuming, probably, that the detachment making ready in New York was des- tined for South Carolina, to reinforce the British force under lord Cornwallis. It would appear, that a due recollection of the preceding attempts upon Virginia, with the knowledge that as long as that state could hold safe its resources, so long would resistance in the south be maintained, ought to have admonished the governor and the general to prepare, at once, means to meet the invasion, should it be directed against that quarter. General Arnold's preparations were slow; for the British had not yet relinquished their apprehensions that the count de Terney, commanding the French squadron at Rhode Island, would receive from the West Indies a reinforcement that would give him 4 Memoirs of the War in the such a naval superiority as to endanger any maritime expedition of theirs. In November this apprehension ceased, and about the middle of the next month the convoy with the expedition left the Hook. After a te- dious passage, it reached the Chesapeak on the 30th, when was felt the fatal effect of omitting timely pre- parations to defend the country. The governor detach- ed general Nelson to the coast, as soon as he was informed of the entrance of the enemy into the bay, for the purpose of bringing the militia into the field; while baron Steuben, believing Petersburg, the depot for the southern army, to be the object, hastened his continental force, about two hundred recruits, to that town. Arnold, embarking his troops in the lighter vessels, proceeded up James river, and on the fourth of January approached City Point, situated at the con- fluence of the Appomatox with James river. It was now evident, and, indeed, a little reflection would have before demonstrated, that the lower country was not the primary object with the enemy. Mathews, in his incursion, had deprived the state of the contents of her arsenals in that quarter; and had our ability permitted their renewal, prudence would have forbidden the col- lection of articles of value in spots so accessible to the enemy. As soon, therefore, as the governor and gene- ral learned that the squadron had cast anchor in Hamp- ton Road, (however hope may heretofore have prevailed over vigilance, on the receipt of general Washington's letter in the first week in December, communicating the readiness of a body of troops in New York to em- Southern Department of the United States. 5 bark, believed to be destined for the south,) due re-' flection would have shown, that Richmond or Peters- burg, or both, was the probable destination of this small armament, the suddenness of whose approach, more than its force, could give to it efficacy. It is true that the honorable and continued efforts to uphold the states to its south, had exhausted much of the resources of Virginia; yet she possessed enough, more than enough, to have sustained the struggle for their res- toration, and to have crushed any predatory adventure like that directed by Arnold. But unfortunately we were unprepared, and efforts to make ready commenced after the enemy was knocking at our doors. The go- vernment, which does not prepare in time, doubles the power of its adversary, and sports with the lives of its citizens; for to recover lost ground, when the required force becomes ready, compels resort to hazardous en- terprise, sometimes ruinous by disappointment, always debilitating by the prodigal waste of resources. Upon this occasion, the celerity of the enemy's ad- vance, however unequivocally it exemplified the first, gave no opportunity for the illustration of the last part of the observation. On the fourth of January, Arnold debarked at West- over, the seat of Mrs. Byrd, relict of colonel Byrd, the honorable associate of Washington, in defence of the frontiers of Virginia against the Indian enemy, then guided and aided by France. This step, though indecisive, from the facility with which the convey- ance derived from naval co-operation admitted to with 6 Memoirs of the War in the draw to the southern banks of the river, in case Petersburg had been his principal object, gave serious alarm to the governor and general. Now, for the first time, they discovered that the seat of government was to receive a visit from Arnold; and now they ascertain- ed, that although general Nelson had been sent below, and the militia commandants had been summoned to furnish aid from above, yet the postponement of com- mencing preparations on the receipt of the letter of advice from general Washington, to the hour of the enemy's arrival in Chesapeak bay, had left them, the archives of the state, its reputation, and all the military- stores deposited in the magazines of the metropolis, at the mercy of a small corps conducted by a traitor, who, feeling the rope about his neck tightening in every step he advanced, would have hastened to his naval asylum the moment he saw the probability of adequate resistance. Yet for the want of due prepara- tion on the part of the invaded state, nine hundred British troops, with Arnold at their head, dared to leave their ships, and advance to Richmond, twenty- five miles distant from their place of safety. It will scarcely be credited by posterity, that the governor of the oldest state in the Union, and the most populous, (taking for our calculation the ratio established by the present constitution of the United States to designate the number of representatives allowed to each state,) should have been driven out of its metropolis, and forc- ed to secure personal safety by flight, and its archives, with all its munitions and stores, yielded to the will Southern Department of the United States. 7 of the invader, with the exception of a few, which ac- cident, more than precaution, saved from the common lot. Incredible as the narrative will appear, it is never- theless true. On the fifth of January, Arnold entered Richmond, untouched by the small collection of militia detached to interrupt his advance; and on the following day lieutenant colonel Simcoe, one of the best officers in the British army, proceeded at the head of his corps of rangers, horse and foot, supported by a detachment from the line, to Westham, where was the only can- non foundery in the state, which, with its various ap- purtenances and their respective contents, he destroyed. Here, unluckily, the public stores removed from Rich- mond in the perturbation excited by the novel appear- ance of British battalions, had been deposited: the last spot which ought to have been selected; as the most common reflection ought to have suggested the proba- bility that the enemy in Richmond, safe as he was, would never retire until he had destroyed an important military establishment so near as Westham. Making it a place of additional deposit, was therefore increas- ing the inducement to destroy it. Simcoe having fully executed his mission, undis- turbed by even a single shot, returned to Richmond, where devastation had been extended under Arnold's direction, until even his greedy appetite was cloyed, and his revengeful heart sated. Having spread desola- tion all around, the brigadier decamped, and on the 7th returned to Westover, without meeting even the 8 Memoirs of the War in the semblance of resistance. Our militia were now assem- bling: brave men, always willing to do their duty, never brought to understand how best to execute it, never properly equipped, or judiciously conducted. Some few unfortunately assembled at Charles City courthouse, in conformity to orders from government, not more than eight or nine miles from Westover. Simcoe hearing of it, put his corps in motion and soon dispersed them, happily with very little loss, in con- quence of the impatience of the enemy, who omitted some of those precautions necessary to secure com- plete success. The object was trivial, or this superior soldier would have conducted his enterprise with the proper forecast and circumspection.* Nothing re- * This officer commanded a legionary corps called the Queen's Rangers, and had during the war signalized himself upon various occasions. He was a man of letters, and like the Romans and Gre- cians, cultivated science amid the turmoil of camp. He was enterprising, resolute, and persevering; weighing well his pro- ject before entered upon, and promptly seizing every advantage which offered in the course of execution. General Washington expecting a French fleet upon our coast in 1779 or 1780, and de- sirous of being thoroughly prepared for moving upon New York, in case the combined force should warrant it, had made ready a number of boats, which were placed at Middlebrook, a small vil- lage up the Rariton river, above Brunswick. Sir Henry Clinton being informed of this preparation, determined to destroy the boats. The enterprise was committed to lieutenant colonel Sim- coe. He crossed from New York to Elizabethtown Point with his caval.7, and setting out after night, he reached Middlebrook un- discovered and unexpected. Having executed his object, he baf- fled all our efforts to intercept him on his return, by taking a Southern Department of the United States, 9 maining to be done, Arnold reimbarked on the 10th, and descending the river, landed detachments occa- circuitous route. Instead of turning towards Perth Amboy, which was supposed to be the most probable course, keeping the Rari- ton on his right, he passed that river, taking the direction towards Monmouth county, leaving Brunswick some miles to his left. Here was stationed a body of militia, who being apprized (it being now day) of the enemy's proximity, made a daring effort to stop him, but failed in the attempt. Simcoe, bringing up the rear, had his horse killed, by which accident he was made prisoner. The cavalry, deprived of their leader, continued to press forward under the second in command, still holding the route to English town. As soon as the militia at Brunswick moved upon the enemy, an express was despatched to lieutenant colonel Lee, then posted in the neighborhood of English town, waiting for the expected arrival of the French fleet, advising him of this extraordinary adventure. The legion cavalry momentarily advanced towards the British horse; and notwithstanding the utmost diligence was used to gain the road leading to South Amboy (which now was plainly the object) before the enemy could reach it, the American cavalry did not effect it. Nevertheless the pursuit was continued, and the legion horse came up with the rear soon after a body of infantry sent over to South Amboy from Staten Island by sir Henry Clin- ton to meet Simcoe, had joined, and gave safety to the harassed and successful foe. This enterprise was considered, by both armies, among the handsomest exploits of the war. Simcoe executed completely his object, then deemed very important; and traversed the coun- try, from Elizabethtown Point to South Amboy, fifty-five miles, in the course of the night and morning; passing through a most hostile region of armed citizens; necessarily skirting Brunswick, a military station; proceeding not more than eight or nine miles from the legion of Lee, his last point of danger, and which he- Vol. II. B 10 Memoirs of the War in the sionally, for the purpose of destroying whatever could be discovered worthy of his attention. At Smithfield, and at Mackay's mill, were found some public stores; these shared the fate of those in Richmond and at West- ham. On the 20th, the British detachment reached Portsmouth, where general Arnold commenced de- fences indicating the intention of rendering it a perma- nent station. Major general Steuben, having under him the in- defatigable patriot and soldier general Nelson, had by this time drawn together a considerable body of militia, in consequence of the exertion of the governor. With all who were armed* the baron followed Arnold; came increased from the debilitated condition to which his troops were reduced by previous fatigue. What is very extraordinary, lieutenant colonel Simcoe being obliged to feed once in the course of the night, stopped at a depot of forage collected for the conti- nental army, assumed the character of Lee's cavalry, waked up the commissary about midnight, drew the customary allowance of forage, and gave the usual vouchers, signing the name of the legion quarter-master, without being discovered by the American forage commissary or his assistants. The dress of both corps was the same, green coatees and leather breeches; yet the suc- cess of the stratagem is astonishing. * Arnold was practically acquainted with the dilatoriness at- tendant on militia movements; and finding, on his arrival in the state, that no preparations for defence had been made, or even ordered, he determined to avail himself of the supineness of the government, and by taking the first fair wind to approach within one day's march of Richmond, possess himself of it, and destroy the arms; which were then useless for want of men, as now men had become useless for want of arms. A well conceived and well executed project, ansMrering completely in manner and object. Southern Department of the United States. 11 and at Hood's, lieutenant colonel Clarke (an officer in the Virginia line, taken at Charleston, and lately ex- changed) by a well concerted stratagem allured Simcoe to pursue a small party exposed to view, with the expectation of drawing him into an ambuscade, pre- pared for his reception. Judiciously as was the scheme contrived, it was marred in the execution, by the pre- cipitation with which the militia abandoned their post, after discharging one fire. Simcoe lost a few men, and deeming pursuit useless, retired to the squadron. Recurring to the past scene, we find that the British general entered the Chesapeak on the 30th of Decem- ber; that he took possession of Richmond on the 5th of January, ninety miles from Hampton Roads, des- troying all the public stores there and at Westham, with such private property as was useful in war; that he reached Portsmouth on the 20th, spreading devas- tation as he descended the river, wherever any object invited his attention; and that during this daring and destructive expedition, he never was seriously opposed at any one point. What must posterity think of their ancestors, when they read these truths! Had not the war demonstrated beyond doubt that the present generation possessed its share of courage and love of country, we should have been pronounced destitute of these distinguished characteristics. There was, in fact, no deficiency of inclination or zeal (unequal as was the contest) in our militia to advance upon the foe; but there was a fatal destitution of arrangement, of military apparatus, and of system. 12 Memoirs of the War in the Abounding in the finest horses, and our citizens among the best riders in the world, no regular corps of horse had been provided for state defence; although the face of our country, intersected in every quarter with navigable rivers unprotected by floating batteries and undefended by forts, manifested the propriety of resorting to this species of defence, as better calculated than any other within our command, to curb the de- sultory plundering incursions, under which we had so often and severely suffered. One single legionary corps of three hundred horse and three hundred musketry, with a battalion of mount- ed riflemen, accompanied by a battalion of infantry, under a soldier of genius, would have been amply sufficient to preserve the state from its past insults and injuries; and as this body might have been, when necessary, conveyed with the despatch of horse, by double mounting, it would in some degree have di- minished the disadvantage we labored under from the facility and ubiquity of our navigation. Such a force might readily have been made up by drafts from the militia, and, being devoted to local defence, many would have enlisted themselves to avoid more distant service. Throughout the state were interspersed officers, bred under Washington, compelled to turn away from the field of battle, because our diminished number of rank and file rendered a proportionate diminution in the higher grades incumbent: they were devoted to the great cause for which they had fought, and with Southern Department of the United States. 13 alacrity would have rallied around the standards of their country, whenever summoned by government. Out of such materials, in the manner suggested, the commonwealth might have been held untouched, and our military stores, so much wanted, and so hard to obtain, would have been secured. Indeed when known in New York, that such means of defence were provided, no attempt like that entrust- ed to Arnold would have been projected; and sir Henry Clinton, not having it in his power to spare large divi- sions of his force, these injurious and debasing incur- sions would not have taken place. Never in the course of the war was a more alluring opportunity presented for honorable enterprise, with so fair a prospect of success. Had the governor fortunately prepared, on receipt of general Washington's letter early in December, six or seven hundred militia of those most convenient to Richmond and Petersburg, being the only two places within the state possessing objects which could attract the British armament, well directed efforts against Ar- nold, as soon as he approached Rockets', would have saved Richmond and Westham; and might have ter- minated in the capture of the traitor and the destruction of his detachment. The position at Rockets' is strong, and peculiarly adapted for militia: the enemy's right flank being ex- posed, as soon as his front crossed the creek, to a sudden assault from the main force posted along the rivulet and upon the heights, while the houses in front 14 Memoirs of the War in the gave defences from which it would not be very easy to dislodge an inferior force determined to do its duty. Opposition in this quarter would have stopped the in- vader. The country through which he must retreat presents three points where he might have been suc- cessively and advantageously assailed. The first at Four Mile creek, where the ground not only affords powerful aid to the assailant, but is exactly suitable to the Americans, who understood passing with facility through mud, water, and thick brush, fighting from covert to covert; whereas the enemy would never feel himself safe, unless in close order and unison of action, neither of which could long be preserved when attacked in such a position. The next is, as you pass from Richmond, at Pleasant's mills, and the last, more advantageous than either, is close under Malvern hills, the north margin of the creek which intersects the road. A discriminating officer, with inferior force, availing himself with dexterity of the advantages which in many places the country affords between Richmond and Westover, against a retreating foe, could hardly fail to bring him to submission. But we were unprepared for resistance; and inviting as was the moment, it passed unseized. Our people in the lower country, finding the metropolis gone, and the enemy unresisted, followed the example of the government, abandoned their habitations, exposed their families to the misery of flight, and left their property at the mercy of the invader. What ills spring Southern Department of the United States. 15 from the timidity and impotence of rulers! In them attachment to the common cause is vain and illusory, unless guided in times of difficulty by courage, wis- dom, and concert. This scene of dismay, confusion and destruction took place much about the time that lord Cornwallis again opened the campaign in the south; and during the difficult retreat which soon after ensued, the intel- ligence of Arnold's success reached the two armies, deeply afflicting to the one, and highly encouraging to the other. Greene saw the state, on whose resources and ability he relied for supplies and reinforcements, prostrated at the feet of a handful of men, led by a traitor and deserter, while lord Cornwallis anticipated with delight his certain ultimate success, from com- paring Arnold and his detachment with himself and his army. Baron Steuben, not being in a condition to force intrenchments, wisely distributed his militia in the vicinity of the enemy, for the purpose of protecting the country from light incursions, made with a view to collect provisions or to seize plunder. No event occurred in this quarter worthy of notice, general Arnold continuing to adhere to his position in Ports- mouth, and baron Steuben never having force sufficient to drive him from it. Congress and the commander in chief, not less surprised than mortified at the tidings from Virginia, bestowed their immediate attention upon that quarter. The Virginia delegation, deploring the situation of its 16 Memoirs of the War in the country, pressed the chevalier La Luzerne, minister plenipotentiary from his most christian majesty, to interpose his good offices with the commander of the French fleet at Rhode Island, for the purpose of in- ducing him to detach an adequate naval force to the Chesapeak, conceiving that such co-operation was alone wanting to restore the tarnished fame of the state, and to punish the base invader. Washington, participating in the feelings of the delegation, and urged by the duty of his station, took measures forthwith to assist the invaded state. He addressed himself to count Ro- chambeau, commanding the land forces of his most christian majesty, and to Monsieur Destouches, admi- ral of his squadron in the American seas, urging them to seize the present moment for inflicting a severe blow on the common enemy. He represented the condition and situation of the British armament in Virginia; and expatiated in fervid terms on the signal good which a prompt movement with the fleet, having on board a small auxiliary force from the army, to the Chesapeak, would certainly produce. He deprecated a naval operation unaided by an adequate detachment from the army, as incapable with the militia of the country to effect the desired object; and pressing co- operating exertions from the general and admiral, he announced his intention, arising from the confidence he felt that they would adopt his proposal, of drawing a corps of twelve hundred men from his army, and detaching it with orders to reach by forced marches the position of the enemy. Providentially, the French Southern Department of the United States. 17 possessed at this moment naval superiority; the British having just before suffered severely in a storm off Long Island. The loss of one ship of the line, and the subtraction of two additional ships rendered unfit for service until repaired, gave this advantage. Had the admiral and general adopted at once the plan proposed by Washington, the object might have been effected before the disabled British ships could have been re- fitted for sea: but for reasons not explained, Monsieur Destouches did not move with his squadron, but des- patched a part of it only to the Chesapeak, without a single regiment from the army. The commodore had no sooner reached his place of destination than, disco- vering his inability to execute the expected service, he hastened back to his admiral. Falling in with a British frigate on his return, he captured her; thus obtaining some little compensation for the otherwise useless ex- pedition. In the meantime general Washington's de- tachment, under the marquis de la Fayette, proceeded to the head of Elk, where embarking in bay craft collected for the purpose, the marquis soon reached Annapolis; from which place, in pursuance of the concerted plan, he was to have been taken down the bay, under convoy of Monsieur Destouches. In all military operations there is a crisis, which once past, can never be recalled. So it was now. We had failed to seize the favorable moment, when in our grasp; it went by, and was irrecoverably lost. Had the suggestion of Washington been adopted in the first Vol. IL C 18 Memoirs of the War in the instance, the British armament must have fallen, and the American traitor would have expiated upon a gibbet his atrocious crime. So persuaded was Wash- ington that such was now the probable termination to his infamous life, that he instructed the marquis not to admit any stipulation in his surrender for his safety, and forbad, as he had done on a former occasion, the smallest injury to the person of Arnold; his object being to bring him to public punishment, agreeably to the rules and regulations established by congress for the government of the army. The commander in chief was much mortified when he learnt that his proposi- tion to the general and admiral had not been executed, as he was well convinced the propitious opportunity was irretrievably past. His chagrin arose not only from failure in striking his enemy, from failure in vindi- cating the degraded reputation of Virginia, but also from this second escape of Arnold, whose safe delivery at headquarters engaged his attention from the mo- ment of his desertion. Nevertheless, he concurred with zeal in the late adoption of his proposed plan by the French commanders, and continued the marquis at Annapolis for co-operation. Monsieur Destouches finding, by the return of his commodore, that the con- templated object had not been effected, sailed from Rhode Island with his squadron on the eighth of March, with a suitable detachment from the army, under the count de Viominil. Time had been afforded for the refitment of the two disabled ships belonging to the British fleet, which being accomplished, admiral Ar- Southern Department of the United States. 19 buthnot put to sea on the tenth, in pursuit of the French fleet, and came up with it on the sixteenth, off the capes of Virginia. The hostile fleets were not long in view before they engaged. The action was not general, and, like most sea battles, indecisive. After one hour's combat the fleets separated, each claiming the victor)r. However well supported might be the title of the French admi- ral, it cannot be doubted that he entirely failed in the object of the expedition; nor is it less certain that his disappointment resulted from the rencontre that had just taken place, which was followed by the British admiral's possession of the entrance into the Chesa- peak, and by the return of the French fleet to Rhode Island. Nevertheless congress, the states, and the com- mander in chief, were considerably elated by the issue of the naval combat; for although the fleet of our ally had not gained any decisive advantage, and had been obliged to abandon its enterprize, still, without superiority of force, it had sustained an equal combat against an enemy whose predominance on the ocean had been long established. Congress compli- mented Monsieur Destouches with a vote of thanks, expressing their approbation and confidence; while general Washington, with much cordiality and satis- faction, tendered to the admiral his sincere congratu- lations. So sensible had been sir Henry Clinton of the vulnerable condition of Arnold, that he hastened the embarkation of a considerable body of troops, under 20 Memoirs of the War in the major general Phillips (lately exchanged) intended ul- timately to cooperate with lord Cornwallis, and now applied to reinforce the detachment in Virginia, as soon as the Biitish fleet should be enabled to put to sea. Arbuthnot had not long sailed when he was followed by the transports with the armament under Phillips, which, steering directly for the Chesapeak, safely arrived, after a short passage; and, proceeding up Elizabeth river, the troops debarked at Portsmouth, to the great joy of brigadier Arnold, whose apprehen- sions during the preceding three weeks had been un- ceasing and excruciating. The marquis la Fayette was recalled from Annapolis to the head of Elk, whence he was directed to proceed to Virginia, and take upon himself the command of the troops collected and collecting for its protection. The British force, united at Portsmouth, amounted to three thousand five hundred; and, to the great satisfaction of the officers heretofore serving under Arnold, was now placed under the direction of general Phillips. This officer occupied himself in completing the fortifications begun by Arnold, and making such additional defences as the security of the post required. As soon as this was effected, he prepared for offensive operations. Leaving one thousand men in Portsmouth, he em- barked with the residue in vessels selected for the purpose, and proceeded up James river, with a view of consummating the system of destruction so success- fully pursued by Arnold during his short expedition. Southern Department of the United States. 21 Although the heavy hand of the enemy had been stretched twice before across this defenceless country, withering every thing it touched; although the diffi- culty with which our infant nation, without money and without credit, gathered together small quantities of supplies, without which resistance must terminate; and although the state of our interior forbad the hope of effectual opposition, not from the want of means, but from the want of wisely husbanding and wisely applying our resources, proved again and again by severe experience; yet the interval since Arnold's un- opposed visit to the metropolis was passed in inactivity as all preceding periods of quietude had passed. What little remained of the vitals of resistance were still left in the exposed region of the state, instead of being all collected and transported over the Blue ridge, our nearest security. Instead of admonishing our planters of the danger to which their tobacco was exposed in the public warehouses on the navigable rivers, and urging them to keep this valuable resource safe at home for better times, our towns were filled with our staple commodity, ready to be burnt, or to be exported, as might best comport with the enemy's views. Indeed, in the language of scripture, "we left undone those things which we ought to have done, and did those things which we ought not to have done," and well might follow the disgraces and distresses which ensued. 22 Memoirs of the War in the At York Town were deposited some narval stores, and in its harbor were a few public and private vessels. This little assemblage seems first to have engaged the notice of the British general. Having advanced up the river opposite to Williamsburg, the former seat of government, Phillips landed with his troops at Bar- well's ferry, and look possession of this deserted city without opposition; hence he detached to York Town, where destroying our small magazine, he returned to his fleet and proceeded up the river. Reaching City- Point, which is situated on the south side of James river, where it receives the Appomatox, the British general again debarked his army. Petersburg, the great mart of that section of the state which lies south of Appomatox, and of the north- ern part of North Carolina, stands upon its banks, about twelve miles from City Point; and after the destruction of Norfolk, ranked first among the commercial towns of the state. Its chief export was tobacco, cdhsidered our best product, and at this time its warehouses were filled. In addition were some public stores; as this town, being most convenient to the army of Greene, had become necessarily a place of depot for all import- ed supplies required for southern operations. Phillips directed his march to Petersburg, which he soon reached, without opposition, as appeared then to be the habit of Virginia. All the regular force of this state being under Greene in South Carolina, its defence depended entirely upon the exertions of its executive government, and its mi- Southern Department of the United States. 23 litia. Two thousand of this force were now in the field, directed by the baron Steuben, seconded by general Nelson; half of which was stationed on each side of James river. Steuben, not doubting as to Phillips' ob- ject, put himself at the head of the southern division in the vicinity of Petersburg, whose safety he endea- vored to effect; but as he was incapable of doing more than merely to preserve appearances, this effort was abortive. Advancing into the town, the British troops fell upon Steuben's division, well posted, and as usual, willing, but incapable, to resist effectually. A distant cautious rencontre ensued; adroitly managed by the baron, and sharply upheld by his troops. It terminated, as was foreseen, in the retreat of Steuben over the Appomatox, breaking down the bridge after passing it, to prevent pursuit. Phillips, now in quiet possession of the town, pursued the British policy of crushing southern resistance, by destroying the re- sources of Virginia. The warehouses, stored with to* bacco, our best substitute for money, were consumed. Every thing valuable was destroyed; and the wealth of this flourishing town in a few hours disappeared. Pursuing this war of devastation, he crossed the Ap- pomatox, having repaired its bridge; and dividing his superior force, he detached Arnold to Osborne's, ano- ther place of tobacco storage, while he proceeded himself to the court-house of Chesterfield county, which lies opposite to Richmond, between the James and Appomatox rivers. At this latter place was no tobacco, the present chief object of British conquerors; 24 Memoirs of the War in the but barracks had been erected, and stores collected there, for the accommodation of our recruits, when assembled at this place to join the southern army. Arnold destroyed tobacco and every thing he found at Osborne's, as did Phillips the barracks and stores at the court-house. These exploits being performed, the two divisions of the army rejoined on the route to Manchester, a small village south of James river, in view of the metropolis, one of them passing through Warwick, another small village: here was more tobac- co, of course more devastation followed. The tobacco war being finished, our small squadron of armed vessels lying in the river, here very narrow, became the next object of the British detachment. This naval force had been collected for the purpose of co-operating with the French expedition from Newport against Portsmouth, which proved abortive; and among other ills flowing from the abortion, was the loss of this little squadron. The commodore was very politely summoned to surrender, to which summons he bid defiance, and declaring " his determination to defend himself to the last extremity." Quick two sixes and two grasshoppers were brought to bear upon him; when he as quickly scuttled and set fire to his vessels, escaping with his crew to the northern banks of the riven one way of " holding out to the last extremity," but not that commonly understood by the term. Reaching Manchester, general Phillips renewed hos- tility upon tobacco, of which great quantities were found in the warehouses; this village, although in sight Southern Department of the United States. 25 of Richmond, being saved by the intervening river from sharing with the metropolis in Arnold's ravages. Nothing now remained on the south side of James ri- ver, below the falls, for British fire; all the tobacco, wirh all our valuables within reach, were burnt, or con- veyed on board ship. It was necessary to cross to Rich- mond, or to lay aside the torch. The former measure was the one desired, and would have been executed, had not the opportune arrival, on the preceding even- ing, of the marquis de la Fayette, with his New Eng- land regulars, put an insuperable bar to the project. No bridge then united the two shores, and no maritime aid was at hand to accelerate a passage, now to be effected only by the bayonet, covered by adequate and commanding batteries. The British force under Phil- lips was between three and four thousand, fully ade- quate of itself to have prepared a bridge of boats, and to have forced its way across; but nature had bestowed upon the north side of the river heights commanding effectually both shores. The marquis, strengthened* * Whenever the commitment of our militia in battle with re- gulars occurs, the heart of the writer is rent with painful emo- tions; knowing, as he does, the waste of life resulting from the Stupid cruel policy. Can there be any system devised by the wit of man, more the compound of inhumanity, of murder, and of waste of resources? Ought any government to be respected, which, when peace permits substitution of a better system, ne- glects to avail itself of the opportunity? Was a father to put his son, with his small-sword drawn for the first time, against an experienced swordsman, would not his neighbors exclaim* Vol. II. D 26 Memoirs of the War in the by two thousand militia, presented a respectable force, better appropriated to marches and countermarches, waiting for the assistance which time and opportunity never fail to present, than for the close and stubborn conflicts which defences of posts and resistance to river passages are sure to produce. Had Phillips been in Richmond, and the marquis in Manchester, the river would have been passed with ease. Such is the value of what is called the advantage of ground in war. Re- linquishing his design, general Phillips quitted Man- chester, marching down the south side of the river to Bermuda Hundred; the only spot in the state which retained the old Anglican term brought over by the first settlers; situated on the south shore of the James, at its confluence with the Appomatox river. Although no tobacco warehouses, with their contents, remained to attract the exertions of British valor, yet various articles presented themselves in this ill-fated district, which, exciting cupidity, could not fail in being taken into safe keeping by this formidable army. When governments adopt the policy of plunder and conflagration, they owe to the world, as well as to their nation, the justification of such departure from the li- beral usage of war. In every condition of things such justification is difficult; in this state of affairs it was impracticable. The subjugation of the weakest portion murdeixr! vile murderer! Just so acts the government; and yet our parents are all satisfied; although, whenever war takes place, their sons are to be led to the altar of blood. Dreadful apathy! shocking coldness to our progeny! Southern Department of the United States. 27 of the Union, to which alone all the disposable force of Great Britain had been and was devoted, began to be viewed as chimerical even by the British officers. The battle of Guilford had fixed an impression on the condition of the war, which audibly declared the futi- lity even of victory itself. To burn and to destroy, where no hope of effecting the object could exist but with the infatuated, was not less cruel than disgraceful. That the only people in the world, understanding and enjoying political liberty, powerful and enlightened, the brethren of Locke, of Newton, and of Hampden, should encourage, by their example, a return to bar- barism, affords a melancholy proof of the inefficacy of the arts and the sciences, the sweets of civilization, nay, even of liberty itself, over passion supported by power. The British nation guided by ministers with- out talents, disappointment could not but ensue to many of their enterprises; which, embittering the heart instead of correcting the head, produced this baneful system, so destructive to the comfort first of the far- mers of Connecticut, now of the planters of Virginia; heaping up a stock of irritation and hate, to be dissi- pated only by the force of time. Opposite to Bermuda Hundred is City Point, where Phillips had disembarked when proceeding to Peters- burg; the fleet continuing in its harbor, the British general reembarked his army, and fell down the river. The marquis La Fayette, informed by his light par- ties of the movement of the enemy, followed cautiously on the north side of the river, until he reached the head 28 Memoirs of the War in the waters of the Chickohominy, one of the branches of James river, behind which he took post. Here he learned, by his exploring parties, that the British fleet was reascending the river; when, breaking up from Chickohominy, the marquis hastened back to Rich- mond. On his route he was informed, that Phillips was again disembarking his army on the south side of the river; one division at Brandon, the seat of Benja- min Harrison, esq., and the second division at City Point. Persuaded that the enemy's present object was the possession of Petersburg, for the purpose of meet- ing lord Cornwallis, whose approach to Halifax was known, La Fayette determined to move by forced marches in that direction. The British general ad- vancing with equal rapidity, and being nearer to Pe- tersburg, reached it first. Phillips had flattered himself, that the powerful advantage derived from the celerity and ease with which his army might be conveyed by water, would enable him to strike decisively the Ame- rican general, whom he hoped to allure low down the neck formed by the James and Chickohominy. While occupied in the incipient step to this end, he received lord Cornwallis's despatch, forwarded, as has been before mentioned, when that general commenced his march from Wilmington; and therefore hurried to Petersburg, the designated point of junction. Though young and enterprising, La Fayette was too sagacious to have risked the bold measure of occupying Peters- burg, even had he been free to act as his own judg- Southern Department of the United States. 29 merit might direct; but acting, as he did, in a subor- dinate character, he never could have been induced to violate orders. Major general. Greene, commanding in the Southern Department, directed the operations in Virginia as well as in Carolina; and apprehending loss from temerity, he enjoined, first on baron Steuben, and afterwards upon his successor, the preservation of the army, by avoiding general action, and confining his operations to the " petit guerre;" convinced that the steady adherence to such system only could save the South. It is not to be presumed, that, with such in- structions from his superior, at the head of a force inferior to that under Phillips, with a few lately raised cavalry, the American general would have hazarded the certain danger awaiting him, from placing himself between Cornwallis and the army under Phillips. But in his difficult situation, it was necessary to preserve appearances, to keep the country in good spirits, as well as to render his soldiers strict in attention to duty, and therefore never so susceptible of discipline as when impressed with the conviction that battle is at hand. Finding the British general in occupation of Peters- burg, La Fayette fell back; and recrossing the James river, took a position upon its northern margin, some miles below Richmond. Here he exerted himself to increase the ability of his army, by diminishing his baggage, establishing system and punctuality in its several departments, and introducing throughout rigid discipline. Nor was he unmindful of the peril which awaited the public stores again collected in Richmond; 30 Memoirs of the War in the notwithstanding the severe admonition lately re- ceived from brigadier Arnold. To their removal he administered all the aid in his power, which was effected in due time, though unhappily not to a pro- per place. Southern Department of the United States. 31 CHAPTER XXIX. 1 HE hostile army being separated, general Greene turned his attention to the improvement of his unre- sisted possession of the field. Whether to approach Wilmington, with a view of opposing Cornwallis's operations at the threshold; or to take a more salubrious and distant position, with Virginia in his rear, and there to await his lordship's advance towards his long meditated victim, became at first the subject of deliberation. Very soon a plan of action was submitted to the general, radically repug- nant to those which had risen into notice, and which combating both in principle, reduced the discussion to a single point: " Shall the army wait upon the enemy, or shall it instantly advance upon Cambden." The proposer suggested, that, leaving Cornwallis to act as he might choose, the army should be led back into South Carolina. That the main body should move upon Cambden, while the light corps, taking a lower direction, and joining brigadier Marion, should break down all intermediate posts, completely demolishing communication between Cambden and Ninety -Six with Charleston; and thus placing the British force in South Carolina in a triangle, Charleston and Ninety- Six forming the base, insulated as to co-operation, and 32 Memoirs of the War in the destitute of supplies, even of provision, for any length of time. From the first moment the substitute was presented to the mind of Greene, it received his decided pre- ference. There was a splendor in the plan which will always attract a hero. Yet the stake was great, the subject difficult, and powerful arguments, pressed by deservedly influential soldiers, maintained the pro- priety of adhering to the first contemplated system. They contended, that the battle of Guilford had given a superiority to the American arms which might be preserved; and if preserved, the liberation of the South must follow. They admitted the insalubrity of the lower country, but denied the necessity of placing the army in it; as the healthy region was sufficiently near to the enemy for all the purposes of offence, when- ever he should advance. They laid it down as a car- dinal principle, never to be relinquished or even slighted, that the safety of the South hung upon the safety of Virginia; and the sure way to yield to that state full protection, was to face Cornwallis. They reinforced this argument by dwelling, with much emphasis, upon the singular fitness of Greene to cope with his lordship, as well as the superior capa- city of his army to contend with that under Cornwallis. That the British general and the British soldier had been taught, through the keen and trying struggles just concluded, the value of their enemy — a consideration entitled to weight; and that this value of character would be thrown away, by abandoning that army on which it would always most bear. Southern Department of the United States. 33 That the British dragoons, so dreadful heretofore, had been rendered comparatively innocent by the su- perior ability of the American horse; and that, with- drawing the curb now imposed upon its prowess, would be sure to restore it to its pristine sway and effect. They contended, by observing that our conti- nental force exceeded in number the army of Corn- wallis, that should his lordship even abandon Wil- mington, which was not probable, because injudicious, he would only bring himself to an equality; and the state of North Carolina, already in high spirits from what had passed, would exert itself to give to us the weight of numbers, so long as it found the contest directed by a general deep in its confidence: whereas,, the relinquishment of the state, with the enemy in its bosom, as proposed, would be sure to excite gloom and apprehension, which would infallibly lead to the ancient state of apathy, the fatal effects of which had been severely experienced. In opposition, it was admitted, that the primary object in all the measures to be adopted was the safety of Virginia, as it could not be denied that on its preservation depended the restoration of the subju- gated states; and the various arguments adduced were acknowledged to be correct and cogent, but not entitled to that preponderance which was so strenuously pressed. It was urged, as the surest mode of reaching right conclusions, to lay down the proba- ble conduct of the enemy, and to compare the effects Vol. II. E 34 Memoirs of the War in the of the northern or southern movement upon that con- duet. The British general would either return to South Carolina, to uphold the ground already gained — or, leaving his conquest to the force left for its protec- tion, he would advance upon Virginia. Should he re- turn to South Carolina — ignorant as for days he must be of our movement, and incapable, from his crippled condition, of immediate operation, should he even be so fortunate as to learn with celerity the design of his foe — very probably we should in the interval obtain an advantage which the British general would not be able soon to retrieve, even with his united force. But, granting that we should fail in this expectation; and that Cornwallis should, by crossing the Pedee at the Cheravv hills, force the light corps and Marion to fall back upon Greene, relieve Cambden, and unite to his army its garrison, still we should be safe, and greatly the gainer. For, reinforced as would be general Greene by the corps of Marion, of Sumpter, and of Pickens, he would preserve a numerical superiority over the ene- my, although strengthened by all the disposable troops under lord Rawdon. The quality of these corps, and the well known ability of their leaders, placed them far above any force to be derived from North Carolina, should general Greene renew his contest in that state. We should, therefore, be in better condition to risk battle by going to the south than by continuing here; and we should enjoy the immense advantage of ren- dering a campaign from which so much was expected fey the enemy, entirely abortive; inasmuch as we Southern Department of the United States. 35 brought our opponent back to the very ground which he had left months before, when menacing the subju- gation of North Carolina instantly, and that of Virginia remotely. This single good would be of itself adequate compensation; as it would confirm the superiority of our arms, and demonstrate, even to a British cabinet, the folly of persevering in the hopeless, destructive conflict. But supposing lord Cornwallis should not return to take care of his conquest, — inasmuch as it would une- quivocally declare the mastership of his opponent, and when we reflect how often the best and wisest men prefer any course to that which is coupled with ad- mission of their own inferiority, we might presume that his lordship would follow in the beaten tract, — what will be the consequences? The states of Georgia and South Carolina restored to the Union; the dis- affected in North Carolina restored to their senses, by feeling unequivocally the frivolity of British conquest; North Carolina in a capacity to contribute its portion of annual force; and Virginia saved from that devas- tating flight of human vultures which follow in the train of conquering armies, whose appetite for plunder is insatiate so long as objects of prey are attainable. How can you so effectually save Virginia, it was ask- ed, as by withholding from her territory a visitation so dreadful, the precursor of famine and of plague? This was completely effected by moving to the south; as the contest for the Carolinas continuing, that state •f quiet submission could not take place — and that 36 Memoirs of the JVar in the condition must ensue before these destroyers of pro- perty would adventure to approach a new theatre of plunder. This reasoning, however respectfully regarded, did not persuade the advocates for the original plan to concur. They had felt the degradation of one retreat through North Carolina, and they could not be readily induced to advise the risk of its repetition, which was deemed the infallible consequence of a return to South Carolina should lord Cornwallis act the part which his finished military reputation induced them to ex- pect. They persevered in maintaining the propriety of holding Virginia as our primary object; and contend- ed, that the proposed substitute did effectually reduce her to a secondary station, however sincerely its author shared in the general policy of giving to her, in all our measures, a decided preference. They re- jected the idea of the British general's leaving general Greene in the undisturbed pursuit of his object; and although, at first, his return would convey the ac- knowledgment presumed, yet the effect of this ac knowledgment would be short-lived, as the superior force of the enemy would enable him to push Greene a second time into Virginia; and the sole benefit we should derive from this perilous movement would be entering Virginia a few weeks later, greatly over- weighed by the loss of that superiority in arms, now possessed, and to be sacrificed by a second retreat. That highly as were respected the brigadiers Ma- rion, Sumpter, and Pickens, and much as was prized Southern Department of the United States. 37 the tried courage of their associates, yet the effect of their co-operation was overrated: but, even admitting it to the presumed extent, a movement of such mag- nitude never could be warranted by a reliance on means so precarious. The discussions being now extremely narrowed, by presuming on the British general's return into South Carolina, it was only necessary to demonstrate, that the same perilous retreat would not necessarily ensue, to secure the adoption of the substituted plan of operations. The fact of equality in force was reasserted, and proved by recurrence to official data. The precarious- ness of militia succor could not be denied; but it was urged that the South Carolina corps, above designated, formed an exception to the general rule. What ren- dered our retreat in the course of the past winter so difficult and dangerous was, not only a numerical infe- riority,* but an inferiority in quality also, and a sepa- ration of the two divisions of the army. Now the army was united; the untried battalions had now gone through severe service, and had confessedly improved * Two of our continental regiments, the second of Maryland and the fi;st of Virginia, were composed of raw troops, although the officers were experienced. These regiments had, in the course of the preceding service, been much improved. The two divisions of our army being at a great distance from each other, Greene was necessarily compelled to fall back; and we find that, with all his exertions, he could not reunite until he reached Guilford Court-house. 38 Memoirs of the War in the in soldiership; its numerical strength was now at least equal, and would be sure to be increased by the adop- tion of timely measures to secure reinforcements; whereas that of the enemy could not increase, and must insensibly diminish without battle. That the strong and faithful country west of Char- lotte gave a safe retreat; that a powerful corps of the King's Mountain militia could be readily brought to meet us in that neighborhood, or upon the Yadkin, if deemed advisable further to retire. With this rein- forcement, the corps of South Carolina, and our superior cavalry, general Greene would be much better prepared to appeal to the sword than he was when he fought at Guilford Court-house, where all admitted that he gained an advantage. That lord Corn- wallis must either sit down in the vicinity of Cambden, to guard South Carolina, — an inert condition, as foreign to his disposition as it was incompatible with his duty, or he would, in conformity to his temper and his duty, advance upon general Greene. That, should he presume upon a repetition of retreat, he would not only be disappointed, but would probably be destroy- ed; for the moment he passed Lynch's creek his danger commenced, and increased every step he took towards the Yadkin. He would, therefore, be com- pelled to be satisfied with protecting his line of posts from Cambden to Augusta, or he would again en- counter the peril of a Guilford Court-house victory, •ut of which he would not so happily now escape as he Southern Department of the United States. 39 then had done. By taking the first course, he lost a year: by taking the second, he lost himself. That, from the Yadkin, Greene could readily reach Virginia, if necessary, and should the British general forbear to approach him, and in a few weeks drive all the force collected there to the ocean — the asylum of Englishmen — and return to South Carolina in time for a winter campaign. These, with other arguments equally forcible, were offered in maintenance of the other system; and the effect upon Virginia, which would probably ensue, should the Briiish general proceed thither instead of returning to South Carolina as presumed by the author of the substitute, was examined in all its bearings.* General Greene gave to the subject that full and critical investigation which it merited, and which, by long habit, had become familiar to his mind. He per- ceived advantages and disadvantages attendant upon either course, and felt for the evils to which Virginia must be exposed, whichever plan he might adopt. Doubting whether her sufferings would not be in- creased rather than mitigated by rendering her the seat of the southern war; and convinced that he had * No man was more familiarized to dispassionate and minute research than was general Greene. He was patient in hearing every thing offered, never interrupting or slighting what was said; and, having possessed himself of the subject fully, he would enter into a critical comparison of the opposite arguments, con- vincing his hearers, as he progressed, with the propriety of the decision he was about to pronounce. 40 Memoirs of the War in the much to hope, and little to apprehend, from returning into South Carolina, he determined to carry the war into that state. No sooner had he decided, than he commenced operations. The legion of Lee, with captain Oldham's detachment, was ordered to move on the subsequent morning (6th of April), and the army was put in motion the following day. Previous to the general's departure from Deep river, he communicated his in- tention to the brigadiers Sumpter and Pickens, and required those generals to assemble all the force they could collect for the purpose of co-operation. To the first he signified his desire that he would be prepared to join him when he should reach the vicinity of Cambden: to the last he expressed his wishes that he would invest Ninety-Six, or, at all events, coun- teract any attempt to reinforce Cambden from that post. To the commander in chief he made known at large his plan, with his hopes and his duubts, assuring him that he should take every measure to avoid a mis- fortune; " but necessity obliges me to commit myself to chance, and if any accident should attend me, I trust my friends will do justice to my reputation." Lieutenant colonel Lee being instructed to join Marion, was directed to deliver to that officer the general's despatch, and to assure him of the entire confidence reposed in his faithful efforts to maintain his share in the expected co-operation. Lord Cornwallis had not long indulged in the en- jcwment of repose and abundance, before his active Southern Department of the United States. 41 mind turned to the probable measures of his antagonist, and, shortly after he reached Wilmington, he advised lord Rawdon, commanding in South Carolina, of his apprehensions, least general Greene might direct his attention to the recovery of the lost states. If, as I believe, a general is sure to act wisely when he takes the course most dreaded by his adversary, the late decision of general Greene was indubitably correct. For never was a leader more affected, than was Cornwallis, by the disclosure of his enemy's ob- ject. Day after day did his lordship revolve in his mind the difficulties of his situation, seeking the most eligible course to diminish or to surmount them.* Sometimes he determined to follow Greene into South Carolina, and to punish him for his temerity; at other times he would proceed to Virginia, and, by the rapidity of his success in that quarter, compel Greene to abandon his object, and hasten to its relief. At length he decided in favor of the latter measure; * Lord Cornwallis was exceedingly perplexed in making up his decision, and at length took the course which risked all to gain all, and, as generally happens, he lost all. Thus it often oc- curs in war. The great Frederic of Prussia committed the same error before Prague, when he attempted to force the intrenched camp of marshal Daun, and afterwards at Cunnersdorf against the Russians and marshal Laudohn. Once the resolution to fol- low Greene was not only adopted but in execution, a portion of the British army having passed to the southern banks of Cape Fear. This decision being soon after changed, the troops wer? recalled. Vol. II. F 42 Memoirs of the War in the persuaded that Greene had gained so much time as would probably enable him to strike his first blow, in which, if he failed, his presence would not be requisite, and if he succeeded, his lordship's approach might place his own army in extreme danger. This reasoning was plausible, but not solid; for, by taking the route by Cheraw hill to Nelson's ferry, he held himself safe, even had Greene succeeded against Rawdon — an event which, however practicable, was not to be effected under many weeks, unless fortune should indeed be extremely propitious to the American general. Lee, in obedience to his orders, took the route towards Cross creek, which, it was inferred, would very much conceal his real object, by inducing the British general to believe that Greene proposed to place himself in his neighborhood. After progressing in this course, as long as was compatible with its speedy union with Marion, the light corps turned to the right, and, by a very expe- ditious march, gained Drowning creek, a branch of Little Pedee. In a large field, on the southern side of this stream, Lee encamped for the night, when a very extraordinary occurrence took place, worthy, from its singularity, of relation. Between two and three in the morning, the officer of the day was informed that a strange noise had been heard in front of the piquet, stationed on the great road near the creek, resembling that occasioned by men moving through a swamp. Southern Department of the United States. 43 Presently, and towards that quarter, the sentinel fired, which was followed by the sound of the bugle calling in the horse patroles, as was the custom on the approach of the enemy. The troops were immediately summoned to arms, and arrayed for defence. The of- ficer of the day reported very particularly every thing which had passed, adding that several of the sentinels and one patrole concurred in asserting, that they heard plainly the progress of horsemen, concealing with the utmost care their advance. Never was a more per- plexing moment: yet, knowing as lieutenant colonel Lee did, that no enemy could be near him, unless lord Cornwallis, devising Greene's plan and Lee's route, had pushed a body from Wilmington, with orders to proceed until it reached Drowning creek, where Lee would probably pass it, for the purpose of intercepting him, he was induced to consider the intelligence as the fabrication of imagination, which sometimes leads the most serene and circumspect into error. In a few moments, in a different quarter of our po- sition, another sentinel fired, and soon afterwards the same report, from that point, was made, as had just been received from the other. Appearances now were so strong as to dissipate the first conclusion, and what was deemed imaginary, was felt to be real. A change in the formation of the troops was made to correspond with this last annunciation of the enemy's approach. This was not completed before, in a different direc- 44 Memoirs of the War in the tion, we heard the discharge of a third sentinel. Now the most excruciating sensations were experienced: it appeared as if these different feelings of our position were wisely and dexterously made, preparatory to a general assault, to take effect as soon as the approach of light should warrant its commencement. All that could be done, was done. The piquets and sentinels held their stations; the horse patroles had been called in; and the corps changed its position in silence and with precision upon every new annunciation, having in view the conjoint object of keeping the fires between us and the enemy, and holding the horse in the rear of the infantry. During our last evolution to this end, we were again interrupted by the discharge of the line of sentinels in our rear, along the great road. Thus the enemy had traversed the major segment of our posi- tion, and had at length fixed himself upon the road of our march. No doubt now remained, not only of the enemy- being upon us, but that he was in force, and well un- derstood his object. He had reconnoitred with pene- tration and perseverance, and had ultimately placed himself in the very spot most certainly promising success. To attempt to regain Deep river was idle, if practica- ble; for Greene must now be two or three day's march towards Cambden, the intermediate country hostile, and the British army within striking distance of some points of our route. Marion only could afford safety; and he was on the south of the Pedee, at least two Southern Department of the United States. 45 days' march from us. The review of our situation ad- mitted but one conclusion, — that hope of aid could not be indulged, and that we must rely upon ourselves only. Brave soldiers can always be safely trusted with their situation. Lee, passing along the line of infantry, made known our condition: reminding them of their high reputation; enjoining profound silence throughout the approaching contest; and assuring them, with their customary support, he had no doubt but that he should force his way to the Pedee, where we should find all that was desirable. To the cavalry He briefly communicated the dangers which surrounded us, mingled with expressions of his thorough confidence that every man would do his duty, and concluded by pressing upon the officers not to permit any partial success to tempt pursuit, without orders, or to relax circumspection, but to bear in mind, that the contest before us was not the affair of an hour, but might last for days. This address was answered by whispers of applause; and having formed in columns, one of horse, and the other of foot, Lee waited anxiously for the break of day, the presumed signal for action. It soon appeared, and the columns advanced to the great road, infantry in front, baggage in the centre, and the cavalry in the rear. As soon as the head of the column reached the road, it turned to the left, pursu- ing the route to the Pedee. The van officer, proceeding a few hundred yards, now got up to the sentinel who had fired last, and received from him the same account 46 Memoirs of the War in the so often given before. The enigma still remained un- explained, and the corps continued its march, in slow motion, expecting every moment the enemy's fire. In this state of suspense we might have continued long, had not the van officer directed his attention to the road, for the purpose of examining the trail of our active foe, when, to his astonishment, he found the tracks of a large pack of wolves. It was now evident, that the presumed enemy was a troop of wild beasts, collected together, and anxious to pass along their usual route, when, finding it obstructed, they turned from point to point to pass through the field: every where fired upon, they continued widening their cir- cuit until they reached the great road from which they had been originally turned. Our agitation vanish- ed, and was succeeded by facetious glee. No where does wit and humor abound more than in camps; and no occurrence was more apt to elicit it than that which we had just experienced. Never was a day's march more pleasant, being one continued scene of good humor, interspersed with innocent flashes of wit. For a time the restraint of discipline ceased. Every cha- racter, not excepting the commandant's, was hit; and very salutary counsel was often imparted under cover of a joke. Each considered himself a dupe, and all laughing at a credulity, any attempt to remove which, during the scene, would have been treated as insult- ing temerity. The piquets, the patroles, the sentinels, and the officer of the day, were marked as the peculiar objeots of derision. Wonderful that not one of the Southern Department of the United States. 47 many could distinguish between the movement of wolves and soldiers! They were charged with dis- graceful ignorance, shameful stupor, bordering close upon rank cowardice. Vain was the attempt of the abu- sed individuals to defend their character and conduct: it was the interest of the many to fix the supposed stigma on the few, and the general verdict was against them. Reaching a settlement, the corps halted, and for a while the remembrance of the ludicrous occurrence of the night yielded to the solicitude of every one to provide his breakfast. Here what had passed was imparted to the inhabi- tants, and the unintelligible adventure was very satis- factorily solved. We were informed that there had been in the field where the corps had encamped a store of provisions, collected for the army; but that it never had been conveyed to camp, being too distant from the line of march. Being neglected, its contents became putrid: the wild beasts soon profited by the neglect, and enjoyed nightly the food intended for the soldier. Having comprehended within our range of sentinels this abandoned store, we had interrupted their usual visits, and the circle which they nearly completed was from solicitude to find access to their nightly repast. This was what had been termed " acute reconnoi- tring," and " an enemy in force, well understanding his own views." Such is frail man, in war as well as in peace. Sub- ject to be imposed upon by his own conceits, not- 48 Memoirs qfthe War in the withstanding the remonstrances of reason, and his experience of the delusions of credulity. Yet, when we consider that the night was very dark, that the troops were waked from sleep to prepare fo> defence, and that it was possible, though improbable, for the British general to have been advised of the march of Lee, in time to strike him, our surprise at the alarm excited will vanish. Having finished our repast, we resumed our march; and, after getting within a day's distance of the Pedee, lieutenant colonel Lee despatched an officer, with a small party of dragoons, to discover in what part of his extensive range brigadier Marion then was. The officer, on reaching the river, learnt that the brigadier, when heard from, not many days before, was in the swamps of Black river. This was his general quarters when he found it necessary to retire from active service. It not only afforded safety, but, there being several fertile plantations in one settlement, he was well sup- plied with provisions and forage. Marion received with joy Lee's officer, and furnished boats, which he kept concealed on the Pedee, for the transportation of the corps across that river. On the 8th of March, Lee joined the general. These military friends had not before met since their wiredrawn expedition against Georgetown, and very cordially rejoiced at being again united in the great attempt of wresting South Carolina from the enemy. The'letter from the general, inclosing his plan of opera- tions, was delivered to the brigadier, and the references Southern Department of the United States. 49 to lieutenant colonel Lee fully explained. The evening was devoted to repose, and on the next day the two corps quitted the dark and favorite recess, for the execution of the trust confided to them by general Greene. During their separation many had been the vicissitudes produced by the fickleness of fortune. Now blazoning with glory, then shading with disaster the American standard. From the battle of Guilford, the long wished reannexation of South Carolina and Georgia to the Union became the avowed as it had before been the meditated object of the American general. Emboldened by the effect of that well fought day, he no longer veiled in the mysteries cf war his object, but openly disclosed the end to which all his toils and perils pointed. North Carolina became encouraged, by finding that her safety was not now considered precarious, and that the contest turned, not upon her defence, but upon the expulsion of the common enemy from her southern neighbors. The etherial spirit which had animated Marion, Sumpter, and Pickens, and year after year had sustained, through their example and efforts, the unequal conflict, had been long subsiding. Enthusiasm is short-lived; and is soon succeeded by apathy, which deadens vigorous exer- tion as fully as the former promotes it. In this state of dejection was the country when Greene entered South Carolina. Lord Rawdon, well apprized of the feelings of the people, adopted mea- sures to give a finishing blow to further resistance. Beginning with the eastern quarter of the state, where Vol. II. G 50 Memoirs of the War in the opposition was still sustained by Marion, Rawdon de- tached lieutenant colonel Watson, with five hundred infantry, towards Nelson's ferry, for the purpose of forcing Marion to submission, or to flight into North Carolina. Watson was sent from Cambden soon after Cornwallis had communicated to the commandant there the victory obtained at Guilford Court-house; and having established a post on the Santee, some miles above Nelson's ferry, which he fortified, and where he deposited the baggage of his corps, he continued his march towards Georgetown; vainly endeavoring to induce Marion, with his inferior force, to advance from his impenetrable recess, in order to defend the country; and was, as Marion believed, taking measures with a view of entering into the swamps and driving him across the Pedee, — an enter- prise much desired by him, and to meet which he was fully prepared, — when the approach of the corps of Lee was announced. Active operations now became practicable, and on the evening of the 15th, Marion and Lee took a posi- tion in the open country, with Watson to their left, considerably below them, and on the route for the fort called by his name, which he had erected. Determined to carry this post without delay, Marion and Lee sat down before it early in the evening; not doubting, from the information received, that the gar- rison must soon be compelled to surrender, for want of water, with which it was supplied from an adjacent lake, and from which the garrison might be readily Southern Department of the United States. 51 and effectually secluded. In a very few hours die cus- tomary mode of supplying the post with water was completely stopped; and had the information received been correct, a surrender of the garrison could not have been long delayed. The ground selected by co- lonel Watson for his small stockade, was an Indian mount, generally conceived to be the cemetery of the tribe inhabiting the circumjacent region: it was at least thirty feet high, and surrounded by table land. Captain M'Koy, the commandant, saw at once his inevitable fate, unless he could devise some other mode of pro- curing water, for which purpose he immediately cut a trench from his fosse (secured by abbatis) to the river, which passed close to the Indian mount. Baffled in their expectation, and destitute both of artillery and intrenching tools, Marion and Lee despaired of suc- cess; when major Mayham, of South Carolina, accom- panying the brigadier, suggested a plan, which was not sooner communicated than gratefully adopted. He pro- posed to cut down a number of suitable trees in the nearest wood, and with them to erect a large strong oblong pen, to be covered on the top with a floor of logs, and protected on the side opposite to the fort with a breastwork of light timber. To the adja- cent farms dragoons were despatched for axes, the only necessary tool, of which a sufficient number being soon collected, relays of working parties were allotted for the labor; some to cut, some to convey, and some to erect. Major Mayham undertook the execution of his plan, which was completely finished 52 Memoirs of the War in the before the morning of the 23d, effective as to the object, and honorable to the geniusof the inventor. The besieg- ed was, like the besieger, unpro\ ided with artillery, and could not interrupt the pi ogress of a work, the com- pletion of which must produce immediate submission. A party of riflemen, being ready, took post in the Mayham tower the moment it was completed; and a detachment of musketry, under cover of the riflemen, moved to make a lodgment in the enemy's ditch, sup- ported by the legion infantry with fixed bayonets. Such was the effect of the fire from the riflemen, having thorough command of every part of the fort, from the relative supereminence of the tower, that every attempt to resist the lodgment was crushed. The commandant, finding every resource cut off, hung out the white flag. It was followed by a propo- sal to surrender, which issued in a capitulation. This incipient operation having been happily effected by the novel and effectual device of major Mayham, to whom the commandants very gratefully expressed their ac- knowledgment, Marion and Lee, preceded by the legion cavalry under major Rudolph, who had been detached on the day subsequent to the investiture of the fort, turned their attention to lieutenant colonel Watson, now advancing from below to relieve his garrison. Knowing that the fall of Cambden was closely connected with the destruction of Watson, the American commandants viewed with delight his ap- proach; and having disposed of the prisoners, moved to join the cavalry, now retiring in front of the enemy. Southern Department of the United States. 53 General Greene broke up from Ramsay's mills on the 7th of April, the day after he had detached Lee to join Marion; and determined to approach Cambden with a celerity which would preclude the British ge- neral from being apprized of his movement until the appearance of his army announced it. In this expecta- tion, notwithstanding his pressing endeavors, he was disappointed. The .country through which he neces- sarily marched was barren, its settlements few, the produce of the soil scanty, and the inhabitants dis- affected. Being obliged to depend upon himself for subsis- tence, always difficult to be procured from the inade- quacy of the annual products, and rendered more so by the secretion of part of the little made, (from hosti- lity to the American cause, or from the natural and powerful claim of securing sustenance at home) gene- ral Greene did not reach the neighborhood of Camb- den until the nineteenth. By the last return made before the American army decamped from Ramsay's mills, the regular force of every sort under Greene, may be put down at one thousand eight hundred effectives. Deducting the corps under Lee, about three hun- dred horse and foot, the army, when arrived before Cambden, exclusive of a small body of North Caro- lina militia, cannot be estimated at more than one thousand live hundred. Here the American general confidently expected to be joined by brigadier Sump- ter, in consequence of his instructions to that officer 54 Memoirs of the War in the previous to his movement from Deep river; with whose aid, and the co-operation of Marion and Lee below, Greene very justly concluded that the evacuation of Cambden was certain, and the destruction of Rawdon and his army probable. Brigadier Sumpter held off, much to the surprise, regret and dissatisfaction of the American general, and very much to the detriment of his plans and measures. Happily this disappointment was balanced by the accidental absence of a large portion of the garrison of Cambden, under lieutenant colonel Watson; who, as before mentioned, was low down in the eastern quarter of the state. General Greene not having adequate force to invest Cambden, placed himself before it; not doubting that, by depriving the garrison of its usual supplies from the country, he should compel the British general to withdraw; when he flattered himself opportunities would occur for his striking him in detail, until rein- forced by the junction of Marion, Lee, and Sumpter; after which he might fall upon his retreating enemy, with well grounded expectation of decisive success. Severed as Watson was from Cambden, Ravvdon's effective force was not more than nine hundred men; nor was there any possibility of adding to this force but by the safe return of lieutenant colonel Watson, to whom lord Rawdon despatched a courier as soon as he was informed of general Greene's approach, communicating that event, and requiring his imme- diate junction. Informed of the union of the corps under Marion and Lee, and of their advance upon Fort Southern Department of the United States. 55 Watson, with the situation of Watson, then returning towards C umbel en on the north side of the Santee, Greene determined to change his position from the north to the east side of Cambden; by which move- ment he could readily bring to him Marion and Lee, if circumstances should demand it, and more effec- tually withhold the expected succor, should lieutenant colonel Watson force or elude the corps below. This change of position could not be effected with- out passing Sandhill creek, with its deep and difficult swamps, impracticable with artillery and baggage, or making an extensive circuit, alike forbidden by the posture of affairs and the want of time. To sur- mount the obstacles opposed to his plan, the American general determined to relieve himself from every in- cumbrance, and by a rapid movement on the direct route through the swamps, to gain his desired position on the road leading from Cambden to Nelson's ferry. With this view he placed in charge of the quarter- master general, lieutenant colonel Carrington, his bag- gage and artillery; directing that officer to retire to the strong country north of Lynch's creek, putting him- self with his small detachment safe from any practica- ble attempt to break him up. This being done, general Greene assumed his desired position on the east of Cambden; where his communication with Marion and Lee being direct, he soon was informed of their con- dition, and the situation of Watson. With pleasure he heard that the operations against Fort Watson were advancing to a close, with the 56 Memoirs of the War in the prospect of certain success; and that not only the le- gion cavalry had been detached to attend the move- ments of lieutenant colonel Watson, but that a strong pass on the roue of the British officer had been occu- pied with a detachment of infantry, to which place the whole corps would hasten, the moment the garrison of Fort Watson submitted; an event which was soon expected to happen. Finding that the approach of Wat- son could not speedily take place, if at all; and not doubting but that by this time brigadier Sumpter must be in the vicinity of Cambden; Greene relin- quished his position lately taken, and returned to the north side of the town. The moment this resolution was adopted, the general despatched orders to lieute- nant colonel Carrington, to rejoin him with celerity. Within a small distance of Cambden, on the Wax- haw's road, is Hobkick's hill, the position selected by general Greene after repassing Sandhill creek; not only from its being on the route prescribed for the rejunc- tion of Carrington, and most convenient to the union with Sumpter, but because the ground gave advantages in case of battle; which, though not presumed upon, was nevertheless always to be kept in view. Regard- ing this consideration, the American army decamped in order of battle. The regulars composed one line, with their centre on the road; the militia, amounting to two hundred and fifty, with the cavalry, formed the reserve, in a suitable distance in the rear. Strong piquets were posted in front, aided by the customary patroles Southern Department of the United States, 57 ranging in front and on the flanks. Thus prepared for whatever might happen, the American army lay wait- ing for the expected return of Carrington, and the much desired junction of Sumpter. On the 24th, Greene was officially informed of the surrender of Fort Watson; and in the course of the day, the prisoners reached headquarters. Among them were a few American soldiers, who had been taken, as they represented, and who had enlisted with the enemy as affording the best chance in their judgment for escape to their friends. These men were cheerfully received into the regiments to which they belonged. One of them, a drummer in the Maryland line, availed himself of the confidence with which the whole had been treated, and in the course of the night deserted. Being intelligent, he communicated to lord Rawdon the position of Greene with accuracy; and informed his lordship, that as yet the detachment under lieute- nant colonel Carrington, with the artillery, &c. had not joined, nor had Greene been reinforced by Sumpter^ or any other corps. Already straitened for provisions, and despairing of succor, this enterprising young soldier resolved to risk battle at once; confident that every day would proba- bly strengthen his adversary, and consequently dimi- nish his chance of victory, (without which not only the evacuation of Cambden must ensue, but with it might follow the destruction of his army) and hoping that he would find Greene destitute of artillery, conformably to the information just derived from the drummer. Voi. II. H 55 Memoirs of the War in the Giving orders for his troops to make ready, and placing Cambden in charge of the convalescents, he advanced at nine in the morning of the 25th, with his total, (nine hundred only, of every description.) Avoid- ing the direct approach to his enemy, he took a cir- cuitous course to his right, along the margin of the swamp which lines Pine-tree creek, and winds with its meanders. The position of Greene was on a ridge covered with uninterrupted wood, the Waxhaw's road running di- rectly through it; his army resting with its left upon the swamp of Pine-tree creek, where the ridge or emi- nence was easiest of ascent, and extending on the right to woods uncovered by water courses or any other obstructions. In this quarter the American position was easiest assailed, but the probability of an undis- covered approach was not so encouraging. Therefore did Rawdon prefer the route to our left; inasmuch as an unexpected assault upon our camp was a leading feature in his plan. In the morning Carrington joined, with a comfort- able supply of provisions, which had been rather scarce during the late hurried changes of position. These were issued, and of course engaged a portion of the troops; while the residue were employed along the rivulets in washing their clothes, an occupation which had been for some days past impracticable. We being absorbed in these employments, the period was very propitious to the enemy's object. His advance was never discovered until his van fell Southern Department of the United States. 59 upoft our piquets. The two in front, commanded by captain Benson of Maryland and captain Morgan of Virginia, received him handsomely; and, retiring in order, disputed bravely every inch of ground, sup- ported by Kirk-wood with the remains of the Delaware regiment. This rencontre gave the first announcement of the contest at hand. Disposed, as has been before observed, for battle by the order of encampment, the American army, notwithstanding its short notice, was quickly ranged for action, — an event, although un- expected, of all others the most desirable; because, in all probability, the readiest to the production of that issue so anxiously coveted by the American general. During the contest with the piquets Greene formed his army. The Virginia brigade with general Huger at its head, having under him the lieutenant colonels Campbell and Hawes, took the right; the Maryland brigade, led by colonel Williams, seconded by colonel Gunby and the lieutenant colonels Ford and Howard, occupied the left. Thus all the continentals, consisting of four regiments, much reduced in strength, were disposed in one line, with the artillery, conducted by colonel Harrison, in the centre. The reserve consisted of the cavalry, under lieutenant colonel Washington, with a corps of North Carolina militia, about two hun- dred and fifty, commanded by colonel Reade. The British general, pushing before him the piquets and Kirkwood, pressed forward to battle. The king's American regiment on the right, the New York vo- 60 Memoirs of the War in the lunteers in the centre, and the sixty-third on the left, formed the line of battle. His right wing was supported bv Robertson's corps, and his left by the volunteers of Ireland. The reserve consisted of the South Carolina regiment, with a few dragoons, all the cavalry then at Cambden. Greene, examining attentively the British disposi- tion, discovered the very narrow front which it pre- sented; and, gratified as he was with the opportunity, so unexpectedly offered, of completing, by one blow, his first object, he determined to avail himself of the advantage given by the mode of attack. He directed the lieutenant colonels Campbell and Ford to turn the enemy's flanks; he ordered the centre regiments to advance with fixed bayonets upon him ascending the height; and detached lieutenant colonel Washington with his cavalry to gain his rear. Rawdon no sooner cast his eyes on our disposition than he perceived the danger to which his unequal front ex- posed him, and, bringing up the volunteers of Ireland into line, he remedied the defect seized by Greene in time to avert the expected consequence. The battle opened from right to left with a vigor which promised a keen and sanguinary contest; but the superiority of our fire, augmented by that from our well served artillery, must have borne down all opposition, had the American line maintained itself with becoming firmness. On the right Huger evi- dently gained ground; Washington was carrying every thing before him in the rear; and lieutenant colonel Southern Department of the United States. 61 Hawes, with fixed bayonets, conformable to order, was descending the hill ready to fall upon the New York volunteers. In this flattering moment the veteran regiment of Gunby, having first joined in the fire, in violation of orders, paused, its right falling back. Gunby un- fortunately directed the disordered battalion to rally by retiring to its right company.* Retrograde being the consequence of this order, the British line, giving a shout, pressed forward with redoubled ardor; and the regiment of Gunby, considered as the bulwark of the army, never recovered from the panic with which it was unaccountably seized. The Virginia brigade, * Although the array of Greene was not surprised, yet it was very suddenly assailed: no notice of the attack having been given until our piquets fired. The troops, in the hurry of forming, had not got settled before they advanced. Gunby was anxious to lead his regiment into battle thoroughly compacted; and, therefore, ordered lieutenant colonel Howard to call back captain Arm- strong, who, with two sections, was moving upon the enemy. This Howard did, and Armstrong very reluctantly obeyed. The enemy was not yet in strength in this point; and it is probable had Gunby, instead of recalling Armstrong, made him the point of view in forming, that the fate of the day would have been favorable to our arms. This Greene always declared as his opinion, and Gunby as uniformly denied.— The latter officer was called before a court of inquiry, at his own request; whose state- ment of the facts, as before recited, was followed by the general's orders announcing the spirit and activity displayed by colonel Gunby unexceptionable; but his order for the regiment to fall back improper, and the probable cause of the loss of a complete victory. 62 Memoirs of the War in the and the Second regiment of Maryland, with the artil- lery, notwithstanding the shameful abandonment by the First Maryland, maintained the contest bravely. Williams with Gunby, assisted by lieutenant colonel Howard, who had so often and so gloriously borne down with this very regiment all opposition, vainly exerted themselves to bring it to order. Not the menaces of the one, not the expostulations of the other, not the exhortations of the third, nor the recol- lection of its pristine fame, could arouse its cowering spirit. The Second Maryland, which had from the com- mencement of the action acted with gallantry, feeling severely the effect produced by the recession of the First, became somewhat deranged; and lieutenant colonel Ford being unluckily wounded, while endea- voring to repress the beginning disorder, this corps also fell back. Rawdon's right now gained the summit of the eminence, flanking Hawes' regiment, which had undeviatingly held its prescribed course, although early in the action abandoned on its left by the First Maryland, and now but feebly sustained on its right by the First Virginia, — for this corps had now be- gun to recede, notwithstanding its preceding success. Greene recalled Hawes, our only unbroken regiment; and, finding every effort to reinstate the battle illusory, conscious that his reserve was not calculated to face the veteran foe, wisely determined to diminish the ills of the sad and unaccountable reverse, by retiring from the field. Orders were given to this effect, and Southern Department of the United States. 63 lieutenant colonel Hawes was commanded to cover the broken line. The retreat was performed without loss, although the enemy continued to pursue for a few mLes. Wash- ington with his cavalry retiring from the rear the mo- ment he discovered that our infantry had been forced, came in time to contribute greatly to the safety of the army, having necessarily relinquished most of the fruits of his success. Checking the enemy's efforts to disturb our rear,* he at length, by a rapid charge, effectually discomfited the British van, and put a stop to further pursuit. General Greene having passed Saunders* creek, about four miles from the field of battle, en- camped for the night, and on the next day proceeded to Rudgely's mill. The loss sustained by the respective armies was nearly equal. On the side of America two hundred and sixty-eight were killed, wounded, and missing: on the side of the enemy two hundred and fifty-eight, including the prisoners brought off by lieutenant colo- nel Washington, and those paroled by him on the ground. The British lost no officer of distinction, * After Greene halted at Saunders' creek, Washington re- turned with his cavalry to examine the situation of the enemy. His advanced patrole was pursued by major Coffin with his ca- valry. Washington, hearing their approach, placed himself in ambush, covered by some thick bushes, near the road, and pres- sed upon his adversary. Coffin attempted to bring his men to face us; but they put spur to their horses to regain their camp. Some were killed, some taken, and the rest dispersing reached lord Rawdon. Coffin himself escaped. 64 Memoirs of the War in the which was not the case with us. The wound of lieu- tenant colonel Ford proved mortal, and captain Beatty, of the First Maryland, was killed, than whom the army did not possess an officer of more promise. No military event had occurred in the course of the war, whose issue was so inexplicable as that of the late engagement. The daring attempt of the enemy was readily accounted for, and exhibits in the most convincing manner the wisdom of the movement into South Carolina. Without risk or loss, the American general, although disappointed in the aid of brigadier Sumpter, had in six days placed his adversary in a situation so dangerous as to compel him to resort to the measure of all others the most desired by his enemy. Greatly inferior in infantry, more so in ca- valry, and destitute of artillery, the British general, aware of the inevitable consequence of holding him- self shut up in Cambden, took the bold resolution of attacking his antagonist, notwithstanding his many advantages, considerably augmented by the conveni- ence of a position selected with the view and from the hope that the critical condition of Rawdon would force him to hazard assault. Lord Rawdon certainly chose the most propitious moment for his gallant attempt, and as certainly conducted it in the most martial manner. Yet he would have been inevitably destroyed had the troops of Greene executed his orders with common resolution. The satisfaction en- joyed by the American general, on discerning the enemy advancing upon him, was not confined to Southern Department of the United States. 65 himself, but prevailed throughout the army, and af- forded no inconsiderable pledge that, upon this occa- sion, every man would do his duty. So decisive was the confidence which actuated the general, that he held all his continental infantry in. one body, never doubting their sufficiency to insure success; and, with the same impression, on his first view of his enemy, he gave orders for striking him in front, in rear, and on both flanks: thus conveying to his troops his conviction that victory was certain, as well as his determination that it should be complete. Sad and immediate was Greene's disappointment. The first regiment of Maryland, as has been men- tioned, deservedly held up to the army as its model, and which upon all preceding occasions behaved "well,* now shrunk from the conflict, abandoning their general, their country, and their comrades: this too in defiance of the efforts and example of Williams, Gunby, and Howard, all dear to the troops, and when the British line, so far from having gained any advan- tage, was beginning to stagger under the combined operation fast bearing upon it. It is true that captain Beatty, commanding the company on the right, fell at this moment; and it is also true that colonel Gunby, * It was this regiment which forced the guards at the battle of Guilford Court-house, killing their commandant, and driving them back, seeking shelter under cover of the British artilleryj and a portion of the same regiment constituted a part of the infantry which, under Howard, gave to us the victory at the- Cowpens, by the free use of the bayonet. Vol. II. I Ot5 Memoirs of the War in the with a view of bringing the regiment to range with its colors, ordered it to fall back to the right company; but Morgan had given the same order, at the Cow- pens, to the corps of Howard, which was not only executed with promptitude, but was followed by its decisive advance, and consequent signal success. Relinquishing an investigation which does not pro- mise a satisfactory solution, I cannot but observe that the battle of Hobkicks adds to the many evidences with which military history abounds of the deranging effects of unlimited confidence. It is the only instance in Greene's command, where this general implicitly yielded to its delusive counsel, and he suffered deeply in consequence of it; for had he for a moment doubt- ed the certainty of success, the cavalry would not have been detached in the rear until the issue of the battle had began to unfold. Nor is it risking too much to suggest the probabi- lity that, had the horse been still in reserve, not only would the forward movement of the enemy, which followed the recession of the first regiment of Mary- land, been delayed, but that regiment would have been restored to order, and the battle renewed with every reason still to conclude that its event would have been auspicious to America. The maxim in war, that your enemy is ever to be dreaded until at your feet, ought to be held inviolate; nor should a commander permit the gratifying seductions of brilliant prospects to turn him from the course which this maxim enjoins. Southern Department of the United States. 67 Honorable as was this victory to the British general and to the British arms, it yielded not one solitary benefit. The loss sustained being proportionate, the relative strength of the combatants was unchanged; and lord Rawdon experiencing his inadequacy to im- prove success after gaining it, reluctantly relinquished his offensive plan of operations, and returned to Camb- den, in the expectation of lieutenant colonel Watson's arrival before the American general would feel himself in strength and spirits to renew his investment. General Greene, heretofore soured by the failure in his expected succor from Sumpter, now deeply chagrined by the inglorious behaviour of his favorite regiment — converting his splendid prospects into a renewal of toil and difficulty, of doubt and disgrace — became for a while discontented with his advance to the south. He sent orders to lieutenant colonel Lee, requiring him to join the army forthwith; and indicated by other measures a disposition to depart from his adopted system. As soon as the capitulation for the surrender of fort Watson was signed, Lee followed by his infantry has- tened to the cavalrv. still in the front of Watson; and on the subsequent morning was joined by brigadier Marion, who had been necessarily delayed until the prisoners and stores were disposed of. The British lieutenant colonel, seeing that the passes on his route were occupied, and knowing that the advantages pos- sessed by his enemy would be strenuously maintained, relinquished his project of gaining Cambden on the 65 Memoirs of the War in the direct route, and determined, by passing the Santee, to interpose it between himself and the corps opposed to him; presuming that he might with facility make his way good 10 Cambdtn, by recrossing the Santee above; or, by taking the route by fort Motte, pass first the Congaree, and then the Wateree, which unite some small distance below the post at Motte's. Drawing off in the night, he placed himself at a considerable distance from his enemy before his change of plan was discovered. Nevertheless he would have been pursued, with the expectation of falling upon him before he could make good his passage of the river, had not the general's orders directing the junction of the corps under Lee arrived, which neces- sarily arrested the proposed attempt upon Watson. With all possible despatch lieutenant colonel Lee set out for the army; and, in the course of the day and a small part of the night, marched thirty-two miles. Sorely as Greene felt the severe disappointment lately experienced, he did not long permit his accus- tomed equanimity to be disturbed; nor could his strong mind long entertain suggestions growing out of ad- verse fortune. Persuaded that his movement upon South Carolina was, under all the circumstances of his situation, the most promising of good to his country, he determined to adhere to his plan of ope- rations with firmness, and to obliterate his late repulse by subsequent success. Fixed in this resolution, he despatched an officer to meet Lee, countermanding his orders, followed by captain Finley of the artillery, Southern Department of the United States. 69 with a six pounder, detached by general Greene to Marion and Lee, in consequence of representations from those officers soliciting this aid. As soon as Finley joined, Lee returned to Marion, who had approached the vicinity of the confluence of the Congaree and Wateree, waiting for Watson's ad- vance. The despatch from general Greene contained directions to proceed in the execution of his original orders, taking care by every practicable exertion to repel Watson's attempt to throw himself into Camb- den; and communicated the general's decision to pass the Wateree with the army, for the purpose of inter- cepting lieutenant colonel Watson, should he select that route to Cambden. In conformity with this deci- sion, Greene broke up from Rudgely's mill, and, pass-' ing the Wateree above Cambden, sat down in a strong position near to Cambden; which deprived the British garrison of its usual supplies in this quarter as effec- tually as it debarred Watson's approach to Cambden on the southern route. Rawdon now demonstrated by his conduct that his late victory, though brilliant, produced no support or benefit to him; as he was compelled to a painful inactivity in the face of his enemy, who but a few days before had retired from before him. The acces- sion of the corps under Watson only could save him; and this accession he saw completely prevented, on the most eligible route, by his adversary, — he saw it without being able to take a single step in counterac- tion or in furtherance of the desired aid. 70 Memoirs of the War in the Marion and Lee lost not a moment after their union in taking measures to execute the command of their gene- ral, well apprized of the vast importance attached to the interception of Watson. The militia general, being per- fectly acquainted with the country, guided the measures adopted. He well knew that, although general Greene's position would stop the lieutenant colonel on the usual route from Motte's post to Cambden, it would not stop him from passing the Wateree at or below the high hills of Santee; and that lieutenant colonel Watson, to avoid the corps destined to strike him, would probably, not- withstanding the judicious position taken by Greene, pass the Congaree at Motte's, and afterwards pass the Wateree below the high hills. If Watson should not deem it eligible to pass the Congaree, but one way was left for him, and that was to recross the Santee at the confluence of the two rivers just mentioned. Whether to sit down on the north side of the Santee, prepared to fall upon the British lieutenant colonel in the act of passing the river, or to cross it and strike at him on the southern banks, was the alternative presented to the American commandants. Well informed of every step taken by Watson after he reached the southern side of the Santee, no jdoubt re- mained but that he would pass either the Congaree or the Santee on the ensuing morning. It was now de- cided to cross to his side of the river, from a convic- tion that we should reach him on its southern banks, which ever course of the two before him he might select. The indefatigable Marion, seconded by his Southern Department of the United States. 71 zealous associates, forseeing the probable necessity of a quick passage over the Santee, had provided the means of transportation, which was effected in the course of the night, and, with the dawn of day, the troops moved with celerity up the Santee. It was now ascertained that lieutenant colonel Watson had taken the route leading over that river where its two branches unite — the very spot which had so forci- bly attracted the attention of Marion and Lee, and would have been selected by them, had it not been apprehended that the British lieutenant colonel might have preferred the route across the Congaree. Had these two officers confined their attention en- tirely to the north side of the river, the much desired interception would have been effected: for with horse, foot, and artillery, it was not to be expected that a corps of infantry only could have made good its land- ing in the face of an equal foe, and secured its arrival into Cambden. Mortified with the result of their unceasing exer- tions, the deranging information was immediately forwarded to general Greene, and the disappointed commandants moved upon fort Motte. Persuaded that lord Rawdon would resume offensive operations the moment Watson joined him, Greene withdrew from the vicinity of Cambden, and took a more distant position in the high grounds behind Sawney's creek. On the 7th of May the long expect- ed succor reached Cambden; and on the next day the British general put his army in motion, passed the 72 Memoirs of the War in the Wateree at the ferry below Cambden, and advanced to attack Greene. On his way he was informed of the American general's decampment, and proceeded to- wards Sawney's creek, still determined to execute his object. The two armies were nearly equal, about twelve hundred each. The advantage in number and quality of infantry was on the side of Rawdon, while Greene continued to hold his superiority in cavalry. Con- vinced that the British general would press battle, and anxious to restore the humbled spirit of his troops, general Greene broke up from his position, and retired to Colonel's creek, leaving Washington with his ca- valry and some infantry on the ground to cover his retreat. Rawdon, examining critically his adversary's situation, and perceiving his well prepared condition, did not deem it advisable to carry into effect his pro- jected enterprize, but withdrew about the time that Greene commenced retreat, and returned to Cambden. Thus it happened that both armies retired at the same moment from each other. Convinced that he could not force the American general from his neighbor- hood, and persuaded that the breaking up of the in- termediate posts between him and Charleston would not only endanger his army, but must complete that spirit of revolt which had begun to manifest itself on the entrance of the American army into the state, his lordship wisely decided to give up Cambden, and, with it, all the country north of the Congaree. Pre- paring for retreat, he sent orders to lieutenant colonel Southern Department of the United States. 73 Cruger to abandon Ninety-Six and to join Brown at Augusta, and directed major Maxwell, commanding at fort Granby, to fall back upon Orangeburgh. This arrangement was indubitably the best practi- cable; and, duly maintained, would have preserved all the country south of the Congaree and west of the Santee. But so completely had the American general taken his measures to prevent all communication with lord Rawdon, that none of his despatches reached their destination. On the 10th the evacuation of Cambden took place, and the British general proceeded to Nelson's ferry with the expectation of crossing the Santee in time to dislodge Marion and Lee, still prosecuting the siege of fort Motte. Previous to his lordship's departure he burnt the jail, the mills, and some private houses, and destroyed all the stores which he could not take with him. He carried off four or five hundred negroes, and all the most obnoxious loyalists accompanied him. As soon as Greene was informed of the retreat of the enemy, persuaded that Rawdon's first effort would be directed to relieve fort Motte, he advanced towards the Congaree, determined to pass that river, if neces- sary, and to cover the operations of the besieging corps. This post was the principal depot of the convoy.'* from Charleston to Cambden, and sometimes of those destined for fort Granby and Ninety-Six. A large new mansion house, belonging to Mrs. Motte, situa- Vol. II. K 74 Memoirs of the War in the ted on a high and commanding hill, had been selected for this establishment. It was surrounded with a deep trench, along the interior margin of which was raised a strong and lofty parapet. To this post had been regularly assigned an adequate garrison of about one hundred and fifty men, which was now accidentally increased by a small detachment of dragoons, — which had arrived from Charleston, a few hours before the appearance of the American troops, on its way to Cambdcn with despatches for lord Rawdon. Captain M'Pherson commanded, an officer highly and deserv- edly respected. Opposite to fort Motte, to the north, stood another hill, where Mrs. Motte, having been dismissed from her mansion, resided, in the old farmhouse. On this height lieutenant colonel Lee with his corps took post, while brigadier Marion occupied the eastern declivity of the ridge on which the fort stood. Very soon the fort was completely invested; and the six pounder was mounted on a battery erected in Marion's quarter for the purpose of raking the north- ern face of the enemy's parapet, against which Lee was preparing to advance. M'Pherson was unprovid- ed with artillery, and depended for safety upon timely relief, not doubting its arrival before the assailant could push his preparations to maturity. The vale which runs between the two hills admitted our safe approach within four hundred yards of the fort. This place was st-lected by Lee to break ground. Relays of working parties being provided for every Southern Department of the United States. 75 four hours, and some of the negroes from the neigh- boring plantations being brought, by the influence of Marion, to our assistance, the works advanced with rapidity. Such was their forwardness on the 10th, that it was determined to summon the commandant. A flag was accordingly despatched to captain M'Pherson, stating to him with truth our relative situation, expressing with decision the fate which awaited him, and admonishing him to avoid the dis- agreeable consequences of an arrogant temerity. To this the captain replied, that, disregarding conse- quences, he should continue to resist to the last mo- ment in his power. The retreat of Rawdon was known in the evening to the beseigers; and in the course of the night a courier arrived from general Greene con- firming that event, urging redoubled activity, and communicating his determination to hasten to their support. Urged by these strong considerations, Marion and Lee persevered throughout the night in pressing the completion of their works. On the next day, Raw- don reached the country opposite to fort Motte; and in the succeeding night encamping on the highest ground in his route, the illumination of his fires gave the joyful annunciation of his approach to the despair- ing garrison. But the hour was close at hand, when this fallacious joy was to be converted into sadness. The large mansion in the centre of the encircling trench, left but a few yards of the ground within the enemy's works uncovered: burning the house must force their surrender. 76 Memoirs of the War in the Persuaded that our ditch would be within arrow shot before noon of the next day, Marion and Lee determined to adopt this speedy mode of effecting their object. Orders were instantly issued to prepare bows and arrows, with missive combustible matter. This measure was reluctantly adopted; for the destruc- tion of private property was repugnant to the principles which swayed the two commandants, and upon this oc- casion was peculiarly distressing. The devoted house was a large pleasant edifice, intended for the summer residence of the respectable owner, whose deceased husband had been a firm friend to his oppressed coun- try, and whose only marriageable daughter was the wife of major Pinckney, an officer in the South Caro- lina line, who had fought and bled in his country's cause, and was now a prisoner with the enemy. These considerations powerfully forbade the execution of the proposed measure; but there were others of much co- gency, which applied personally to lieutenant colonel Lee, and gave a new edge to the bitterness of the scene. Encamping contiguous to Mrs. Motte's dwelling, this officer had, upon his arrival, been requested in the ^most pressing terms to make her house his quarters. The invitation was accordingly accepted; and not only the lieutenant colonel, but every officer of his corps, off duty, daily experienced her liberal hospitality, po- litely proffered and as politely administered. Nor was the attention of this amiable lady coniined to that class of war which never fail to attract attention. While her Southern Department of the United States. 77 richly spread table presented with taste and fashion all the luxuries of her opulent country, and her sideboard offered without reserve the best wines of Europe, — antiquated relics of happier days, — her active benevo- lence found its way to the sick and to the wounded; cherishing with softest kindness infirmity and misfor- tune, converting despair into hope, and nursing debi- lity into strength. Nevertheless the imperative obliga- tions of duty must be obeyed; the house must burn; and a respectful communication to the lady of her des- tined loss must be made. Taking the first opportunity which offered, the next morning, lieutenant colonel Lee imparted to Mrs. Motte the intended measure; lament- ing the sad necessity, and assuring her of the deep regret which the unavoidable act excited in his and every breast. With the smile of complacency this exemplary lady listened to the embarrassed officer, and gave instant relief to his agitated feelings, by declaring, that she was gratified with the opportunity of contributing to the good of her country, and that she should view the approaching scene with delight. Shortly after, seeing accidentally the bow and arrows which had been pre- pared, she sent for the lieutenant colonel, and present- ing him with a bow and its apparatus imported from India, she requested his substitution of these, as pro- bably better adapted for the object than those we had provided. Receiving with silent delight this opportune present, the lieutenant colonel rejoined his troops, now making- 78 Memoirs of the War in the ready for the concluding scene. The lines were man- ned, and an additional force stationed at the battery, least the enemy, perceiving his fate, might determine to risk a desperate assault, as offering the only chance of relief. As soon as the troops reached their several points, a flag was again sent to M'Pherson, for the purpose of inducing him to prevent the conflagration and the slaughter which might ensue, by a second representation of his actual condition. Doctor Irwin, of the legion cavalry, was charged with the flag, and instructed to communicate faith- fully the inevitable destruction impending, and the impracticability of relief, as lord Rawdon had not yet passed the Santee; with an assurance that longer per- severance in vain resistance, would place the garrison at the; mercy of the conqueror; who was not regardless of the policy of preventing the waste of time, by in- flicting exemplary punishment, where resistance was maintained only to produce such waste. The British captain received the flag with his usual politeness, and heard patiently Irvin's explanations; but he remained immovable; repeating his determination of holding out to the last. It was now about noon, and the rays of the scorch- ing sun had prepared the shingle roof for the projected conflagration. The return of Irvin was immediately followed by the application of the bow and arrows. The first arrow struck, and communicated its fire; a second was shot at another quarter of the roof, and a third at a third quarter; this last also took effect, and, Southern Department of the United States. 79 like the first, soon kindled a blaze. M'Pherson ordered a party to repair to the loft of the house, and by knocking off the shingles to stop the flames. This was soon perceived, and captain Finley was directed to open his battery, raking the loft from end to end. The fire of our six pounder, posted close to one of the gable ends of the house, soon drove the soldiers down; and no other effort to stop the flames being practicable, M'Pherson hung out the white flag. Mercy was extended, although policy commanded death, and the obstinacy of M'Pherson warranted it. The com- mandant, with the regulars, of which the garrison was chiefly composed, were taken possession of by Lee; while the loyalists were delivered to Marion. Among the latter was a Mr. Smith, who had been charged with burning the houses of his neighbors friendly to their country. This man consequently became very obnoxious, and his punishment was loudly demanded by many of the militia serving under the brigadier; but the humanity of Marion could not be overcome. Smith was secured from his surrounding enemies, ready to devote him, and taken under the general's protection. M'Pherson was charged with having subjected himself to punishment, by his idle waste of his anta- gonists' time; and reminded as well of the opportuni- ties which had been presented to him of saving himself and garrison from unconditional submission, as of the cogent considerations, growing out of the posture of affairs, which urged the prevention of future useless 80 Memoirs of the War in the resistance by present exemplary punishment. The British officer frankly acknowledged his dependent situation, and declared his readiness to meet any con- sequence which the discharge of duty, conforma- bly to his own conviction of right, might produce. Powerfully as the present occasion called for punish- ment, and rightfully as it might have been inflicted, not a drop of blood was shed, nor any part of the ene- my's baggage taken. M'Pherson and his officers ac- companied their captors to Mrs. Motte's, and partook with them in a sumptuous dinner;* soothing in the sweets of social intercourse the ire which the preceding conflict had engendered. Requesting to be permitted to return to Charleston, on parole, they were accord- ingly paroled and sent off in the evening to lord Raw- don, now engaged in passing the Santee at Nelson's ferry. Soon after, general Greene, anxious for the suc- cess of his detachment against fort Motte, attended by an escort of cavalry, reached us, for the purpose of knowing precisely our situation, and the progress of the British general, who he expected would hasten to the relief of M'Pherson, as soon as he should gain the * The deportment and demeanor of Mrs. Motte gave a zest to the pleasures of the table. She did its honors with that unaf- fected politeness, which ever excites esteem mingled with admi- ration. Conversing with ease, vivacity and good sense, she obli- terated our recollection of the injury she had received; and though warmly attached to the defenders of her country, the engaging amiability of her manners, left it doubtful which set of officers constituted these defenders. Southern Department of the United States. 81 southern banks of the Santee; to counteract which the American general had resolved, and was then engaged in preparing boats, to transport his army over the Con- garee. Finding the siege prosperously concluded, he returned to camp; having directed Marion, after placing the prisoners in security, to proceed against George- town, and ordering Lee to advance without delay upon fort Granby, to which place the American army would now move. As soon as the troops had finished their repast, Lee sat out with his detachment, composed of horse, foot, and artillery; and matching without inter- mission, he approached the neighborhood of fort Granby before the dawn of the second day. Brigadier Sumpter, having recovered of his wound, as soon as he received Greene's despatch from Ramsay's mill, as- sembled his corps of militia. For reasons not under- stood by the author, the brigadier, instead of joining Greene before Cambden, directed his attention to the fort of Ninety-Six and its upper communications with Charleston, fort Granby and Orangeburgh. He had moved from before fort Granby, but a few days before Lee's arrival, for the purpose of forcing the small post at Orangeburgh, which he accomplished on the 14th, Fort Granby was erected on a plain, which extend- ed to the southern banks of the Congaree, near Friday's ferry. Protected on one side by that river, it was ac- cessible in every other quarter with facility; but being completely finished, with parapet encircled by fosse and abbatis, and being well garrisoned, it could not have been carried without considerable loss, except by Vol. II. L 82 Memoirs of the War in the regular approaches; and in this way would haVe em- ployed the whole force of Greene for a week at least, in which period lord Ran don's interposition was prac- ticable. Lieutenant colonel Lee, apprized of the readi- ness with which the British general might attempt its relief, determined to press to conclusion his operations with all possible celerity, having detached, before he left Motte's, captain Armstrong, with one troop of cavalry, to attend to the movements of lord Rawdon. As soon, therefore, as he reached the neighborhood of the fort, relying upon the information of his guides, he began to erect a battery in the margin of the woods to the west of the fort. The morning was uncommonly foggy, which fortunate circumstance gave time to finish the battery before it was perceived by the enemy. Cap- tain Finley, with his six pounder mounted in the bat- tery, was directed as soon as the fog should disperse to open upon the fort; when the infantry, ready for action, would advance to gain the ground selected for the commencement of our approaches. The garrison consisted of three hundred and fifty men, chiefly loyal militia, commanded by major Maxwell, of the Prince of Wales' regiment, (a refugee from the Eastern Shore of Maryland) represented to Lee as neither experien- ced in his lately adopted profession, nor fitted by cast of character to meet the impending crisis. He was the exact counterpart of M'Pherson; disposed to avoid, rather than to court, the daring scenes of war. Zealous to fill his purse, rather than to gather military laurels, he had, during his command, pursued his favorite Southern Department of the United States. HJ object with considerable success, and held with him m the fort his gathered spoil. Solicitous to hasten the surrender of the post, lieutenant colonel Lee determin- ed to try (he effect of negotiation with his pliable an- tagonist; and prepared a summons, couched in pompous terms, calculated to operate upon such an officer as Maxwell was represented to be. The summons was entrusted to captain Eggleston, of the legion horse, who was authorized to conclude finally upon the terms of capitulation, if he found the enemy disposed to sur- render. The fog ceasing, Finlev announced our unexpected proximity, which excited much alarm and some con- fusion, evidently discerned from our position. The legion infantry advancing at the same time, took pos- session of the desired ground without opposition; severing the enemy's piquets in this quarter from the fort. Eggleston now setting out with his flag, produ- ced a suspension of our fire, which induced the piquets and patroles, cut off by our disposition, to attempt to gain the fort. This effort was partially checked by the rapid movement of the cavalry; and an officer was despatched to captain Eggleston, requiring him to remonstrate to major Maxwell upon the impropriety of the conduct of his piquets and patroles, with a de- mand that he would order them to resume their station; it being never intended, by presenting him with an opportunity of avoiding the useless effusion of blood, to permit the improvement of his capacity to resist. Eggleston's remonstrance was duly respected; and 84 Memoirs of the War in the Maxwell despatched his adjutant with the required orders, replacing the portion of his force on duty out of the fort in its original station. The negotiation was begun, and the British major testified a favorable dis- position to the proposition submitted to him. After consulting with some of his officers, he agreed to de- liver up the fort, upon condition that the private pro- perty of every sort, without investigation of title, should be confirmed to its possessors; that the garri- son should be permitted to return to Charleston pri- soners of war, until exchanged; that the militia should be held in the same manner as the regulars; and that an escort, charged with the protection of persons and of property, should attend the prisoners to the British army. The first condition being diametrically repugnant to the course contemplated by Lee, as it prevented res- toration of plundered property, captain Eggleston did not think proper to act under the full discretion with which he had been so properly invested, but submit- ted by letter the enemy's demands to the lieutenant colonel, accompanied with one from major Maxwell, requiring two covered wagons for the conveyance of his own baggage, free from search. In reply, Eggle- ston received directions to accede to the proposed terms, with the single exception of all horses fit for public service, and to expedite the conclusion of the bu- siness. This exception was illy relished by many of the officers, although not resisted by the commandant. Find- ing that the capitulation would be thus arranged, the Southern Department of the United States. 85 Hessian officers came in a body to Eggleston, protesting against proceeding, unless they were permitted to re- tain their horses; a protest not to be overruled by the authority of Maxwell. The capitulation was suspend- ed, and a second time Eggleston found it necessary to refer to Lee. About this moment a dragoon arrived from captain Armstrong, commanding the detachment of horse near lord Rawdon, communicating his lord- ship's passage across the Santee, and his advance to- wards fort Motte. Had lieutenant colonel Lee deter- mined to resist the requisition of the Hessian officers, this intelligence would have induced a change in his decision. He directed captain Eggleston to make known to the officers, that he took pleasure in grati- fying them, by considering all horses belonging to individuals in the fort as private property, and claim- ing only such, if any, belonging to the public. This obstacle being removed, the capitulation was signed; and the principal bastion was immediately oc- cupied by captain Rudolph, with a detachment from the legion infantry. Before noon, Maxwell, with his garrison, consisting of three hundred and forty men, (sixty regulars, the rest loyalists,) its baggage of even sort, two pieces of artillery, and two covered wagons, moved from the fort; and the major, with his gar- rison, protected by the stipulated escort, proceeded on I their route to lord Rawdon. The public stores of every sort, consisting chiefly of ammunition, salt, and liquor, were faithfully delivered, and presented a very conve- nient as well as agreeable supply to our army. The 86 Memoirs of the War in the moment Maxwell surrendered, Lee despatched an of- ficer with the information to general Greene, who had pressed on with much expedition, and was within a few miles of Friday's ferry when he received Lee's despatch. The army continued its march to Ancran's plantation, near the ferry; and the general, crossing the river, joined his light corps. Delighted with the happy termination which had just taken place, his satis- faction was considerably increased when he saw the strength of the fort, connected with that of the garri- son. He testified with much cordiality, and in most gratifying terms, his obligations to the light corps; applauding as well the rapidity of its advance as the vigor of its operations. Lord Rawdon made but one day's march towards fort Motte; yielding up with much reluctance his anxious desire to defend his line of posts, already broken through in its weakest points, and about to be assailed throughout. Retiring to Monk's Corner, he there encamped; impatiently waiting for an accession of force to enable him to resume offensive operations. Fort Watson, fort Motte, fort Granby, and that at Orangeburgh, had successively yielded: Marion was now before Georgetown, which was sure soon to fall. Thus in less than one month since general Greene ap- peared before Cambden, he had compelled the British general to evacuate that important post, forced the sub- mission of all the intermediate posts, and was now upon the banks of the Congaree, in the heart of South Ca- rolina, ready to advance upon Ninety -Six, (the only Southern Department of the United States. 87 remaining fortress in the state, besides Charleston, in the enemy's possession,) and to detach against Augus- ta, in Georgia; comprehending in this decisive effort, the completion of the deliverance of die two lost states, except the fortified towns of Charleston and Savan- nah,— safe, because the enemy ruled at sea. The American general, reposing his army for the day, and strengthening the light corps with a battalion of North Carolina levies under major Eaton, directed lieutenant colonel Lee to move upon Augusta; to which post br gadier Pickens, with his corps of militia, had been commanded to repair. Lee commenced his march in the course of a few hours, marching thir- teen miles in the evening of the day on which Max- well had surrendered. Resuming motion at a very early hour in the morning, he pressed forward with the ut- most expedition; relieving the fatigued infantry by occasionally dismounting his dragoons and mounting his infantry. Not only the claim for celerity, arising out of the general state of affairs, enforced this exer- tion; but there was cause to apprehend that lieutenant colonel Cruger, apprised, as was presumed, of lord Rawdon's abandonment, first of Cambden anci lastly of the field, would, in consequence of these un- toward events, hasten to Augusta; giving up South Carolina to save Georgia. To reach Pickens before Cruger could join Brown, became, in this view of events, of the first importance. Pickens and Lee uni- ted could readily strike Cruger on his march, with the prospect of bringing him to submission. This 88 Memoirs of the War in the done, the destruction of Brown only remained to be effected for the complete re-annexation (except the sea coast) of these states to the Union. Approaching in the course of his march the point nearest Ninety-Six, lieutenant colonel Lee detached a squadron of horse, under major Rudolph, towards that post, for the purpose of ascertaining whether the ene- my exhibited the appearance of breaking up, and with the hope by this sudden dash of seizing some of the garrison; — a very acceptable present to the American general, then on his march for that place, and in want of that accurate information to be derived only from residents in the place. Rudolph concealing his ap- proach, appeared suddenly near the town; but was not so fortunate as to find a single individual of the garrison without the lines. He seized one or two countrymen returning home, who accompanied him to camp. From these we learnt that lieutenant colonel Cruger was uninformed of the events that had lately taken place; but hearing of Greene's advance upon Cambden, he had been industriously engaged in strengthening his fortifications, and was determined not to abandon his post. Lee despatched a friendly countryman to general Greene with the intelligence procured, which banished all those apprehensions here- tofore entertained lest Cruger might unite himself to Brown. Persevering in his march, lieutenant colonel Lee reached on the third day the vicinity of Augusta, which is seventy five miles from fort Granby, pre- ceded by captain O Neale, with a light party of horse, Southern Department of the United States. 89 charged with the collection of provisions and with the acquirement of intelligence. From this active and discerning officer the pleasing information was re- ceived of the recent arrival of the annual royal present to the Indians, which was deposited at fort Galphin, about twelve miles below Augusta, on the north side of the river, consisting of articles extremely wanted in the American camp.* To relieve the wants of the army was in itself grateful, but this intelligence was important in a military view; because it showed that colonel Brown's force in Augusta was reduced by detachments from it to secure his deposit at fort Galphin. Two companies of infantry now made the garrison of this latter post, which was a small stockade. Persuaded that hib ap- proach was alike unknown to Brown and to the officer commanding here, from the precautions which, by means of his superior cavalry, he had been enabled to adopt, Lee determined by a forced march, with a de- tachment of infantry mounted behind his dragoons, to seize the Indian present. Leaving Eaton behind with his battalion, the artillery, and the tired of the corps, to follow, he accordingly pushed on to fort Galphin. On the ensuing morning (21st of May), sultry beyond measure, the fatigued detachment gained the desired point; and, halting in the pine barrens which skirted the field surrounding the fort, waited for the *Po\vder,ball, small arms, liquor, salt, blankets, with sundry small articles, were gained, one of the many useful and valuable acquisi- tions occasionally procured by the legion; forwhich, ofthe promised remuneration, not a cent has been ever paid to officer or soldier, Vol. II. M 90 Memoirs of the War in the moment of assault. For many miles not a drop of water had been procurable; and the extreme heat of the scorching sun, rendered more oppressive by the necessary h;dt under the pines, without any liquid whatsoever to revive sinking nature, produced a de- bility forbidding exertion. Having with him some mounted militia, Lee directed them to dismount and to advance upon the fort in the opposite direction — not doubting that the garrison, as was the custom, would eagerly pursue them, when an opportunity would be presented of obtaining the contemplated prize with- out loss. The major part of the garrison, as had been expected, ran to arms on sight of the militia, and, leaving the fort, pursued them. A selection having been made of all the infantry whose strength was fitted for action, a portion of them under captain Rudolph was ordered to rush upon the fort, while the residue, supported by a troop of dragoons, took a di- rection which shielded the militia from the menaced blow. Rudolph had no difficulty in possessing himself of the fort, little opposition having been attempted, and that opposition having been instantly crushed. We lost one man from the heat of the weather; the enemy only three or four in battle. The garrison, with the valuable deposit in its safe keeping, gave a rich reward for our toils and sufferings. Never was a be- ginning more auspicious. This success not only de- prived Brown of a very important portion of his force, but yielded to his enemy an abundance of supplies much wnited by the army of Greene, — among which Southern Department of the United States. 91 were the essentials of war, powder and ball — which articles had become scarce in the American camp, notwithstanding the occasional contributions of the several posts wrested from the enemy. Lieutenant colonel Lee, reposing his infantry for a few hours, detached major Eggleston, at the head of his horse, to pass the Savannah below Augusta; and, taking a western direction, to join a corps of militia, known to be in the neighborhood, under colonel Clarke, in case brigadier Pickens should not yet have arrived. Eggleston was also ordered to make himself thoroughly acquainted with the enemy's situation for the information of his commandant, who wished to begin his operations the moment of his return; and was further enjoined to send in a flag with a summons from himself, stating the near approach of part of Greene's army, with the investiture of Ninety- Six by the main body under the general himself; and urging the propriety of sparing the useless waste of life — the cer- tain consequence of resistance, — cruel, because vain. The substitution of a second officer for his superior in summoning the fort arose from the course taken by Brown. He had refused to receive flags, forbidding all intercourse with the militia officers; and Lee, hav- ing profited by negotiation at fort Granby, was desirous of removing the obstacles which prevented resort to the like course here. To effect this, he thought it ad- visable to authorize Eggleston, then the senior conti- nental officer on the south of Savannah, to attempt negotiation. Brown, either discrediting the informa- 92 Memoirs of the War in the tion contained in the summons, or immutable in the decision he had taken, would not answer the letter addressed to him, and forbad the renewal of such communication. In the evening lieutenant colonel Lee, with the ar- tillery and infantry, joined Eggleston, then united to the militia under Pickens and Clarke, and encamped in the woods to the west of Augusta. This town is situated on the southern banks of the Savannah, in an oblong plain, washed by the river on the east and co- vered by deep woods in the opposite direction. In its centre stood fort Cornwallis, judiciously constructed, well finished, and secure from storm. A half mile in its front up the river the plain is interrupted by a lagoon or swamp with a rivulet passing through it; and on the northwestern border of this lagoon was erected another fort, very inferior, called Grierson, from the militia colonel who commanded its garrison. Brown conducted the British force in upper Georgia, and resided in fort Cornwallis. Lieutenant colonel Lee, hearing from Eggleston the affrontive rejection to his proffered negotiation, was considerably ruffled at the contemptuous treatment received, and deter- mined never to enter into any communication with the British commandant until solicited by himself. Thus decided, he was gratified in discovering the divided condition of the enemy — its regulars in fort Cornwallis and its militia in fort Grierson; not doubt- ing, if the moment was duly improved, that a ttnder ©f negotiation, on the part of Brown, would follow. Southern Department of the United States, 93 While the troops, still concealed, were engaged in taking refreshments, lieutenant colonel Lee employed himself in examining the ground. He did not hesitate in his decision, which was instantly to drive Grierson out of his fort, and to destroy or intercept him in his retreat to fort Cornwallis. Communicating his plan to Pickens and Clarke, it was adopted; and the troops were soon after arrayed for executing it. Brigadier Pickens with the militia was to attack the fort on its north and west; major Eaton with his bat- talion, by passing down the north side of the lagoon, was to approach it on the south, co-operating with the militia; while lieutenant colonel Lee, with his infantry and artillery, was to move down the lagoon on its south- ern margin, parallel with Eaton, ready to support his attack if required, or to attend to the movements of Brown, should he venture to leave his defences and interpose with a view to save Grierson. The cavalry, under Eggleston, were ordered to draw near to fort Cornwallis, keeping in the wood and ready to fall upon the rear of Brown should he advance upon Lee. These arrangements being finished, the several com- mandants proceeded to their respective points. Lee's movement, open to view, was soon discerned by Brown, who, drawing his garrison out of his lines accompanied by two field pieces, advanced with the appearance of risking battle to save Grierson, now assailed by Pickens and Eaton. This forward move- ment soon ceased. Brown, not deeming it prudent, 94 Memoirs of the War in the under existing circumstances, to persevere in his at- tempt, confined his interposition to a cannonade, which was returned by Lee, with very little effect on eiiher side. *Grierson's resistance was quickly overpowered; the fort was evacuated; himself with his major and many of his garrison killed; the lieutenant colonel with others taken; and the few remaining, by reaching the river, escaped under cover and concealment of its banks to fort Cornwallis. Lieutenant colonel Brown, perceiving the fall of this post, withdrew into his fort; and apprehending, from what he had seen, that he had to deal with troops fitted for war, applied himself to strengthening his situation. Whatever was attaina- ble in the town, and necessary to his defence, was now procured; and every part of the works requiring amendment was repaired with industry. These exer- tions on the part of the enemy could not be counter- acted; all now to be done was to assume proper stations for close investiture, and, by regular ap- proaches, to compel his surrender. * The militia of Georgia, under colonel Clarke, were so ex- asperated by the cruelties mutually inflicted in the course of the war in this state, that they were disposed to have sacrificed every man taken, and with great difficulty was this disposition now suppressed. Poor Grierson and several others had been killed after surrender; and although the American commandants used every exertion, and offered a large reward to detect the mur- derers, no discovery could be made. In no pari of the South was the war conducted with such asperity as in this quarter. It often sunk into barbarity. Southern Department of the United States. 95 In the late contest our loss was trivial, — a few wounded, and fewer killed. But unhappily among the latter was major Eaton of North Carolina, who had served only a few weeks with the light corps, and in that short period had endeared himself to his com- mandant and fellow soldiers by the amiability of his manners. He fell gallantly at the head of his battalion in the moment of victory. On the banks of the Savannah, south of the lagoon near its flow into the river, was situated a large brick building, the mansion-house of a gentleman who had joined the enemy. Here lieutenant colonel Lee with his corps took post, while brigadier Pickens with the militia occupied the woods on the enemy's left. The morning was spent in ascertaining the most eligible mode of approach; to execute which all the requisite tools found at fort Galphin, with many collected from the neighboring farms, had been brought to camp. Fort Cornwallis was not far from the Savannah river, the shelter of whose banks afforded a safe route to the troops. It was determined to break ground in this quarter, and to extend our works towards the enemy's left and rear. General Greene did not continue in his camp at Friday's ferry longer than to give time to lieutenant colonel Carrington to procure means for the transpor- tation of the stores gained by the fall of fort Granby, all of which were necessary to the army in the pro- posed operations. Taking the direct road for Ninety- Six, he sat down before it on the 22d; his effective 96 Memoirs of the War in the force, exclusive of militia, not exceeding one thousand: Marion, after taking Georgetown, having continued in that quarter for the protection of the country; and Sumpter, who had joined Greene while at Friday's ferry, being sent to apply his attention to the care of the region south and west of the Congaree. Ninety-Six derives its name from the circumstance of its being ninety-six miles distant from the principal town of the Cherokee Indians, called Keeowee; and is the chief village in the district of country lying be- tween the Saluda (the southern branch of the Con- garee) and the river Savannah, the southwestern boundary of the state, to which district it gives its name. The country is strong, the climate salubrious, and the soil fertile; and Ninety-Six exceeded in its white population any of the nine districts into which South Carolina is divided. When the British recovered he state, here, as has been before observed, was fixed a post — forming, with Cambden to its right and Au- gusta to its left, the frontier barrier established lor the security of the country. The village of Ninety- Six, previous to the war, had been slightly fortified for defence against the neighboring Indian-. These works were considerably strengthened alter the arrival of the British troops; and additional fortifications, to secure the post from assault, were erected under the superintendence of lieutenant Haldane, of the corps of engineers, aid-de-camp to lord Cornwallis. Southern Department of the United States. 97 Lieutenant colonel Cruger, the present commandant, was a native of New York, of respectable connexions, who had taken part from the first with the British army, and commanded one of the provincial regiments raised in that state. His garrison amounted to five hundred and fifty men; three hundred and fifty of whom were regulars, and, like himself, Americans; the residue were loyal militia of South Carolina, con- ducted by colonel King. On the left of the village, in a valley, ran a small rivulet which furnished water to the town and troops. Passing this rivulet westwardly, you ascend an eminence, on which was erected a stockade fort, which, with the fortified prison in the vil- lage situated contiguous to the valley, constituted the chief defence of the water. On the right of the village stood the principal work, called the star, from its form. It consisted ofsixteen^alientandre-enteringangles, with a ditch, frieze, and abbatis; and was judiciously design- ed, and well executed. We have-before mentioned that lord Rawdon, previous to his retreat from Cambden, had informed lieutenant colonel Cruger of the chang- ed and changing condition of affairs (which compelled him to prepare for the abandonment of that post) with orders to him to evacuate Ninety- Six and to join Brown in Augusta; but that all his attempts to com- municate with Cruger had been frustrated. Entirely ignorant of these events, lieutenant colonel Cruger, nevertheless, guided by his own reflections, wisely employed his time in making ail the necessary repairs to his works and some additional defences. A mound Vol. II. N 98 Memoirs of the War in the of earth, parapet high, was thrown up around the stockade, and secured by abbatis; blockhouses were erected, traverses made, and covered communications between the different works established. Throughout the preparations directed by Cruger, the garrison, re- gulars and militia, officers and soldiers, vied with each other in the zealous execution of their commandant's orders. The appearance of Greene's army increased the vigorous exertions of Cruger and his garrison in completing their defensive measures; and very soon the works became strong, affording additional confi- dtnce to the garrison. Colonel Koschiiibko, a Polish officer, at the head of the engineers in the southern army, was considered to possess skill in his profession, and much esteemed for his mildness of disposition and urbanity of manners. To this officer general Greene committed the desig- nation of the course and mode of approach. Never regarding the importance which was attached to de- priving the enemy of water, for which he entirely depended on the rivulet to his left, Koschiusko applied his undivided attention to the demolition of the star, the strongest point of the enemy's defence. Breaking ground close to this fortress, he labored during the first night with diligence, but had not been able to place in great forwardness his incipient works. No sooner was this attempt of the besieger perceived than lieutenant colonel Cruger determined to prepare a platform in one of the salient angles of the star, op- posite to our works, for the reception of three pieces Southern Department of the United States. 99 of artillery, the whole he possessed, with intention to cover a detachment charged with the expulsion of our working parties, to be followed by a second for the demolition of the works. Before noon the platform was finished, and the artillery mounted in it. The parapet was manned with infantry; and the sallying party under lieutenant Roney, supported by major Greene, ready in the enemy's ditch, rushed upon our works, covered by the artillery and musketry. Roney drove before him our guards and working parties, putting to the bayonet all whom he found; and was followed by a detachment of loyalists, who quickly demolished the works, carrying off the intrenching tools. The enemy sustained no loss in this first exhi- bition of his decision and courage but that of lieutenant Roney, who died of a wound he received while gal- lantly leading on his men, much regretted by his commandant and the garrison. So judiciously was this sally planned, and so rapidly conducted, that, although Greene instantly sent a de- tachment to support Koschiusko, the object was ac- complished before support could arrive. Taught by this essay that his enemy was of a cast not to be rashly approached with impunity, Koschiusko was directed to resume his labors under cover of a ravine, and at a more respectful distance. He broke ground again in the night of the 23d, still directing his ap- proaches against the star redoubt. Pickens and Lee pressed forward their measures against fort Cornwallis with zeal and diligence; but 100 Memoirs of the War in the not with the wished for celerity, so vigilant and reso- lute was the active and sagacious officer opposed to them. The condition of several of the wounded taken in the attack on fort Grierson called for various com- forts not to be found in the American camp, and the principal officer who had been taken asked permission to procure the requisite supply from colonel Brown, whom he knew to be well provided, and whose dispo- sition to cherish his soldiers he had often experienced. To this application Pickens and Lee answered, that after the ungracious determination to stop all inter- course, announced by the commandant of fort Corn- wallis, disposed as they were to obey the dictates of humanity, it could not be expected that any conside- ration could prevail with them again to expose the American flag to contumely. If, howeverj he thought proper to wait upon colonel Brown, \\\ty would permit him to proceed whenever he pleased, on the faith of his parole, returning immediately after receiving Brown's reply. This offer was cheerfully accepted, and a letter was prepared on the part of the American commandants, expressing the regret with which they permitted a flag to pass from their camp, though borne by a British officer, after the affrontive treatment experienced upon a late occasion; and assuring the commandant of fort Cornwallis, that no consideration affecting themselves or their troops would ever have led to such a conde- scension. Southern Department of the United States. 101 To this letter Brown returned a very polite answer by the prisoner (whose application was instantly com- plied with), excusing what had passed by a reference to some previous altercations, which had rendered such a decision necessary on the part of the British com- mandant, so long as the individual to whom he allud- ed continued to command,* and whom he really did believe had sent in the flag refused to be received, not knowing or suspecting the extraordinary change of force opposed to him which had taken place. Pickens and Lee were very much gratified that, while obeying the claims of humanity, they should have produced a renewal of intercourse, without which the contest drawing to a close could not be termina- ted but with a painful waste of human life. The works contiguous to the river had advanced nearly to the desired state, and those which had been subsequently commenced in the rear of the fort began to assume a formidable appearance; yet extreme diffi- culty occurred in the consummation of the plan adop- ted by the besiegers, as the surrounding ground pre- sented no swell or hill which would enable them to * The individual meant was colonel Clarke. Brown and this officer had before (as will be recollected) a very severe conflict. Clarke was often beating up the British quarters, and striking at the light parties of the enemy, chiefly loyalists; with whom and the militia a spirit of hate and revenge had succeeded to those noble feelings of humanity and forgiveness which ought ever to actuate the soldier. At length all intercourse between the troops was broken up, and the vanquished lay at the mercy of the victor. 102 Memoirs of the War in the bring their six pounder to bear upon the enemy. It was determined to resort to the Mayham tower, the effect of which Lee had so happily witnessed at fort Watson; and orders were accordingly issued to prepare and bring in timber .of such a size as would sustain our only piece of artillery. Brown heretofore had patiently looked on at our approach, diligently working within his fort, as we discovered by the heaps of fresh dug earth in various directions, but with what view remained unascertain- ed. Seeing that his enemy's works were rapidly ad- vancing, he now determined to interrupt our progress by sallies, however hazardous, which he foresaw could alone retard his approaching fate, — hoping that in delay he might find safety. On the 28th he fell upon our works in the river quarter at midnight, and, by the sudden- ness and vigor of his onset, drove the guard before him; but the support under captain Handy coming up, after an obstinate conflict, regained the trenches, and forced the enemy to take shelter in the fort. The determined spirit manifested by the foe in this attempt to destroy our approaches, induced lieutenant colonel Lee to appropriate his infantry exclusively for their defence at night, relieving them from any further share in labor and from every other duty. It was divided into two divisions, to one of which was alternately com- mitted the protection of our works. On the succeed- ing night Brown renewed his attempt in the same quarter; and for a long time the struggle was con- tinued with mutual pertinacity, till at length captain Southern Department of the United States. 103 Rudolph, by a combined charge with the bayonet, cleared the trenches, driving the enemy with loss to his strong hold. On the 30th the timber required to build the proposed Mayham tower was prepared and conveyed to the intended site. In the evening we commenced its erection, under cover of an old house to conceal our object from the enemy. In the course of the night and ensuing day we had brought our tower nearly on a level with the enemy's parapet, and began to fill its body with fascines, earth, stone, brick, and every other convenient rubbish, to give solidity and strength to the structure. At the same time the adjacent works, in the rear of the fort, were vigorously pushed to the enemy's left to connect them with the tower, which was the point of their termination. Brown's attention was soon drawn to this quarter; and, penetrating the use to which the log building would be applied, he determined to demolish it with- out delay. Pickens and Lee, well assured from what had passed that their judicious opponent would leave nothing unessayed within his power to destroy their tower, — on the completion of which their expecta- tion of immediate success chiefly depended, — de- termined to prepare before night for the counter- action of any attempt which might be made. The lines in that quarter, entrusted to the militia, were doubly manned; and Handy's division of the in- fantry, though on duty every other night, was drawn from the river quarter to maintain the militia. — 104 Memoirs of the War in the The North Carolina battalion supplied its place; and to captain Handy on one side, and to captain Rudolph on the other (approved officers), were com- mitted henceforward the protection of our lines. The tower was designated as the peculiar object of atten- tion, and to its defence one company of musketry was exclusively applied. Not more than one third of the night had passed when the enemy began to move; concealing his real object by renewing his attempt upon the river quarter, where Rudolph, with his accustomed gallantry, gave him a warm reception. While the contest here was bravely urged, and as bravely sustained, lieutenant colonel Brown with the elite of his garrison fell upon our works in his rear. Here for awhile the militia of Pickens contended with vigor, but at length were forced by the bayonet out of the trenches. Handy, leaving one company at the tower, with his main body hastened to support the militia, who very gallantly united with the regulars, and turned upon the successful foe. The conflict be- came furious; but at length the Mary landers under Handy carried the victory by the point of the bayonet. Upon this occasion the loss on both sides exceeded all which had occurred during the siege. Brown, finding that every effort to destroy our works by open war proved ineffectual, now resorted to stratagem. Lee had omitted to put down,* as was originally * This omission resulted from that spirit of procrastination common to man, and was certainly highly reprehensible. Luckily no injury resulted, whereas very great might have ensued. Southern Department of the United States. 105 intended, the old wooden house, under cover of which the tower had been commenced, and which by acci- dentally taking fire would have probably consumed it. This house attracted Brown's notice, and he deter- mined, by burning it, to rid himself of the tower. He had by this time erected a platform in one of the angles of the fort opposite to our Mayham tower, and which, being mounted with two of his heaviest pieces of ord- nance, opened upon it before it was finished. Nevertheless the exertions of the builders did not slacken, and on the first of June the tower was com- pleted, and was found to overlook the enemy's parapet. The upper logs having been sawed to let in an embra- sure for our six pounder, it only remained to make an apron upon which the matrosses could draw up their piece to the floor of the tower. This was done in the course of the day, and at dawn on the second our six pounder was mounted, completely commanding the enemy's fort. Finley instantly announced his readiness to act by returning the enemy's cannonade, which had been continued without intermission. Before noon the enemy's two pieces were dismounted from the platform, and all the interior of the fort was raked, excepting the segment nearest to the tower and some other spots sheltered by traverses. It was now that lieutenant colonel Brown determined to put in execution his concerted stratagem. In the course of the night a de- serter from the fort was sent to lieutenant colonel Lee. Vol. II. O 106 Memoirs of the War in the He was a Scot, with all the wily sagacity of his country, and a sergeant of the artillery. Upon being questioned upon the effect of our cannonade, and the situation of the enemy, — he answered, that the strange loghouse lately erected, gave an advantage, which, duly improved, could not fail to force surrender; but that the garrison had not suffered so much as might be presumed; that it was amply supplied with provi- sions, and was in high spirits. In the course of the conversation which followed, Lee inquired, in what way could the effect of the cannonade be increased? Very readily, replied the crafty sergeant: that knowing the spot where all the powder in the fort was deposited, with red hot balls from the six pounder, directed pro- perly, the magazine might be blown up. This intel- ligence was received with delight, and the suggestion of the sergeant seized with avidity, although it would be very difficult to prepare our ball, as we were un- provided with a furnace. It was proposed to the ser- geant, that he should be sent to the officer command- ing our battery, and give his aid to the execution of his suggestion, with assurances of liberal reward in case of success. This proposition was heard with much apparent reluctance, although every disposition to bring the garrison to submission was exhibited by the sergeant, who pretended that Brown had done him many personal injuries in the course of service. But he added, it was impossible for him to put himself in danger of capture, as he well knew he should be exe- cuted on a gibbet, if taken. A good supper was now Southern Department of the United States. 107 presented to him, with his grog; which being finished, and being convinced by the arguments of Lee, that his personal safety could not be endangered, as it was not desired or meant that he should take any part in the seige, but merely to attend at the tower to direct the pointing of the piece, he assented; declaring that he entered upon his task with dire apprehensions, and reminding the lieutenant colonel of his promised re- ward. Lee instantly put him in care of his adjutant, to be delivered to captain Finley, with the information communicated, for the purpose of blowing up the enemy's magazine. It was midnight; and lieutenant colonel Lee, expecting on the next day to be much engaged, our preparations being nearly completed, re- tired to rest. Reflecting upon what had passed, and recurring to the character of his adversary, he became much disquieted by the step he had taken, and soon concluded to withdraw the sergeant from the tower. He had not been many minutes with captain Finley, before an order remanding him was delivered, com- mitting him to the quarter guard. In the morning we were saluted with a new exhibition, unexpected though not injurious. Between the quarters of Lee and the fort stood four or five deserted houses; some of them near enough to the fort to be used with effect by riflemen from their upper stories. They had often engaged the attention of Pickens and Lee, with a view of applying them, whenever the enemy should be assaulted, to aid in covering their attack. Brown, sallying out before break of day, sat fire to all but two of the houses. No 108 Memoirs of the War in the attempt was made to disturb the operation, or to ex- tinguish the flames after the enemy had returned; it being deemed improper to hazard our troops in effect- ing an)' object not material in its consequence. Of the two left, one was most commodious for the purpose originally contemplated by Pickens and Lee in the hour of assault. The besiegers being incapable of discovering any reason for the omission to burn the two houses, and especially one nearest the fort, various were their con- jectures as to the cause of sparing them: some leading to the conclusion that they were left purposely, and consequently with the view of injuring the assailant. The fire from the tower continued, and being chiefly- directed against the parapet fronting the river, in which quarter the proposed attack would be directed, demon- strated satisfactorily that the hour had arrived to make the decisive appeal. Orders were accordingly issued to prepare for the assault, to take place on the next day at the hour of nine in the forenoon. In the course of the night, a party of the best marksmen were se- lected from Pickens' militia, and sent to one of the houses nearest to the fort. The officer commanding this detachment, was or- dered to arrange his men in the upper story, for the purpose of ascertaining the number which could with ease use their rifles out of the windows, or any other convenient aperture; then to withdraw, and report to the brigadier. It was intended, before daylight, to have directed the occupation of the house by the same Southern Department of the Linked States. 109 officer, with such a force of riflemen as he should re- port to be sufficient. Handy was ordered to return to the river quarter at the dawn of day, as to his detach- ment and the legion infantry the main assault would be committed. These, with all the other preparations, being made, the troops continued in their usual sta- tions,— pleased that the time was near which would close with success their severe toils. About three in the morning of the fourth of June, we were aroused by a violent explosion, which was soon discovered to have shattered the very house in- tended to be occupied by the rifle party before day- break. It was severed and thrown into the air thirty or forty feet high, its fragments falling all over the field. This explained, at once, not only the cause of Brown's omitting its destruction, but also communi- cated the object of the constant digging which had until lately employed the besieged. Brown pushed a sap to this house, which he pre- sumed would be certainly possessed by the besieger, when ready to strike his last blow; and he concluded, from the evident maturity of our works, and from the noise made by the militia, when sent to the house in the first part of the night, for the purpose of ascertain- ing the number competent to its capacity, that the ap- proaching morning was fixed for the general assault. Not doubting but the house was occupied with the body destined to hold it, he determined to deprive his adversary of every aid from this quarter; hoping, too, by the consternation which the manner of destruction ** 110 Memoirs of the War in the could not fail to excite, to damp the ardor of the troops charged with storming. Happily he executed his plan too early for its suc- cess, or our gallant band would certainly have shared the fate of the house. This fortunate escape excited grateful sensations in the breasts of the two comman- dants, for the gracious interposition of Providence; and added another testimonial to the many already receiv- ed, of the penetration and decision which marked the character of their opponent. The hour of nine ap- proached, and the columns for assault were in array, waiting the signal of advance. Pickens and Lee hav- ing determined, as intercourse with the fort was now open, to present to the enemy another opportunity of avoiding the impending blow by capitulation, a flag was despatched on the 3d of June, with a joint letter from the American commanders, adapted to the occa- sion. Lieutenant colonel Brown, in reply, repeated his determination to defend the post. This resolution could not be maintained; and on the next day an of- ficer, with a flag, proceeded from the fort. The bearer was received at the margin of our trenches, and pre- sented a letter addressed to the two commandants, offering to surrender upon conditions detailed in the communication. Some of these being inadmissible, the offer was rejected, and other propositions made, which would be ratified by them, if acceded to by lieutenant colonel Brown. This discussion produced the delay of one day, which was gratifying to Brown; Southern Department of the United States. Ill it being unpleasant to surrender on the birth-day of his king.* The terms, as altered, were accepted; and * Brigadier Pickens and lieutenant colonel Lee to lieutenant colonel Brown. Augusta, May 3 1 st, 1781. Sir, The usage of war renders it necessary that we present you with an opportunity of avoiding the destruction which impends your garrison. We have deferred our summons to this late date, to preclude the necessity of much correspondence on the occasion. You see the strength of the investing forces; the progress of our works; and you may inform yourself of the situation of the two armies, by inquiries from captain Armstrong, of the legion, who has the honor to bear this. Lieutenant colonel Brown, in answer, to Pickens and Lee. Gentlemen, What progress you have made in your works I am no stranger to. It is my duty and inclination to defend this place to the last extremity. Pickens and Lee, to lieutenant colonel Brown. Augusta, June 3d, 1781. Sir, It is not our disposition to press the unfortunate. To prevent the effusion of blood, which must follow perseverance in your fruitless resistance, we inform you, that we are willing, though in the grasp of victory, to grant such terms as a comparative view of our respective situations can warrant. Your determination wiil be considered as conclusive, and will regulate our conduct. Lieutenant colonel Brown, to Pickens and Lee. Fort Cornwallis, June 3d, 178i. Gentlemen, I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your summons 112 Memoirs of the War in the eight o'clock in the morning of the 5th was designated for the delivery of the fort, &c. to captain Rudolph, of this day, and to assure you, that as it is my duty, it is likewise my inclination, to defend the post to the last extremity. Pickens and Lee, to lieutenant colonel Brown, Headquarters, June 4th, 1781. Sir, We beg leave to propose, that the prisoners in your posses- sion may be sent out of the fort; and that they may be considered yours or ours, as the siege may terminate. Confident that you cannol oppose the dictate of humanity and custom of war, we have only to say, that any request from you, of a similar nature, will meet our assent. Lieutenant colonel Brown, to Pickens and Lee. Gentlemen, Though motives of humanity, and a feeling for the distresses of individuals, incline me to accede to what you have proposed concerning the prisoners with us; yet many reasons, to which you cannot be strangers, forbid my complying with this requi- sition. Such attention as I can show, consistently with good policy and my duty, shall be shown to them. Lieutenant colonel Brown to Pickens and Lee. Gentlemen, In your summons of the 3d instant, no particular conditions were specified; I postponed the consideration of it to this day. From a desire to lessen the distresses of war to individuals, I am inclined to propose to you my acceptance of the inclosed terms; which being pretty similar to those granted to the com- manding officers of the American troops and garrison in Charles- ton, I imagine will be honorable to both parties. Pickens Southern Department of the United States. 113 appointed on the part of the victors to take possession of it with its appurtenances. At the appointed hour Pickens and Lee, to lieutenant colonel Brown. June 5th, 1781. Sir, There was a time when your proposals of this day ought to have been accepted. That period is now passed. You had every notice from us, and must have known the futility of your further opposition. Although we should be justified by the military law of both armies to demand unconditional submission, our sympathy for the unfortunate and gallant of our profession, has induced us to grant the honorable terms which we herewith transmit. Lieutenant colonel Brown to Pickens and Lee. June 5th, 1781. Gentlemen, Your proposition relative to the officers of the king's troops and militia being admitted to their paroles, and the exclusion of the men, is a matter I cannot accede to. The conditions I have to propose to you are, that such of the different classes of men who compose this garrison be permitted to march to Savannah, or continue in the country, as to them may be most eligible, until exchanged. Pickens and Lee, to lieutenant colonel Brown. June 5th, 1781. Sir, In our answer of this morning, we granted the most generous terms in our power to give, which we beg leave to refer to as final on our part. Lieutenant colonel Brown, to Pickens and Lee. Gentlemen, As some of the articles proposed by you are generally express- Vol. II. P 114 Memoirs of the War in the the British garrison marched out, lieutenant colonel Brown having been taken into the care of captain ed, I have taken the liberty of deputing three gentlemen to wait upon you, for a particular explanation of the respective articles. Articles of Capitulation, firofwsed by lieutenant colonel Thomas Brown, and answered by general Picke?is and lieutenant colonel Lee. Article 1st. That all acts of hostilities and works shall cease between the besiegers and besieged, until the articles of capitu- lation shall be agreed on, signed and executed, or collectively rejected. Answer. Hostilities shall cease for one hour; other operations to continue. Art. 2d. That the fort shall be surrendered to the commanding officer of the American troops, such as it now stands. That the king's troops, three days after signing the articles of capitulation, shall be conducted to Savannah, with their baggage; where they will remain prisoners of war until they are exchanged. That pro- per conveyances shall be provided by the commanding officer of the American troops for that purpose, together with a sufficient quantity of good and wholesome provisions till their arrival at Savannah. Ans. Inadmissible. The prisoners to surrender field prisoners of war: the officers to be indulged with their paroles; the soldiers to be conducted to such place as the commander in chief shall direct. Art. 3d. The militia now in garrison shall be permitted to re- turn to their respective homes, and be secured in their persons and properties. Ans. Answered by the second article, the militia making part of the garrison. Art. 4. The sick and wounded shall be under the care of their own surgeons, and be supplied with such medicines and neces- saries as are allowed to the British hospitals. Ans. Southern Department of the United States, 115 Armstrong, of the dragoons, with a safe guard to pro- tect his person from threatened violence.* This pre- Ans. Agreed. Art. 5, The officers of the garrison, and citizens who have borne arms during the siege, shall keep their side arms, pistols, and baggage, which shall not be searched, and retain their ser- vants. Ans. The officers, and citizens who have borne arms during the siege, shall be permitted their side arms, private baggage, and servants; their side arms not to be worn, and the baggage to be searched by a person appointed for that purpose. Art. 6th. The gamson, at an hour appointed, shall march out with shouldered arms and drums beating, to a place agreed on, where they will pile their arms. Ans. Agreed. The judicious and gallant defence made by the garrison, entitles them to every mark of military respect. The fort to be delivered up to captain Rudolph at twelve o'clock, who will take possession with a detachment of the legion infantry. Art. 7. * This precaution was indispensable. Already had the huma- nity of the besieging corps been dreadfully outraged by the slaughter of colonel Grierson, and some of his associates. To risk a repetition of the same barbarity, would have justly exposed the commandants to reproach and censure. It was determined to take measures in time to prevent such an issue. Lieutenant colo- nel Brown's life was, we knew, sought with avidity; consequently it became our duty to secure his person before the garrison marched out. Brown had himself suffered very cruel and injuri- ous personal treatment in the beginning of the revolution; and succeeding events more and more embittered both himself and the Georgia militia, heretofore his only opponents, till at length in this quarter a war of extermination became the order of the day. 116 Memoirs of the War in the caution, suggested by our knowledge of the inveteracy with which the operations in this quarter had been conducted on both sides, turned out to be extremely fortunate; as otherwise, in all probability, the laurels acquired by the arms of America would have been stained by the murder of a gallant soldier, who had committed himself to his enemy on their plighted Art. 7. That the citizens shall be protected in their persons and properties. Ans. Inadmissible. Art. 8. That twelve months shall be allowed to all such as do not choose to reside in this country, to dispose of their effects, real and personal, in this province, without any molestation what- ever; or to remove to any part thereof as they may choose, as well themselves as families. Ans. Inadmissible. Art. 9. That the Indian families now in garrison, shall accom- pany the king's troops to Savannah, where they will remain pri- soners of war until exchanged for an equal number of prisoners in the Creek or Cherokee nations. Ans. Answered in the second article. Art. 10. That an express be permitted to go to Savannah with the commanding officer's despatches, which are not to be opened. Ans. Agreed. Art. 11. (Additional.) The particular attention of colonel Brown is expected towards the just delivery of all public stores, moneys, &c; and that no loans be permitted to defeat the spirit of this article. Signed at Headquarters, Augusta, June 5th, 1781, by Andrew Pickens, Brig. Militia. Henry Lee, jun. Lt. Col. Commandant, V.L. Thomas Brown, Lt. Col. commanding the king's troops at Augusta Southern Department of the United States, 117 faith. Brown was conveyed to Lee's quarters, where he continued until the next day, when himself and a kw of his officers were paroled, and sent down the river to Savannah, under the care of captain Arm- strong, with a party of infantry, who had orders to continue with lieutenant colonel Brown until he should be placed out of danger. During the few hours' residence in Lee's quarters, the British colonel inquir- ed after his artillery sergeant, who had, a few nights before, deserted from the fort. Upon being told that he was in the quarter guard, he took the first oppor- tunity of soliciting from Lee his restitution; frankly declaring that he was no deserter, but was purposely sent out by him in that character, to destroy by fire the newly erected loghouse, which he plainly discerned to be destructive to his safety, and which his sergeant undertook to do, while pretending to direct our fire with the view of blowing up the magazine of the fort. This communication showed the danger to which the besiegers were exposed for a few minutes, by the readiness with which lieutenant colonel Lee entered into the plan of the deserter, but which, upon further reflection, he fortunately changed; and demonstrates the great caution with which the oifer of aid from de- serters ought to be received; especially when coming from a besieged fortress on the point of surrender, and in the care of an experienced and sagacious soldier. The request of lieutenant colonel Brown was granted, and his sergeant with joy rejoined his commander. As soon as the capitulation was signed, preparations for 118 Memoirs of the War in the decamping were begun, and earl)- the next morning, the baggage of the corps under Lee was transported across the Savannah; about noon, the infantry follow- ed; and in the evening of the 6th, Lee joined with his cavalry; proceeding with expedition to Ninety-Six, in obedience to orders from general Greene. Brigadier Pickens remained at Augusta until conveyance for the stores taken there and at fort Galphin could be provided; which being accomplished in a few days, he also marched for headquarters. Without delay, after the British garrison had laid down their arms, did Pickens and Lee despatch intelligence of the event to Greene; who announcing the success in general orders, was pleased to express to the two commandants, and their respective corps, the high sense he entertained of their merit and service, with his thanks for the zeal and vigor exhibited in the execution of the duty as- signed to them. Lee pressing forward with despatch, reached Ninety- Six on the forenoon of the 8th. Two routes led south of the enemy to the American head- quarters, which had been established on the enemy's right. The officer despatched with the garrison of fort Cornwallis in his charge, mistaking the intended course, took the road nearest to the town, which brought his troops under command of the enemy's batteries for a small distance. Believing that the ex- hibition was designed with a view to insult the feel- ings of the garrison, lieutenant colonel Cruger gave orders for the contiguous batteries to open upon this corps, notwithstanding it enveloped his fellow soldiers Southern Department of the United States. 119 taken at Augusta, and was very near chastising the supposed bravado, which in fact was only the error of the conducting officer. Luckily no injury was sustain- ed; but the officer was very severely reprimanded by lieutenant colonel Lee, for the danger to which his inadvertence had exposed the corps. General Greene had exerted himself, with unremit- ting industry, to complete the works against the star redoubt; to which single object colonel Koschiusko directed all his efforts. The enemy's left had been en- tirely neglected, although in that quarter was procured the whole supply of water.* As soon as the corps of Lee entered camp, that officer was directed to take post opposite to the enemy's left, and to commence regular approaches against the stockade. Very soon Lee pushed his ditch to the ground designated for the erection of the battery, under the cover of which the subsequent approaches would be made. In the course of the next day this battery was erected, and lieutenant Finn, with a six pounder, took possession of it. The besiegers advancing closer and closer, with caution * Koschiusko was extremely amiable, and, I believe, a truly good man, nor was he deficient in his professional knowledge; but he was very moderate in talent, — not a spark of the etherial in his composition. His blunders lost us Ninety-Six; and general Greene, much as he was beloved and respected, did not escape criticism, for permitting his engineer to direct the manner of approach. It was said, and with some justice too, that the general ought certainly to have listened to his opinion; but never ought to have permitted the pursuit of error, although supported by professional authority. 120 Memoirs of the War in the and safety, both on the right and left, lieutenant colo- nel Cruger foresaw his inevitable destruction, unless averted by the approach of lord Rawdon. To give time for the desired event, he determined, by noctur- nal sallies, to attempt to carry our trenches; and to destroy with the spade whatever he might gain by the bayonet. These rencontres were fierce and frequent, di- rected sometimes upon one quarter and sometimes upon another: but so judicious had been the arrangements of the American general to counteract these expected at- tempts, that in no one instance did the British com- mandant succeed. The mode adopted was nevertheless pursued without intermission; and although failing to effect the chief object contemplated, became extremely harassing to the American army, — whose reposeduring the night was incessantly disturbed, and whose labor in the day was as incessantly pressed. Ignorant of the situation and prospects of the British general as lieu- tenant colonel Cruger continued to be, he nevertheless indulged the confidence, that every effort would be made for his relief, and persevered with firmness and vigor in his defence. As soon as the second parallel was finished, general Greene directed colonel Wil- liams, adjutant general, to summon the British com- mandant; stating to him his relative situation, and assuring him that perseverance in resistance would be vain, and might produce disagreeable consequences to himself and garrison. Cruger returned, by his adju- tant, a verbal answer; declaring his determination to hold out to the last extremity, and his perfect disrc- Southern Department of the United States. 121 gard of general Greene's promises or threats.; Failing in this attempt, our batteries opened from the second parallel, under cover of which Koschiusko pressed forward his approach with indefatigable labor. Lord Rawdon heard, with deep regret, the loss of Augusta, and was not insensible to the danger which threatened Ninety- Six; but destitute of the means to furnish immediate relief, he was obliged to arm him- self with patience, anxiously hoping that every south- ern gale would waft to hirrj the long expected and much desired reinforcement. On the 3d of June this event took place, and his lordship instantly prepared to take the field. On the 7th he set out from Charleston for the relief of Ninety- Six, with a portion of the three regiments just arrived from Ireland, and was joined on his route by the troops from Monk's Corner, giving him a total of two thou- sand men. All his endeavors to transmit information to Cruger having failed, his lordship apprehended, that, pressed by the difficulties to which that officer must be reduced, and despairing of succor, he might be induced to surrender, with a view to obtain favorable conditions for his garrison; to stop which, he renewed his efforts to advise him of the propitious change of his condition, and his consequent advance for his relief. Greene was informed by Sumpter, on the 11th, of the arrival from Ireland, and of the measures imme- diately taken by Rawdon to resume offensive opera- tions. Directing Sumpter to keep in his lordship's Vol. IT, Q 122 Memoirs of the War in the front, he reinforced him with all his cavalry, conduct- ed by lieutenant colonel Washington; urging the bri- gadier to exert every means in his power to delay the advance of the British army. Marion was also ordered to hasten from the lower country, as soon as he should discover the intention of Rawdon to move upon Greene; and brigadier Pickens, just joined from Augusta, was detached to Sumpter. Our approaches continued to be pushed with un- abated diligence, in the expectation and hope that they might be brought to maturity in time to enforce the submission of the garrison, before the British general could make good his long march. We now began to deplore the early inattention of the chief engineer to the enemy's left; persuaded that had he been deprived of the use of the rivulet in the beginning of the siege, he must have been forced to surrender before the present hour. It was deemed practicable to set fire to the stockade fort, and thus to remove the water defence to the left of the rivulet. In the succeeding day, a dark violent storm came on from the west, without rain. Lieutenant colonel Lee proposed to general Greene to permit him to make the attempt. This being granted, a sergeant with nine privates of the legion infantry, furnished with combus- tible matter, was directed to approach the stockade in the most concealed direction, under cover of the storm, while the batteries in every quarter opened upon the enemy, and demonstrations of striking at the star redoubt were made, with the expectation of di- Southern Department of the United States. 123 verting his attention from the intrepid party, which, with alacrity, undertook the hazardous enterprise. The sergeant conducted his gallant band in the best man- ner; concealing it whenever the ground permitted, and when exposed to view moving along upon the belly. At length he reached the ditch with three others; the whole close behind. Here unluckily he was discovered, while in the act of applying his fire. Himself and five were killed; the remaining four escaped unhurt, al- though many muskets were discharged at them Tun- ing through the field, before they got beyond the nearest rise of ground which could cover them from danger. After this disappointment, nothing remained but to force our works to maturity, and to retard the advance of the British army. In the evening, a coun- tryman was seen riding along our lines south of the town, conversing familiarly with the officers and sol- diers on duty. He was not regarded, as from the be- ginning of the siege our friends in the country were in the habit of visiting camp, and were permitted to go wherever their curiosity led them, one of whom this man was presumed to be. At length he reached the great road leading directly to the town, in which quarter were only some batteries thrown up for the pro- tection of the guards. Putting spur to his horse, he rush- ed with full speed into town, receiving the ineffectual fire of our centinels and guards nearest to him, and holding up a letter in his hand as soon as he cleared himself of our fire. The propitious signal gave joy to the garrison, who running to meet their friend, open- 424 Memoirs of the War in the ed the gate, welcoming his arrival with loud expres- sions of joy. He was the bearer of a despatch from Rawdon to Cruger, communicating his arrival at Orangeburgh in adequate force, and informing him that he was hastening to his relief. This intelligence infused new vigor into the intrepid leader and his brave companions. It also inspired the indefatigable besieger with ad- ditional motives to push to conclusion his preparatives, as he now yielded up every hope heretofore derived from Cruger's ignorance of the movement of the Bri- tish general, and the forwardness of our works. Major Greene, who commanded in the star with great ability, finding that our third parallel was nearly finished, and that a Mayham tower was erecting which would over- look his parapet, very judiciously covered it with sand-bags, to lessen the capacity derived from supe- rior height, leaving between each bag an aperture for the use of his riflemen. Nor were the approaches on the left less forward than those on the right; they not only were directed against the. stockade, but also were carried so near the rivulet, as to render supplies of water difficult and precarious. The fire during the 17th was so effectual, as to induce the enemy to with- draw his guards established between the rivulet and the stockade; and parties of the troops on the left were posted in various points, to annoy the communication with the rivulet. These arrangements succeeded throughout the day completely, and the enemy suffer- ed greatly from this privation, though accomplished Southern Department of the United States. 125 too late to produce material advantage. Rawdon con- tinued to advance by forced marches, and inclining to his right, made a vigorous push to throw himself be- tween Sumpter and Greene. In this effort he completely succeeded, and thus baffled all the measures adopted by Greene to delay his approach. It became now necessary to hazard assault of the fort, to meet Rawdon, or to retire. The. American general was disposed to imitate Caesar at Alisia; first to beat the relieving army, and then to take the besieged town. But his regular force did but little exceed the half of that under Rawdon, which added to his militia, consisting of the corps of Sump- ter, Marion and Pickens, still left him numerically inferior to the British general. Nevertheless confiding in his known superiority of cavalry, he would have given battle to his lordship, could he have left an adequate corps to attend to the garrison. Compelled to relinquish this plan, he determined to storm the fort, although his works were yet unfinished. On the right, our third parallel was completed, two trenches and a mine were nearly let into the enemy's ditch, and the Mayham tower was finished. On the left, our trenches were within twenty yards of his ditch; and the battery directed by lieutenant Finn, gave to the assailant, in this quarter, advantages which, well supported, ensured success. Greene, anxiously as he desired to conclude his severe toils in triumph, was averse to the unequal contest to which he must necessarily expose his faithful troops, and 126 Memoirs of the War in the would probably have decided on the safe course, had not his soldiers, with one voice, intreated to be led against the fort. The American army having witness- ed the unconquerable spirit which actuated their ge- neral, as well as the unexpected results of former battles, could not brook the idea of abandoning the siege, without one bold attempt to force a surrender. They recollected, with pain and remorse, that by the misbehaviour of one regiment at the battle of Guil- ford, and of another at Hobkick's hill, their beloved general had been deprived of his merited laurels; and they supplicated their officers to intreat their comman- der to give them now an opportunity of obliterating preceding disgrace. This generous ardor could not be resisted by Greene. Orders were issued to prepare for a storm; and the hour of twelve on the next day (18th June) was appointed for the assailing columns to ad- vance by signal from the centre battery. Lieutenant colonel Campbell, of the first Virginia regiment, with a detachment from the Maryland and Virginia brigades, was charged with the attack on the left; and lieutenant colonel Lee, with the legion infan- try and Kirkwood's Delawares, with that on the right. Lieutenants Duval of Maryland, and Seldon of Virgi- nia, commanded the forlorn hope of Campbell; and captain Rudolph, of the legion, that of Lee. Fascines wrere prepared to fill up the enemy's ditch, long poles with iron hooks were furnished to pull down the sand- bags, with every other thing requisite to facilitate the progress of the assailant. At eleven the third parallel Southern Department of the United States. 127 was manned, and our sharp shooters took their station in the tower. The first signal was announced from the centre battery, upon which the assailing columns en- tered the trenches; manifesting delight in the expec- tation of carrying by their courage the great prize in view. At the second cannon, which was discharged at the hour of twelve, Campbell and Lee rushed to the as- sault. Cruger, always prepared, received them with his accustomed firmness. The parapets were manned with spike and bayonet, and the riflemen, fixed at the sand-bag apertures, maintained a steady and destruc- tive fire. Duval and Seldon entered the enemy's ditch at different points, and Campbell stood prepared to support them, in the rear of the party furnished with hooks to pull down the sand- bags. This party had also entered the enemy's ditch, and began to apply the hook. Uncovering the parapet now would have given us victory; and such was the vigorous support afforded by the musketry from the third parallel, from the riflemen in the tower, and from the artillery mount- ed in battery, that sanguine expectations of this happy issue were universally indulged. The moment the bags in front were pulled down, Campbell would have mounted the parapet, where the struggle could not have been long maintained. Cruger had prepared an intermediate battery with his three pieces, which he occasionally applied to right and left. At first it was directed against Lee's left, but very soon every piece 128 Memoirs of the War in the was applied upon Campbell's right, which was very •injurious to his column. Major Greene, commanding in the star redoubt, sensible of the danger to which he was exposed, if the attempted lodgment upon his front curtain succeeded, determined to try the bayonet in his ditch as well as on his parapet. To captains Campbell and French was committed this bold effort. Entering into the ditch through a sally-port in the rear of the star, they took opposite directions, and soon came in contact, the one with Duval, the other with Seldon. Here ensued a desperate conflict. The Americans, not only fighting with the enemy in front but with the enemy overhead, sustained gallantly the unequal contest, until Duval and Seldon became disabled by wounds, when they yielded, and were driven back with great loss to the point of entry. The few surviving escaped with the hookmen to our trenches, where yet remained Camp- bell, the sand- bags not being removed. On the left, the issue was very different. Rudolph gained the enemy's ditch, and followed by the column, soon opened his way into the fort, from which the enemy, giving their last fire, precipitately retreated. Measures were in train on the part of Lee, to follow up his blow by passing the rivulet, entering the town, and forcing the fortified prison, whence the left might have yielded substantial aid to the attack upon the star, by com- pelling Cruger to struggle for the town, or forcing him with all his troops to take refuge in the star; a si- Southern Department of the United States. 12.9 tuation not long to be held, crowded as he must have been, and destitute of water. The adverse fortune ex- perienced in the assault on the right, made the mind of Greene return to his cardinal policy, the preserva- tion of adequate force to keep the field. Charmed with the courage displayed in his view, and regretting its disadvantageous application, he sent orders to Campbell to draw off, and to Lee to desist from further advance, but to hold the stockade aban- doned by the enemy. Our loss amounted, during the siege, to one hun- dred and eighty-five killed and wounded; that of the garrison to eighty-five. Captain Armstrong, of the Maryland line, was the only officer killed on our side, as was lieutenant Roney the only one on their side. After our repulse, Greene sent a flag to lieutenant colonel Cruger, proposing a cessation of hostilities for the purpose of burying the dead; but as to the burial of the dead the proposition was rejected, Cruger not choosing to admit our participation in a ceremonial which custom had appropriated to the victor. As soon as it was dark, the detachment was with- drawn from the stockade, and preparations were be- gun for retreat. On the 19th, Greene communicated to Sumpter the event of the preceding day, advised him of the route of retreat, and ordered the corps in his front, with the cavalry under Washington, to join him with celerity. Taking leave of Mrs. Cruger and Mrs. Greene, and Vol. II. R 130 Memoirs of the War in the leaving for the protection of the ladies the usual guard,t until Col. Cruger should be advised of his retreat, and take his measures for their security, the American gene- ral withdrew, having two days before sent forward his sick and wounded. During the preceding night, gloom and silence pervaded the American camp: every one disappointed, — every one mortified. Three days more, and Ninety- Six must have fallen; but this short space was unattainable. Rawdon had approached our vicinity with a force not to be resisted, and it only remained to hold the army safe, by resuming that system which adverse fortune had rendered familiar to us. Greene alone preserved his equanimity; and highly pleased by the unshaken courage displayed in the assault, an- nounced his grateful sense of the conduct of the troops, as well during the siege as in the late heroic attack; presaging from the past, the happiest result whenever an opportunity should be presented of contending with f When general Greene approached Ninety-Six, he found the ladies of lieutenant colonel Cruger and major Greene in a farm- house in the neighborhood. The American general tranquillized the fears of the ladies, and as they preferred continuing where they were, he not only indulged them, but placed a guard at the house for their protection. The guard was left until lieutenant colonel Cruger was apprized of our departure, when he sent the guard with his passport to rejoin our army. Some hours after Greene had withdrawn, one of our light parties, absent some days, returned, and passing by the farm-house, was going directly to our late camp before Ninety-Six, when Mrs. Cruger sending for the officer, communicated what had happened, and instructed him to overtake the retiring general. Southern Department of the United States. 131 the enemy upon equal terms, — to the attainment of which his best exertions would be invariably directed, relying, as he did, upon the same dauntless spirit re- cently exhibited. Conscious as the army was of having done its duty, it derived consolation from this exhila- rating address, and burying in oblivion the grating repulse, looked forward with the anticipation of soon displaying their courage in a fair and decisive battle. General Greene, moving with celerity, gained the Saluda, where he was joined by his cavalry. Forming his rear-guard of his horse, the legion infantry and Kirkwood's Delawares, he continued his retreat to- wards Charlotte in North Carolina, and passed suc- cessively the Enoree, the Tiger and Broad rivers, his sick and wounded continuing to precede him. In the morning of the 21st, the British army reach- ed Ninety- Six, having for fourteen days been inces- santly pressing forward by forced marches; exposed not only to the privations inseparable from rapid move- ment through an exhausted country, but also to the southern sun, in the sultry season debilitating and destructive. Here followed a delightful scene, and one which soldiers only can enjoy. The relieving army was wel- comed with the fulness of gratitude due to its exer- tions and their effect. Responsive to this was the hearty applause bestowed on the garrison, equally merited by the courage and firmness displayed throughout the late trying period. Officer embracing officer, and soldiers mingling with soldiers, gave themselves up to those 132 Memoirs of the War in the gratulations resulting from the happy conclusion of their mutual toils and mutual perils. This pleasing scene lasted only a few hours; for Rawdon, not satis- fied with the relief of Ninety- Six, flattered himself with adding to the triumph already gained, by des- troying or dispersing the army of Greene. Having replaced his fatigued and sick with a part of the force under Cruger, notwithstanding his long march, not- withstanding the sultry season, he moved in the even- ing in pursuit of Greene. Passing the Saluda he pressed forward to the Enoree, on the south side of which his van came up with the American rear under Washington and Lee. Although his lordship had, during his repose in the lower country, continued to strengthen himself with a newly raised corps of horse under major Coffin,* he did not derive, in this excursion, any material good from this accession of force. No attempt was hazarded against the American rear, which, conscious of its superior cavalry, retired slowly, always keeping the British van in view. While at the Enoree, lord Raw- don acquired information which convinced him of the impracticability of accomplishing his enterprise, and induced him to spare his harassed troops unnecessary increase of fatigue. Halting here for the night, the British general retraced his steps next morning to * The corps was badly mounted, — small meagre horses being the only sort procurable. The best officers and the best riders, thus horsed, cannot stand tolerable cavalry, much less such as then composed our rear. Southern Department of the United States. 133 Ninety-Six. This being made known to Greene, he directed lieutenant colonel Lee with his corps to fol- low the enemy, for the purpose of obtaining and com- municating intelligence. After reaching Ninety- Six, Rawdon prepared to evacuate the post; and having entered into arrangements with the loyalists of that district for the removal of themselves and families into the lines intended to be retained, he adopted a plan of retreat calculated to secure the undisturbed execution of his views. Despatching orders to lieutenant colonel Stuart to advance with his regiment from Charleston, (and to take in his charge a convoy destined for the army) to Friday's ferry on the Congaree, his lordship, leaving at Ninety- Six the major part of his force, took with the residue the direct road for the concerted point of junction. Cruger was ordered to hasten the preparations ne- cessary for the removal of the loyalists, then to abandon the theatre of his glory, and by taking a route consi- derably to his lordship's right, to interpose the river Edisto between himself and his enemy, moving down its southern banks to Orangeburgh, where the road from Friday's ferry to Charleston crossed that river. This disposition was advantageous to the column of Cruger, which was the most vulnerable, being heavily encumbered with property of the loyalists, as well as with the public stores. But it would not have availed, had not the distance from Cruger been too great for Greene to overtake him, without much good fortune, before he should place himself behind the Edisto; after 134 Memoirs of the War m the which the course of Cruger's route would expose Greene to the sudden and co-operative attack of Raw- don and lieutenant colonel Stuart. When the deter- mination of the British general to abandon Ninety- Six, and with it all the upper country yet held by him, was communicated to Greene, he immediately drew near to the enemy, in order to seize any advantage which might present itself; previously directing his hospital and heavy baggage at Winnsborough to be removed to Cambden. As soon as the preparations for the eva- cuation of Ninety- Six and the removal of the loyalists had advanced to their desired maturity, Rawdon sepa- rated himself from Cruger and marched to Friday's ferry; inviting, in appearance, the American general t© strike Cruger. For the reasons before assigned this course of ope- rations was avoided, and general Greene decided to pursue Rawdon; and in this decision he was confirmed by the information derived from an intercepted letter from lieutenant colonel Balfour, the commandant of Charleston, to lord Rawdon, stating the reasons which produced the recal of Stuart with his corps, after he had commenced his march towards Friday's ferry, in pursuance of orders from Cornwallis. Lee was accor- dingly directed to continue close to the British army, and to gain its front upon reaching Friday's ferry, where he would find Sumpter and Marion, ordered to take the same position, with the confident expectation that by their united exertions the advance of lord Rawdon, (uninformed of Stuart's recal,) should he Southern Department of the United States, 135 quit his position on the Congaree, might be retarded until Greene could come up with him. Obeying this order, lieutenant colonel Lee continued on the left flank and rear of the retiring army; when finding that his lordship had halted at Friday's ferry, he prepared in the course of the night to pass from the left to the right flank of the enemy, the Congaree river rendering this change in direction indispensable; as otherwise the enemy's front could not be gained, who was on the south of that river, and Lee's position to the rear of the British being on the north of the river. Well apprized, from his knowledge of the adjacent country acquired when before fort Granby, that only the rich »ul settlement south of Friday's ferry could aflbrd 8th- sufficient forage for the British army, Lee de- termined to avail himself of the probable chance to strike the enemy which would be presented the ensu- ing morning by the British foragers. In the evening he directed captain Eggleston, of the cavalry, to pro- ceed with thirty dragoons along the enemy's right, and taking with him Armstrong, previously despatch- ed in that quarter with a reconnoitring party, to make in the course of the night a proper disposition of his force for the contemplated purpose. Eggleston imme- diately joined Armstrong, and repaired to the expected theatre of action, placing himself in a secret and con- venient position. Soon after day-light, the next morn- ing, a foraging party, consisting of fifty or sixty dra- goons and some wagons, were discovered approaching the very farm to which Eggleston had directed his 136 Memoirs of the War in the attention. As soon as the wagons and escort had ad- vanced within reach of Eggleston, he rushed upon the enemy, broke up the forages, routed the party, and brought ofF forty-five dragoons prisoners. This handsomely executed stroke was the more agreeable, as Eggleston, by his judicious position and rapid charge, contrived to accomplish his object without any loss. General Greene complimented the captain and party in general orders; and the legion horse de- rived credit with the enemy, very flattering to its re- putation, from the brilliant success of this detachment. The prisoners being despatched to headquarters, lieutenant colonel Lee pursued his route to the enemy's front, which passed over a difficult defile in a line with the British camp. The infantry, preceding the cavalry, was directed to pass the defile and to occupy the heights on the left to cover the horse, whose passage was tedious, they being compelled to move in single file. The course taken by Lee was too near the enemy, and his cavalry must have suffered considerably had Rawdon been apprized of his movement and of the difficulty of the defile in his route. When the troops in the centre had entered the defile we were alarmed by beating to arms in the camp of the infantry, which was soon followed by their forming in line of battle. This unexpected event was felt by all, but most by the amiable surgeon-* of the infantry, who was at * Alexander Skinner was a native of Maryland. He was virtu- ous and sensible; full of original humor of a peculiar cast; and eccentric in mind and manners. In person and in love of good Southern Department of the United States. 137 that moment leading his horse through the defile. Not doubting but that battle must instantly take place, and believing the wiser course was to avoid, not to meet it, the surgeon turned his horse with a view of getting (as he believed) out of danger; never reflecting in his panic that the passage did not admit the turning of a horse. Ductile to the force of the bridle, the horse attempted to turn about, but was brought upon his head athwart the narrow passage, from which position he could not possibly extricate himself. The troop, which had passed the defile, in- stantly galloped up the hill and arrayed with the infantry, while the remaining two troops were arrest- ed by the panic of an individual. cheer, as well as in dire objection to the field of battle, he re- sembled with wonderful similitude Shakspeare's Falstaflf. Yet Skinner had no hesitation in fighting duels, and had killed his man. Therefore when urged by his friends why he, who would, when called upon by feelings of honor to risk his life in a single combat, advance to the arena with alacrity, should abhor so dreadfully the field of battle, — he uniformly in substance answer- ed, that he considered it very arrogant in a surgeon (whose province it was to take care of the sick and wounded) to be aping the demeanor and duty of a commissioned officer, whose business was to fight: an arrogance which he cordially contemned, and which he should never commit. Moreover, he would add, that he was not more indisposed to die than other gentlemen; but that he had an utter aversion to the noise and turmoil of battle. It stunned and stupified him. However, when congress should think proper to honor him with a commission, he would convince all doubters that he was not afraid to push the bayonet. Vol. II. S 138 Memoirs of the War in the Eggleston, who commanded the troop so unhappily situated, dismounting several of his strongest dragoons, pulled the horse back again lengthways of the defile. He had then space to use his limbs and soon stood upon his feet, and our deranged and distressed cavalry were enabled to pass the defile. This accident interrupted the progress of the horse for ten minutes, — ample time for their destruction, had the enemy been at hand. It turned out that captain Handy, the officer of the day, deviating a little from his course in visiting the senti- nels, was seized by a small patrole of the enemy and carried off out of musket fire; there he was stripped of his watch and money, and left upon condition of not stirring until his captors should reach a designated point in view, when he was permitted to return to his corps. It was his return which produced that sudden change upon the hill, which as suddenly alarmed our surgeon, and led to the described occurrence in the defile. The remainder of the cavalry hurried, as they passed, to join their friends; and lieutenant colonel Lee with the last troop at length got over. Finding no enemy, as, from what had passed, was strongly ap- prehended, the agitating scene concluded with con- tinuance of the march, after some humorous animad- versions on the surprised captain and the American Falstaff. Moving in silence, and with much caution, at length the legion reached undisturbed the enemy's front. Here it turned up the road towards the British camp, and Rudolph with the infantry drove in the • Southern Department of the United States. 139 piquets at the bridge over the water course which had just been passed. Having destroyed the bridge, and posting guards along the water course to the river, Lee encamped one mile in the enemy's front, expecting hourly to hear of the advance of the corps under Sumpter and Marion. Lord Rawdon was not inattentive to the changing condition of affairs. The daring measure executed in his view was truly interpreted. Not joined by Stuart, and unacquainted with the cause of his delay, he de- termined not to risk the approach of Greene. He accordingly put his army in motion, and despatched his light troops to the river shore, where the creek in his front emptied into the river, and where the meet- ing of the waters formed a bar. As soon as the light troops made good their passage, the American guards were driven in and the bridge replaced, over which the main body and baggage of the enemy proceeded, forcing Lee before them. The whole evening was spent in rapid movement; the corps of Lee falling back upon Beaver creek, in the confident expectation of being immediately joined by Sumpter, Marion, and Washington, when a serious combined effort would have been made to stop the progress of the enemy. In this expectation, founded on Greene's despatch, Lee was disappointed: neither Sumpter, Marion, nor Washington appeared, nor was any communication received from either. Lieutenant colonel Lee, not doubting that the wished for junction 140 Memoirs of the War in the would be effected the next morning, determined, if practicable, to establish his night quarters near Beaver creek, on the south side of which the road by the Eutaws and Motie's post from Charleston intersected that from Charleston by the way of Orangeburgh. This spot, too, gave advantages favorable to that effort which it was presumed would follow the union of the three corps. Rawdon, still uninformed as to Stuart, and feeling his own inferiority, persevered in his determination to avoid any exposure; not doubting that the American general was pressing forward to bring him to action before he could be reinforced. He continued to ad- vance until nine p. m., when he halted for the night: Lee, moving a few miles in his front, took up also his night position. With the dawn of day the British van appeared, and the corps of Lee retired. Repeating their rapid movement this day, this day passed along as had the preceding, till at length the American corps reached Beaver creek and took post behind it. Not yet had any intelligence been received of or from the militia corps; and here was the last point where the junction was practicable, as Sumpter and Marion were in the eastern country, to Lee's left, and would advance on the road from Motte's post, which here fell into that going to Orangeburgh. Lord Raw- don upon reaching the creek hastened over; and lieutenant colonel Lee, finding his expectations illu- sive, turned to his left, proceeding down the Congaree; Southern Department of the United States. 141 yielding up any further struggle to hold the enemy's front. The British general advanced along the Orangeburgh road, and halted at the small village of Orangeburgh, where he was joined on the next day by lieutenant colonel Stuart with the regiment of Buffs and convoy. Informed of the march of Stuart from Charleston with the convoy, Greene ordered Marion and Washington to make an attempt upon this officer, encumbered as he was; not doubting that this service could be per- formed in time to unite with Lee. Stuart's march was very slow, which, consuming more time than was ex- pected, prevented Marion and Washington from reach- ing Lee before his passage of Beaver creek. Marion did not succeed against Stuart. Colonel Horree, one of his officers, cut off a few wagons; the only advantage gained by the American corps. On the succeeding day Sumpter, Marion and Washington joined Lee, when the united corps advanced under Sumpter a few miles towards Orangeburgh convenient to the route of the American army. General Greene, on the subsequent day, passed Beaver creek,- and, encamping contiguous to the van troops, put himself at the head of his cavalry, commanded by Washington and Lee, accompanied by his principal officers, for the purpose of examining the enemy's position, with a view of forcing it if possible. The reconnoitre was made with great attention, and close to the enemy: for being destitute of cavalry, lord Rawdon had no means to interrupt it. After spending several hours in examin- 142 Memoirs of the War in the ing the British position, general Greene decided against hazarding an assault. The force of the enemy was about sixteen hundred, infantry and artillery, with- out horse: Greene's army, comprehending every sort, was rated at two thousand, of which near a moiety was militia. Cruger had not joined, being engaged in his march, and in depositing his loyalists in their new homes; but he was daily expected, and would add at least fourteen hundred infantry and some few dragoons to the British force. If, therefore, any attempt was to be made against Rawdon, delay became inadmissible. Some of the officers attending upon Greene, and in whose opinions he properly confided, did not consider the obstacles to assault so serious; and believed that it was necessary to strike the enemy, in order to induce him to relinquish his design of establishing a post at Orangeburgh with the view of holding all the country south of the Edisto and west of the Santee. But the majority concurred with the general, and the contemplated attack was abandoned.* Two pow- ' * Extract of a letter, dated 16th July, 1781, camp High Hills, Santee, from adjutant general Williams to major Pendleton, aid- de-camp to general Greene. " Dear Pendleton, " After you left us at Ninety-Six we were obliged to retro- grade as far as the cross-roads above Winnsborough. Lord Raw- don's return over Saluda induced the general to halt the army, and wait for intelligence respecting his further manoeuvres; and hearing a few days after that his lordship was on his march to fort Granby, our army was ordered to march towards that Southern Department of the United States. 143 erful reasons led to this decision. One that the British general was not only in a strong position, but that he place by way of Winnsborough. Before we could arrive at Con- garee, lord Rawdon retired to Orangeburgh; and as he had left a considerable part of his army at Ninety-Six, general Greene detached the cavalry and light infantry to join general Marion, and endeavor to intercept colonel Stuart, who was on his march from Charleston with the third regiment, See. consisting of about three hundred, convoying bread, stores, &c, of which lord Raw- don's troops were in great want. Stuart however joined his lord- ship at Orangeburgh; and general Greene, from the information he had received, was encouraged to expect success from an attack upon the British army at that post. Accordingly he col- lected his troops, and called together the militia and state troops under generals Sumpter and Marion (general Pickens being left to watch the motions of colonel Cruger). A junction of the whole formed a very respectable little army, which marched to a small branch of North Edisto, within four miles of Orangeburgh, where we halted, and lay the 12th instant from about nine o'clock in the morning till six in the afternoon. " General Greene reconnoitred the position of the enemy, and found it materially different from what it had been represented. The ground is broken, and naturally strong, from the court-house (which is two stories high and built of brick), to a bridge four or five hundred yards distant, the only pass over the Edisto within many miles. The general had every reason to believe what he had soon afterwards confirmed, that colonel Cruger had evacua- ted Ninety-Six, and was on his march to join lord Rawdon, which might possibly be done before we could force his lordship (if he could be forced at all) to a general action, — the issue of which was not certain. These considerations induced the gene- ral rather to offer than to give battle. The enemy declined the opportunity, and put up with the insult. General Greene, there- fore, ordered our troops to retire in the afternoon to colonel 144 Memoirs of the War in the had secured his retreat across the Edisto, by occupy- ing with musketry a large brick prison and several other houses commanding the river, to the southern banks of which he could readily retire uninjured, should he think proper to avoid battle until lieutenant colonel Cruger should join. Thus only could partial success be attained, if any, and that no doubt with severe loss. The second, that the cavalry, from the nature of the ground and the disposition of the enemy, could not be brought to take its part in the action; and as ours formed an essential portion of the American army, it was deemed unwise to seek for battle when deprived of this aid. It was very desirable to compel the enemy to relinquish his design of holding the country south of the Edisto by establishing a post at Orangeburgh; but other means might be resorted to productive of this end. One very obvious was adopted by the American general when about to decamp, and which did completely effect his views. We had often experienced in the course of the Middleton's plantation, from whence we have proceeded by slow easy marches to this place, and not without leaving be- hind sufficient detachments to intercept their convoys from below, and to create such a diversion at Monk's Corner, Dor- chester, Sec. as will very probably oblige his lordship to march to their relief. Indeed I am encouraged to hope that the garri- son at Charleston will not be undibturbed. Mischief is meditated against them in other quarters; and 1 sanguinely trust the issue of this campaign will permanently fix the exalted idea the world has justly conceived of the eminent abilities of our general, and secure durable advantages to the country." Southern Department of the United States. 145 campaign want of food,* and had sometimes seriously suffered from the scantiness of our supplies, rendered more pinching by their quality; but never did we suffer so severely as during the few days' halt here. Rice fur- nished our substitute for bread, which, although tolera- bly relished by those familiarized to it from infancy, was very disagreeable to Marylanders and Virginians, who had grown up in the use of corn or wheat -bread. Of meat we had literally none; for the few meagre cattle brought to camp as beef would not afford more than one or two ounces per man. Frogs abounded in some neighboring ponds, and on them chiefly did the light troops subsist. They became in great demand from their nutriciousness; and, after conquering the existing prejudice, were diligently sought after. Even the alligator was used by a few; and, very probably, had the army been much longer detained upon that ground, might have rivalled the frog in the estimation of our epicures. The heat of the season had become oppressive, and the troops began to experience its effect in sickness. General Greene determined to repair to some salubri- ous and convenient spot to pass the sultry season; and * Tacitus (de Moribus Germanorum) observes that they had a plentiful table instead of pay, — " Nam epulae, et quanquam in- compti largi tamen apparatus pro stipendio redunt." This cannot be said of us in toto. Like the Germans we had no pay; and in- stead of plentiful tables, in lieu, our table was not often plentiful, and seldom agreeable. Vol. it T vt-146 Memoirs of the War in the having selected the High Hills of Santee, a place so called from the eminence of its ground, it became very opportune, while directing his march with the main body to his camp of repose, to detach his light troops against the British posts in the vicinity of Charleston, now uncovered by the concentration of all the enemy's disposable force in Orangeburgh. Whec, therefore, he decamped on the 13th of July, he ordered Sumpter, Marion and Lee to move rapidly towards Charleston; and, after breaking up the posts at and about Dorchester, to unite at Monk's Corner, for the purpose of dislodging the nineteenth regiment stationed there under lieutenant colonel Coates. This service performed, their several corps would rendez- vous at the High Hills of Santee, to which position the general now commenced his march. The corps took distinct routes, concealing their march, and prepared to fall at the same moment, in different directions, upon the country lying between the Ashley and Cooper rivers. The small post at Dorchester was broken up, and some trivial successes gained by the several corps, — among which the most important was achieved by lieutenant colonel Hamp- ton, commanding Sumpter's cavalry, who falling in with some mounted refugees, dispersed the whole body, and made forty or fifty prisoners. A party of the legion horse was pushed below the quarter house in the neck, from the confidence that in a place so near Charleston an advantageous stroke might be made. But it so happened that on that day none of Southern Department of the United States. 147 the usual visits to the quarter house took place, nor was even a solitary officer picked up in their customary morning rides. Sumpter hastened towards Monk's Corner, where lay the nineteenth regiment, — an adequate prize for our previously disappointed exertions. Marion joined him on the same day, and Lee, having called in his parties from the neck, followed on the subsequent morning. This officer expected that general Sumpter would have seized the bridge over the Cooper river near Monk's Corner, which afforded a direct route to the militia camp. But lieutenant colonel Coates had very prudently occupied it with a detachment from his regiment, which compelled Lee to take a very circuitous route through deep sands, in the heat of July, to reach Sumpter, then ready to fall upon Coates as soon as he should be joined by Lee. Late in the evening the desired junction took place, and the next morning Monk's Corner was to have been assaulted. Coates had three routes of retreat, either of which led directly to Charleston. Two lay on the east of Cooper river and one to the west. The western offered the readiest route; for by passing the bridge in his pos- session, he would place Cooper's river on his left and become relieved from water obstruction in his whole progress. It was, however, deemed safer to take the two routes on the east of the river; one of which led over the Cooper, some miles below Monk's Corner, intersecting the western route in Charleston neck, and the other continued on the east of the river, crossing 148 Memoirs of the War in the the same river opposite to the town. The head waters of Cooper river make several branches about Monk's Corner, all having bridges over them. Brigadier Sump- ter took the precaution to hold by a detachment from his corps the bridge over that water course in the way of lieutenant colonel Coates, should he take the eastern route, and calculated that the resistance at that bridge would give him time to come up with the enemy. During the night Coates decamped in silence, setting fire to the church which had been used as a magazine, for the purpose of destroying stores which could not be withdrawn, and which he did not choose to leave for the accommodation of his enemy. The fire in the course of some hours penetrated through the roof, and, making then a wide illumination, was descried from our camp. No doubt existed but that the British regiment had fired the house, and of course that it had considerably advanced in its retreat, notwithstanding the presumed possession of a bridge over which it must pass. The troops were called to arms, and with great celerity moved upon Monk's Corner; where it was discovered that the enemy, for the purpose of consuming his stores, had burnt the church, and that he had retreat- ed on the eastern side of the Cooper. In this direction Sumpter pursued, preceded by the legion, which was supported by the state cavalry under lieutenant colonel Hampton. To our surprise and mortification, no op- position at the bridge had taken place; and indeed our inquiries terminated in the conviction that the detach- Southern Department of the United States. 149 ment destined to occupy that post had abandoned it a few hours after they had been sent to possess it. Hence arose our ignorance of Coates's movement, which could not have occurred had the militia party continued at their post, and to which ignorance the foe owed his escape. Continuing to press the pursuit, the cavalry be- came considerably advanced before the infantry and the mounted militia under brigadier Marion. When they had reached the point where the roads separate, the British horse (not more than a troop) had taken the route nearest to Cooper river. Expecting that it might be overtaken before it could pass, having only the ferry- boats for its transportation, a detachment from the militia was ordered to pursue. But the attempt proved abortive, the British dragoons having crossed the river some hours before our detachment reached it. Lee with the cavalry pursued the main body, and drew near to it in the neighborhood of Quinby bridge, about eighteen miles from Monk's Corner. It was much wished to come up with Coates before he crossed that bridge, as it was well known that the stream, without a circuit, was only passable at the bridge, which it was certain the enemy would secure or destroy. As soon as the officer in advance announced view of the enemy, Lee inquired of his guides the distance from the bridge, and heard with great pleasure that it was at least three miles in front. The legion cavalry was now directed to take close order; and captain Eggleston with one troop was detached in the woods to the left to turn the enemy's right, while the 150 Memoirs of the War in the squadron under Lee, supported by the cavalry under lieutenant colonel Hampton, advanced along the road directly towards him. These in our view appeared to be Coates's rear guard, charged with his baggage wagons, and not to exceed one hundred men, and to be all infantry. Upon the approach of the horse in two directions, the commanding officer formed in line; his left on the road, and his right in the woods oppo- site to Eggleston. This disposition was the very one desired; as a deep swamp lined the margin of the road, in which Lee apprehended the enemy would take post to cover the road and wagons. To obviate this apprehended measure formed the principal reason for throwing Eggleston to the left. The instant the enemy had formed, the charge was sounded, and the horse rushed upon them with drawn swords in full gallop. On our approach the enemy's order to fire was distinctly heard from right to left, which not taking place caused some inquietude, lest it was intentionally reserved to render it more fatal. Contrary to expectation this was not the case. The suppression of their meditated fire was not a feint; but the line,* terrified at the novel and menacing attitude * The nineteenth regiment, of which this detachment was a part, was one of the three lately arrived from Ireland, and had not seen service. It is probable such submission would not have ensued had the troops been veteran. Generally speaking, infantry, unless surpassing greatly in number, or aided by the ground, vviH fall when vigorously charged by horse. If they discharge in < i the evacuation of the city, which event might be daiN ex- pected in consequence of orders recently received. Southern Department of the United States. 441 General Wayne informed the deputation, that when- ever the British garrison should withdraw, he would protect the persons and property of all who might re- main; but that the ultimate disposal of the one and of the other belonged to the civil authority of the state, to which he would communicate the purport of their application. This answer being made known to the merchants and other inhabitants wishing to remain in Savannah, they, by permission of the British general, sent a second deputation to the American headquar- ters, with the view of fixing definitively the conditions on which they might be indulged in their desire. In the mean time general Wayne had consulted governor Martin, who, soon after the American de- tachment entered Georgia, removed with his council of state to Ebenezer, for the purpose of extending the limits of the civil authority. In pursuance of the governor's instructions, the American general gave assurances to the inhabitants, that all who chose to remain should be protected in person and property, and should be allowed sufficient time to dispose of their property and to adjust their affairs, when they might depart in manner and form most agreeable to themselves. Major Habersham, a respectable offi- cer in the line of Georgia, was employed by general Wayne in the conclusion of this business, and seems to have afforded facility to the arrangements by the. confidence reposed in his personal character. Satisfied with the assurance given, many of the British subjects discontinued their preparations for Vol. II. 3 K 442 ^Memoirs of the War in the removal, and were found in the town when entered by Wayne. They received the promised protection, and pursued, without molestation, their customary occu- pations. As soon as the loyalists had finished their arrangements with the American general, brigadier Clarke completed his begun evacuation (on the 11th July) and general Wayne on the same day took pos- session of Savannah, which had been for more than three years occupied by the enemy. The spontaneous restoration of Georgia to the Uni- ted States confirmed the expectation which prevailed, that the further prosecution of the war in America had been relinquished by his Britannic majesty, which would necessarily be soon followed by the recal of the royal army and fleet. Previous to this event lieutenant colonel Carrington rejoined. While at the High Hills of Santee this offi- cer, although at the head of the quarter master gene- ral's department, was permitted by the general to re- pair to the main army, in consequence of a vacancy in the line of artillery by the resignation of colonel Proc- tor, of Pennsylvania. Carrington was considered as entitled to the vacancy, and took command of the regi- ment on its arrival in Virginia, with part of the allied army. But inasmuch as congress had not established the mode of promotion in the cavalry and artillery, his continuance in the command of the regiment was un- certain; and therefore general Greene determined that, though absent, he should govern the department through his deputy, for the purpose of securing his Southern Department of the United States. 443 future services, should his expectation of promotion fail. On captain Crump, of the Virginia line, second in the department, the important trust devolved during the absence of his principal, who discharged its various duties with intelligence and effect. When the siege of York terminated, Carrington, disappointed in his ex- pected promotion, repaired to Philadelphia bjy order of general Greene for the purpose of concerting mea- sures with the superintendant of finance, for the future subsistence and clothing of the southern army. Mr. Morris entered with alacrity into the proposed appli- cation of a portion of the funds* under his direction to this desirable object. In pursuance whereof general Greene was empowered to contract for the requisite supplies, payable in specie; by which arrangement, the irksome and wasteful system heretofore pursued was superseded, and the cheering prospect of regular subsistence and comfortable clothing was presented to the long suffering army of the South. The evacuation of Savannah was followed in the same month (August) by the meeting of the general assembly of Georgia at Augusta, when the exercise of the civil authority was completely re-established throughout the state. Brigadier Wayne having, soon after the withdraw of the royal forces, detached lieu- tenant colonel Posey to the main army, now proceeded to South Carolina with the remainder. General Greene, concentrating his troops, drew nearer to Charleston, and directed his operations to the single object of pre- * See Carrington's letter. 444 Memoirs of the War in the venting the enemy from deriving any subsistence from the country. August. The intention of evacuating Charleston was now announced in general orders by the British gene- ral; who, however, continued to exert his force in pro- curing the provisions necessary not only for the daily support of the arm} and loyalists, but also for their maintenance until the first should be established in their future quarters, and the last trai splanted to their intended settlements. Small parties were therefore oc- casionally detached from Charleston in various direc- tions through those parts of the country remote from the American army, for the purpose of collecting and transporting rice, corn, and meat, to the British head- quarters. Sometimes these parties succeeded; but generally they were compelled to return without ef- fecting the object of their incursion. Major general Leslie soon perceived the preca- riousness of this resource; to remedy which, and to stop the further effusion of blood, now unnecessary as to the main object of the war, notwithstanding the re- jection of his pacific overture some time before, ad- dressed general Greene by letter,* (August) express- ing the motives and object of his military inroads, and proposing to discontinue them, on condition of being permitted to purchase from the country such supplies as might be necessary during his continuance in Charleston. The civil authority was necessarily con- sulted on Leslie's proposition by the American gene- * See letter. Southern Department of the United States. 445 ral. So manifold and interesting were the advantages to our army from agreeing to the enemy's proposal, that deliberation seemed to border upon absurdity. The American soldiers were covered by tattered gar- ments, destitute of shoes, and scarcely furnished with blankets. Winter was approaching, when privations now tolerable would become intolerable; and every effort had been vainly essayed to procure clothing on the credit of the specie funds appropriated by the su- perintendant of finance in the preceding spring, to the use of the southern army, which, by the proposed intercourse, might have been readily obtained from Charleston. Imperiously, as was the general urged by these considerations to avail himself of the opportunity within his grasp, he was constrained to forego it. The government of South Carolina entertained the belief, that the British army, on the evacuation of Charles- ton, would be transferred to the West Indies. Con- nected with this opinion was the conviction that the proposed purchase of provisions was not so much in tended to meet present wants, but to amass magazines for the support of the British forces contending against our ally in that quarter. To accommodate the enemy in the accomplishment of this object was deemed dis- honorable and perfidious; therefore it was determined to endure present ills rather than tarnish the national character: the proposition of general Leslie was accor- dingly rejected. Sensibly as did the American army feel this unex- pected termination of the enemy's overture, not a mur- 446 Memoirs of the War in the mur was heard in its ranks. Trained to suffer when required so to do by authority, the officers and soldiers exemplified upon this occasion their immutable dis- position to forget their own wants in their zeal to up- hold the cause and character of their country. The punctilious observance of the obligations of treaties and scrupulous obedience to the injunctions of honor cannot be too much applauded; yet it will scarcely be contended that compliance with the pro- posal of general Leslie either violated the treaty be- tween the United States and his most christian majes- ty, or trenched upon the principle of honor; nor can it be denied that it subserved the cause of humanity. The British general's letter candidly expressed his situation, amicably showed his unwillingness to shed more blood, now culpable because useless, but at the same time frankly announced that unless he could be supplied with provisions in the manner proposed, he must obtain them by force. How easy would it have been for the governor and general, with their past solicitude, to observe the stipu- lations of treaties, and to avoid even in appearance the violation of honor, to have accepted the enemy's pro- position on the express condition that the subsistence to be procured should be limited to present support, and to that of the approaching voyage, declaring that any attempt to transcend the specified limits should cancel the contract. The limitations which a temperate examination of the enemy's overture would have sug- gested never came into view; and in the overstrained Southern Department of the United States. 447 anxiety to avoid possible injury to France, the abso- lute advantages, comfort to our suffering soldiers, and stoppage to human slaughter, were neglected. This mistaken decision was $pon followed by its natural, and with as deeply lamented, consequences. Foiled in accomplishing his object in the way de- sired, the British general prepared to resume his sus- pended incursions into the country, determined to ef- fect by force the procurement of those supplies which he had flattered himself with obtaining by purchase. Supported by marine co-operation applicable with rear diness to all the circumjacent country by the facilities of its interior navigation, and possessing the contigu-: ous islands, with strong detachments from his army, general Leslie proceeded to the execution of his deter- mination, fearless of consequences, but lamenting the necessity of wasting human life in useless battle. A detachment of light infantry, attended by armed vessels, passed along the interior navigation, and hav- ing reached Combahee river, began to collect and con- vey provisions to the transports which accompanied the expedition for the purpose of transporting to Charles- ton whatever might be procured. General Greene, never doubting Leslie's execution of his menace, held his light corps ready to counteract any attempt he. might make. As soon therefore as he became apprized of the movement of the British detachment, he direct- ed brigadier Gist to advance in pursuit. Gist was soon in motion, and after a long and rapid march gained the neighborhood of the enemy, then at Page's Point, on 448 Memoirs of the War in the the Combahee. At this moment lieutenant colonel Laurens, commanding the infantry under Gist, joined, having, as soon as informed of the march of the light troops, left his sick bed to hasten to the field of battle. Laurens no sooner overtook the corps than, by per- mission of the brigadier, he put himself at the head of the American van. Discovering that the enemy were preparing to retire, he determined, with his inferior force, though out of supporting distance, to commence the attack. This bold decision was gallantly executed; but incapable of making any serious impression from the inadequacy of his force, he fell in the vain attempt at the head of his intrepid band, closing his short and splendid life in the lustre of heroism. Gist now got up with the main body, and took one of the vessels from the enemy returning to Charleston. The British general finding himself foiled in his ex- pectations, henceforward discontinued these predatory inroads, and confined his exertions in the collection of provisions to the islands along the coast, and to the country contiguous to the interior navigation, remote from the American camp. Preparations for the evacuation of Charleston pro- gressed, but not with the celerity expected. This ex- cited apprehensions among the owners of the nume- rous bodies of negroes within the enemy's lines, that with the withdraw of the army would be carried off their slaves. They made known their apprehensions to governor Matthews, who addressed a letter to general Leslie on the subject, and reminded him of the act of Southern Department of the United States. 4,4,9 confiscation passed by the legislature, from the opera- tion of which had been exempted all debts due to Bri- tish merchants, and claims on real estates by marriage settlement. These two funds, added to that arising from the confiscation of estates, furnished a valuable resource; and the governor assured general Leslie that he would apply them in remunerating his fellow citi- zens for their negroes, if removed with the retiring- army. This annunciation seriously affected the loyalists in Charleston, and especially the mercantile portion of them, ever alive to the feelings of interest. They soon beset the British general, who was always inclined to do right and to diminish the evils of war. Leslie, in reply to the governor, proposed negotiation, with the view of reconciling the opposite interests of the ad- verse parties. Commissioners were accordingly ap- pointed with full powers to treat upon the subject. The honorable William Gerrard, on the part of the state, and Alexander Wright and James Robertson, on the part of the loyalists. The discussion which ensued terminated in a compact on the 10th of October, to the following effect. " That all the slaves of the citizens of South Caro- lina now in the power of the honorable major general Leslie shall be restored to their former owners as far as is practicable; except such slaves as may have ren- dered themselves particularly obnoxious on account of their attachment and services to the British troops, and such as had specific promises of freedom. That Vol. II. 3 L 450 ■> Memoirs of the War in the the faith of the state is hereby solemnly pledged that none of the debts due to British merchants, or to per- sons who have been banished, or whose estates have been confiscated, or property secured by family settle- ments fairly made, or contracts relative thereto, shall now, or at any time hereafter, be arrested or withheld 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 within its public and pri- vate capacity shall at all times be exerted for that pur- pose. " That the same power shall be allowed for the reco- very 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 be or at any time were entitled to, notwithstand- ing any act of confiscation or banishment, or any other disability whatsoever; and that the same may be re- mitted to any part of the world they may think proper, under the same and no other regulations than the citi- zens of the state may be subject to. " That no slaves, restored to their former owners by virtue of this agreement, shall be punished by the au- thority of the state for having left their masters and attached themselves to the British troops; and it will be particularly recommended to their respective own- ers to forgive them for the same. " That no violence or insult shall be offered to the Southern Department of the United State*. 451 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 afterwards, as far as it is in the power of those in authority to pre- vent it. " That Edward Blake and Roger Parker Saunders, esquires, shall be permitted to reside in Charleston on their parole of honor to assist in the execution of the first article of this compact." — Ramsay. In pursuance of this contract all minor measures were punctiliously adopted for its consummation. The two American commissioners were duly accredited and received in Charleston. But the very first embarkation of the retiring enemy evinced that matured consideration of the preceding compact produced its violation by the party which had proposed it. Leslie began to remove the loyalists; for a portion of whom St. Augustine had been selected as a retreat. A fleet for their transportation was accord- ingly prepared; and when they embarked two hun- dred negroes accompanied them. The American com- missioners remonstrated against this infraction of the compromise entered into, to superintend the honorable fulfilment of which they not only had been appointed by the governor of the state, but had been admitted into Charleston by the general. The remonstrance pro- duced the debarkation of a small part of the negroes on board; but when the commissioners asked for per- 452 Memoirs of the War in the mission to restore this small part to their owners, by forwarding them to the assigned post for their recep- tion without the British lines, the request was denied and justified by the following letter. To Edward Blake and Roger P. Saunders, Esquires. Headquarters, October 18, 1782. Gentlemen, " General 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 soldiers, who were a little way in the front. At the time this little act of hostility was committed Mr. Ferguson and ano- ther person were at Accabee; where, I believe, they still remain, in expectation of the negroes to be deli- vered up, without any sanction but that of the agree- ment entered into. I am directed to observe, that if a line of conduct on the part of general Greene, so dif- ferent from ours, is adopted; it must of 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 Matthews that he expects the soldiers taken away will be return* ed, 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 further completion of the agreement." " (Signed) S. Weyms, deputy adjutant general.'' Southern Department of the United States. 453 The inability of the British general to secure the faithful execution of the compact might have been per- ceived by him before its ratification; inasmuch as the effectuation of its material conditions depended on the will of the state legislature, more apt to oppose than to fulfil executive recommendations. If, however, this inability was not discovered until after ratification, bet- ter would it have been to have declared the fact, than to have resorted to a flimsy and irrelevant pretext for abrogation of a contract. However, the British general seems to have prefer- red resorting for his justification to an expedient not less defective in reason than incompatible with his fair and honorable character. No suspension of military operations had ever been suggested, much less stipulated. How then the cap- ture of British soldiers, by an American patrole, could be construed into a violation of the contract entered into with the governor of the state, is not discernable. But pretexts, the most trivial, will be embraced by- power when disposed to forget right, in furtherance of its will. Such appears to have been the present temper of the British general; and the contract lately sought by himself, and well calculated to stop the spread of injustice, was annulled. The American commissioners forwarded the letter received from the British adjutant general to governor Matthews, who replied as follows: 454 Memoirs of the War in the « October 19th, 1782. "Sir, " I was a few minutes ago favored with a letter from Messrs. Blake and Saunders, inclosing one to them from major Weyms, written by your authority. As I do not like a second-hand correspondence, I therefore address myself immediately to you. I addressed a let- ter to you this morning, by which you will find that I was not even then without some apprehension of the intended evasion of the compact entered into on the 10th instant; but on the receipt of major Weyms' let- ter, no room was left me for doubt; which obliges me, without giving further trouble to those engaged in the business, and introducing further altercation between us, to declare, that I look upon that agreement as dis- solved, and have accordingly ordered my commis- sioners immediately to quit your lines. But before I take my final leave of you, permit me to make one or two observations on major Weyms' letter, as proba- bly the whole correspondence between us may one day be brought to public view. " On the 12th instant I wrote to you, to know whe- ther persons going to Accabee to bring off the negroes when brought there, should be protected from your armed parties; and further, to permit me to send a party of militia to guard the negroes remaining un- claimed to some part of the country where they could be supplied with provisions. To this letter I have re- ceived no answer, which has obliged me to use the precaution of giving flags to all persons who have ap- Southern Department of the United States. 455 plied to go to Accabee; as I could on no principle look on that ground as neutral, until it had been mu- tually agreed on as such. Indeed I was led to believe the contrary was intended on your part, both by your tedious silence and detachments from your army making excursions as far as Ashley ferry; which was absolutely the case the morning of the day that the party from general Greene's army took the soldiers you so peremptorily demand of me; and if I am rightly imformed, hostilities were commenced by your party. Be that as it may, I conceive it of little consequence; as either party had a right to commence hostilities on hostile ground; and between enemies every spot must be considered as such, until mutually agreed upon to be otherwise. Besides, it is a well known 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 un- der no manner of obligation to you for this forbear- ance; as I informed you they were there under the sanction of a flag; that they were to remain there for the purpore of receiving the negroes sent out by the agents in Charleston. They were therefore authorized to continue there, till you signified the contrary to them. Flags from you have remained within half a mile of our lines for several days on private busi- ness, without the least molestation whatever. Be- sides, sir, if your reasoning, as far as it applies to those gentlemen, prove any thing, it proves too much; be- 456 Memoirs of the War in the cause on the same principle, the other two commis- sioners being in Charleston, ought to make that neu- tral ground also, notwithstanding no stipulation for that purpose had been entered into. I never interfere with general Greene's military plans, therefore the pa- ragraph 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." With this letter ceased every effort to give effect to the contract between the governor and general Leslie. The American commissioners returned home, and the negroes seduced and taken from the inhabitants of South Carolina in the course of the war, remained subject to the disposal of the enemy. They were suc- cessively shipped to the West Indies; and it is assert- ed, upon the authority of the best informed citizens of South Carolina, that more than twenty thousand slaves were lost to the state in consequence of the war; of which not an inconsiderable portion was appropriated by British officers, and sold for their benefit in the West Indies. Preparations for the embarkation of the enemy con- tinued, but so tardily, that general Greene himself, who never yielded entirely to the opinion that peace was near at hand, began to doubt the sincerity of those pacific professions which accompanied general Leslie's annunciation of his intended evacuation of Charleston. His presumption of the enemy's perseverance in the war, and intimate knowledge of the distressed condi- tion of his army for clothing of every sort, could not Southern Department of the United States. 457 fail more and more to excite the sensibility of a com- mander justly regarded as the father of his soldiers. From the return of lieutenant colonel Carrington, after his visit to the superintendant of finance, general Greene had endeavored without intermission to nego- tiate a contract for the supply of the army with provi- sions, and to secure winter clothing for the troops, the want of which became every day more pressing. Vain were all his efforts to accomplish the first, although sup- ported by the executive authority of the state, and seconded by the active exertions of the quartermaster general; who was authorised by the general to pledge the specie funds appropriated by the superintendant of finance to the southern service, to those who might contract for the supply either of provisions or clothing. The devastation of the country, the neglect of the culture of the soil, and the bankrupt condition of the numerous class of individuals heretofore opulent and influential, prevented the acceptance of his overtures by any, although repeatedly proffered and zealously pressed. But however disinclined to relax his endea- vors to substitute the regular and cheap system of feeding his troops by special contract, instead of the wasteful mode of requisition by the state agent, who was occasionally compelled to resort to military aid, Greene was reluctantly compelled to yield to the ge- neral inability, and to rely on the precarious and ruin- ous old mode, adopted through necessity and continued from the same cause. The evacuation of Charleston would of course change the state of the country, and Vol. II. 3M / 458 Memoirs of the War in the give vigor to enterprising individuals. Then, and not till then, could he indulge the hope of effecting the necessary change in subsisting his army; and he was obliged to rely upon the same event for procuring the requisite clothing, rendered more and more necessary by the close approach of winter. Exclusively therefore of the importance of the ex- pected event, in a military and national view, it became the peculiar object of anxious solicitude with the Ame- rican general as it presented the only resource to re- lieve his army from difficulties, which must, unless sur- mounted, lead to disbandment. General Leslie had declared, in his orders of the Tih of August, his intention of withdrawing his army; but September had passed away, and Charleston still re- mained in possession of the enemy. In the course of the preceding month, governor Mat- thews had contrived, through his influence with some of the royalists in Charleston, who had resolved to throw themselves on the mercy of their country, to procure a small quantity of the most necessary articles of clothing. This fortunate acquisition, added to a sup- ply forwarded from Philadelphia by means of the su- perintendant of finance, enabled the general to cover the most naked of his army; and the unceasing exer- tions of the state commissary, aided by the co-opera- tion of the quartermaster general, produced an agree- able change in the quantity and quality of provisions. Still the situation of the army was deplorable, avid much remained to be done to give durable comfort to Southern Department of the United States. 459 the troops, whose past distress is thus described by general Greene in an official letter written on the 13th of August. " For upwards of two months more than one third of our army was naked, with nothing but a breech cloth about them, and never came out of their tents; and the rest were as ragged as wolves. Our con- dition was little better in the articles of provision. Our beef was perfect carrion; and even bad as it was, we were frequently without any. An army thus clothed and thus fed may be considered in a desperate situa- tion." The delay and uncertainty in evacuating Charles- ton, however productive of gloomy forebodings in the American camp, did not stop the enterprise of adven- turous individuals, who, believing the event at hand, seized, as they presumed, the sure opportunity of ad- vancing their fortunes. Many of these procured admit- tance into Charleston, and entered into contracts with the British merchants, whom they found as desirous of selling their stock on hand, as they were eager to buy it. Among the adventurers who, about the end of Au- gust or beginning of September, made their way into Charleston, was Mr. John Banks from Virginia. This gentleman, (no doubt with permission) after a short stay in town, visited the American army. Here he was introduced to general Greene. Well knowing the naked condition of his countrymen in arms, and convinced of the general's solicitude to relieve their sufferings, he offered to procure and deliver whatever might be want- ed. Greene having been, as before mentioned, autho- 460 Memoirs of the War in the rized by the superintendant of finance to enter into contracts for supplying his army, did not hesitate in accepting Banks' proposal, and a contract was arranged with him for the requisite clothing to be delivered on the evacuation of Charleston. This was the first op- portunity which had presented of effecting the long wished and much desired object. It was embraced with avidity, and Mr. Banks completely executed his contract at the designated period, to the great joy of the general and army. The preparations for evacuating Charleston began now to assume a determinate character; and the doubts heretofore entertained on that subject dissipated. The American general held still his position at Ashley hill, shutting up every avenue to intercourse between town and country. The enemy no longer attempted to in- terrupt this operation, but fixed in his design of with- drawing from South Carolina, he avoided unavailing conflict. Thus passed the autumn, and general Leslie, although never intermitting his preparations to retire, still continued with his army in Charleston. At length, early in December, the embarkation of the military stores, ordnance and baggage, commenced. When this was completed, the troops followed, and on the 14th the embarkation was finished. General Wayne, with the legion and light infantry, had, for some days previous, by order of Greene, placed himself near to the quarter house for the purpose of entering the town as soon as it should be evacuated. To this officer, Les- lie informally intimated his wish to prevent injury to Southern Department of the United States. 461 the town, in which he presumed on cordial coincidence from the American general, and which he insinuated was only to be effected by prohibiting every attempt to interrupt the embarkation of the retiring army. Wayne communicated to the general the intimation he had received from Leslie, who directed him to con- form to the same. Accordingly no effort was made to disturb the enemy's embarkation, which took place without the smallest confusion or disorder, the light troops under Wayne entering into town close after the retirement of the British rear. Thus was the metropolis of South Carolina restored to the United States, after having been in possession of the enemy from its surrender to sir Henry Clinton (on the 12th May, 1780). The governor with his suite was escorted into the capital on the same day. On the next the civil autho- rity resumed its former functions, and the din of arms yielded to the innocent and pleasing occupations of peace. APPENDIX. Q — Page 293. Headquarters, Martin's Tavern, near Ferguson's Swamp, South Carolina, September 11th, 1781. Sir, In my last despatch of the 25th of August I informed your excellency that we were on our march for Fryday's ferry, to form a junction with the state troops, and a body of militia, collecting at that place, with an intention to make an attack upon the British army laying at colonel Thomp- son's, near M'Cord's ferry. On the 27th, on our arrival near Fryday's ferry, I got intelligence that the enemy were retiring. We crossed the'rpver at Howell's ferry, and took post at Motte's plantation. Here I got intelligence that the enemy had halted at the Eutaw Springs, about forty miles below us; and that they had a reinforcement, and were making preparations to establish a permanent post there. To prevent this, I was determined rather to hazard an action, notwith- standing our numbers were greatly inferior to theirs. On the 5th we began our march, our baggage and stores having been ordered to Howell's ferry under a proper guard. We moved by slow and easy marches, as well to disguise our real intention, as to give general Marion an opportunity to join us, who had been detached for the support of colonel Harden, a report of which I transmitted in my letter of the 5th, dated Maybrick's creek. General Marion joined us 464 APPENDIX. on the evening of the 7th, at Burdell's plantation, seven miles from the enemy's camp. We made the following disposition, and marched at four o'clock the next morning to attack the enemy. Our front line was composed of four small battalions of militia, two of North and two of South Carolinians; one of the South Carolinians was under the immediate command of general Marion, and was posted on the right, who also commanded the front line: the two North Carolina battalions, under the command of colonel Malmady, were posted in the centre; and the other South Carolina battalion, under the command of general Pickens, was posted on the left. Our second line consisted of three small brigades of continental troops, — one from North Carolina, one from Virginia, and one from Maryland. The North Carolinians were formed into three battalions, under the command of lieutenant colonel Ash, majors Armstrong and Blount; the whole commanded by general Sumner, and posted upon the right. The Virginians consisted of two battalions, commanded by major Snead and captain Edmonds, and the whole by lieutenant colonel Camp- bell, and posted in the centre. The Marylanders also consisted of two battalions, commanded by lieutenant colonel Howard and major Hardman, and the brigade by colonel Williams, deputy adjutant general to the army, and were posted upon the left. Lieutenant colonel Lee witrr his legion covered our right flank; and lieutenant colonel Henderson with the state troops, commanded by lieutenant colonels Hampton, Middleton, and Polk, our left. Lieutenant colonel Washing- ton with his horse, and the Delaware troops under captain Kirkwood, formed a corps de reserve. Two three pounders under captain lieutenant Gaines advanced with the front line, and two sixes under captain Browne with the second. The legion and state troops formed our advance, and were to retire upon the flanks upon the enemy's forming. In this order we moved on to the attack. The legion and state troops fell in with a party of the enemy's horse and foot, about four miles from their camp, who, mistaking our people for a partv of militia, charged them briskly, but were APPENDIX. 465 soon convinced of their mistake by the reception thev met with. The infantry of the state troops kept up a heavy fire, and the legion in front, under captain Rudolph, charged them with fixed bayonets: they fled on all sides, leaving four or five dead on the ground, and several more wounded. As this was supposed to be the advance of the British army, our front line was ordered to form and move on briskly in line, the legion and state troops to take their position upon the flanks. All the country is covered with timber from the place the action began to the Eutaw Springs. The firing began again between two and three miles from the British camp. The militia were ordered to keep advancing as they fired. The enemy's advanced parties were soon driven in, and a most tremendous fire began on both sides from right to left, and the legion and state troops were closely engaged. General Marion, colonel Malmady and general Pickens conducted the troops with great gallantry and good conduct; and the militia fought with a degree of spirit and firmness that reflects the highest honor upon that class of soldiers. But the enemy's fire being greatly superior to ours, and continuing to advance, the militia began to give ground. The North Carolina brigade, under general Sumner, was ordered up to their support. These were all new levies, and had been under discipline but little more than a month; not- withstanding which they fought with a degree of obstinacy that would do honor to the best of veterans; and I could hardly tell which to admire most, the gallantry of the officers or the bravery of the troops. They kept up a heavy and well directed fire, and the enemy returned it with equal spirit, for they really fought worthy of a better cause, and great execution was done on both sides. In this stage of the action, the Virginians under lieutenant colonel Campbell, and the Marylanders under colonel Williams, were led on to a brisk charge, with trailed arms, through a heavy cannonade and a shower of musket balls. Nothing could exceed the gallantry and firmness of both officers and soldiers upon this occasion. They preserved their order, and pressed on with such unshaken resolution that thev bore down all before Vol. II. 3 N 466 APPENDIX. them. The enemy were routed in all quarters. Lieutenant colonel Lee had, with great address, gallantry, and good conduct, turned the enemy's left flank, and was charging them in rear at the same time the Virginia and Maryland troops were charging them in front. A most valuable officer, lieutenant colonel Henderson, got wounded early in the ac- tion; and lieutenant colonel Hampton, who commanded the state cavalry, and who fortunately succeeded lieutenant colo- nel Henderson in command, charged a party of the enemy, and took upwards of one hundred prisoners. Lieutenant colonel Washington brought up the corps de reserve upon the left, Avhere the enemy seemed disposed to make further resistance; and charged them so briskly with the cavalry and captain Kirkwood's infantry, as gave them no time to rally or form. Lieutenant colonels Polk and Middleton, who com- manded the state infantry, were no less conspicuous for their good conduct than their intrepidity; and the troops under their command gave a specimen of what may be expected from men, naturally brave, when improved by proper dis- cipline. Captain lieutenant Gaines, who commanded the three pounders with the front line, did great execution until his pieces were dismounted. We kept close at the enemy's heels after they broke, until we got into their camp, and a great number of prisoners were continually falling into our hands, and some hundreds of the fugitives ran off towards Charleston. But a party threw themselves into a large three story brick house, which stands near the spring; others took post in a picqueted garden, while others were lodged in an impenetrable thicket, consisting of a cragged shrub, called a black jack. Thus secured in front, and upon the right by the house and a deep ravine, upon the left by the picqueted garden and in the impenetrable shrubs, and the rear also be- ing secured by the springs and deep hollow ways, the enemy renewed the action. Every exertion was made to dislodge them. Lieutenant colonel Washington made most astonishing efforts to get through the thicket to charge the enemy in the rear; but found it impracticable, had his horse shot under him, and was wounded and taken prisoner. Four six pounders APPENDIX. 467 were ordered up before the house — two of our own, and two of the enemy's, which they had abandoned — and they were pushed on so much under the command of the fire from the hous' and the partv in the thicket, as rendered it im- practicable to bring them off again when the troops were ordered to retire. Never were pieces better served; most of the men and officers were either killed or wounded. Washington failing in his charge upon the left, and the legion baffled in an attempt upon the right, and finding our infantry galled by the fire of the enemy, and our am- munition mostly consumed, though both officers and men continued to exhibit uncommon acts of heroism, I thought proper to retire out of the fire of the house, and draw up the troops at a little distance in the woods; not thinking it advisable to push our advantages further, being persuaded the enemy could not hold the post many hours, and that our chance to attack them on the retreat was better than a second attempt to dislodge them, in which, if we succeeded, it must be attended with considerable loss. We collected all our wounded, except such as were under the command of the fire of the house, and retired to the ground, from which we marched in the morning, there being- no water nearer, and the troops ready to faint with the heat, and want of refreshment, the action having continued near four hours. I left on the field of action a strong picquet, and early in the morning detached general Marion and lieutenant colonel Lee with the legion horse between Kutaw and Charles- ton, to prevent any reinforcements fr-om coming to the relief of the enemy; and also to retard their march, should they attempt to retire, and give time to the army to fall upon their rear and put a finishing stroke to our successes. We left two pieces of our artillery in the hands of the enemy, and brought off one of theirs. On the evening of the 9th, the enemy retired, leaving upwards of seventy of their wounded behind them, and not less than one thousand stand of arms that were picked up on the field, and found broke and con- cealed in the Eutaw Springs. They stove between twenty and thirty puncheons of rum, and destroyed a great varietv 468 APPENDIX. of other stores, which they had not carriages to carry off. We pursued them the moment we got intelligence of their retiring. But they formed a junction with major M' Arthur at this place, general Marion and lieutenant colonel Lee not having a force sufficient to prevent it: but on our approach thev retired to the neighborhood of Charleston. We have taken five hundred prisoners, including the wounded the enemy left behind; and I think they cannot have suffered less than six hundred more in killed and wounded. The fugitives that fled from the field of battle spread such an alarm that the eaemy burnt their stores at Dorchester, and abandoned the post at Fair Lawn; and a great number of negroes and others were employed in felling trees across the road for some miles without the gates of Charleston. Nothing but the brick house, and the peculiar strength of the position at Eutaw, saved the remains of the British army from being all made prisoners. We pursued them as far as this place; but not being able to overtake them, we shall halt a day or two to refresh, and then take our old position on the High Hills of Santee. I think myself principally indebted for the victory we obtained to the free use of the bayonet made by the Virginians and Marylanders, the infantry of the legion, and captain Kirk- wrood's light infantry: and though few armies ever exhibited equal bravery with ours in general, vet the conduct and in- trepidity of these corps were peculiarly conspicuous. Lieute- nant colonel Campbell fell as he was leading his troops to the charge, and though he fell with distinguished marks of honor, yet his loss is much to be regretted: he was the great soldier and the firm patriot. Our loss in officers is considerable, more from their value than their number; for never did either men or officers offer their blood more willingly in the service of their country. I cannot help acknowledging my obligations to colonel Wil- liams for his great activity on this and many other occasions in forming the army, and for his uncommon intrepidity in leading on the Maryland troops to the charge, which ex- ceeded any thing I ever saw. I also feel myself greatly APPENDIX. 469 indebted to captains Pierce and Pendleton, major Hyrne and captain Shubrick, my aids-de-camp, tor their activity and good conduct throughout the whole of the action. This despatch will be handed to your excellency by cap- tain Pierce, to whom I beg leave to refer you for further particulars. I have the honor to, &c. Nath. Greene. His Excellency the President of Congress. Extract of a letter from Lieut. Col. Stuart to Earl Cornwallis. Eutaw, Sefite?nber 9th, 1781. With particular satisfaction I have the honor to inform your lordship that, on the 8th instant, I was attacked by the rebel general Greene with all the force he could collect in this province and North Carolina; and after an obstinate en- gagement, which lasted near two hours, I totally defeated him, and took two six pounders. Soon after I had the honor of writing your lordship from Thompson's, I received infor- mation of Greene's having moved with the rebel army towards Cambden, and crossed the Wateree at that place, and, from the best intelligence I could collect, was on his march to Fryday's ferry, on the Congaree. The army under my com- mand being much in want of necessaries, and there being at the same time a convoy with provisions on their march from Charleston, which would necessarily have obliged me to make a detachment of at least four hundred men — which at that time I could ill afford, the army being much weakened by sickness — to meet the convoy at Martin's, fifty-six miles from the camp. The distance being so great, a smaller escort was liable to fall by the enemy's cavalry, which are very numerous. I therefore thought it advisable to retire by slow marches to the Eutaws, where I might have an opportunity of receiving my supplies, and disencumber m) self from the sick, without risking any escorts, or suffer myself to be attacked at a dis- 470 APPENDIX. advantage, should the enemy have crossed the Congaree. Notwithstanding every exertion having been made to gain intelligence of the enemy's situation, they rendered it impos- sible by way-laying the by-paths and passes through the dif- ferent swamps, and even detained different flags of truce which I had sent on public business on both sides. A';Out six o'clock in the morning I received intelligence by two deserters, who left general Greene's camp the preceding tv n- ing about seven miles from this place; and from their report the rebel army consisted of near four thousand men and four pieces of cannon. In the mean time I received intelligence by major CofEn, whom I had previously detached with one hundred and forty infantry and fifty cavalry, in order to gain intelligence of the enemy, that they appeared in force in his front, then about four miles from my camp. Finding the enemy in force so near me, I determined to fight them; as from their numerous cavalry a retreat seemed to me to be attended with dangerous consequences. I immediately form- ed the line of battle, with the right of the army to Eutaw's branch, and its left crossing the road leading to Roche's plantation, leaving a corps on a commanding situation to cover the Charleston road, and to act occasionally as a reserve. About nine o'clock the action began on the right, and soon after became general. Knowing that the enemy were much superior in numbers, and at the same time finding that they attacked with their militia in front, induced me not to alter my position, unless I saw a certain advantage to be gained by it; for by moving forwards I exposed both flanks of the army to the enemy's cavalry, which I saw ready form- ed to take that advantage, particularly on the left, which obliged me to move the reserve to support it. By an unknown mistake the left of the line advanced and drove their militia and North Carolinians before them; but unexpectedly finding the Virginia and Maryland lines ready formed, and at the same time receiving a heavy fire, occa- sioned some confusion. It was, therefore, necessary to retire a little distance to an open field, in order to form; which was instantly done, under cover of a heavy, well-directed fire from APPENDIX. 471 a detachment of New York volunteers, under the command of major Sheridan, whom I had previously ordered to take post in the house to check the enemy, should they attempt to pass it. The action was renewed with great spirit; but I was sorry to find that a three pounder, posted on the road leading to Roche's, had been disabled, and could not be brought off when the left of the line retired. The right wing of the army being composed of the flank battalion, under the command of major Majoribanks, having repulsed and drove every thing that attacked them, made a rapid move to the left, and at- tacked the enemy in flank; upon which they gave way in all quarters, leaving behind them two brass six pounders, and upwards of two hundred killed on the field of action, and sixty taken prisoners, among whom is colonel Washington, and, from every other information, about eight hundred wounded, although they contrived to carry them off during the action. The enemy retired with great precipitation to a strong situation about seven miles from the field of action, leaving their cavalry to cover their retreat. The glory of the day would have been more complete, had not the want of cavalry prevented my taking the advantage which the gallantry of my infantry threw in my way. I omitted to inform your lordship in its proper place of the army's having for some time been much in want of bread, there being no old corn or mills near me. I was, therefore, under the necessity of sending out rooting parties from each corps, under an officer, "to collect potatoes every morning at day-break; and unfortunately that of the flank battalion and buffs, having gone too far in front, fell into the enemy's hands before the action began; which not only weakened my lines, but increased their number of prisoners. Since the action, our time has been employed in taking care of the wounded; and, finding that the enemy have no intention to make a second attack, I have determined to cover the wounded as far as Monk's Corner with the army. My particular thanks are due lieutenant colonel Cruger„ who commanded the front line, for his conduct and gallantry during the action: and lieutenant colonel Allen, majors Daw- 472 APPENDIX. son, Stewart, Sheridan and Coffin, and to captains Kelly and Campbell, commanding the different corps and detachments; and every other officer and soldier fulfilled the separate du- ties of their stations with great gallantry. But to major Ma- joribanks, and the flank battalion under his command, I think the honor of the day is greatly due. My warmest praise is due to captain Barry, deputy adjutant general, major brigade Coxon, lieutenant Ranken, assistant quarter master general, and to acting major of brigade Roebuck, for the great assist- ance rendered me during the day. I hope, my lord, when it is considered that such a handful of men, attacked by the united force of generals Greene, Sumpter, Marion, Sumner, and Pickens, and the legions of colonels i.ee and Washington, driving them from the field of battle, and taking the only two six pounders they had, deserve some merit. Inclosed is the return of the killed, wounded and missing of his majesty's troops. From the number of corps and detachments, which appear to have been engaged, it may be supposed our force is great; but your lordship will please to observe, that the army was much reduced by sickness and otherwise. I hope your lordship will excuse any inaccuracy that may be in this letter, as I have been a good deal indisposed by a wound which I received in my left elbow, which, though slight, from its situation is troublesome. It will give me most singular pleasure if my conduct meets with the approbation of his majesty, that of your lordship, and my country. » Return of Killed, Wounded, and Missing-. 3 commissioned officers; 6 sergeants; 1 drummer; 75 rank and file, killed - 16 ditto. 20 ditto. 2 ditto. 313 ditto. wounded. 10 ditto. 15 ditto. 8 ditto. 224 ditto, missing. APPENDIX. 473 R. — Page 326. Jslead Quarters at Montmorenci, on the River St. Lawrence, September 2d, 1759. Sir, " I wish I could, upon this occasion, have the honor of transmitting to you a more favourable account of his ma- jesty's arms; but the obstacles we have met with, in the ope- rations of the campaign, are much greater than we had rea- son to expect, or could foresee; not so much from the num- ber of the enemy, (though superior to us,) as from the natural strength of the country, which the Marquis de Mont- calm seems wisely to depend upon. When I learned that succours of all kinds had been thrown into Quebec; that five battalions of regular troops, completed from the best of the inhabitants of the country, some of the troops of the colony, and every Canadian that was able to bear arms, besides several nations of savages, had taken the field in a very advantageous situation; I could not flatter my- self, that I should be able to reduce the place. I sought, how- ever, an occasion to attack their army, knowing well, that, with these troops, I was able to fight, and hoping that a vic- tory might disperse them. We found them encamped along the shore of Beaufort, from the river St. Charles to the falls of Montmorenci, and intrenched in every accessible part. The 27th June we land- ed upon the isle of Orleans; but receiving a message from the admiral, that there was reason to think the enemy had artillery, and a force upon the point of Levi, I detached bri- gadier Monckton, with four battalions, to drive them from thence. He passed the river the 29th, at night, and marched the next day to the point; he obliged the enemy's irregulars to retire, and possessed himself of that post: the advanced parties, upon this occasion, had two or three skirmishes with the Canadians and Indians, with little loss on either side. Colonel Carleton marched with a detachment to the west- ermost of the isle of Orleans, from whence our operations were likely to begin. It was absolutelv necessary to possess these two points-. Vol. II. 3 O 474 APPENDIX. and fortify them; because from either the one or the other, the enemy might make it impossible for any ship to lie in the bason of Quebec, or even within two miles of it. Batteries of cannon and mortars were erected, with great despatch, on the point of Levi, to bombard the town and magazines, and to injure the works and batteries. The ene- my perceiving these works in some forwardness, passed the river with 1600 men, to attack and destroy them. Unluck- ily they fell into confusion, fired upon one another, and went back again; by which we lost an opportunity of defeating this large detachment. The effect of this artillery has been so great, (though across the river,) that the upper town is con- siderably damaged, and the lower town entirely destroyed. The works for the security of our hospitals and stores, on the isle of Orleans, being finished, on the 9th of July, at night we passed the North Channel, and encamped near the ene- my's left, the Montmorenci between us. The next morning captain Dank's company of rangers, posted in a wood to co- ver some workmen, were attacked, and defeated by a body of Indians, and had so many killed and wounded, as to be almost disabled for the rest of the campaign. The enemy also suffered in this affair, and were in their turn driven off by the nearest troops. The ground to the eastward of the falls seemed to be, (as it really is,) higher than that on the enemy's side, and to command it in a manner which might be useful to us. There is besides, a ford below the falls, which may be passed for some hours in the latter part of the ebb, and beginning of the flood tide; and I had hopes, that possibly means might be found of passing the river above, so as to fight the mar- quis de Montcalm, upon terms of less disadvantage than di- rectlv attacking his entrenchments. In reconnoitring the river Montmorenci, we found it fordable at a place about three miles up; but the opposite bank was entrenched, and so steep and woody, that it was to no purpose to attempt a pas- sage there. The escort was twice attacked by the Indians, who were as often repulsed; but in these rencounters, we had forty (officers and men) killed and wounded. APPENDIX. 475 The 18th ol July, two men of war, two armed sloops, and two transports with some troops on board, passed by the town without any loss, and got into the upper river. This enabled me to reconnoitre the country above, where I found the same attention on the enemy's side, and great difficulties on ours, arising from the nature of the ground, and the ob- stacles to our communication with the fleet. But what I feared most was, that if we should land between the town and the river, captain Rouge, the body first landed, could not be re- inforced before they were attacked by the enemy's whole army. Notwithstanding these difficulties, I thought once of at- tempting it at St. Michael's, about three miles above the town; but perceiving that the enemy were jealous of the de- sign, were preparing against it, and had actually brought ar- tillery and a mortar, (which being so near to Quebec, they could increase as they pleased,) to play upon the shipping; and as it must have been many hours before we could attack them, even supposing a favourable night for the boats to pass by the town unhurt, it seemed so hazardous, that I thought it best to desist. However, to divide the enemy's force, and to draw their attention as high up the river as possible, and to procure some intelligence, I sent a detachment under the command of colonel Carleton, to land at the Point de Trempe, to at- tack whatever he might find there, bring off some prisoners, and all the useful papers he could get. I had been informed, that a number of the inhabitants of Quebec had retired to that place, and that probably we should find a magazine of provision . there. The colonel was fired upon, by a body of Indians, the mo- ment he landed, but they were soon dispersed, and driven into the woods; he searched for magazines, but to no pur- pose, brought off some prisoners, and returned with little loss. After this business, I came back to Montmorenci, where I found that brigadier Townshend had, by a super':or fire, prevented the French from erecting a battery on the bank of the river, from whence they intended to cannonade our camp. 476 APPENDIX. I now resolved to take the first opportunity which presented itself, of attacking the enemy, though posted to great advan- tage, and every where prepared to receive us. As the men of war cannot, (for want of a sufficient depth of water,) come near enough to the enemy's entrenchments, to annoy them in the least, the admiral had prepared two transports, (drawing but little water,) which, upon occasions, could be run aground, to favour a descent. With the help of these vessels, which I understood would be carried by the tide, close in shore, I proposed to make myself master of a detached redoubt, near to the water's edge, and whose situa- tion appeared to be out of musket shot of the entrenchment upon the hill. If the enemy supported this detached piece, it would necessarily bring on an engagement, what we most wished for; and if not, I should have it in my power to ex- amine their situation, so as to be able to determine where we could best attack them. Preparations were accordingly made for an engagement, The 31st of July in the forenoon, the boats of the fleet were filled with grenadiers, and a part of brigadier Monckton's bri- gade from the point of Levi. The two brigades under the brigadiers Townshend and Murray, were ordered to be in readiness to pass the ford, when it should be thought neces- sary. To facilitate the passage of this corps, the admiral had placed the Centurion in the channel, so that she might check the fire of the lower battery, which commanded the ford. This ship was of great use, as her fire was very judiciousl) directed. A great quantity of artillery was placed upon the eminence, so as to batter and enfilade the left of their en- trenchments. From the vessel which ran aground, nearest in, I ob- served that the redoubt was too much commanded, to be kept without very great loss, and the more, as the two armed ships could not be brought near enough to cover both with their artiller}' and musketry, which I at first conceived they might. But as the enemy seemed in some confusion, and we were prepared for an action, I thought it a proper time to make an attempt upon their entrenchments* Orders were APPENDIX. 477 sent to the brigadier generals, to b< ready with the corps un- der their command. Brigadier Monckton was to kind, and the brigadiers Townshend and Murray to pass the ford. At a proper time of the tide, the signal was made, but in rowing towards the shore, many of the boats grounded upon a ledge that runs off a considerable distance. This accident put us into some disorder, lost a great deal of time, and obliged me to send an officer to stop brigadier TownsheTid's march, whom I then observed to be in motion. While the seamen were getting the boats off, the enemy fired a number of shells and shot, but did no considerable damage. As soon as this disorder could be set a little to rights, and the boats were ranged in a proper manner, some of the officers of the navy went in with me, to find a better place to land; we took one flat bottomed boat with us to make the experiment, and as soon as we had found a fit part of the shore, the troops were ordered to disembark, thinking it not yet too late for the attempt. The thirteen companies of grenadiers, and two hundred of the second royal American battalion, got first on shore. The grenadiers were ordered to form themselves into four dis- tinct bodies, and to begin the attack, supported by brigadier Monckton's corps, as soon as the troops had passed the lord, and were at hand to assist. But whether from the noise and hurry at landing, or from some other cause, the grenadiers, instead of forming themselves as they were directed, ran on impetuously, towards the enemy's entrenchments in the ut- most disorder and confusion, without waiting for the corps which were to sustain them, and join in the attack. B' iga- dier Monckton was not landed, and brigadier Townshend was still at a considerable distance, though upon his march to join us in very great order. The grenadiers were checked by the enemy's first fire, and obliged to shelter themselves in or about the redoubt which the French abandoned upon their approach. In this situation they continued for some time, unable to form under so hot a fire, and having manv gallant officers wounded, who, (careless of their persons,) had been solely intent upon their duty. I saw the absolute ne- 478 APPENDIX. ccssity of calling them off, that they might form themselveb behind brigadier Monckton's corps, which was now landed, and drawn up on the beach, in extreme good order. By this new accident, and this second delay, it was near night; a sudden storm came on, and the tide began to make; so that 1 thought it most advisable not to persevere in so difficult an attack, lest, (in case of a repulse,) the retreat of brigadier Townshend's corps might be hazardous and uncer- tain. Our artillery had a great effect upon the enemy's left, where brigadiers Townshend and Murray were to have at- tacked; and it is probable that if those accidents I have spoken of had not happened, we should have penetrated there, whilst our left and centre (more remote from our ar- tillery) must have borne all the violence of their musketry. The French did not attempt to interrupt our march. Some of their savages came clown to murder such wounded as could not be brought off, and to scajp the dead, as their custom is. The place where the attack was intended, has these advan- tages over all others hereabout. Our artillery could be brought into use. The greater part, or even the whole of the troops, might act at once. And the retreat (in case of repulse) was secure, at least for a certain time of the tide. Neither one or the other of these advantages can any where else be found. The enemy were indeed posted upon a commanding eminence. The beach, upon which the troops were drawn up, was of deep mud, with holes, and cut by several gullies. The hill to be ascended very steep, and not every where practicable. The enemy numerous in their intrenchments, and their fire hot. If the attack had succeeded, our loss must certainly have been great, and theirs inconsiderable, from the shelter which the neighboring woods afforded them. The river St. Charles still remained to be passed, before the town was invested. All these circumstances I considered; but the desire to act in conformity to the king's intentions, induced me to make this trial, persuaded that a victorious army finds no difficulties. APPENDIX. 479 The enemy have been fortifying ever since with care, so as to make a second attempt still more dangerous. Immediately after this check, I sent brigadier Murray above the town with one thousand two hundred men, direct- ing him to assist rear admiral Holmes in the destruction of the French ships (if they could be got at), in order to open a eommunication with general Amherst. The brigadier was to seek every favorable opportunity of fighting some of the en©*- my's detachments, provided he could do it upon tolerable terms, and to use all the means in his power to provoke them to attack him. He made two different attempts to and upon the north shore without success; but in a third was more for- tunate. He landed unexpectedly at De Chambaud, and burnt a magazine there, in which were some provisions, some am- munition, and all the spare stores, clothing, arms and bag- gage of their army. Finding that their ships were not to be got at, and little prospect of bringing the enemy to a battle, he reported his situation to me, and I ordered him to join She army. The prisoners he took informed him of the surrender of the fort of Niagara; and we discovered, by intercepted let- ters, that the enemy had abandoned Carillon and Crown Point, were retired to the Isle aux Noix, and that general Amherst was making preparations to pass the lake Cham- plain, to fall upon M. de Burlemaque's corps, which consist of three battalions of foot, and as many Canadians as make the whole amount to three thousand men. The admiral's despatches and mine would have gone eight or ten days sooner, if I had not been prevented from writing by a fever. I found myself so ill, aud am still so weak, that I begged the general officers to consult together for the public utility. They are all of opinion, that (as more ships and pro- visions have now got above the town) they ehould try, by conveying up a corps of four or five thousand men, (which is nearly the whole strength of the army, after the points of Levi and Orleans are left in a proper state of defence,) to draw the enemy from their present situation, and bring them to an action. I have acquiesced in their proposal, and we are preparing to put it in execution* 480 APPENDIX. The idm:»"a] and I have examined the town, with a view to a general assault; but, after consulting with the chief engi- neer, who is well acquainted wuh the interior parts of it, and, after viev, ingit with the utmost attention, we found, that though the- batteries of the lower town might be easily silenced by the men of war, yet the business of an assault would be little ad- vanced by that, since the few passages that lead from the lower to the upper town, are carefully intrenched, and the upper batteries cannot be affected by the ships, which must receive considerable damage from them and from the mor- tars. The admiral would readily join in this, or in any other measure, for the public service; but I could not propose to him an undertaking of so dangerous a nature, and promising so little success. To the strength of the country, the ent- my have added (for the defence of the river) a great number of floating batteries and boats. By the vigilance of these, and the Indians round our different posts, it has been impossible to execute any thing by surprise. We have had almost daily skirmishes with these savages; in which they are generally defeated, but not with- out loss on our side. By the list of disabled officers (many of whom are of rank) you may perceive, sir, that the army is much weakened. By the nature of the river, the most formidable part of this arma- ment is deprived of the power of acting, yet we have almost the whole force of Canada to oppose. In this situation, there is such a choice of difficulties, that I own myself at a loss how to determine. The affairs of Great Britain, I know, l-equire the most vigorous measures; but the courage of a handiul of brave men should be exerted only where there is some hope of a favorable event. However, you may be assured, sir, that the small part of the campaign which remains, shall be em- ployed (as far as I am able) for the honor of his majesty, and the interest of the nation, in which I am sure of being seconded by the admiral and by the generals. Happy if our efforts here can contribute to the success of his majesty's arms in any other parts of America. I have the honor to be, &c. James Wolfe. APPENDIX. 481 N. — Page 370. Earl Cornwallis to Sir Henry Clinton, K. B. York Town, October 20th, 1781. Sir, I have the mortification to inform your excellency, that I have been forced to give up the posts of York and Gloucester, and to surrender the troops under my command, by capitu- lation, on the 19th instant, as prisoners of war, to the com- bined forces of America and France. I never saw this post in a very favorable light. But when I found I was to be attacked in it, in so unprepared a state, by so powerful an army and artillery, nothing but the hopes of relief would have induced me to attempt its defence; for I would either have endeavored to escape to New York by rapid marches from the Gloucester side, immediately on the arrival of general Washington's troops at Williamsburgh; or I would, notwithstanding the disparity of numbers, have attacked them in the open field, where it might have been just possible that fortune would have favored the gallantry of the handful of troops under my command. But being assured by your excellency's letters, that every possible means would be tried by the navy and army to relieve us, I could not think myself at liberty to venture upon either of those desperate attempts. Therefore, after remaining for two days in a strong position, in front of this place, in hopes of being attacked, upon observing that the enemy were taking mea- sures which could not fail of turning my left flank in a short time, and receiving on the second evening your letter of the 24th of September, informing me that the relief would sail about the 5th of October, I withdrew within the works on the night of the 29th of September, hoping by the labor and firmness of the soldiers to protract the defence until you could arrive. Every thing was to be expected from the spirit of the troops; but every disadvantage attended their labor, as the work was to be continued under the enemy's fire; and our stock of intrenching tools, which did not much Vol. II. 3 P 482 APPENDIX. exceed tour hundred when we began to work in the latter end of August, was now much diminished. The enemy broke ground on the night of the 30th, and constructed on that night and the two following days and nights two redoubts, which, with some works that had be- longed to our outward position, occupied a gorge between two creeks or ravines, which came from the river on each side of the town. On the night of the 6th of October they made their first parallel, extending from its right on the river to a deep ravine on the left, nearly opposite to the centre of this place, and embracing our whole left, at the dis- tance of six hundred yards. Having perfected this parallel, their batteries opened on the evening of the 9th against our left; and other batteries fired at the same time against a redoubt over a creek upon our right, and defended by about one hundred and twenty men (of the twenty-third regiment and marines), who maintained that post with uncommon gal- lantry. The fire continued incessant from heavy cannon, and from mortars and howitzers, throwing shells from eight to sixteen inches, until all our guns on the left were silenced, our work much damaged, and our loss of men considerable. On the night of the 11th, they began their second parallel, about three hundred yards nearer to us. The troops being much weakened by sickness, as well as by the fire of the besiegers, and observing that the enemy had not only se- cured their flunks, but proceeded in every respect with the utmost regularity and caution, I could not venture so large sorties, as to hope from them any considerable effect; but otherwise I did every thing in my power to interrupt their work, by opening new embrazures for guns, and keeping up a constant fire with all the howitzers and small mortars that we could man. On the evening of the 14th, they assaulted and carried two redoubts that had been advanced about three hundred yards for the purpose of delaying their ap- proaches and covering our left flank, and included them itt their second parallel, on which they continued to work with the utmost exertion. Being perfectly sensible that our works oould not stand many hours after the opening of the batteries APPENDIX. 483 »f that parallel, we not only continued a constant fire with all our mortars, and every gun that could be brought to bear upon it, but a little before dav-break on the morning of the 10th, I ordered a sortie of about three hundred and fifty men, under the direction of lieutenant colonel Abercrombie, to attack two batteries which appeared to be in the greatest forwardness, and to spike the guns. A detachment of guards, with the eightieth company of grenadiers, under the com- mand of lieutenant colonel Lake, attacked the one; and one of light infantry, under the command of major Armstrong, attacked the other: and both succeeded, by forcing the re. doubts that covered them, spiking eleven guns, and killing or wounding about one hundred of the French troops who had the guard of that part of the trenches, and with little loss on our side. The action, though extremely honorable to the officers and soldiers who executed it, proved of little public advantage; for the cannon having been spiked in a hurry, were soon rendered fit for service again; and before dark the whole parallel batteries appeared to be nearly complete. At this time we knew that there was no part of the whole front attacked on which we could show a single gun, and our shells were nearly expended. I therefore had only t» choose between preparing to surrender next day, or endea- voring to get off with the greatest part of the troops; and I de- termined to attempt the latter, reflecting that, though it should prove unsuccessful in its immediate object, it might, at least, delay the enemy in the prosecution of farther enterprizes. Sixteen large boats were prepared, and, upon other pretexts, were ordered to be in readiness to receive troops precisely at ten o'clock. With these I hoped to pass the infantry during the night; abandoning our baggage, and leaving a detachment to capitulate for the town's people, and the sick and wounded, on which subject a letter was ready to be delivered to general Washington. After making my arrangement with the utmost secrecy, the light infantry, greatest part of the guards, and part of the twenty-third regiment, landed at Gloucester; but at this criti- 484 APPENDIX. cal moment, the weather irom being moderate and calm, changed to a violent storm of wind and rain, and drove all the boats, some of which had troops on board, down the river. It was soon evident that the intended passage was imprac- ticable; and the absence of the boats rendered it equally im- possible to bring back the troops that had passed, which I had ordered about two in the morning. In this situation, with mv little force divided, the enemy's batteries opened at dav-break. The passage between this place and Gloucester was much exposed; but the boats having now returned, they were ordered to bring back the troops that had passed during the night, and they joined in the forenoon without much loss. Our works in the mean time were going to ruin; and not having be ?n able to strengthen them by abattis, nor in any other manner than by a slight friezing, which the enemy's artillery were demolishing whenever they fired, my opinion entirely coincided with that of the engineer and principal officers of the army, that they were in many places assailable in the foremoon, and that by the continuance of the same fire for a few hours longer, they would be in such a state as to render it desperate, with our numbers, to attempt to maintain them. We at that time could not fire a single gun; only one eight inch and a little more than one hundred Cohorn shells remained. A diversion by the French ships of war, that lay at the mouth of York river, was to be expected. Our numbers had been diminished by the enemy's fire, but particularly by sickness; and the strength and spirits of those in the works were much exhausted by the fatigue of constant watching and unremitting duty. Under all these circumstan- ces, I thought it would have been wanton and inhuman to the last degree to sacrifice the lives of this small body of gallant soldiers, who had ever behaved with so much fidelity and courage, by exposing them to an assault, which, from the numbers and precaution of the enemy, could not fail to succeed. I therefore proposed to capitulate; and I have the honor to inclose to your excellency the copy of the corre- spondence between general Washington and me on that sub- ject, and the terms of capitulation agreed upon. I sincerely APPENDIX. 48§ lament that better could not be obtained; but I have neglect- ed nothing in my power to alleviate the misfortune and distress of both officers and soldiers. The men are well clothed and provided with necessa- ries, and I trust will be regularly supplied by the means of the officers that are permitted to remain with them. The treatment, in general, that we have received from the enemy since our surrender, has been perfectly good and proper. But the kindness and attention that have been shown to us, by the French officers in particular, — their delicate sensibility of our situation, their generous and pressing offer of money, both public and private, to any amount, — have really gone beyond what I can possibly describe; and will, I hope, make an im- pression on the breast of every officer, whenever the fortune of war should put any of them into our power. Although the event has been so unfortunate, the patience of the soldiers in bearing the greatest fatigues, and their firmness and intrepidity under a persevering fire of shot and shells, that I believe has not often been exceeded, deserve the highest admiration and praise. A successful defence, however, in our situation, was, perhaps, impossible; for the place could only be reckoned an intrenched camp, subject in most places to enfilade, and the ground in general so disad- vantageous, that nothing but the necessity of fortifying it as a post to protect the navy, could have induced any person to erect works upon it. Our force diminished daily by sickness and other losses, and was reduced when we offered to capi- tulate, on this side, to little more than three thousand two hundred rank and file fit for duty, including officers, servants and artificers; and at Gloucester about six hundred, including cavalry. The enemy's army consisted of upwards of eight thousand French, nearly as many continentals, and five thousand militia. They brought an immense train of heavy artillery, mostly amply furnished with ammunition, and per- fectly well manned. The constant and universal cheerfulness and spirit of the officers, in all hardships and dangers, deserve my warmest acknowledgments; and I have been particularly indebted to 486 APPENDIX. brigadier general OHara and lieutenant colonel Abercrombie, the former commanding on the right, and the latter on the left, for their attention and exertion on every occasion. The detachment of the twenty-third regiment, and of the marines, in the redoubt on the right, commanded by captain Apthorpe, and the subsequent detachments, commanded by lieutenant colonel Johnston, deserve particular commendation. Captain Rochfort, who commanded the artillery, and indeed every officer and soldier of that distinguished corps, and lieutenant Sutherland, the commanding engineer, have merited in every respect my highest approbation: and I cannot sufficiently acknowledge my obligations to captain Symonds, who com- manded his majesty's ships, and to the other officers and seamen of the navy, for their active and zealous co-opera- tion. I transmit returns of our killed and wounded. The loss of seamen and town's people was likewise considerable. I trust your excellency will please to hasten the return of the Bonetta, after landing her passengers, in compliance with the article of capitulation. Lieutenant colonel Abercrombie will have the honor to deliver this despatch, and is well qualified to explain to your excellency every particular relating to our past and present situation. I have the honor to be, &c. CoRNWALLIS. IJiVJ^- *F I »Ea «HyflHI 1 iln H9I