for thz. founding ij ' a-Gii?efft BP&£j[fZ<>Ztixff MEMOIR^ OF THE WAR THE SOUTHERN DEPARTMENT OP THE WtM® OTATO BY HENRY LEE, lieutenant colonel commandant of the partisan tEeio.s DURING THE AMERICAN WAR. -Quseque ipse miserrima villi Virgil. Et quorum pars fui.- . A NEW EDITION, WITH CORRECTIONS LEFT BY TBE AUTHOR, AND WITH NOTES AND ADDITIONS EY H. LEE, THE AUTHOR OF THE CAMPAIGN OF '81. WASHINGTON. PRINTED EY PETER FORCE, NORTH C STREET, NEAR PENN. AVENCK. 1827. DISTRICT OP COLUMBIA, to win : Bf. it remembered, that on the twenty-sixth day of February, in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and twenty-seven, and of the Independence of the United States of America the fifty-first, feter Force, of the said District, ha9 deposited in the Office of the Clerk of the District Court for the District of Columbia, tbe title of a Book, the right whereof he claims as Proprietor, in the words following, >o wit: " Memoirs of the War in the Southern Department of the United States. BV Henry Lee, Lieutenant colonel commandant of the Partisan Legion during the American war. " Qurnque ipse miserrima vidi " Et quorum pars fui Virgil. A new edilun, with corrections left by the author, and with notes and addilicms by H Lee, the author of the campaign of '81." fa conformity to the Act of tbe Congress of the United States, entitled " An Act for the encouragement of learning, by securing the copies of Maps, Charts, and Bonks, to the Authors and Piopnetois of such copies, during the times therein mentioned," — itnd also to the Act, entitled " An Act supplementary to an Act, entitled 'An Act for the encouragement of learning, by securing the copies of Maps, Charts, and Books, to the Authors and Proprietors of such copies during the times therein mentioned,' and extending the benefits thereof to the arts of designing, engraving, and etching, historical and other prints." vj , Iw testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand, and affixed >¦ '¦* the public seal of my office, the day and 3-ear aforesaid. EDM. I. LEE, Clerk of the District Court for the District of Columbia. AD VER TISEMEJVT. A second edition of Lee's Memoirs seemed to be re quired by general demand, and was certainly called for by particular request. Colonel Fenwick, of the United States' army, having substantiated his solicitude by his liberality, and agreed to bear the expense of the edition if I would undertake to prepare it, is, in justice, to be considered the patron of the work. The venerable Col« Howard, glorious for his services in the wars of Greene' was not less kind. He contributed his corrections, in a manner which authorizes me to affirm that the narrative, as it now stands, bears the seal of his confirmation. — The author, not having been able to superintend the original impression, took occasion to place on the margin of the copy from which this edilion is printed, a numbet of MS. corrections, the adoption of which, after collating them with his Revolutionary documents, it is believed will be found ah improvement. The text 1 have not of course ventured to alter, unless corrections in regard to such obvious mistakes as to dates, names, and places, as cannot affect the identity of the composition, be con sidered alterations. One emendation might appear at variance with this remark, if it were left without a particular explanation. In looking over the original manuscript, my attention was struck by the following sentence : " To the hand of one of her sons had been committed the sword of defence, and from the lips of another, in obedience to the commands of his constitu ents, was proposed our independence ;" and I suggested the propriety of adding, lhat the pen oj a third had composed our declaration of Independence. The a\i- 4 thor observed that this had occurred to him also, but that, as contradictory opinions existed respecting the authorship of that great paper, some ascribing it to Mr. R. H. Lee, and others to Mr. Jefferson, he thought it would be the fairer way to decline any expression on the subject. At the time this conversation took place, the uncertainty alluded to did prevail in the minds of many persons, who inferred from the fact of Mr. Lee's having been chairman of the Committee, raised to report on his proposition of independence, and from a corrected copy of the declaration being found among his papers, that he was the author of the instrument itself. This being now completely removed, I have made the text conform to the amendment, which was declined ex pressly in consequence of its temporary prevalence ; as the reader will find at page 119. Such notes as I have added, it is hoped will increase the interest of the work, and facilitate its accurate comprehension by the military student. H. LEE. Washington, 1st December, 1826. INDEX. A Page. American forces, estimate of... , if Armstrong, Captain John, his capture 392 Arnold invades Virginia 190 enters Richmond... 192 takes post at- Portsmouth, Virginia 193 Augusta, investment of, by Pickens and Lee , 240 its surrender.* » 248 Ban-as, Count de, sails for the Chesapeake 347 Blackstock Hill, action at , 113 Brandywhie. battle of. 16 British and American forces, estimate of... 11 Buford, Lieut. Col. defeat of. 78 Bunker's Hill, battle of 33 Burgoyne, general, invades the U. S......... 11 is captured ,. 12 € @amden, battle of .;. -. , 94 Camden, battle near, between Greene and Rawdon 225 Camden, evacuation of, by lord Rawdon 229 Champe, John, sergeant major, his attempt to seize Arnold 270 to 284 Chatham, lord, character of.. 39 Charleston, surrender of 73 finally evacuated by the British 421 Coates, lieut. col. the pursuit'of, by Sumpter, Marion, and Lee. Capture . of his baggage wagons by Lee. The skirmish at Quinby bridge, &c. .;.. from 265 to 270 Cowpens, the battle of 132 Cornwallis arrives with his army at Wilmington 186 establishes himself at Winnsborough Ill removes to Portsmouth...... 306 concentrates his forces at York and Gloucester , 312 surrenders to Washington 370 Cherokees. , Their irruption upon the district of Ninety-Six 382 Clinton, sir Henry, assumes the chief command of the English army. 34 Creek Indians. Their enterprise and defeat under Guristersigo 407 Davidson, lieut. col. the death of 137/ Davie, lieut. col. skirmishes with the British 105 D'Estaiug, admiral, the arrival of 96 De Giasse, his arrival in the Chesapeake, and battle with the British fleet. 349 De Kalb, the death of '•... 96 Dsnope, eaunt, repulsed and killed at Redbank 28 6 INDEX. ™ Page- Eggleston, major, his route and capture of a foraging party, and forty-five dragoons * „ 2 Eutaw Springs, the battle of..... a Gnl pin Fort, taken by lieut. col. Lee.. • "J» Gatea, general, succeeds Lincoln in the command- of the South. 84 Georgia, invaded by col. Campbell 4U Greene, Nathaniel, succeeds Gates in command of the South .. 118 character of. , * '26 crosses the fj.-.n '4' repasses the Dan • ••...... low his determination to leave Cornwallis, and carry the war into South Carolina, and the reasons which led to it 204 to 213- moves his army to tl>e high hills of Santee '-41 breaks up from the high hill?, and removes to Dorchester, &c 379 Cranby, Fort, the capture of, by lieut. col. Lee 235 Greeuspring, the battle at 304 Guilford Court House, battle at 171 Grierson Fort, taken by Lt. Col. Lee.... • 239 H Hampton, his dispersion and capture of some mounted refugees..... 265 Hamilton and l^e. escape of. 1§ Hayne, colonel Isaac, narrative nf the circumstances which led to his exe cution, that event, &c. to the end of the chapter from 316 Hanging Rock, attack on the British post of 89 Howe, general Robert, defeated by lieut. col. Campbell 41 King's Mountain, battle of.. •••• 108 Laurens, lieut. col. John, placed in command of the infantry of the light troops, and the dissatisfaction of the partisan legion 411 his death < 4-15 Lee captures and releases the wounded of Stewart's army . 3±1 Major General Charles, arrest of. l. 37 Leslie, General, invades Virginia,.... Lincoln, Major General, appointed commander in chief oi the southern army 43 Marion and Lee, detached to interrupt Stewart's retreat , 339 Manon and Lee, capture Fort Watson 219 Marion, general Francis, character of , ., 86 his corps surprised and routed, during his nb&euce from it, while attending the legislature at Jacksonborough 397 Mathews, general, invades Virginia 53 Monmouth, battle of .b 3g Morris, Robert, placer? atthe head of the Treasury 343 Morris, major, death of , , , #.. 29 Motte, Fort, the capture of, by Marion and Lee, 232 Mudd Island, defence of ( og evacuated by the Americans 2^ Mutiny in Greene's camp.. ; »,,, t 393 INDEX. -1 Page. Naval engagement between the French and English fleets, off the coast of Virginia... •• 19T Ninety-Six, invested by general Greene 5i39 unsuccessfully assaulted.... '-'55 North, lord, character of... 39 T Parker, col. Richard, death of. 75 Philadelphia occupied by the British lR Phillips, general, airival of, with troops in Virginia 198 drives Steuben out of Petersburgh, and devastates that town 199 is prevented from crossing from Manchester to Richmond, by the opportune arrival of La Fayette*- 200 Pickens, general Andrew, character of..... 67 Pre v ost, general, threatens Charleston 45 Prpvost, lieut. col. defeats general Ashe • •• 45 Pyle,. dispersion of the tones under him ••• •••¦• • 15" R Rutledge, John, dictator of South Carolina 45 Saratoga, surrender at 12 Savannah, bpseiged by count D'Estaing und general Lincoln ...*• 55 siege raised » »..*. 59 ' Stewart, colonel, retreats from Eutaw 340 St. John's Island, unsuccessful attempt upon •¦.....*.•• 384 , Stono, battle of 50 Su'mpter, chaiacter of >• 87 Sunbury taken by the British , 4l T Taileton, lieut. col. surprises general Sumpter 99 defeat and cruelty of him and his dragoons 143 his skirmish with Lee 169 his expedition to Bedford 305 V Virginia, Coinwallis's invasion of, narrated in Chap. 31 beginning at 284 invasion of by general Matthews.. 53 assembly, the magnanimity of 122 w Washington,, gen. George, attacks the British at Geimantown 21 his junction with the French army, and thieateus New York. 344 arrives at Williamsbuigh with Kochnmbeau 353 Wayne captures major Alexander, and eighteeu rirngoons 406 Webster, colonel, death of • • 184 Wetzell's mills, affair at 163 White, col. John, his singular exploit 61 "Wilmington, projected attack upon 314 Wolves, their alarm of Lee's legion , 211 ¦z Xorktown, Cornwallis besiege.d at . 355- INDEX. INDEX TO THE APPENDIX. The appendix contains, besides the official documents referred to in the main work, short .biographical sketches of Page, Burgoyne, lieutenant general 421 Davie, William Richardson 425 De Kalb, major general baron • 422 Davidson, lieutenant colonel William 433 Gates, major general 421 Greene, lieutenant colonel Christopher , i% Howard, lieutenant colonel John Eager 433 Lee, major general Charles 421 Marion, brigadier general Francis... 432 Morgan, brigadier general Daniel , 428 Pickens, brigadier general Andrew 442 Thayer, Simeon 427 Washington, lieutenant colonel William 434 Wayne, brigadier general Anthony 443 Williams, brigadiei general Otbo Holland 44G and A letter from the Marquis of Hastings, formerly Lord Rawdon, and then Earl of Moira, in justification of his conduct in relation to the execu- tion of Col. Isaac Hayne ,. 43$ MEMOIRS OF THE WAR IN THE SOUTHERN DEPARTMENT OF THE UNITED .STATES. CHAPTER I.. JL HE determination of the mind, to relinquish the soft scenes of tranquil life for the rough adventures of war, is generally attend ed with the conviction that the act is laudable ; and with a wish, that its honourable exertions should be faithfully transmitted to pos terity. These sentiments lead to the cultivation of virtue ; and the effect of the one is magnified by the accomplishment of the other. In usefulness to society, the difference is inconsiderable between the conduct of him who performs great achievements, and of him who records them ; for short must be the remembrance, circumscribed the influence, of patriotic exertions and heroic ex ploits, unless the patient historian retrieve them from oblivion, and hold them up conspicuously to future ages. " Saep£ audivi, Q,. Maximum, P. Scipionem, prseterea civitatis nostrae ptaeclaros viros, solitos ita dicere, cum majorum imagines intuerentur, vehe- mentissime sibi animum ad virtutem accendi. Scilicet non ceram illam, neque figu ram tantam vim in sese habere; sed memoria rerum gestarum earn flammatn egregiis viris in pectore crescere, neque priiis sedari, quam virtus eorum famam atque gloriam adaequa,- verit."*— Sail. Bell. Jugur. Regretting, as we all do, that not one of the chief actors in ou.r camp or cabinet, and indeed very few of our fellow citizens, have attempted to unfold the rise, or to illustrate the progress and ter* mination of our resolution, I have been led to this my undertaking with a hope of contributing, in some degree, to repair the effects of this much lamented indifference. With this view, I am about to write memoirs of the southern campaigns, being that part «f the * " Often have I heard," " that Quintus Maximus, Publius Scipio, and other renowned men of our commonwealth, used to say that, whenever tbey beheld the Images of their ancestors, they felt their minds vehemently excited to virtue It could not be the wax or the marble that possessed this power j but the recollection of their great actions kindled a generous flame in their breasts, (not to be quelled) till they also by .virtue had acquired equal fame a«nd 10 Memoirs of the War in the war with which I am best acquainted, and which in its progress and issue materially contributed to our final success, and to the enlarge ment of our military fame. Desirous of investing the reader with a full and clear understanding ofthe operations to be described, I shall commence these memoirs atthe beginning ofthe third y ear ofthe war ; for the principal events which occurred thereafter, laid the founda- tion of the change in the enemy's conduct, and turned the tide and fury of the conflict from the north to the south. When I first engaged in this undertaking, many of my military comrades, capable and willing to contribute their aid to the fulfil ment of my design, were living ; whose minute knowledge of va rious scenes, all of which they saw, in some of which they led, would have rendered it peculiarly interesting and valuable. After postponing, as is common to man, what for various reasons ought •not to have been delayed, I have experienced in my progress abundant cause for self reproach ; since in many instances, I bave been deprived of this important assistance, which no effort or ap plication has been able fully to supply. Discouraged by this priva tion, I should, tho' reluctantly, have receded from my purpose, had not the injurious consequences of my dilatoriness been repair ed in a measure by the animated and friendly exertions of the few survivors among my martial companions. To these individuals I owe a heavy debt of personal gratitude ; and should the following sheets be deemed worthy of general approbation, to their ready and unwearied assistance, more than to the author's care and diligence, may be justly ascribed the pleasing result. I have, nevertheless, been compelled to abridge considerably my first design ; not having been able to obtain the documents necessary to its full accomplish ment. It was my intention to present the public, not with a narrative of the southern operalions only, but with the life of major general Greene, our distinguished leader. The two subjects appeared to be closely connected ; and the latter is strongly claimed by my in timate knowledge of the military plans and measures of that illus trious man, by the homage due lo bis superior virtue, and ihe grate ful remembrance, which I hold in common with all who served under him, of his benignity and justice. Apprehending that longer delay might eventuate in leaving alto gether unexecuted my design, I resolved for the present to confine myself to these memoirs, deferring to some future day, or to mo adequate abilities, the completion of my original plan. re CHAPTER II. 1777- X HE campaign projected by the British for seventy-seven announced, in its commencement, a system portentous of much evil to the United States. It contemplated the annihilation of resistance in all the country between the lakes and Albany, undisturbed pos- Southern Department of (he United States. 1 1 session of the Hudson River, (thus severing the union) and the con quest of Pennsylvania, whose capital (Philadelphia) was the me tropolis, of the American Slates. This extensive plan of opera tions was supported by coextensive means.* Lieutenant general Burgoyne, a leader of renown, conducting tbe British army in the north, undertook his part with zeal and gallantry. Entering from Canada, he^pressed forward with impet uosity. Ticonderoga, with it» various dependencies, fell without a blow ; and the victorious army, pursuing its success with ardour, gained repeated advantages over our broken and dispirited troops, commanded by major general St. Clair. This promising beginning did not long continue. Major general Gates, bred to arms in the British school, and much respected by congress, was appointed to, the chief command in the northern department. His reputation produced confidence ; our vanquished army was reanimated ; the east poured forth her hardy sons ; and chosen troops were detach? ed by the commander in chief from the main body. Gates soon, found himself at the head of a sufficient force to face his enemy, whose advance had been fortunately retarded by the usual incum brances of European armies, increased by the uncommon difficul ties, which the face of tbe country presented, improved as they had been by the skill, diligence, and zeal of major general Schuyler, then commanding in that quarter. This delay reduced the pro visions of the enemy ; and the first attempt to replenish them terminated in the destruction of a considerable body of Germans, detached on that service, under lieutenant colonel Baum.f Briga- * British force under sir American force under William Howe in 1776. General Washington. August 24,000 16,000 November 26,900 4,500 December 27,700 3,300 In 1777. March 27,000 *<500 June 30,000 8-000 Force under sir William Howe, when he landed at Elkton, horse, foot, and artillery, amounted, in toto, to 18,000. Force under General Washington at the battle of Brandywine, including '" At^-hic'li time the British force in Rhode Island and New York, under sir Henry Clinton, was 12,000 . And the American force under general Putnam at West Pomt, &c. exclave of m.litia, which he was authorized to call to him as he chose, from the state* of Connecticut, New'York, and New Jersey, 2,000. Force under lieutenant general Burgoyne, excluding Canadians and Indians, 'Force under nfajor general gates (continentals) 9.000 militia », l*s total 13,129 See Appendix, A. and B. tSrigadN* Sene^tarke had ^^^^frl^^^ 12 Memoirs of the War in the dier Starke, at the head of a force, mostly militia, attacked this corps on the heights of Walloomsack, and destroyed it : a dreadtul blow to the assailing army, and the mirror of its future tate. Bur goyne, however, persuaded that victory alone could retrieve him, sought for battle with pertinacity and keenness. The American leader was not disinclined to the appeal, apprehending a serious movement* from New York to dislodge him from his posts on the Hudson, and to occupy Albany his place of deposit. Two actions were fought, in which great courage was displayed. Both armies felt the magnitude of the stake ; every officer, and every soldier acted, as if on his single arm the fate of the day depended. The slaughter was great, especially of the British ; the glory was equal : to the enemy, for having sustained himself through two long and sternly contested battles against superior numbers ; to America, for having with raw troops, chiefly undisciplined militia, checked a veteran army, conducted by a gallant and experienced chief, se conded with skill and ardour by his officers, and heroijfrally support ed by his soldiers. The second action was speedily followed by the surrender of the British force. t Conditions more favourable than the relative situation of the armies authorized were granted by the conqueror ; who in this act, as in all its appurtenances, manifested an immutable, attachment to the claims of humanity. Conduct so estimable gave new lustre to the splendid victory, where appearance with SOO Germans. Starke, uniting his militia to the remains (200) of a continental regiment under colonel Warner, judiciously decided to strike Baum before he could complete intrenchments, begun for the purpose of strength ening hrs position. The assault was immediate and vigorous; and the enemy was completely routed, most of the detachment being killed, wounded and taken. Starke's conduct was not only verified by his success, but by tbe disclosure that a reinforcement under lieutenant colonel Brecknam was hastening to join Baum. The united force under Starke amounted to 2,000. * This important operation was conducted by sir Henry Clinton, second in command of the British army. He left New York early in October at the head of 3,000 men; and by masterly manoeuvres entirely deceived general Putnam, the American commander. On the 6th he carried the forts Clinton and Mont- gon.ery by storm, which produced the immediate evacuation of the forts Inde pendence and Constitution. Thus with an inferior force did the British general in a few days dispossess us of the Hudson river, believed to have been in a con dition impregnable to any force then at the enemy's disposal. The military conduct of sir Henry, during this expedition, carried with it manifestations of genius far above the common order; but he 6tained his laurels, so gallantly won, by the cruel conflagration of the defenceless town of Esopus, then the depot of women and children. tThe expedition of sir Henry Clinton up the North river no doubt induced general Gates to admit, in the convention, the article which stipulated that the -captive army should not serve against the United States until exchanged and should be permitted in the mean time to return to England. Nevertheless the army of Burgoyne never did return to England, congress having for the first time stifled the fair claims of its enemy, under colour of pretences as frivolous as was the detention of the army unjustifiable. There was a verv ereat dis 5rn£nr,*°,n, f°*7e* ^ateS' Vml conBisted of 9.000 continental troops, and 4,060 militia ; while that under Burgoyne amounted to 5,700 by the official statement of the number surrendered, which of course includes persons of every description. The British general rated his fighting force at 3 500 and th», „*f Gates may be fairly estimated, including militia, at 8,SQ0 ' ' X^ °f Southern Department of the United States. 13 heroism was adorned by clemency ; illustrating the edifying truth, that glory is inseparable from virtue. General Burgoyne in his official report, bestowed great praise on his troops ; but especially on the able and active support derived -from the generals Philips, Reidezel and Frazier, the last of whom fell in the second action, lamented and admired. Brigadier Arnold and colonel Morgan, among a host of distinguished associates, took the lead on the side of America, and were particularly regarded by congress, and the nation, in the burst of applause which resound ed throughout the United States, on the happy Conclusion of the northern campaign. The reception of the rival leaders, by their respective govern! ments, was as different as had been their fortune in battle. Gates was enrolled among the most celebrated heroes of the world, by Con gress, country, and army ; while Burgoyne was not permitted to present himself to his sovereign, but, by the injustice of the very cabinet to whose former preference he owed his elevation, was de* prived of afTthe rewards of his long service, and died in disgrace at court, adored by his gallant troops, the companions, the wit nesses of his toil and peril ; and esteemed by those of his country men, who would sensibly discriminate between incidental misfor-. tune and deserved infamy. Where is the general who ever more prodigally risked his life in his country's cause, than did the unfortunate Burgoyne ? where the army which more bravely executed its leader's will, than did that which he conducted? what danger was avoided? what effort unessayed ? what privation not submitted to ? what difficulties not encountered ? But all terminated in disaster ; and the army, from whose prowess so much was expected, yielded to its equal in cour age, to its superior in number. To be unfortunate is to be disgraced : imperfect man ! infatuated government! The Roman senate did not thus think : that illustrious body of sages examined the intention ; the exertion, in conjunction with the issue, and made up their decision accordingly. Vanquish ed generals have been reanimated by their unvanquished senate, who, ever true to itself, was just to others. See Varro thanked after the loss of the battle of Cannse, for not having despaired of the commonwealth. See the great Fabius, although for a time ob scured by the machinations of detractors, hailed, in a long succes sion of the highest confidence, " the shield of his country." But a Roman senate is too rarely to be found in the annals of poweiv CHAPTER III. W HILE this severe and eventful contest occupied the armies of the north, Washington patiently waited the deVelopement of sir William Howe's intention. This officer, commanding in chief the British forces, had left New York with 18,000 men completely ap-' 14 Memoirs of the War in the pointed and equipped, under convoy of a powerful fleet, directed by bis brother lord Howe. Weighing from Sandy-Hook, in July, the fleet steered for the south, which general Washington supposed to be the intended course : but lest it might have been a feint to draw the American armv far from the Hudson, with a view of returning with the first fair "wind and seizing West Point, the American Thermopylae, * washed by that river ; Washington proceeded no farther south than to Bucks county, in Pennsylvania, sufficiently near, for his timely interposition, should sir William Howe suddenly change his direc tion. There, after a lapse of five weeks, he received information, that the fleet had entered the Chesapeake, and was standing up that bay. He instantly decamped, and took a position on Wbite-Clay creek, in the county of New Castle, state of Delaware, while his light troops extended to the vicinity of Elkton, in the state of Ma- * Properly so termed, whether we regard its natural difficulties, or its mili tary importance. The high lands begin their ascent a little above King's Ferry on the Hudson, forty miles up the river from New York, communicating between Stony and Verplank's Point. In Pennsylvania and Maryland the sameiidge of -mountains is known by the name of the North Mountain, being the only one which passes through all the northern States. Continuing south, the Allegany, misnamed the back bone of Anglican America, absolutely sinks, before it reach es the southern limits of Virginia, into the North mountain, or Blue Ridge; This spot, of precipice linked to precipice, now and then separated-by a fissure admitting tbe pass of men in single file, rugged, sharp and steep, was selected by Washington to hold, safe the possession of the upper Hudson, indispensable to the free egress and regress between tbe north and the south ; without which, military resistance could not be upheld. This mountainous regior is computed to be twenty miles in breadth, alike rugged and impenetrable on both sides of the river near its margin. About midway, on its eastern bank, is Antony's Nose, 363 yards perpendicularly high ; and opposite to it, 123 feet above the level of the river, is a spur of the mountain, with table land on its summit sufficient for the erection of works, separated from another spur by Preplonp's kill or creek, (kill is the Dutch word for creek) presenting the same facility Both these tops were fortified : the first called Fort Clinton, after the respectable and zealous governor of the state of New York ; and the last named Montgomery, after Ihe hero oi Quebec. Antony's Nose, in its first step of ascent, is washed by Peekskill, which falls into the Hudson, on ihe northern banks of which was erected Fort Independence ; and six or seven miles above the Nose, towards the declivity of the high lands, is Foit Constitution. These were our land defences. In the mer, between the water piojection ot the spur on whose summit stood fort Clinton, and the base of Antony's Nose, hero perpendicular, was sunk a boom of mountain timber fastened together by all the ligaments of art, ponderous aud durable. In front of which was affixed to the rocky base of the mountain, on each side of the river, an iron chain sixty tons in weight, whose every link was two inches and a half square, and which in its sweep across the river pre sented its point to the enemy in the channel. Behind the boom rode two frig ates, two galleys, and a sloop of war, commensurate with the theatre of action. Thus were we prepared by water. *KluZ &fieS' n'arT an,d "."""i1 3S thCy were ^ na,ure> were «»««• ™re difficult by the roi hug of rocks into them, and by felling trees across them, over and through which the assailant must clamber and creep for many miles before he could present himself against our works. This assemblage of defenses is known among us by the designation of West Form, aud constituted the primary object of Washington's care during the war. Southern Department of the United States. 15 ryland ; below which, at Cecil old court-house, the enemy disem barked on the 28th of August. With very little delay, sir William advanced to Elkton, whence he moved to his left, preferring the upper route, where the water-courses were fordable ; where, from the presumed security ofthe farmers, provisions were more readily procurable; and where he avoided those artificial impediments known to be prepared for him on the lower route As soon as this n.ovement was ascertained by Washington, he broke up from VVhite Clay creek, and, turning to his ria;ht, took post on the eastern side of the Brandywine, fronting Chadsford, where he waited the approach of his foe. Sir William continued to advance by steady marches, holding up the strength of his troops, whose valour, he fore saw with pleasure, would be tested in a few days. Having reached Kennet's Square on the 11th of September, net more than six or seven miles from Chadsford, Howe advanced in Iwo columns : * the right, inferior in force, and charged with the care of the baggage, provisions, &c, under the direction of lieu tenant general Knyphausen, took the road to Chadsford, with oiders to delay passing the Brandywine, until the commencement of the battle, by the left, should announce itself. This other column, made up of the best corps, and consisting of nearly two thirds of the whole force, commanded by sir William Howe in person, having under him lord Cornwallis, diverged to the left ; and making an extensive circuit, crossed the two branches of the Brandywine ; 'when turning down the river it approached the American right. The battle soon began in this quarter ; and quickly afterwards Knyphausen forcing brigadier Maxwell, who commanded the light infantry stationed on the western side of the Brandywine, advanced upon our left. Three small detachments, commanded by the lieu tenant colonels Parker, Heth, and Simms, of the Virginia line, * Washington was quickly informed ofthe separation ofthe enemy's columns, as he was subsequently informed not only of its continuance, but that the left column .was making a very circuitous sweep. Persuaded of the fact, he wisely determined to pass the Brandy wine with his whole force and strike at Knyphaus en. In the very act of giving his orders to this effect, colonel Bland, ofthe Vir ginia horse, brought him intelligence which very much obscured, if it did not contradict, the previous information; and the original judicious decision was abandoned. • Colonel Bland was noble, sensible, honourable, and amiable ; but never intended for the department of military intelligence. The third regi ment of Virginia, first Mercer's, who fell covered with glory at Princeton; next Weedon's, at this time Marshall's, exhibited an example worthy of itself, its country, and its leader. Already high in reputation from the gallant stand made by one battalion under major Leitch on York Island, when supporting the brave colonel Knowlton in the first check given to the enemy, flushed with his victory of Long Island, in which check Knowlton was killed and Leitrh mortal ly wounded, having received three balls successively through his body, at the head of his victorious battalion ; from its firmness on our retreat through New- Jersey; from its intrepidity at Trenton, and its valour at Princeton, it now sur passed its pristine fame. Our loss amounted to 300 killed, 600 wounded, and 400 prisoners, chiefly wounded. Major general de la Fayette and brigadier Woodward were wounded. Sir William Howe stated in his official report the British loss to be only 100 killed, and 400 wounded. The vanquished army w41 arlways suffer most. 16 Memoirs of the War in ihe were, early in the morning, separately and advantageously posted by the brigadier, contiguous to the road, some distance in his front; and captain Porterfield, with a company of infantry, preceded these parties, with orders to deliver his fire as soon as he should meet the van of the enemy, and then to fall back. This service was handsomely performed by Porterfield, and produced the de sired effect. The British van pressed forward rapidly and incau tiously, until it lined the front of the detachment commanded by lieutenant colonel Simms, who poured in a close and destructive fire, and then retreated to the light corps. The leading officer of the enemy was killed : and the detachment suffered severely. The contest which began on our right spread to our left, and was warm. in some parts of the American line ; and many of the corps distin guished themselves. The most conspicuous were the brigades .of Wayne and Weedon, and the third regiment of Virginia, command ed by colonel Marshall ; * to which, with the artillery directed by colonel Proctor of Pennsylvania, much praise was given. Of these the third regiment stood preeminent, part of Woodford's brigade : it occupied the right of the American line ; and being advanced to a small eminence, some little distance in front, for the purpose of holding safe that flank, it received the first shock of the foe. One column moved upon it in front, while a second struck at its left. Cut off from cooperation by the latter movement, it bravely sus tained itself against superior numbers, never yielding one inch of ground, and expending thirty rounds a man, in forty-five minutes. It was now ordered to fall back upon Woodford's right, which was handsomely accomplished by colonel Marshall, although deprived of half his officers, where he renewed the sanguinary contest. The regiment, having been much reduced by previous service, did not amount to more than a battalion ; but one field officer, the colonel, and four captains, were with it. Marshall escaped unhurt, although his horse received two balls. Ofthe captains, two only, Blackwell and Peyton, remained fit for duty. Chilton was killed, and Lee mortally wounded. The subalterns suffered in proportion. Lieu tenants White, Cooper, and ensign Peyton, were killed ; lieuten ants Mercer, Blackwell, and Peyton wounded. Thirteen non-com missioned officers, and sixty privates fell. The opposing enemy was as severely handled; and the leading officer of one ofthe columns, with several others, was killed. The •action closed with the day, in our defeat. CHAPTER IV. W ASHINGTOK retired during the night to Chester ; t whence he decamped the next morning. Taking the route to Philadelphia * Father of chief justice Marshall. tit is worthy of remark that Howe was but 13 miles}: from Philadel phia ; and Washington, who reached Chester on the night qf. the battle 4 More probably 25 miles. — note by the Ed. Southern Department of the United States. J 7 and Crossing the Schuylkill, he moved up that river, halted one day at Germantown, then recrossed it near Swedesford, and gained the Lancaster road. On the 15th he advanced to meet the enemy, who, after three days' repose on the field of battle, quitted the Brandywine, pointing bis march. to the upper fords of the Schuylkill. A violent storm, accompanied by a deluge of rain, stopped the renewal of battle on the following day, near the War ren tavern on the road from Philadelphia to Lancaster ; for which the two armies were arrayed, and in which the van troops were engaged. ..Separated by the tempest, the American general exert ed himself to replenish his ammunition, destroyed by the fall of water, from the insecurity of our * cartouch boxes and artillery- tumbrels ; while the British general pursued his route across the Schuylkill, directing his course to the American metropolis. Con tiguous to the enemy's route, lay some mills stored with flour, for the use of the American army. Their destruction was deemed necessary by the commander in chief; and his aid-decamp, lieu tenant colonel Hamilton, t attended by captain Lee,J with a small party of his troop of horse, were despatched in front of the enemy, with the order of execution. The mill, or mills, stood on the bank of the Schuylkill. Approaching, you descend a long hill leading to a bridge over the mill-race. On the summit of this hill two videts were posted ; and soon after the party reached the mills, lieutenant colonel Hamilton took possession of a flat bottomed boat for the purpose of transporting himself and his comrades across th'e river, should the sudden approach of the enemy render such re treat necessary. In a little time this precaution manifested his sagacity : the fire of the videts announced the enemy's appearance. The dragoons were ordered instantly to embark. Of the small party, four with the lieutenant colonel jumped into the boat,, the van of the enemy's horse in full view, pressing down the hill in pursuit of the two videts. Captain Lee, with the remaining two, took the decision to regain the bridge, rather than detain the boat. Hamilton was committed to the flood, struggling agaiust a violent current, increased by the recent rains ; while Lee put his safety on the speed and soundness of his horse. was sixteen miles distant, the Delaware on his right, the Schuylkill in his front, and his enemy on his left. Was it not surprising that the British general did not perceive and seize the advantage, so plainly before him, by a forced march as soon as his troops had snatched food and rest? * Among the many aud afflicting disadvantages imposed on the American general, the insufficiency of the implements covering our powder, was not the least. There exited another ground of disparity, which continued nearly to the end of the war— inferiority of arms. Some of our musketry were without bayonets; and not a single brigade had muskets of the same caliber; by which means, a corps expending its ammunition, could not use that of an adjoining corps. The latter deficiency is imputable to our poverty, as arms in that stage ofthe war could only be piocured by purchase from abroad; but the former is justly to be ascribed to the criminal supineness of our contractors, as we abound ed in leather and good workmen. t The celebrated Alexander Hamilton. . - $ Henry Lee, afterwards lieutenant colonel Lee, of the legion cavalry. ig Memoirs of the War in the The attention of the enemy being engaged by Lee's push forthe bridge, delayed the attack upon the boat for a few minutes, and thus afforded to Hamilton a better chance of escape. The two videts preceded Lee as he reached the bridge ; and himself with the two dragoons safely passed it, although the enemy's front sec tion emptied their carbines and pistols* at the distance of ten or twelve paces. Lee's apprehension for the safety of Hamilton con tinued to increase, as he heard volleys of carbines discharged upon the boat, which were returned by guns singly and occasionally. He trembled for the probable issue ; and as soon as the pursuit ended, which did not long continue, he despatched a dragoon to the commander in chief, describing, with feelings of anxiety, what had passed, and his sad presage. His letter was scarcely perused by Washington, before Hamilton himself appeared ; and, ignorant ol the contents of the paper in tbe general's hand, renewed his atten tion to the ill-boding separation, with the probability that his friend Lee had been cut off; inasmuch as instantly after he turned for the bridge, the British horse reached the mill, and commenced their operations upon the boat. Washington with joy relieved his fears, by giving to his aid-de camp the captain's letter. Thus did fortune smile upon these two young soldiers, already united in friendship, which ceased only with life. Lieutenant colo nel Hamilton escaped unhurt ; but two of his four dragoons, with ohe of the boatmen, were wounded. CHAPTER V. ^IR William Howe, having passed the Schuylkill on the 23d, pursued by easy marches his route to Philadelphia. On the 26th be took a position in the village of Germantown, seven or eight miles distant from the city, which was on the follow ing day possessed by lord Cornwallis with one division of the army, The position of Germantown has some advantages, mingled with many disadvantages. Its right is accessible wilh ease ; and its cen tre presents no obstruction from superiority of "round to the assailant. Its chief, if not sole advantage, consisted in the safety of the left, and its proximity to Philadelphia, which city it was ne cessary to secure. A few miles more remote is Chesnut hill which sir William might have occupied, and where he might have defied annoyance. This ground probably did not escape hts obser vation ; but it was not so near to Philadelphia, and, what was more to be regarded, too remote to permit him to give his undivided ex- • The fire of cavalry is at best innocent, especially in quick motion, as was then the case. The strength and activity of the horse, the precision and celerHr of evolution, the adroitness of the rider, boot-top to boot-top, and the kee" e"« ofthe sabre, with fi.ness of ground, and skill in the leader, cons inue ,beir vast power, so often decisive in the day of battle. ">«"ire t»eir Southern Department of the United States. 19 ertions towards the opening of the Delaware to his fleet, on whose propinquity depended the safety of his army. The possession of Philadelphia, however anxiously desired, and highly rated by the British ministry, did not produce any of those advantageous results, so confidently expected : nor indeed could the discriminating statesman have justly calculated upon extensive benefit from Hhe achievement. The American nation is spread over a vast region ; the great body of whose population live upon their farms, pursuing exclusively the occupations of agriculture. The loss of a town, though the first, is not felt by a people thus situated, as it is in Europe, where whole countries resemble a con tinued village ; and where the commercial and manufacturing inter ests have spread and ramified themselves to a considerable extent. However the loss of Philadelphia may have advanced the hopes of the British nation and government, it was slightly regarded by the states and congress. This body of virtuous sages had discerned, by deep examination of the resources of the United States, that the nation's safety was not endangered by such fleeting occurrences : they placed, under God, their confidence in -the fidelity of their fellow citizens, in the courage of their annies, in the purity and wisdom of their general in chief, and in the fiscal ability of the nation ;* on all of which they had a right to eount with certainty, dreadfully as the last failed from the imbecilty of the govern ment. Experience too had not withheld its chastening admonition.! . New York had before fallen, after having been held too long, from the influence which, in a free country, the public wish will ever possess, even over the stern soldier. By obedience to the impulse flowing from this cause, the main body of the American army had been risked improvidently in tbe bold attempt to hold that city ; and with much difficulty and much loss, did the commander in chief extricate his army, from the perils in which it had been conse quently involved. Washington, following sir William Howe with a view to place himself in a strong position at a convenient distance,, ready to seize the first fit opportunity to measure swords with his antagonist, en- *The congress was composed of deputies from the several states, and resem bled more a diplomatic corps executing the will of the sovereign, than the sover eign commanding the execution of its will. It cannot excite surprise to the re flecting reader, tnat our finances, under such auspices, sonn sunk. t It Is natural for the inhabitants of the same country to feel for the losses and injuries of any portion of their countrymen from the operations of a cum- mon enemy. This influence is accompanied by a disposition to criminate .him who may be intrusted with the direction of the means of protection, sharpened by an indisposition to retribute those who lose by not receiving that protection however strongly called for by equity. To save New York, our second, if not first town, was the wish of all ; and Washington, sharing in this feeling with his fellow citizens, seems to have indulged his inclination too far upon this occa sion. After various marches and manoeuvres, and some loss, the erroneous plan was concluded by the fall of Fort Washington, with a numerous garrison, whose aid in the field could ill be spared. 20 Memoirs of the War in the camped on the western side of Skippack creek, about sixteen miles From Germantown. , Both generals now turned their attention to the river impedi ments : the one, to open a passage for his fleet, which, after disem barking the army, had returned to sea, destined forthe Delaware ; the other, to impede, as long as was practicable, this much desired junc tion. ' The American general had neglected no means within his power to stop the advance of the fleet, by preparing to maintain the defence of the various obstructions fixed .in the channel of the river. With this view, two fortresses had been erected : one on Mud Island, denominated Fort Mifflin, 'after general Mifflin, since. governor of Pennsylvania ; and the other at Billingsport, on a point of land, opposite to the lower line of chevaux-de-frise, of which three rows, formed of the heaviest timber, strengthened and point ed with iron,- had been sunk across the channel. Billingsport was abandoned on the approach of a detachment, under colonel Stir ling, sent to dislodge the American garrison ; and a high bluff on the same side of the river, opposite to Mud Island, called Red, Bank, was fortified, .which with Fort Mifflin protected the two up per lines of chevaux-de-frise. Above, and near to these, was stationed our maritime force, consisting of row galleys, floating batteries, fire ships, and rafts. The fortification of Red Bank con sisted of an intrenchment and redoubt, called Fort Mercer, in com memoration of brigadier general Mercer, of Virginia, who died of his wounds received at the battle- of Princeton, nobly sustaining his beloved commander, in consummating the masterly movement made by him from bis position in front of lord Cornwallis at Tren ton ; by which single stroke, was liberated nearly the whole state of New Jersey. Officers were selected to command at these particular posts, high- in tbe confidence of the commander in chief; and the naval force was committed to commodore Hnzelwood. Great were tbe exertions of sir William Howe to restore the navigation ; and equally great were the efforts of Washington to hold it occluded. Aware that the necessary operations to reduce tbe forts, Mercer and Mifflin, would call for considerable detach ments from the British army, the American general continued in his_ position at Skippack Creek, within reach of his enemy, still encamped in the village of Germantoivn, patiently watching forthe opportune moment, to strike his meditated blow. Cautious as Washington undoubtedly was, his caution was ex ceeded by his spirit of enterprise. He resembled Marcellus rather than Fabius, notwithstanding his rigid adherence to the Fabian policy during our war. Ardent, and impetuous by nature, he bad, nevertheless, subjected his passions to his reason ; and could with facility, by hi* habitual self-control, repress his inclina- tions whenever his judgment forbade their indulgence ; the whole tenor of his military life evinces uniform and complete self command. Province Inland close to the Pennsylvania shore, and contiguous to Mud Island, had been possessed by general Howe, with a view Southern Department of the United States. 21 to hasten the fall of Fort Mifflin. This service, with other accom panying claims on his force, compelled him to draw rather improvi- dently from his main body, already weakened by his occupation of Philadelphia, with a considerable detachment under lord Corn- wallis. Understanding the condition of his foe, Washington decamped on the evening of the third of October, and, moving with secrecy and circumspection, attacked the enemy in his camp at Germantown, early in the morning .of the fourth. The commencement was favourable ; but, by the failure of punctual co operation, and the brave stand of colonel Musgrave with six companies of the fortieth regiment at Chew's house on the discomfiture of the British van the flattering dawn was soon and sadly changed. Washington was compelled to retire ; which he effected with case, the enemy showing no disposition to risk serious pursuit. Our loss was considerable, and unhappily augmented by the captivity of the ninth Virginia regiment and its brave colonel, Matthews, who had, with a part of the sixth, led by colonel Towles, victori ously pierced into the midst of the British army, where, gallantly contending unsupported, he was compelled to surrender. Here, as at Brandywine; some of our corps greatly distinguished themselves. Major general Sullivan's division made up chiefly of the Maryland line, did honour to its general, and its state j especially the brigade commanded by Conway, who led into battle on the right. Such partial efforts, however honourable to the par ticular troops, never can terminate in victory : this precious fruit is only to be plucked by the co-operating skill and courage of the whole body. The loss of the British in killed and wounded was nearly equal to that sustained by us, which did not exceed six hundred.* The sudden. change which we experienced was attributed to the delay of the left column's entrance into action, f to the fog of the morning which was uncommonly dense, and to the halt at Chew's house. These certainly were the ostensible causes of the defeat ; and some of them lightly contributed to our disaster. A critical examination of the operations of that day, however, will lead all impartial inquirers to one conclusion : namely, that although the fog withheld from us the important advantage, resulting to assailing troops, from a clear view of the enemy's incipient measures to repel the assault ; and although the halt at Chew's house had coal ed the ardour, which, atthe beginning, success had infused into our soldiers ; y£t these incidents could not have produced the disastrous change in the fortune of the day. * Besides the ninth regiment, but few prisoners were taken. The whole amounted to 400, which, added to our killed and wounded, gave a total of 1000. t The left column was under the order of major general Greene. Some attempts at that time were made to censure that officer ; but they were too fee ble to attract notice, when levelled at a general whose uniform conduct had already placed him high in the confidence of his chief and of the army. 22 Memoirs of the War in the But this turn must be ascribed to deeper causes : to the yet imperfect discipline of the American army; to the broken spirit of the troops, who, from day to day, and from month to month, had been subjected to the most trying and strength-wasting privations, through the improvidence, or inability of government ; to the inex perience of the tribe of generals ; and to the complication of the plan of assault : a complication said to have been unavoidable. The halt at* Chew's house was taken after some deliberation, as the writer well recollects ; being for that day in the suite of the commander in chief, with a troop of dragoons charged with duty near his person. Many junior officers, at the head of whom where colonel Picker ing and lieutenant colonel Hamilton, urged with zeal the propriety of passing the house. Brigadier Knox opposed the measure with earnestness, denouncing the idea of leaving an armed force in the rear ; and, being always high in the general's confidence, his opin ion prevailed. A flag of truce was instantly despatched to summon the British colonel, while appropriate bodies of troops were pre pared to compel his submission. As had been suggested, the sum mons was disregarded by Musgrave, who persevered in his judi cious defence ; and captain Smith, of the first Virginia regiment, deputy adjutant general, bearing the flag, fell with it waving in his hands. Thirsting after military fame, and devoted to his country, he obeyed with joy the perilous order ; advanced through the deadly fire pouring from the house, presuming that the sanctity of his flag would at length be respected ; vain expectation ! be fell before his admiring comrades, a victim to this generous presump tion. Unfortunatet as was the issue of the battle at GermantowD, it manifested the unsubdued, though broken spirit, of the American army ; and taught the enemy to expect renewal of combat, when ever adequacy of force or fitness of opportunity should authorize repetition of battle : it gave, too, animation to the country at large, exciting in congress, and in the people, invigorated zeal in the great cause in which they were engaged. CHAPTER VI. J30TH armies having resumed their former -positions, the respec tive leaders, with renovated vigour, directed their views to the car dinal point, of all their movements, and all their conflicts. * Colonel Musgrave and the fortieth regiment received the cordial thanks of sir William Howe, and were held up to the army as an example for imitation Nor was the applause, which was lavishly bestowed upon Musgravs restrict ed to America. It resounded in Great Britain ; and the successful' colonel received a letter from the British monarch, expressing his sense of his raeiitori- his conduct. t Congress voted their thanks to the general and army, expressing without reserve their approbation of tbe plan of battle, and of the courage Exhibited on the occasion. & '""™ Southern Department of the United States. 23 Howe felt and understood the late bold attempt of his adversary ; and, withdrawing from his position in Germantown, concentrated his force in the vicinity of Philadelphia, strengthening his camp by field works, which in effect increased Ms disposable force. He soon became convinced that the dislodgement of the Ameri can garrisons from the forts, Mifflin and Mercer, was an indispensa ble prerequisite to the opening of the passage of the river, where the admiral and fleet had arrived from the Chesapeake, prepared to cooperate in removing those obstructions ; and immediate mea sures were taken towards the accomplishment of this object. A detachment of Hessians, led by colonel count Donop, crossed the Delaware from Philadelphia, and took the route for Fort Mer cer. A few miles only in its van, was a reinforcement for the post of Mud Island, sent by Washington, under lieutenant colonel Simms, of the sixth Virginia regiment.* Simms continued to precede Donop, and reached the fort at Red Bank, the evening before the enemy appeared. No doubt existed but that Donop would make his assault the next day. Simms en treated colonel Greene, of the Rhode Island line, commandant in Fort Mercer, to avail himself of the accidental aid under his com mand. To this proposal Greene readily assented ; and a disposi tion was accordingly made of the united force, to receive the assail ant. Matured reflection, in the course of the night, induced col onel Greene to renounce the welcome and seasonable aid before accepted. He considered that the detachment under lieutenant colonel Simms was destined for Mud Island, a place of the highest importance ; and which, for ought he knew, might be attacked by the fleet and army at the moment of the intended assault upon him self. He revolved in his mind the weighty responsibility he should assume, by changing the disposition of the commander in chief, increased tenfold should an attack be made upon Fort Mifflin, desti tute of the aid sent to contribute to its defence. These soldier-like reflections determined this gallant officer to rely solely upon his inferior force, which he directed to resume its original disposition, assigning his entire corps to that part of the works heretofore contracted to fit his strength ; nor could the per severing solicitations of lieutenant Colonel Simms, seconded by the anxious wishes of his troops, shake the fixed resolve bf Greene. ?Lieutenant colonel Simms, after passing the Delaware below Bristol, arriv ed with the detachment under his command, at Moore's Town, eight miles from Cooper's ferry, opposite Philadelphia, about ten o'clock at night. He was in formed that a detachment of the enemy were crossing at that ferry ; the safety of his detachment required that he should ascertain whether the enemy were actually crossing the Delaware or not; and he immediately, with a small escort of dragoons, proceeded with great circumspection to the ferry, and found that the information he had received was not true ; nor could he discover any movement of troops in the city. A party of militia were posted at the ferry, whom lieutenant colonel Simms found asleep ; being roused and informed of their danger from such negligence, they providentially escaped certain dntruclion , for before the dawn of day, the van of Donop's corps had landed wth hope at striking them. 24 Memoirs of the War in the Disjointed in his sought participation of the terrible conflict impending, this zealous officer hastened to his destined post to "share with the commandant of Mud Island the dangers of his ardu- ous and momentous struggle. „mu„,i, j • Filing off* through the postern gate of the fort, he embarked ,Q boats prepared to transport his detachment to the Island, This movement was quickly discerned by count Donop. who, having some hours before arrived, was engaged in the necessary prepara- tions for attack. Not doubting, from what he saw, that the garrison was attempt ing to escape, Donop relinquished his preparations, though abso lutely requisite, and arrayed his troops for assault. Rushing on to our works, he entered that part of them designedly abandoned, in consequence ofthe contraction made by Greene; and, finding these evacuated, his temerity increased ; of which the American com mandant took full advantage. Having approached, tumultously, close to the muzzles of our guns, a severe fire from the garrison en sued, which was so fatal in its effects as to destroy instantly every hope of success. The gallant Donop fell, mortally wounded ; and tbe carnage was so dreadful as to render immediate flight on the part of the survivors indispensable. Nor was the naval diversion-, in favour of the assault by land, free from disaster. The Augusta, a ship of the line, and Merlin sloop of war, part of the squadron employed on this occasion, were both lost : the first, by fire acci- dently communicated ; the last, having grounded, was purposely destroyed. Thus was requited scrupulous adherence to military obedience. The hero of Fort Meicer received with universal acclamation the honour conferred on him by congress, so nobly earned ;* which, * In Congress, November 4, 1777. Resolved, that congress have a high sense of the merit of colonel Greene, and the officers and men under his command, iu their late gallant defence of the fort at Red Bank, on Delaware river, and that an elegant sword be provided by the board of war, and presented to colonel Greene. Extract from the minutes. Chari.es Thompson, sec'ry. War office of the United States, } New Yorlt, June 7, 1786. <" I have the honour to transmit to you, the son and legal representative of the late memorable and gallant colonel Greene, the sword directed to be presented to him by the resolve of congress of the 4th November, 1777. The repulse and defeat of the Germans, at the fort of Red Bank on the Del aware, is justly considered as one of the most brilliant actions of the late war. The glory dfthat event is inseparably attached to the memory of your late father and his brave garrison. The manner in which the supreme authority of the United States are pleased to express their high sense of his military merit, and thelwnourable instrument which they annex in testimony thereof, musi be peculiarly precious to a son emulative of his father's virtues. The circumstances of the war prevented the obtaining and delivery of the sword previous to your father's being killed at Croton river, iu the year 17(J0. On that catastrophe his country mourned the sacrifice of a, patriot and soldier, and miogled its tears with those of his family. Southern Department of the United States. 25 through the eventful vicissitudes of after service, he sustained with unfading lustre. This successful resistance, on the part of Ihe Americans, was soon followed by the exhilarating intelligence from the north, plac ing out of doubt the surrender of Burgoyne and his army. To protract as long as possible the defence ofthe obstructions to ihe river navigation, became more and more dear to Washington : for, with the reinforcements to be derived from the Northern ar my, he flutiered himself to lie at length able to act with that vigour, his own temper had invariably courted ; but which his impotent condition had prevented. Could he have left a sufficient force in his camp at White Marsh, to which position he bad advanced op the enemy's retreat to Philadelphia, to protect his hospitals and stores in Bethlehem, Reading, and their vicinity, he would have placed himself on the western heights ofthe Schuylkill, whence he could with facility have driven the enemy from Province Island, * by which establishment Fort Mifflin was essentially endangered. This movement on the part of Washington, must have compelled sir William Hovve to verdure the perilous operation of fighting his enemy on his own ground, passing a river into battle, or passing it above or below him. The latter was the most ready approach : but very disadvantageous was the access, through the intermediate marshes of the Delaware and the Schuylkill ; nor was it easy to convey artillery, baggage, and the ammunitions of war, through those humid grounds ; and delay in the operation would endanger the health of his troops. To pass above Washington comported better with a due regard to the health, the comfort, and the labour of his army ; but to this course were annexed weighty objections. The route would be extensive ; it would place Howe, when he reached the western banks ofthe Schuylkill, too remote from Philadelphia : a weak gar rison, if left there, must fall if struck at ; an adequate garrisou he could not spare, in his then effective strength. Whatever choice he might adopt in the difficult condition, to which the transfer of the American head quarters to the western heights of the Schuylkill, opposite to the city must have reduced him ;_it is very certain, his decision, when taken, would be replete That the patriotic and military virtues of your honourable father may influ ence your conduct in every case in which your country may require your services, is the sincere wish of Your most obedient and very humble servant, H. KNOX. Job Greene, Esa. . * A small detachment was landed on Province Island with a view to expel the enemy engaged in erecting this batte.y. Major Vatap, who commanded the RritTsh covetin- partv, abandoned most shamefully the artillery, which was h™et ^enke"n by a subaltern officer. The above is .tated by Mr. Stedman, whos history of the American war is marked by an invariable disposition to record the truth. I believe it is the single instance of dastardly conduct among Ihe B,i h officers during the war. Vatap belonjed to the tenth regiment, and va« ob ligecl to quit the se.vice, and sell out below the regulated price. 26 Memoirs of the War in the with hazard. Our army being reinforced from the north, with the faithful battalions of New England, flushed with victory, and sur passing, if possible, their comrades in devotion to the American chiefi even upon equal ground, the battle would have been keenly contested, and must have been profusely bloody. Victory, on the side of America, presented the richest rewards, peace and independence. Exhortations, drawn from such sources, could not have been applied without effect. But suppose sir Wil liam Howe to have readily surmounted the presumed obstacles ta his advance, and to have approached the American army, he would have found Washington in a position selected by himself, ready for battle. Bloody must have been the conflict, and uncertain the event. Yet it may be fairly suggested, had fortune continued to cling to sir William Howe, such would have been the obstinacy of tbe contest, that, situated as he was, it was highly probable all the advantages resulting from the battle would have been gathered by his adversary. Nothing short of a complete victory, followed by the destruction of his enemy, could have relieved the British gen eral ; which, in existing circumstances, was scarcely possible ; whereas a well fought day, crippling both armies, would in its con sequences have produced decisive benefits to his antagonist. Fort Mifflin, still sustaining itself against the persevering exertions of the enemy, could never have been reduced by the debilitated foe ; and the junction of the fleet, on which depended the safety of the army, never could have been effected. Delighted as, was Washington with a prospect so magnificent, he had, on the first intimation of the piobable issue to the northern campaign, given orders to general Gates, to hasten to his succour a portion of that army, as soon as the state of things would warrant a separation of his force. Meanwhile, restricted as he was to infe rior numbers, he continued to exert every mean in his power to support Mud Island ; whose commandant, count d'Arenat, having been disabled by indisposition to execute the duties of his station, lieutenant colonel Smith,* ofthe Maryland line, second in com mand, supplied hi* place. On this active and determined officer and his brave garrison, tbe attention of both armies was turned ; each being justly impressed with the momentous result of successful re sistance Smith felt the high responsibility devolved upon him, and was well apprised of the vast odds against which he had to contend, Unhappily the commodore and himself soon disagreed ; an event no doubt, productive of injurious effects to the service. Never thcless, lieutenant colonel Smith, and his gallant "-arrison, pre served the most imposing countenance, submitting to every priva tion, surmounting every difficulty, and braving every danger. * Now general Samuel Smith of Maryland, and «enator of the United States, Southern Department of the United Slates. 27 CHAPTER VII. J. HE enemy increased his works on Province Island, mounting them with thirty-two pounders ; which being completed on the 9th of November, a demolishing cannonade took place without delay and continued without intermission ; being erected within four or five hundred yards,of the nearest defences on Mud Island, the block houses were soon nattered down ; and the breach, in that quarter, encouraged immediate resort to the ultimate operations, which would most likely have been attempted, had not tbe heroic stand made by colonel Greene at Fort Mercer presented an admonition too im- pressive to be disregarded by an officer of sir William Howe's pru dence. This attempt was considered by lieutenant colonel Smith, not only practicable but probable; and he advised the withdrawal ofthe troops. Nor was his counsel unsupported by the actual con dition ofthe fort and garrison : the first dismantled in various poinls ; and the second always greatly inadequate in strength, and now ex tremely incapacitated, by fighting, walching, and working, for close and stubborn action. Indeed so desperate was the prospect, and so probable the last appeal, that colonel Smith assembled his officers, for tbe purpose of deciding on the course to be pursued ; when, with one voice it was determined that, should the expected event take place, and the enemy succeed in forcing tbe outer works, the garrison should retreat to an inclosed intrenchment in the centre of the fort, and there demand quarters ; which, if refused, a match should be instantly applied to the magazine, and themselves, with their enemy, buried in one common ruin. Washington, still sanguine in his expectation of being soon formi dably reinforced from the army under Gates, frowned upon every suggestion of evacuation. He established a small camp in New Jersey under brigadier Varnum, contiguous to Fort Mercer, for the purpose of affording daily relief to the garrison of Mud Island, whose commandant received orders to defend it to the last ex tremity. The enemy, from his ships below, and from his batte- Novem. ries on Province Island, and the heights above Schuylkill, 10tb. continued to press his attack with renewed vigour and increased effect. In the course of the fierce contest, lieutenant colonej Smith received a contusion from the shattered walls of Novem, the fort, which, obliging him to retire, the command Hth. devolved on his second lieutenant colonel Simms, who con- Novem tinned to sustain the defence with unyielding firmness, until 12th- he was relieved by colonel Russell, of Massachusetts, who Novem, preserved the undaunted resistance uniformly exhibited. i^th- Russell and his officers, being unacquainted with the condi tion of the works, and some movement indicating a determina tion to storm the fort being discovered, lieutenant colonel Simms proposed to the retiring garrison to remain until the next day. This proposition was generously assented to ; and the united force 28 Memoirs of the War in the repaired to their post, determined to defend, at every hazard, out- dilapidated works. In the course of the night, a floating battery was descried, falling down the river, the precursor, as was suppos ed, of the long expected assault. But whatever may have been the enemy's design, it proved aborlive ; as only lhat single battery reached us, which was soon silenced by our guns, and abandoned by its crew. Novem. Russell was succeeded by major Thayer, of the Rhode Hth. Island line, an officer singularly qualified for tbe arduous condition in which he was placed. Resistance could not slacken, under such a leader. Entering with ardour into the wishes of his general, he labiured with diligence, during the night, to repair the destruction of the day ; he revived the hopes of his brave soldiers, by encouraging them to count on ultimate success ; and retrieved their impaired strength, by presenting to their view the rich har vest of reward and glory, sure to follow in the train of victory. Tbe terrible conflict became more and more desperate. Not the tremendous fire from Province Island and the heights of Schuylkill, not the thunder from the hostile fleet, nor the probable sudden co operation of the army down the river, could damp the keen and soaring courage of Thayer. Cool and discriminating amidst sur rounding dangers, he held safe the great stake committed to his skill and valour. A new assailant now presented itself. Between Province and "Mud Islands, water and time had worked a ship channel, on high tide, through a mere gut, which had never been observed by those, on whose examination and information, the defences in the river and on the island had been planned and executed. A succession of high tides for several preceding days, it is supposed, had at this period added considerably to the width and depth of this channel. However this may be, it is certain that this pass was first shown by the enemy, prepared to apply the advantage it bestowed. An East Indiaman, cut down to its depth of water, was, by the skill and perseverance common to British seamen, readily brought to the desired station, close to the fort. Thayer saw himself gone, unless the commodore could crush this unexpected and decisive operation. He lost not a moment in reporting his changed condi tion, and claiming immediate relief. Hazelwood felt with the same heart the altered and menaced state to which Fort Mifflin was re duced ; but all his efforts to repel this new enemy were ineffectual. Nothing now remained for the valiant Thayer, but to abandon the high-prized station. He retired in the second night of his Novem. command, admired by the brave garrison who had ex- 15th. perienced the value of his able predecessors, and honoured by the commander in chief, though compelled to a measure fatal to his wisely projected and well supported system. Notwithstanding the loss of Fort Mifflin, Washington was very unwilling to abandon Fort Mercer, knowing that the northern re inforcement must soon arrive ; to accelerate whose progress he had some time before despatched lieutenant colonel Hamilton 'He Southern Department of the United States. 29 consequently determined to counteract lord Cornwall's operations who, after Donop's repulse, had been detached across the Delal ware with^ a respectable force, and was now moving upon Fort Mercer. To this end, major general Greene, by his order, enter- j k GW ,sey with " considerable detachment, to be strengthen ed by the first division of the troops expected from the north. Disappointed in the promised aid, and very inferior to his enemy in number, who had been reinforced in his march by troops just arrived from New York, Greene could not act offensively : the Novem. Fort of Red Bank was consequently evacuated ; and the ISth. two generals rejoined without delay their respective leaders.* Washington, soon after sir William Howe retired from German- town, had advanced, as before mentioned, to White Marsh, within reach of the enemy ; a strong position, rendered stronger by the application of art and labour, wherever requisite. On the return of lord Cornwallis from New Jersey, the British general resolved to bring the American army to battle ; with which view he moved From Philadelphia on the 4th of December, and took post on Ches- nut Hill, distant three miles from While Marsh. Here he passed two days, making many demonstrations of a general assault. On the third he changed his ground, and encamped in front of our left, the most vulnerable part of Washington's position, as it might have been turned by pursuing the old York road ; which measure would infallibly have produced battle, or have forced retreat. Here the British general renewed his demonstrations of assault ; and lord Cornwallis engaged the light troops on our left flank, who were driven in, after a sharp rencontre, in which major Afprris, of New Jersey, was mortally wounded. This officer's distinguished merit had pointed him out to the commander in chief, as peculiarly cal culated for the rifle regiment, made up with a view to the most perilous and severe service, and which had, under its celebrated colonel (Morgan,) eminently maintained its renown in the late try ing scenes of the memorable campaign in the north ; in all of which Morris bore a conspicuous part. His loss was deeply felt, and universally regretted, being admired for his exemplary courage, and beloved for his kindness and benevolence. This skirmish con: eluded the manifestations of battle exhibited by Howe. He re turned to Philadelphia, unequivocally acknowledging by his retreat, that his adversary had at length attained a size which forbade the risk of battle on ground chosen by himself. J Truth, spokeu in terms so imperative, would have conveyed to the British minister salutary admonition, had his mind been open to its reception. This was the period for the restoration of the * Glover's brigade, the van of the northern reinforcement, did not, as was expected, reach major general Greene ; whereas lord Cornwallis united to his corps a reinforcement lately arrived in the river from New York. t Washington, on receiving intelligence of Howe's retreat, said. Belter would it have been for sir William Howe to have fought without victory, than thus to declare his inabiliiy." 30 Memoirs of the War in the blessings of peace ; and the loss of one army, with the late une quivocal declaration* of the British commander in chief, ought to have led to the acknowledgement of our independence, and to the renewal of amity, with preferential commercial intercourse ; thus saving the useless waste of blood and treasure which followed, stopping the increase of irritation which twenty years of peace have not eradicated, and preventing (he alliance soon after effect.* ed, between their ancient enemy and these states — tbe proliBc parent of great and growing ills to Great Britain and to America. . H( CHAPTER Vill. LOWE'S abandonment of the field, and the rigour of the Rea son, induced the American general to prepare for winter quar ters. Comparing the various plans suggested by his oivn compre' hensive mind, and by the assisting care of those around him, lie adopted a novel experiment, the issue of which gave increase of fame to bis already highly honoured name. He determined to hold his main force in one compact body, and to place some light troops, horse and fool, with corps of militia in his front, contiguous to the en emy, for the double purpose of defending the farmer from the out rages of marauders, and of securing to himself quick information of any material movement in the enemy's camp. He selected for his winter position Valley Forge, which lies on the western side ofthe Schuylkill, convenient to the rich country of Lancaster and Read ing, and in the first step of the ascent of hills, which reach to the North Mountain or Blue Ridge, It possessed every advantage which strength of ground or salubrity of climate could bestow. Here, by the bands of his soldiers, he erected a town of fiuts, which afforded a comfortable shelter from the inclemency of the season, and strengthened bis position by all the help of art and industry. This work, of ins selection, soon evinced its prefer ence to the common mode of cantonment in contiguous towns and villages. Close under the eye of the officer, and far from the scenes of delight, the hardy character ofthe troops did not degenerate by effemi nate indulgences, but was rather confirmed by unremitting attention to the acquirement of military knowledge, and the manly exercises pro per for a camp. Intent upon bringing his army to a thorough know ledge of the mon approved system of tactics, the American general adopted the means most likely to produce this essential effect,"watch- ing and encouraging with care and indulgence his beloved troops in their progre-s, always tenderly mindful of the preservation of their health ; as on their fidelity, skill, and courage, his oppressed country Southern Department of the United States. 31 rested for relief and safety. He not only enforced rigid attention to all those regulations and usages generally adopted to keep offdisease, but determined to risk the critical and effectual measure of extinguish ing the smallpox in his army ; whose pestilential rage had already too often thinned its ranks, and deteated the most important enter prises. Preparations to accomplish this wise resolution having been made with all possible secrecy, the period of the winter, most op posed to military operations, was selected for its introduction in succession to the several divisions of the army ; and, what is really surprising, nearly one half of the troops had gone through the dis ease, before the enemy became apprised of its commencement. While Washington was engaged, without cessation, to perfect his army in the art of war, and to place it out of the reach of that contagious malady so fatal" to man, sir William was indulging, with his brave troops, in all the sweets of luxury and pleasure to be drawn from the wealthy and populous city of Philadelphia ; nor did he once attempt to disturb that repose, now so essential to the American -general. Thus passed the winter ; and the approaching spring brought with it the recall of the commander of the British army; who was succeeded by sir Henry Clinton, heretofore his second * It is impossible to pass over this period of the American war without giving vent to some of those reflections which it necessari ly excites. Sir William Hovve was considered one of the best soldiers in England, when charged with the important trust of sub duing the revolted colonies. Never did a British general, in any period of that nation, command an army better fitted to insure suc cess than the one submitted to his direction, whether we regard its comparative strength with that opposed to it, the skill of the officers, the discipline and courage of the soldiers, the adequacy of all the implements and munitions of war, and the abundance of the best supplies of every sort. In addition, his brother lord Howe commanded a powerful fleet on our coast, for the purpose of sub serving the views, and supporting the measures, ofthe commander in chief. Passing over the criminal supineness which marked his conduct after the battle of Long Island, and the fatal mistake of the plan of the campaign in 1777, (the first and leading feature of which ought to have been junction with Burgoyne and the undis turbed possession of the North river) we must be permitted to look at him with scrutinous though impartial eyes, when pursuing his own object, and directed by his own judgment, after his disem barkation at the head of the Chesapeake. We find him continuing to omit pressing the various advantages he dearly gained, from time ta time. He was ever ready to appeal » After sir William Howe returned home, a parliamentary inquiry was made into his conduct upon a motion of his brother, admiral lord Huwe, which was in a little while dropped. It plainly appears, from the documents exhibited, that sir William Howe's plans were cordially adopted by the minister, and that he was as cordially supported by government iu whatever he desired.— be' parliamentary debates for 1779. 32 Memoirs of the War in the to the sword, and but once retired from his enemy. But he does not seem to have known, that to win a victory was but the tint step in the actions of a great captain. To improve it, is as essential ; and unless the first is followed by the second, the conqueror ill re quites those brave companions of his toils aud perils, to whose dis regard of difficulties and contempt of death, he is so much indebt ed for the laurel which entwines his brow ; and basely negleets his duty to his country, whose confidence in his zeal for her good, had induced her lo commit to his keeping, her fame and interest. After his victory at Brandywine, he was, by bis own official statement, less injured than his adversary ; yet with many of his corps, entire and fresh, we tiud him wasting three precious days, with the sole ostensible object of sending his wounded to Wilming ton. Surely the detachment, charged with this service, was as adequate to their protection on the field of battle, as afterwards on the march ; and certainly rt required no great exertion of mind to have made this arrangement in the course- of one hour, and to have pursued his beaten foe, after the refreshments and repose enjoyed in one night. This was omitted. He adhered to the same course of conduct after Ihe battle of Germantown, when the ill boding tidings, from the northern warfare, emphatically called upon him to press his victory, in order to compensate for the heavy loss likely to be sustained by the captivity of Burgoyne and his army. But what is surprising, still more, after the Delaware was restor ed to his Ose, and the communication with the fleet completely enjoyed, he relinquished his resolution of fighting Washington at White Marsh, having ascertained, by his personal observation, that no material difficulty presented itself on the old York road ; by which route he could, with facility, have turned Washington's left, and have compelled him to a change of position with battle, or to a perilous retreat. And last, though not least in magnitude, knowing as sir William ought to have known, the sufferings and" wants of every kind to which Washington was exposed at Valley Forge, as well as that his army was under inoculation for the small pox, while he himself was so abundantly supplied with every ar ticle requisite to give warmth and comfort lo his troops, it is won derful how he could omit venturing a winter campaign, to him pro mising every advantage, and to his antagonist, menacing every ill — this too, when the fate of Burgoyne was no longer doubtful, and its adverse influence on foreign powers unquestionable, unless bal anced by some grand and daring stroke on his part. The only plan practicable was that above suggested ; an experiment urged by all the considerations which ever can command high-spirited enter prise. These are undeniable truths ; and they involve an inquisitive mind in a perplexity, not easy lo be untangled. It would be absurd to impute this conduct to a want of courage in sir William Howe- for all acknowledge that he eminently possessed that quality. Nor can it be justly ascribed to either indolence of disposition, or a habit of sacrificing his duties to ease; for "he possessed a robust Southern Department of the United States. 33 body with an active mind, and, although a man of pleasure, subdu ed, when necessary, its captivating allurements with facility. To . explain it, as some have done, by supposing him friendly to the re volution, and therefore to connive at its success, would be equally stupid and unjust ; for no part of sir William's life is stained with a single, departure from the line of honour. Moreover, traitoig are not to be found among British* generals ; whose fidelity is se cured by education, by their grade and importance in society, and by the magnificent rewards of government sure to follow distin guished efforts."' The severe admonition, which sir William had received from Hie disastrous battle of Bunker's, or rather Breed's, Hill, furnishes the most probable explanation of this mysterious inertness. On that occasion, he commanded a body of chosen troops, inured to discipline, and nearly double in number to his foe ; possessing artillery in abundance, prepared in the best manner; with an army at hand ready to reinforce him, and led by officers, many of whom had seen service, all of whom had been bred to arms. His enemy was a corps of peasants, who, for the first time, were unsheathing their swords ; without artillery ; defectively armed with fowling pieces, and muskets without bayonets ; destitute of that cheering comfort, with which experience animates the sol dier ; with no other works than a slight redoubt, and a slighter trench, terminating in a yet slighter breast work Sir William found this feeble enemy posted %a tbe margin, and along the acclivily of the hill, commanded by colonel Prescol,* then unknown to fame : yet sir William beheld these brave yeo men — while the conflagration of a town was blazing in their faces, while their flanks were exposed to maritime annoyance, and their front was assailed by regulars in proud array under tbe protection of cannon in full discharge — receive the terrible shock with firm ness, cooly await his near approach, and then resolutely, pour in a charge, which disciplined courage could not sustain He saw bis gallant troops fly — afterwards brought to rally with their colours, and, indignant at the repulse, return with redoubled fury. Sir William again saw these daring countrymen, unappalled in heart, unbroken in line, true to their generous leader and their inbred valour, calmly reserving themselves for the fatal moment, when his close advance presented an opportunity of winging every ball with * The honour conferred upon colonel Prescot was only a promotion in the army soon after established ; and this, the writer was informed by a gentleman residing in Boston who was well.acquainted with colonel Prescot, consisted only in the grade of lieutenant colonel, in a regiment of infantry. Considering him self entitled to a regiment, the hero of Breed's Hill would not accept a seconrf station. Warren, who fell uobly suppouing the action, was the tevounleoi the day, and has engrossed the fame due to Prescot. Bunker s Hill too has been considered as the fieid of, battle, when it is well known that it was .ought- upon Breed's Hill, the nearest of the two hills to Boston. No man eve res th. character of Warren more than the writer ; and he ..orders h ««» ^ "^ by his obedience to truth, doing justice to colonel Prescot, but pe forming a, acceptable service to the memory of the illustrious Warren, who, being a really great man, woald disdain to wear laurels nothu own. o 3* Memoirs of the War in the death. Again the British soldiers, with the. pupil of the immortal;; Wolfe at their head, sought safety in flight. Restoring his troops to order, sir William Howe advanced the third time, supported by naval co operation, and a large battery on the side, of Boston, Which had now nearly demolished our slender defences. Notwithstand ing this tremendous combination, sir William saw his gallant enemy maintain their ground, without prospect of succour, until their am munition was nearly expended : theii, abandoning their works as the British entered them, they took- the only route open to their escape with decision and celerity. ^ The sad and impressive experience of this murderous day sutu| deep into the mind of sir William Howe ; and it seems to have haT its influence, on all his subsequent operations, with decisive con- . trol. In one instance only did he ever after depart from the most pointed circumspection ; and that was in the assault on Red Bank, from his solicitude to restore the navigation of the Delaware deem ed essential to the safety of bis army. The doleful issue of this. single departure renewed the solemn advice inculcated at Breed's Hiil, and extinguished his spirit of enterprise. This is the only way in which, it seems to, me, the mysterious inertness which mark ed the conduct of the British general, so fatal in its effect to the British cause, can be intelligibly solved. The military annals of the world rarely furnish an achievment which equals the' firmness and courage displayed on lhat proud day by the gallant band of Americans ; and it certainly stands first in the brilliant events of our war. When future generations shall inquire, where are the men who-, gained the highest prize of glory in the arduous contest which ushered in our nation's birth — upon Prescot and his companions in arms will the eye of history beam. CHAPTER IX. felR Henry Clinton* had no sooner assumed the command in chief, than he began to prepare for the evacuation of Philadelphia, which was readily effected with his maritime assistance. Having put on board his ships every thing too heavyand cumbrous for land transportation, with the superfluous baggage of his army, he passed the river from the ciiy, on the 18th of June, completely prepared for the difficult retreat it became his duty to undertake. Washington, early apprised ofthe intended movement, gradually drew near to the Delaware, in the vicinity of Corryell's ferry, wait ing for thfe unequivocal demonstration of the enemy's intention,' before he ventured to leave Pennsylvania. In the mean time, he » Sir Henry Clinton had served in the war of 1755 under Prince Ferdinand; into whose family he was introduced, and continued as aid-de-camp to the; prince throughout the war, highly respected and esteemed. Southern Department of the United Stales. 35 collected his scanty means ot water transportation to the points on the river most convenient for his passage, and prepared himself for quick movement. The restoration ofthe metropolis ofthe Union, to its rightful possessors, was as unimpressive in its general effect on the American mind, as had been its relinquishment to sir William Howe some months before. Congress, who had left it with some precipitation, on the approach of the enemy, assembled at York Town, one hundred miles west of the city, where having continued to hold its session, thai body now returned lo Philadelphia. The loss of towns began to be properly understood in America : experience more and more illustrated, the difference between the same events in our thinly settled country, and the populous regions of Europe. Clinton pursued his retreat slowly, betraying no symptoms of precipitation, but rather indicating a disposition for battle. Such conduct on his part was wise, and worthy of the pupil of prince Ferdinand. Having reached Mount Holly, he pointed his inarch to Brunswick : whether this was the route preferred by him, or such demonstration was made only to throw Washington more to his left, and further distant from the route he ultimately took, and which perhaps was lhat of his original .choice, remains unascertain ed It appears evidently from the movements of the American general, that he accredited the demonstrations made by bis enemy towards Brunswick, never, however, putting himself too far to the left, should Clinton suddenly turn towards South Amboy or the heights of Middletown — the only lines of retreat left, should that to Brunswick be relinquished. Washington passed the Delaware three or four days after Clinton had crossed that river, and was nearer to either point of retreat, than was tbe British general. The Fabius of America, made up, as has been before observed, of great caution with superior enterprise, indulged the most anxious desire, to close with his antagonist in general action, "ppose'd to his wishes was the advice of his general officers : to this, he for a time yielded ; but as soon as he discovered that the enemy had reached Monmouth court-house, not more than twelve miles from the heights of Middletown, he determined that he should not escape without a blow. He therefore selected a body of troops, and plac ing them under the order of the marquis de la Fayetle, (a French nobleman, whose zeal to acquire renown in arms had brought him to the tented fields of America) directed that officer to approach close to the foe, and to seize any advantageous occurrence for his annoyance, himself following with tbe main body in supporting dis tance. The marquis was young, generous, and brave ; and, like most of his brother generals, yet little versed in the art of war. It was certainly a high trust to be confided to the young and capti vating foreigner, though afterwards well justified by his conduct throughout the war. Nothing is more dangerous than to hang with an inferior force upon a gallant enemy, never disinclined to draw his sword, and watchtul to seize every advantage within his reach. Soon after Fayette moved, a second corps was ordered to join him ; S6> Memoirs of the War in the and the united body was placed under the command of major gene-. rai Lee* for the express purpose of bringing on battle, should the enemy still continue in bis position at Monmouth court-house. Iu this officer was combined long and varied experience, with a pro found military genius. He held too, not only the peculiar confj- dence of the commander in chief, but that of congress, the nation, and the army. * Ou approaching Englislitown, a small village scveu miles from the court-house, where sir Henry continued in his camp, he learned, that the enemy, having held back the elite of his army, was determined to cover Kniphausen, who, charged with the care of the baggage, was on his march to the heights of Middletown. Here \iv. received orders from Washington lo strike at the British rear, unless "strong reasons" forbade it ; at the same time advising him of his approach to support him. Continuing to ad- 1778. vance, he discovered the enemy in motion. Clinton, tiav- June ing perceived various bodies of troops moving on his -8ll>- flanks, and apprehending that the column with his baggage might be grossly insulted, if not seriously injured, wisely resolved, by a for ward movement, to check further pursuit. Cornwallis, who led tbe van troops, advanced upon Lee. This officer, concluding that be should most effectually answer the object of Washington by drawing the enemy to him, thus inducing the foe lo expend his bodily Strength, while he saved that of the American army, in a day oi' uncommon heat, instantly began to retrograde ; to take which step he was additionally induced by discerning that the corps on his flank, under brigadier Scott, had repassed tire ravine in hisTear. This' country abounds with defiles of a peculiar sort: ihe valleys are cut by small rivulets with marshy grounds, difficult to man and borse, and impracticable to artillery, except in particular spots. Such was the one in Lee's rear, which Scott bad passed. Peise- vering in his decision to join, rather than recal Scott, be continued to retire, making good his retreat without injury, and exposing his person to every danger. At this moment Washington came up, and finding bis orders disobeyed, required explanation from general Lee with warmth. Unhappily Lee took offence at the manner in which he had been accosted, and replied unbecomingly, instead of entering into that full explanation, which his own honour, duty to his superior, and the good of bis country, demanded. Such con duct in an inferior officer could not be brooked ; and mel, as it merited, marked disapprobation. As soon as Lee perceived it pro per to deviate from bis instructions, he certainly ought to have advised the commander in chief of such deviation, with the reason! which produced it. Thus acting he would probably have received commendation; and a combined attack, founded upon the full re present ition of the relative state of himself and the enemy, might have led to the happiest result. This communication was neglected ; and Lee was ordered into the rear, while the army moved on to battle. The action shortly • Charlc- Lcr, seeoid in command of the army, see apj endix. Southern Department of the United States. 3f k after commenced ; tbe day was remarkably sultry ; and the Ameri- can army considerably fatigued by its previous march. The battle was, nevertheless, contested with peculiar keenness .and ceased in the evening as if by mutual consent. The American general determined to renew it in the morning, while sir Henry Clinton was as determined to avoid it.* Judging from the official statements which were published, the loss iva^ trifling and uot very unequal ; but the " stubborn fact" of burying the dead, manifests a great error in the report made by sir Henry Clinton lo his govenunent. He rated his dead and missing at one hundred and eighty-eight; whereas, we buried 6n the field of battle two hundred and forty-nine. Both sides claimed the victo ry; as is commonly the case when the issue is not decisive. With out doubt, sir Henry Clinton obtained his object, security from fur ther molestation, and the completion of his retreat. This, howev er, was effected not in tbe usual style of conquerors, but by decamp ing in the night, and haitily jointing Kniphausen, who had reached the heights of Middletown, near to the place of embarkation, and Becure from a-sault. It must be admitted, on a full view of the action, that tbe palm of victory clearly belonged to Washington, although it was not decisive, nor susceptible of improvement. Having rested his army a lew days in the position of Middletown, the British genera! embarked in the transports waiting his arrival, and soon reached New York. Washington, after paying his last respects to the dead, aud tenderly providing for the wounded, mov ed bj!" easy inarches tu the Hudson, comforting, by every means in his power, his faithfol troops, and once more took his favourite positron near the western shore of lhat river, which was always considered by him us the point of connexion to the two extremes qf the Union. Major general Lee was arrested upon sundry charges, tried, found guilty, and sentenced to be suspended from his command iu * The enemy having united his columns on the heights of Middletown, an at tempt to dislodge him would have been blind temerity. Had sir Henry Clinton not possessed this vast advantage, the victory would have been improved ; and in any other period of the retreat might have been made decisive iu aU pro bability. General Lee, in a letter dated Englishtown, June 2Sth, gives the following account of the battle of Monmouth. " What the devil brought us into this level country, (tbe very element of the enemy) or what interest we can have (in our present circumstances) to hazard au action, somebody else must tell you, for I cannot. I was yesterday oidere*- (for it was against my opinion aud inclination) to engage. I did, with my divi sion, which consisted of about four thousand men. The troop», both men and officers, showed the greatest valour: the artillery did wonders; but we were outnumbered ; particularly in cavalry, which was, at twenty different times, on the point of turning completely our flanks. This consideration naturally oblig ed us to retreat ; but the retreat did us, I will venture lo say, great honour. It was performed with all the order and coolness which can be seen on a common field day. Not a man or officer hastened his step, but one regiment regularly filed off from the front to the rear or the other. The thanks I received from his excellency were of a singular nature. 1 can demonstrate that had I not acted at I did; this armv, and perhaps America, would have been juined.' 38 Memoirs of the War in the the army for one year. The effect of which was, that the veteran soldier who had relinquished his native country, to support a cause d»ar to his heart, became lost to that of his adoption, and soon after lost to himself; as the few years he survived seem to have been passed in devotion to the sway of those human tormentors, envy and hate. The records of the court-martial manifest on their face the error of the sentence ; and it is wonderful how men of honour and of sense could thus commit themselves to the censures of the independent and impartial. If general Lee had been guilty of all the charges as affirmed by their decision, his life was forfeited ; and its sacrifice only could have atoned for his criminality. He ought to have been cashiered and shot ; instead of which the mild sen tence of suspension, for a short time, was the punishment inflicted. The truth is, the unfortunate general was only guilty of neglect in, not making timely communication of his departure from orders, subject to his discretion, to the commander in chief, which consti tuted no part of the charges against him. This was certainly a very culpable omission ; to which was afterwards added personal disrespect, where the utmost respect was not only due, but enjoin ed by martial la>v, and enforced by the state of things : two armies upon the very brink of battle, himself intrusted with the direction of an important portion of one of them, for the very. purpose of leading into action, to withhold the necessary explanations from his chief, and to set the example of insubordination by his mode of reply to an interrogatory, indispensably though warmly, put to him, merited punishment. But this offence was different, far different from " disobedience to orders," or " a shameful retreat ;" neither of which charges were supported by testimony ; and both, of which were contradicted by fact. Soon aftet sir Henry Clinton's return to New York, the first result of the alliance concluded during the preceding winter at Paris, between the United States and his most christian majesty, announced itself in decisive operations on the part of the French monarch. Admiral d'Estaing sailed from France in the beginning of the Summer, for the American coast, to co-operate with the American army ; and would have arrived in time to stop lord Howe in the Delaware, as was intended, had not his voyage been greatly retard ed by the unusual continuance of contrary winds The arrival of the fleet of our ally, though unproductive of the immediate effects expected, the destruction of the enemy's fleet in the Delaware, gave birth to new and interesting enterprises ; the relation of which, not coming within the scope of this work, must necessarily be omitted. In the cursory survey taken, my single object has been, to present to the reader a lucid and connected statement of those transactions which bear in any degree upon the southern war, either by their own relation, or by their introduction of characters, destined to act principal parts upon that theatre. Southern Department of the United States. 39 CHAPTER x. A LTHOUGH the surrender of Burgoyne, and Howe's declining to execute his menaced attack upon his adversary at White Marsh, 'did not convince the British Minister of the futility of his attempt to subjugate these States, it produced a change in the temper of the cabinet. An idle and fruitless essay was made to reconcile the re volted colonies : idle, because too late ; and fruitless, because found ed on the revocation of their independence. Little minds always, in difficulty, resort to cunning, miscalling it wisdom : this quality seems to have been predominant in the cabinet of Great Britain, and was alike conspicuous in its efforts to coerce, and in its prof fers to conciliate. Lord North was premier and first lord of the treasury. Heavy in mind as in body, dexterous in the management of the house of commons, dead to all those feelings whose infusion, into "the mass of the people, gives comfort to the ruled, and strength to the ruler ; cherishing with ardour the prerogative of the king, restricting with stubbornness the rights of the people ; he seems never to have discerned that the only way to make the monarch great, is fo make the subject happy — in finance rather systematic, plodding and adroit, than original, deep and comprehensive — ill parliament decent, sensible, and laborious, with some of the glit ter of wit, but with none of the effulgence and majesty of elo quence — in private life amiable and exemplary, better qualified for the enjoyments of its tranquil scenes, than lo direct, in the storm of war, the helm of a brave, intelligent, powerful nation. The minister, in addition to the difficulties growing out of his own inadequacy, had to contend with obstacles inherent in the nature of the conflict, and powerful in their effect. Slavery, however dress ed, is loathsome to the British palate ; and the attempt to deprive America of her birth right, never could be cordially relished, al though ostensibly supported. This innate abhorrence formed a current against administration, constant though slow, puissant though calm. Nor were statesmen wanting who proclaimed, with resist less force, the danger to British liberty from American slavery. At the head of this patriot band, stood the mighty Chatham. Tow ering in genius, superb id eloquence, decisive in council, bold in action, loving England first and England always, adored by the mass of the people, and dreaded by the enemies of English liberty, he unceasingly cherished the good old cause, for which Hampden fought, and Sidney bled. The premier, driven from his original purpose, by events resulting from his liberti-cide system, had not that sub limity of mind, which can renounce error with dignity, and turn calamity to account : or he would ere now have closed his vain and wasting war, by the acknowledgment of our independence, restor ing and riveting our commercial intercourse. Despairing of the subjugation of all the stales, he determined to apply his disposable force to the reduction of the weakest portion 40 * Memoirs of the War in the of the Union. With this view sir Henry Clinton, on his return to New York, began to make arrangements for a plan of operatic^ lo be executed as soon as the French fleet should quit the Amer ican coast. The count d'Estaing sailed from Boston, forthe West Indies, on; tbe 3d of November ; soon after which lieutenant colonel- (Jamp. bell was detached with three thousand men for the reduction of Georgia; orders having been despatched to brigadier general Pre- vost, commanding the British troops in East Florida, which adjoins the State of Georgia on the southwest, to invade it from that quar ter, and to assume the directions of the united detachments. CHAPTER XI. ©INCE the expedition under sir Flenry Clinton, in 1776, against Charleston, which had been completely baffled by the judicious ar rangements of major general Lee, seconded by the gallant defence of Fort Moultrie, by the excellent officer whose name it bears, then a colonel in the South Carolina line, the southern states had remain ed safe from hostile interruption, with the exception of some light predatory incursions from East Florida. The squadron conveying lieutenant colonel Campbell appeared off 1778. the Tybee river in the latter part of December ; and Dec. 29. no time was lost by* that active officer in effecting his de barkation, which took place on the 29th at Gerridge's plantation, twelve miles up the river, and three miles belrrtv Savannah, the cap ital of the State, situated on the south side of the river Savannah. Major general Robert Howe commanded the American force in Georgia, consisting of some regulars, and such portion of the mill, (ii as he might be able to collect. At this period it is supposed he bad under him one thousand and five hundred men, having consider rably reduced his effective strength by an unsuccessful expedition to East Florida, from which he had just returned, and was now en camped in a position which seems to have been judiciously selected, one half mile from the town of Savannah, across the main road lead ing to it. The ground was well adapted to his force, and was secured by advantage's of art and nltture. At a small distance in his front, ex tending parallel to it, was a lagoon, through which the road passed. The bridge over the rivulet, running through the lagoon, was de stroyed to retard the enemy's advance. His tight was covered by a morass, thick set with woods, and interspersed with some house*. occupied by riflemen ; his left rested on the swamps of the river-; ' and his rear was sustained by the town and old works of Savannah. To give additional strength to his position, he dug a trench from one morass to the other, a small distance in his front. Thus po^ed, the American general coolly waited the approach iog attack with his inferior force.. Southern Department of the United States. 41 A small skirmish ensued as the British van emerged out ofthe low grounds ; in which captain Campbell, ofthe 17th regiment fell much -regretted. ' The lieutenant colonel, having landed with the first division, oc cupied himself with preparations for action. While reconnoitring our position, he accidentally learned, that a by-path within his view led through the swamp to our rear. Intelligence so acceptable was instantly applied to his plan of battle. Having arrayed his troops in our front, sir James Baird* was de tached with the light infantry and the New York volunteers to gain our rear by moving occultly along the accidentally discovered path. Waiting the effect of this operation, the British continued quiet in line of battle. Very soon sir James reached his destined point ; when issuing out ofthe swamp he charged a body of militia station ed in our rear. This was the signal for general assault. The Bri tish line advanced with promptitude, driving our troops, broken and embarrassed by this unexpected attack in the rear, from their ground. The defeat was instantaneous and decisive. Howe was pursued through Savannah, and with a small part of his army escaped into South Carolina, losing before night five hundred and fifty men, kill- [ ed and taken, with his artillery and baggage. Nfeverwas a victory of such magnitude so completely gained, with so little loss, amounting only to seven killed and nineteen wounded, 1 The town, fort, cannon, shipping and stores of every kind, fell into | the hands of Ihe victor : whose conduct to the inhabitants was pecu- ' liarly kind and amiable. 1 General Howe was, after a considerable lapse of time, brought before a court of inquiry, and acquitted. However we must applaud the judgment displayed by the Amer ican general in selecting and improving his position ; however we must honour his gallant determination to receive the enemy's attack, with an inferior force ; yet, as this resolution, in prudence, must have been formed in the advantages of his ground, we cannot ex- 'cuse the negligence betrayed by his ignorance ofthe avenues lead ing to his camp. i How happens it. that he, who had been in command in that coun- i try for many months, should not have discovered the by-way pass ing to his rear, when lieutenant colonel Campbell contrived to dis- I cover it in a few hours ? The faithful historian cannot withhold his condemnation of such supineness. Thus it is, that the lives of ! brave men are exposed, and the public interest sacrificed. Yet i notwithstanding such severe admonitions, rarely does government I honour with its confidence, the man whose merit is his sole title to (preference : the weight of powerful connexions, or the arts of in- itriguing courtiers, too often bear down, unsupported though trans- cendent, worth. i Brigadier general Prevost, having entered Georgia in conformity with his orders, invested Sunbury, which he soon compelled to sur render. Having placed a garrison in the fort, the brigadier continr *This officer hjts since been extensively employed, and much distinguish^;. 6 &2 Memoirs of the War in the ued his march to Savannah, and took upon himself the command of the united forces. He detached lieutenant colonel Campbell to Au gusta, then a frontier town, and, like Savannah, situated on 177d. the southern banks of the same river. Meeting with no resistance, Campbell readily effected his object by possessing himself of the town. Thus in the short period of one month, was the Feb.l state of Georgia restored to the British crown. General Prevost persevered in the lenient course adopted by lieutenant colonel Campbell, sparing the property, and protecting the persons ofthe vanquished. Nor was he disappointed in the re ward due to policy, so virtuous and wise The affections of the people were enlisted on the side of the conqueror ; and our youth flocked to the British standard. From Augusta lieutenant colonel Hamilton, of the North Caroli na regiment, advanced, with a suitable detachment, further west to crush all remaining resistance, and to encourage the loyalists to step forward and give their active aid in confirming the establishment of royal authority. Every attempt to interrupt the progress of this officer was ineffectual ; and seven hundred loyalists imbodied with the determination to force their way to the British camp. Colonel Pickens, ofthe South Carolina militia, true to his coun try, and correctly interpreting the movement under Hamilton, as sembled his regiment and drew near to him for the purpose of counteracting his operations. Finding this officer invulnerable, he suddenly turned from him to strike at tbe loyalists' advancing towards Augusta. He fell in with them at Kettle creek, and instantly attacked them. The ac tion was contested with zeal and firmness ; when colonel Boyd, the commander of the loyalists, fell ; and his death was soon followed by the route of his associates. Nevertheless, three hundred of the body contrived to effect their union with the British army. This single, though partial check, was the only interruption of the British success from the commencement of the invasion. The delegates in Congress, from the states of South Carolina and Georgia, had some time before urged the substitution of a more ex perienced commander ofthe southern department* in the place of general Howe. This solemn application did not fail to engage the serious atten tion of that respectable body. Not only was the desired substitu tion made, but the states of Virginia and North Carolina ' 17$. were pressed, in the most forcible terms, to hasten sue- Sept. 25. cour to their afflicted sisters. North Carolina obeyed with promptitude the demand of Con. gress ; and two thousand of her militia, under generals Ashe and Ru therford, reached Charleston before the expedition under lieuten ant colonel Campbell was announced on the southern coast. But this auxiliary force was unarmed ; North Carolina being very des titute of that primary article of defence. South Carolina, more * The southern department comprehended Virginia, the two Carolinas, and Georgia lately Maryland and Delaware were added. Southern Department of the United States. 43 provident, because more attractive from the wealth concentered in its capital, had in due time furnished herself with arms, but was in disposed to place them out of her control, especially as it was then uncertain whether she might not be the point of invasion. The zeal displayed by. North Carolina, while it entitled her to commendation, was thus unproductive ofthe expected effect. Nor until after the defeat of Howe was this force in readiness to repair to the theatre of action. Major general Lincoln, of Massachusetts, had been selected by congress in the place of Howe.* This officer was a soldier of the revolution ; his stock of experimental knowledge, of course, could not have been very considerable, although he had seen more ser vice than most of our officers of the same standing. He bad uni formly possessed the confidence of Washington, who had often in trusted him with important commands ; and he was second to Gates at Saratoga, greatly contributing by his judicious and spirited con duct, to the happy issue of that momentous campaign. Upright, mild, .and amiable, he was universally respected and beloved ; a truely good man, and a brave and prudent,but not consummate soldier, Lincoln hastened towards his post, and, having reached Charleston, bestowed his unremitted attention to the timely completion ofthe re quisite arrangements for the defence of the south. Here he heard of the descent of lieutenant colonel Campbell, and the disastrous overthrow of Howe. Hurried by this event he quick ly reached tbe confines of Georgia, and having united vhe 1779. remains of the defeated arjny, with the troops of the two Jan. 7. Carolinas, he established himself in Purysburg, a small village on the northern side ol the Savannah, about fifteen miles above the capi tal of Georgia. The British force under Prevost at this period is stated to have been nearly four thousand ; while that under Lincoln did not exceed three thousand and six hundred; of which, only eleven hundred were continentals.! The superiority of Prevost, especially in the quality of his troops, was in a great degree lost by their distribution, in different stations, from Savannah to Augusta, a distance of one hundred and forty miles. Nor would it have been a safe operation had his force been concentered, to pass the difficult river of Savan nah, with its broad and deep swamps, in the face of Lincoln. The Bri tish general, satisfied for the present, with the possession of Georgia, devoted his mind and force to the preservation and confirmation of the fruits of his success. With this view, and to this end, he persevered in sustaining his long line of defence, although his enemy separated only by the river, kept his force compact. * General Howe joined the main army under the commander in chief, where he served to the end ofthe war. A court of inquiry was held to investigate the cause of his defeat before Savannah, who reported favourably to the major t "Continentals" mean regular soldiers eniisted and paid under the author ity of congress. The continental troops had not seen service, teing composed ofthe line of the Carolinas and Georgia, with the exception ofthe gallant de fenders of Fort Moultrie in 1776. 44 Memoirs of the War in ths About this time Prevost, availing himself of his naval aid, and ofthe interior navigation, made an establishment on the island of Port Roy al, under major Gardner, with two hundred men. The object of this inexplicable movement could not then be ascertained ; nor has it since been developed. Colonel, now general Moultrie, soon dis lodged Gardner, with considerable loss, and would have annihilated the detachment, had not the want of ammunition prevented the vic tor from improving his advantage. The Charleston militia be haved admirably in this affair. The captains, Barnwell, Hey watd, Rutledge, and lieutenant Wilkins, eminently distinguished them selves : the latter officer was killed. CHAPTER XII. Feb. ^jrENERAL Lincoln, at length strengthened by consider able reinforcements of the militia, came to the resolution of act ing offensively. A considerable detachment (nearly one thousand and five hun dred, all militia, except one hundred regulars) was placed under the orders of general Ashe, who was directed to take post opposite to Augusta. Before Ashe reached the place of his destination, tbe British troops fell back from Augusta, and, crossing Brier Creek, encamped at Hudson's Ferry, twenty-four miles above Ebenezer, then the head-quarters of the royal army. The abandonment of Augusta very much gratified Lincoln, who was extremely anxious to cover the upper parts of the state, for the double purpose of reducing the enemy to narrower limits, and uniting to his arms the hardy sons of the west. He therefore or- Feb. dered Ashe to pass the river, and to place himself behind 28th. Brier Creek, where it falls into the Savannah ; secured in bis front by the creek, on his left by tbe river, he could only be assailed on his right. To enable him to explore accurately this quarter, a squadron of dragoons was annexed to his corps, and to give to his condition the utmost activity, the baggage of the detach ment was ordered to be removed to the north side of the Savan nah. (Sieneral Prevost was not at a loss for the motives of this opera tion, nor insensible to its consequences. He determined without delay to dislodge Ashe from the position he ^iad taken. To conceal his real object, he made some demon strations of crossing the Savannah with his main body, when the, detachment prepared to strike at general Ashe, advanced upon Brier Creek. Major Macpherson openly moved along the main road, and attracted, as was intended, the undeviating attention of the American brigadier, while lieutenant colonel Prevost, March by an occult march of fifty miles, forded the creek fifteen 4. miles above our position, and fell suddenly in its rear. Colonel Southern Department of the United States. 45 Elbert, with the band of continentals, made a brave but ineffectual stand. They were made prisoners, and the whole body put to the rout, with the loss of only five privates killed, and one officer and ten privates wounded Great was the loss on the side of Ameri ca ; and, of those who did escape, only four hundred and fifty re joined our army. Lieutenant colonel Prevost did honour to himself, by the band- some manner in which he accomplished the enterprise committed to his conduct. While commendation is justly bestowed upon the British officer, censure cannot be withheld from the American com mandant. The flattering prospect of recovering a lost state was dashed to pieces in an instant, by the culpable inattention of an officer, high in rank, highly entrusted, and imperatively summoned to take care that his country should not be injured by his negli gence ; yet it was injured, and that too, while the late terrible blow, sustained from the same cause by general Howe, was fresh in recollection, and while the wounds there received were still bleeding. Relieved, by this decisive victory, of all apprehension hereto fore entertained, of the stability of the change effected in Georgia, tbe British general re-established, by proclamation, the royal go vernment, as it existed on the commencement of the revolution, and renewed his endeavours to rekindle the spirit of loyalty, which had been very much damped by the victory of Perkins, the evacua tion of Augusta, and the menacing movement of general Lincoln. Disaster upon disaster called for increased vigour in our coun sels. This manly disposition happily ensued. John Rutledge, who had taken an early and distinguished part in the revolution, was called to the chair of government in South Carolina, and in vested with dictatorial power. An accomplished gentleman, a pro found statesman, a captivating orator, decisive in his measures, and inflexibly firm, he infused his own lofty spirit into the general mass. The militia rallied around the American standard ; and general Lincoln soon found himself in strength to resume the judi cious plan of holding Augusta and the upper country of Georgia. About this time the legislature of Georgia was to convene in Augusta. To protect it was a weighty consideration with the American general, whose force had. increased to five thousand men. Leaving, therefore, one thousand under general Moultrie, for the defence of the posts of Purysburg and the Black Swamp, Lincoln decamped on the 23d of April for Augusta. The British April general observed this movement, with those emotions it was 25. calculated to excite ; nor did he pause a moment in taking the re solution to counteract it. To advance upon Augusta was the plan which caution suggested, and which policy dictated ; for, although inferior in numbers, he far excelled in the character of his troops, in the quality of his arms, and in the abundance of every thing requisite to preserve the health, strength, and spirit, of his soldiers. Battle, without delay, was the true system for a general thus situat ed, more especially, as conquest, not defence, was his object, ise- 46 Memoirs of the War in the lieving that he could compel Lincoln to relinquish his plan, with. outthe hazard of engaging him, remote from a place of safety, and with inferior numbers, he determined to cross tbe Savannah, and to threaten Charleston. In a few days after Lincoln's decampment, the British general passed this river, and pressed with vigour upon our posts of Purysburg and the Black Swamp, which were succes sively evacuated. Driving general Moultrie before him, Prevost continued to advance with rapidity. Moultrie sat -down at Tulifin- ny bridge, leaving lieutenant colonel Laurens with a small party of continentals, and a body of the militia at Coosawhatchie bridge to defend that pass. Laurens executed his orders with z-al and gal lantry, but at length was obliged to fall back upon jViouifrie, his troops having suffered considerably, and himself having been wound. ed. Captain Shubrick conducted our retreat much to his honour. Communication of Prevost's passage across the river, and of his subsequent operations, was, from day to day, transmitted to the American commander, who, penetrating his enemy's design, sternly held his original course, detaching three hundred light infantry un der colonel Harris to general Moultrie. The unexpected facility with which the British general moved, the slight resistance oppos ed to him, the favourable intelligence received, and the fame of the signal success which had heretofore crowned his exertions, from the first moment of the invasion, combined, produced a con clusion in his favour too flattering to be resisted. He converted a feint into a fixed operation, and henceforward marched on "with the avowed purpose of seizing the metropolis of South Carolina. Nor was this avowal unsupported by appear ances. For Lincoln, by steady adherence to his original purpose, founded on his just conviction, that the enemy's entrance into South Carolina meant nothing more than to draw him from Augusta, had now gone too far to return and afford timely interposition. Governor Rutledge, with the reserve militia, had established himself at Orangeburg, a central position, perfectly adapted to the convenient reception and distribution of this species of force, which ia ever in a state of undulation. He was far on Prevost's left, and, like Lincoln, was hors de combat. Moultrie only could gain the town : and Moultrie's self was a host ; but his force was not of that patient and stubborn sort, who would dig and fight, and fight and dig, systematically. Charles ton, too, was unprepared for-an attack by land, heretofore provid ing defence on the water side only ; and as to this mode of protec tion, through the blunder of sip Henry Clinton, and tbe gallantry of general Moultrie in 1776, the reputation of adequacy had been attached, the inhabitants reposed with confidence in their security until the unequivocal demonstration of general Prevost's intention with his rapid approach expelled their groundless belief. Here mark the fallibility of man ; observe the difference between the mediocre and the consummate soldier. The British General had been led, as before explained, to change stratagem into a fixed in vasion. The boldness of the design, and the rapidity of its exe- Southern Department of the United States. 47 of ^n Prn "If *? uate °f th'ngS Which oc«^ioned this change of plan. Ough. not the same boldness and the same rapidity fo have been continued to the completion of the enterprise T Com- ZZSTX°rbldS " negative to ,he interrogation T and yet thL general this conqueror, stops about halfway for two days! „nfV" th'rdfihe ?dva "ces * b,lt fo--ty-eight hours lost, in his sit- uation, gave a finishing blow to his grand project. 1 he father of the state had removed from Orangeburg with Mav the reserve to throw himself into Charleston if possible. 10th What was before impossible, had become possible by the fortv- e.ght hours delay of Prevost. Rutledge joined Moultrie ; and Charleston became safe.* Pulaski, a name dear to the writer, from a belief in his worth and a knowledge of the difficulties he always had to encounter! May entered also ; and on the same day which brought the llth. British army before tbe town. All that was wanted for its defence was now done. Persuaded that the means in possession were adequate, if faithfully applied, and feeling the noble ardour which men, defending their houses in which the precious treasures of wives and children are deposited, always feel, the spirit result ing from such emotions spread through every rank, and formed a phalanx of courage impenetrable to the fiereest assaults. Such was now the condition of the besieged town ; and such had been the error of the victorious general. The time gained by the Americans had been most advaniageous- ly used. Defences on the land side had been pushed with unceas ing exertion, and though not complete were formidable. Masters and servants, boys and girls, mixed in the honourable work of self- defence. The beloved governor and the heroic defender of Fort Moultrie, by their dictation and their example, reinspired effort, even when drooping nature begged repose. On the day sub- May sequent to investiture, the town was summoned, and favoura- 12th. ble terms of surrender were proffered. These were rejected, and our rtorks permitted to advance during the discussion. The rejec tion surely ought to have been followed by immediate storm or retreat. Neither took place : the whole day was intentionally, on the part ef the besieged, and erroneously on the part of tbe besieger, spent in the adjustment of terms. Thus twelve precious hours more * Military history abounds with examples illustrating the preciousness of a few hours. It seems unaccountable that, nevertheless, the salutary counsel to be drawn from its instructive page is seldom regarded. General Prevost con sumed the time in deliberating upon his measures which, properly used, would have secured his success. The moment he began to doubt, he was lost. Han nibal, the prince of war, is charged with having lost Rome by his waste of a few days after the battle of Cannas. Whether his failure before Rome result ed from his delay remains uncertain. His great name forbids the credence of any imputation lessening his fame without full proof. JVo man can doubt but that- the British general lost Charleston by his waste of forty-eight hours r and yet, for aught the writer knows., the delay might have proceeded from ne cessity, not from ,choic,e^ 48 Memoirs of the War in the were gained. The correspondence closed with the proposal on our part, of neutrality to the town and state during the war, the peace to fix its ultimate condition. This offer was rejected by the British general ; and he followed its rejection, by retiring May from before the town during the night. What train of rea- 13th. soning could have produced the rejection of the proposition to surrender the town on condition of neutrality by a general situated as was Prevostr I confess myself incapable of discerning. Tbe moment he found that the works could not be carried, he ought to have exerted himself to procure possession by negotia tion ; and certainly the condition of neutrality was in itself eligible. It disarmed South Carolina for the war ; the effect of which upon her infant sister, already nearly strangled, would have been con clusive ; and congress would have soon found, that their army, un aided by South Carolina, could not be maintained in Georgia. No British force wonld have been retained from the field, to preserve the neutral state ; and the sweets of peace, with the al lurements of British commerce, would probably have woven a con nexion with Great Britain, fatal in its consequences, to the inde pendence of the southern states. At all events, by tbe rejection of the proposal, when about to withdraw with his army, the expedition became abortive. Where as acceptance of the proffered condition would have obviated the disgrace attached to such a result, and deprived general Lincoln of a great portion of his force, and of all the arms, stores, &c. deposit ed in Charleston. General Prevost had scarcely crossed the May Ashley river before the American general, returning from 14th. Augusta, by forced marches reached Dorchester, the thres hold of the isthmus leading to Charleston, made by the Ashley and Cooper rivers, which, uniting below the town, pass tothe sea. Reposing a few days in his camp, on the south of Ashley river, Prevost commenced his retreat along the sea coast, which, with his maritime means, was readily and safely effected. He first entered James' Island, then John's Island, where he es tablished himself, waiting for a supply of stores, daily expected from New York. CHAPTER XIII. fjrENERAL Lincoln, having called in his different corps, broke up from his position in Dorchester, and sat down close to John's Island, which the Stono inlet separates from the main. On the main at the ferry, upon this inlet or river, the van of the British was posted, consisting of one thousand five hundred men under lieutenant colonel Prevost, who had erected three redoubts in his front for the security of his position. The numerous small craft, being fastened together, formed a communication between the van and the main body on the Island. Southern Department of ihe United States. 49 Notwithstanding the British expedition had issued in disappoint ments, to which in military transactions more or less ignominy is always attached, Lincoln was not satisfied, but was very desirous to wind up with eclat the toilsome and passive operations, into which he had been reluctantly drawn, by his enterprising adversa ry. The van of the enemy only was within his reach ; and as the bridge of boats afforded the sole conveyance to troops detached to 4pts support, the supporting force was necessarily limited. Relying June upon the advantage this circumstance afforded, Lincoln mov- 4th. ed towards Stono on the 4th June, with the resolution of striking at the van post ; but after examining the enemy's condition. he thought proper to decline risking an assault. in the course of ten or twelve days, lieutenant colonel Prevost, with a portion of the army, was detached to the Savannah. The vessels forming the temporary bridge being taken by this officer (ia consequence of the intention then entertained of retiring from the main) for the purpose of conveying his troops, the communication across the Stono, reverted to ferry transportation. General Pre vost afterwards relinquished his design of drawing his van into the island, and sent lieutenant colonel Maitland to take charge of it. This officer possessed a growing reputation which he well de served. Not only was the boat bridge broken up, rendering the communication more inconvenient, but the garrison had been re duced to five hundred men. Maitland hastened to improve his condition by separating from it every incumbrance. His sick, his spare baggage, his horses, with every other appurtenance, not ne cessary to defence, were conveyed across the Stono ; and he added to the security of his post all those aids from labour, which genius and industry beget. Lincoln was soon advised of the departure of lieutenant colonel Prevost, with the simultaneous occurrences. Resuming his origin al design, he did not hesitate to seize the present inviting opportu nity to execute it. On the 19th he moved with his army, determined to attack Maitland on the next morning. In accordance with this decision, general Moultrie was directed to take possession of James' Island with a detachment from Charleston, for the purpose of pass ing thence into John's Island, in order to draw upon himself the attention of the British general, and thus divert him from the attack upon his van. The ground in front of the enemy was level, and covered, at a small distance from his works, with a grove of large. pine trees. June On the 20th, Lincoln advanced to the assault. The 20th. 'North Carolina militia composed his right,* under brigadier * General Lincoln set an example, in his order of battle, worthy of imftation by all commanders at ths head of unequal troops, as was invariably the case with .Vrnerican commandants. Knowing that the Highlanders would take the enemy's right ne placed his continentals on his left, whereas, agreeably to usage, they w»u'd have compos ed our right. Form ought ever to yield to substance, especially in the arrange- iaents fox bhttje. 7 50 Memoirs of the War in the Butler and his regulars, his left under general Sumner. The flanks were covered by light troops, lieutenant colonel Henderson, at the head of one, and colonel Malmedy at the head of the other eorps ; and the reserve consisted of the cavalry, with a small bri gade of Virginia militia under general Mason. The Highlanders, called the best troops of the enemy, being known to take post on his right, became by this order of battle opposed to the continental soldiers. Mniiland's piquets announced the American approach a and the British detachment formed for action. The seventy-first regiment was posted on the right, and a regiment of Hessians on the left. Lieutenant colonel Hamilton, with the North Carolina regiment, composed the centre. The British flanks seemed to be secure ; as the one rested upon a moras, and the other upon a deep ravine. Notwithstanding appearances, both were, in fact, assailable ; for the first was firm enough to bear infantry, and the other was not intersected by water. The retiring piquets were supported by two companies of the seventy first regiment, who, with their usual intrepidity, rushed into close action, and, fighting bravely, were mostly destroyed. This advantage encouraged the assailants, who were now ordered to reserve their fire and to put the issue of the battle on the bayonet. Our troops advanced with alacrity ; and the enemy waited their approach until they got within sixty yards of the abbatis, when a full fire from the artillery and small arms was delivered. Disobey ing orders, our line returned the fire, which was continued on both sides without intermission for half an hour. The action became keen and general ; the Americans continuing their fire with ardour. The enemy's left was driven back ; and Maitland, seeing his dan ger, made a quick movement with the seventy-first regiment, from the right to the left, supplying its vacancy with his reserve. The Highlanders revived the contest on the left. The Hessians, being rallied, were brought again into line : and the action raged with increased fury. Lincoln, foreseeing the consequences, was chagrin ed to find his plan of battle interrupted; and exerted himself to stop the fire. At length he succeeded : a pause ensued ; and the order for charge was renewed. Vain attempt ! the moment was passed ; and instantly the firing recommenced, and continued for more than one hour : when the army of general Prevost was seen hastening to the ferry ; Moultrie having failed in making the intend ed diversion for want of boats. The British lieutenant colonel manifested by the past conflict tbe probable issue of the future, strengthened, as he soon would be, by the support fast approach ing ; which consideration induced Lincoln to order a retreat. ' This moment produced now, as it generally does, some disorder; whicVbeing perceived by Maitland, he advanced upon Lincoln W a f^ho,e force- The cavalry (Pulaski was not present) were ordered upxby the American general to charge the enemy, whose zeal in pursued thrown them into loose order. This was gal lantly executed ; ^ut Maitland closed his ranks as the horse bore upon him, and giving them a full fire from his rear rank, the front, \. stt Southern Department of the United States. 51 holding its ground with charged bayonets, brought this corps (brave, but undisciplined) to the right about.* Thus terminated the battle of Stono. It was evidently lost, first, by the failure in the diver sion from Charleston, secondly by the erroneous plan of attack, and lastly by the deviation from orders in its execution. It seems surprising that if, as we must presume, a sufficiency of boats had been ascertained to be at our command before the assault was de termined upon, how it could happen that any deficiency should occur in the moment of execution, unless from want of due atten tion in the department charged with their collection, which evin ces culpable negligence. Our force of battle was pointed against the enemy's front, in which lay his strength, as be had improved that part of his position by three redoubts, and other defences ; whereas our chief effort ought to bave been on his flanks, which invited primary attention, as they were unfortified, and would, upon due examination, have been found only to present an opposi tion easily to be surmounted. The morass was considered as im passable, whereas it was a firm marsh, lieutenant colonel Hender son having passed it in the course of the action with a part of his corps. The halt of the line, returning the enemy's fire instead of pressing on with the bayonet, baffled our last hope of victory ; nor is it improbable, had the appeal to the bayonet been uninter rupted, but that our courage would have surmounted all difficul ties ; and that we should have obtained the desired prize with heavy loss, which was attainable by a small sacrifice of lives, had we directed our attack against the enemy's vulnerable points. There was throughout our war, a lamentable ignorance in the to pography of the country in which we fought, imposing upon our generals serious disadvantages. They had to ascertain the nature of the ground by reconnoitring, or by inquiry among the inhabi tants. The first was not always practicable ; and the result of the last was generally defective. Government ought to provide, in time of peace, maps on a large scale of the various districts of the country, designating particularly the rivers, their tributary streams, the bridges, morasses and defiles, and hold them ready for use when wanting, or we shall have lo encounter the same difficulties in any future, that we experienced in this, war. The loss was nearly equal, amounting to one hundred and sixty- five killed and wounded on the side of America. Among our kill ed was colonel Robert, of the Charleston artillery, a much respect- ed officer. The American troops conducted themselves in this affair very much like genuine soldiers, except in the deranging breach of orders. ' Lieutenant colonel Hamilton, with the majors M'Arthur and Moncrieff, supported Maitland throughout the action, with z*al and firmness. x * Mason, with his Virginia brigade, ndw advanced, during a heavy fire. The enemy drew back; and our retreat was effected iplolerable order. 52 Memoirs of the War in the In the course of a few days, the British general retired from John's Island and the adjacent main, unperceived, pursuing his route along the interior navigation to Georgia, leaving lieutenant colonel Maitland at Beaufort, in the Island of Port Royal, while general Lincoln, reduced by the return of the militia to the con tinentals, (about eight hundred) established himself at Sheldon, conveniently situated to attend to the enemy at Beaufort. The sultry season had set in ; which, in this climate, like the frost of the north, gives repose to the. soldier * Preparations for the next campaign, and the preservation of the health of the troops, now engrossed the chief attention of the hos tile generals. Prevost, having reached Savannah, took up his quarters for the season, detaching lieutenant colonel Cruger with one of the Pro vincial regiments to Sunbury.t This division of his force very well corresponded with the resumption of offensive operations, although it subjected the British to great hazard, should a su perior French fleet visit our coast, as had happened the preced ing year. CHAPTER XIV. Ti HE contest for the southern section of the United States had been regarded, by the respective commanders in chief, with watch ful attention ; and each took measures to strengthen and invigorate the operations in that quarter. Washington, enfeebled as he was, detached to the south Bland and Baylor's regiments of horse, and the new levies recruited for the Virginia line ;\ while sir Henry , * The heat in the months of July and August forbade the toils of war. In. 1781 we found the heat of September and October very oppressive. tBy retaining the post at Beaufort, the British general could readily pene trate by the means of the inland navigation into South Carolina, unmolested by the Americans, destitute as we were of naval force. %Copy of a letter to general Washington on southern affairs. Philadelphia, April 28tb, 1779. Sir: The inclosed letter from the lieutenant governor of South Carolina, commit ted to the consideration of a committee of three, and which, in the name of the committee, I have now the honour to inclose your excellency, will show you the extremity to which our affairs in that quarter are driving. The committee find a choice of difficulties in this business, because the reliance on militia from '"Virginia having in a great degree failed, there appears no remedy but such as will lessen the force you had a right to expect from Virginia lor reinforcing the main army. We have no reason to suppose that a greater force than fourteen hundred milith., perhaps not more than one thousand, will go from North Ca rolina ; and of tho one thousand ordered by the government of Virginia, we learn that hot more than three hundred and fifty have been obtained. In this state of things, the committer submit, to your excellency's wisdom and better knowl edge of the general state of military affairs and intended operations, the fol- Southern Department of the United States. 5S Clinton, viewing the destruction of the resources of the common wealth of Virginia, as cutting up by the roots resistance in the south, planned an enterprise against that state, no sooner conceiv ed than executed.* A body of troops amounting to two thousand men was, early in May, placed under the command of brigadier general Matthews. Having immediately embarked on board the British squadron, con ducted by sir George Colliei. the fleet stood out to sea on the 5th, and on the 9th anchored in Hampton Road. No country presents more easy access by water than Virginia, the object of his invasion. Deep navigable rivers every where intersect it, presenting to the maritime invader advantages too obvious to be overlooked, and trammeling the measures of defence with those difficulties which the severance of the inhabitants, by the enemy's possession of the rivers, and the toils and delays of circuitous marches, inevitably produce. Aware ofthe disadvantages to which the state was exposed in war by these bountiful gifts of heaven, government had erected in the most vulnerable points slight fortifications to protect the inhabitants from predatory incursions, and raised a regiment of artillery at state expense, and for state purposes, particularly with the view of furnishing garrisons to their dispersed forts. Norfolk, the great seat of Virginia commerce, is situated on the east side of Elizabeth river ; opposite lies Portsmouth ; and to the south, in the fork of the two branches of the Elizabeth, which unite immediately above Norfolk, is Gosport ; where had been established a navy -yard for the use ofthe state. To this river, and to these towns, the British armament advanced. No difficulty interposed but the annoyance to be expected from one of those slight forts heretofore mentioned, and like all others erected in the state, exposed on the land side, being designed exclusively to de- lowing measures. That the two thousand new recruits now in Virginia be forthwith regimented and ordered to join tbe southern army; that a sum of mo.- nev be sent to colonel Bland, with orders to re-enlist the men of his regiment, and proceed without delay to the same destination, with his battalions of light horse. If, sir, this plan should meet your approbation, the committee are of opinion, that the sooner it were carried into execution the better. Your excellency will be pleased to return the inclosed letter ; and the com mittee wish to be favoured with your opinion of the eligibility of this measure, and if there is a probability of its being soon executed ; or what additional or other method may occur to your excellency for the relief of the southern states, which we find by conversing with general Howe, (who has just arrived here) demands speedy and powerful assistance. ^ I have the honour to be, with the highest sentiments of esteem and regard, sir,. Your Excellency's mo6t obedient and very humble servant, RICHARD HENRY LEE. *This opinion of sir Henry Clinton was well founded: the destruction of the resources of Virginia must have led to the annihilation of southern opposi tion. She may be truly styled the matrix of resistance in the south. The other states were too remote to furnish many supplies, indispensable to the prosecu tion of the war in that extremity of the Union. 54 Memoirs of the War in the fend the channel ofthe rivers on which they stood. Fort Nelson,* the principal of these defences,, was situated on tbe west side ofthe Elizabeth, a little below the town of Norfolk, and in full command of the channel of the river. Major Matthews, t with a garrison not exceeding one hundred aud fifty men, was charged with the care of this post. On the 10th the fleet entered Elizabeth river, the army debarking three miles below Fort Nelson : preparations were made to gain its rear the next morning, and to carry the works by storm. Open in this quarter, resistance would have been temerity. The major, foreseeing the enemy's intention, evacuated the fort dur ing the night, and retired to the margin of tbe Great Dismal Swamp, where he could, when necessary, secure his corps from insult or injury. The British general having thus possessed him self of the sole obstruction to his views, established head quarters in Portsmouth, detaching troops to Norfolk, Gosport, and the cir cumjacent depots of naval and military stores. Finding in these places abundant magazines, he destroyed all not shipped for New York, confounding private with public property. The loss sustained was great, and the injury resulting from it greater, as our stores were much wanted, and could not be quick ly replaced. The invasion was as short as it had been effectual ; for before fhe close of the month the tleet and army reached New York. Louis XVl, true to his plighted faith, had given instructions to his admirals in the West Indies to be always ready, in the intermis sion of active operations in that quarter, to extend assistance to bis allies. Count d'Estaing, the same admiral who, in the past year, had been disappointed in his various efforts to contribute to our relief, still commanded on that station. Governor Rutledge and general Lincoln, convinced from the impotent condition of the enemy in the south, that he must soon fall, could the force of France in the West Indies be brought to bear upon him in conjunction with the southern American army, described, in conceit with Mons. Plombard, French consul at Charleston, the feeble and divided condition ofthe army under gen eral Prevost, urging the count by the many weighty considerations, involved in the project, to devote himself Xo the proposed enter prise during the hurricane months, when, in the West India seas, naval operations cease. No mind was more obedient to the calls of duty, connected with the prospect of increasing his personal fame, than that of the French admiral ; and he must have felt some anxiety to make amends in a second, for the disappointments expe rienced in his first, visit to our coast. He acceded instantly to the proposition; and, as soon as the season and his state of prepara- * So named, in commemoration of the patriotic and virtuous general Nelson, afterwards governor of the state, not more distinguished for his estimable qual ities as a man, than he was by his pure and gallant exertions in the cabinet and iii tbe field, t Thomas Matthews, since speaker of the house of delegates, of Virginia. Southern Department of the United States. 55 tion permitted, he set sail from Cape Francois for Tybee with forty- one sail, mostly ofthe line, having on board ten regiments amount ing to six thousand men. On drawing near the American coast, the count despatched two ships of the line and three frigates to Charleston, with major gen eral Fontanges, to announce his approach, and to concert, with the governor and general, a plan of operations. Pursuing his course, with the remainder of the fleet, he arrived on the coast oi Georgia early in September. Unapprehensive of danger from a French fleet, knowing, as did general Prevost, the British power upon the sea, the appearance of the count d'Estaing was as unexpected as it was alarming. Several of the British ships of war on the Georgia station fell a prey to this sudden invasion ; and the rest were saved by running them up the Savannah river. Lincoln* immediately put his force in motion, and passed into Georgia at Zubly's ferry on the 9th ; while governor Rutledse, with his usual activity, imbodied the militia, hurrying them on by regiments to join the American general. At the same time he col lected a number of shallops, and despatched them to the French ad miral for the purpose of facilitating the debarkation of his army On the 13th d'Estaing landed three thousand men at Beaulieu : on the 15th he was joined by Pulaski and his legion ; and on the next day the union of the allied army took place in front of the town of Savannah, general Lincoln having been delayed longer than he ex pected by the various obstacles opposed to his progress. The British general was no sooner apprised of the appearance of the French fleet than he devoted himself to vigorous prepara tions to meet the unequal contest. Orders were hastened to the lieutenant colonels Maitland and Cruger, to join him by forced marches ; and captain Henry, of the navy, laying up the remnant of his small and useless squadron, the marines, sailors and cannon, were landed, and the first united to the garrison, the last mounted on the batteries. Two hundred negroes were associated with the troops in labour ; old works were strengthened and new works erect ed. These were designed and executed by major Moncrieff, of tbe engineers, an officer of superior merit. Lieutenant colonel Cruger, with the garrison of Sunbury, had reached Savannah be fore the French army sat down before it. Maitland, with that of Beaufort, consisting of veteran troops, was yet absent. Before the union of the two armies, the count d'Estaing sum moned the British general in the name of his most christian majesty only. This offensive style violated the respect due from one sovereign to another, and could not have been relished by the * General Lincoln passed the Savannah river at Zubly's ferry. On the south the swamps are very extensive, pierced by three creeks, over which, bridges had been erected. These had been broken down by the gritish general,, and thus onr progress was much retarded.. 56 Memoirs of the War in the American general, although policy may have forbid his noticing it at the moment. * General Prevost, recollecting the late transactions before Charles' ton, determined to imitate the example furnished by his enemy on that occasion. He answered so as to protract negotiation, which terminated in his proposition of a truce for twenty-four hours, for the purpose of enabling him, as he suggested, to adjust terms of surrender, should he thus conclude. This was granted ; so con fident was count d'Estaing of ultimate success. Unfortunate respite ! it gave not only time for the completion of much of the unfinished work ; but what was infinitely more important, it enabled lieuten ant colonel Maitland to assume his part in the defence, before a single offensive step was taken by the assailant. Cut off by the French fleet from the customary route to Savannah, the lieuten ant colonel took the only one left which offered a prospect of arrival. Great were the obstacles he had to encounter, sometimes on water, sometimes on land, in deep swamps and marshes, through which his soldiers had to drag the boats, himself ill with a bilious fever, and in every step of his progress subject to interception. Braving all these difficulties, this undaunted and accomplished offi cer made his way good to the river Savannah ; where, embarking in boats above the anchorage ground of the French fleet, he entered the town before the expiration of the truce. Every benefit ex pected from the delay being derived, Prevost now answered, " that he should defend himself to the last extremity." This resolution accorded with the wish of all ; such had been the change effected during the truce in the state of the besieged, viaitland's junction diffused universal joy, not only because he added one third to the .number of the garrison, and that too in troops of tbe best quality, but because he added himself, always the source of comfort where danger feigned. The allied army having brought up their ordnance intended for the siege, broke ground on the 23d ; and with such diligence were their approaches pushed that, in the course of twelve days, fifty- three pieces of battering cannon, and fourteen mortars, were mount ed. All of these opened on the 4th of October, threatening speedy destruction to the enemy's defences. This dreadful display induced general Prevost to solicit the removal ofthe aged, the women, and Children, to a place of safety ; a request sustained by the claims of humanity, and in no way injurious to the besieged, (the expectation of gaining the town being unconnected with the state of provisions) was unaccountably rejected by the confederate generals. On the approach of the French, few guns were mounted in the Works ofthe enemy ; but such had been the vast exertions of gen eral Prevost that now nearly one hundred of different calibers were in full array. * Whether general Lincoln remonstrated to the count for this folly, if un meant, arid for this impertinence, if meant, the writer cannot decide ; bift it has been often and confidently asserted, that the French commander explains* the matter to general Lincoln's satisfaction. Southern Department of the United States. 51 Savannah lying on the river is on that side safe. A deep morass stretches from the river above, and gives security to that quarter. Fields environ it on the other two sides. Here the allies were approaching ; and here were found the enemy's defences. Through out had been erected redoubts and batteries secured wherever necessary in the rear, with impalements and traverses, and the whole surrounded with a ditch and abbatis. So well prepared for defence, the change from regular approaches to storm was the wish of the besieged, their fate being otherwise sealed unless relieved by a British fleet. Prevost did not waste his force in attempts to impede our advances, only two sorties being made during the siege ; from neither of which did any material consequence ensue. He calculated on a storm, -kaowing the danger to the French fleet and army, separated as they were, from the active and daring ope rations ofthe British navy, as well as from those agitations of nature usual in the autumn, and so often destructive to ships on the coast. He also counted upon the impatient temper of the French identi fied in the character of their commander, not doubting from his being our voluntary assistant, he would take his measures from and for himself. Lincoln's wisdom, Lincoln's patience, Lincoln's coun sel, would be very limited in its effect. Thus judging, Prevost was right in preserving his full strength for the decisive hour. It soon came : already count d'Estaiog had spent one month in the completion of an enterprise, which from the information he had received in Cape Fran§ois, he calculated would have detained him ten days.* His naval officers felt for the safety of the fleet, and daily growing anxious for change of station, now became more pressing in their remonstrances ; and the affairs in the West Indies (to which aid to us was always secondary,) began to demand his attention. The count's own character gave pungency to the conclusion growing out of these considerations. He accord ingly made known to Lincoln that the siege must be raised forthwith, or a storm attempted. Situated as the American general and the country in his care were, no alternative remained. However sin cerely he must- have wished for the continuance of the adopted system, sate and sure, he could not hesitate in renouncing it, and putting every thing to hazard, sqbner than to abandon so important an enterprise. It was of course determined to carry, the enemy by storm, and' the 9th of October, close at hand, was fixed for the assault. The plan of attack was judicious ; the morass stretching from the river, and covering one quarter of the town, gave a concealed approach from a sink in the ground, along its margin leading to the British #The information derived by the communication from the governor general, and French consul, before mentioned, and which led to the enterprise, was cor rect D'Estaing found the enemy subdivided, the best officer and the be,st troops did not join until the truce was nearly expired. Any four hours before the junction of lieutenant coloijjel Maitland was sufficient to have tatan £**%»- naht 8 58 Memoirs of the War in the right, believed by the assailants to be the most Vulnerable.* This advantage was seized by D'Estaing and Lincoln : they drew, into it two columns, the elite of the confederate force, determined to confide the issue to their prowess; while the American militia, threatening the centre and left, should thus distract the enemy's resistance. Prevost, anticipating with delight the chance of safety which could only be realized by a change in system on the part of the assailants, or by the approach of the British fleet, was always 'prepared. To the cure of lieutenant colonel Maitland he assigned his right, his weakest part. The centre he confided to lieutenant colonel Hamilton, of the North Carolina regiment, and the left to lieutenant colonel Cruger. General Prevost having lined the intrenchments with appropriate troops, held disposable to succeeding incidents the seventy-first re giment, two Hessian regiments, one battalion of the New Jersey brigade, one of the New York brigade, and tbe light infantry iii a second line, safe from the injury of our fire. The 9th of October dawned : the allied troops moved to the assault. The serious stroke having been committed to two columns, one was led by d'Estaing and Lincoln united, the other by count Dillon ; the third coluuin moved upon the enemy's centre and left, 'first to attract attention, and lastly fo press any advantage which might be derived from the assault. by our left. The troOps acted well their parts; and the issue hung for some time 'suspended. Dillon's column, mistaking its route in the darkness of the morning, failed in co-operation, and very much reduced th'e -force of the attack ; while that of d'Estaing and Lincoln, concealed by the same darkness, drew with advantage near to the enemy's lines undiscovered. Notwithstanding this loss of concert in assault by the two columns destined to carry the enemy, gallant and deter mined was their advance. The front ofthe first was greatly thinned by the foe, sheltered in his strong and safe defences, and aided by batteries operating not only in front but in flank. Regardless of the fatal tire from the covered enemy, this un- appalled column, with Lincoln and d'Estaing at its head, forced the abbatis, and planted their standards on the parapet- All was gone, could this lodgment bave been sustained Maitland's comprehen sive eye saw the menacing blow ; and bis vigorous mind seized the means of warding it off. He drew, from the disposable force, the grenadiers and marines nearest to the point gained. This united corps under lieutenant colonel Glazier assumed with joy the ardu ous task to recover the lost ground. With unimpaired strength it fell upon the worried head of the victorious column ; who, though * The hollow way which led to the enemy's right gave great advantage to the assailant. It brought him close, uhperceived' arid uninj-iired. The small distance to pass over when discovered, and when exposed :to the enemy's1 fire, diminished greatly the loss to be sustained befojehe reached the ditch. So per suaded was the British general that fiijf right wasthe part to be especially guard ed, that there he posted his best treops, and there cotamarided'lie'a'ieMnt 'col onel Maitland. Southern Department of the United States. 52 piercing the enemy in one point, had not spread along the parapet ; and the besieged bringing up superior force, victory was suppress ed in its birth. The triumphant standards were torn down ; and the gallant soldiers . who had gone so far towards the goal of conquest, were tumbled into the ditch and driven through the abatis. About the time that Maitland was preparing this critical movement, count Pulaski, at the head of two hundred horse, threw himself upon the works to force his way into the enemy's rear. Receiving a mortal wound, this brave officer fell ; and his fate arrested an effort which might have changed the issue ofthe day.* Repulsed in every point of attack, tbe allied generals drew off their troops. The retreat was effected in good order ; no attempt to convert it into rout being made by the British general ; who; having gained his object, wise ly refrained from hazarding by this measure the safety of the town and garrison. From the enemy's artillery only, the retiring army received injury, which was considerable. Count d'Estaing, who, with general Lincoln, had courted danger to give effect to the as sault, was wounded, as was major general Fontange, with several Other officers. The French, killed and wounded, were rated at seven hundred men. The American regulars suffered in propor tion : two hundred and forty being killed and wounded, while the militia from Charleston, their companions in danger, lost one cap tain killed, and six privates wounded. The enemy, fighting under coyer of their skilfully constructed works, suffered but little, only one hundred and twenty ofthe garrison being killed and wounded. The British general gained, as he merited, distinguished applause for the wisdom, vigilance and courage* displayed throughout the siege. He was supported with zeal by every man under him, each in his station contributing his full share to the desired end. Captain Tawes, of the provincial troops, signalized himself by his * This gallant soldier was a native of Poland, whose disastrous history is well known. Vainly struggling to restore the lost independence of his country, he was forced to seek personal safety by its abandonment. Hearing of the no ble struggle in which we were engaged, he hastened to the wilds of America, and associated himself with our perils and our fortune. Congress honoured him with the commission of brigadier general, with a view, as was rumored, of placing him at the head of the American cavalry, the line of service in which he had been bred. But his ignorance of our language, and the distaste of our officers to foteign superiority, stifled this project. He was then authorized to raise a legionary corps, appointing his own officers. Indefatigable and persevering, the count collected about two hundred infan try and two hundred horse, made up of all sorts, chiefly of German deserters. His officers were generally foreign with some Americans. With this assemblage the count took the field ; and alter serving some time in the northern army, he was sent to the south, and fell as has been described He was sober, diligent and intrepid, gentlemanly in his manners, and amiable in heart. He was ve ry reserved, and, when, alone, betrayed strong evidence of deep melancholy. Those who knew him intimately spoke highly of the sublimity of his virtue, and the constancy of his friendship. Commanding this heterogeneous corps, badly equipped and worse mounted, this brave Pole encountered difficulty and sought danger. Nor have I the smallest doubt if he had been conversant in our lan guage, and better acquainted with our customs aud country, but that he would have. become one of our most ooospicuous and useful officers. 60 Memoirs of the War in the intrepidity in defending the redoubts committed to his charge, the leading point of our assault. He fell dead at the gate with his sword plunged into the body ofthe third enemy, whom he had slain. Lieutenant colonel Maitland, always great, surpassed u^ion this occasion his former glory ; but to the deep regret of his admiring comrades, in a few days after our repulse, fell a victim to the fever wbicii he had brought with him from Beaufort. Major Moncrieff, chief engineer, captain Charlton, commanding the artillery, and captain Henry, of the navy, acting with tbe garrison, received the general's marked acknowledgments for their exemplary exertions. Nor was the allied army behind their successful foe in the race of glory. Every thing was done, which brave men could do. The darkness ofthe morning produced the loss Of punctual combination between the columns charged with the assault ; which unfortunate occurrence probably led to our repulse. The daring effort of the intrepid Pulaski to retrieve the fortune of the day, failing, with his much regretted fall, presents additional proof of the high spirit which actuated the besiegers, demonstrating that every difficulty Was encountered, every danger braved, to crown the enterprise with success. While with pleasure we offer the praise due to con federates in the hour of assault, we cannot pass from this disastrous day without examining the preceding conduct of the leaders of the allied army. First, we ask why the route between Beaufort and Savannah had not attracted primary attention. It must have been known that lieutenant colonel Maitland would level all obstacles sooner than fail to unite himself with general Prevost ; and it ought to have been known that, Maitland being stopped, Savannah would fall. Yet it appears that this first object was entirely neglected ; and it also appears that Maitland's junction, though unobstructed, was re plete with difficulty. Secondly, we cannot but express surprise, (it being clearly un derstood that the French co-operation must be very limited in time) at the long delay of the assault. Had count d'Estaing, when his summons was answered by proposing a truce, penetrated the de sign of the enemy, rejected the proposal, and commenced the at tack, the British general would have surrendered, as Maitland had not arrived, and the works were still incomplete. The rash de cision, of defending himself thus circumstanced, could not have 1)een adopted ; rind had it been adopted with the same gallantry/' which was displayed at a future day, the French must then have succeeded. The American general had not come up, and is of course exempt from his share in this animadversion : a delay unex pected and unfortunate, for probably had Lincoln been in place, the truce might have been rejected, and an assault adopted. Our repulse was followed by raising the siege. The allied ar mies separated in good humour, although so lamentably foiled in their sanguine expectations.* * The thorough good will, exemplified by the general's troops when separat ing,, induces the belief that the offensive style, in which the summons had been Southern Department of the United States. 61 Without delay the count d'Estaing re-embarked his troops, and, resuming his naval station in the West Indies, went himself to France, while general Lincoln returned to South Carolina. The abandonment of the siege of Savannah closed the campaign, which had been active, daring and novel, ever presenting some times to one side, sometimes to the other, splendid prospects, and turning the moment of expected success into bitter disappointment : Charleston and Savannah alternately struck at by the opposite ar mies, both within the grasp of the assailant, and neither taken ; the American army under Howe defeated ; an imposing detach ment under Ashe cut to pieces ; Lincoln baffled at Stono ferry ; the united forces of America and France repulsed before Savannah ; yet notwithstanding these heavy disasters, the upper country of Georgia, the object of the contending generals, rested in the pos session of the United States, Wf CHAPTER XV. HILE the allied army was engaged before Savannah, colonel John White, of the Georgia line, conceived and executed an extra ordinary enterprise. Captain French, with a small party of the British regulars, was stationed on the Ogeechee river, about twen ty-five miles from Savannah. At the same place lay five British vessels, of which four were armed, the largest mounting fourteen guns. White, having with him only captain Etholm and three sol diers, kindled many fires, the illumination of which was discernible at the British station, exhibiting, by the manner of ranging them4 the plan of a camp. To this stratagem he added another : he and his four comrades, imitating the manner of the staff, rode with haste in various directions, giving orders in a loud voice. French became satisfied that a large body of the enemy were upon him ; and, on being summoned by White, he surrendered (1st of Octo ber) his detachment, the crews of the five vessels, forty in num ber, with the vessels, and one hundred and thirty stand of arms. Colonel White having succeeded, pretended that he must keep back his troops, lest their animosity, already stifled by his great exertions, should break out, and indiscriminate slaughter take place in defiance of his authority ; and that therefore he would commit his prisoners to three guides who would conduct them safely to good quarters. This humane attention on the part of White was thankfully received. He immediately ordered three of his atten dants to proceed with the prisoners, who moved off with celerity, anxious to get away lest the fury of White's corps, believed to be near at hand, might break out, much disposed though he himself was to' restrain it. couched, had either been satisfactorily explained, or was understood by the American general to have been an accidental slip on the part of the count d' Estaing in the hurry of the moment. f& Memoirs of the War in the White, with the soldier retained by him, repaired, as he ae. nounced to his guides and prisoners, to his troops for the purpose of proceeding in their rear. .-,.,. He now employed himself in collecting the neighbourhood mili tia with whom he overtook his guides, their charge safe and happy in the good treatment experienced. The extraordinary address of White was contrasted by the ex traordinary folly of French ; and both were necessary to produce this wonderful issue. The affair approaches too near the marvel lous to have been' admitted into these Memoirs, had it not been uniformly asserted, as uniformly accredited, and never contradicted] Congress, undismayed by the gloom which the unexpected issue to the siege of Savannah had spread over the south, took immedi ate measures to reinforce Lincoln ; and sir Henry Clinton, encour aged by his success, determined to press to completion its subjuga tion. In pursuance of a resolution of Congress, the North Carolina line was ordered to South Carolina ; and solemn assurances were given of effectual support to the languishing resistance in the south. Sir Henry Clinton having withdrawn the British garrison from Newport, thereby restoring the elastic patriotism of the state of Rhode Island to its wonted energy and freedom, and being rein forced from England, prepared a respectable detachment of chosen troops to be led by himself for the reduction of South Carolina. Waiting for the departure from the American coast of the French fleet, he was no sooner apprised of this event than he began the embarkation of his army ; which being completed, Admiral Ar- buthnot, the British naval commander on the American station, took upon himself the direction of the escorting fleet, and sailed from Sandy Hook on the 26th of December. The voyage was tempestuous and tardy ; some of the transports were lost, and others taken ; all the horses for the cavalry and artillery perished ; and the fleet, being much crippled in its stormy passage, never reached Tybee, its destined point until the end of January. Here the damaged ships were repaired with all practi- aable haste ; and the admiral put to sea, steering his course for North Edisto sound in South Carolina. The armament arrived there on tbe 10th of February ; and the next day was employed in disembarking the army on John's Island. Sir Henry Clinton was now on terra firma, within thirty miles of Charleston. He took immediate measures for advancing, ~but with the utmost circumspection, sacrificing much time in fortifying intermediate posts to hold safe his communication with the fleet. There are occasions and situations when such conduct is entitled to commendation, indeed-when the omission would be highly repre hensible. But this was not the case now ; no possible interrup tion was practicable on the part of Lincoln, whose regular force consisted of about two thousand men, including the North Caro- Southern Department of the United States. >63 lina regulars, ftnd'four hundred Virginians, who had lately joined bim under lieutenant colonel Heth. To these the militia of the town only is to be added ; for that of the country was much indis posed to shut themselves up in a besieged fortress. The recollec tion of the repulse which himself and admiral Parker had sustain ed at this Spot, in 1776, must have inspired sir Henry Clinton with more respectful considerations of the power of his enemy, and the strength of his defences, than accurate information would warrant. Determined to avoid a second rebuff, the general pursued, with unvarying pertinacity, the most cautious system.* The necessary boats for the transportation of the army, passing along the interior navigation to Waapoocut, entered into Ashley river under the com mand of captain Elphinston. On the 29th of March the van of the British reached the banks of the river, having marched thirty miles since the 11th of February, and never meeting, during the whole period, with the smallest resistance, except in the solitary instance of a rencontre between lieutenant colonel Washington, commanding 'Baylors diminished regiment of cavalry, and lieute nant colonel Tarleton ; whose dragoons, having been remounted on horses procured by sir Henry Clinton since his landing, covered the left flank of a division advancing from Savannah. This first "meeting terminated favourably for lieutenant colonel Washington, who in the sequel took a few prisoners ; among whom was lieu tenant colonel Hamilton, of the royal regiment of North Carolina. On the 30th sir Henry Clinton passed Ashley river above Charles ton, and on the following day sat down in front of our works. On his march the Van of the leading column was gallantly attacked by lieutenant colonel Laurens with a corps of light infantry ; in which skirmish the earl of Caithness, aid decamp to sir Henry Clinton, was wounded. It is possible that the extraordinary delay, with which the movements of the British general were made, might have been intended with the double view of excluding the possibility of failure, and of seducing his enemy to continue in Charleston. If so, he succeeded completely in both objects. He certainly secur ed himself from insult ; and his delay as certainly fixed the fale of the southern army, which never could have been inclosed in the untenable town, had not the sound mind of major general Lincoln been bent from its own resolve by the wishes of all the influential Characters of the state, and by the confident expectation of ade quate support ; neither of which considerations would have influ enced him but for the long lapse of time which intervened between * In the whole course of the American war, there seems t» have been a sys-- tematic sacrifice of time by the British generals, excepting where lord Corn wallis commanded. I do not recollect any operations wherein the British re sorted to forced marches. Washington, in 1776, was hurried through the Jer seys. Upon this occasion lord Cornwallis was the opera-ting general ; and we all remember how he pushed Morgan, and afterwards Greene, in the Carolinas, The delay of sir Henry Clinton in this short march of thirty miles is inexplica ble, unless from habit, or from a wish to induce the American. general to- Shut himself up in Charleston. 64 Memoirs of ihe War in the the day of disembarkation, 11th of February, and the 30th of March, the day of beginning investiture. At the bottom of the short and narrow isthmus, as has been ob served, made by the rivers Ashley and Cooper, stands Charleston, the metropolis of South Carolina, and the emporium of the south ern commerce. The rivers uniting south of the town make a con venient bay which glides by a slight current into the sea, assisting to form some handsome islands in its flow, and creating, by its re-. sistance to the overbearing surge of the ocean, a bank of sand, emphatically called the Charleston Bar. On two of these islands, Sullivan's and James', defences had been erected in the beginning of the war : on the first, Fort Moultrie, on the last, Fort Johnston. In 1776. colonel Moultrie, by his intrepid resistance on Sullivan's Island, repulsed a formidable fleet and army, as has been before recited Estimating the defence of the approach from sea as momentous to the safety of South Carolina, congress had prepared a small squadron, uuder commodore Whipple, to cp-operate with the insu lar fortifications. United to those of the state, our naval force, then in Charleston harbour, consisted ol nine sail, the largest mounting -forty-four guns. From the successful resistance made by colonel Moultrie, in 1776, it was confidently, and with much reason, presumed that the difficulty of passing the bar, the co op- eration-of the squadron with the Forts Moultrie and Johnston, and the numerous batteries erected to protect the harbour, the British fleet would meet obstacles not easily to be surmounted. Fort Moultrie, with its appendages, was committed to colonel Pinckney,* fitted in heart and head to uphold its splendid fame. Confiding in his defences by water, the American general be stowed his unremitted attention to strengthen and enlarge those on land. The two rivers which form Charleston neck, like all the rivers in that country, are lined on both shores with extensive swamps, deep in water and in mud, and impervious to the passage of troops. Profiting by these natural impediments, a canal at a proper distance in front was cut from swamp to swamp. Beyond' the canal, strong deeply laid abbatis in two rows presented them selves, and were rendered more formidable by a double picketed ditch. Between this line of defence and the main works, holes dug in the ground were interspersed to break the order of advan cing columns ; strong redoubts and batteries skilfully constructed were erected to enfilade the flanks ; and in the centre was an in closed horn work of masonry. The slow approach of the enemy, the active exertions of governor Rutledge ; invested by the gen eral assembly with every powert but that of life and death, and "Charles Cotesworth Pinckney. + The legislature passed an act "delegating to governor Rutledge, and such of his council as he could conveniently consult, a power to do every thing ne* cessary for the public good, except taking away the life of a citizen, without legel trial." This is dealing out power with a profuse hand. Southern Department of the United States. 65 the indefatigable efforts of major general Lincoln, had rendered our and defences respectable and imposing, when the enemy appeared ta our front On the 1st of April sir Henry Clinton bZnYis first parallel at the distance of eight hundred yards ; previotfs to which the fleet had taken its station off Charleston bar. This natural obstacle had been uniformly regarded as present ing decided advantage to the besieged ; and commodore Whipple, With his squadron, was therefore detached to Charleston, presum ing that with his force he could successfully stop the enemy from passing the bar, inasmuch as their ships must be lightened, taking out their guns and other incumbrances, to enable them to float its water. Strange to tell, this uniformly accredited opinion was on the moment of trial found fallacious.* It was discovered that our frigates could not approach near enough to oppose the passage of the bar with any kind of success ; and we necessarily abandoned without a struggle this point of de fence so much relied on. Commodore Whipple took a second sta tion with his squadron in range with Fort Moultrie, where it was confidently expected effectual opposition to the progress of the enemy's fleet could be made. The British ships selected for this operation lay two weeks with out the bar, deprived of their guns, waiting for wind and tide. These being favourable on the 20th of March, a sixty-four, with some frigates, passed without injury of any sort. No sooner had this been effected but it was discerned that the obstructions in the channel were not of magnitude, and that no probability of success ful resistance offered itself in our new station. The squadron was a second time ordered to retire j and having sunk most of our arm ed ships in the mouth of Cooper's river to prevent the British admiral's holding that important pass, the crews and guns were landed and applied in the defence of the town, now relying for its safety, solely upon the strength of its fortifications and the valour of its garrison With a fair wind, on the 9th of April, the British admiral weigh ed, with the determination to pass Fort Moultrie. * A critical research into the various proceedings of congress and of the states, in making preparations of defence, evince a negligence in the ascertain ment of facts, essential to the accurate execution of measures which excites surprise and regret. We have before seen that a British admiral first discover ed that a small inlet between Mud Island and the Pennsylvania shore would admit ships with cannon, and that, availing himself of this discovery, he forced us to abandon Mud Island, and thus probably saved the British army. We now see that it was reserved for the moment of trial to learn that the bar of Charleston was not defensible by our squadron, because the water within the bar was loo shallow for our frigates. Woutd not due inquiry have ascertain ed these truths in due time, when the inlet so destructive to Mud Island raighf b.ave been readily shut up by immovable obstructions, close as it was under the command of our fort, and when a naval force, fitted for the depth of water within the bar, might have been as readily prepared and sent to Charleston aa was the useless squadron which, by the surrender of the town, became the pro perty of the enemy. 9 66 Memoirs of the War in the This he readily accomplished, notwithstanding all the opposition which it was possible for colonel Pinckney to make. Not a ship was disabled ; and only twenty-seven men killed and wounded. A convincing proof that unless the hostile fleet is stopped by obstruc tions in the channel difficult and tedious to remove, the fire of forts and batteries never can avail.* Having passed this our only re maining point of resistance, the British fleet anchored within the harbour out of reach of" further offence. On the same day sir Henry Clinton finished his first parallel, when the British com manders demanded the surrender of the town. To this summons general Lincoln replied : " Sixty days have been past, since it has been known that your intentions against this town were hostile, in which, time has been afforded to abandon it; but duty and inclina tion point to the propriety of supporting it to the last extremity." This answer was no sooner received 'han the British batteries com.' menced the dire assault, which continued without intermission. As the British were possessed of the harbour and of Charleston neck, only the pass across Cooper river, and up its eastern bank, remained open to general Lincoln. A retreat was effectihle, and ought in prudeince to have been attempted as soon as the defence of the bar was discovered to be impracticable ; being then omitted it ought now to have been attempted. For although it certainly had been rendered more hazardous than it was, before the enemy's fleet passed the bar, yet it was still practicable. t One difficulty of force only was attached to the attempt — discovery before the gar rison had crossed the river aud begun its march. This certainly might have been prevented by lining all the avenues to the enemy1? posts with troops of approved fidelity. But this salutary plan was not adopted. It does not seem then to. have been even contemplated; for shortly before, brigadier general Woodford, with seven hundred of the Virginia line, detached from the main army by general Wash ington, entered the town. This would not have taken place had retreat been in view. Woodford would have been halted'at Monk's Corner, where brigadier Hnger, of the South Carolina line, was. * Was this the solitary instance within our own experience of the accuracy of this observation, the result so confidently relied upon might be doubted ; but every attempt made by the naval force of tbe enemy during the war succeeded in like manner ; and many such operations took place. Experience every where proves the truth of the remark ; and it ought to in fluence government in their preparation of water defences whenever they may be resorted to. tOur cayalry was now safe ; and we had a small force of militia. All the horses in Charleston might have beeu conveyed across the river with saddles, bridles, and swords, which would have enabled Lincoln to mount some ot his infantry, to act as dragoons, and thus given to the retreating army a decided superiority in that important force. At the same time it .would have deprived the enemy of the means of transportation of stores, baggage, and munitions, without which, in adequate quantities, he would not have pursued any great distance. Gaining one march in this situation of things, Lincoln was safe ; and this advantage was certain, if his caution and secrecy prevented discovery. Southern Department of the United States. 67 posted with the cavalry, to preserve communication between the town and country. Indeed the loss of Charleston was a sad de ranging blow to the south ; the force of which was aggravated by the injudicious, though faithful, effort to preserve it Not only the metropolis of the state, and the depot of its commerce, with a por tion of that of its northern neighbour, but the unrivalled seat of southern beauty, taste, art, science, and wealth, Charleston, from its foundation, had been the pride, the boast, and delight of the high. spirited gentry, and gallant yeomanry of that country. And as if nature had stepped out of its ordinary course to give superi- orjty.td its advantages, it is the region of salubrity, and draws with in its pale, in the season of summer, the sick to be cured, and the well to enjoy health, reversing the common order in Europe and America.* Such a combination of influence was not to be resisted, by the brave and amiable Lincoln,t especially when supported by the co incident wish of the grave fathers of the state, and encouraged by his reliance on assurances of adequate succour. It is to be regret ted that the general's thorough knowledge of his own situation, of the enemy's strength and object, and of the imbecility of govern ment, had not induced him to adopt that plan of operations which would have upheld the commonweal should disappointments, which too often happened, follow the assurances received from congress. It was very certain that the possession of Charleston, only, was not the sole object of the hostile armament, but the conquest of that state, in the first place, and then of as many others as could be added to it. It was equally certain that the preservation of the country would soon regain the town, whereas the loss of the coun try would irretrievably fix the doom of the town. Nor could it be doubted" that the salvation of the country depended on the timely evacuation of the town, as thus only the army would be preserved to arrest the enemy's advance. After this had been done, if the assurances made general Lincoln should be realized, the subjuga tion of the state became visionary, and the invader would abandon Charleston, which would have probably stopped the prosecution of the war. If the assurances should turn out illusory, as they did, the army safe, would have given a rallying point to our militia, and drawn together such a force as might have resisted the enemy ef fectually, whenever sir Henry Clinton returned to New York.J »In the sickly season (the summer and autumn) Charleston is resorted to, as with us, and every where else on the two continents, are the upper country and its waters. This used to be the case; and I believe it still continues, with the exception of some who visit the northern states in the sultry season. t The American general partakes in character more of ./Eneas, than of Hector, iSir Henry Clinton had left New York with a reduced force, and under a , German general ; admitting that he was safe from the intrusion of a French navv as was probable, still he was not safe from general Washington, whose armv never received its full annual strength sooner than July. Such was the dilatory progress, under our weak government. It therefore could not be doubted but that sir Henry Clinton would return, aud that as soon aB was practicable, after the fall of Charleston. 6& Memoirs of the War in ihe Those afflicting disasters which followed never could have taken place, heightened by the. intestine divisions in the two Carolinas. The leading characters of the country never could have been shut up in Charleston, to be thence transported in captivity ; and the people under the direction of their accustomed lights and guides, linked together by sameness of birth, of habit, of religion, and of law, never could have been thrown into those deadly feuds, engen dering that sanguinary warfare, in some sections of the country, which, with the fury of pestilence, destroyed without discrimina? tion. Let this sad though faithful record of our own experience ad monish tbe rulers of the nation, if in future vicissitudes of the ever changing scenes of human affairs, they should be called upon to act in a similar conjuncture ; and let it impress on future gene rals, situated as was major general Lincoln, that the wiser course i3 that which promises to promote the common good, when the known impotence of the government renders the failure of its pro mises probable. Although this opportunity for retreat* was ne- *In proof of the sad expectations which prevailed in Charleston about this time, I subjoin au intercepted letter, published by Mr. Stedman, whose history of the American war I have perused with great satisfaction, "From Mr. B. Smith to Mrs. Smith, dated Charleston, April 30." Having never had an opportunity of writing to her since the enemy began to act with vigour, and knowing that a thousand evil reports will prevail to in crease her uneasiness* — " Mine I have supported pretty well until last night, when 1 really almost sunk under the load. Nothing remains around to comfort me but a ptobability of saving my life, after going through many difficulties. Our affairs are daily declining; and not a ray of hope remains to assure us of our success. The enemy have turned the siege into a blockade, which in a short time must have the desired effect; and the most sanguine do not now en tertain the smallest hope of the town being saved. The enemy have continued their approaches with vigour continually, since I wrote the inclosed, and are now completing batteries about two hundred yards distance from our line|. They but seldom fire from their cannon ; but their popping off rifles and small guns do frequent mischief, and every night throw an amazing number of shells amongst our people, which, at the lines, though not attended with the damage that might be reasonably expected, do some mischief. Our communication is entirely cut off from the country (excepting by a small pass at great risk) by lord Cornwallis, who occupies every landing place from Hadrell's point, a con- siderable way up the river, with two thousand and five hundred men. When I wrote last, it was the general opinion that we could evacuate the town a( pleasure; but a considerable reinforcement having arrived to the enemy, has enabled them to strengthen their posts so effectually as to prevent that measure., The same cause prevents our receiving further supplies of provisions or rein forcements; and a short time will plant the British standard on our ramparts. You will see by the inclosed summons that the persons and properties of the inhabitants will be saved; and consequently I expect to' have the liberty of soon returning to you ; but the army must be made prisoners of war. This will give a rude shock to tbe independence of America: and a Lincolnade will be as common a term as a Burgoynade. But I hope in time we shall recover this severe blow. However, belore this happens; I hope 1 shall be permitted to return home, where I must stay, as my situation will not permit me to take any further an active part; and therefore my abandoning my property will subject me to many inconveniences and losses, without being any way serviceable to tbe country. This letter will run great risk, as it will be surrounded on all Southern Department of ihe United States. 69 glected, yet the governor and general concerted measures well cal culated to maintain the communication between the town and coun try. The governor, with a moiety of the executive counsel, left the town for the purpose of encouraging the collection of the mili tia, and Of establishing a succession of posts, with supplies of pro vision, in case, at any future day, a retreat might be deemed pro per, while the lieutenant governor, the aged and respectable Mr. Gadsden, with the other moiety, continued in the town to encour age, by their presence, their fellow citizens, and to assist, by their authority, the military operations. Governor Rutledge formed two camps, one betwee'n the rivers Cooper and Santee, and the other on the Santee. But although clothed with dictatorial powers, and exerting these powers with unabating zeal, he was never able to collect a force in any degree respectable. To be the principal, or to be the auxiliary, is very differently relished by man. The militia, feeling their imperfections, can rarely be brought to act the first character, though willing, as they proved themselves, to assume the second. To encourage the efforts of the governor, general Lincoln, in adequate as his garrison was, detached three hundred regulars, who, with the cavalry and the militia, it was confidently hoped might have held open the communication yet remaining, especially as portions of the promised reinforcements were daily expected ; all of which would probably have been annexed to this incipient army. Sir Henry Clinton, soon after the establishment upon Joljn's Island., had drawn from Savannah one thousand two hundred men, aud sent orders to lieutenant general Knyphausen to reinforce him with three thousand more from New York. This succour was daily expected. Proceeding without disturbance in bis second parallel, and anx ious to close the investiture of the town by extending his opera tions on the north of Cooper's River, he placed under lieutenant colonel Webster a corps of one thousand five hundred for the execution of this object. Webster found that the American caval ry still lay at Monk's Corner. To this point he devoted his atten tion : soon informed, as well of their strength and position as of their precautions, to guard against sui prise, he determined to break up the post, and selected the night of the 14th April for his enter- sides; but as I know the person to whose care it is committed, and feel for your uneasy situation, I could not but trust it Assure yourself that I shall shortly see you; as nothing prevents Lincoln's surrender but a point of honour of holding out to the last extremity. This is nearly at hand, as our provisions 'will soon fail; and my plan is to' walk off as soon as I can obtain permission. Should your father be at home, make him acquainted with the purport of this . letter, and remember me to him, also to your mother ; but do not let the intel ligence go out of tbe house. But a mortifying scene must first be encountered ; the thirteen stripes will be levelled in the dust, and I owe my life to the clem ency of the conqueror. (Signed) B. SMITH.. 70 Memoirs of the War in the prise. Taking some neglected by-paths, his van composed of Tarleton's legion, and Ferguson's riflemen, by avoiding the pa- troles, approached our videttes unperceived. Lieutenant colonel Tarleton drove at them with his habitual promptitude, and entered the camp with the videttes. Although accoutred for action, yet so instantaneous was the as sault, that the American cavalry were routed without resistance. Lieutenant colonel Washington, and most of the corps, saved them selves by their knowledge of the country, while the inhabitants suffered outrages shocking to relate.* All the extra horses, wagons, baggage, &c, fell into the hands of the enemy. The British and American statements differ as to our loss widely. By our account we lost only thirty dragoons besides the baggage of the corps. Mr. Stedman, to whom 1 have before recurred, places it much higher; and I have never been able to satisfy myself as to the real loss.f This successful exploit enabled lieutenant colonel Webster to es tablish a position on the Wando, thus securing all the country be tween that river and the Cooper. Lincoln learned with deep re gret the disaster of our cavalry, and its direct consequence, the enemy's establishment on the Wando. He came to the resolution of striking at this post ; but so weak was his. garrison, that, by the advice of a council of war called upon the occasion, he relinquish ed his intention ; and the post, fatal to his communication with the country, was left undisturbed, although held by only six hundred infantry and some cavalry. The reinforcement from New York *"Some dragoons of the British legion attempted to ravish several ladies in the house of Dr. John Collington, in the neighbourhood of Monk's Corner, where they were protected. A carriage being provided, they were escorted to the house of M •, The dragoons were apprehended. and brought to Monk's. Corner, where by this time colonel Webster had arrived and taken the com mand. The late colonel Patrick Ferguson, of whom we shall have to speak more hereafter, was for putting the dragoons to death. But colonel Webster did not conceive that his power extended to holding a general court martial. The prisoners were, however, sent to head quarters ; and, I believe, were af terwards tried and whipped.'' Stedman. t " Forty-two wagons, one hundred and two wagon horses, and eighty-two dragoon horses, and several officer's horses; a quantity of ammunition, flour, butter, clothing, camp and horse equipage, harness for all the wagons, alt the. officer's clothing. and baggage, together with five puncheons of rum, six hogs heads Muscovado sugar, four barrels indigo, a quantity of tea, coffee, spices, nails in casks, some. French cloth, three barrets of gunpowder, swords, &c, found in a store, which was set on fire and blown up by the carelessness of a sentinel. Tbe loss of the Americans in men was major Bernie, of Pulaski's legion of- dragoons, and three captains, one lieutenant, and Iwo privates, kill ed ; fifteen privates, one captain, and two lieutenants, taken prisoners, includ ing the wounded. Major Bernie was mangled in the most shocking manner : he had several woands, a severe one behind his ear. This unfortunate officer lived several hours, reprobating the Americans for their conduct on this occa sion; and even in his last moments cursing the British for their barbarity, in having refused quarter after he had surrendered. The writer of this, who was ordered on the expedition, afforded every assistance in his power, and had the major put upon a table in a public house in the village, and a blanket thrown over him. The major, in his last moments, was frequently insulted by the pri vates of the legion.'' Stedman. Southern Department of the United States. i\ arriving about this time, lord Cornwallis was appointed to under take the investiture of the town on the north side of Cooper River, with considerable augmentation to the corps operating under Web ster. Sir Henry Clinton had now completed his second parallel without interruption, Lincoln wisely determining to preserve his force undiminished b^ offensive efforts on his part, that he might be more able to meet a storm, or to make good his retreat. But seeing that a third parallel must bring the enemy upon his canal, and render further resistance chimerical, he determined to interrupt its prosecution. Lieutenant colonel Henderson, of the south Carolina line, commanded a night sortie : it was executed with honour to the commandant and his detachment ; but so tho roughly stable were the enemy's advances, that it was ineffectual, and a repetition was never attempted. Lord Cornwallis having, with his detachment, joined lieutenant colonel Webster, the retreat of the garrison became scarcely prac ticable, nevertheless such was the solicitude of the American gene ral to save his army for the defence of the country, that he called a council of war to ascertain, through their advice, the course to be pursued. No longer doubting of the fall of the town, the coun cil recommended that an offer of surrender should be made on two conditions : viz. Safety to the persons and property of the inhab itants ;. and permission to the garrison to continue in arms. The first condition was that which every conqueror ought to. gtant with pleasure ; the second, that which no conqueror can grant, unless situated very differently from the British commander. The pro position was rejected ;. and the besiegers pressed forward on their road to victory. The admiral prepared a detachment from his fleet under captain Hudson to attack Fort Moultrie, from which colonel' Pinckney, and a greater part of the garrison, had been withdrawn soon after the fleet passed the fort. Why a single man should have been left, much as the lines before Charleston required additional force, seems inexplicable, especially after the evacuation of our small posts at Lempriere's Point, and on the Wando.* The menace against Fort Moultrie produced surrender : the flag of that renowned post was now lowered ; and the remnant garrison, about two hundred men, were made prisoners. The American cavalry, after the surprise at Monk's Corner, withdrew to the north of the Santee for security, where lieutenant colonel White, of Moylan's regiment, took the command. This officer, discovering that lord Cornwallis extended his foraging par ties to the southern banks of the river on which he was encamped, determined to interrupt the collection of his supplies. Prepared to execute this proper decision, upon the first vnotice of the eue- *Lord Cornwallis had taken possession of Mount Pleasant, ;which produced the evacuation of Lempriere's and Wando posts. It applied as precisely to the withdrawing of the garrison from Fort Moul trie; as that post had never been fortified iu this quarter, and was, of course, subject to approach without difficulty. 1% Memoirs of the War in the my's approach, he passed the Santee, struck at the foe, broke up the forage excursion, captured most of the party, with which he retired to Lenew's Ferry upon the Santee, where be had ordered boats to meet him ; and at the same time communicating his success to lieutenant colonel Buford, who commanded a regiment of Virgi nia levies, stationed near the ferry, on the north side of the river, requiring his aid in the transportation of himself and prisoners to the opposite shore. How it happened is not ascertained ; but it did happen, that Buford's co-operation, nor the boats ordered by White were felt or seen ; and the successful lieutenant colonel, expecting instantly the means of conveyance, incautiously waited on the southern bank of the river instead of moving to some secret and strong position. Lieutenant colonel Tarleton was on his march to Lenew's Ferry with his cavalry; sent thither by the British general, to procure intelligence ; falling in with a royalist, he was informed of White's success, and instantly pressed forward to strike him. He came up with our cavalry on the banks of the Santee, and repeated the ca tastrophe of Monk's Corner. The knowledge of the country was a second time beneficial to the fugitives : the swamps saved some, jvhile others swam the river. Between thirty and forty only were killed and taken. The evacuation of our small posts on Wando and Lempriere's Point, with the surrender of Fort Moultrie, and tbe second discom fiture of our cavalry, gave to the enemy uncontrolled possession of all the country between the Cooper and Santee Rivers, and extin guished the glimmering hopes that had been still entertained of the practicability of a retreat from the town. Soon followed the completion of the third parallel, which placed the garrison at the mercy of the besiegers. Unwilling, from mo tives of humanity, to increase the hardships of the unfortunate, the British admiral and general a second time demanded surrender. Lincoln now, from necessity, yielded up his army ; but, still anx ious to save the militia and inhabitants from captivity, he excepted* them in bis assenting answer, which exception being declared in admissible, the negociation ceased. Reluctantly sir Henry Clinton ranewed the contest by opening the batteries of the third parallel, and pushed his works under their fire to the brink of the canal, which by a sap to the dam was drained. This first barrier was now possessed by the enemy, aiid a double sap carried thence under the abbatis, within thirty steps of our work. For two days, the fire from the third parallel con tinued without intermission, and with great execution; and the sharp shooters were planted so close to our lines as to single out every man who exposed himself to view. The enemy being prepared to strike the last blow, the orders for assault only remained to be given, when the inhabitants became assured that the concluding scene could not long be deferred; and ; though heretofore devoted to the defence of the (own, now with Southern Department of the United States. 73 one accord supplicated general Lincoln to relinquish the exception made in their favour, and to accept the terms proffered.* Phe amiable Lincoln could not longer hesitate in stopping the effusion of blood. He commupicated to sir Henry Clinton his readiness to lay down his arms upon the conditions before offered. Highly honourable was the conduct of the British commanders. J hey did not press the unfortunate, but agreed that the terms be fore rejected should form the basis of capitulation, which being soon prepared, signed and ratified, Charleston was surrendered on the 12th, six days after the third parallel was finished. t * This change in temper and feelings of the people of Charleston belongs to man.similaily situated all over the World ; and therefore military commandants, jn taking military measures, while they hear with'patience and decorum, the desires of the inhabitants, ought never to regard them in the adoption of their pla-hs or measures. General Lincoln no more ought to have been influenced by the remonstrances of the citizens of Charleston, when weighing in his mind the propriety of evacuation, than ought a tender father to regard the crying of his child on his administering a dose of physic to save its life. t Charleston, May 11, 1780. Srn. : The same motives of humanity which inclined you to propose articles of capitulation to this garrison, induced me to offer those lhad the honour of send ing you on the 8th instant. They then appeared to me such as I might proffer, and you receive, with honour to both parties. Your exceptions to them, as they principally concerned the militia and citizens, I then conceived were such as could not be concurred with ; but a recent application from those people, wherein they express a willingness to comply with them, and a wish on my part to lessen, as much as may be, the distresses of war ro individuals, lead me now to offer you my acceptance of them. I have the honour to be, Sic. (Signed) B. LINCOLN. His excellency sir H. Cuntow. Camp before Charleston, -May 11, 1780. Sib: . When you rejected the favourable terms which were dictated by an earnest 'desire to prevent the effusion of blood, and interposed articles that were wholly inadmissible, both the admiral aud myself were of opinion, that the surrender of the town at discretion was the only condition that should afterwards be attended to ; but as the motives which then induced them are still prevalent, 1 now inform you that the terms then offered will still be granted. A copy of the articles shall be sent for your ratification as soon as they can be prepared ; and .immediately after they are exchanged, a detachment of gren adiers will be sent to take possession of the horn-work Opposite your main gate. Every arrangement which may conduce to good order in occupying the town, shall be settled before noon to-morrow ; and at that time your garrison will. match out. I have the honour to be, &c. H. CLINTON. Major general LmcoHr. Articles of capitulation between their excellencies sir Henry Clinton, Mariot Jtrbuihnot. Esq., and major general Benjamin Lincoln. Art. 1st. That all acts of hostility and work shall cease between the be siegers and the besieged, until the articles of capitulation shall be agreed on, signed; and executed, or collectively rejected. 10 74 Memoirs of the War in the The adverse generals, in their official despatches, speak in very approving terms'-of th'e zeal and gallantry with which they were respectively supported. The loss was by no means correspondent Answer. All acts of hostiHty and work shall cease, until the articles of capi itulation are finally agreed to ov rejected Art. 2d. The town and fortifications shall be surrendered lo the commander in chief cf the British forces, such as they now stand. Answer. The town and fortifications, with Ihe shipping at the wharves, artil lery, and all other public stores whatsoever, shall be surrendered in their pre sent state to the commanders of the iflveiiting forces; proper officers shall attend from ihe tespective departments to receive them. Art. 3d. The continental troops and sailors, with their baggage, shall be conducted to a place to be agreed tin, where they shall remain prisoners of war until exchanged. While prisoners, they shall be supplied with good and whole. some provisions in such quantity as is served out lo the troops of .his Britaaoic majesty. Answer. Granted. Art. 4th. The militia now in garrison shall be permitted to return to theil re spective homes, and be secured in their persons and property. Answer. The miliiia now in garrison shall be permitted to return to their re spective homes as prisoners on parole; .which parole, as long as they observe, shall secure them from being molested in their propeity by the British troops. Art. 5th. The sick and wounded shall be continued under the care oi .heir own surgi oils, and be supplied with medicine and such necessaries as are al lowed to the British hospitals. Answer. Granted. Art. 6th. The officers of the army and navy shall keep their horses, swords, pistols, and baggage, which shall not be searched, and retain their Servants. Answer. Granted, except with respect In the horses, which will not be allow ed to go put of the town; but may be disposed of by a person left from each corps for that purpose. Art. 7th. The garrison shall, at an hour appointed, march out with shoulder ed arms, drums beating, and colouis flying, to a place to be agreed on, where thej will pile their arms. Answer. The whole garrisoo shall, at an hour to be appointed, march out of the town to the ground between the works of the place and the canal,' where they will deposit their arms. The drums are not lo beat a British march, or colours to be uncased. Art. 8th. That the French consul, his House, papers, and other moveable pro perty, shall be protected and untouched, and a proper time granted to him foe retiring to any place that may afterwards be agreed upon between him and the commander in chief of the British forces.- Answer Agreed, with this restriction, that he is to consider himself as a prisoner on parole. Art. 9. That the citizens shall be protected in their persons and proper ties. Answer. All «ivil officers, and the citizens who have borne arms during the siege, must be prisoners an parole; and with respect to their properly in the city, shall have the same terms as are granted to the militia : and all other per sons now iu the town, not to be described in this or other article, are, nutwrth- standing, understood to be prisoners on parole. Ait. 10th. That a twelve month's time be allowed all such as do not choose in continue under the British government to dispose of their effects rear and persona!, in the state, without any molestation whatever; or to remove such part thereof as they choose, as well as themselves and families ; and that, dur ing that time, they or any of them may have it at their option to reside occa sionally in town or country. Adswer7The drscussiOtr of this article of course cannot possibly be entered to at piesent. Southern Department of the United States. 75 to the length and obstinacy of the conflict, because of tbe safe and judicious system adopted by the besieger in his advances, and fiorn the inadequacy of the garrison, which induced the besieged to hus band with care his force, in the hope that some propitious event might occur on the part of our ally, and force sir Henry Clinton to change his plan of operations, as had taken place with Lincoln himself before Savannah; and relying also upon Ihe reiterated ag, surance of ample support from congress and the government of North and South Carolina. The enemy lost 'seventy killed, and one hundred and eighty-nine wounded: our loss, including militia and inhabitants, amounted to one hundred and two killed, and one hundred and fifty seven wound ed. Among the former was lieutenant colonel Richard Parker, of the first Virginia regiment. He was one of that illustrious baud of youths w'10 first flew to their country's standard when she was driven to unslieath the sword. Stout and intelligent, brave and en, terprising, he bad been advanced frOm the command of a company in the course of the war to the command of a regiment. Always beloved and respected, late in the siege he received a ball in the forehead, and fell dead in the trenches, embalmed in the tears of bis faithful soldiers, and honoured by the regret of the whole army. The British official statement give a total of prisoners exceeding five thousand, including, no doubt, all the inhabitants capable of bearing arms, it being certain that Lincoln's continental force did not reach two thousand, exclusive of officers, when he surrender ed. His effective militia, by his official return, amounted at the same time to five hundred men. In addition we lost, by the Bri tish account, one thousand seamen, American and French, with four hundred pieces of ordnance, abundant magazines of military and naval stores, and all the shipping in the harbour.* The loss of men, stores, &c, though somewhat exaggerated, was a severe Art. 1 1th. That the same protection to their persons and properties, and the same time for the removal of their effects, be given to the subjects of France and Spain, as are required for the citizens in the preceding article. Answer. The subjects of France aud Spain shall have the same terms as are granted to the French consul. Art. 13th. That a vessel be permitted to go to Philadelphia with the general's despatches, which are not to be opened. Answer. Granted ; and a proper vessel with a flag will be provided for that •purpose. All public papers and records must be carefully preserved and faithfully de livered to such persons as shall be appointed lo receive them. Done in Charleston, May 12th, 1780. B. LINCOLN. Done in camp before Charleston, May 12th. 1780. Signed H. CLINTON. M. AKBUTHNOT. * Return of the ships and vessels taken and destroyed jn the siege nf Charles ton. The Bricole, pierced for sixty, mounting forty-four guns, twenty-four aud eighteen pounders, her captain, officers and company, prisoners. Queen af France, twenty-eight nine pounders, sunk, her captain and company prisoners. 76 Memoirs of the War in the blow upon the United States, and excited very gloomy sensations throughout America. The error of risking a country to save a town which only can be retained by the reduction of the country, was now perceived with all its pernicious consequences. Nevertheless, so well established was the spotless reputation of the vanquished general that he continued to enjoy the undiminish ed respect and confidence of congress, of the army, and of thd commander in chief. During the winter the king of Spain had been accepted as media tor by the king of England and his most christian majesty, with the ostensible and laudable view of putting a stop to the ravages and waste of war. Tbe negotiation terminated unsuccessfully ; and the mediating power united with France in the contest. Timely communication of the resolution of the Spanish court was sent to Don Galvez, the governor of New Orleans. Availing himself of tbe information, he collected a military force, and falling upon the unprepared Bri tish settlements on the Mississippi, annexed them to the govern' ment of Spain. Soon after his return to New Orleans, Don Galvez made arrangements for the reduction of West Florida. In the month of January he embarked two thousand men on board of1 transports under convoy of a small squadron, and sailed for the bay of Mobile. Unluckily he encountered a storm in his voyage, and suffered severely. Several of the vessels foundered; many of the troops perished ; and most of his stores were lost. With the remainder he at length entered the bay of Mobile. Here he established him self, and waited for a supply of men and stores from New Orleans. These having reached him, he stood up the bay, and on the 25th of February landed in the vicinity of the town of Mobile, where the English had erected a stockade fort, then garrisoned by one company of regulars. Don Galvez pursuing the cautious system exemplified by sir Henry Clinton before Charleston, beset this little stockade with regular approaches, labouring at them inces santly until the middle of March, when opening a battery of heavy cannon he demolished it in twelve hours. The garrison surren dered by capitulation. Had the dilatoriness of the Spanish opera tions consumed a few days more, Don Galvez would have been compelled to relinquish his enterprise, as general Campbell, press ing forward by forced marches with a body of troops from St. Augustine/ approached the neighbourhood of Mobile soon after it surrendeied. This incursion gratified the feelings of the defen ders of the southern States, as it cherished the expectation that Notre Dame, brig, sixteen guns, sunk, captain and company prisoners. Pro vidence, thirty -two eighteen and twelve pounders, taken, captain and company prisoners. Ranger, twenty-six pounders, taken, crew prisoners. French ships. L'Aventure, twenty-six nine and six pnnnders, captain and crew prisoners. Polar-re, sixteen six pounders, captain and crew prisoners. Some einpty brigs, and other smaller vessels, lying at the wharves, taken, with four row galleys. Southern Department of the United States. 77 the invasion of the two Florida? already begun would be pro secuted, and consequently would employ some of the enemy's troops, thus diminishing the force against which they had to con tend. CHAPTER XVI. ? T E have seen that, for the two years subsequent to the conclu sion of our treaty with France, in pursuance of the plan adopted by Louts XVI, -a French fleet had annually visited our coast. Al though heretofore disappointed in the expected benefits of extend ing naval co-operation to our army, it could not be doubted, but that the same wise course would be pursued this summer, especially as now, the fleet of Spain was added to that of France. Sir Henry Clinton, aware of this probable event, hastened the completion of his measures for the security of his conquests. Solicitous to avoid that interruption to his return to New York, which delay might in terpose, he wisely determined to pursue in his arrangements the dictates of clemency and of justice, the only possible way to secure the submission of freemen. In this spirit he published a manifesto calling to the recollection ofthe inhabitants, his avoidance hereto fore of urging their interference in the contest, because he was un willing to involve them in hazard so long as the issue was in sus pense. That the state of things being completely changed, not only by the surrender of Charleston, but by the destruction or capture ofthe various armed corps iu the country, it was time that the friends of peace and ofthe royal government should boldly come forth and contribute by their assistance to the restoration of order and tran quillity. He proposed that the militia with families should arm for the security ofthe province, while the youth should imbody to serve six raonths with the army, enjoying the privilege of acting only in the Carolinas and Georgia, assuring to them the "same treatment and compensation as was allowed to the regulars, and permitting them to elect their own officers, with an immunity from all further military duty after the expiration of six months, excepting the ordinary mil itia duty at home. To men disposed to continue upon their farms, and to obey the existing powers, the proffered conditions could not be unacceptable. But to those in whose generous breasts were deeply planted the love of country, and the love of liberty, accor dance with the proposition was not to be expected- they would abandon their homes, and unite with the defenders of their country whenever called upon. These of course fled the state, determined never to arm against a cause which they believed to be the cause of right. On the 22d of May the general issued his proclamation, cherish ing, by assurances of protection and support, the king's peaceful subjects, and menacing all who should hereafter be found in armf-, or detected in any resistance or combination to resist the lawful au thority with the confiscation of property, and condign corporal nuB- 78 Memoirs of the War in $e ishment. In nine days after, another proclamation appeared from the general and admiral as joint commissioners for restoring peace, promising a full and free pardon to all who should forthwith return to their allegiance, excepting those Who in the mock forms of jus tice bad shed the blood ol their fellow citizens for their loyalty to their king; and pledgin^the restoration of the blessings of legal gov ernment as soon as Ihe srate ofthings would permit, with exemption from the payment of taxes not imposed by their own assembly. The consequence of these measures was favourable to British views: tbe greater part of the inhabitants manifested a -disposition to coin- ply with the requisites enjoined; some armed jn support jof the roy, ul government, while a few abandoned the country, determined if they fought on either side, it should beou that of America. While Sir Henry Clinton was engaged in these arrangements J78O, lord Cornwallis had advanced towards the frontiers with a May. part of the force which was lo remain under his command for the security and extension of the recent conquest, . Formed into three divisions after reaching Donchester, each division took the rout to the destined object : the first, under lieutenant colonel Brown, moved up the Savannah to Augusta ; while -the second, led by lieu tenant colonel Balfour, passed along the southern banks of the Wa- tereeto Ninety-six, and the third, directed by his lordship, advan ced towards Camden, to which place it was understood iieuteuant colonel Buford, commanding the remnant of the continental force in the south had retired after hearing ofthe fall of Charleston. "• ei ther of these divisions experienced the slightest resistance. Au gusta, Ninety-six, and. Camden, were possessed, fortified aud gar risoned ; all the intermediate country was submissive ; and protests- " tions of loyalty resounded in ev.ery quarter. Cornwallis had no sooner passed the Santee than he became informed of lieutenant colonel 'Buford's'rejinquishinenl of Camden and precipitate march to North Carolina. Despairing himself to overtake this detach ment, he determined on a pursuit with his cavalry, strengthened by one hundred mounted infantry. This detachment was intrusted to lieutenant colonel Tarleton, an officer rising fast in military reputation. More distinguished for courage and activity than fur management and address, his mode of operation was to overtake and fight. Entering without delay upon his expedition, he pressed forward with his usual Zealand celerity, though not so expeditious ly ashis anxious roiud suggested to be necessary. Leaving his mount ed infantry to follow, he advanced at the head of his cavalry- with quickened pace, and marching one hundred and five miles in fifty- four hours, a rapid movement for his inferior horse, be approached Buford on his march in. the friendly settlement of the Waxhaws on toe 29th,* This officer immediately offered to surrender upon the * This account, although countenanced by other American narratives of Bu- fhrd's disastci, is probably incorrect. Tarleton declares he summoned Bu- fnrdv and ottered him the .same terms lhat had bean granted to the garrison of Charleston — and gives Buford's reply iu these words : Southern Department of the United States. *79 terms granted to the garrison of Charleston; and why tbe British commandant rejected the proffered submission is inexplicable. Tl e detachment would have been prisoners of war; and the barbarous scene which ensued to the disgrace of the victor, dimming the splen dor of all his exploits, would not have taltun place. The moment the negotiation ceased, Tarleton charged the still unprepared foe. Wounds and death, with some partial resistance, followed; and many of our soldiers fell under the British sabre requesting quarters. The unrelenting couqueior shut his ears to the.voice of suppli cation, as he had steeled his heart against the claims of mercy By the official report, one hundred and thirteen were killed, one hun* dred and fifty so badly wounded at to be paroled on the ground, most of whom died ; and fifty-three prisoners being capable of mov ing, graced the entry of the7 sanguinary corps into Camden ; at which place lord Cornwallis hud arrived.* Lieutenant colonel " Waxhaws, May Z9th, 1780, " Sib: - I reject your proposal; and shall defend myself to the last extremity. 1 have the honour to be, &c. ABM. BUFORD.*> .Lt. col. Tarletoit, jtorn'g British Legion.'''' Marshal, who was well acquainted with Buford, confirms the statement of Tarleton, arid has probably given the best account of the affair which exists. Jt is as follows : " A surrender Was immediately demanded on tbe terms which had been grant ed to the garrison of Charleston. These were refused. While the flags were passing, Tarleton continue,, to make his dispositions for the assault. The in stant the truce was over, his cavalry made a furious charge on the Americans, who had -received no orders to engage, and who seem to have been uncertain ¦ whether to defend theinselvts or not. hi this state of dismay and confusion, some threw down their anus and begged for quarter, while others fired oh the assailants. No quarter Was given.' Colonel Bufprd with a few cavalry es caped ; aud about one hundced infantry, who were somewhat advanced, saved themselves by flight; but the regiment was almost demolished. The official account giveii by colonel Tarleton, the exactness of which is not questioned', states one hunched and thirteen to have been killed on the spot, one hundred and fifty to have been so badly wounded as to be paroled because they were incapable of being moved ; and the remaining fifty-three to have been brought away as prisoners. Tbe loss uf the Urilish amounted only to twelve killed, and five wou tided. Au attempt was made to justify this carnage, by alleging tbat the Americans, after affecting to yield, had again taken up their arms, and fired on the assai lants. The American officers who escaped the massacre of the day, aver the contrary ; and when their situation conies to be considered, there is much rea son to believe that the fact conforms to their statement of it." I do not know from what source th? author of the u etnoirs derived his state ments—probably from his remembrance of oral remarks made, near ihe time of this transaction. Ef- * How lord Cornwallis could encourage such barbarity, by omitting to pun ish the perpetrator, has never been satisfactorily explained. It tended to dimin ish the respect entertained lor his lordship's character in the camp of his enemy, which' had been invanably admired for that happy mixture of gooduess as a. man, with greatness as a soldier, heretofore strongly exemplified by his con duct. Far my own .part 1 am persuaded that the commanding offieer is ns niudi 80 Memoirs of the War in the Tarlpton excused this butchery by asserting that, after their submis. sion. some ofthe Americans re-seized their arms and fired upon his troops. Admit the fact, though it is denied, some correction ought to have been inflicted on the guilty ; but the dreadful sacrifice which took place was urjustigable. In the annals of our Indian war no* thin-- is to be found more shocking ; and this bloody day only wan ted the war dance, and the roasting fire, to have placed it first in the records of torture and of death in the west. This tragic expedition sunk deep in the American breast, and produced the unanimous decision among the troops, to revenge their murdered comrades whenever the blood- stained corps should give an opportunity. This happened soon after at the Gotvpens ; but lieutenant colonel Washington, who commanded the horse on that day with so much glory, while he hushed the just claims of ven geance, preserved his laurels pure and spotless. Turning from this ire-exciting occurrence, let us search for the causes nf our calamity. A small party of the saved American cav alry was with Bnford ; and bad it been properly marched in his rear by half sections, ib sight of each. other,.,admittmgthe enemy's horse to have been the swifter, which is not probable, still the nearest sections would have been safe, should those in tbe rear have been overtaken ; and the American commandant, thus advis ed of the enemy's approach, he could have prepared for his de fence. This it seems never occurred to the retreating officer ; or, if it did occur, was neglected. To this want of precaution lieu tenant colonel Buford added evidently much indecision, always fatal in the hour of danger. His soldiers were levies, mostly new troops; but his officers were generally experienced, and many of them equal to any in our army. 'If Buford had prepared for bat tle instead of sending in a flag, or even had so done while the ne gotiation was going on, Tarleton must have been foiled. -The road was lined on both sides with woods"; and the wagons, if placed in front and rear, filled in the body, under the body, and along the wheels, with as many men as could conveniently use their anus, would have afforded an obstruction sufficient to check effectually any charge made in the road. The main body disposed in the woods on each side the road, with an adequate inlervalfor its move ments, between the front and the rear obstruction of wagons, would have given to ttie infantry an advantage which must have secured victory. There was, too, a considerable disparity of force in oat favour. Tarleton had but one hundred and seventy, dragoons, his -mounted infantry far in the rear, while our force exceeded four hundred, including our small party of dragoons. Had Buford, thus posted, deemed it dangerous to continue in hi? position until night, least his antagonist should be reinforced, he might safely have mov ed in the order suggested ; and the moment night had overspread bound by the obligations of his station to punish the cruel, as the deserting soldier; and it is to be lamented, whenever he intentionally fails to do it, that he is not himself punished by his sovereign. Southern Department of the United States. 81 the earth, Ins retreat would have been secured ; for fight is indis pensable to the effectual operation of cavalry. Before the break of day he might have reached Charlotte, where he was sure of affectionate and gallant assistance from its patriotic inhabitants; and where, too, he had reason to expect tc^ find lieutenant colonel Porterfield, an officer of zeal and talents, who had marched from Virginia in the latter end of April, with a corps of horse, foot and artillery, amounting to four hundred men. But nothing of this sort was essayed, and Our countrymen were wantonly slaughtered by an inferior foe Lieutenant colonel Buford, with the horse, escap ed, as did about eighty or ninety of our infantry, who fortunately being advanced, saved themselves by flight. The calm which succeeded the sweeping success of the enemy from his debarkation continued uninterrupted ; and Cornwallis, shortly after Buford's defeat, advanced a corps of light infantry to the Waxhaw settlement, inhabited by_ citizens whose love of coun try remained unshaken even by these shocks. This settlement is so called from the Waxhaw creek, which passes through it, and empties itself into the Catawba. Brigadier Rutherford, of North Carolina, hearing of the advance of this corps, assembled eight hundred of the militia with a determination to protect the country. His troops can scarcely be said to have been armed ; they generally had fowling pieces instead of muskets and bayonet, pewter instead of lead, with a very trifling supply of powder. Information of this assemblage being sent to Camden, the British detachment was recalled, and this valued settlement, rich in soil, and abounding in produce, was for this time happily released. The repose which the district enjoyed, in consequence of the abandonment of the station at the Waxhaws, was of short duration. So ardent was the zeal of the disaffected, and so per suaded were they that rebellion in the south was crushed, that their desire to manifest their loyalty could not be repressed. A large body of loyalists collected under colonel Moore at Armsaour's mill on the 22d of June ; among whom were many who had not only taken the oath of allegiance to the state, but had served in arms against the British army. Rutherford lost no time in taking his measures to bring Moore to submission. But so des- titute was he of ammunition that only three hundred men could be prepared for the- field. This detachment was intrusted to col onel Locke, who was ordered to approach the enemy and watch his motions, while Rutherford continued to exert himself in pro curing arms for the main body to follow under his own direction. Moore, finding an inferior force near him, determined to attack it, in which decision he was gallantly anticipated by Locke, who, perceiving the enemy's purpose, and knowing the hazard of re treat, fell upon Moore in his camp. Captain Ealls, with the horse, led, and rushing suddenly, sword in hand, into the midst of the in surgents, threw them into confusion, which advantage Locke press ed forward to improve, when he suspended the falling blow in consequence of colonel Moore proposing a truce forman hour, with II g2 Memoirs of the War in the the view of amicable adjustment. During the negotiation, Moore and bis associates dispersed, which appears to have been tbeirsole obi ct in proposing the suspension of hostilities. . The cheering intelligence of the unmolested advance of the three detachments to Augusta, Ninety-six, aud Camden, the estab lishment of submission and professions of loyalty, which were every where proffered by the inhabitants, crowned by the destruc tion of Buford, extirpating all continental resistance, confirmed the long indulged persuasion in the breast of Sir Henry Clinton, that he had reannexed Georgia and South Carolina to the British em pire. He now determined, as his final act, lo bolt doubly bis con quest. Ou the 3d of June, he issued his last proclamation, undoing of his own accord a very important condition established in his first, without consulting, much less receiving, the assent of the party who had accepted the terms proffered therein. He declared to the inhabitants who had, in pursuance of his pledged faith, taken parole, that, with the exception of the militia surrendered at Charleston, such paroles were not binding after the 20th of the month, and that persons so situated should be considered as liege subjects, and thenceforward be entitled to all the rights, and sub jected to all the duties of this new state ; not forgetting to denounce the pains and pena'ties of rebellion against those who should with hold due- allegiance to the royal government. This arbitrary change of an understood contract affected deeply, and afflicted sorely, all to whom it applied ; and it was in tbe consequence, as its injuslice merited, fatal to the bright prospect so gratifying to the British general. It demonstrated unequivocally that the hoped for stale of neutrality was illusory, and that evpry man capable of bearing arms, must use them iu aid or in opposition to the country of his birth. In the choice to be made, no hesitation existed in the great mass of the people ; for our country was the general acclaim. The power of the enemy- smothered for a while this kindling spirit ; but the mine was prepared ; the train was laid ; "'and nothing remained, but to apply Ihe match." Sir Henry Clinton, having secured the conquered state, as he fondly believed, en> barked on the 6th with the greater part of his army for New York, leavinglord Cornwallis with four thousand regulars to prosecute the reduction of the southern states.* Succeeding Clinton in his civil, as well as military, powers, his lordship was called from the field for the purpose of establishing the many arrangements which the altered condition of the state required. Commercial regula tions became necessary, and a system of police for the government of the interior was indispensable. Previous to his departure from Camden, he had advanced a body of Highlanders under major M'Arthur to Cheraw Hill, on the Pe- dee, for the purpose of preserving in submission the country be tween that river and the Santee, and for communicating readily with *The garrisons added to the field army amounted to 5,400 in South Carolina. a. ud 1,100 in Georgia. Southern Department of the United States. 83 his friends in North Carolina, especially with the Highland settle ment at Cross Creek. Through the agency of major M'Arthur a regular correspondence was established with the loyalists : they were advised of his lordship's determination, as soon as the ap proaching harvest furnished the means of subsistence, to advance with his army into North Carolina, when he should count upon their active assistance, and in the meanwhile they were exhorted to continue passive under the evils to which they were exposed. At the same time recruiting officers were employed in South Caro lina and Georgia, by whose exertions the provincial regiments were considerably augmented. These preliminary measures for the iuvasion of North Carolina being in execution, his lordship re paired to Charleston, leaving lord Rawdon in command of the army. Meanwhile major Davie returned to the county of Mecklenburg as soon as he recovered from the wounds received in the attack of Stono, and assembling some of his faithful associates of that district, took the field. Hovering near the British posts, he became acquainted with the intended movement of a convoy, with various supplies, from Cam den, to the enemy's post of Hanging Rock, which, amounting only fo a small company of infantry, was within the power of Davie's force. He made a rapid and long march in the night, and having eluded the hostile patroles, gained tbe route of the convoy five miles below Hanging Rock before the bieak of day. Here he halted in a concealed position. In a few hours the convoy appear- ed, and Davie, falling vigorously upon it, instantly overpowered its escort. The wagons and stores were destroyed ; the prison ers forty in number, were mounted on the wagon horses, and es corted by the major, were safely brought within our lines. About the same time, captain Huck, of Tarleton s legion, had been detached by lieutenant colonel Turnbull commanding at Hanging Rock, to disperse some of the exiles of South Carolina, who had lately returned to the state, and were collecting in the neighbourhood of that place to assist in protecting their country. Th! captain, with forty dragoons, twenty mounted infantry, and sixty militia, ventured thirty miles up the country, where the very ex les he was ordered to disperse, attacked and destroyed his de tachment. Tbe captain, notorious for bis cruelt.es and violence, was killed as were several others, aud the rest dispersed . These breJzel of fortune fanned the dying embers of opposi- tion. CHAPTER XVII. T>E southern war, from its commencement had b«n pecufiariy dtstrous to the United States Amy after army had been d .ft* r^r^adt" £T ™^ing conjuncture necessarily 84r Memoirs of the War in the engaged the ardent attention of congress and the commander iu chief Virginia and North Carolina were again called upon to> has ten reinforcements from their respective militia to the south; the Maryland and Delaware lines, under the orders of major general Baron de Kalb, were put in motion for North Carolina ; and the conqueror at Saratoga was called from his retreat in Virginia, and charged to display the stars 'of America in the south. The annunciation of these preparations reanimated the patriots of Carolina and Georgia ; and the smothered discontents growing out of the despotic change, dictated by sir Henry Clinton's last proclamation, with the visitations daily experienced from an insolent licentious soldiery, began to burst forth. Lord Rawdon drew in M'Arthur from the Cheraw Hill, and broke up most of his small posts, dispersed throughout the country, concentrating the British force in the positions of Augusta, Ninety-six, and Camden. Pre vious to this measure, the disaffected of North Carolina forgetting the salutary caution of lord Cornwallis, and sore under the neces sary vigilance of the state government, had imbodied with the de termination to force their way to the British camp. This ill-advis ed insurrection was speedily crushed-, as we have seen in the case of colonel Moore ; but colonel Bryan had the address to keep to gether eight hundred of his followers, and lo conduct them safely to the post at Cheraw Hill, although actively pursued by general Rutherford. Faithful adherents to the rOyal cause, they were form ed into a military corps under their leader, and incorporated with the British troops. Meanwhile, the progress of Baron de Kalb was much retarded by the necessity he was under of procuring subsistence by his own exertions. He at length reached Hill-bo rough in North Carolina, where he halted until the preparations for his further advance were consummated. The miliiia of this sfate, being imbodied under general Caswell, were prepared to join the Baron on his route ; while brigadier general Stevens, with some militia from Virginia, was hastening to the appointed rendezvous. Caswell and Stevens were selected in consequence of past services. The first had, early in the war, given unquestionable proi/fs of his decision, zeal and activity, by the gallant stand he made, in 1776, at Moore's bridge agninst a superior force, wbich terminat ed in the complete discomfiture of the royalists, and the conse quent suppression of a formidable insurrection. The second had commanded a continental regiment, during the campaigns of 1777 and 1778 : he fought under Washington in all the battles of those years, very much respected as a brave, vigorous, and judicious officer. The baron de Kalb, leaving Hillsborough, had reached Deep river, where he was overtaken on the 25th of July by gene ral Gates, who was hailed to the command of ihe army with uni-. versnl gratulations. The continental force did not exceed one thousand five hundred men, including Armand's dragoons and three companies of Harrison's regiment of artillery. Tbe militia of Virginia and North. Carolina had not yet reached head quarters ; and lieutenant colonel Porterfield continued on the confines of South Southern Department of the United States. 85 Carolina with a detachment of four hundred men. White and Washington, after the fall of Charleston, had retired to North Caro lina with a view of recruiting their regiments of cavalry (Moylan's and Baylor's originally) which had so severely suffered at Monk's Corner, and at Linier's Ferry ; and they solicited general Gates to invigorate their efforts by the aid of his authority, so as to enable them to advance with him to the theatre of action. Gates paid no attention to this proper request, and thus deprived himself of the most operative corps belonging to the southern army. Although •unfortunate, these regiments had displayed undaunted courage, and had been taught in the. school of adversity that knowledge which actual service only can bestow. It is probable that this injurious indifference on tbe part of th.'. American commander, resulted from his recurrence to 'he campaign of 1777, when a British army sur rendered to him unaided by cavalry ; leading him to conclude, that Armand's corps, already with him, gave an adequate portion of this species of force. Fatal mistake ! It is not improbable that the closeness and ruggedness of the country, in which he had been so triumphant, did render the aid of horse less material ; but the moment he threw his eyes upon the plains of the Carolinas, the moment he saw their dispersed settlements, adding dilficulty to difficulty iu the procurement of intelligence and provisions ; know ing too, as he did, that the enemy had not only a respectable body of dragoons, but that it had been used without intermission, and with much effect ; it would seem that a discriminating mind must have been led to acquiesce in the wish suggested by the two offi cers of horse. To the neglect of this salutary proposition, may with reason, be attributed the heavy disaster soon after experienced. In no coun try in the world are tbe services of cavalry more to be desired than in that which was then committed to the care of major general Gates ; and how it was possible for an officer of his experience to be re gardless of this powerful auxiliary, remains inexplicable. Calcula ting proudly on the weight of his name, he appears to have slighted the prerequisites to victory, and to have hurried on lo the field of battle with the impetuosity of youth ; a memorable instance of the certain destruction which awaits the soldier who does not know how to estimate prosperity. If good fortune begets presumption, in stead of increasing circumspection and diligence, it is the sure pre cursor of deep and bitter adversity. General Gates leaving behind the broken and gallant remains of our cavalry, quickly put his army in motion, taking the direct road to the enemy which led through a steril and thinly settled country. The baron de Kalb had prudently fixed upon a route more to the right, which, though longer, passed through well improved settle ments, yielding in abundance wholesome provisions for the troops. The extreme want, to which the army was exposed by this sin- gblar decision of general Gates, was productive of serious ills. The troops substituting green corn and unripe fruit for bread, disease ensued ; which in its effect, reduced considerably our force. 86 Memoirs of the War in the The horses, destitute of forage, were unable to support those gu'dden per.-evering marches, so often necessary in war. The Strength and spirits ofthe army became enfeebled and low, when true policy required they should -have been braced to the highest pitch, inasmuch as not many days could intervene before it would approach the enemy, always ready for battle, aud now urged to seek it by the most cogent considerations. The advance of Gates to South Carolina roused into action all the latent energies of the state. The most resolute of the miliiia, indig nant atthe treatment th,y had received, and convinced by sir Henry Clinton's proclamation, which had been faithfully acted upon by lord Cornwallis, that repose during the -war was "a chimerical expecta tion, determined to become open from concealed enemies. In Ihe country between Pedee and Santee the spirit of revolt manifested it self by an overt act. Major MsVrtbur, when retiring from Lfie- raw Hill, had availed himself of the river to transport his sick lo Georgetown : at which place, had been established a small British post. Colonel Mills, with a party of militia, formed the escort for the sick. As soon as tbe boats had reached a proper distance front M'Arthur, the militia rose upon their colonel, who with difficulty, escaped, made prisoners of the sick, and conveyed them safely into "North Carolina. In the district lying between Camden and Ninety-six, the like de termination ofthe inhabitants to turn upon their invader was exhibit ed. A lieutenant colonel Lyle, who, in pursuance t>f sir Henry Clinton's proclamation, had exchanged his parole for a certificate of his being a liege subject, led a great portion of the regiment to which he belonged, with their arms and accoutrements, to the fron tiers ; where they joined their countrymen how assembling to unite their efforts in support of the American army, advancing under Oates. These unexpected symptoms of a general rising of the people did not a little embarrass the British general, who wisely determined to seek battle without delay ; not doubting but that the most effectual remedy for the growing disorders would be the de struction of that force on whose prowess these bold adventurers grounded their hope of ultimate success. Upon the fall of Charleston, many of the leading men of the state of South Carolina sought personal safety with their adherents, in the adjoining states. Delighted at the present prospect, these faithful and brave citizens hastened back to their country to share in the perils and toils of war. Among them were Francis Marion and Thomas Sumter ; both colonels in the South Carolina line, and both promoted by governor Rutledge to the rank of brigadier in the militia of the state. Ma- rion was about forty-eight years of age, small in stature, hard in visage, healthy, abstemious and taciturn. Enthusiastically wedded to' the cause of liberty, he deeply deplored the condition of his beloved country. The commonweal was his sole object; nothing selfish, nothing mercenary, soiled his ermin character. Fertile in stratagem, he struck unperceived ; and retiring to those hidden Southern Department of the United States. 87 te treats, selected by himself, in the morasses of Pedee and Black River, he placed bis corps not only out of the reach of his foe but often out of the discovery of his friends.* A rigid disciplina rian, be reduced to practice the justice of his heart ; and during the difficult course of warfare, through which he passed, calumny itself never charged him with violating the rights of person, pro perly, or humanity. Never avoiding danger, he never rashly sought it ; and acting for all around him as he did for himself, he risked the lives of his troops only when it was necessary. Neither elated with prosperity, nor depressed by adversity, he preserved an equanimity which won the admiration of his friends, and exact ed the respect of bis enemies. The country from Camden to the sea-coast between the Pedee and Santee rivers, was the theatre of his exertions. Sumter was younger than Marion, larger in frame, better fitted in strength of body to the toils of war, and, like his compeer, de voted to the freedom of his country. His aspect was manly and stern, denoting insuperable firmness, and lofty courage. *He was not over sciupulous as a soldier in his use of means, and was apt to make considerable allowances for a state of war. Believing it warranted by the necessity of the case, he did not occupy his mind with critical examinations of the equity of his measures, or of their bearings on individuals ; but indiscriminately pressed forward to his end — the destruction of his enemy, and liberation of his coun try. In his military character he resembled Ajax ; relying more upon the fierceness of his courage than upon ttie results of unre- taxing vigilance and nicely adjusted combination. Determined to deserve success, he risked his own life and the lives of his associ ates without reserve. Enchanted with the splendor of victory, he would wade through torrents of blood to attain it. This general drew about him the hardy sons of the upper and middle grounds } brave and determined like himself, familiar with difficulty, and fear less of danger. He traversed the region between Camden and Ninetysix. A third gentleman quickly followed their great example. An drew Pickens, younger than either," inexperienced in war, with a sound head, a virtuous heart, aud a daring spirit, joined in the noble resolve to burst the chains of bondage riveted upon the two south ern states, and soon proved himself worthy of being ranked with his illustrious precursors. This gentleman was also promoted by ?Lieutenant colonel Lee was ofdeied to jom Marion after Greene deter* mined to turn the war back to South Carolina in 1781. An officer, with a small party, preceded Lee a few days march to find out Marion, who was known to vary his position in tire swamps of Pedee : sometimes in SouUi Car. olina, sometimes in North Carolina, and sometimes on the Bhick River. With Ille greatest difficulty did this officer learn how to rommuuicate with the briga dier ; anil that by the accident of hearing among our friends on the north side ef the Pedee, of , a small provision party of Marion's being on the same side of the river. Making himself known to this party, he was conveyed! to the general, who had changed his ground since his party left him, which occasion ed many hours' search even before his own men could find hin>. 88 Memoirs of the War in the the governor to the station of brigadier general; and haying as sembled his associates of the same bold and hardy cast, distinguish ed himself and corps in the progress of the war by the patience and cheerfulness with which every privation was borne, and the gallantry with which every danger was confronted. The country between Ninety-six and Augusta received his chief attention. These leaders were always engaged in breaking up the smaller posts and the intermediate communications, or in repairing losses sustained by action. The troops which followed their fortunes, on their own or their friends' horses, were armed with rifles ; in the use of which they had become expert ; a small portion oniy who acted as cavalry, being provided with sabres. When they ap proached the enemy they dismounted, leaving their horses in some hidden spot to the care of a few of their comrades. Victorious or vanquished, they flew to their horses, and thus improved victory or secured retreat. Their marches were long and toilsome, seldom feeding more than once a day. Their combats were like those of the Parthians, sud den and fierce ; their decisions speedy, and all subsequent measares equally prompt. With alternate fortunes they persevered to the last, and greatly contributed to that success, .which was the first object of their hearts. With Marion on his right and Sumter on his left, and general Gates approaching in front, Rawdon discerning the critical event at hand, took his measures accordingly. He not only called in his outposts, but drew from the garrison of Ninety-six four companies of light infantry, and made known to lord, Cornwallis the menacing attitude of his enemy. Sumter commenced his inroads upon the British territory by as saulting, on the first of August, the post of Rooky Mount, in the charge of lieutenant colonel Turnbull, with a small garrison of one hundred and fifty. of the New York volunteers and some South Ca rolina militia. The brigadier, attended by the colonels Lacy, Er- wine, and Neale, having each collected some of their militia, re paired, on the 30th of July, to major Davie ; who still continued near the enemy, and was now encamped on the north of the Wax; haw's creek, for the purpose of concerting a joint assault" upon some of the British outposts. They were led lo hasten the execution of this step, fearing that, by' delay, their associates might disperse without having effected any good. After due deliberation they came to the resolution of carrying the posts of Rocky Mount and Hanging Rock in succession. The first of these is situated on tbe west side of the Catawba, thirty, miles from Camden, and the last was established on the east side of the same river, twenty-four miles from Camden. They are distant from each olher twelve miles. Sumter, having under him the three colonels, advanced with the main body upon Rocky Mount. While major Davie, with his corps and a part of the Mecklenburgh militia, under colonel Heaggins, marched to Hanging Rock to watch the motions of the garrison, to Southern Department of the United States. 89 procure exact intelligence of thp condition of the post, and to be ready to unite with Sumter in the intended blow. Rocky Mount station is fixed on the comb of a lofty eminence, encircled by open wood. This summit was surrounded by a small ditch and abbatis ; in the centre whereof were erected three log buildings, constructed to protect the garrison in battle, and per forated with loop holes for the annoyance of the assailants. As Davie got near to Hanging Rock he learned that three com panies of Bryan's loyalists, part of the garrison, were just return ing from an excursion, and had halted at a neighbouring farm house. He drew off, determined to fall upon this party. This was hand somely executed, and completely succeeded. Eluding the senti nels in one quarter with his infantry, and gaining the other point of attack with bis horse undiscovered, by marching through some adjoining woods, he placed the enemy between these two divisions, each of which pressed gallantly into action. The loyalists, finding their front and rear occupied, attempted to escape in a direction, believed to be open, but were disappoint ed: ; the major having detached thither a party of his dragoons in time to meet them. They were all, except a few, killed and wound ed ; and the spoils of victory were safely brought off, consisting of sixty horses with their trappings, and one hundred muskets and rifles. The brigadier approached Rocky Mount with his characteristic impetuosity ; but the British officer was found on his guard, and defended himself ably. Three times did Sumter attempt to car ry it ; but being always foiled, having no artillery to batter down the houses, he drew off undisturbed by the garrison, having lost a few of his detachment, with colonel Neale, an active, determin ed, influential officer, and retired to his frontier position on the Catawba. Here he rested no longer than was necessary to recruit his corps, refresh his horses, and provide a part of the provisions necessary to support him on his next excursion. Quitting his re treat with his brave associates, Davie, Irvine, Hill, and Lacy, he darted upon the British line of communication, and fell on the post at Hanging Rock, (6th of August) which was held by major Garden with five hundred men, consisting of one hundred and sixty of the infantry of Tarleton's legion, a part of colonel Brown's regiment, and Bryan's North Carolina corps, a portion of which had, a few days before, been cut to pieces by major Davie. His attack was, through the error of his guides, pointed at the corps of Bryan, which, being surprised, soon yielded and took to flight. Sumter pressed with ardour the advantage he had gained, and bore down upon the legion infantry, which was forced. He then fell upon Brown's detachment. Here he was received upon the point ofthe bayonet. The contest grew fierce and the issue doubtful ; but at length the corps of Brown fell back, having lost nearly all its offi cers and a great proportion of its soldiers. Hamilton's regiment, with the remains of Brown's and the legion infantry, now formed in the centre of their position, a hollow square, 12 90 Memoirs of the War in the Sumter advanced with the determination to strike this last point of resistance ; but the ranks of the militia had become disordered ;. and the men scattered from success, and from the plunder of part ofthe British camp, so that only two hundred infantry, and Davie's dragoons, could be brought into array. The musketry opened ; but their fire was ineffectual : nor could Sumter, by all his exer tions, again bring his troops to risk close action with his well post ed enemy, supported by two pieces of artillery. The cavalry un der Davie fell upon a body of the loyalists, who, having rallied, had formed in the opposite quarter, and menaced our right flank. They were driven from their ground, and took shelter under the British infantry still in hollow square. The spoils of the camp, and the free use of spirits in which the enemy abounded, had for some time attracted- and incapacitated many of our soldiers.: It was therefore determined to retreat with the prisoners and booty. This was done about twelve o'clock very leisurely in face of the enemy ; who did not attempt interruption, so severely had he suffered. A party was now for the first time seen drawn upon the Camden road, with the appearance of re newal of the contest ; but on the "approach of Davie it fell back. Our loss was not ascertained, from the usual inattention to returns prevalent with militia officers ; and many of our wounded were immediately carried home from the field of battle. The corps of Davie suffered most. Captain M'CIure, of South Carolina, and captain Reed, of North Carolina, were killed ; colonel Hill, major Winn, and lieutenant Crawford, were wounded, as were captain Craighead, lieutenant Flenchau, and ensign M'CIure, of North Carolina. The British loss exceeded ours. Captain M'Cullock, who commanded the legion infantry with much personal honour, two other officers, and twenty men ofthe same corps, were killed, and nearly forty wounded. Many officers and men of Brown's regi ment were also killed and wounded, and some taken. Bryan's loyalists were less hurt, having dispersed as soon as pressed. The error of the guides which deranged the plan of at-? tack, the allurement of the spoils found in the enemy's camp, atld the indulgence in the use of liquor, deptived Sumter of the victp-- ry once within his grasp, and due to the zeal, gallantry, and per severance of himself and his officers. Checked but not dismayed, disappointed but not discouraged, Sumter sought his remote asylum to recruit and repair. About this period Gates was advancing near to the scene of action. Tbe American general, soon after he entered South Carolina, directed his march towards Lynch's creek, the southern branch of the Pe dee, keeping on his right the friendly and fertile country about Charlotle, the principal town of Mecklenburgh county. Lord Rawdon, unwilling that Gates should find him in Camden, where were deposited his stores, ammunitions and sick, advanced to a strong position, fifteen miles in front, on the southern bank of Lynch's creek. This being ascertained by general Gales, he moved to Lynch's Southern Department of the United States. 91 opposite to lord Rawdon ; and the two armies remained for four days, separated only by the creek. Gates broke up from this ground inclining to his right, which putting in danger the British advanced post at Rudgely's mill, lord Rawdon directed its evacua tion, and fell back to Logtown, in the vicinity of Camden. Here he became acquainted with the insurrection of the inhabitants on Black river, headed by brigadier Marion, which, although sus pected, it was presumed would have been delayed until the Ameri can army should obtain some decisive advantage. Gates, desirous of opening his com nunication with Sumter, continued to advance upon the north side of Lynch's creek, and took post at Rudgely's mill, where he was joined by brigadier Stephens with seven hun dred of the Virginia militia. At the same time he received infor mation from general Sumter that a detachment of the enemy from Ninety-six, with stores for the main body at Ciuiden, was on its march, which he could conveniently intercept as it passed the fer ry on the Wateree, one mile below Camden, if supplied with artil lery to batter down a redoubt which covered the ferry. Gates weakened his army, though in striking distance of his foe, by de taching to Sumter four hundred men under the command of lieu tenant colonel Woolford, of the Maryland line, with two light pieces. As soon as this detachment was put in motion, prepara- tion-s were made to advance still nearer to Camden, The evacuation of Rudgely's mill, and the falling back of lord Rawdon from Lynch's creek, seem to have inspired general Gales with the presumption that his approach would drive the enemy from Camden. No conclusion more erroneous could have been drawn from a fair view of the objects and situation of the respec tive armies. The British general was under tbe necessity of maintaining his position ; for retqeat yielded up that country which he was bound to retain, and encouraged that spirit of revolt which he was bound to repress. All the disposable force under his orders had been con centrated at Camden ; delay would not thicken his ranks, while it was sure to add to those of his adversary. Every considera tion urged the British general to battle ; and no commander was ever more disposed than lord Cornwallis to cut out relief from embarrassment by tbe sword. The foundation of the policy pursued by general Gates, was laid in error ; and we ought not to be surprised at its disastrous termination. Had Gates not confident ly presumed that a-retrograde movement on the part ofthe enemy would have been the effect of his advance, he certainly would have detained Woolford's detachment, and ordered Sumter to join him ; it being unquestionable that victory in the plains of Camden would give to him the British army, and with it all the posts in South Carolina except- Charleston. To this end his means ought lo have been solely directed ; or, if he preferred tbe wiser course, to spin out the campaign Condensing his main body, and beating the enemy in detail, he should have continued in his strong position behind Lynch's creek, ready upon Cornwallis's advance to have fallen 92 Memoirs of the War in the back upon its head waters, in the powerful and faithful counties of Cabarrus, Rowan, and Mecklenburgh.* No doubt general Gates was unfortunately persuaded that he had nothing to do but to advance upon his enemy, never supposing that so far from retiring, the British general would seize the proffered opportunity of battle. Unhappily for America, unhappily for himself, he acted under this influence, nor did he awake from his reverie until the proxim ity of the enemy was announced by bis fire in the night, preceding the fatal morning. Lord Cornwallis having been regularly informed of the passing occurrences, hastened to Camden, which he reached on the 13th; spending the subsequent day in review and examination, he found his" army very much enfeebled ; eight hundred being sick, bis ef fective strength was reduced to somewhat less than two thousand three hundred men, including militia, and Bryan's corps, which, together, amounted to seven hundred and fifty men. Judging from the exertions of congress and the states of Virginia and North Car olina, by their publications, he rated his enemy at six thousand; in which estimation his lordship was much mistaken, as from official returns on the evening preceding the battle, it appears that our force did not exceed four thousand, including the corps detached tinder lieutenant colonel Woolford ; yet there was a great disparity of numbers in our favour ; but we fell short in quality, our conti nental horse, foot, and artillery, being under one thousand, where as the British regulars amounted to nearly one thousand six hundred. Notwithstanding bis diminished force, notwithstanding the vast ex pected superiority of his enemy, the discriminating mind of the British general paused not an instant in deciding upon his course. No idea of a retrograde movement was entertained by him. Victory -only could extricate him from the surrounding dangers; and the quicker the decision, the better his chance of success. He therefore gave orders to prepare for battle, and in the evening of the 15th, put his army in motion to attack his enemy next morn ing in his position at Rudgely's mill- Having placed Camden in the care of major M'Arthur, with the convalescents, some of the militia, and a detachment of regulars expected in the course of the day, he moved, atthe hour of ten at night, in two divisions. The front division, composed of four companies of light infantry, with the twenty-third and thirty-third regiments, was commanded by lieutenant colonel Webster. * The inhabitants of these three counties, among the most populous in the state, were true and zealous in their maintenance of the revolution; and they were always ready to encounter any and every peril to support the cause of their hearts. Contiguous to the western border over the mountains,- lived that hardy race of mountaineers, equally attached to the cause of our common country, and who rolled occasionally like a torrent on the hostile territory. The ground was strong, and the soil rich and cultivated. In every respect, therefore, it was adapted to the American general until he had rendered him' self completely ready for offence. Southern Department of the United States. 93 . The rear division, consisting of the legion infantry, Hamilton's regiment of North Carolinians, the volunteers of Ireland, and Bryan's corps of loyalists, was under the orders of lord Rawdon. Two battalions ofthe seventy-first, with the legion cavalry, formed the reserve. After Gates had detached Woolford to Sumter, and prepared his army to move, it was resolved in a council of war to march on the night of the 16th, and to sit down behind Saunder's creek, within seven miles of Camden. Thus it happened that both the gene rals were in motion at the same hour, and for the same purpose : with this material distinction, that the American general grounded his conduct in his mistaken confidence of his adversary's disposition to retreat ; whereas, the British commander sought for battle with anxiety, regarding the invasion of it by his antagonist as the high- ' est misfortune. Our baggage, stores and sick, having been sent off to the friend ly settlement of the Waxhaws, the army marched at ten o'clock at night. Armand's* legion, in horse and foot, not exceeding one hundred, moved as a vanguard, flanked by lieutenant colonel Porterfield's corps on the right, and by major Armstrong's light infantry, ofthe North Carolina militia, on the left. The Maryland and Delaware lines composed the front division, under baron de Kalb ; the militia of North Carolina, under general Caswell, the centre ; and the Virginia militia, under brigadier Stephens, the rear. Some volunteer cavalry were placed to guard the baggage. Midway between Camden and Rudgely's mill, the two armies met, about one in the morning. They instantly felt each other; when the corps of Armand shamefully turned its back, carrying confusion and dismay into our ranks. The leading regiment of Maryland was disordered by this ignominious flight ; but the gallant Porterfield, taking his part with decision on the right, seconded by Armstrong on tbe left, soon brought the enemy's van to pause. Prisoners being taken on both sides, the adverse generals became informed of their unexpected proximity. t The two armies halted, each * Armand was one of the many French gentlempn who joined our army, and was one of the few who were honoured with important commands. His officers were generally foreign, and his soldiers chiefly deserters. It was the last corps in the army which ought to have been entrusted with the van post ; because, however unexceptionable the officers may have been, the materials of which the corps was composed did not warrant such distinction. t Mr. Marshal], in his life of Washington, gives a summary of the principal events in the southern war. This faithful historian tells us, that in the night, as soon as the skirmish terminated, some prisoners were brought to Gates ; from whom he learnt that the British army was in front. The general officers were immediately assembled. The intelligence received from tbe prisoners was com municated to tlTim, and their opinions asked on the measures to be adopted. General Stevens, of the Virginia militia, answered, that "It was now too late to retreat." A silence of some moments ensued; and gener-fl Gates, who seems himself to have been disposed to try the chance of a battle, understand ing silence to be an approbation of the sentiments delivered by Stevens, broke up the council by saying, "Then we must fight: gentlemen, please to take your posts." 94 Memoirs of the War in the throbbing with the emotions which the van rencontre had excited. The British army displayed in one line, which completely occupied the ground, each flank resting on impervious swamps. The infan try of the reserve took post in a second line, one half opposite the centre of each wing ; and the cavalfy held the road, where the left ot the right-wing united with the volunteers of Ireland, which corps formed the right of the left wing. Lieutenant celonel Web ster commanded on the right, and colonel lord Rawdon on the left. With the frontline were two six and two three pounders, under lieutenant M'Leod of the artillery ; with the reserve were two six pounders. Thus arranged, confiding in discipline and experience, the British general waited anxiously for light. The Maryland leading regiment was soon recovered from the confusion produced by the panic of Armand'? cavalry. Battle, al though unexpected, was now inevitable ; and general Gates array ed his army with promptitude. The second brigade of Maryland, with the regiment of Delaware, under general Gist, took the right ; the brigade of North Carolina militia, led by brigadier Caswell, the centre ; and that of Virginia, under brigadier Stevens, the left. The first brigade of Maryland was formed in reserve, under the command of general Smallwood, who had on York Island, in the beginning of the war, when colonel of the first regiment of Mary land, deeply planted in the hearts of his country the remembrance of his zeal and valour, conspicuously displayed in that the first of his fields. To each brigade a due proportion of artillery was allot ted ; but we had no cavalry, as those who led in the night were still flying. Mnjor general baron de Kalb, charged with the line of battle, took post on the right ; while the general in chief, su perintending the whole, placed himself on the road between the line and the reserve. The light of day dawned,; — the signal for battle. Instantly our Centre opened its artillery, and the left of our line, under Stevens, was ordered to advance. The veterans of the enemy, composing its right, were of course opposed to the Virginia militia ; whereas they ought to have been faced by the continental brigade.* Stevens, however, exhorting his soldiers to rely on the bayonet, advanced with his accustomed intrepidity. Lieutenant colonel Otho Williams, adjutant general, preceded him with a band of volunteers,' in order lo invite the fire of the enemy before they were in reach of tbe militia, that experience of its inefficacy might encourage the latter to do their duty. The Brir tish general, closely watching our motions, dicovered this move ment on the left, and gave orders to Webster to lead into battle with the right. The command was executed with the characteris- * General Gates did not, jn his disposition, conform to the judicious princi ple which we find observed by general Lincoln ; or our continentals would have been posted on the left to oppose the British right. Indeed such seems to have been Gate's hurry, from the mometit he was called to the commaad in the. south, as to forbid, that full inquiry into his enemy's and his own situation, as well as intimate acquaintance with the chaia'cter of his own. and his enemy's troops, so necessary to the pursuit of right measures io war. Southern Department of the United States. 95 tic courage and intelligence of tbat officer. Our left was instantly overpowered by the assault ; and the brave Stevens had to endure the mortifying spectacle, exhibited by his flying brigade. Without exchanging more than one fire with Ihe enemy, they threw away their arms ; and sought that safety in flight, which generally can be obtained only by courageous resistance. The North Carolina bri gade, imitating that on the right, followed the shameful example. Stevei s, Caswell, and Gates himself, struggled to stop the fugitives, and rally them for battle ; but every noble feeling of the heart was sunk in base solicitude to preserve life ; and having no cavalry to assist their exertions, the attempted reclamation failed entirely. The continental troops, with Dixon's regiment of North Carolini ans, were left to oppose the enemy ; every corps of whose army was acting with the most determined resolution. De Kalb and Gist yet held the battle on our right in suspense. Lieutenant colonel Howard, at the head of Williams's regiment, drove the corps in front out of line. Rawdon could not bring the brigade of Gist to recede : — bold was the pressure of the foe ; firm as a rock the. resistance of Gist. Now the Marylanders were gaining ground ; but the deplorable desertion of the militia having left Webster un employed, that discerning soldier detached some light troops' with Tarleton's cavalry in pursuit, and opposed himself to the reserve brought up by Smallwood to replace the fugitives. Here the bat tle was renewed with fierceness and obstinacy. The Marylanders, with Dixon's regiment, although greatly outnumbered, firmly main tained the desperate conflict ; and de Kalb, now finding his once exposed flank completely shielded, resorted to the bayonet. Dread ful was the charge ! In one point of the line the enemy were driven before us with the loss of many prisoners. But while Smallwood covered the flank of the second brigade, bis left became exposed ; and Webster, never omitting to seize every advantage, turned the light infantry and twenty-third regiment on bis open flank. Smallwood, however, sustained himself with undiminish ed vigour ; but borne down at last by superiority of force, the first brigade receded. Soon it returqed to the line of battle ; — again it gave ground, and again rallied. Meanwhile de Kalb, with our right, preserved a conspicuous superiority. Lord Cornwallis, sen sible of the advantages gained, and aware of the difficulty to which we were subjected by the shameful flight of our left, concentrated his force, and made a decisive charge. Our brave troops were broken ; and his lordship, following up the blow, compelled the intrepid Marylanders to abandon the unequal contest. To the woods and swamps, after performing their duty valiantly, these gallant soldiers were compelled to fly. The pursuit was continued with keenness, and none were saved but those who penetrated swamps which had been deemed impassable. The road was heap ed with the dead and wounded. Arms, artillery, horses and bag gage, were strewed in every direction ; and the whole adjacent country presented evidences of the signal- defeat. Our logs was very heavy. Mere than a third of the continental 96 Memoirs of the War in the troops were killed and wounded ; and of tbe wounded one hucidred and seventy were made prisoners. The regiment of Delaware was nearly annihilated ; and lieutenant colonel Vaughn and major Patton being taken, its remnant, less than two companies, was afterwards placed under the orders of Kirk-wood, senior captain.* The North Carolina militia also suffered greatly ; more than three hundred were taken, and nearly one hundred killed and wounded. Contrary to the usual course of events and the general wish, the Virginia mil itia, who sat the infamous example which produced the destruction of our army, escaped entirely, De Kalb, sustaining by his splendid example the courageous ef forts of our inferior force, in his last resolute attempt to seize vic tory, received eleven wounds, and was made prisoner. His yet lingering life was rescued from immediate death by the brave inter position of lieutenant colonel du Buysson, one of his aids-de-camp; who embracing the prostrate general, received into his own body the bayonets pointed at his friend. The heroic veteran, though treated with every attention, survived but a few days. Never were the last moments of a soldier better employed. He dictated a let ter to general Smallwood, who succeeded to the command of his di vision, breathing in every word his sincere and ardent affection for his officers and soldiers ; expressing his admiration of their late no ble though unsuccessful stand ; reciting the eulogy which their bra very had extorted from the enemy ; together with the lively delight such testimony of their valour had excited in his own mind, then ho vering on the shadowy confines of death. In this endearing adieu he comprehended lieutenant colonel Vaughn, with the Delaware re giment and the artillery, attached to his division ; both of which corps had shared in the glory of that disastrous day. Feeling the pressure of death, he stretched out his quivering hand to his friend du Buys son, proud of his generous wounds ; and breathed his last in bene dictions on his faithful, brave division.! We lost, besides major general baron de Kalb, many excellent officers; aud among them lieutenant colonel Porterfield, whose promise of future greatness had endeared him to the whole army. Wounded in his brave stand in the morning, when our dragoons basely fled, he was taken off the. *The state of Delaware furnished one-regiment only ; and certainly no re giment in the army surpassed it iu soldiership. The remnant of that corps, less than two companies, from the battle of Camden, was commanded by captain Kirkwood, who passed through the war with high reputation ; and yet as the lino of Delaware consisted but of one regiment, and that regiment was reduced to a captain's command, Kirkwood never could be promoted in regu lar routine, — a very glaring defect iii the organization of the army, as it, gave advantages to parts ofthe same army, denied to other portions of it. The se quel is singularly hard. Kirkwood retired, upon peace, a captain ; and when the army under St. Clair was raised to defend the West from the Indian enemy, this veteran resumed his swoid as the eldest captain of the oldest regiment. In the decisive defeat of the 4th November the gallant Kirkwood fell, bravely sustaining his point of the action. It was the thirty-third tinie he had risked his life for his country ; and he died as he had lived, the brave, mer itorious, unrewarded, Kirkwood. t See Appendix, D, Southern Department of the United States. 97 field, never more to draw his sword! Brigadier Rutherford, of the North Carolina militia, and major Thomas Pinckney, of the South Carolina line, aid-de-camp to general Gates, were both wounded and taken. The British loss is stated to have amounted to eighty killed, and two hundred and forty-five wounded. In the dreadful gloom which now overspread the United States, the reflecting mind di-ew consolation from the undismayed gallantry displayed by a portion of the army, throughout the desperate con flict ; and from the zeal, courage and intelligence, exhibited by many of our officers. Smallwood and Gist had conducted them selves with exemplary skill and bravery. Stephens and Caswell both deserved distinguished applause, although both were the mor tified leaders of spiritless troops. Colonel Williams, adjutant gen eral, was conspicuous throughout the action ; cheerfully risking his valuable life out of his station, performing his assumed duties with precision and effect, and volunteering his person wherever danger called. Lieutenant colonel Howard demonstrated a solidity of 'character, which, on every future occasion, he displayed hon ourably to himself, and advantageously to his country. The general in chief, although deeply unfortunate, is entitled to respect and re gard. He took decisive measures to restore the action, by unceas ing efforts to rally the fugitive militia ; and had he succeeded, would have led them to the vortex of battle. By seconding the continen tal troops with this rallied corps, he would probably have turned the fortune of the day, or have died the hero of Saratoga. None, without violence to the claims of honour and justice, can withhold applause from colonel Dixon and his North Carolina regi ment of militia. Having their flank exposed by the flight of the Other militia, they turned with disdain from the ignoble example ; and fixing their eyes on the Marylanders, whose left they became, determined to vie in deeds of courage with their veteran comrades. Nor did they shrink from this daring resolve. In every vicissitude of the battle, this regiment maintained its ground ; and, when the reserve under Smallwood, covering our left, relieved its naked flank, forced the enemy to fall back. Colonel Dixon had seen service, having commanded a continental regiment under Washing ton. By his precepts and example he infused his own spirit into the breasts of his troops ; who, emulating the noble ardour of their leader, demonstrated the wisdom of selecting experienced officers to command raw soldiers.* "The American war presents examples of first rate courage, occasionally exhibited by corps of militia, and often with tbe highest success. Here was a splendid instance of self-possession by a single regiment; out of two brigades. Dixon had commanded a continental regiment; and of course, to his example and knowledge, much is to be ascribed ; yet praise is neverthe less due to the troops. While I record, with delight, facts which maintain our native and national courage, I feel a horror less demagogues, who flourish in a representative system of government, (the best, when virtue rules, the wit of man can devise) shall avail themselves ofthe occasional testimony, to produce a general result. 13 98 Memoirs of the War in the In the midst of this heart-rending defeat, general Gates received advice of the success of Sumter against the British convoy. Some consolation* was thus administered to his wounded spirit. The corps under Sumter, added to those who had escaped this day of destruction, would have formed a force which could preserve the appearance of resistance, and give time for .the arrival of succour. Major M'Arthur, about the same time, communicated the occur rence to lord Cornwallis ; who occupied his first moments after our defeat in despatching orders to lieutenant colonel Turnbull, then stationed on Little river with the New York volunteers, and major Ferguson's corps of loyalists, to intercept, general Sumter and bring him to action. Major Davie's corps, part of the force under Sumter, in his pre ceding operations, had suffered severely on the 6th of August, in the unsuccessful attempt on the post of Hanging Rock ; and was subsequently engaged in escorting our wounded to Charlotte, where Davie had previously established a hospital. The moment this service was performed, major Davie hastened to the general ren dezvous at Rudgley's mill. On the fifteenth, arriving after Gates had moved, he followed the army ; and marching all night, met the first part of our flying troops about four miles from the field of bat tle. With an expectation of being useful in saving soldiers, bag gage and stores, he continued to advance ; and meeting with briga dier general Huger, of the South Carolina line, driving his tired horse before hjm, he learnt the probability of Sumter's ignorance of the defeat of our army, and of the consequent danger to which he would be exposed. Major Davie therefore instantly despatched captain Martin, attended by two dragoons, to inform Sumter of this afflicting event ; to urge him to take care of his corps by immedi ate retreat, and to request him to repair to Charlotte, whither him self meant to proceed, and assemble, as he returned, all the force which could be induced to take the field. On the night following, captain Martin reached Sumter, who immediately decamped with Convinced as I am, that-a government is the murderer of its citizens, which sends them to the field uninformed and untaught, where they are to meet men of the same age and strength, mechanized by education and discipline for bat tle, 1 cannot withhold my denunciation of its wickedness and folly ; much as I applaud, and must ever applaud, those instances, like the one before us, of armed citizens vying with our best soldiers in the first duty of man to his country. *This consolation was necessarily mingled with acute remorse. It musl have reminded the general of the advantages once at his command, by pursuing the prudent system of striking his adversary in detail; and if victory with him was only pleasant by being immediate, it would bring lo his recollection the propriety of having brought Sumter to him, instead of detaching Woolford from him. Lord Cornwallis, hearing from hiscommandant at Camden of the success of Sumter, in ths -midst of his prosperity, turned his mind to the recovery of the loss he had sustained, — an example meriting imitation from all who may com mand in war. Small as was the advantage gained, had it been enjoyed, great would have been the gpod derived in its consequences. The British general, foreseeing this, did not indulge even in the proud moments of victory, but gave his mind and time to prepare Sumter's destruction. Southern Department of the United States. 99 his prisoners and booty. Turnbull's attempt failed, from the celeri ty with which Sumter had moved. Apprehensive that Sumter might escape Turnbull, and anxious to break up this corps, the British general was not satisfied with a single effort to destroy him ; and, on the same evening, directed lieutenant colonel Tarleton, with his legion and some light infantry, to proceed in the morning from the field of battle across the Wateree in pursuit of that enter prising officer. Having avoided Turnbull, Sumter seems to have indulged a be lief that he was safe ; and accordingly encamped on the night of the 17th at Rocky Mount, about thirty miles from Camden, and much nearer Cornwallis. To bait for the night within striking dis tance of the British army was evidently improvident. After a few hours rest, he ought certainly to have renewed his march. At day light, he did, indeed, resume it ; but, having passed Fishing creek, eight miles distant, he again halted. His troops occupied, in line of march, a ridge contiguous to the north side ofthe creek, at which place his rear guard was stationed ; and two videts were posted at a small distance in its front. Confiding in this hazardous situation, to these slender precautions, his arms were stacked, the men were permitted to indulge at pleasure ; some in strolling, some bathing, and others reposing. Our troops, no doubt, were ex tremely wearied ; but bodily debility does not warrant inattention in a commander : it should redouble his caution and exertion. If the halt at Fistiing creek was unavoidable, the troops least fatigued and best armed should have been selected and posted for combat, while those most fatigued, snatched rest and food. With this al ternate relief the retreat Ought to have been continued ; and the corps would have been saved. Lieutenant colonel Tarleton moved with his accustomed velocity ; and after a rapid march on the 17th, approached Sumter's line of retreat. Finding many of his men and bis horses too much ex hausted to proceed with the requisite despatch, he left behind mora than half his force'and pressed forward with about one hundred and sixty. Passing the Catawba at Rocky Mount ford, he got into Sumter's rear, whose precautions for security were readily eluded. The enemy reached him unperceived, when consternation at the unlooked-for assault became general. Partial resistance was at tempted, but soon terminated in universal flight. Sumter's force, with the detachment under lieutenant colonel Woolford, was esti mated at eight hundred : some were killed, others wounded, and the, rest dispersed. Sumter himself fortunately escaped, as did about three hundred and fifty of his men ; leaving two brass pieces of artillery, arms and baggage, in possession of the enemy, who recovered their wagons, stores and prisoners.* * The officer adventuring, as did general Sumter, must never be satisfied with common precautions : they will not do. his difficult to prescribe rules upon the subject; because every single case is to be regarded, and must suggest its own regulations to a meditating mind. One fixed principle however we may venture to lay down : viz. that the cap. 100 Memoirs of the War in the In this enterprise, although fortunate in its issue, lieutenant col- onel Tarleton evinced a temerity, which could not, if pursued, long escape exemplary chastisement. Had Sumter discovered his ap proach, that day would at least have arrested his career, if it had not crbsed- his existence. But unhappily for America, her soldiers were slaughtered, sometimes from the improvidence of their lead ers, more often from Iheir own fatal neglect of duty and disobedi ence of orders. Vain is it to place guards around your camp, .and videts in their front, if, unmindful of the responsibility of their Stations, they indulge in repose, or relinquish their posts. The severe consequences of such criminal neglect, we may suppose, would prevent the repetition of the evil ; but soldiers are not to be corrected by their own observations or deductions. Rewards and punishments must be added ; and execution on the spot, of a. faithless or negligent centinel, is humanity in the end. Militia will not endure this rigour, and are therefore improperly intrusted with the sword of the nation in war. The pursuance of that system must weaken the best resources of the state, by throwing away the lives of its citizens ; and those rulers must provoke the ven geance of Heaven, who invite such destruction, by adhering to this impotent policy. The tragedy of the 16th, closing with the catastrophe ofthe 18th, the army of the south became a second time nearly annihi lated. General Gates halted at Charlotte, where some of his de feated army had arrived. Soon after he retired to"Salisbury, and afterwards to Hillsborough, one hundred and eighty miles from Camden ; where he determined to collect his scattered forces, and to draw reinforcements, with a resolution of- again facing his suc cessful adversary.* Smallwood and Gist continued at Salisbury, until all the dispersed continentals were assembled. The militia of fioth states passed on towards their respective homes, selecting their own route, and obtaining subsistence from the charity of the farmers on the road. We shall here break the thread of our narrative, and go into those inquiries, which our misfortunes require, it being the object < of these Memoirs, by a faithful and plain elucidation of the occur rences of our war, connecting events with their causes, to enlighten the future defenders and rulers of our country. The character of A military chief contributes not a little to give character to his lured, with a portion of the victorious corps, ought to be immediately despatch ed, with orders to move night and day until out of reach; while the com mander, with the least fatigued troops, should hold himself some hours in the - rear sweeping with the best of his cavalry all the country between him and his enemy, thus procuring correct information, which will always secure a re tiring corps. This rapid retreat of General Gates has been generally supposed to dimi nish Ins reputation. Not so, in truth. It does him honour ; as it evinced a mind capable, amidst confusion and distress, of discerning the point most pro mising to renew with expedition bis strength : at the same time incapable of being withheld from doing his duty, by regarding the calumny with which he was sure to be assailed. Southern Department of the United States. 101 army ; provided the pressure of circumstances does not urge him to the field, before he has time and opportunity to know and be known. Major general Gates assumed the command under the happiest circumstances. He was hailed as the conqueror of Sara toga ; and our gallant troops, anticipating the future from reflect ing on the past, proudly presumed that his skill, directing their valour, would liberate the south, and diffuse over his evening, an effulgence more brilliant than his meridian glory. Considering the condition of the respective armies, this fond ex pectation will not appear chimerical. But, unhappily for us, the inviting opportunity was neglected ; and general Gates, buoyed up by his campaign in the north, seems to have acted under a convic tion that it was only necessary to meet the foe to conquer. What heavy misfortunes spring from our own fatuity ! The day after the Virginia militia* joined at Rudgely's mill, he rashly advanced to wards the enemy ; and persevered in the same precipitancy, until stopped by his adversary, moving to strike him in his camp. Let us suppose that he had conducted his operations on different prin ciples ; what would have been the probable result? Had he wise ly taken with him the old regiment of dragoons under White and Washington, as those brave officers in vain solicited ; instead of a dastardly flight, an example of heroism would have been exhibited. The enemy would have been driven in ; prisoners would have been made by, but none from, us ; intelligence would have been shut to the enemy, but open to ourselves ; and the dawn of daj" would have found our troops, emboldened by the example of the cavalry, panting for battle. He would, moreover, have been pro vided with a body of horse, more numerous and capable, than that of his enemy ; and would have carried his army, full of bodily strength and high in spirits, into the neighbourhood of his foe. By falling back from Lynch's creek, when lord Rawdon retired to Log- town, he would have placed himself in a friendly, strong and plen tiful country ; where, out of striking distance, he might have em ployed a week or ten days in training his militia, and infusing into them that self confidence which doubly arms the soldier in the day of battle. t While improving the condition of his army, he might, by despatching influential characters to the west of the Allegany, have brought down one or two thousand of those hardy warriors to Charlotte, to be used as an army of reserve, should events re quire it. What was of the highest importance, he must, by this .^."Injustice to these troops it ought lobe stated that the heat was so op pressive they could not march in the day, and therefore they had for several nights made forced marches to come up with us, which broke the spirits of the men." Note from colonel Howard. i Lord Rawdon's retrograde movement from Lynch's creek was certainly a favourable movement for general Gates' correction of his erroneous system, and might have enabled the general to work his own troops into the best spirits. Had he so done, and fallen back himself, holding his main body safe, and sup- ¦ porting, by fit and occasional succour, Marion and Sumter in their sudden inroads into the enemy's territory, and upon his flanks, we must then have recovered South Carolina, with the exception of Charleston. J02 Memoirs of ihe War m the delay, have ascertained with precision, the intention of the enemy in time to elude or resist it ; and would have drawn Cornwallis fur ther from-his point of safety : thus more and more exposing him to the harrassing attacks of Marion and Sumter on his flanks and in his rear. All these advantages were within the general's grasp. The partial, though sure, game of destruction had commenced. Sumter had seized the stores and convoy from Ninety-six, with which he could have regained his asylum, had not general Gates's impatience to approach the enemy refused even one day's rest to the Virginia brigade. Tarleton could not have been spared from the main body in face of our army ; which, although inactive, would be in the fit attitude for striking whenever the opportune moment should arrive ; and consequently he would not have been detached in pursuit of Sumter, Obvious as was this mode of operation, general Gates, with the " vehi, vidi, vici" of Caesar in bis imagina tion, rushed on to the fatal field, where he met correction, not more severe than merited. Hillsborough having been selected as headquarters, (hither the fragments of our beaten army repaired ; so that the best affected, and most powerful district of North Carolina, situated between the Catawba and Yadkin rivers, became exposed to the depredations of the enemy. Brigadier Davidson and colonel Davie, now promoted by the governor, and appointed to the command of the cavalry of the state, remained true to the obligations which honour and duty alike imposed. Encouraging all around them, they drew together their faithful comrades, and took measures for the collection of re quisite supplies ; resolved to desist from resistance only with the loss of life. In this manly resolution they were cordially joined by brigadier Sumner. The two generals returned to assemble their militia ; while colonel Davie, with eighty dragoons and major David son's two mounted companies of riflemen, established himself in the Waxhaw settlement, about thirty-five miles from Charlotte. Here he continued actively employed in watching the movements ol the enemy, and repressing tbeir predatory excursions, which, in consequence of the devastation ofthe country between Camden and the Waxhaws, were extended to the latter district. Lord Cornwallis, necessarily delayed from the want of stores which he expected from New York, devoted his leisure to the civil duties of bis station. Persevering in the policy adopted by sir Henry Clinton, he enforced the penalty of this general's procla mation with rigour. A commissioner was named to take possession cf the estates of all who adhered to the enemies of the king, with directions first to support the wives and children of such offenders, and next to pay the residue of the proceeds of the estates to the' paymaster general of the royal forces. Death was again denounced against all persons, who, having re ceived protections, should be found in arms against the king's troops. Some of the militia, taken in the late defeat, being charged with _ that offence, were actually hung. This sanguinary conduct, in the amiable, humane Cornwallis, evinces the proneness of military men, Southern Department of the United States. 103 however virtuous, to abuse power. The injustice of breaking a Contract, and the criminality of sir Henry Clinton in that respect, have been already mentioned. Confiding in the plighted faith of the British general, many of our countrymen had taken protections, which never would have been accepted, had it been understood they converted those who received them into liege subjects. When sir Henry Clinton deemed it eligible, by an arbitrary fiat to annul those protections, justice demanded that he should have left it op tional with the holder to take the oath of allegiance, or abandon the state. A severe alternative, but justifiable in war. To break solemn compacts ; to transmute the party from the state in which he stood, to a mere dependence on human will, and to hang him for not conforming to that will, is crying injustice. Instead of de manding reparation, and proclaiming the " lex talionis," we sub mitted, with folded arms, to the criminal outrage. We must look back, with feelings of degradation, to this disgraceful period of our history. Although no advocate for the law of retaliation on slight occasions, it often happens, that the unjust can only be taught the value of justice by feeling the severity of retort ; and those in power should never hesitate to apply its rigour, when so impera tively demanded. The severity of the British commander was not restricted to the deluded class, who had taken protections : it was extended to the most respectable characters of the state, who had been made pri soners at the fall of Charleston. Letters were found from some of these gentlemen to their friends, killed or taken on the 16th, mak ing communications, as was alleged, but never proved, incompati ble with their paroles. The venerable Mr. Gadsden, lieutenant governor, with several other gentlemen, were fiist confined on board prison ships in Charleston harbour ; and afterwards sent to St. Augustine, in East Florida, where they were again admitted to very limited indulgences. We shall soon find how the injustice and severity now practised, recoiled upon their authors. CHAPTER XVIII. I HE British general, having received his supplies, moved from Camden on the 8th of September, to accomplish the great object, which he had with much regret deferred. The conquest of North Carolina, before congress could bring another army into the field, was deemed certain ; and would enable the victorious general to ap proach Virginia, the devoted victim ofthe ensuing spring's opera tions. During the winter he expected to restore the royal author ity, to lay up magazines, to provide all the necessary horses forthe next campaign, and what was very desirable, to fill up his ranks with young Americans. Elated with these flattering expectations, Cornwallis took his route through those parts of the state, distin- 104 Memoirs of the War in the guished for their firm adherence to their country. The main body moved first to the Waxhaws settlement, and next to Charlotte, with an intention to proceed to Salisbury. Corresponding with the main body on its left,- lieutenant colonel Tarleton traversed tbe country, west of the Wateree, atthe head of his legion and the light infantry. Still nearer to the frontiers, lieutenant colonel Ferguson marched with his corps of provincials. The route ofthe army lay intermediate to the two settlements of Cross-creek and Tryon county ; with both of wfiich, favouring his views, his lordship wished to open safe and direct intercourse. Lieu tenant colonel Tarleton united with the main body, in its camp at the Waxhaws, where Cornwallis had halted. The approach of Cornwallis compelled colonel Davie to fall back upon Charlotte, and his abandoned position was comprehended in the British camp. Davie took post at Providence, on the Charlotte road, twenty-five miles from the Waxhaws. So exhausted was the country, that in this well improved settlement, the British general was straitened lor provisions, and obliged to send his light party in every direction ; for whose safety he entertained no apprehension, knowing the humble condition to which his successes had reduced us. Colonel Davie was not unapprised of his lordship's wants, and mode of supplying them ; and having ascertained that, while the main body ofthe enemy was encamped on the north ofthe Cataw ba, some of the light troops and the loyalists occupied the southern banks of that river, some distance on the right of the British posi tion, be determined to beat up their quarters in the night. With this view he decamped on the evening of the 20th of September ; and taking an extensive circuit, turned the left of Cornwallis, and gained, unperceived, the camp of the loyalists. They had changed their ground, falling nearer to the light troops, and now were sta tioned at Wahab's plantation. Davie nevertheless persevered in his enterprise. Being among bis friends, he was sure to receive accu rate intelligence ; and he had with him the best guides, as many of his corps were inhabitants of this very settlement ; and their pro perty, wives and childern were now in the possession ofthe enemy. He came in sight of Wahab's early the next morning, where he r* discovered a part of the loyalists and British legion, mounted, and arrayed near the house, which, in this quarter, was in some de gree* concealed by a cornfield, cultivated quite to the yard. De taching major Davidson through the cornfield with the greater part of the riflemen, with orders to seize the house, he himself gained the lane leading to it. The enemy were completely surprised ; and being keenly pushed, betook themselves to flight. Sixty killed and wounded were left on the ground ; and as little or no resistance was made, only one of Davie's corps was wounded. The colonel, . having collected ninety-six horses with their equipments, and one hundred and twenty stand of arms, retired with expedition ; the British drums beating to arms in the contiguous quarters. Captain Wahab, the owner of the farm, spent the few minutes halt in deli cious converse with his wife and children, who ran out as soon as Southern Department of the United Stages. 105 ihe fire-ceased, to embrace their long lost and beloved protector. Sweetly passed these moments ; but they were succeeded by the most bitter. The British troops reaching the house, the command ing officer, yielding to diabolical fury, ordered it to be burnt A torch was instantly applied, and Wahab saw the only shelter of his help less, unprotected family, wrapped in flames, without the power of affording any relief to his forlorn wife and children. " These were times which tried men's souls." Davie made good his retreat, and returned to his camp at Providence, having marched sixty miles in twenty four hours. On the evening of his return, generals Sum ner and Davidson arrived with their militia, amounting to one thou sand men, enlisted for a short period. This body, with the small corps under colonel Davie, not two hundred, constituted all our force opposed tathe advancing enemy. " Four days after the affair at Wahab's, the British general put his army in motion, taking the Steel creek road to Charlotte. This being announced to general Sumner by his light parties, he decamp ed from Providence and retired on the nearest road to Salisbury ; leaving colonel Davie with his corps, strengthened by a few volun teers under major Graham, to observe the movements ofthe enemy. Hovering round the British army, colonel Davie took several pri soners during the evening, and reached Charlotte about midnight. This village, standing on elevated ground, contained about twenty 'houses, built on two streets crossing each other at right angles. The court bouse, constructed of stone, stood at the intersection of the two streets. The common, on the right of the street lead ing through the town, in the direction of the enemy's advance, was covered with a growth of underwood, and bounded by the gar dens and other enclosures of the village : on the left was an open, field. Colonel Davie, being informed of the approach of the ene my, and relying on the firmness of his troops, determined to give them an earnest of the spirit of the country into which they had entered. Dismounting his cavalry, who, in addition to the sword and pistol, were armed with muskets, he posted them in front of the court-house, under cover of a strong stone wall, breast high. His infantry, also dismounted, with Graham's volunteers, were ad vanced eighty yards in front, on each side ofthe street, covered by the enclosures ofthe village. While this disposition was making, the legion of Tarfoton, led by major Hanger, Tarleton being sick, appeared on the common, and formed in column, widened io front tocorrespond with the street, and flanked by parties*of light infan try. The charge being sounded, the column of horse moved slow ly, giving time for the light infantry to clear its flanks by dislodg ing their advanced adversaries. The moment these parties engag ed, Hanger rushed along the street to the court-house, where-Da- vie poured in his fire, and compelled him to recede. The dra goons fell back hastily, and were rallied on the common. Mean while our infantry, on the right ofthe street, were, driven in, al though bravely resisting ; upon which, colonel Davie recalled those on our left, who still maintained their ground. The British light infantry continued to advance, and the action was vigorously renew- 14 106 Memoirs of the War in the ed on our flanks. The centre reserved its fire for the cavalry, who, now returning to Ibe charge, met with a repetition of their first re ception, and retired in contusion to their former ground. Ths) British infantry persevered ; and having gained Davie's right flank, lie drew off from the court-house, and arrayed his gallant band on the eastern side of the town. Cornwallis now came up to the le gion cavalry,; and upbraided them by contrasting their present con duct with their past fame. Advancing a third time, they pressed down the street, and ranged with tbe light infantry, who were still urging forward on our flank 4 when meeting with our brave corps, now mounted, they received as usual a well aimed fire, and were again repulsed. The flank companies ofthe seventy-first and thir ty-third regiments advanced to support tbe light infantry ; and Da* vie receded from the unequal contest, for a long time well support ed, and retreated on the great Salisbury road. An attempt was made by the cavalry lo disturb our retreat, which succeeded, s» far as to drive in our rear guard ; but stopped the moment the sup porting company opened its fire. Lieutenant Locke and five pri vates were killed, and major Graham and twelve were woundedi The enemy lost twelve noncommisioned officers and privates kilk, led ; major Hanger, captains Campbell and M'Donald, and many pri vates, were wounded. Lord Cornwallis established a post at Blair's mill, which he con fided to major M'Arthur, in order to preserve his communication with Camden, and advanced towards Salisbury. Thus the farther he advanced the more his field force was necessarily reduced. This j inconvenience an invading army must feel, and a judicious opponent will turn it to his advantage. Lieutenant colonel Ferguson, still pursuing his course, reached Gilbert town ; and was there informed, by his friends, that a large force of western militia was in motion. The British general hadse- , lected this excellent officer to command the only detachment from bis army, which could be exposed to serious resistance. The prin cipal object of the expedition was to excite the loyalists, in that quarter, to rebel openly, and unite with the British army. Whir* Ferguson was endeavouring to effect this purpose, he was advised by lord Cornwallis of an assault on Augusta, with directions to intercept if practicable, the assailants on their return. Augusta was command ed by lieutenant colonel Thomas Browne ; who had been in the British service, previous to the war, and resided in Georgia. Pleas ing and sensible, be was popular ; and possessing influence with the Indian tribes, bordering on that state, from official connexion, he was dangerous. With a view to preserve .control over the af fections and conduct of the Indians, the British government not only continued the established custom of bestowing annual presents in arms, ammunition, blankets, salt, liquor, and other like articles precious to the forester, but in consequence ofthe war had much increased the annual gift.* * I never could see the justice of denominating our Indian borderers savage. They appear to me to merit a very different appellation, as we well know they are not behind their civilized neighbours in the practice of wany of the virtues most dear to human nature. Southern Department of the United States. 107 When Georgia fell, many of the most virtuous and distinguished citizens of that state, (as did afterwards those of South Carolina) fled to their brethren in Ihe West. The most prominent among these voluntary exiles, was colonel Clarke, who employed his time and mind in preparing a sufficient force to enable him, on the first opportunity, to return and renew the contest. Vigilantly watching every occurrence, he was soon informed of the arrival at Augusta ofthe annual Indian presents. The desire to recover Au gusta, always ascendant in Clarke's breast, now became irresisti ble. He called forth his comrades, and expatiated on the rich har vest of reward and glory within their reach, and the facility of ob taining it at that moment. His arguments were successful ; and the warriors ofthe bills shouted for battle. No time was lost by their active leader in preparing for the enterprise. The wallets were fill ed with provisions, the guns cleaned, bullets moulded, and a scan ty supply of powder was distributed out of their scanty magazine. These were the simple preparations of our hardy mountaineers for battle. A lesson, pregnant with instruction, to all military com manders. The nearer an army can be brought to this unencum bered and alert condition, the more is its effective capacity increas ed, the better are the public resources husbanded, and the quick er will the war be terminated. Two hours only were occupied in getting ready to move, which followed as soon as the horses could be brought from pasture and accoutred. The grass of nature gave subsistence to the horse, while the soldier feasted on the homely contents of his wallet, made and filled by his wife or mother. . . Marching through friendly settlements, intelligence was gained, guides were procured, and accessions of strength acquired. Hav ing reached the confines of the enemy, the leader halted, made bis last arrangements, and issued his final orders. Then, with the Velocity of an eagle, he pounced on his prey ; but missing it re- curredto the slow and systematic operations which require patient vigilance and prevent hazard. The watchful Browne, informed of the gathering storm, was not surprised by its approach. Augusta being untenable with his weak force, he retired towards Garden Hill with his garrison of one hundred and fifty men, a few Indians, and two small brass pieces. In front of the latter position, he was vigorously attacked by Clarke, at the head of seven hundred men; but, under cover of his artillery, he at length dislodged his enemy, and forced his way to the hill at the point of the bayonet. So soon as he had gained the hill, colonel Browne began to fortify himself in the best possible manner : being determined to hold out to the last moment, in order to give time to colonel Cruger, who commanded at Niqety-six, and was informed of Browne's situation and views, to relieve him. Among other expedients to form suitable defences, colonel Browne put in requisition all the bales of cloth, osnaburgs, blankets, &c. found in the store at Garden Hill, and converted them, with the assistance of rails and pailing, into a breastwork, proof. against musketry. Clark, nevertheless, persevered in his attempt to bring the enemy to submission ; which he would have certainly 108 Memoirs of the War in the accomplished, by availing himself of the two pieces of artillery, gained in the first conflict, had not the ammunition belonging to them been nearly exhausted. Deprived of this aid, be resorted to other expedients ; and at length succeeded in depriving the gar rison of water. But, unluckily, his adversary was no less fertile in mental resource th.in intrepid in battle. I o remedy this menac ing evil, colonel Browne ordered all the earthen vessels in the store to be taken, in which the urine was preserved ; and when cold, it was served out with much economy to the troops, himself taking the first draught. Disregarding the torture of a wound in his leg, which had become much swoln from exertion, he continued booted at the head of his small-gallant band, directing his defence, and an imating his troops by his presence and exa.iple. Thus Browne courageously supported himself until the fourth day, when colonel Cruger appeared on the opposite banks. Colonel Clarke immedi ately withdrew, leaving his artillery behind, and disappointed by the invincible prowess of his enemy of a reward which, with less perseverance and gallantry, he might justly have expected to obtain. Ferguson no sooner received the order of Cornwallis to attack the assailants of Augusta on their return, than he drew nearer to the mountain, prepared to fall upon Clarke as soon as he reached his vicinity. While waiting to execute this object, he heard that a new enemy was approaching him ; for tbe very purpose of pro ceeding on the same enterprise, in which Clarke had just been foiled. A numerous assemblage of rifle militia had been drawn to gether from Kentucky, the western country of Virginia, and North Carolina ; and were in motion under colonels Campbell, Cleveland, Williams, Sevier, and Shelby, towards Augusta; when hearingflf Clarke's repulse and Ferguson's expedition, they relinquished' their. enterprise on Browne, and turned against Ferguson. ReacbingrGil- bert town, from which place Ferguson had lately retired,- they selected one thousand five hundred of their warriors, who fol lowed the British partizan, bent upon his destruction. Ferguson apprised of their pursuit, tookpost on the summit of King's moun tain ; a position, thickly set with trees, and more assailable by the rifle, than defensible with the bayonet. Here he was overtakea by our mountaineers, who quickly dismounted, and arrayed them selves for battle. Our brave countrymen were formed into three divisions, under their respective leaders, and coolly ascended the mountain in different directions. Colonel Cleveland first reached the enemy, and Opened a destructive fire from behind the trees. Ferguson resorted to tbe bayonet : Cleveland necessarily gave way. At that instant, from another quarter/colonel Shelby poured in his fire ; alike sheltered and alike effectual. Upon him Ferguson fu riously turned, and advanced with the bayonet ; gainingjhe only, though immaterial, .advantage in bis power, of forcing Shelby to recede. This was scarcely effected, before colonel Campbell had gained the summit of the mountain ; when he loo commenced a deadly fire. The British bayonet was again applied ; and produced its former effect. All the divisions now returned in co-operation, Southern Department of the United States. 101) and resistance became temerity. Nevertheless, Ferguson, confiding in the bayonet, sustained tbe attack with undismayed gallantry. The battle raged for fifty minutes, when the British commander received a ball, and fell dead. Deprived of their leader, the fire of the enemy slackened, and the second in command wisely beat a parley, which was followed by his surrender. Three hundred were killed and wounded ; one hundred regulars and seven hundred loyalists were taken, with one thousand five hundred stand o^arnis: lieutenant colonel Ferguson being provided with supernumerary muskets, to arm such ofthe inhabitants as might repair to the royal standard. Our loss was Iriffiing in numbers ; but amrng the kilted was colonel Williams of South Carolina, who had joined those gal lant patriots, with his adherents, from the district of Ninety-six, and was among the most active and resolute of this daring assem blage. Although Clarke failed in the reduction of Augusta, his attempt led to the destruction of Ferguson ; and with it, to the present re lief of North Carolina. / : CHAPTER XIX. W HEN prepared to advance to Salisbury, the British general received the unwelcome news of the battle of King's Mountain. Disappointed in his expectation of important benefit from the exer tions of colonel Ferguson among the loyalists of Tryon county 5 deprived of that officer and his corps, which constituted more than a fourth of the army ; lord Cornwallis abandoned his project of ad vancing, and began a retreat to Camden. The security of South Carolina, then threatened by tbe sudden incursions of the moun tain warriors, and endangered by the activity of Sumter, Marion and Pickens ; and the necessity of procuring additional force be fore his preconcerted conquest could be pursued, required his lordship's return. On the 14th of October, the. British army com menced its retreat from a country, which it had entered a few weeks before, with a confident expectation of reannexing it to the British empire. As soon as sir Henry Clinton was informed of the defeat of Gates and dispersion of the force under Sumter, in order to promote the operations of bis general in the South, he detached three thousand men from New York to Virginia under the orders of major general Leslie. About the time Cornwallis retired from Charlotte, Leslie, arrived in the Chesapeake, and commenced his operations pn the South side of James river, making Portsmouth his principal posi tion. The annihilation of Ferguson's force, having changed lord Cornwallis's plan, Leslie's continuance in Virginia became unne cessary ; and he was directed by his lordship to embark without delay, and proceed to Charleston. 110 Memoirs of the War in the The preparations for resisting this officer were hardly begun, when the commonwealth was relieved from an invasion which it had deemed fixed ; in as much as no doubt could exist, that Leslie was intended to co-operate with Lord Cornwallis, who, after the reduc tion of North Carolina, would advance upon Virginia. Soon after his lordsh.jp left Charlotte, the rainy season set in, which rendered his marcbwy'ery inconvenient and. harassing. The ground being sa turated with incessant rain, the troops were exposed to its chill ex halations, and became sickly. Tbe general himself was seized with a bilious fever, and was so much indisposed as to resign the army to the direction of lord Rawdon. This young nobleman had difficulties to encounter, in addition to those springing from the humidity of the air and ground. The swell of water courses presented new obstacles, not only to his progress, but to the procurement of forage aud provisions for daily subsistence ; which were before very difficult to obtain. The royal militia became now peculiarly useful. Enured to the cli mate, they escaped the prevailing sickness ; and being mounted, were employed unceasingly in hunting, collecting, and driving cattle from tbe woods to the army.* This meagre supply was the only meat procurable ; and young corn, gathered from the field, and boiled, or grated into meal, was the substitute for bread.! The British troops complained grievously ,of their sufferings on this march ; which, in comparison with those endured by our army, were nothing. They were comfortably supplied with clothes, shoes and blankets ; and a short interruption of regular meals, although not agreeable, was certainly not oppressive. Had they been in *In reviewing tine military correspondence and statements of our war, the activity and usefulness of the Americans who joined the British, forces itself upon our attention. Not more than one tenth of our population is rated as attached to Great Britain in the late contest, of which not more than a hundredth is supposed to have taken ah active part with the enemy. Yet great and effective were the services derived from them j not only in the field, where they fought with acknowledged valour, but iu procuring intelligence, and providing provision. Mr. Stedman, a British officer, and in the commissariat under lord Cornwallis, tells us, lhat the army would have been often destitute of provisions, but for the capacity and activity of the inhabitants who repaired to the royal standard. In our war no liberal mind will deny, that every man had a right to take his side, as it grew out of a domestic difference; whereas, in a foreign war every citizen is bound to support his country. While, there fore, we lament the opposition of this pari of our fellow citizens, we cannot condemn them for taking the part believed by them to be right. It is to be hoped, that should we be brought (which in the conrse of things too often occurs) to make the last appeal again, that we shall be exempted from the ills which inevitably follow the want of unanimity. That government best de serves applause, which is administered with a view to preserve union at home as its first object; it being the cheapest and surest defence against injustice from abroad. t During this retreat the British rasped the young corn into a coarse meal, which was considered a better mode of preparing the cor» than roasting or parching, comtnon with us'. Biscuit made of flour, from which only the bran has been talten, is the bestand cheapest for winter quarters, when the soldier nr.-iy conveniently bake his bread. Southern Department of the United Slates. 1 i 1 fags, without shoes, with one blanket only for three men, and pur sued by a superior foe ; patience and alacrity under the hardships of retreat would have entitled them to the praise which was lavish ed on their loyalty and fortitude. After a fatiguing march of two weeks, through deep wet roads, and full water courses, all of which were necessarily forded, the enemy reached the country lying between Camden and Ninety-six, on the 29th of October. To support these two stations, and to shield the intermediate space from American incursions, Cornwal lis established himself at Winnsborough, a position very convenient for the purposes contemplated. Here he desired to repose until the junction ofthe detachment fiom Virginia, under Leslie, should enable him to resume his operations in North Carolina. But Ma rion and Sumter, continuing unchanged amid the despondency which the disasters of August had produced, boldly pushed their disturb ing inroads into the enemy's territory. With a force fluctuating from fifty to two hundred and fifty men, Marion held himself in his recesses on the Pedee and Black rivers ; whence he darted upon the enemy whenever an opportunity presented itself. He not only kept in check all the small parties ofthe enemy, whom the want of forage and provisions, or the desire of plunder, occasionally urged into the region east and south of Camden ; but he often passed the Santee, interrupting the communication with Charleston, and some times alarming the small posts in its vicinity. To such a height had his interruption reached, that Cornwallis turned his attention to the subject. Lieutenant colonel Tarleton was despatched with his legion and the light infantry, with orders to find out Marion's haunts, and to destroy him. Having passed the Santee, and approached the Black river, this officer exerted himself to bring Marion to action ; but the American partizan, having ascertained the very superior force of his adversary, eluded all the attempts made to entrap him. At length Tarleton contrived, by his manoeuvres, to circulate an opinion that, by detachments from his corps, he had very much re duced its force. This rumour, as was intended, soon reached Ma rion ; who was always willing to seize every opportunity of striking at his antagonist. Presuming that Tarleton was reduced to an equal ity with himself, he cheerfully relinquished his asylum, wishing to give battle to his adversary. His caution and vigilance were not intermitted ; and discovering that he was proceeding upon erroneous intelligence, he skilfully withdrew to his unassailable position, leav ing Tarleton to deplore/the inefficacy of his wiles and toils- While Mirion engaged the attention of Cornwallis, whose cavalry and artillery were drawn to the east ofthe Santee, Sumter hovered on the west of that river, searching for some vulnerable point to assail. This officer, equally enterprising and indefatigable with his compeer, had the mountainous country of the Carolinas to draw up on for assistance. He had, therefore, the advantage of Marion in numbers ; sometimes commanding five hundred, and at others eight hundred men. When lord Cornwallis became acquainted with the approach of Sum'er, major Wemyss was detached in pursuit of him, 1 12 Memoirs of the War in the with the sixty-third regiment, and the remains, about forty in num-' ber, ofthe legion cavalry. The American general having display ed, on past occasions, a character of more boldness than vigilance, the British officer was inspired with a hope of surprising him ; and directed his march, with great secrecy, to Broad river, where Sum ter was encamped. The celerity with which Wemyss advanced, brought him, sooner than he intended, to the vicinity of his enemy ; and, apprehending that Sumter might be apprised, before morning, of his proximity, he determined on a nocturnal attack. His corps was immediately formed for ba'tle, and advanced on Sumter's camp. Anxious to observe the condition of his foe, major Wemyss placed himself with the van officer, who soon fell on our piquet, and threw them back on the main body, after a feeble resistance. Only five muskets were discharged ; and, happily for us, two balls pierced the major, and disabled hirn from further exertion. The command devolved upon a subaltern, who, although unacquainted with the ground, and uninformed as to the plan, determined to press the at tack. He found Sumter prepared to receive him ; and very soon the contest terminated in the repulse of the British, who retired, leaving their commandant and twenty men on the ground.* The American officer, satisfied with his success, did not pursue it ; but crossed the Broad river, for the purpose of proceeding to the chief object of his expedition. He had concerted with col onels Clarke and Banner, who commanded bands of mountaineers, measures for surprising Ninety-six. To cover that enterprise, he menaced Camden ; intending, by a forced march, to join Clarke and Banner on the west side of the Broad river. On the day fol lowing a junction was effected ; and Sumter, at the head of the combined forces, proceeded to the execution of bis design. These occurrences excited in lord Cornwallis apprehensions for the safety of Ninety-six. Orders were instantly despatched, recalling Tarleton from his expedition against Marion, and directing him to proceed without delay against Sumter. The sixty-third regiment, which had not yet returned from its unsuccessful enterprise, was ordered to join Tarleton as he advanced. As soon as that officer received the order of Cornwallis, he left his position in the vicinity of Black river, and hastened towards Ninety-six. Accustomed to quick movements, he arrived in tbe neighbourhood of Sumter be fore the latter had even heard of his advance. Pushing up the En- noree river, Tarleton hoped to place himself in his enemy's rear ; but, very luckily, a deserter from the British infantry had apprised the American general of his adversary's movement Sumter imme diately drew off and passed the Ennoree, where the British van * Major Wemyss was very remiss in not having opened his plan and views, to his second in command; for it often happens that the first is stopped from ser vice during the action. What might have been the issue of this enterprise had the British major properly informed his next in command of -his plan, resources and expectations, cannot be determined ; but do doubt can exist that the effect of the assailing troops must have been diminished considerably by this culpable omission in the commandant. Southern Department of the United States. 113 overtook a part of onr near guard, and handled it roughly. Sumter continued to retreat, having the Tyger, one of the must rapid and obstructive livers of that country, in his front. Tarleton, foresee ing that, should his adversary pas3 the Tyger, there would be little prospect of bringing him lo action, redoubled his exertions to over take him. Well knowing the character of his foe, he had preserved his force in a compact order; but his apprehension that Sumter might escape, his ardour in pursuit, and desire to continue the suc cess with which his zeal had been generally crowned, impelled him fo deviate from that prudent course. In the evening of ihe 20th of November, at the head of his cavalry, about one hundred and seventy in number, and eighty mounted infantry, of the sixty third regiment, he dashed forward to bring Sumter to battle, before the latier had passed the Tyger ; and soon came in si»ht of his enemy, who had selected a strong position on Blackstock hill, on the eastern banks ofthe river. Here prudence would have dictated to colonel Tar leton a pause. The residue of the sixty third regiment, the legion and light infantry, were following with all possible despatch ; and in one hour might have joined him There was no possibility of his enemy's escape without battle ; and the co-operation of his infantry was indispensable to secure victory. But delay did not comport with the ardent zeal, or the experience of Tarleton ; and he boldly advanced to the assault. " That part ofthe hill," says M'Kenzie, in his Slrictures on the Campaigns of Tarleton, "to which the attack was directed,, was nearly perpendicular, with a small rivulet, brush wood, and a rail fence in front. The rear ofthe Americans, and part of their right flank, was secured by the river Tyger ; and their left was covered by a large log barn, into which a considerable division of their force had been thrown, and from which, as the apertures between the logs served theni for loop holes, they fired with security. British valour was conspicuous in this action ; but no Valour could surmount the obstacles that here stood in its way. Of the sixty-third regiment, the commanding officer, two others, and one third of the privates, fell.* Lieutenant colonel Tarleton, ob serving their situation, charged with his cavalry ; but, unable to dislodge the enemy, either from the log barn on his right, or the height on his left, he was obliged lo fall back. Lieutenant Skinner, with a presence of mind useful on such emergencies, covered the retreat of the sixty-third ; and in ibis manner did the whole party continue to retire, till they formed a junction with their infantry, who were advancing to support them, leaving Sumter in quiet pos session of the field. This officer occupied the ground for several hours ; but having received a severe wound, and knowing that the * Major Money, lieutenant Gibson, lieutenant Cope : the infantry amountr erl only to eighty. What presumption !'to expect to dislodge an officer acknow ledged to be the most brave, posted on ground chosen by himself, at the head of five or six hundred troops, whose valour had been often before tested, with one hundred and sixty, mostly dragoons. The British cavalry could not act with effect from the nature of the ground, as was evinced by the nugatory at tempt made by lieutenant colonel Tarleton at their head. 15 114 Memoirs of the War in the British would be reinforced before the next morning, he thought' it hazardous to wait. He accordingly retired, and taking his wounded men along with him, crossed the rapid river Tyger. The wounded ofthe British detachment were left to the mercy Of their enemy ; and it is doing but bare justice to general Sumter to declare that the strictest humanity look place upon the present occasion : they were supplied with every comfort in his power." This faithful and plain relation wiis made from the representations nf officers in the action. Lieutenant colonel Tarleton, however, viewed his own conduct in the most favourable light ; and not only considered the assault war rantable, but even claimed the victory, if the principle, on which his pretention is founded* be. correct, nothing short of exterminating success can give title to victory. What more could the assailed party have done than to fight, to retain his ground, bury the dead, and take care of the enemy's wounded ? Of his own wounded, general Sumter had but four to take care of, and of. his own dead, but three to bury. But he did not wait until colonel Tarleton might return with a superior force ; and as Tarleton did return and occu py the field of battle on the day following, therefore Tarleton was the victor. Such logic does nut merit refutation. But, however interested military disputants may contest the point, impartial pos terity will concur in the conclusion of common sense, that Sumter gained a decisive, victory. A grievous wound suspended his per sonal exertions, and probably prevented him from improving his success. After performing the funeral rites of the dead, and placing tbe wounded ofthe enemy in the most comfortable condition in his power, he continued his retreat. His faithful associates, agreeably to usage, separated as soon as they reached their point of safety. Sumter's wound, unfortunately for his cohntry, long detained him from the field ; but useful consequences, continued to result from the deep impression of his example, from the spirit he had infused, and thte experience gained under his guidance. Pickens, Harden, Clarke, and others, persevered in their arduous exertions.. Fre quently interrupting the communication between the different posts ofthe enemy, they obliged the British general to strengthen his sta tions, spread throughout the country, and thereby weaken his ope rative force. Tarleton was no sooner recalled from the east ofthe Santee, than Marion emerged from his concealed retreat, traversed the country from Georgetown to Camden, and endangered the communication between them. Frequently crossing the Santee, he interrupted thV intercourse between Charleston and Camden ; to secure which, an intermediate post had been established at Motte's hill, on the south side ofthe Congaree. Thus, in thi« gloomy period, was resistance in the South continu ed ; as embarrassing to the enemy, as exhilarating to the scattered refugees from South Carolina and Georgia. It produced;, too, iu congress and the nation, a solacing conviction, that tbe spirit of the people was unsubdued ; and promised, if seconded with vigour, and directed with wisdom, to restore the two lost states to the Union., Southern Department oj the United States. 115 CHAPTER XX. V^ORNWALLIS still held his position at Winnsborough, waiting for the expected reinforcement under Leslie, and devoting his at tention to the repression of the daring enterprises, devised and executed by Marion, Sumter, and their gallant associates. In the meanwhile Gates was labouring with unceasing zeal and diligence to prepare a force, capable of meeting his successful ad-- versary. Having collected the shattered remains of his army at Hillsborough, in pursuance of a regulation established by tbe com mander in chief, the broken lines of Maryland and Delaware were eomprpssed into one regiment, and placed under colonel Williams, of Maryland. The officers of cavalry hud not been very successful in their efforts ; for, but four complete troops could be formed from the relics of Bland's, Moylan's, and Baylor's regiments, when unit ed with the new recruits. These were embodied, and placed under the command of lieutenant colonel Washington, of Virginia.* The supernumerary.officers of Maryland and Delaware, and of the caval ry, were despatctied to their respective states, tor the purpose of recruiting Brigadier Gi*t, who had so nobly seconded de Kalb on the fatal 16th of August, was charged with the direction of this ser vice; there being no command for him with the army, in conse quence of its reduced state. General Smallwood was retained as second to Gates. Morgan, the distinguished leader of the rifle corps, was promoted to the rank of brigadier by brevet, and repair ed to the southern army. About the same time, the recruits ofthe Virginia line reached Hillsborough ; and the remaining companies of Harrison's artillery also joined our army. The union of these several corps gave to general Gates about one thousand four hundred continentals. The deliverance of North Carolina from the late invasion, by the fortunate victory of King'3 Mountain, afforded time lor the government of the state to under stand its real condition, and to prepare for the impending danger. A division of its militia had been called into the field under the command of the generals Sumner and Davidson, to which was united a volunteer corps under colonel Davie. ¦' While Gates remained at Hillsborough, Sumner had taken post, with Ihe militia, in the countty washed by tbe Yadkin, the main branch ofthe Pedee. Smallwood was despatched to take charge of the troops in that quarter, while general Gates moved, with Ihe continentals, to Charlotte. As soon as the headquarters of the American army were transferred to this place, Smallwood was ad vanced from the Yadkin to the Catawba ; having brigadier Morgan, at the head of a corps of light troops, in his front. ?Lieutenant colonel Washington found among his difficulties that of acquir ing proper swords not the least considerable; and hearing that the arsenal of his native state in Richmond abounded with dragoon swords, he despatched an. officer to governor Jefferson, stating his wants, and soliciting relief. 116 Memoirs of^the War in the The Pedee flows near the northern boundary of South Carolina : the Savannah is its limit on the southwest ; and the Santee, whose main branch is tbe Catawba, is the intermediate of the three large rivers of that state. Just below Motle's, where the British had erected n small fortification, the Santee is formed by the. confluence of the Wateree and the Congaree. Tbe former of these rivers, descending from the north, runs through the hilly country, where it is called Catawba'; and, passing Camdeo, rolls on to its junction with the Congaree. Tbe Congaree, after the union of its head branches, the Broad River and the Saluda, takes a southern direc tion. The position now taken by Gates, aud the arrangement of his force, presented a strong contrast to his former conduct ; and afford ed a consoling presumption, that. he had discovered his past error, and had profited by the correction of adversity.* Neither congress nor the nation were reconciled, however, to the severe blow, which" our arms had sustained under his guidance. The annihilation, in a few hours, of an army, from which much had been expected, was a sufficient cause of investigation and inquietude : and when that mis fortune, in the exhausted and worried condition of the people, was followed by a necessity Ot replacing the lost force, or of submitting to the subjugation of an important portion of the Union, the most awful and afflicting sensations were unavoidably excited. Congress enleitained, indeed, a high respect forthe unfortunate general, and a grateful recollection of his past services ; but that homage' h5w- ever merited, could not, and ought not, to suppress those inquiries, which always follow miscarriage or misfortune, where the sovereign power is careful ofthe public good- It was, moreover, necessary to check the conqueror ; and two lost states were to be recovered. To effect such important objects, a general, obscured by adversity, was, though of respectable talents, inadequate ; it required tbe fire ef superior genius, aided by an untarnished reputation, to reanimate despondency, restore confidence, and turn the current of adversity. Such reflections daily gained strength ; and congress, at length, resolved, that a court of inquiry should examine into the conduct of major general Gates, commanding in the southern department, and that the commander in chief should, in the interim, appoint a suc cessor. This unpleasant resolution was immediately transmitted to genera) Gates at Charlotte ; and he prepared to obey the sum-"" mons of the court, as soon as his successor should arrive and assume the duties of command. In the meanwhile, be continued, with unre nilting exertion, his preparations for resisting the enemy, by endeavouring to discover their force and plans, by collecting maga zines of provision, ami stimulating tho governments of North Caro lina and. Virginia to a timely contribution of their aids. Happy, if * When general Gales was about to set out from Virginia for the South, his old acquaintance and fellow soldier, general Chailes Lee, waited on him to take leave ; anil pressing him by the harid, hade him to bear in mind, that the* .laurels of the North must not be exchanged for tbe willow of the South. Southern Department of the United States. 1 1 T his efforts should smooth the way for a more prosperous course to bis successor, he acted, throughout this disagreeable period, with intelligence, assiduity and zeal. Washington did not long deliberate on the appointment which he was directed to make. Major general Greene* had served under him from the commencement ofthe war, and from that period had enjoyed his unvarying confidence and esteem. In a time of extreme derangement and difficulty, he had been called lo the station of * Headqua'rlerj, Passaic Falls, October 22d, 1780. Dear Sir, In consequence of a resolve of Congress, directing an inquiry into the con duct of major general Gates, and authorizing me to appoint some other officer in his place during this inquiry, I have made choice of major genera] Greene, who will, 1 expect, have the honour of piesenting you with this letter. I shal], without scruple, introduce this gentleman to you as a man of abili ties, bravery and coolness. He has n comprehensive knowledge of our affairs, and is a man of fortitude and resources. 1 have nut the smallest doubt, there fore, of his employing all the means which may he put into his hands to the best advantage, nor of his assisting in pointing out. the most likely ones to an swer the purposes of his command. With this character I take the liberty of recommending him to your civilities and support ; for I have no doubt, from the embarrassed situation of southern affairs, of his standing much in need of the latter, from every gentleman of influence in the assemblies of those states. As genera] Greene can give you the most perfect information in detail of our present distresses, and future prospects, I shall content myself with the aggre gate account of them : and, with respect to the first, they are so great and complicated, that it is scarcely within the powers of description to give an adequate idea of them. With regard to the second, unless there is a material change both in our civil and military policy, it will be in vain to contend much longer. We are without money, and have been so for a long time : without provi sion and forage, except what is taken by impress: without clothing, and shortly shall be (in a manner) without men. In a word, we have lived upon expedi ents till we can live no longer ; and it may truly be said, lhat tbe history of this war is a history of false hopes and temporary devices instead of system, — and economy, which results from it. If we mean to continue our strtrggles ("and it is to be hoped we shall not re linquish our claims) we must do it upon an entire new plan. We must have a permanent force; not a force that is constantly fluctuating, and sliding from under us, as a pedestal of ice would leave a statue in a summer's day ; in volving ns in expense that baffles all calculation, an expense which no funds are equal to. We must at the same time contrive ways-and means to aid out- taxes by loans, and put our fihances upon a more certain and stable footing than they are at present. Oar civil government must likewise undergo a reform; ample powers must be lodged in Congress as the head ofthe Federal Union, ad equate to all the purposes of war. Unless these things are done, our efforts will be in vain, anri only serve to accumulate expense, add to our perplexities, and dissatisfy the people, without a prospect of obtaining the prize in view. But these sentiments do not appear well in a hasty letter, without digestion or order. 1 have not time to give them otherwise, and shall only assure you that Ihey are well meant, however crutle they .may appear. With sincere affection, I am, dear sir, your most obedient servant, GEOKGE WASHINGTON. George Mason, Esq. 118 Memoirs of the War in the quartermaster general, in which he acquitted himself with consum mate-ability. He commanded the division of the army opposed ur lieutenant general Knyphausen, at Springfield, in 17"80, and acquir ed, as be merited, distinguished applause. We have before seen, that he checked the advance ofthe British ¦with Weedon's brigade in the close of the battle of Brandywine; that he was opposed to- lord Cornwallis in New Jersey, when the maintenance of the obstruction to the navigation of the Delaware was ardently pursued by the commander in chief; and that he com manded the left wing of the army at the action of Germantown. He was honoured at the battle of Monmouth with the direction of the right wing, which was conducted much to his credit, and to the annoyance of the enemy. He was under Sullivan in the invasion of Rhode Island, sind contributed very much to the excellent re treat which became necessary. Indeed, so manifold and important were his services, that he became a very highly trusted counsellor ofthe commander in chief; respected for his sincerity, prized for his disinterestedness, and valued for.his wisdom. It followed, of course, when calamity thickened, and the means of resistance grew thin, that Greeneshould be summoned to break the force of the one, and to nerve the imbecility ofthe other. He was accordingly nominated by Washington to the command ofthe southern army. Congress passed a resolution, incorporatingthe states of Delaware and Maryland with the southern department, and the commander in chief detached, from his army, lieutenant colonel Lee, with his- legion, to the south. This corps consisted of three troops of horse, and three companies of infantry, giving a total of tbree hundred and fifty effectives. But it was not complete; and after its arrival in the South, gradually diminished. Such was the debilitated condition of our military force, that only this trifling reinforcement could be spared to a general, charged with the arduous task of saving Virgi nia and North Carolina, and of reannexing to the Union the states south of" them. What better testimony could be furnished of our fitness, at that time, for the repose of peace ? But it was necessary to prosecute the war with zeal and vigour, or the great prize for which the con federate states were struggling would be lost, or but partially gained-. The enemy's strength had also very much dwindled, and his re plenishment of the waste of war was not exempt from difficulty. He had to contend by sea and by land with potent nations, and to spread his force in every quarter of the globe. Such was the effect of our alliance with the house of Bourbon, and the result of Gates's victory at Saratogas Southern Department of the United Slates. 119 CHAPTER XXI. VJTENERAL GREENE, after employing a few days in preparing for his journey, relinquished, wilh reluctance, his inferior station, to take upon himself the honourable though weighty command to which be had been called. He passed through the states of Delaware and Maryland, for tbe purpose of ascertaining the extent of the assis tance to be obtained from that quarter. Here he was informed lhat brigadier Gist had been indefatigably engaged in executing the trust reposed in him ; but such was the difficulty at this period of procuring recruits as to forbid the expec tation of filling up the regiments, without the substitution of some new mode. On this, aud all other subjects, connected with his du ty, he held full and free conferences with the state governments ; and having made his final arrangements, pursued his journey to Rich mond, the capital of Virginia. This state was properly considered the fountain of southern re sistance. Her relative antiquity, the stock of loyalty for which she had been always distinguished, her well known obedience to law and hatred of change, had convinced the wavering and the doubting, that our resistance was just, and consistent with the great charter of British liberty. Thus, by the sanction of her authority, she had stripped resistance of its imaginary horrors. The extent of her domain, the value of her products, the vigour of her councils, and the political fame she had acquired in the first congress by a happy selection of delegates, placed her high in the respect and confidence of her sister states.* The uniform sample of wisdom, exhibited by her deputies in that body, inspired the nation with exalted senti ments of the place of their nativity. To the hand of one of her sons had been committed the sword of defence, from the lips of another, in obedience to tbe commands of his constituents, came the proposal of our independence, and by the pen of a third that inde pendence was declared. Although the most ancient and loyal of the colonies, she had, in our just war, been uniformly decisive and active; and though not particularly injuied by the first hostile acts of- par liament-she nevertheless kept pace with Massachusetts, thedevok-d object of ministerial vengeance, in the incipient steps of resistauce. Thus distinguished she was marked as a peculiar victim by the common enemy. Happily for herself, as well as for the Union, few of her inhabitants had taken side with the mother country ; and most of those few in the first stage of the revolution, had left the state. •The selection of our first, deputies establishes an important truth, that the people in danger, and free from the distraction of feuds and factions, will al ways act wisely. When distracted by feud and severed by faction,- they will rarely do so. The Virginia assembly made its first election of delegates exempt from the art and rage of faction. They weie i-Vyton Randolph, George Washington, Richard II. Lee, Patrick Henry, Edmund Pendleton, Richard Bland,' and Benjamin Harrison. 120 Memoirs of the War in the Thus her- undivided ability was employed in the firm maintenance ofthe war. . As soon as sir Henry Clinton took command ofthe British army, the humbling of Virginia became a leading object of his plans. For, by maiming her strength, he lessened her ability to give sup. port and countenance to that division of the states which he had then selected as the principal theatre of the war. A devastating expedition had been successfully prosecuted under general Mat thews ; and as soon as Ihe defeat of general Gates was known at New York, Leslie, as had been mentioned, was detached with three tbousand men to the Chesapeake, for the purpose of co-operating with lord Cornwallis, then expected to have been considerably ad vanced in completing the conquest of North Carolina. When Greene reached Richmond, he found the government en gaged in preparing means of defence against Leslie, who had estab lished himself at Portsmouth. Relying upon this state for his prin cipal support in men and stores, he was sensibly affected by the difficulties in which he found her. But active and intelligent, pene trating and laborious, he persevered in his exertions. Having brought his arrangements to a satisfactory conclusion, he proceeded to the south, leaving major general Baron Steuben* to direct the defence of Virginia, and to superintend the reinforcements preparing for the southern army. From Richmond he hastened to Hillsbo rough, the seat of government of North Carolina. Here he found tbe executive, apprised of the dangers by which the state was threatened, well disposed to exert their authority in preparing means to resist the advancing enemy. This stale very much resem bles Virginia in the manners and habits ofthe people, so much so as to induce the conclusion of its being settled principally by emigrants from that state. Its population, though double that of South Caro lina, was very disproportionate to the extent of its territory. North Carolina is watered by many rivers ; few of which are na vigable for ships. Cape Fear is the most considerable ; and that only navigable to Wilmington, situated not very distant from the sea. In a state of war, when naval superiority is conclusively in favour of the enemy, as was the case in our contest, this privation of nature was replete with advantage to us, though extremely incommodious jn peace. It is only to be assailed with effect through Virginia or * This officer was a Prussian by birth, and had passed his youth in arms during the war of 1754, chiefly under the orders of prince Henry, brjther to the Great Frederick, and his rival in military celebrity. Towards Ihe close of that war, Steuben had been introduced into the family of the prince, whose confidence and esteem he enjoyed for ever after. On his arrival in America he attracted the consideration of congress, and was soon promoted to the station of inspector general of the army, with the rank of m3Jor general. To him ws are indebted for the great proficiency in tactics acquired by the troops in 1777, 1778 at Valley Foige. He was singularly useful in this line, and much re spected for his military experience. Faithful and honourable, he supported the cause of his adopted country with the ardour of youth, gained high confidence with the commander in chief, and was honoured, on many occasions, with im portant trusts. Southern Department of the United States. 121 South Carolina, through each of which her foreign commerce passes, At this time it was threatened on both sides, as Leslie still continued in Virginia, wailing, as was presumed, forthe advance of lord Corn wallis. Although in this state, horses, bacon, Indian corn and beef, which constitute the most, essential supplies of an army, could be found in abundance, yet, from the thinness of population, the collec tion of them was inconvenient. The mountainous region of North Carolina was inhabited by a race of hardy men, who were familiar with the use ofthe horse and rifle, were stout, active, patient tinder privation, and brave. Irre gular in their movements, and unaccustomed to restraint, they delighted in the fury of action, but pined under the servitude and inactivity of camp. True to the American cause, they displayed an impetuous zeal, whenever their wild and ardent temper prompted the contribution of their aid. In the middle and Atlantic sections lived a race, less capable of labour, and less willing to endure it ; who were much divided in political opinions, and incumbered with that dreadful evil,* which the cruel policy of preceding times had intro duced, t The prospect of efficient aid from a state so situated, was nnt encouraging. But the fertile genius of Greene, deriving new influence from his conciliating manners, soon laid the foundation of a support, which would have been completely adequate to his pur- ppse, had the quality ofthe troops corresponded with their number. Having finished his preparatory measures, he hastened to Charlotte, pleased with the hepe of rescuing the state from the impending ca lamities. On the 2d of December, he reached the army, and was received by general Gates with the most cordial respect. The translation ofthe command was announced in general orders on the ensuing day. After devoting a short time to those communications, which were essential to the information of his successor, Gates took leave ofthe army, and proceeded to meet the inquiry into his con duct, which had been ordered by congress. His progress was slow, his manners were grave, his demeanor was condescending, his con versation reserved. On his long road, no countenance shed the i balm of condolence ; all were gloomy, all scowling. The fatal loss of the 16th of August was acutely remembered ; but the important victory of Saratoga was forgotten. The unfortunate general at length reached Richmond, where the general assembly of Virginia * Negro slavery. + The constitution of tho United States, adopted lately with so much diffi culty, has effectually provided against the increase of this evil (by importation,) after a few years. This single benevolent, and judicious trait, ought to have recommended that instrument strongly to the pious and amiable throughout the Union, and to the slave holder of every description. Yet in most of tho slave states it was pertinaciously opposed. It is much to be lamented, that having done so much good in this way, a provision had not been made for the gradual abolition of slavery. Tn a state of war, what can be more dreadful than the conviot.ion, that we have in our bosoms an inveterate enemy ready to turn upon us in our beds, Whenever op portunity and instigation shall prompt to the execution of the bloody tragedy ; yet this is the state of the Union south of Susquehanna. 16 122 Memoirs of the War in the was in session.* Great and good men then governed the state. Instructed by history, guided by the dictates of virtue, and grateful for eminent services, they saw a wide difference between misfortune and criminality, and weighed the exploits in the North against the disasters in the South. These fathers of the commonwealth ap pointed a committee of their body to wait on the vanquished- gene ral, and " to assure him of their higlrregard and esteem : that their remembrance of his former glorious services was never to be obli terated by any reverse of fortune ; but, ever mindful of his great merit, they would omit no opportunity of testifying to the world the gratitude which Virginia, as a member of the American Union, owed to him in his military character " General Gates had supported his fall from splendid elevation to obscurity, with apparent fortitude and complacency. He was sen sibly affected, and comforted by this kind reception, and retired to his farm in the county of Berkley, where tbe keen regrets of dis appointment and misfortune were softened b}' the soothing occupa tions of agriculture, and the condolence of the state in which he resided f The dignified and-wise policy ofthe Virginia legislature was high ly honourable to that body, ancr furnishes an instructive lesson to * Extract from the minutes of the house of delegates. Thursday, 2Sth December, 1780. " Resolved, that a committee of four be appointed to wait on major general Gates, and to assure him of- the high regard and esteem of this house; that the remembrance of his former glorious services cannot be obliterated by any re- verse of fortune, but that this house, ever mindful of his great merit, will omit no opportunity of testifying to the world the gratitude which, as a member of the American Union, this country owes him in his military character.'1 And the said resolution being read a second time, was, on the question put thereupon, agreed to by the house nemine contradicente. Ordered, lhat Mr. Hemy, Mr. R. H. Lee, Air. Yane, and general Nelson, be appointed of the same committee. Friday, 29th December, 1780. Mr. Henry reported from the committee appointed to communicate the resolu tion of the house of yesterday to major general Gates, that the committee had, according to order, communicated the same to that gentleman; and that he had been pleased to return the following answer : Richmond, 28th December, 1780. I shall remember, with the utmost gratitude, the honour this day done me by the honourable huuse of delegates of Virginia. When I engaged in the cause of freedom, and of the United States, I devoted myself entirely to the service of obtaining the great end of this Union. The having been once un fortunate is my great mortification ; but let the event of my future services be what it may, they will, as they always have been, be directed by the most faithful integrity, and animated by the purest zeal for the honour and interest of the United States. HORATIO GATES. t This conduct comes nearest to that of the Roman senate, who thanked Varro, the author of the defeat at Cannaj, for returning to Rome, and for not having despaired ofthe commonwealth. A magnanimity unequalled in the his- tory of nations. Southern Department of the United States. 123 sovereigns. Amiable and enlightened as is such conduct, il is, ne vertheless, uncommon ; and our revolutionary records furnish no similar instance. Washington, indeed, uniformly experienced the gratitude of congress, and of the state assemblies ; and their re solves of approbation sometimes followed his defeats. But the judgment and circumspection displayed by the commander in chief, even in his most severe disasters, manifested the propriety of his conduct, and the necessity ofthe risk he incurred. Never did this general precipitately seek action ; but when it became unavoidable, he prepared himself, in the best practicable manner, for the con flict. Limiting, by his foresight, the extent of his loss, guarding, by his disposition, security of retreat, and repairing with celerity the injury sustained,* his relative condition was often meliorated, al though victory adorned the brow of his adversary. Very different hadbeen the conduct of general Gates in Carolina, and very differ ent was the result on the 16th of August. Washington rivalled the magnanimity which the general assembly of Virginia had displayed. Although he remembered the dilatory advance of a portion of the northern army to his succour, when that succour was indispensable and expected ; although he remem bered that its commander had dared to trifle with his mandate ; and was not insensible that this conduct had proceeded from a settled design to supplant him in his high station ; yet he repressed the feelings which such recollections would naturally have excited in most breasts, and with all the delicacy of superior virtue extended his condolence, to assuage the asperity which clings to misfortune. With a hope that the speedy termination ofthe war might preclude the necessity of an investigation, so mortifying to a soldier still proud of his former fame, though fallen in public estimation, gene ral Washington compassionately deferred the assembling of the court. The war soon afterwards closed, and the prosecution ofthe inquiry necessarily ceased. f *This fact was eminently illustrated by the battle of Germantown. Sir William Howe gained the day, but the advantages which resulted from the action were evidently on the side of Washington. The British general gave up the small district of the country he held, and submitted to the inconveniences of a position around Philadelphia. Exchanging an open country for tbe suburbs of the city, salubrity for insalubrity, and drawing upon his troops the additional labour of field works, to put himself safe, while pursuing his measures for the restoration of the river navigation. t Mr. Marshall, in his Life of Washington, has treated this interesting tran saction with peculiar attention. The correspondence between the two generals, with which this writer has favoured the public, is so characteristic, that I can not refrain from transcribing it. Albany, December lSlh, 1777. Sir: I shall not attempt to describe, what, as a private gentlemen, I cannot help feeling, on representing to my mind the disagreeable situation, which confiden tial letters, when exposed to public inspection, may place an unsuspecting cor respondent in ; but as a public officer, I conjure your excellency to give me all the assistance you can, in tracing out the author of the infidelity which put ex tracts from general Conway's letters to me into your hands. These letters 1 24 Memoirs of the War in the chapter xXjr. Gi "ENERAL GREENE directed his whole attention to the high duties of his command. On reviewing his army, he found. its total not more than two thousand, of which. the major part was militia. have been stealingly copied ; but which .of them, when, or by whom, is to me,s as yet, an unfathomable secret. There is. not one officer in my suite, or amongst- those-who have free access to tne, upon whom I could, with the leastjustifica- tion to myself, fix the suspicion; and yet my uneasiness may deprive me of the" usefulness of the worthiest men. It is, I believe, in your excellency's power to do me and rhe United States a very important service, in detecting a wretcll who may betray me, and capitally injure the very operations under yaur'im- mediate direction. For this reason, sir, I beg your excellency will favour me with the proofs you can procure to' that .effect. But the crime being eventually so important, that the least loss of tlrne\may be attended with the worst con sequences, and it being unknown to me, whether thejetter came to you from a member of congress, or from an officer. I shall havethe honour of .transmitting, a copy" of this to the -president, that congress may, in concert with your excel lency, obtain, as soon as possible, a discovery which deeply affects the safety of these states. Crimes of that magnitude ought not to remain unpunished, I have tile honour to be, '¦""¦'"':• ' Sir, With the greatest respect, your excellency's most humble r, and most obedient servant, ,- HORATIO GATES. 7 His excellency general Washington. Valley Forge,'Januam 14th, 1778.. Sifi : Your letter of the 18th ultimo came to my hands a-few days ago,- and to my. great surprise informed me, that a copy of it had been sent to congress ; for what reason I find myself unable to account; but as some end doubtless was intended to be answered by it, I am laid tinder the disagreeable necessity of returning ray answer through the same channel, lest any member of that body should haibour some unfavourable^suspicion of my having practised some inaV feet means to come at the .'contents of the confidential letters between-, you, and. general Conway. I am to inform you then, that ***********_on his way to congress, in thei month of 'October last, fell in. with lord Stirling at Reading ; and not in con fidence that 1 ever understood, informed his aid-de-cainp, major M' Williams, that, general Conway had "written thus to you : " Heaven has been determined to save your country ; or a weai general and bad counsellois would have ruin-. ed it." Lord Stirling, from motives of friendship, transmitted the account with this remark: "The inclosed was communicated by *"*****#****- to major . M'Williamsj such wicked duplicity of conduct I shall always think it my duty to detect." > In consequence of this information, and without having any thing more in; view, than merely to show that gentleman that I was. not unapprised of his in triguing disposition, .1 wrote him a letter-in these words : ".Sir, a letter which I received last night, Contained the following paragraph : ' in a letter from general Gonw^y to general Gates, he says, Heaven has determined to save your coun try ; ora weak general and bad counsellors would have ruined it.' Iain sir, &c." Southern Department of the United States. \ 25 Notwithstanding the exertions of his predecessor to establish ma gazines, he found three days1 provision only on hand, and the coun try around him exhausted. His supply of ammunition was very Neither the letter nor the information which occasioned it was ever, directly or indirectly, communicated by me to a single officer in the army, (out of my own family) excepting the marquis de la Fayette, who, having been spoken to on the subject by general Conway, applied for, and saw, uner injunctions of secrecy, the letter which contained this. So desirous was I of concealing everv matter that could, in its consequences, give the smallest interruption to the tranquility of this army, or afford a gleam of hope to* the enemy by dissensions therein. I trust, sir, with that openness and candour, which I dope will ever character ize and mi'.rk my conduct, I have complied with your request. The only con cern t feel upon the occasion, finding how matters, stand, is, that in doing this I have been necessarily obligated to name a gentleman, who, I am persuaded, (although I never exchanged a won! with him upon the subject) thought he was rathe: doing an act of justice than committing an act of infidelity ; and sure I am, Hint until lord Stirling's letter came to my hands, I never knew that gene ral Conway (whom I viewed in the li«ht of a stranger to you) was a correspondent uf yours; much less did 1 suspect that I was the subject of your confidential letters. Pardon me then for aclding, that so far from conceiving that the safetv of these states can be affected, orin the smallest degree injured, by a. discovery of this kind, or that I should be called upon in such solemn terms to point out the author, that I considered the information as coming from yourself, and given with a friendly view to forewarn, and consequently to forearm, me. against a secret enenry ; orin other words, a dangerous incendiary : in which character, sooner or later, this country will know general Conway. But in this, as well as other matters of late, I have found myself mistaken. I am, Sir, Your most obedient servant, GEORGE WASHINGTON. To major general Gates. Whatever part general Conway may have taken in this flagitious attempt, whetlaer principal or secondary, is not ascertained ; but he had gone far enough to warrant the commander in chief in denouncing him a " dangerous incendiary." Nevertheless, justice requires that I should add, that this officer was among the most respectable and the most experienced of the many French gentlemen who joined the American army ; and that he afterwards made, to his much in jured commander, the best amends in hjs power, as is manifested by the fol lowing letter, written after resignation of his commission, and when he expect ed to die in consequence of s station ed, composed of the continental infantry and two companies of Vir ginia militia, under captains Triplett and Taite,* commanded by lieutenant colonel Howard. Washington's cavalry, reinforced with a company of mounted militia armed with sabres, was ii»-id i'i re serve ; convenient to support the inftutry, and protect the horses of the rifle mititia, which were tied agreeably to usage in the rear. On the verge of battle, Morgan availed himself of the short and awful interim to exhort his troops. First addressing hun«elf, with his characteristic pith, to the line of militia, be extolled the zeal and bravery so often displayed by them, when unsupported by the bayonet or sword ; and declared his confidence that they could not fail in maintaining their reputation, when supported by chosen bo dies of horse and foot, and conducted by himself Nor did he forget to glance at his unvarying fortune, and superior experience ; or to mention how often, with his corps of riflemen, he had brought British troops, equal to those before him, to submission. He de scribed the deep regret he had already experienced in being obliged, from prudential considerations, to retire before an enemy always in his power ; exhorted the line to be firm and steady ; to fire with good aim ; and if they would pour in but two volleys at killing dis tance, he would take upon himself to secure victory. To the con tinentals, he was very brief. He reminded them of the confidence he had always reposed in their skill and courage ; assured them that victory was certain if they acted well their part ; and desired * These two companies of milit'a were generally continental soldiers, who, having served the time of their enlistment, had returned home, regularly dis charged. A custom for some time past prevailed, which gave to us the aid of such soldiers. Voluntary proffer of service being no longer fashionable, the militia were drafted conformably to a system established by law ; and whenever the lot fell upon the timid or wealthy, he procured, by a doceur, a substitue, who, for the most part, was one of those heretofore discharged. 132 Memoirs of the War in the them riot to be discouraged by the sudden retreat of the militia, that being part of his plan and orders. Then taking post with this line, he waited in stern silence for the enemy. The British lieutenant colonel, urging forward, was at length gratified with the certainty of battle ; and being prone to presume on victory, he hurried the formation of his troops. The light and legion infantry, with tbe seventh regiment, composed the line of battle ; in the centre of which was posted the artillery, consisting of two grasshoppers ; and a troop of dragoons was placed on each flank. The battalion ofthe seventy-first regiment, under major M'Arthur, with the remainder of the cavalry, formed the reserve. Tarleton placed himself with the line, having under him major New- marsh, who commanded the seventh regiment. The disposition was not completed, when he directed the line to advance, and the reserve to wait further orders.* The American light parties quick ly yielded, fell back, and arrayed with Pickens. The enemy, shout ing, rushed forward upon the front line, which retained its station, and poured in a close fire ; but, continuing to advance with the bayonet on our militia, they retired and gained with haste the second line Here, with part ofthe corps, Pickens took post on Howard's right, and the rest fled to their horses ; probably with orders to remove them to a further distance. Tarleton pushed forward, and was received by his adversary "with unshaken firmness. The con test became obstinate ; and each party, animated by the example of its leader, nobly contended for victory. Our line maintained it self so firmly, as to oblige the enemy to order up his reserve. The advance of M-Arthur re-animated the British line, which again mov: ed forward 4 and, outstretching our front, endangered Howard's right. This officer instantly took measures to defend his flank, by directing his right company to change its front ; but, mistaking this order, the company fell back ; upon which the line began to retire, and general Morgan directed it to retreat to the cavalry. This manoeuvre being performed with precision, our flank became re lieved, and the new position was assumed with promptitude. Con sidering this retrograde movement the precursor of flight, the British line rushed On with impetuosity and disorder ; but as it drew near, Howard faced about, and gave it a close and murderous lire. Stun ned by this unexpected shock, the most advanced of the enemy re coiled in confusion. Howard seized the happy moment, and follow ed his advantage with the bayonet. This decisive step gave us the day. The reserve having been brought near the line, shared in the destruction of our fire, and presented no rallying point to the * Tarleton's cavalry are stated at three hundred and fifty, while that under Morgan did not exceed eighty. Morgan's militia used rifles, and were expert marksmen : this corps composed nearly one half of his infantry. Tarleton's detachment is put down at one thousand. Morgan, in a letter to general Greene, after his victory, gives his total at eight hundred. Southern Department of the United States. 133 fugitives.* A part ofthe enemy's cavalry, having gained our rear, fell on that portion ofthe militia who had retired to their horses! Washington struck at them with his dragoons, and drove them be fore him. Thus, by simultaneous efforts, the infantry and cavalry ofthe enemy were routed. Morgan pressed home his success, and the pursuit became vigorous and general. The British cavalry having taken no part in the action, except the two troops attached to the line, were in force to cover the retreat. This, however, was not done. The zeal of lieutenant colonel Washington in pur suit having carried him far before his squadron, Tarleton turned upon him with the troop of the seventeenth regiment of dragoons, seconded by many of his officers. The American lieutenant colo nel was first rescued from this critical contest by one of his Serjeants, and afterwards by a fortunate shot from his bugler's pistol. This check concluded resistance on the part ofthe British officer, who drew off with the remains of his cavalry, collected his stragglers, and hastened to lord Cornwallis. The baggage guard, learning the is sue of battle, moved instantly towards the British army. A part of the horse, who had shamefully avoided action, and refused to charge when Tarleton wheeled on the impetuous Washington, reached the camp of Cornwallis at Fisher's creek, about twenty- five miles from the Cowpens, in the evening. The remainder ar rived with- lieutenant colonel Tarleton on the morning following. In this decisive battle we lost about seventy men, of whom twelve only were killed. The British infantry, with the exception of the baggage guard, were nearly all killed or taken. One hundred, in cluding ten officers, were killed ; twenty-three officers and five hun dred privates were taken. The artillery, eight hundred muskets, two standards, thirty-five baggage wagons, and one hundred dragoon horses, fell into our possession. \ The victory ofthe Cowpens was lo the South what that of Ben nington had been to the North General Morgan, whose former services had placed him high in public estimation, was now deserv edly ranked among the most illustrious defenders of bis country. Starke fought an inferior, Morgan a superior, foe. The former contended with a GermanJ corps ; the latter with the elite of the * " In the eagerness of pursuit Washington advanced nearly thirty yards in front of bis regiment. Observing this, three British officers wheeled abuur, and made a charge upon him. The officer on his right was aiming to cut him down, ¦when a Serjeant came up and intercepted the blow by disabling his sword arm. At the same instant the officer on his left was also about to make a stroke at him, when a waiter, too small to wield a sword, saved him by wounding the officer with a ball, discharged from a pistol. At this moment the officer in the centre, who was believed to be Tarleton, made a thrust at him, which he par ried ; upon which the officer retreated a few paces, and then discharged a pis tol at him, which wounded his knee.'' Marshall's Life of Washington. t Cornwallis's letter to sir H. Clinton. ^ This remark is not made to disparage the German troops serving with the British army in America. They were excellent soldiers; but, for light services, they were inferior to the British. Ignorant of our language, unaccustomed to woods, with their very heavy dress, they were less capable of active and quick operations. 1 34 Memoirs of the War in the Southern army, composed of British troops. In military reputation the conqueror at the Cowpens must stand before the hero of Ben nington. Starke was nobly seconded by colonel Warn-r and his continental regiment ; Vi organ derived very great aid from Pickens and his militia, and was effectually supported by Howard and W;i«h- ino-ton. The weight of the battlf tell on Howard; who sustained himself admirably in trying circumstances, and seized with decision the critical moment to Complete with the bayonet the advantage gained by his fire. Congress manifested their sense of this important victory by a resolve, approving the conduct of the principal officers, and com memorative of their distinguished exertions. To general Morgan they presented a gold medal, to brigadier Pickens a sword, and to lieutenant colonels Howard and Washington a silver medal, and to captain Triplett a sword. While all must acknowledge the splendour of this achievement, it must be admitted, lhat the errors of the British commandant con tributed not a little to our signal success. The moment he came in sight of the American detachment, he must have been sure of his first wish and object, — batlle. Where then was the necessity for that hurry with which he took his measures ? It was but little after sunrise; and consequently, after giving rest to his fatigued troops, there would have been time enough for the full accomplish ment of his views. That interval he might have advantageously employed in a personal examination of his enemy's position, -and in a disclosure of his plans to his principal officers. He knew well the composition of Morgan's corps, and the American mode of fight ing. The front line, being composed of militia, he was well ap prised would yield ; and that the struggle for victory must take place after he reached* our regulars. He ought not to have run upon the retiring militia with his infantry, but should have brought them up in full bodily capacity for the contest. A portion of dragoons might and ought to have borne down on Pickens, when retiring. But in stead of that, Tarleton himself, with the first line, pressed forward and fell on our main body with exhausted breath The fatigued, panting, disappointed British, as might have been expected, paused. Tarleton instantly called up his reserve, which approached near the line, suffered with it from our fire, and became useless. Here be violated the fundamental rules of battle. The reserve, as the term indicates, ought not to be endangered by the fire levelled at the preceding body ; but. being safe from musketry by its distance, should be ready to interpose in case of disaster, and to increase ad vantage in the event of victory In " his Campaigns," he acknow ledges that the ground was disadvantageous to his adversary, and favourable to himself; speaks of the alacrity with which his troops advanced into action ; and admits the leading facts, on which these The splendid issue of the subsequent campaign, and the triumph of Gates had been noticed, as well as the instrumentality of Morgan in prorlucing the auspicious event. Great und effectual as were his exertions, general Gates did not even mention him in itis official despatches. Southern Department of the United States. 135 observations are founded. He could not deny that he had two field pieces, and Morgan none ; that he was vastly superior in cavalry ; that his troops were among the best of the British army ; and that he rather exceeded his enemy in numbers, whose regulars, horse and foot, were less than five hundred. These tacts admitted, how can the issue of the battle be satis factorily explained without acknowledging, that the British leader did not avail himself of the advantages he possessed, that his im providence and precipitancy influenced the result, anil that general Morgan exhibited a personal superiority in.' the art of war ? This conclusion, however contested by lieutenant colonel Tarleton and his particular friends, will be approved by the enlightened and im partial of both armies ; and posterity will confirm the decision. CHAPTER XXIV. JLiORD Cornwallis received the unexpected, doleful tidings of Tarleton's defeat with serenity, but deep regret. He had been baffled in his first expedition into North Carolina by the fall of Fer guson ; and this late disaster seemed to forbid perseverance in his second. With a view to retrieve, by the celerity of his move ments, the severe loss he had sustained, he formed the wise resolu tion of converting his army into light troops by the destruction of his baggage. Commanding this sacrifice without respect to persons, he set the example himself, by committing to the flames the bag gage of headquarters. With zeal and alacrity his. faithful army obeyed the mandate. Every thing was destroyed, save a small sup ply of clothing, and a sufficient number of wagons for the convey ance of hospital stores, of salt, of ammunition, and for the accom modation of the sick and wounded. We are at a loss whether to admire more the wisdom of the chief, or the self-denial of his fol lowers. A memorable instance, among many others in this unna tural war, of the immutable disposition of the British soldiers to endure every privation in support of their king and country. This arrangement being finished, lord Cornwallis moved from Fisher's creek, determined on unceasing efforts to destroy Morgan, and re cover his captured troops ; to keep separate the two divisions of Greene's army ; and, should he fail in these attempts, to bring Greene to action before be could reach Virginia. Morgan, always attentive to his duty, took measures for retreat the moment victory had declared in his favour. In the evening of the same day he crossed the Broad riyer, and moved by forced marches to the Catawba, before lord Cornwallis could reach its banks. General Greene was quickly advised of the advance of the Bri tish army from Winnsborough and Camden, through the upper country ; and accordingly issued his preparatory orders for move- 136 Memoirs of the War in the ment. On the subsequent clay he received the gratifying intelli gence of the victory at the Cowpens. Foreseeing the enemy's objects, he hastened bis march in conformity with his previous dis position, and despatched a courier to Marion and Lee, apprising them of his decampment, and ordering the latter to rejoin with all possible celerity. Escorted by a few dragoons, general Greene hastened to reach Morgan, which he happily accomplished on the last day of January, after that officer had passed the Catawba. Aware of the rapidity with which the British general would ad vance to strike him before he could gain that point, Morgan redou bled his exertions to reach it ; but with all his activity, so keen and persevering had been Cornwallis's pursuit, that he had ju&t crossed the river on the evening of the 29th of January, when the British van appeared on the opposite banks. A heavy fall of rain, during the night, rendered the Catawba unfordable.. Morgan availed him self of this fortunate occurrence ; and continuing in his position during the swell of the river, sent off his prisoners, with tbe arms, stores, &c, taken atthe Cowpens, under the protection of a part of his militia, on a route nearer to the mountain than that intended to be taken by himself. The waters continued high for two days, and gave the brigadier time to place his prisoners in safety. His light troops, joined by some of the neighbouring militia, were disposed, by order of general Greene, to dispute the passage of the river. This was attempted with a hope of retarding the British general in his advance so long as to allow time for brigadier Huger, of South Carolina, who had succeeded Smallwood after the retirement of that offieer from Charlotte, lo reach Salisbury, the first point as signed for the junction of the two divisions of the American army. As soon as the fall of the water admitted the passage of troops, lord Cornwallis resumed his march. Lieutenant colonel Webster, at the head of one division, was directed to follow the main road to Beattie's Ford, indicating an intention to pass there ; while the British general, with the remainder of his army, decamping about midnight, moved down the riverto M'Cowan's, a distant and private ford, which he presumed would be neglected by his adversary. On liis approach at the dawn of day, on the first of February, the light of fires on the opposite banks announced his lordship's miscalcula tion. Private as was this ford, it had not escaped the vigilance of Greene ; who had detached, on the preceding evening, general Da vidson with three hundred ofthe North Carolina militia to defend it. A disposition was immediately made to dislodge Davidson, which brigadier O'Haia with the guards effected. Lieutenant co lonel Hall led with the light company, followed by the grenadiers. The current was rapid, the stream waist deep, and five hundred yards in width. The soldiers crossed in platoons, supporting each other's steps. When lieutenant colonel Hall reached: the middle of the river, he was descried by the American centinels, whose challenge and fire brought Davidson's corps into array. Deserted by his guide, Hall passed' directly across, not knowing the landing place which lay below him. This deviation from the common Southern Department of the United States. 13? course rendered it necessary for Davidson to incline to the right ;* but this manoeuvre, although promptly performed, was not effected Feb. until the light infantry had gained the shore. A fierce con- lst. flict ensued, which was well supported by Davidson and his inferior force. The militia at length yielded, and Davidson, while mounting his horse to direct the retreat, was killed. The corps dispersed, and sought safety in the woods. t Our loss was small, excepting the brigadier, an active, zealous, and influential officer. Lieutenant colonel Hall was also killed, with three of the light in fantry, and thirty-six were wounded. Lord Cornwallis followed the guards ; and, as soon as his division had passed, detached lieu tenant colonel Tarleton with the cavalry, supported by the twenty- third regiment, in pursuit of the militia. Terrant's tavern, ten miles in front, had been assigned as the place of rendezvous for the different corps of militia, assembled and assembling. Tarleton, ap proaching this place, discovered a body of troops.in his front, and fell upon them with vigour. The militia made little or no resis tance, and fled : a few of them were killed, but none taken. ;£ The inhabitants of this region of the state were well affected to the American cause ; and general Greene had flattered himself with an expectation of here drawing around him reinforcements, which, with the light troops under Morgan, would enable him to hold lord Cornwallis back for some days. But the fall of Davidson, and the rencontre at Terrant's tavern, disappointed, in their effect, this fond- calculation. He despatched orders to brigadier Huger to relin quish the route to Salisbury, and to take the direct course to Guil ford court-house, to which point he pressed forward with the light corps under Morgan. Passing through Salisbury, he proceeded to the trading ford on the Yadkin, where he arrived on the night of the second of February. General Greene having withdrawn his troops from Beattie's ford, on his lordship's passage below, lieutenant colonel Webster and his division crossed the Catawba without opposition, and in the course ofthe day joined tbe British general. Cornwallis bad now gained one ofthe great roads, leading to Salisbury ; and the pursuit of our light troops was renewed with activity. General Greene passed the Yadkin during the night of, and day * The movement to the right was prompt for militia, and did credit to David son and his corps, but not so prompt as the occasion required. Had brigadier Davidson's troops been regulars, the change would have been effected before the British gained the shore. With such advantage on our part the resistance would have been more effectual, and the injury to the enemy greatly augmented. Davidson, too, would probably have been saved. Lord Cornwallis's horse was shot under him and fell as soon as he got upon tho shore. Leslie's horses were carried down the stream, and with difficulty saved ; and O'Hara's tumbled over with him in Ihe water. This evinces the zeal of the pursuit; for, in other circumstances, the British general would have waited for the further fall of the wateis. t Lieutenant colonel Tarleton, in his Campaigns, speaks of forty'being kill ed ; but other officers, who examined the ground, asserted they found but ten. :j:A heavy rain had come on so that their rifles cotrid not be fiied, which gave every advantage to Tarleton's horse* Col. H. 18 138 Memoirs of the War in the following, his arrival at that river. The horse forded the stream, the infantry and most ofthe baggage were transported in flats. A few wagons fell into the hands ofthe enemy ;* for, notwithstanding the unfavourable condition of the roads and weather, brigadier O'- Feb. Hara pressed forward with the British van, and overtook our 3d. rear guard. The retreating corps was again placed in a cri tical situation, and Heaven was again propitious. The rain con tinued during the night ; the Yadkin became unfordable ; and Greene had secured ajl the flats on its northern bank t Th? British general was a second time delayed by an unforeseen event. Relinquishing his anxious wish to bring the light troops to action before their junction with the main body, he recurred lo his last expedient, that of culling Greene off from the upper fords of the Dan, ami compelling his united force to battle, before he could either reach Virginia, or derive any aid from that state. With this view, he moved up the Yadkin to fords, which were still passa ble. There his lordship crossed ; and, directing his course to the Dan, held Greene on his right, with a detei mination to thron- the American general on Ihe lower Dan, which the great fall of rain had rendered impassable without ihe assistance of boats, which he sup posed unattainable. This object, his last hope, the British general pursued with his accustomed rap-'dity. Greene was neither less active, nor less diligent. Continuing - on the direct road to Guilford court-house, he reached that place on the 7th of February. Brigadier Huger, who had been overtak en by the legion of Lee, arrived on the same day. The united force of Greene, including five hundred militia, exceeded two thou sand three hundred ; of which, two hundred and seventy were ca valry of ahe best quality. The army of Cornwallis was estimated at two thousand five hundred ; but his cavalry, although more nu merous than that of his adversary, was far inferior in regard to the size, condition anil activity of Ihe horses. Taking into view his comparative weakness, general Greene determined to continue his retreat to Virginia. The British general was twenty-five miles * The wagons of the army escaped, but a few' belonging to the country people, who were following the ainry lo avoid the enemy, were taken. Col. H. t To an attentive observer ofthe events during our war very many strong exemplifications of providential succour occur, besides the two just-noticed. Brigadier general Weedon, serverl under Washington, anrl was with him when he made tire brilliant manoeuvre from before Cornwallis in Trenton-i leaving his position in the night, and falling suddenly the next morning on the enemy at Princeton. General Weedon was one of the council of war, called by the commander in chief, to advise in his perilous situation. When the members met, the ground was so deep aivl soft, lhat it was presumed the artillery would necessarily be >left On the road. Before the council broke up, so immediate had been the change ofthe weather, that the ground became hard, and all apprehensions on the score of the aitillery vanished. This information the writer received from general Wee.ron , who remarked, that so evidently advantageous was this sud den change, that it was universally understood by the troops, and as universally ascribed to a. protecting Providence. Southern Department of the United States. 139 from Guilford court-house ; equally near with Greene lo Dix's ferry on the Dan, and nearei to the upper shallows or points of that river, which were supposed to be fordable, notwithstanding the late swell of water. Lieutenant colonel Carringlon, quartermaster general, suggested the propriety of passing at Irwin's ferry, seventy miles from Guilford court-house, and twenty below Dix's. Boyd's ferry was four miles below Irwin's ; and the boats might be easily brought down from Dix's to assist in transporting the army at these near and lower ferries. The plan of lieutenant colonel Carrington was adopted, and that officer was charged with the requisite preparations. The route of retreat beiug determined, the place of crossing desig nated, and measures taken for tbe collection of boats, general Greene formed a light corps, consisting of some of his best infantry under lieutenant colonel Howard, of Washington's cavalry, the legion of Lee, and a few militia riflemen, making in all seven hundied. These troops were to take post belween ihe retreating and the advancing army, to hover round the skirts ofthe latter, to seize every oppor tunity of striking in detail, and to retard the enemy by vigilance and judicious positions : while Greene, with the main body, hasten ed towards the Dan, the boundary of his present toils and dangers. The comaund of the light corps was offered to brigadier Morgan, whose fitness for such service was universally acknowledged, and whose splendid success had commanded the high confidence of the general and army. Morgan declined the arduous task; and being al that time afflicted, as he occasionally was, with rheumatism, intimated a resoijtion of retiring from the army. Greene listened with re luctance to the excuse, and etideavoured lo prevail on him to re cede frorn his determination. Lieutenant colonel Lee, being in habits of intimacy with Morgan, was ' individually deputed to per suade him to obey the universal wish. Many common place argu ments were urged in conversation withoutsuccess. Lee then repre sented, that the brigadier's retirement at that ciisis might induce an opinion unfavourable to his patriotism, and prejudicial to his future fame ; that the resignation of a successful soldier at a critical mo ment was often attributed, and sometimes justly, to an apprehension, that the contest would ultimately be unfortunate to his country, or to a conviction that .his reputation had been accidentally acquired, and could not survive the vicissitudes of war. These observations appeared to touch the feelings of Morgan: for a moment he paused ; then discovered a faint inclination to go through the impending con flict; but finally relumed to his original decision. His refusal ofthe proffered command was followed' by a request to retire ; which was granted. 140 Memoirs of the War in the CHAPTER XXV. VyOLONEL Williams, of Maryland, an accomplished gentle man and experienced soldier,, being called to the station, so anx iously, but vainly pressed on Morgan, accepted it with cheerful ness, and diffidence. This last arrangement being finished, Greene put his army in motion, leaving Williams on the ground. The greater the distance between the main body and the light troops, the surer would be Greene's retreat. Williams, therefore, soon after breaking up from Guilford court-house, on the 10th, inclined to the left, for the purpose of throwing himself in front of lord Cornwallis. This movement was judicious and had an immediate effect. His lordship, finding a corps of horse and foot close in front, whose strength and object were riot immediately ascertaina ble, checked the rapidity of his march to give time for his long extended line to condense; Could Williams have withdrawn himself from between Greene and Cornwallis, he might, probably, by occultly reaching the British rear, have performed material service. Although his sagacity discovered the prospect, yet his sound judgment could not adopt a movement which might endanger the retreat of an army, whose safe ty was ihe object of his duty and indispensable to the common cause. He adhered, therefore, to the less dazzling, but more useful, sys tem ; and fastened his attention, first on the safety ofthe main body, next on that of the corps under his command ; risking the latter only (and then without hesitation) when the security of Greene's retreat demanded it. Pursuing his course obliquely to the left, he rear hed an intermediate road ; the British army being on bis left and in his rear, the American in front and on his right.* This was exactly the proper position for.the light corps, and Williams judi ciously retaiiied it. t The enemy persevering in bis rapid advance, our rear guard, (composed of the legion of Lee) and the British van under brigadier O'Hara, were in sight during the day. Throughout the night, the corps of Williams held a respectable distance, to thwart, as far as was practicable, nocturnal assault. The duty, severe in the day, became more so at night ; for nu merous patroles and strong piquets were necessarily furnished by the light troopst not only for their own safety, but to prevent the enemy from placing himself, by a circuitous march, between Wil- *The reader will take notice, whenever he meets with the term right, or left, he is to ask himself in what direction the armies are moving, which willexplftin the import of the term. At present w- are moving north, and lord CornwalliB being on the upper route, was relatively to our left. t The route we had marched being deemed safe, as it was known that hii lordship was on a parallel road to our left, the lesser precautions were applied fo it; nevertheless, the enemy's advance would have been notified in .due time from the horse patrole, or from the infantry piquet, should he have avoided or intercepted the patrole — not a probable occurrence*. Southern Department of the United States. 141 liamg and Greene. Such a manoeuvre would have been fatal to the American army ; and to render it impossible, half of the troops were alternately appropriated every night to duty : so lhat each man, during the retreat, was entitled to but six hours repose in forty-eight. Notwithstanding this privation, the troops Were in fine spirits and good health ; delighted with their task, and determined to prove themselves worthy the distinction with which they had been honoured. At the hour of three, their toils were renewed ; for Williams always pressed forward with the utmost despatch in the morning, to gain such a distance in front as would secure breakfast to his soldiers, their only meal during this rapid and hazardous re treat. So fatigued was officer and soldier, and so much more ope rative is weariness than hunger, that each man not placed on duty, surrendered himself to repose as soon as the night position was ta ken. Situated as was Williams, no arrangement could have been devised, better calculated to effect the great object of his trust, and to secure food once a day to his troops. The moment lord Cornwallis found it necessary to change his course and to push for Dix's ferry, he ordered his van to proceed slowly ; and separating from it at the bead of the main body, which had now arri-jved. at a cross-way leading to the desired route, he quickly gained the great road to Dix's ferry, the course of the American light corps. Feb. In pursuance of his system, Williams made a rapid morn- 13th. ing's march ; and leaving small patroles of cavalry near the enemy, sent forward the staff to select ground and prepare fires. The officers and dragoons, who had been necessarily kept in sight of the British, upon joining, were hastened in front to a farmhouse near the road, where they enjoyed, although a few hours later, a more comfortable meal. Lieutenant Carrington, who commanded the dragoons near the enemy's van, reported from time to time, in cpnformily to custom, by which it appeared, that Cornwallis was moving as usual. The morning was cold and drizzly ; our fires, which had been slow in kindling, were now lively ; the meat was on the coals, and the corn cake in the ashes. At this moment, a friendly countryman appeared, riding in haste to our camp, wbither he had been directed by the sergeant of one of the horse patroles, with which he fell in on his way. The hurry of his approach, and. the tired condition of his meager poney, evinced sincerity of heart ; while the joy of his countenance declared bis participation of in terest. Asking for'" the general," he was conducted to colonel Williams, whom he bluntly informed, that lord Cornwallis, leaving his former route, had got into our road ; that one half hour past he left tbe British army advancing, then only four miles behind; that accidentally discovering it from his field, where he was burning brushwood, he ran home, took the first horse he could find, and hastened to give his friends intelligence, which he deemed impor tant. To attach doubt to the information of an honest looking far mer would have violated all the rules of physiognomy. Williams always delighted to indulge and comfort his brave troops ; aevi. 142 Memoirs of the War in the although he credited the countryman, was unwilling to interrupt their hasty repast. He therefore ordered lieutenant colonel Lee to detach from his cavalry, in order to ascertain the correctness of the intelligence. Captain Armstrong, with one section of the horse, was despatched accordingly, with the countryman for his guide. Soon after their departure, Ca,rrington, still near the enemy, com municated the unusually slow progress of the van guard Com bining this intelligence with lhat just received, Williams ordered lieutenant colonel Lee to strengthen Armstrong, and to take upon himself the command entrusted to that officer. Lieutenant Lewis, with the required addition, attended Lee, who despatched one of the dragoons to overtake Armstrong, with orders directing him to move slowly until he should join. Quickly reaching Armstrong,, who had not advanced more than a mile, Lee proceeded, in confor.1" mity with the advice of the countryman, two miles further ; but. seeing no enemy, he began to believe that his guide, however well' affected, was certainly in a mistake. He determined, therefore, to return to breakfast, and leave Armstrong with three dragoons and the guide lo proceed on to the spot, where the countryman's in formation had placed the enemy one hour before. Armstrong se lected the dragoons mounted on the swiftest horses, and was in the act of moving, when the amicable countryman protested against accompanying him, unless furnished with a better horse. While with tbe whole detachment, he had thought himself stife,- and never manifested any unwillingness to proceed ; but now, being associat ed with the most alert of alert dragoons, whose only duty was to look and fly, he considered his danger extreme. This remon strance, the justice of which could not be resisted, added another reason for crediting the information. Lee dismounted his bugler, whose horse was given to the countryman ; and the bugler was sent back to camp to inform Williams how far the lieutenant colonel had proceeded without seeing any portion of the pnemy, and of his in tention to return after advancing Armstrong still further in front. Not doubting that the countryman had seen the British army, but supposing him to be mistaken in the distance, Lee led his detach ment into the woods, and retired slowly, in sight of the road. He presumed, that should Armstrong be followed, the enemy would discover the trail of advancing horse in the road, and be deterred from a keen pursuit, which he did not wish to encourage, as it might deprive the light troops of their meal ; although he was disposed in that evenl to seize any advantage which might offer. Not many minutes elapsed before a discharge of musketry announced that Armstrong had met the enemy ; and shortly after, the clangor of horses in swift speed declared the fast approach of cavalry. Arm strong soon appeared, closely followed by a troop of Tarleton's dragoons. Lee saw his captain and small party well in front, and hard in hand. For them he felt no apprehensions ; but for the safety of his bugler, on the countryman's poney, every feeling of his heart became interested. Being passed unperceived by the pursued and .pursuers, Lee continued in the woods, determined Southern Department of the United Slates. 143 to interpose in time to rescue his bugler, yet wishing to let tbe enemy take the utmost allowable distance, that they might be de prived of support. Directing one of his lieutenants to halt with the rear tile and ascertain whether additional cavalry was following, he hastened his progress; and soon saw the enemy's near approach to his defenceless bugler, who was immediately unhorsed, and sa- ¦ bred several times while prostrate on the ground. Lee was press ing forward to the road in the enemy's rear, when the officer, who had been left behind, rejoined with the acceptable information, that no reinforcement was approaching. Gaining the road, the lieute nant colonel rushed forward in quick charge, and fell upon the troop of Tarleton soon after it had reached his bugler. Captain Miller instantly formed, and fronted his approaching adversary ; hut his worn down ponies were as ill calculated to withstand the stout, high conditioned, active horse, opposed to them, as were the intoxicated, inexpert riders unfit to contend with dragoons always sober, and excelling in horsemanship. The enemy was crushed on the first charge : most of them were killed or prostrated ; and the residue, wilh their captain, attempted to escape. They were pursued by lieutenant Lewis, who was commanded by Lee to give no quarters. This sanguinary mandate, so contrary to the American character, proceeded fro.ii a view ofthe bugler, — a beardless, unarmed youth, who had vainly implored quarter-, and in the agonies of death pre sented a spectacle resistless in its appeal for vengeance.* Having placed ihe much wounded hapless boy in the arm* of the stoutest of his dragoons, and directed another soldier to attend them to camp, the lieutenant colonel proceeded in support of Lewis. Soon this officer was met, returning with captain Miller, and all, save two, of the fugitives. The British captain was unhurt ; but his dragoons were severely cut in the face, neck, and shoulders. Lewis was reprimanded on the spot for disobedience of orders ; and Miller, being peremptorily charged with the atrocity perpetrated in his view, was told to prepare for death. The captain, with some show of reason, asserted, that intelligence being bis object, it was his wish and interest to save the soldier ; that he had tried to do so ; but his dragoons being intoxicated, all his efforts were ineffectual. He ad ded, that in the terrible slaughter under lieutenant colonel Buford, his humanity was experienced, and had been acknowledged by some ef the Americans who escaped death on that bloody day. Lee was somewhat mollified by this rational apology, and was disposed to substitute one of the prisoners ; but soon overtaking the speech.-, less dying youth, whose relation to his supporting comrade of the tragical particulars of his fate, when able to speak, confirmed his .former impressions, he returned with unrelenting sternness to his first decision. Descending a long, hill, he repeated his de- * This ill-fated boy was one of the band of music, and exclusively devoted jn the field to his bugle, used in conveying orders. Too small to wield a sword, he was armed only with one pistol, as was the custom in the legion ; that soil of weapon being considered of little import in action : now he had not even his -pistol, it being with the countryman mounted on his horse. 144 Memoirs of the War in the termination to sacrifice Miller in the vale through which they were about to pass ; and handing him a pencil, desired him to note on paper whatever he might wish to make known to his friends, with an assurance that it should be transmitted to the British generaL At this moment, the rear guard communicated, by pistol discharge, the approach of the British van. Miller and his fellow prisoners were hurried on to colonel Williams, who was at the same time in formed of the enemy's advatice. Williams put his corps in motion, and forwarded the captured officers and soldiers to headquarters ; ignorant of the murder of the bugler, and the determination of lieutenant colonel Lee. .Thus Miller escaped the fate to which he had been doomed, in order to convince the British cavalry under lieutenant colonel Tarleton, that American blood should no longer be wantonly shed with" impunity. Believing himself indebted for bis life to the accident just recited, captain Miller took care to re present, by letter, to his friends in the British army ivhat had hap pened, and his conviction of what would have followed ; and never afterwards were such cruelties repeated by the British cavalry acting against the army of Greene. The dead, eighteen in number, being left on the road where they fell, were buried by order of lord Cornwallis as he passed. On the part of the American officer no life was lost, except that of the beardless bugler, who died soon after the advance of the enemy was announced^ His corpse was necessarily deposited in the woods % adjoining the road, with the hope that some humane citizen might find it. The pursuit was continued with unceasing activity. Williams, retiring in compact order, with the legion of Lee in his fear, held himself ready to strike, whenever an opportunity presented. The skilful enemy never permitted any risk in detail( but preserved his whole force for one decisive struggle. CHAPTER XXVI. Jl AVI VG continued on the roote to Dix's ferry as far as he deemed advisable, and presuming that general Greene would on the next dav reach the vicinity of the Dan, colonel Williams determined to pass to the road on his right, leading to Irwin's ferry, the route of the main body. He communicated this intention to the rear officer.; and moved forward with increased celerity, for the purpose of gain ing a distant night position, lhat he might be able to diminish the guards necessary for the security of his corps when close to the *¦ enterprising enemy. Lieutenant colonel Lee, having discovered, from conversation with his guides, that a by-way in front would lead him into Wil liam's rear before the close ofthe evening, and save a considerable distance determined to avail himself of the accommodation;. A Southern Department of the United States. 145 subaltern's command of dragoons was left to proceed on the route taken by colonel Williams, with orders to communicate any extra ordinary occurence to the commandant and to lieutenant colonel Lee. The cavalry, who met Miller in the morning, had lostlheir breakfast ; and Lee's chief object in taking the short course was to avail himself of au abundant farm for the refreshment of this party. As soon as he reached the proposed route, the infantry were has tened forward, with directions to halt at the farm, and prepare for the accommodation of tne corps ; while the cavalry continued close to the enemy. In due time aflerwards, they were drawn off and passed thiough tbe wood.-, leaving in front of the British van the detachment which had been selected to follow the route of the light troops. The obscurity of the narrow road taken by Lee, lulled every suspicion with respect to the enemy ; and a few videts only were placed at intermediate points, rather to give notice when the British should pass aiong, than to guard the legion from surprise. This precaution was most fortunate ; for so it happened, that lord Cornwallis, having ascertained that Greene had directed his course to Irwin's ferry, determined to avail himself ofthe nearest route to gain the road of his enemy, and look the path which Lee had se lected. Our horses were unbridled, with abundance of provender before them ; the hospitable farmer had liberally bestowed his meal and bacon, and had given the aid of his domestics in hastening the much wished repast. To the surprise- and grief of all, the pleasant prospect was instantly marred by the fire ofthe advanced videts,— *¦ certain signal of the enemy's approach. Before the farm was a creek, which, in consequence of the late incessant rains, could be passed only by a bridge, not more distant from the enemy than from our party. The cavalry being speedily arrayed, moved to support the videts ; while the infantry were ordered, in full run, to seize and hold the bridge. The enemy was equally surprised with ourselves at this unex pected meeting; and the light party in front halted, to report and be directed. This pause was sufficient. The bridge was gained, and soon passed by the corps of Lee. The British followed. The road over the bridge leading through cultivated fields for a mile, the British army was in full view of the troops of Lee as the latter as cended the eminence on whose summit they entered the great road to Irwin's ferry. Thus escaped a corps, which had been hitherto guarded with unvarying vigilance ; whose loss would have been severely felt by the American general ; and which had been just exposed to imminent peril from the presumption of certain security. Criminal improvi dence ! A soldier is always in danger, when his conviction of secur ity leads him to dispense with the most vigilant precautions. Cornwallis, at length in Greene's rear, urged his march with re doubled zeal, confident of overtaking his adversary before he could reach the Dan. Adverse efforts to accelerate and to retard were unceasingly exhibited during the evening ; the enemy's van being sometimes so close as to indicate a determination to force the light 19 146 Memoirs of the War in the troops to prepare for defence. Avoiding a measure replete with peril, Williams persevered in his desultory retreat. More than once were the legion of Lee and (he van of O'Hara within musket shot; which presented so acceptable an invitation to the marksmen flanking the legion, that they were restrained with difficulty from delivering their fire. This disposition being eflectually checked, the demeanor of tbe hostile troops became so pacific in appearance, that a spectator would have been led to consider them members of the same army. Only when a defile or a water course crossed our route did the enemy exhibit any indication to cut off our rear : in which essays, being always disappointed, their useless efforts were gradually discontinued. The fall of" night excited pleasure, as it promised respite from toil. But illusory was the expectation ! for the British general was so eager to fall on Greene, whom he believed within his grasp, that the pursuit was not intermitted. The night was dark, the roads deep, the weather cold, and the air humid. Williams throwing his horse in front, and the infantry of the legion in tbe rear, continued his retreat. About eight in the evening, numerous fires discovered an encamp ment before us. No pen can describe the. heart-rending feelings of our brave and wearied troops. Not a doubt was entertained, that the descried camp was Greene's ; and our dauntless corps were convinced, that tbe crisis had now arrived when its self sacri- '* fice could alone give a chance of escape to (he main body. With one voice was announced ihe noble resolution to turn on the foe, and, by dint of desperate courage, so to cripple him as to force a discontinuance of pursuit. This heroic spirit, first breathed in whispers, soon gained the ear of Williams ; who, alike daring and alike willing to offer up his life for the safety of an army on which tbe hopes of the South rested, would have been foremost in the bold conflict. But his first impressions soon yielded to conclusions drawn from a reference to the dale of general Greene's last letter, which demonstrated ihe mistaken apprehension ofthe troops. Enjoy ing the delight inspired by their manly ardour, and commending their y devotion to their country, he calmed their disquietude. They shortly reached tbe camp of fires, and discovered that it was the ground where Greene had halted on the evening ofthe 11th. Relieved from the dire foreboding, the l'ght corps continued its march until the rear officer made known to the commandant that the enemy had halted. The first convenient spot was occupied for the night ; the fires were in stantly kindled : the cold and wet, the cares and toils of the day, were soon forgotten in the enjoyment of repose. About midnight our troops were put in motion, in consequence of the enemy's advance on our piquets, which the British general had been induced to order from knowing that he was within forty miles of the Dan, and that all his hope depended on the exertions of the following day, Animated with the prospect of soon termi nating their present labours, the light troops resumed their march with alacrity. The. roads continued deep and broken, and were ' rendered worse by being incrusted with frost ; nevertheless, the Southern Department of the United States. 147 march was pushed with great expedition. In the forenoon, one hour was applied by both commanders to the refreshment of their troops. About noon colonel Williams received a letter from general Feb. Greene, communicating the delightful tidings of his passage 13th. over the Dan on the preceding day. The whole corps be came renovated instrength and agility ; so powerful is the influence ofthe mind over the body. The great object of their long and faithful labour being so nearly accomplished, a general emulation pervaded all rank9 to hasten to the boundary of their cares and perils. The hopes of the enemy were still high, and he rivalled our increased' celerity ; tbe van of O'Hara following close on the rear of Lee. About three in the evening we arrived within fourteen miles ofthe river ; and colonel Williams, leaving the legion of Lee lo wait on the enemy, took the nearest course to Boyd's ferry. Before sun set he gained the river, and was soon transported to the opposite shore. Lee, at the assigned period, directed his infantry to follow on the route of Williams ; and about dark withdrew with his cavalry, the enemy being still in motion. Between the hours of eight and nine, the cavalry reached the river, just as the boats had returned from landing the legion infantry. In obedience to the disposition of lieutenant colonel Carrington, quarter master general, who superin tended, in person, his arrangements for the transportation of the army, the horses were turned into the stream, while the dragoons, with their arms and equipments, embarked in the boats. Unluckily, some of the horses turned back, and gaining the shore, fled into the woods ; and for a time some apprehensions were entertained that they might be lost. They were, however, recovered ; and being forced into the river, followed their fellows. In the last boat, the quarter master general, attended by lieutenant colonel Lee and the rear troop, reached the friendly shore. In the evening lord Cornwallis had received the unwelcome news of Greene's safe passage over the Dan ; and now relinquishing his expectation of annihilating a second army, and despairing of striking the light corps, so long in his view and always safe, he gave repose to his vainly wearied troops. Thus ended, on the night ofthe 14th of February, this long, ar duous, and eventful retreat. No operation during the war more attracted the public attention than this did : not only the toils and dangers encountered by a brave general and his brave army interested the sympathy ofthe nation, but the safety of the South, hanging on its issue, excited uni versal concern. The danger of this contingency alarmed the hearts of all, especially the more reflecting, who deemed the integrity of the Union essential to American liberty and happiness, and indispen sable to our future safety and strength. Destroy the army of Greene, and the Carolinas with Georgia ine vitably became members of the British empire. Virginia, the bul wark ofthe South, would be converted first into a frontier, then in to the theatre of war. Already drained nearly to the bottom, she 148 Memoirs of the War in the would be committed in a contest for life with reduced means and broken spirits. All the couutry south of James river, so conve nient to predatory incursions from the sonlhern states, would soon be ground to dust and ashes. Such misery without hope, could not be long endured ; and re-annexation to the mother country, present ing the only cure within reach, it would be solicited and obtained. That part of the state north of James river, and west of the Blue ridge, might continue united ; and so far as its ability permitted, would be found a daring and destructive foe. But in this desperate condition of affairs, with the enemy's uncontrolled maritime supe* riofity, and the facile admission into the bosom of the country, pre sented by its fine rivers, its resistance could not be of long duration. The stoutest heart trembled lest the Potomac should become the boundary of British dominion on the east of the Blue ridge. Happily for these states, a soldier of consummate talents guided the d'estiny ofthe South. Cordially supported and truly beloved by the august personage at the head of the American annies, the bosom of Greene, gratefully reciprocating feelings so honourable to"his character, never was as sailed by those degraded passions, envy and malevolence — which too often disturb the harmony of associate leaders, and generate deep disasters to the common cause. The glory of Washington, next to the safety of his country, was the prime object of his wishes. Pure and tranquil from the con sciousness of just intentions, the undisturbed energy of his mind was wholly devoted to the effectual accomplishment of the high trust re posed in him. The difficulty of retreat from South Carolina with an inferior ar my, and that army acting necessarily in two divisions at a great dis tance from each other — the state of North Carolina, stored with faithful abettors of the royal Cause, who waited with solicitude for a fit opportunity to demonstrate their unshaken loyalty — presented in themselves impediments great and difficult. When we add the comfortless condition of our troops in point of clothing,* the rigour of the season, the inclemency ofthe weather, our short stock of am munition, and shorter stock of provisions — and contrast it with the comfortable raiment and ample equipment of tbe enemy, inured to service, habituated to daring enterprises, the very troops which had taken Linr-.oln and destroyed Gates, rendered capable of the most rapid movements by their voluntary sacrifice of baggage, provisions * The shoes were generally worn out, tbe body clothes much tattered, and not more than a blanket for four men. The light corps was rather better off; but among its officers there was not a blanket for every three : so that among "those whose hour admitted rest, it was an established rule, that at every fire, one should, in routine, keep upon his legs to preserve the fire in vigour. The tents were never used by the corps under Williams during the retreat. The heat of the fires was the only protection from rain, and sometimes snow : it kept the circumjacent ground and air dry, while imparting warmth to the body. Provisions wore not to be fnund in abundance, so swift was our progress. The single meal allowed us was always scanty, though good in quality and very nu tritious, being bacon and corn meal. Southern Department of the United States. 149 and liquor, and conducted by a general always to be dreaded — we have abundant cause lo honour the soldier whose mental resources smoothed every difficulty, and ultimately made good a retreat of two hundred and thirty miles, (unaided, except occasionally by small corps of friendly militia) without the loss of either troops or stores. Nor can we hesitate in acknowledging, that the scene just closed, presented satisfactory displays of that masterly genius, which, in the sequel, unfolded itself with such utility and splendour. The British army have al?o a clear title to praise. More com fortably clad, the soldier was better able to bear the extremesof the season : in every other respect he equalled his enemy — bearing in cessant toil, courting danger, and submitting to privation of neces sary food with alacrity ; exhibiting, upon all occasions, unquestiona ble evidence of fidelity, zeil and courage, in seconding the hardy enterprise of his admired leader. General Greene, reviewing his army, at length safely enjoying wholesome and abundant supplies of food in the rich and friendly county of Halifax, bestowed upon all his commendation ; distinguish ing, by his marked approbation, colonel Williams, and lieutenant colonel Carrington, quartermaster general. The first, for bis com plete execution of the very difficult task assigned him — exposed with bis very inferior force to the daily and nightly assault of a saga cious and intrepid foe, he was never foiled himself, and seized the only opportunity presented of impressing the enemy with due re spect for the corps under his orders ; — the last, for his multifarious services during the retreat. Lieutenant colonel Carrington had been detached with that portion ofthe Virginia regiment of artillery, retained with the main army, when some of its companies had at tended the Virginia line lo the South, and had been taken with it at the surrender of Charleston : which loss was now supplied by some companies formerly attached lo the Maryland line. On reaching North Carolina with de Kalb, colonel Harrison, commandant of the Virginia artillery, unexpectedly arrived, and assumed command. In consequence of a misunderstanding with his colonel, Carrington re tired, and was despatched, upon Gates's arrival, to superintend the examination ofthe Roanoke river, to ascertain the readiest points of communication across it — not only for the purpose of expedition and celerity to his supplies coming from Virginia, but also with the view of insuring a sate retreat from North Carolina, should such a measure, then probable, become necessary. In this service Car rington was found by Greene, who pressed upon him the untried station of chief of the quarter master's department, and despatched him to hasten the execution of the various arrangements which he had formed as he passed through Richmond. Among those which, under this order, claimed the lieutenant colonel's attention, was Ihe examination of the Dan, (the southern branch of the Roanoke)Tor the same purposes for which he had, by order of general Gates, explored the last mentioned river ; and with the further object of discovering whether the water of tbe Dan would admit an inland navigation to be connected by a portage with the Yadkin; which mode 150 Memoirs of the War in the of intercourse, in case of protracted war in the Carolinas, would be attended by the most beneficial consequences. Captain Smith, of the Maryland line, was appointed to this service by lieutenant colo nel Carrington, and performed the duty with much intelligence. So engaged was Carrington in accomplishing the orders of the general, that he only joined the army two days before its concen tration at Guilford court-house, where he assumed the direction of the trust assigned to him. We have befoie mentioned the judicious plan which he submitted to Greene for the passage of the river Dan, founded on the report made by captain Smith of his examina tion.* In this most difficult crisis Carrington commenced his official du ties : his subordinate officers habituated to expedients and strangen to system, his implements of every sort in a wretched condition, and without a single dollar in the military chest. Nevertheless, he con trived, by his method, his zeal, and his indefatigable industry, to give promptitude to our movements, as well as accuracy and punctuality to the supplies of subsistence, and to collect in due time all the boats upon the Dan, above Boyd's ferry, at the two points designated for the passage of that river. CHAPTER XXVII. VyORNWALLIS, baffled in every expectation, much as he de served success, (for certainly no man could have done more than he did) now turned his attention to produce solid advantage out of the eclat he had acquired in forcing Greene to abandon the state. Selecting Hillsborough as headquarters, one of the principal towns of North Carolina,! he, after one day's repose of his army, pro ceeded thither by easy marches. Here he erected the king's stan dard, and invited, by his proclamation, judiciously prepared and opportunely promulgated, all liege subjects to prove their fidelity by contributing their aid in restoring the blessings of peace and order to their convulsed country. He reiterated his orders pro- * As soon as Greene adopted the plan prepared by the quarter master general for crossing the Dan, Carrington detached the same captain Smith, ofthe Mary land line, heretofore employed by him in the examination ofthe Roanoke river, • The service was -performed highly to the satisfaction ofthe general, and much to captain Smith's credit. t Newbern and Hillsborough were the alternate seats of royal government in North Carolina ; as were Burlington and Perth Amboy in the province of New Jersey. To tbe west of Newbern lies Wilmington, on the Cape Fear river, convenient to the Scotch emigrants' settlement on the waters of that river, whose inhabitants had for some years past in the character of regulators, re sisted the royal authority, but were now firm abettors of kingly government. It is one of the few towns convenient to ship navigation: consequently, neces sarily occupied by the British general. Here all his supplies of every sort were brought from New York and Charleston, and deposited till further orders, in care of the garrison. Southern Department of the United States. 151 hibiting the disorderly of his army from indulging (heir licentious passions, commanding the protection of the persons and property of the inhabitants, with threats of severe and prompt punishment upon all and every offender. In the camp of Greene, joy beamed in every face ; and, as if every man was conscious of having done his duty, the subsequent days to the reunion of the army on the north of the Dan, were spent in mutual gratulations ; with the rehearsal of the hopes and fears which agitated every breast during the retreat ; interspersed with the many simple but interesting anecdotes with which every tongue was strung. Meanwhile, the indefatigable Greene gave his mind and time to the hastening of his long pressed, and much wanted reinforcements : devising within himself, in the same moment, plans to augment bis force through his personal weight, and the influence of those ready to co-operate with him. Brigadier Stevens, whom we have seen overwhelmed with distress and mortification, in consequence of the shameful conduct of his brigade at the battle of Camden, as sooii as he had conducted his militia to Pittsylvania court-house, for the purpose of laying up their arms, returned to the army, in the ex pectation of such accession of force as would enable the general to replace him in the line of service. He had shared with the army in all the toils and perils of the retreat until he was ordered to Pitt sylvania court-house ; and he was now anxious to participate with it in the honours and dangers of advance. The people of Halifax county received us with the affection of brethren, mingled with admiration of the brave devotion to coun try, just exhibited. Volunteers began to tender their services, of which laudable enthusiasm Greene availed himself; and naming Stevens* as their leader, referred them to him for organization. Encouraging the spread of this honourable spirit, which Stevens took care to cherish with incessant diligence, very soon the founda tion of a partial force was laid, which, gradually increasing, consti tuted that brigade, which covered itself and general with glory in the sequel. N GratefuJ^as wa$ this display of zeal in the people of Halifax, and anxious as3M^j(^*e^ftjteral to give to the efforts of Stevens full effect, he C '^§^Sk Wsn^ainj oy the agreeable scene, nor indulge his faithful army in ire, iiiqysjfe'ate of ease and abundance. On North Carolina his mind was 'fixals^ Its subjugation was inadmissible ; and ill-brooking his forced abandonment of it, he was restless in safety ; *This officer, as has been mentioned, had proceeded with his militia to Pitt sylvania court-house to discharge his men, whose time of service had expired, and for the purpose of placing the public arms in the magazines allotted for their reception. He was well- apprised of Greene's difficulties; and hearing, on his way home, by some reports that had overtaken him, that these difficul ties were increased, and that it was very likely that his army might be crippled before he crossed the Dan; Stevens, instead of going home, returned to camp, taking with him some of the militia of Pittsylvania, collected by tbe exertions pf the county lieutenant, determined to share the 1'aie of Greene and of his army. 152 Memoirs of the War in the because that safety, in his estimation, was inglorious and injurious. Urging the govej-nor of Virginia to press forward the long expected aid, patronising tne exertions of Stevens to bring to him succour, derived from community of feelings and of interest, be now turned himself to the recovery of North Carolina ; determined to contend upon its own soil for its independence. Well acquainted with the high character of his able adversary, he knew that every hour of submission, growing out of our ac knowledged inferiority of force, proved by long evasion of battle, would be turned by him to solid advantage in support of the royal cause. Also knowing the, divided condition ofthe inhabitants, of the state, he dreaded the e'ffeets of victory, when used by a saga cious soldier, and applied to a people almost equally balanced, in their political feelings. Under the influence of such calculations, on the 17th he issued preparatory orders for movement. The American general was not mistaken in his deductions. Avail- ing himself of Greene's abandonment of North Carolina, of his undisturbed occupation of Hillsborough, and of his quiet possession of Wilmington upon the Cape Fear river by a detachment from Charleston under the orders of major Craig, lord Cornwallis began to realize the expectations he had so long and so sanguinely indulg ed. The royalists every where were preparing to rise, wbile the well affected to the cause of America, despairing of protection, began to look for safety in submission. Greene persevering in his determination to risk his army again ja North Carolina — to rouse the drooping spirits of his friends, and to check the audacity of his foes — the legion of Lee, strengthened by two companies of the veterans of Maryland under captain Old ham, with the corps of South Carolina militia under brigadier Pick ens, was ordered, in the morning of the 18th, to repass the Dan. This was readily performed ; all the boats heretofore collected be ing still held together by Carrington for the use of the army. Pickens and Lee were commanded to gain the front of Cornwal lis, to place themselves as close to him as safety would permit, in order to interrupt his communication with the country, to repress the meditated rising of tne loyalists, and, at all events, to intercept any party of them which might attempt tojow'the enemy. These officers lost no time in advancing fo*the theatre of opera tions ; and having in the course of theitnarch provided capable guides, sat down that evening in a coverfposition, short of the great road leading from the Haw river to Hillsborough, and detached ex ploring parties of cavalry on the roads towards Hillsborough and towards the Haw. In the course of the evening, Greene, never avoiding toil or danger, with a small escort of Washington's cavalry, left his army, and overtqok the advanced corps in its secret posi tion. He continued with it during the night, and renewed to the two commandants explanations of his plan and object. He com municated his intention of repassing the Dan with the army in a few days, directing his route towards the upper country ; too re mote, as he remarked, from the advanced corps to afford the smal- Southern Department of ihe United States. 163 lest protection ; urged cordial concert, pressed in fervid terms the necessity of unceasing vigilance, and the most cautious circumspec tion. Before dawn the officer, who had been despatched towards the Haw, returned with intelligence, that on the preceding day lieu tenant colonel Tarleton had passed up that route from Hillsborough with horse, foot, and artillery ; their number unascertained ; des tined, as was presumed, lo pass the Haw river, with the view of hastening the embodying of tbe loyalists, and of protecting them on their march to Hillsborough. The wisdom of the measure, adopt ed by Greene, was now shown, as already an important object pre sented itself to the detached corps. Greene having set out on his return to camp, Pickens and Lee advanced ; first, sending recon noitring parties in their front, with orders to conceal themselves in sight of the road to watch passing occurrences, and to report from time to time the result of their observations. The main body" moving obliquely to their right through an unsettled region, they encamped within three miles of the great road, with the Haw on their right, about seven miles distant. Here they were joined by the light parties sent out iu the morning, and by the officer who had the day before been detached towards Hillsborough. The first reported that every thing was still on the road, and that they had not seen a single person, except a well grown boy, during the day, whom they had brought along with them agreeable to orders. From this lad we discovered that Tarleton had not passed the river yesterday, but would do it on the next morning. The officer who had approached Hillsborough found all quiet in that quarter, and neither saw nor heard any thing indicating a move ment on the part of the enemy. Resling for the night, the corps proceeded after breakfast tbe next day, waiting until then to give time for the exploring parties to renew their efforts in obtaining more precise intelligence. Approaching the road, it was met by a dragoon bringing informa tion that the British detachment had passed tbe Haw. This being ascertained, Pickens and Lee gained the great road, and followed on the enemy's route. Guides became unnecessary now ; for the British detachment had plundered all the houses on the road, known, as they were, to be the property of patriots, and symbols of devas tation marked their steps. Tbe men having all fled, none but wo men could be seen. From them the American commandants learned, that the loyalists between the Haw and deep rivers were certainly embodying, and that the British detachment would not advance tar on the other side of the river, it being commonly said among the soldiers, that they should return in a few days. By what could be gathered from report, and judging by the time of passing any one house, it appeared that most ofthe cavalry, two light brass pieces, and/our Hundred infantry composed tbe detachment. Sending again a small party of dragoons down the road, to discover whether any second body of troops were moving from Hillsborough, Pickens and Lee continued on to the Haw, which they passed without delay, hearing that lieutenant colonel Tarleton was encamped four miles 20 154 Memoirs of the War in the in front. At this moment the officer sent down the road, rejoined, communicating that there was no prospect of interruption from that quarter. ' ' Soon after we had crossed the river, which was fordable, a coun tryman was discovered by the cavalry in front ; and being overtaken, was sent to the commandants. From him it was ascertained, that lieutenant colonel Tarleton, as had been reported, commanded the party, and lhat he was encamped within three miles of ns about noon; lhat his hori.es were unsaddled, and that appearances indi cated his confidence of security. With respect to his strength, the countryman's information rated it the same as it was befoie under stood to be. This being correct, Tarleton had the advantage in number of cavalry, but was inferior in quality : he had two light pieces, ihe Americans none : he was numerically inferior in infan try ; but bis troops were all tried regulars, while half of'onr infan try were militia, though ofthe best sort. A disposition for attack was immediately made. The infantry of tbe legion led by lieu tenant colonel Lee, forming the centre, moved directly towards the enemy, with the 'cavalry in column under major Rudolph, upon its right ; and the militia riflemen, conducted by brigadier Pickens, on its left. Oldham, with the two Maryland companies, composed the reserve. Presuming a surprise probable, the march was concealed by keeping through woods, haying faithful guides with each division. In this event major Rudolph had orders to charge in full gallop, supported by Oldham with the reserve ; while the legion infantry, covered on its left by the riflemen, in whatever state the enemy might be found, was destined to carry the field pieces with fixed bayonets. Should he be apprised of our advance, and consequently prepared for our reception, Oldham, with his Marylanders, was ordered to take the place of ihe cavalry on the right of the legion ' infantry, and Rudolph, with the dragoons, lo stand in reserve. Thus arrayed, the divisions proceeded to their designated points, every precaution having been adopted to prevent discovery. The movement was conducted with the utmost precision and correspon dency. When arriving within a few hundred yards ofthe expected theatre of glory, the farm and house were seen, but no enemy. The van ofthe horse galloping to the house, brought off two ofthe enemy's staff, who had been delayed in settling for the subsistence of the detachment ; and hearing from the family, that lieutenant colonel Tarleton would not advance above six miles fui ther, Pick ens and Lee instantly proceeded towards him, hoping that fortune would be more propitious upon the next occasion. Thus did the bright prjspects ofthe morning vanish, exciting of itself deep chagrin ; renderetl more galling, by finding that Tarle ton, believing himself perfectly secure, had been unusually remiss, and would have been caught in a condition out of which neither skill nor courage could have extricated him. To give success, if possible, to this second attempt, it was de termined to pass as a reinforcement sent from Hillsborough to lieute? nanji colonel Tarleton; and the two prisoners being..placed in tbe csti- Southern Department of the United Stales-. 155 tre ofthe cavalry, were charged, to conduct themselves so as to give currency to the deception . in default of which, the set j-.-ant hav. ing the care of'lhem, was directe! to put them to death instantly. The legion taking the lead, with the horse in front, lieutenant col onel Lee put himself at its head, to direct operations both delicate and important. This stratagem could not fail of imposing on the country people, however well acquainted they might be with the appearance of British troops, so far as respected ihe legion, inas much as both cavalry and infantry were dressed in short green coats, with other distinctions exactly resembling some ofthe enemy's light corps. Lea's van officer preceding him a few hundred yards only, was met by two well mounted young countrymen, who being accosted in the assumed character, promptly answered, lb-it they "ere rejoice'd in meeting us, having been sent forward by colonel Pyle for the pur pose of ascertaining Tarleton's camp, to whom tbe colonel was re pairing with four hundred loyalists. These youths were instantly sent to Lieutenant colonel Lee, preceded by a dragoon, with the information imparted. Immediately after ihe arrival ofthe dragoon, Lee despatched his adjutant with the intelligence to brigadier Pick- ens, requesting him to place his riflemen (easily to bp distinguished by the green twigs in their hats, the customary emblem of our mi litia in the south) on the left flank, out of sight ; which was readily to be done, as we were then in a thick wood ; at the same time to assure him that Lee was determined in conformity with the concerted plan, lo make an attempt with the legion, of turning the occurrence to advantage The prisoners were also reminded as was the ser geant having them in care, ofthe prist order. This communication was scarcely finished, before the two dragoons rode up with the two countrymen, who were received with much apparent cordiality by lieutenant colonel Lee, who listened with seeming satisfaction to their annunciation of the laudable spirit which had actuated colonel Pyle and his associates, and which Ihey asserted was rapidly spread ing through the country. Finding them completely deceived, (for they not only believed the troops they saw to be British, but overlooking what had been told them, look (hem to be Tarleton's, addressing the commandant as that officer ;) Lee sent one of I hem back with ihe two dragoons to his van, thence to proceed to colonel Pyle with lieutenant colonel Tarleton's gratulations, and his request that he would be so good as to draw out on the margin of tbe road, so as to give convenient room for his much fatigued troops to pa-s without delay to their night position, while the other was detained to accom pany the. supposed Tarleton. Orders were at the same time des patched to the van officer to halt as soon as he got in sight of the loyalists. As Lee approached his officer, who had halted, highly gratified with the propitious prospect, and listening to the overflowings of respect and devotion, falling incessantly from the lips of his young attendant, his comrade, who had been sent to colonel Pyle, re turned with his expected compliance, announced in most respectful terms. 156 Memoirs of the War in the The column of horse now became complete by union with the van, and colonel Pyle was in sight on the right of the road, drawn up as suggested, with his left to the advancing column.* This last circumstance was fortunate, as lieutenant colonel Lee had concluded to make known to the colonel his real character as soon as he should confront him, with a solemn assurance of his and his associates' perfect exemption from injury, and with the choice of returning to their homes, or of taking » more generous part, by uniting with the defenders of their common country against the common foe. By Pyle's lucky occupation ofthe right side of the road, it became necessary for Lee to pass along the whole line of the loyalists be fore he could reach their colonel ; and thus to place his column of horse in the most eligible situation for any vicissitude. They were mounted like our militia, fitted like tbem to move on horseback, and to fight dismounted. Their guns (rifles and fowling pieces) were on their shoulders, the muzzles consequently in an opposite direction to the cavalry. In the event of discovery, they must have changed the direction before they could fire, — a motion not to be performed, with a body of dragoons close in with their horses' heads and their swords drawn. The danger of this rare expedient was by no means so great as it appears to be on first view. Lee passed along the line at the head ofthe column with a smiling' countenance, dropping, occasionally, expressions complimentary to the good looks and commendable conduct of his loyal friends. At length he reached colonel Pyle, when the customary civilities were promptly interchanged. G rasping Pyle by the hand Lee was in the act of consummating his plan, when the enemy's left, discover ing Pickens's militia, not sufficiently concealed, began to fire upon the rear of the cavalry commanded by captain Eggleston. This officer instantly turned upon the foe, as did immediately after the whole column. The conflict was quickly decided, and bloody on one side only. Ninety ofthe royalists were killed, and most ofthe survivors wounded. Dispersing in every direction, not being pur sued, they escaped. During this sudden rencontre, in some parts ofthe line the cry. of mercy was beard, coupled with assurance of being our best friends ; but no expostulation could be admitted in" a conjuncture so critical. Humanity even borbad it, as its first injunc tion is to take care of your own safety : and our safety was not com patible with that ofthe supplicants, until disabled to offend. Pyle, falling under many wounds, was left on the field as dying, and yet be survived. We lost not a man, and only one horse. The object so sedulously pressed was thus a second time baffled. Tarleton, within a mile, more fatally secure, if possible, than before, escaped r,r!t Had Pyle accidentally arrayed upon the left of the road, he would have been found on the right of his regiment, the Sank first leached by the column of the horse. Some pretext must have been adopted to have moved on to the other flank, so as to place the horse in the requisite posture, before lieutenant colonel Lee could make the desired communication; therefore it was fortunate that he should have chosen the side of the road on which he was found posted. Southern Department of the United States. 157 the impending blow ; when lo get at him a measure had been ha zarded, not warranted on ordinary occasions, but now enforced by the double motive of sparing the lives of deluded fellow citizens, and humbling effectually the British partisan and his active corps, whose destruction in the relative condition ofthe two armies would have probably led to the termination of the war in the South. Lord Cornwallis was at the head of a brave enterprising force, but small in number ; too small, when reduced by the loss of Tarle ton's corps, to have made head against Greene, when assisted, as the American' general must have been, by the surrounding country, animated to their best exertions by such signal success.* The discomfiture of Pyle being soon effected, Lee ordered the cavalry to resume its march, and to take post so as to arrest any sudden interference on the part of lieutenant colonel Tarleton, who must have heard the enemy's fire, and might probably interpose with the expectation of controlling the event ofthe conflict. Brigadier Pickens, following quickly, soon reached the van ofthe legion, whose cavalry had approached in view of Tarleton's camp. Then were seen incontestible evidences of the embarrassing confu sion which an unexpected enemy never fails to produce, even among the best disciplined troops — demonstrating, without shadow of doubt, our certain success, bad Pyle and his party been, as they ought to have been, at their own firesides. The sun was setting ; and for some moments Pickens and Lee hesitated whether immediate action was not, -even at that hour, the eligible course. The troops were fatigued by their long march, increased by preparation for two combats and the rencontre with Pyle. This consideration, combined with the close approach of night, determined them to postpone bat tle until the morning. Moving to their left, they placed themselves between the British and tbe upper country, on the great road lead ing through Tarleton's camp to Hillsborough. The advanced sen- * This transaction is thus circumstantially given to repel the unfounded stig ma attached to the officer and corps engaged with colonel Pyle. Mr. Stedman, (of whose impartiality and respect for truth I have acknowledged my convic tion) has from misinformation been led upon this occasion into a palpable mis take, or he would have refrained from the following observation : " When at last it became manifest, they called out for quarter, but no quarter was granted ; and belween two and three hundred of them were inhumanly butchered while in the act of begging for mercy. Humanity shudders at the recital of so foul a massacre; hut cold and unfeeling policy avows it as the most effectual means of intimidating the friends of royal government." So far from its being a "foul massacre, '' growing out of cold and unfeeling policy, it was not foul, and was unintentional ; and one of the two corps of cavalry, belonging to the army of Greene, was hazaided for the express purpose of preventing the necessity of imbruing our hands in the blood of our fellow citizens. 1'he fire commenced upon us, and self-preservation commanded the limited destruction which ensued. Only ninety ofthe loyalists were killed ; not between two and three hundred, as Mr. Stedman states : and less than ninety could not have been spared from the close condition ofthe dragoons, and the necessity of crushing resistance instant ly. Had the officer or corps been capable of massacre, it was only necessary to have ordered pursuit, and not a man of the enemy would have escaped. So far from doing so, Lee resumed his march, leaving all that had dispersed to se cure themselves without interruption. 158 Memoirs of the War in the tinels and the patroles were stationed every where in sight of each other. Here they heard from some countrymen, who, abandoning their houses on the enemy's advance, had fallen in with Pickens, that a small party of militia had collected for mutual safety a few miles in the rear. A dragoon, Attended by one of the informants, was im mediately despatched with a letter to the officer, requesting him to hasten to camp ; more for the purpose of procuring accurate infor mation of the ground expected -soon to be the theatre ef action, and of furnishing faithful intelligent guides, than from any expectation of aid in battle. Tt so happened, that with the militia company was found colonel Preston, of Montgomery county in Virginia, just arriv ed at the head of three hundred hardy mountaineers, who, hearing of Greene's retreat, had voluntarily hastened to his assistance- alike ignorant until that hour ofthe general's having recrossed the Dan, and of Tarleton's corps being but a few miles in front. The wisdom of the measure so speedily adopted by the comman der in the South, after securing his retreat, was again now happily illustrated. It not only produced tbe annihilation ofthe first b»dy of loyalists which had embodied and armed, but probably saved from destruction a detachment of brave men, induced by love of country to seek and to succour their hard pressed friends. Colonel Preston accompanied the dragoon to camp, followed by bis battalion of rifle men. Although Pickens and Lee were before determined to en gage, such an opportune, unlooked-for auxiliary force, could not but excite new spirits in their troops, always proudly conscious of ability. Preston, his officers and soldiers, spent their first hour in gazing at the corps. They were much gratified with the orderly appearance it universally exhibited, and particularly delighted with the cheering looks of the dragoons, and tbe high condition of their stout horses. Our upper militia were never alarmed inmeeting with equal num bers of British infantry. Selecting their own ground (which being mounted they could readily do) before they would engage, they con sidered themselves their equal ; but they entertained dreadful ap prehensions ofthe sabre of the cavalry, particularly when associated with the name' of Taileton, who had, on many occasions, used it with destructive effect. From this source was derived the satisfac tion expressed on reviewing the legion horse. They became con vinced, that no equal number nf dragoons ought to excite the smal lest appreheneif»Bi,«n their part, and they were assured, that the British cavalry was not only inferior in their horses, but very much so in horsemanship. Thoroughly satis-lied, these welcome auxilia ries retired to their post, responding with ardour the general wish to be led fo battle with the dawn of day. Every arrangement being made to meet the approaching conflict, the troops assumed the dis position in which they were lo fight, and laid down to rest. From tbe intelligence procured it was ascertained, that the field in which the British were encamped had three or four wood dwel ling-houses on the road near its centre, and was sufficiently capaci- Southern Department of the United States. 159 ous to admit conveniently the major part of tbe respective com batants to close action. The legion infantry, led by lieutenant colonel Lee, inarched along tho road, for the purpose as before of attending specially to the enemy's artillery, of which it has been mentioned we were destitute. Oldham, with his Marylanders, ad vanced on the right, parallel with Lee ; and on his right, in a wood skirting the field, brigadier Pickens moved; having under him some of the same soldiers who hud so nobly supported Howard's right at the Cowpens. Colonel Preston covered Lee's left ; having also the advantage of a copse of wood bordering the field in that direction, and being completely secured on his flank by a very extensive mill pond. The cavalry were formed in reserve, the head of. the co lumn pointing to the interval between Oldham and Pickens, where the field could be entered out of tire from the houses should Tarle ton, as was apprehended, occupy them wilh musketry. Rudolph, who commanded the horse, was directed to fly to the aid of any por tion of the troops hard pressed, as well as to be ready to improve our, and to limit their, victory. Between the hours of two and three in the morning, concurring intelligence was received from the piquets and patroles, announcing that the enemy was in motion, and soon afterwards, that he was retiring. The piquets being assembled by the officer of the day, were or dered to advance ; while ihe main body, hastening to arms, follow ed wilh celerity. Anxious to knoiv the cause of this sudden and unexpected movement, an officer was directed to calljit the houses lately occupied by the enemy, for the purpose of inquiry. He re ported that lord Cornwallis, having been apprised of the advance of Pickens and Lee, hastened his orders to lieutenant colonel Tarle ton, aommunicating the information he had received, and requiring himWrepass the Haw instantly ; which order the lieutenant colo nel very reluctantly obeyed. He further learned that Tarleton and his officers were in high spirits, had enjoyed an abundant sup per together, and were anxiously wishing for the return of light, determined to take complete revenge for the Iocs of Pyle ; and, assured of victory , delighted themselves with the prospect of mount ing, in the course of the day, the chosen horses of the legion. So •solicitous lord Cornwallis appears to have been, that he despatched three successive couriers, all of whom arrived ; the two last, just as the British corps was ready to move. There were three con tiguous passages of the Haw. The nearest witbin four miles, to be passed in a boat, which, from the size of tbe flat kept at the ferry and the narrowness of the river would not have been very incon venient : the infantry and artillery might have been thrown over before daylight, and the cavalry would have readily swam across. One mile below was another ferry, alike commodious ; and seven miles lower down was a ford, the same which both corps had usetl the day before. The legion, accustomed to night expeditions, had been in the habit of usiug pine torch for flambeaux. Supplied with this, though, the morning was dark, the enemy's trail was distinctly disco.ve.re-d-.w'fcien»e«&r a ¦ divergency tobk; place io his. route, rje., 160 Memoirs of the War in ihe first took the road leading to the upper ferry, the direct route t9 Hillsborough ; but it being always presumed that he would avail himself of the ford, though out of his way, the van officer took care occasionally to examine, by the help of his pine knots, and soon ascertained, that after passing some small distance on that road, he crossed to the second route. Here repeating his feint, he at length turned to the road leading to the find. The diligence of the leading officer saved to the main body loss of ground ; as the enemy's stratagem was detected before we reach ed the points of their separation from each road. As the day broke, the American troops, pursuing with zeal, had reached with in two miles of the ford. The cavalry now taking the front, sup ported by the riflemen, (all mounted) were ordered to press upon the enemy, and hold him back until the infantry could get up. Be fore sunrise they gained the enemy's rear, descending the hill to the river, over which the main body having just passed, was placed on a height commanding tbe ford, for the protection of the rear guard. Too near to be struck at without rashly exposing the troops, it was omitted ; much as it was desired to gain some evidence of our triumphant pursuit. At first Pickens and Lee determined, by a quick retrograde, to pass at the ferry above, and to throw them selves in Tarleton's rear. This was effectible, in case he loitered only one hour on the banks of the Haw, a very probable event. But there was cause to apprehend, from (he solicitude displayed by the British general to bring him safely back, tbat he would send a reinforcement to meet him. In this incertitude desire to give rest to the troops prevailed ; and, keeping up the western margin of the Haw, the corps halted in the first settlement capable of supplying the necessary subsistence. Thus closed twenty- four hours of very active service ; its chief object unenRted, and a secondary one completely executed, which produced a very favourable result, by repressing thoroughly the loyal spirit just be ginning to burst forth. Fortune, which sways so imperiously the affairs of war, demonstrated' throughout the operation its supreme control. Nothing was omitted on the part of the Americans to give to the expedition the desired termination ; but the very bright pros pects which for a time presented themselves, were suddenly over cast—the capricious goddess gave us Pyle and saved Tarleton. General Greene, in pursuance of his plan, passed the Dun on the 23d, strengthened in a small degree by the corps of militia un der Stevens, and took a direction towards the head waters of the Haw river. He was highly gratified by the success of his advanced troops, officially communicated to him after he had entered North Carolina ; and was pleased to estimate the destruction of Pyle and his loyalists as more advantageous in its effects than would have been a victory over lieutenant colonel Tarleton. Soon after Tarleton returned to Hillsborough, the British general quitted his position — moving with his whole force to the country from which Tarleton had been just chased, for the purpose of giv ing complete proteotioato his numerous friends inhabiting the dis- Southern Department of the United States. 161 trict between the Haw and Deep rivers, whose danger in attempt ing to join him while so distantly situated, bad lately been fatally exemplified. As soon a« this movement on the part of his lordship was known to general Greene, he again resorted to his former ex pedient, of placing a strong light corps between him and the enemy. Colonel Williams was of course entrusted wilh its direction, who, moving towards his lordship, directed Pickens and Lee, a part of his establishment, to join him. Colonel Preston, still continuing with Pickens, now made a part of Williams's force. The return of Greene to North Carolina, and the destruction of colonel Pyle's loyalists, baffled the hopes so long entertained by the British gene ral, and fast realizing after his possession of Hillsborough ; where, in the course of one day, seven independent companies of loyalists were raised. Lord Cornwallis's project of filling up his ranks with the youth of North Carolina, which he pressed by every means in his power, although suspended by the late event, was not abandon ed. Determined to effect it, he had, as we have seen, left Hills borough, and placed himself among his friends, whose spirits he wished to revive by some decisive success. Encamped upon the Altnance, he held himself ready to seize any opportunity which might be presented, and heard with pleasure of the approach of our light corps under colonel Williams. This officer was his first object ; the next was to force Greene to battle, which he believed would be risked by the American general to save his light troops. In the opinion of many, general Greene committed himself to much hazard iu his newly adopted system. It was asked, why not con tinue in his safe position on the north of the Dan until, receiving all his expected succour, he could pass into North Carolina, seeking, instead of avoiding, his enemy. This safe and agreeable course was relinquished from necessity. Greene penetrating Cornwallis's views, foresaw their certain success, if he remained long out of tbe state, waiting for reinforcements himself- He discerned the probability, that his enemy would acquire a greater proportionate strength : with the essential difference, that what we obtained would be mostly militia, a fluctuating force ; whereas, that gained by the enemy would stand to him throughout tbe contest. To arrest the progress of this scheme, pursued with pertinacity by the British general, it was necessary again to risk himself, his army, and the South. He therefore passed the Dan as soon as it was in his power ; depending on the resources of his fertile mind, and the tried skill and courage of his faithful, though inferior, army. Crossing the Haw near its source, the American general established himself between Troublesome creek and Reedy fork. And chang ing his position every day, sometimes approaching colonel Williams, and then falling back upon the Troublesome, he held Cornwallis ia perfect ignorance of his position, and stopped the possibility of sud den interruption. Showing himself in so many different quarters, he considerably augmented the fears ofthe loyalists, who had not yet recovered from the consternation produced by the slaughter of their associates, Williams pursued tbe same desultory game, preserving 21 162 Memoirs of the. War in the correspondency in his movements with those of Greene.* As yet lord Cornwallis had not been able to fiiid any opportunity to execute his purpose. Williams, more and more satisfied of his safety from his superiority in the quality of his cavalry, and wishing to take a distance whence he could conveniently interrupt the British parlies while collecting provisions and forage, placed himself a few miles on the east. side of Reedy fork, having the Almance creek between him and the enemy. Lord. Cornwallis well knew the superiority of our horse ; feeling it daily in the counteraction of his efforts to obtain intelligence, so important in military operations. Indisposed to such a near neighbourhood with us, he moved from his camp at three o'clock on the 6th of March, and passing the Almance, pushed for ward under the cover of a heavy fog, with the expectation of beat ing up Williams's quarters. The left ofthe light troops were com posed of militia, who had lately joined under colonel Campbell, one of the heroes of King's mountain, relieving brigadier Pickens and the corps who had so fiiiihfully adhered to general Greene during the trying scenes just passed. Campbell's militia were part ofthe conquerors of Ferguson ; better suited, as has been before observ ed, for the field of battle than for tbe security of camp. In this quarter, through some remissness in the guards, and concealed by i the fog, lieutenant colonel "Webster, commanding the British van, approachedclose before he was discovered. The alertness ofthe light troops soon recovered the momentary disadvantage ; and the legion of Lee advancing to support Camp bell, the. -energy's van was held buck, until colonel Williams, undis turbed, commenced his retreat, directing the two corps above men tioned to cover his rear. Having crossed the Reedy fork, Williams made a disposition, wilh a view of opposing the enemy's passage,' Campbell, following Williams, joined on the opposite banks — the infautry ofthe legion proceeding in the rear of Campbell, followed by the cavalry, which corps continued close to the enemy's advanc ing van During this movement, Webster made several efforts to bring the rear guard to action, having under him the British cavalry. AIT bis endeavouis were successively counteracted by the celerity and precision with which the legion horse manoeuvred ; establish ing evidently in the face of the enemy their decided superiority.] As soon as lieutenant colonel Lee was apprised ofthe rear infantry's passage over the river, he retired by troops from before Webster * On the 2d of March the legion an.1 Preston's riflemen had a rencontre with Tarleton, which general Greene in a despatch to general Washington thus no tices — "On the 2d, lieutenant colonel Lee, with a detachment of riflemen, at tacked the advance ofthe British army under Tarleton, and killed and wounded, by report, about thirty of them '' See Tarleton's campaigns, p. 235. — Ed. + No country in the wmi- affords better riders than the United States, espe cially the states south of Ponnsylvania. The boys from seven years of age begin to mount horses; riding without saddle, and often, in the fields, when sent for a horse, without bridle. They go to mill on horseback, and perform all the other small domestic services mounted. Thus they become so completely versed in the art of riding by the time they reach, puberty, as to equal the most expBit horsemen any where. Southern Department of the United States. 163 in full gallop ; and reaching Reedy fork, soon united with colonel Williams, unmolested. There beim; convenient fo.ds over the creek, above and below after Williams had safely brought over his corps, he determined no longer to continue in hi- position. Resum ing retreat,, he left the legion supported by colonel Campbell, with orders to retard the enemy as long as it wis practicable, without ha zarding serious injury. Lieuton mt colonel "jae, having detached a company of Preston's m lui t to gu ml tin; p.m at Wetzell's mill, a little distance upon his left, drew up his infantry in one line, with its right on the road, and its front parallel with the creek ; while the riflemen under colonels Campbell and Preston, occupied a copse of heavy woods on tbe right of the ro.id, with their left resting upon the right ofthe legion infantry. The horse formed a second line in a field well situated to curb the progress of the British cavalry, should it press upon the first line when retiring, and to protect the horses of the militia, tied at some distance back, agreeably to usage. On the first appearance of the enemy colonel Williams despatched a courier to Greene, communicating what had passed, anil advising him ofthe com Be he should pursue after crossing the Rct-dy fork. Unwilling lo approx imate Greene, this officer moved slowly, waiting the disclosure of the enemy's intention. Should he halt on the opposite side ofthe creek, colonel Williams would take his night position within a few miles of Wetzell's mill, giving time to the troops to prepare food be fore' dark ; but should the enemy advance to the hither side, he would necessarily continue his retreat, however much opposed to his wishes. This state of suspense lasted but a little while. The British van appeared ; and after a halt for a few minutes on the op posite bank; descended the hill approaching the water, where, re ceiving a heavy fire of musketry aud rifles, it fell back, and quickly rea^cending, was rallied on the margin of the bank. Here a field officer rode up, and in a lond voice addressed his soldiers, then rush ed down (be hill at their heatl, and plunged into the water, our fire pouring upon him. In the woods occupied by the riflemen, stood an old log school house, a little lo the right of the ford. The mud stuffed betvyeen the logs had mostly fallen out, and the apertures ad mitted tbe use of rifles with ease, fn this house twenty-five select marksmen, of King's mountain tnilitia, were posted by Lee, with or ders lo forego taking any part in the genera! resistance, but to hold themselves in reserve for particular objects. The leading officer plunging in the wafer, attracted general notice ; and the school- house party, recollecting its order, singled him out as their mark. The stream being deep, and the botiom rugged, he advanced slow ly ; his soldiers on each side of him, and apparently some of them holding his stirrup leathers. This select party discharged their rifles at him, one by one, each man sure of knocking him over ; and having reloaded, eight or nine of them emptied their guns a second time at the same object.* Strange to tell, though in a condition so perilous, * The twenty-five riflemen were selected from their superior excellence as marksmen. It was no uncommon amusement among them to put an apple on 164 Memoirs of the War in the himself and horse were untouched ; and having crossed the creek, he soon formed his troops, and advanced upon us. The moment that the head of his column got under cover of our banks, lieutenant colonel Lee directed the line to retire from its flanks, and gain the rear of the cavalry. In the skirmish which ensued in our centre, after some ofthe enemy ascended the bank, three or four prisoners fell into our hands. The enemy's column being now formed, soon dislodged our centre ; and pushing Lee, came in front ofthe caval ry. Here it paused, until the British horse, which followed the in-. fantry, passed the creek, and took post on the enemy's right— ^the nearest point to the road, which we must necessarily take. This attitude indicated a decision to interrupt our retreat ; at all events to cut off our rear. Lee ordered Rudolph to incline in an oblique direction to his left; and, gaining the road, to wait the expected charge. Tarleton ad vanced with his cavalry, followed by Webster. The legion infantry, close in the rear of the riflemen, had now entered the road, con- siderably advanced towards colonel Williams, still waiting in his position first taken for night quarters, and afterwards held ta pro tect the rearguard. Rudolph, with the cavalry, was drawn off, moving slowly, with orders to turn upon the British horse if they should risk a charge. It was now late in the evening, and nothing more was attempted. The British halted on the ground selected by Williams for our use, which he had abandoned. Having proceeded some miles further, he encamped on the northeast side of a range of hills covered with wood, some distance from the road : thus onr fires were concealed from view, while the margin of the road and every avenue to our cam,) was vigilantly guarded. General Greene, as soon as he was advised in the morningof the enemy's advance, retired and passed the Haw ; repeating, in his answer, his order to colonel WiJIiams to avoid action, which he well knew was very practicable, unless our cavalry should meet wilh disaster. As soon as all appearances of further contest ceased, the prisoners, as was customary, were brought to the commandant; who, among other inquiries, asked, what Officer led the enemy into the creek, and crossed with the leading section ofthe column? He was told, that it was lieutenant colonel Webster ; and that he had passed unhurt. Inscrutable are the ways of Providence. That superior soldier, whose life was in such imminent danger, was now safely shielded, though doomed to fall in a very few days. Lord Cornwallis, finding that his attempt to bring Greene to ac tion issued only iu wearing down his brave army, and convinced the point of a ramrod, and holding it in the hand with the arm extended, to per mit their comrades, known to be expert, to fire at it ; when many balls would pass through the apple; and yet lieutenant colonel Webster, mounted upon a stout horse, in point blank shot, slowly moving through a deep water course, was singled out by this party, "who fired, sereatim, thirty two or three times at him, and neither struck him nor h,is horse. Southern Department of the United States. 165 that Williams was unassailable so long as he preserved his superi ority in cavalry, withdrew towards Bell's mill, on Deep river, with the resolution of restoring, by rest, the strength of his troops, and of holding it up for that decisive. day, which, from his knowledge of the character of his adversary, he was. assured would arrive as soon as he had- acquired his. expected reinforcements. The last ten days presented a very interesting and edifying scene. Two generals of high talents, ardently supported by their respective armies, contending, by a series of daring manoeuvres, for a vast prize, which either might have lost by one false step. Had Corn wallis risked any partial operations against Williams, the destruction of the assailing corps would have led to the capture of the British army ; whereas, had Greene, by incorrect intelligence or mistaken calculations, placed himself within reach of the British general, our army would have been cut to pieces. The loyalists looked on with anxious solicitude ; and, finding that all the efforts of the royal leader were unavailing, — the American army retaining its ground, and its active cavalry penetrating in every direction, — they recurr ed to past admonition, and determined to repress their zeal, and to wait in quietude UDtil the British superiority should be manifested by signal success. Thus the American general completely succeeded in his object, adding a new claim to the high confidence already acquired, and leaving it doubtful which most to admire, — his sagacity in counsel, his promptitude in decision, or his boldness and skill in execution. In this position, at the iron works on Troublesome creek, general. Greene received tbe pleasing intelligence, that his reinforcements and supplies were approaching ; and hearing at the same time from colonel Williams, that lord Cornwallis had retired from the contest of skill, he determined to give repose to his troops and wait for bis long expected succour. In a few days the new levies under colo nel Green, and the militia from Virginia under brigadier general Lawson, with a part of tbe supplies and stores so much wanted, reached camp. The levies were distributed in the regiments of Virginia, commanded by colonel Green and lieutenant colonel Hawes. The militia being united to those collected by Stevens while at Halifax court-house, were divided into two brigades, under th3 direction of that general, and brigadier Lawson ; who, like Ste vens, had commanded a continental regiment, and wifh many other brave and active officers, had been left without troops by the com pression of our regular corps ; yet being unwilling to abandon the service, of their country, still in jeopardy, they both had offered to take command of the militia. Soon afterward came in the North Carolina force, led by the brigadiers Butler and Eaton Previously colonels Campbell and Preston and Lynch* had joined, whose united corps did not exceed ' * Colonels Campbell and Preston had been with the light troops for some days; succeeding the corps under brigadier Pickens, now returned home. Col onel Lynch had lately joined, commanding one ofthe battalions ofthe Virginia- jnilitia, which arrived under brigadier Lawjsan. t6G Memoirs of the War in the six hundred rank and file. Our force now was estimated at four thousand five hundred, horse, foot, and artillery ; of which, the continental portion did not amount to quite one thousand six hun dred. To acquaint himself with the character of his late accession of troops, and to make ready the many requisite preparations for service, the general continued in his position at the iron- works, having drawn in most of the light corps. The legion of Lee, and the Virginia militia attached to it under the colonels Preston and Campbell, still hovered around the enemy under the direction of lieutenant colonel Lee. The American dragoons, far superior in the ability of their horses, stuck so close to the British camp as to render their inter course with the country very difficult, and subjected the British general to many inconveniences, besides interrupting his acquire ment of intelligence. No equal party of the enemy's horse would dare to encounter them ; and if a superior force approached, the fleetness of their horses mocked pursuit. Feeling his privations daily, lord Corn- wallis, leaving his baggage to follow, made a sudden movement late in the evening from Bell's mill towards New Garden, a quakcr settlement, abounding with forage and provisions. Some of the small parties of the legion horse, traversing in every quarter, one of them approached Bell's mill, and found it abandoned. When informed by the inhabitants that tbe baggage had but lately proceed ed under a very small escort, the officer commanding the horse de termined to trace secretly the progress of its march. It. so hap pened, that early in the night the escort with the whole baggage mistook the road ; proceeding directly on, instead of turning towards "New Garden. Fortunately the vigilant officer discovered this er ror ; and having ascertained the fact beyond doubt, he despatched a courier to lieutenant colonel Lee wilh the information, attended by two guides well acquainted with the route taken by the British army, that taken by the escort and the intermediate cross-roads. The intelligence reached Lee about eleven o'clock, (later than was expected) as he had,, from the advance ofthe enemy, taken a more distant position. Instantly the legion horse, wilh two companies of infantry mounted behind two of the troops, were put in motion : lieutenant colonel Lee taking the guides sent to him, advanced with the certain expectation of falling in with the lost escort. The night was extremely dark, and the country covered with woods ; but the guides were faithful intelligent, and intimately versed in all the roads, bye-roads, and even paths. Estimating the distance to march by their computation, it did not exceed nine miles, which we reckoned, dark as was the night, to make in two hours. Pushing on with all practicable despatch, the first hour brought us to a large road : this the guides passed, leading the detachment again into a thick wood. Here we continued another hour ; when, finding no road, doubts began to be entertained by the guides, which issued at last in attempting to return to the very road they had passed, it being concluded to be the one desired. Unhappily they became Southern Department of the United States. \Q1- bewildered, after changing their course, sometimes to the right, sometimes to the left ; ever believing every change would surely bring us to our desired route, and yet always disappointed. At length with great anxiety they proposed a halt, while them selves, accompanied by a few dragoons, should take different di rections on our flanks in search of a house.- This was readily ac ceded to, and the detachment dismounted, having not before halted. In the space of an hour one of them returned, and shortly after the other, both without success. It was now three o'clock, as well as we could make out the time by feeling the hour and minute-hands of our watches. Again we mounted, and again moved as our guides directed ; more and more bewildered, and more and more distress ed ; persevering, and yet in vain. Lieutenant colonel Lee appre hensive that the detachment might be carried too remote from the place assigned for junction in the morning with the militia under Campbell, again halted and dismounted, determining to wait for the light of day. It at last to our great joy appeared ; and even then our guides were so completely out of their reckoning, as to detain us a long time in the woods before they were satisfied ofthe course to be taken. By examining the bark of the trees they ascertained the north, and thus recovered their knowledge of our locality. We were within a mile of the road we had crossed, and which turned out to be the very road desired. When we passed it the enemy were, as was afterwards ascertained, two miles only on our right, as much bewildered as ourselves. For finding that they had not reached eamp within the period expected, calculating time from distance ; and knowing that New Garden must be upon their left ; they took a cross road which offered, and soou found themselves encompassed with new difficulties — fallen trees, and cross-ways as large as the road they had pursued : — when the officer determined to halt and wait for day. Lord Cornwallis became extremely alarmed for the safety of his baggage ; despatching parties of horse and foot in vari ous directions to fall in with it, and detaching in the rear of these parties a strong corps to reinforce the escort. Not one of the vari ous detachments either met with the escort or with Lee. As soon as it was light, the officer having charge of the baggage retraced his steps ; and shortly after gaining the road he had left in the night, fell in with the last detachment sent by lord Cornwallis, and with it safely reached the British camp; while lieutenant colonel Lee and his harassed legion, with his afflicted guides, much mortified, joined Campbell.* Here he found orders from general Greene, now *UpOn Lee's junction with Campbell, he found a packet from general Greene to lord Cornwallis, which he sent off the ensuing morning by cornet Middleton, of South Carolina, with a flag. The cornet reached the British piquet just af ter the captain had breakfasted, and was politely invited to take breakfast, while the packet for his lordship should be sent to headquarters, from whence a reply would be forwarded, if requisite, which Middleton could convey. Cornwallis was on his rounds, agreeably to his custom; and soon after Middleton had fin ished his breakfast, called at the piquet, when he was informed by the captain, of the packet from general Greene, with his detention of the officer for the an- 168 Memoirs of the War in the nearly prepared for forward movement, to return to camp. The British general remained in his new position ; enjoying, without in terruption, the wholesome supplies with which this fertile settle ment abounded. Lee having proceeded towards the iron works, found the American army on the 14th at Guilford courf-house,vdis- tant about twelve miles from the enemy ; and was immediately ad vanced on the road towards the quaker meetinghouse, with orders to post himself within two or three miles of the court-house, and to resume his accustomed duties. Lieutenant Heard, of the legion cavalry, was detached in the evening with a party of dragoons to place himself near the British camp, and to report from time to time such occurrences as might happen. About two in the morn ing this officer communicated, that a large body of horse were ap proaching the meetinghouse, which was not more than six miles from our headquarters, and near the point where the road from Deep river intersects the great road leading from Salisbury to Vir ginia. The intelligence received was instantly forwarded to the general, and Heard was directed to proceed with a few of his dra goons down the flank of the enemy to discover whether the British army was in motion, leaving his second to hold their front. Hear ing from Heard, agreeably to rule, every half hour, it was known, that the enemy continued, though slowly, to approach ; and at length he communicated, that his various attempts to pass down the flank as directed, had proved abortive, having been uniformly in terrupted by patroles ranging far from the line of march ^ yet that he was persuaded that he heard the rumbling of wheels, which in dicated a general movement. This being made known to general Greene, Lee was directed to advance with his cavalry, to bear down these interruptions, and to ascertain tbe truth. Expecting battle as soon as Heard's last information was received, the. van was called to arms at four in the morning, and lo take breakfast wilh all practicable haste. This had just been finished, when the last men tioned order from the general was communicated. Lieutenant colo nel Lee instantly mounted, and took the road to the enemy, at the head of the horse, having directed the infantry and the rifle mili- swer if any was requisite. His lordship dismounting, entered the captain's quarters, where cornet Middleton was introduced to him. Presuming from his dress that he belonged to Lee's legion, he asked if he did not belong to that corps i and being answered in the affirmative, with a smile he significantly in quired where it had been the preceding night. The amiable Middleton, some what surprised and confounded at a query so unexpected, with evident confu sion replied, that it had not been far off. Upon which lord Cornwallis famili arly said the object of his inquiry was unimportant, the matter to which it le- lated being past; and that he aSke'd the information to gratify his curiosity. Middleton blushing, then told hitri, lhat lieutenant colonel Lee had received intelligence of his lordship's escort, with the baggage and stores, being lost in the night and instantly proceeded in the expectation of putting them in the right course. 'This idea tickling the British general, he laughingly asked, " well, why did he not do it." Because, say6 Middleton, we got lost ourselves; tra veling the roads an njght, and as it appeared afterwards within two miles of our much desired ptize. Turning to his aids, Cornwallis said, "you see I wai not mistaken." Southern Department of the United States. 16# tia to follow, the first on his right, and the second on his left. The cavalry had not proceeded above two miles, when Lee was met by lieutenant Heard and his party, who were retiring, followed lei-. 6urely by the enemy's horse. Wishing to approach nearer to Greene, and at all events to gain the proximity of the rifle militia and legion infantry, lest the British army might be up, as was sus pected, Lee ordered the column to retire by iroops, taking the pro per distance for open evolution. The rear troop under Rudolph going off in full gallop, and followed in like manner by the centre troop under Eggleston, the British commandant flattered himself with converting this retrograde movement into rout, and pressed upon the front under Armstrong, still in a walk, it being necessary to gain the open order required, that this officer should not change his pace. With him was lieutenant colonel Lee, attentively watch ing the British progress. Finding that the charge did not affect Armstrong's troop, now the rear, the enemy emptied their pistols, and then raising a shout, pushed a second time upon Armstrong ; who, remaining sullen as before, the leading section having nearly closed with us, drew up.- At this moment, Lee ordering a charge, the dragoons came in stantly to the right about, and, in close column, rushed upon the foe. This meeting happened in a long lane, wilh very high curved fences on each side of the road, which admitted but one section in front. The charge was ordered by Lee, from conviction that he should trample his enemy under foot, if he dared lo meet the shock ; and thus gain an easy and complete victory. But only the frent section of each corps closed, Tarleton sounding a retreat, the moment he discovered the column in" charge. The whole of the enemy's section was dismounted, and many of the horses prostrat ed ;* some of the dragoons killed, the rest made prisoners : not a single American soldier or horse injured. Tarleton retired with celerity ; and getting out of the lane, took an obscure way leading directly across the Salisbury road towards the British camp — while Lee, well acquainted with the country, followed the common route by the quaker meeting-house, wilh a view to sever the British lieu tenant colonel from his army, by holding him well upon hi* left, and with the determination to gain his front, and then to press directly upon him with his condensed force ; and thus place his horse be tween Tarleton and Cornwallis, presumed to be some distance be hind. By endeavouring to take the whole detachment, he permit ted the whole to escape ; whereas, had he continued to press on •This is not stated with a view to extol one, or disparage the other corps; but merely to state the fact. Lieutenant colonel Tarleton was obliged to use such horses as he could get; whereas his opponent had the whole South to select out of. The consequence was, the British dragoons were mounted upon small weak horses : those of the legion on stout, active horses, and kept in the highest condition. When they met, the momentum of the one must crush the. other ; and if the latter fled, he could not escape from his enemy, so excellently mount ed. There was very little credit, with such superior means, due to the Ameri cans upon victory ; whereas, the disgrace of defeat would have been extreme, atnd LeeV corps ought to bave been decimated. 170 Memoirs of the War in the the rear, he must bave taken many. As Lee, with his column in full speed, got up to the meeting-house, the British guards had just reached it ; and displaying in a moment, gave the American cavalry a close and general fire.* The sun had just risen above the trees, and shining bright, the refulgence from the British muskets, as tbe soldiers presented, frightened Lee's horse so as to compel him to throw himself off; Instantly remounting another, he ordered a re treat. This manoeuvre was speedily executed ; and while the cav alry were retiring, the legion infantry came running up with trailed arms, and opened a well aimed fire upon the guards, which was followed in a few minutes by a volley from the riflemen under col onel Campbell, who had taken post on the left of the infantry. The action became very sharp, and was bravely maintained on both sides.! The cavalry having formed again in column, and Lee being convinced, from the appearance of the guards, that Cornwallis was not far in the rear, drew off his infantry ; and covering them from any attempt of the British horse, retired towards the American army. General Greene, being immediately advised of what had passed, prepared for battle ; not doubting, that the long avoided, now wished for, hour was at hand. Guilford court-house, erected near the great state road, is situat ed on the brow of a declivity, which descends gradually with an undulating slope for about a half-mile. It terminates iu a small vale, intersected by a rivulet. On the right of the road is open ground with some few copses of wood until yon gain the last step of the descent, where you see thick glades of brushy wood reach-. ing across the rivulet. On the left of the road from the court- *This was not at JVeif) Ga.rd.en meeting-house, which was twelve miles from Guilford, and from which Cornwallis had moved at the dawn ofday. It was now about one honr after sun rise — " the sun had just risen above the trees;" and Cornwallis in his repoit, says this affair happened about four miles from Guilford; that is, about eight miles from New Garden meeting-house. Colonel Howard confirms this estimate of distance, for he says the firing was distinctly heard at Guilford. It was probably therefore a meeting-house of less notoriety than that at New Garden. Captain Tate, who commanded a company, of Virginia militia, .at the baffle of the Cowpens, and shared in the memorable charge of Howard, was attach ed to Lee's party on this occasion, and hail his thigh broken. — Ed. t The Btitish'sustained a much heavier loss in killed and wounded than we did. His fire was innocent, overshooting the cavalry entirely ; whose caps and accoutrements were all struck with green twigs, cut by the British ball out of the large oaks in the meeting-house yard, under which the cavalry received ihe volley from the guards. Some of the infantry and riflemen were killed, anil more wounded : among them was lieutenant Snowden, of the legion infantry, who, with most of the wounded, was necessarily left on the field. Lee, after the battle of Guilford, wrote to lieutenant colonel Tarleton, asking his care of the wounded of the legion and rifle corps ;.*it being common for offi cers in the habit of meeting in the course of service, mutually to solicit such favours. Tarleton very politely answered by an amanuensis, that he would, with pleasure, execute tile request ; and apologised for not writing himself; say ing, that he had received a ball in his right hand in our morning rencontre. Captain Schutz, ofthe guards, was badly wounded, with other officers and sol diers of that corps. Southern Department of the United Slates. 171 house, a deep forest of lofty trees, which terminates nearly in a line with the termination of the field on the opposite side of the road. Below this forest is a small piece of open ground, which appeared to have been cultivated in coi'n the preceding summer. This small field was long, but narrow, reaching close to the swamp bordering upon the rivulet. In the road captain Singleton was posted, in a line with tbe ter mination of the large field and the commencement of the small one, with two six pounders, within close shot of tbe rivulet, where the enemy, keeping the road, would pass. Across tbe road on his left, some few yards in his rear, the North Carolina militia were ranged under generals Buller and Eaton. At some distance behind this line, the Virginia militia, led by ihe generals Stevens and Lawson, were formed in a deep wood ; the right flank of Stevens and the left flank of Latvson resting on the great road. The continental infantry, consisting of four regiments, were drawn up in the rear of the Virginia militia, in the field to the right of the road ; the two "regiments of Virginia, conducted by colonel Green and lieute nant colonel Hawes, under the order of brigadier Hnger, com posing the right ; and the two of Maryland, led by colonel Gunhy and lieutenant colonel Ford, under the orders of colonel Williams, composing the left. Of these, only the regiment of Gunby was veteran ; the three others were composed of new soldiers, among whom were mingled a few who had served from the. beginning of the war ; but all the officers were experienced and approved. Greene, well informed of his enemy's inferiority in number, knaw he could present but one line, and had therefore no reserve ; con sidering it injudicious to weaken either of his lines by forming one. On the right, lieutenant colonel Washington, with his cavalry, the old Delaware company under the brave captain Kirkwood, and col onel Lynch with a battalion of Virginia militia, was posted, with or ders to hold safe that flank. For the same purpose, and with the same orders, lieutenant colonel Lee was stationed on the left flank with his legion and the Virginia riflemen commanded by colonel Campbell. In the rear line our small park was placed, with the exception of two sixes with captain Singleton, — who was now with the front line, but directed to repair to the rear as soon as the enemy should enter into close battle, and there take his assigned station. As soon as the British van appeared, Singleton opened a cannonade upon it, — convincing lord Cornwallis of his proximity to the Amer ican army. Lieutenant M'CIeod, commanding the royal artillery, hastened up with two pieces, and, stationing himself in the road near the rivulet, returned our fire. Thus the action commenced : the British general in the mean time arranging his army in order of battle. Although he could form but one full line, he took the reso lution of attacking an able general advantageously posted, with a force more than double, a portion whereof he knew to be excellent, supported by cavalry of tiie first character. Yet such was his con dition, that lord Cornwallis was highly gratified with having it in 172 Memoirs of the. War in the his power, even on such terms, to appeal to the sword. The se venty-first, with the regiment of Bose, formed his right under the order of major general Leslie ; his left was composed of the twen ty third and thirty-third regiments, led by lieutenant colonel Web ster The rOyal artillery, directed by lieutenant M'Cleod, and sup ported by the light infantry of the guards and the yagers, moved along tbe road in the centre. The first battalion of guards, under lieutenant colonel Norton, gave support to the right. While brig adier O'Hara, with the grenadiers and second battalion of guards, maintained the left. Lieutenant colonel Tarleton, with the cavalry in column, formed the reserve' on the road, in the rear of the ar tillery. The moment the head of the British column passed the rivulet, the different corps, in quick step, deployed to the right and left, and soon were ranged in line of battle. Leslie instantly advanced upon the North Carolina militia. These troops were most adyantageouly posted undercover of a rail fence,- along the margin of the woods ; and Campbell's riflemen and the legion infantry connected in line with the North Carolina militia, turning with the fence as it approached the rivulet, raked by their fire the right of the British wing, entirely uncovered: — the. legion cavalry, in the. woods, in a column pointing to the angu lar corner of the fence ready to support the militia on its right, or the infantry ofthe legion'to its left. ' The appearance in this quar- - ter was so favourable thqt sanguine hopes were entertained by ma ny of the officers, from the manifest advantage possessed, of break: ing down the enemy's right before he approached the fence; and the troops exhibited the appearance of great zeal and alacrity. Lieutenant colonel Webster took his part with hisusual ability, — moving upon the Virginia militia, who were not so advantageously posted as their comrades of North Carolina, yet gave every indica tion' of maintaining their ground with obstinacy.* Stevens, to give efficacy to this temper, and stung wilh the recollection of their in glorious flight in the battle of Camden, bad placed a line of senti nels in his rear with orders to shoot every man that flinched. When the enemy came within long shot, the American line; by order, began to fire. Undismayed, the British continued lo ad- Vance; .ind having reached a proper distance, discharged their pieces and rent the air with shouts. To our infinite distress and mortification, the North Carolina militia took to flight, a few only of * Greene's first line wasinferior in numbers and extent of front to his second, and appears to have been posted rather more to his right. The movement nf Webster, isnot clearly described however in the text, for before he could reach the Virginians or second line, he must have approached aud dispersed the right wing Of the first line ; which Was in his front, and was flanked by lieutenant colonel Washington's party. This was speedily done, and Men' his movement was " upon the Virginia militia.'' The author having been first engaged by the advance of the British right, does not appear to have formed a distinct concep- lioja of the beginning of the action on the opposite wing. — Ed. Southern Department of the United States. 173 Eaton's brigade excepted, who clung to the militia under Campbell; which, with the legion, manfully maintained ineir ground. Every effort was made by thegenerals Butler and Ealon, assisted by colo nel Davie, commissary general, with many ofthe othcers of every grade, to stop this unaccountable panic ; for not a man of trie corps had been killed, or even wounded. Lieutenant colonel Lee joined in the attempt lo rally the fugitives, threatening to fall upon ihem with his cavalry. All was vain, — so thoroughly coniouuded were these unhappy men, that throwing away arms, knapsacks, and even canteens, they rushed like a torrent headlong through tiie woods. In the mean time the British right became so injured Oy Hie keen and advantageous contest still upheld by Campbell and ihe legion, as to render it necessary for Leslie to order inlo line the support under lieutenant colotiel Norton, a decided proof ol the difficult condition to which lie must have been soon reduced, had the North Carolina militia done their duty. .The chasm in our order oT battle, produced by this base desertion, was extremely detrimental in its consequences'; for being seized by Leslie, it threw the corps of Lee out of combination with the army, and also exposed it to de struction. General Leslie, turning tbe regiment of Lose, with the battalion of guards, upon Lee, pressed forward himself with the seventy first jto cover the right of Webster, — now keenly engaged . with the Virginia militia ; and seized the most advantageous po sition, which he preserved through the battle. .Noble was the stand of the Virginia militia ; Stevens and Lawson, with their taith- ful brigades, contending for victory against the best officer in the British army, at the head of two regiments, distinguished for in trepidity and discipline ; and so firmly did they maintain the'hattle (secured on their flank by the position taken by Washington, who, anxious to contribute to the aid of his brave countrymen, introduced Lynch's battalion of riflemen upon the flank of Webster, already fully engaged in front) that brigadier O'Hara, with the grenadiers and second battalion of the guards were brought into the line in support of Webster. As soon as this assistance was felt, lieutenant colonel Webster, turning the thirty-third upon Lynch, relieved his fladk of all annoyance ; and instantly O'Hara, advancing with the remainder of the left wing with fixed bayonets, aided by the seventy-first under Leslie, compelled first Lawson's brigade and then Stevens to abandon the contest. Unhappily the latter gene ral received a ball through his thigh, which accelerated not a lit tle the retreat of his brigade. The militia no longer presented even the show of resistance : nevertheless, such had been the resolution with which the corps under Lee, sustaining itself on the left against the first battalion of guards and the regiment of Bose, and so bravely did the Virginia militia support the action on the right, that, notwithstanding the injurious desertion of the -first line without exchanging a shot, every corps of the British army, ex cept the cavalry, had been necessarily brought into battle, and many of ihem had suffered severely . It cannot be doubted, had the North . Carolina militia rivalled that of Virginia upon this occasion, that lord 174 Memoirs of the War in the Cornwallis must have been defeated ; and even now the continental troops being in full vigour, and our cavalry unhurt, there was good ground to expect victory. Persevering, in his determination to die or conquer, the British general did not stop to concentrate his force, but pressed forward to break our third line. The action, never intermitting on his right, was still sternly maintained by colonel Norton's battalion of guards, and- the regiment of Bose, with the rifle militia and the legion infantry ; so that this portion ofthe British force could not be brought to bear upon the third line, supported by colonel Washington at the head ofthe horse, and Kirkwood's Delaware company. General Greene was well pleased with the present prospect, and flattering himself with a happy conclusion, passed along the line, exhorting his troops to give the finishing blow. Webster, hastening over the ground occupied by the Virginia militia, sought with zeallhe continental line, and presently approached its right wing. Here was posted the first regiment of Maryland, commanded by colonel Gunby, hav ing under him lieutenant colonel Howard. The enemy rushed into close fire ; but so firmly was he received by this body of vet erans, supported by Hawe's regiment of Virginia and Kirkwood's : company of Delawares, (being weakened iu his contest with Ste ven's brigade, and as yet unsupported, the troops to his right not having advanced from inequality of ground or other impediments) that with equal rapidity he was compelled to recoil from the shock. Recrossing a ravine in his rear, Webster occupied an advanta geous height, waiting for the approach of the rest of the line. Very soon lieutenant colonel Stuart, with the first battalion of guards, appeared in the open field, followed successively by the remaining corps, all anxious to unite in the last effort. Stuart, discovering Ford's regiment of Maryland on the left of the first regiment, and a small copse of wood concealing Gunby, pushed for ward upon Ford, who was strengthened by captain Finley with two six pounders. Colonel Williams, commanding the Maryland line, charmed with the late demeanor of the first regiment, hastened to wards the second, expecting a similar display, and prepared to combine his whole force with all practicable celerity ; when, unac countably, the second regiment gave way, abandoning to the enemy the two field pieces. Gunby being left free by Webster's recession, wheeled to his left upon Stuart, who was pursuing the flying second regiment. Here the action was well fought ; each corps manfully struggling for victory ; when lieutenant colonel Washington, who had, -upon the discomfiture of the Virginia militia, placed himself upon the flank of the continentals, agreeably to the order of battle, pressed forward with his cavalry- Stuart beginning to give ground, Washington fell upon him sword in hand, followed by. Howard wilh fixed bayonets, now command ing the regiment in. consequence of Gunby being dismounted. This combined operation was irresistable. Stuart fell by the sword of captain Smith, of the first regiment; the two field pieces were' Southern Department of the United States. 175 recovered; his battalion driven back with slaughter, — its remains being saved by the British artillery, which, to stop the ardent pur suit of Washington* and Howard, opened upon friends as well as foes ; for Cornwallis, seeing the vigorous advance of these two of ficers, determined lo arrest their progress, though every ball, lev elled at them, must pass through the flying guards. Checked by this cannonade, and discovering one regiment passing from the woods on the enemy's right, across the road, and another advancing in front, Howard believing himself to be out of support, retired, followed by Washington. To these two regiments, (which were the seventy-first, which general Leslie had so judiciously conducted after the ignominious flight of the North Carolina militia, and the twenty-third, the right of Webster,) brigadier O'Hara, though grievously wounded, brought the remnant of the first battalion of guards, whom he in person rallied ; and, wilh the grenadiers, filled up the interval between the left and right wing. Webster, the moment Stuart appeared in the field, putting Ford to flight, recrossed the ravine and attacked Hawes's regiment of Vir ginia, supported by Kirkwood's company. The action was renewed in this quarter with vigour; the seventy-first and twenty-third, con nected in their centre by the first battalion and grenadiers of the guards, having at the same time moved upon Howard. Meanwhile the long impending contest upon the enemy's right continued with out intermission ; each of the combatants getting gradually nearer to the flanks of their respective armies, to close with which was the de sired object of both. At length lieutenant colonel Norton, with his battalion of guards, believing the regiment of Bose adequate to the contest, and close to the great road to which he had been constantly inclining, pressed forward to join the seventy-first. Relieved from this portion ofthe enemy, lieutenant colonel Lee dispensed with his cavalry, heretofore held in the rear to cover retreat in case of dis aster, ordering it to close with the left ofthe continental line, and there to act until it should receive further orders. Upon Bose the rifle and the legion infantry now turned wilh increased animation, and with confidence of success. Major De Buy, ofthe regiment' of Bose, continued to defend himself with obstinacy ; but pressed as he was by superior force, he at length gave ground, and fell back into the rear of Norton. Still anpoying him with the rifle corps under Campbell, Lee hastened with his infantry to rejoin his Cavalry upon the flank ofthe continentals, the point so long and vainly contended f " After passing through the guards into the open ground, Washington, who always led the van, perceived an officer surrouuded by several persons, appear ing to be aids-de-camp. Believing this to be. lord Cornwallis, he rushed on wilh the hope of making him prisoner, when be was arrested by an accident. His cap fell from his head, and as he leaped to the ground to recover it, the officer leading his column was shot througli the body and rendered incapable of managing his°horse. The horse wheeled round with his rider, and galloped off the field : he was followed by all the cavalry, who supposed this movement had been directed.'' — Marshall's Life of Washington. 1 t*(8 Memoirs of the War in the for. In his rout he found the battalion of guards under Norton in possession ofthe height first occupied by Lawson's brigade of Vir- ginia militia. With this corps, again the legion infantry renewed ac tion ; and supported by the van company of the riflemen, its rear still waiting upon Major De Buy, drove it back upon the regiment of Bose. Every ohstacle now removed, Lee pressed forward, fol lowed by Campbell, and joined bis horse close by Guilford court house. Having seen the flight ofthe second regiment of Maryland, pre ceded by that of the North Carolina militia — the corps of Lee sever ed from the army, and considering it, if not destroyed, at "feast thrown out of battle by Leslie's judicious seizure of the interval produced by the panic ofthe North Carolina militia, and in all pro bability notable to regain its station in tbe line — Greene, immutable in the resolution never to risk annihilation of his force, and advert ing to his scanty supply of ammunition. -determined, when he found all his personal eifforts seconded by colonels Williams and Carring ton to rally the second regiment of Maryland nugatory, to provide for retreat. Colonel Green, one ofthe bravest of brave soldiers, with his regiment of Virginia, was drawn off without having tasted of battle, and ordered to a given point in the rear for the security of this movement.* Hid general Greene known how severely his enemy was crippled, and that the corps under Lee had fought their way to his continental line, he would certainly have continued the conflict ; ahd in allprobability would have made it a drawn day, if not have secured to himself the victory Ignorant of these facts, and finding Webster returned to battle — O'Hara, with' his rallied guards in line — and general Leslie, with the seventy-first, connect ed with them on the right, and followed, as he well knew, by the remnant of his wing— he persevered in his resolution, and directed a retreat, which was performed deliberately under cover of colonel Green. General Huger, who had, throughout the action, given his chief attention to the regiment of Hawes's, the only one ofthe two, Constituting his brigade, ever engaged, and which, with Kirkwood's company, was still contending with lieutenant colonel Webster, now drew it off by order of the general ; while colonel Williams effect- ¦* Colonel Green was much dissatisfied with the general's selection of his re giment for ihis service, though esteemed among the most honourable — so anxious was the veteran officer to be led at once into keen conflict. When it was announced upon the first of the letreat, that the British were close advancing, he became better humoured ; but soon the pursuit was discon tinued, and his sourness returned. His friends would often console him by stat ing his selection as an evidence of the confidence reposed in him as a soldier. This would not satisfy, the colonel, who never failed to reply that he did not like such sort of distinction ; and he hoped the general would, upon the next oc; casion, attach to some other regiment the honour of covering his retreat. Get ting fo the general's ear, he took the first opportunity of telling the colonel, *hOoi he much esteemed and respected, lhat he had heard he did not relish the post assigned to his regiment the other day. No, that I did not, replied the old colonel. Well, rejoined Greene, be patient : you shall have ihe first blow the next time. This delighted him, and be always reckoned upon the promised boon wilh pleasure. Southern Department of the United States. 177 ed the same object in his quarter ; both abandoning our artillery, as their horses had been mostly killed ; and general Greene preferred leaving bis artillery, to risking the loss of lives in drawing them off by hand. Just after this had taken place, lieutenant colonel Lee joined his cavalry at the court-house ; and, unpursued, retired down the great Salisbury road, until a cross-road enabled him to pass over to the line of retreat. The seventy-first and twenty-third regi ments, supported by the cavalry of Tarleton, followed our army with the show of falling upon it ; but the British general soon re called them, and general Greene, undisturbed, was left to pursue his retreat. He halted first three miles from the field of battle, to collect stragglers and fugitives, and afterwards retired leisurely to his former position at the iron works. The pertinacity with which the rifle corps of Campbell and the legion infantry had maintained the battle on the enemy's right, in duced lord Cornwallis to detach the British horse to that quarter. The contest had long been ebbing before this corps arrived ; and lieutenant colonel Tarleton found only" a few resolute marksmen in the rear of Campbell, who continued firing from tree to tree. The appearance of cavalry determined these brave fellows to retire and overtake their corps. Thus the battle terminated. Itwas fought on the 15th of March, a day never to be forgotten by the southern section of the United States. The atmosphere calm, and illumined with a cloudless sun ; the season rather cold than cool ; the body braced, and the mind high toned by the state ofthe weather.- Great was the stake, wil ling were the generals* to put it to hazard, and their armies seemed to support with ardour the decision of their respective leaders, * Never did two generals exert themselves more than did these rival, leaders upon this occasion. Long withheld from each other by the sagacious conduct of Greene, until he acquired sufficient strength to risk battle, they seized with ar dour the opportunity at length presented of an appeal to the sword. Tbis deci sion was wise in both ; and every step taken by the one and by the other, as well in preparation for battle, as in the battle, demonstrated superior abilities. Greene's position was masterly, as was the ground selected for the combat pe culiarly adapted to his views and troops. .Cornwallis saw the difficulties thrown in his way by the skill of his antagonist, and diminished their weight by the dis position of his force, as far as it was practicable. Having done all that was pos sible to accomplish their purpose, no attention was omitted, no peril avoided in the course of the action, to produce the desired issue. They exposed their per sons, unconscious of danger, and self-devoted to national triumph. Upon one occasion Greene was nearly passed by a body of the enemy within thirty paces of-him, when major Pendleton, one of his aids, discovered them. Luckily a eopse of woods intervened, which covered Greene's return lo our line. .Soon afterwards Cornwallis, seeing the discomfiture of one battalion of the guards, repaired in person to direct the measures for the recovery of the lost ground ; when, by the dauntless exposure of himself, he was placed, in extreme danger. It was upon this occasion that he ordered his artillery to open through his flying guards, to stop Washington and Howard. Brigadier O'Hara remon- , s.trated, by exclaiming, that the fire would destroy themselves. " True," replied Cornwallis; " but this is a necessary evil which we must endure, to arrest im pending destruction.'' 23 178 Memoirs of the War in the The Britisb general fought against two to one ;* but he had great ly the advantage in tbe quality of his soldiers. General Greene's veteran infantry being only the first regiment of Maryland, the com pany of Delaware under Kirkwood, (to whom none could he supe rior) and the legion infantry ; all together making on lhat day not ' more than five hundred rank and file. The second regiment of Maryland and the,two regiments of Virginia were composed of raw iroops ; but their officers were veteran, and the soldier is soon made fit for battle by experienced commanders. Uniting these corps (o those recited, and the total (as per official return) amounted to one thousand four hundred and ninety ; so that even estimating onr old and new troops in one class, still our infantry was considerably less than his lordship's. The North Carolina militia, as has been seen, abandoned us; and we had only the Virginia militia and the rifle corps under colonel Campbell and colonel Lynch to balai.ce the enemy's superiority over our regular infantry. In artillery, the two armies were nearly equal, as they may be also considered in cavalry ; the superiority in number, on the part of the British being counter balanced by our excellence in quality. • v The slaughter was prodigious on the side of the enemy, making, in killed and wounded, nearly one third of his army. The official report states the loss to amount to five hundred and thirty-two men, of whom ninety-three were found dead on the field of battle. Lieutenant colonel Stuart, of the guards, and" lieutenant O'Hara, of the royal artillery, brother to the general, with many other offi cers, were killed. The brigadiers O'Hara and Howard, lieutenant colonels Webster and Tarlefon, the captains Stuart and Maynard, ] Goodryche, Mait- •Our field return, a few days before the action, rates Greene's ajrmy at four thousand four hundred and forty-nine, horse, foot and artillery ; of which, one thousand six hundred and seventy were continentals, tbe residue militia. The enemy rate ls at Upwards of five thousand. He is mistaken : we did not reach that number, though some rail us seven thousand. Lord Cornwallis's army engaged, is put down at one thousand four hundred and forty-nine infantry ; the cavalry has been generally estimated at three hun dred ; allowing the artillery to make two hundred, it will bring the British force nearly to two thousand; probably the real number at Guilford court-house. Lieutenant colonel Hamilton, with his own regiment, one hundred infantry of the line, and twenty dragoons, was left with the baggage sent off on the evening ofthe l-tth to Bell's mill. The Britisb force in toto may be put down at two thousand four hundred : one hundred less than it was when lord Cornwallis de stroyed his baggage at Ramsour's mill, notwithstanding the companies of infantiy raised while he lay at Hillsborough and other small accessions. See Appendix, S and S. t We shall here relate an anecdote of the late captain Maynard, of the guards. He was naturally of a cheerful disposition and great hilarity, and in several actions during the course ofthe war, he had shown great gallantry ; but a certain presentiment of his fate on the day of the action at Guilford possessed ' bis mind, which preseutiineut was too fatally realized. While the troops were marching to form the' line of battle, he became gloomy, and gave way to despon dency. Not less than two or three times did he tell colonel Norton, who com manded the battalion, that he felt himself very uncomfortable, and did not like the business at all. Colonel, now the honourable major general Norton, endea- Southern Department of the United States. 179 land, Schutz, Peter, and lord Dunglas, with several subalterns, were wounded; as we're captains Wjlmonsky and Eichenbrodt, of the re giment of Bose, with five subalterns. Our loss was very disproportionate ;* only fourteen officers and three hundred and twelve, rank and file, of ihe continental troops killed, wounded and missing.. As few prisoners were made, it is provable that those returned as mis-ing were killed. Among the first was major Anderson, of the regiment of, Maryland, much es teemed and highly regretted ; with captain — " — and three su balterns. Among the last was general linger, commanding the Vir ginia brigade. Oar loss of militia was still less. The four Captains * #-* * #* # # # * * * and seventeen privates killed ; brigadier Stevens, major ¦ three captains, eight subalterns, and sixty- privates, wounded. Ma ny were missing, as is always the case withSnilitia after battle ; but they generally are to be found safe at their own fire sides. General Greene, after reaching Troublesome creek, arrayed himself again for battle; so persuaded was he that the British general would fol-1 low up his blow, : i n rl si well satisfied with his own condition, though considerably reduced by tbe flight of the North Carolina militia, anil by the voluntary and customary return of portions of that from Virginia. But the enemy was in no condition to advance. Tbe name of victory was the sole enjoyment ofthe conqueror, tbe sub stance belonged to the vanquished. Truly did the eloquent Fox exclaim in the British house of commons, " Another such vic tory would destroy the British army." On no occasion, in any part of the world, was Britisb valour vouredto laugh him out of his melancholy ideas, but in vain; for even after, the cannonade began, he reiterated the forebodings of wliat he conceived was to happen Early in the action he received a wound in his leg. Unable to pro ceed, he requested Mr. Wilson, the adjutant of the guards, to lend him his horse, that he might ride on with the battalion ; and when in the act of mounting, another shot went througli his lungs, and incapacitated him from proceeding. After being conveyed in a litter to Wilmington, and there lingering a few days, he died of his wound, greatly regretted. — -Stedman. Similar instances of fatal presentiment are on record; among- them that of en quelque sort, de ses facultes ordinaires, tout a fait domin6 par un presenti ment fnneste." He was killed by a mistaken fire, from his own pickets, while in command of an advanced division of the French army, just previous to the battle of Lodi, in May 1796. A similar anecdote is related of sir Thomas Picton at tbe battle of Waterloo— Ed. * The disproportion irr loss on this day is readily to be accounted for We had great advantage in the ground, and were, sheltered in various points until the enemy approached very near; while he was uncovered, and exposed from his first step to his last. We had speut the previous day in ease, and the night in rest; he had beeo-preparing during the day, and marching part of the night. We were acquainted with wood and tree fighting ; he ignorant of both. And lastly, we were trained to take aim and fire low. he was not so trained ; and from this cause, or from the composition of his cartridge, (too much powder for the lead) he always overshot. ISO Memoirs of the War in the more heroically displayed. The officers of every grade did their duty ; and each corps surpassed its past, though arduous, exertions in this terrible conflict: But the advantage of ground, the weight of numbers, the skill of the general, and the determined courage of such portions of the American army as fought, presented obsta cles not to be surmounted by inferior force. So maimed was the British army, that notwithstanding the flight of the North Carolina militia, had the second regiment of Maryland acted like the first, little doubt can exist but that lord Cornwallis must have shared the fate on this day, which he experienced afterwards. Afflicting were the sensations of the British general when he looked into his own situation after the battle. Nearly a third of his force slaughtered ; many of his best officers killed or wounded ; and that victory for which'he had so long toiled, and at length gained, bringing in its train not one solitary benefit. No body of loyalists crowding around his standards ; no friendly convoys pouring in supplies ; his wants pressing, and his resources distant. The night succeeding this day of blood was rainy, dark and cold : the dead unburied, the wound ed, unsheltered, the groans of the dying, and the shrieks of the- living, cast a deeper shade over the gloom of nature. The victo rious troops, without tents and without food, participated in suffer ings which ihey could not relieve.* The ensuing morning was spent in performing the last offices to the dead, and in providing comfort for the wounded. In executing these sad duties, the Bri tish genenil regarded with equal attention, friends and foes. As soon as this service was over, he put his ariny in motion for New Garden, where his rearguard, with his baggage, met him. All his wounded, incapable of moving, (about seventy in number) he left to the humanity of general Greene. Here he issued a proclama tion, depicting in strong colours the splendid victory obtained by the British army on the 15th ; and calling upon the liege subjects of his Britannic majesty to come forward at this important juncture, and contribute their aid in completing the restoration of that happy government, not less the object of their hearts, than the guard of their lives and property. This done, his lordship proceeded on the 18th, by easy marches, to Cross creek ; the centre of the Highland settlement, and convenient to Wilmington, then in possession of major Craig, as before mentioned, and the depot of supplies for the royal army. The retreat of the British general evinced, unequivocally, his crippled condition. No consideration, but conviction of his inabili ty to improve the victory he bad gained, would have deterred a general less enterprising than lord Cornwallis, from giving full effect to the advantage his skill and courage had procured. Confident, * Fatigued as the British troops were, by a night march, and the late action, after a small rest they were employed in collecting the wounded of both armies, which were indiscriminately taken the best care of the situation would admit; but having no tents, and the houses being few, many of both armies were ne cessarily exposed to the deluge of rain, which fell during the night; and it was said, that not less than fifty died befoie morning. Southern Department of the United States. 181 as was general Greene, that his antagonist had suffered severely, he had riot conceived his situation to be so impotent as it now ap. peared to be. Prepared to renew the combat, had the enemy sought it, he now determined to pursue the reiiring foe, and bring him to action before he should gain his point of safety ;* but this resolution was unhappily for several days delayed through the want of" arhuiuuiiion, with which it was necessary first to supply himself. Iti the mean time he detached lieutenant colonel Lee with his le gion, and the militia rifle corps under Campbell, to hang upon the rear of the retreating general, lest the inhabitants of the region through which he passed might presume that our army had been rendered incapable of further resistance, and might flock to the royal standard. The advanced corps soop came up with the British army, which had proceeded very slowly, with a view of cherishing its numerous wounded by the collection of every comfort which the country afforded, as well as to avoid fatigue, which the debilitated state of the troops could not bear. Upon the appearance of the light troops, this system was in a degree abandoned ; lord Cornwallis conceiving it probable that the American army was not far in the rear, seeking battle, which his situation now made him anxious to avoid. At length he reached Ramsay's mill, on Deep river; where he halted a few days to renew his humane exertions for the com fort of his wounded, and to collect, if possible," provisions ; the country between this place and Cross creek being sterile and sparse ly settled. During this delay his lordship threw a bridge over the river, by which he might readily pass as he moved down on its northern bank. Nothing material occurred between the adverse van and rear corps ; nor did the British general even make any serious attempt to drive from his neighbourhood the corps of Lee ; so sorely did he continue to feel the effects of his dear bought victory. General Greene lost not a moment in moving from his camp on the Troublesome, after the arrival of his military stores ; and not withstanding" the inclemency of the weather and the deepness of * Nine o'ciocft, P. M. March 18/A, 1781, i Lieutenant colonel Lee — Dear Sir: I have this moment got your note. I am perfectly agreed with you in opinion, that to attack the enemy on their march will be best. I have written to colonel Williams to that purpose. It will be next to impossible to get the militia to send away their horses. They are so attached to this mode of carrying on the war, that they will not listen to any other. Frequent attempts have been made without effect. However, we can try the experiment : sound some of the more sensible on the subject. My letter must be short, as I write in pain, Your affectionate, &c. N. GREENE; 1 82 Memoirs of the War in the the roads, he pressed forward from day to day by forced marches ;* but interruptions, unavoidable, occasionally delayed bis progress. When tbe quarter master general assumed the duties of his station at Guilford court house, as has been before remarked, all that de partment of the army was entirely deranged ; and such had been the rapid succession of keen and active service, that with all his laborious application, he had not been able to introduce into full operation his own system, although he had contrived to afford the means of prompt motion to the army. New duties became, from the necessity of the case, connected with his department. Without money to purchase, the subsistence of the troops depended upon compulsory collection from the country through which the army marched ; and colonel Davie could with difficulty procure within one day enough for that day ; go that the general would be often obliged' to extend or contract his march to correspond with the fluc tuating supply of provisions. Our difficulties in this line were con siderably, increased, as the British army had preceded us ; and nothing. but the gleanings of an exhausted-country were left for our subsistence. To settlements which had from their distance escaped the British foraging parties, it became necessary for our commissa ry general to resort ; and the conveyance to camp of supply when collected, devolved upon the quarter master genera). Lieutenant colonel Carrington shrunk not from this new duty; and by his zeal and perseverence contributed greatly to remove an obstacle which bad not only retarded the advance of Greene, but sometimes menaced the necessity of a temporary separation of his troops, by detaching them to different districts for the procurement of food, Tbe usual method of providing magazines had been ne cessarily avoided, inasmuch as the enemy, heretofore our superior, would alone Jiave received the benefit of such anangement. Sur mounting all impediments, Greene at length approached Ramsay's mill ; but not until lord Cornwallis had completed his bridge. The American general, having informed lieutenant colonel Lee of Ihe delays to which he was subjected, with directions to obstruct the * Headquarters, 11 o'clock, March 21st, 1781. Lieutenant colonel Lee — Dear Sir : Your letter dated at New Garden, yesterday, has this moment come to hand. Our army inarched yesterday in the direct route for Magee'e Ordinary, near the head waters of Rocky river, which will be twelve miles from Bell's mill. We expect to get about two or three miles beyond Passley to night. We have got. provisions to draw, cartridges to make, and several other matters to attend to, which will oblige us to halt a little earlier than comtnon. I beg you will try to forward me the best intelligence you can get of the ene my's situation this morning, and whether they move or not. I mean to fight the enemy again, and wish you to have your legion and rifle men ready for action on the shortest notice. If in the mean time you can at tempt any thing which promises an advantage, put it in execution. Lord Corn wallis must be soundly beaten before he will relinquish his hold. I am, dear sir, &c. NATHANIEL GREENE. Southern Department of the United States. 183 completion of the bridge, if practicable, — that officer moved from the rear of the enemy in the night, and taking a circuitous route, passed the river ten miles above the British position, with a deter mination to dislodge the party stationed on its western side for the protection of that head of the bridge. This enterprise wasdeemed of easy execution ; as both the celerity of the movement and the darkness ofthe night prevented bis lordship penetrating the design, and as only two hundred men under a major constituted the guard. "Defeating this body by a sudden blow, we might have, in a little time, by axes and fire, so far damaged the work, ag to have produced one day's fuither halt, which would have afforded general Greene sufficient time to come up. But well timed as the march of the light corps was, which with much alacrity moved upon the detach ment, the major having been reinforced in the course of the night, produced the abandonment of the enterprise. On the subsequent day the British general decamped ; and passing the river, took the route towards "Cross creek. The legion of Lee, with the rifle . corps of Campbell, entering into his late camp as the rear guard drew off, prevented the destruction of the bridge. On the subse quent day, the 28th, general Greene reached Ramsay's mill ; hav ing failed in his anxious wish to bring the British general to action, in consequence of waiting for ammunition, and the difficulty with which subsistence was obtained. It was in vain to persevere in pursuit, as the country through which the British general marched, until he reached CrOss creek settlement, was so barren and thinly settled as to forbid every hope of obtaining the requisite supplies. Dismissing all his militia, ex cept a small corps from North Carolina, Greene took the decision of reposing his wearied troops in this position, and preparing for the renewal of active service by arrangements tending to secure adequate subsistence. The campaign so far presents the undulation common to tvar. It opened with the victory of the Cowpens.-^-an event very propi tious to the United States, which was followed by our perilous re treat through North Carolina, when for many days the fate of Greene and his army hung in mournful suspense ; and after a grand display of military science in marches, countermarches and posi tions, in consequence of the bold return of the American army into North Carolina, concluded with our defeat at Guilford court house. Replenished in military stores, grown stronger by defeat, and bolder from disaster, the American general is now seen seeking with keener -appetite a renewal of the conflict, while the British conqueror seduousiy and successfully avoids it. During this trying period, which closely occupied the respective generals, the claims of humanity were not unattended to. The establishment of a cartel, to operate as occasion might require, had long engaged the heart of Greene, and was not unacceptable to Cornwallis. Tbe first was actuated, not only by his disposition to restore to their country our many prisoners, but to cancel obli gations, which the inhabitants of the southern states deemed bind- 184 Memoirs of the War in the ing, though subversive of the duty which every citizen owes to his country. " In the course of Britisb success in South Carolio,), a usage prevailed of taking the paroles ofthe inhabitants in the man ner practised often with commissioned officers when prisoners. In consequence of this custom, the whole population in the conquered states continuing at home, Because incapacitated from serving against tbe enemy : a condition so agreeable to the harassed, the wavering, and the timid, as to be sought with solicitude, and preserved with zeal. Greene determined in his negotiations for the exchange of prisoners to abrogate obligations resulting from a practice entirely inadmissable. He consequently instructed his Commissioner, lieu tenant colonel Carrington-, to repel the recognition of this perni cious and unwarrantable usage, by urging the incapability of an in dividual to renounce his social obligations by contract with the en emy, unless sanctioned by a public officer. The honourable cap. tain Broderick, aid-de camp to earl Cornwallis, being appointed on the part of his lordship, met Carrington on the 12th of March; when, after comparing their credentials, the object of the meeting was taken up. It was soon discerned, that the article respecting private paroles, enjoined on his commissioner by general Greene, had introduced an unexpected principle ; and being not contempla ted by the British commander, his commissioner was not prepared to decide upon it. Carrington and Broderick agreed, therefore to separate for the present, and to meet again as soon as lord Cornwallis should make up his decision upon the proposition submitted. The battle of Guilford following three days after, the negotiation became postponed ; nor was it resumed until the litter end of April; when lieutenant colonel Carrington, and captain Cornwallis, ofthe thirty-third, (substituted for Broderick) entered upon it with a dis position, by mutual concessions, to conclude the long spun discus sion. It was, after some time, happily accomplished ; Carrington having engrafted in the cartel the following clause : " That no non commissioned officer or private, admitted to parole, shall be consi dered as a prisoner of war, but finally liberated, unless admitted, to such parole on the faith of some commissioned officer." The proceedings of the commissioners were ratified by the respective generals, and a general exchange of prisoners soon after took place. i Lord Cornwallis halted at Cross creek, where staying a few days,; the friendly Highland settlement zealously contributed from its small stock, every thing necessary for his army which the district afford-;, edi Decamping, he proceeded to Wilmington ; to which place he was obliged lo go contrary to his original. plan ; because be found the country about Cross creek too poor to subsist him-; and because his troops were suffering for many necessaries to be obtained only in his abundant magazines at Wilmington. During the march from Cross creek, several of the British offi cers died of their wounds received at Guilford courthouse. Among them were lieutenant colonel Webster, of the thirty-third, and Southern Department of the United States. 185 captain Waynard, * of the guards. The first escaped, as we have before seen, unhurt, when crossing the Reedy fork on horse back, in face of a chosen party of marksmen, devoting their undivided attention to his destruction ; and the last was that officer, who, by- his conversation with his commandant, lieutenant colonel Norton, on the eve of the battle, so strongly manifested a presentiment of his fate To be first among the officers in the army under lord Cornwallis, must be admitted to be no slight distinction ; and this station had been long assigned with one voice to the gallant Webster. To this superiority in arms was combined the winning amiability which virtue in heart, and virtue in habit, never fail to produce, especially when united to the embellishment of literature and the manners of polished life. Such a loss was deeply and sincerely deplor ed. His body whs committed to the grave with every honour and attention, accompanied with tears of admiration and affection, in. the small village of Elizabethtown, where he died. Lieutenant colonel Tarleton, in his Campaigns, very handsomely depicts'his worth, when he declares, that he "united all the vir tues of civil life, to tbe gallantry and professional knowledge of a soldier ;" and lord Cornwallis has left an imperishable monument in his letter to the father of the deceased, (so long as the tenderest .feeling of sorrow, expressed in language which can only flow from the heart, shall be admired) of his unrivalled respect for the de parted hero :— " it gives me great concern to undertake a task, which is not only a bitter renewal of my own grief, but must be a violent shock to an affectionate parent. " You have for your support, the assistance of religion, good sense, and the experience of the uncertainty of human happiness. You have for your satisfaction, that your son fell nobly in the cause of his country, honoured and lamented by all his fellow soldiers ; that he led a life of honour and virtue, which must secure to him everlasting happiness. "When the keen sensibility of the passions begin to subside, these considerations will give you real comfort. That the Almighty may give yOu fortitude to bear this severest of strokes, is the ear nest wish of your companion in affliction." j, All who know the value of friendship will feel in their own breasts how much lord Cornwallis must have been affected by the loss of Webster. Bred up under him, the lieutenant colonel commandant ofthe thirty-third (Cornwallis's regiment,) every opportunity, with full time, had, been afforded for thorough mutual understanding of character. Alike virtuous, amiable and intrepid, mutual affection had reared upon the foundation of their hearts a temple sacred to honour and to friendship. Throughout six campaigns the public service derived from lieu tenant colonel Webster those signal benefits which never fail to result from the friendship of men high iii station and in genius. Introduc- * Stedman says captain M. died at Wilmington. See note, p. 356 ante, 24 .—Ed, 186 Memoirs of the War in the ed by his illustrious friend to posts of difficulty and consequence, he dre v upon himself, by his exemplary discharge of duty, universal admiration. At Quibbletown, in New Jersey, during tbe eventful winter of 1176 — 7, he commanded on the line of communication be tween Brunswick and New- York, and preserved it safe in spite of the -many attempts to break up his defences. In 1779 he had charge of the post at Verplank's Point : which was comprehended in gene ral Washington's plan of operations, when Stony Point was carried, On the ensuing morning the batteries from this eminence, overlook ing Webster, were turned upon him, and afforded an unexpected and weighty assistance to the assailant. Nevertheless, such was the circumspection and sagacity with which he had taken his measures, that after a close examination of his situation, it was deemed advisa ble to withdraw our force, though ready for assault. In the yet bleeding disaster of Camden, Webster commanded the right wing ofthe enemy's army ; exhibiting with splendid success the presence of mind, and the discriminating judgment, for which he was conspicuous. And in the late, his last field, he commanded the left wing, and upheld, in full lustre, his eminent fame. Lord Cornwallis arrived at Wilmington on the 7th of April, where he found major Craig with his small garrison — perfectly secure, by his judicious defences, from injury or insult, and holding in his care abundant magazines, yielding not only every implement necessary for the farther prosecution of the campaign, but affording in profu sion all the comforts of food, raiment and liquor, to his worn and faithful troops. Indulging himself yet with the hope that his expul sion of Greene out of that state, followed up by his victory at Guil ford court house, would rouse into action his numerous friends, he continued to urge, by every inducement, the consummation of his wishes. But, taught by the correction of experience, deliberation and caution, the loyalists could not be induced to unite in the British construction of the events of the campaign. They knew that, though driven out ofthe state, general Greene had speedily return ed ; they knew that, though vanquished af Guilford court-house, he had shortly turned upon his enemy ; and they were not strangers to the eager pursuit arrested but a fen days past by the impractica bility of procuring subsistence. With these truths before them, self-love forced the repression of; their zeal ; and the unceasing vigilance of government* confirmed * The British writers speak in very severe terms of the cruelties inflicted by the 6tate authorities, and individuals unchecked by government, on the loyalists. The state government was not cruel, although extremely vigilant ; and this stig- , ma being unfounded, ought to be repelled. I select two of the many presumed illustrations, which might be produced, of this erroneous, though accrsdited, ac cusation. Mr. Stedman tells us, that in the course of his duty he fell in with > very sensible quaker in North Carolina, "who being interrogated about the state of tbe country, replied, that it was the general wish of the people to ta united to Britain ; but as they had been so often deceived hi promises of support, and the British had so frequently relinquished posts, the people were now afraid to join the British army; lest they should leave the province ; in which case trr« resentment of the revolulioner6 would be exercised with more cruelty : — that al» ] Southern Department of the United States. 187 the salutary decision. The British general found himself complete ly disappointed, after all his toil and all his danger. They would though they might escape or go with the army, yet such was the diabolical con duct of the people, that they would inflict the severest punishment upon their families. Perhaps, saia the quaker, thou art not acquainted with the conduct of thy enemies towards those who wish well to the cause thou art engaged in. Theie are some who have lived for two and e-ven thiee years in the woods with out daring to go to their houses, but have been secretly suppojled by their farm- lies. Others, having; walked out of their houses on a promise of their being safe, have proceeded but a few yards before they have been shot. Others have been tied to a tree and severely whipped. I will tell thee of one instance of cruelty. A party surrounded the house of a loyalist; a few entered j the mau and it is wife were in bed : the husband was shot dead by the side of his wife. The wri ter of this replied, that those circumstances were horrid j but under what govern ment could they be so happy as by enjoying the privileges of Englishmen. True, said the quaker; but the people have experienced such distress, that I believe they would submit to any government in the world to obtain peace." Mr. Sted man assures us that his friend, the quaker, was a man of irreproachable man ners, aud well known as such to some gentlemen of the British army. But to confirm this tale, he adds another, which he states as known lo the whole army. " A gentleman, still residing in North Carolina, and therefore his name ia con cealed, reported that the day before the British army reached Cross creek, a man bent wilh age joined it. He had scarcely the appearance of being* human. He wore the skin of a racoon for his hat, his beard was same inches long, and he vas so thin that he looked as if he had made his escape from Surgeon's hall. He wore no shirt ; his whole dress being skins of different animals. On the morning after, when this distressed man came to draw his provisions, Mr. Price, the de puty muster master general ofthe provincial forces, and the commissary, asked him several questions. He said that he had lived for three years iu the woods, under ground ; that he had been frequently sought after by the Americans, and was certain of instant death whenever he should be taken. That he supported himself by what he got in the woods; that acorns served him for bread; that they had from long use become agreeable to him. That he had a family, some of whom, once or twice in the year, came to him in the woods. That his only crime was being a loyalist, and having given offence to one ofthe republican lead ers in that part of the country where he used to reside.9' It excites in my mind all the surprise which Mr. Stedman must have felt when he heard these tales, on reading them from his pen. He believed in their truth, I am sure, or he would not have recorded them ; yet it seems ta me, to require a stock of credulity not common to soldiers to have seriously regarded either the quaker or the escaped tenant from Surgeon's hall. Suppose Mr. Stedman had doubted for a moment, and the odd tale warranted at least a pause before belief; suppose iu this moment of doubt he had asked the quaker, ''How came it, that when for two years we have had a post at Camden, and for months another at Cheraw hills, (both convenient to the district in which Mr. Stedman held this conversation ;) that last year the British head-quarters were at Chailotte, and this year lord Cornwallis had traversed the state ; how came it that the outly ing, maltreated loyalists did not resort to ohe of the points of safety so near to them? The same patience and caution which secured them from discovery, lying out in the woods for years, could not have failed to secure safe passage to some one of our posts, which required but a few days.'' To this query the quaker would have replied, "Why really, friend, I cannot say; but I assure thee, that I have told thee precisely what was currently re ported.1' If further pressed, the sensible quaker would have added, "I never believed it myself; and I wonder how thou canst take it so seriously." There is a feature iu the quaker's tale, which lieutenant colonel Webster would not have misunderstood, had the conversation been- addressed to him. It is his bitter sarcasm on British operations, when accounting for the cautious con- 188 Memoirs of the War in the occasionally visit his camp, and renew their protestations of attach ment ; but no additional regiment could be formed ; nor could even Hamilton's North Carolina corps, with all his address and influence, be restored to its complement ; so unpropitious in the opinion of the loyalists had been the result of the late active and sanguinary operations. While the British array was enjoying the stores which the provi. dence of its leader had prepared for its use, general Greene con tinued in his camp at Ramsay's mill. Equally affectionate and «qual- duct of the loyalists. He speaks of "deception in promise," and " relinquish ment of posts." Mr. Stedman seems to have given no attention to this just ad monition; but is entirely engrossed with the accusation levelled against the American people; which was nothing more than a report ; as the quaker does not say, (the interrogation being omitted by Mr. Stedman,) lhat he knew any of the particulars stated by him, from his own knowledge. It appears evident to me, that the defamation was only meant as a pleasing supplement to the philip pic he had ventured to pronounce against tbe conduct of the war. The quaker goes on to add, that a husband was shot in bed wilh his wife. Such a thing is possible, but very improbable, and entirely repugnant to the American character, which is tender and respectful to ths fair sex. It would not have been difficult for the party to have taken the individual off to a fit place for their purpose, and thus to have spared their own as well as the feelings of ari" innocent woman. But here again we find the quaker does not assert it from his own knowledge; and yet it is ushered to the world as a truth. To a Briton, who should accredit this fable, I answer, that we are descended with his countrymen from one stock ; that he would not believe such stuff told upon an Englishman, and that be ought not to believe it when applied to an American. We have not degenerated by transplantation, notwithstanding Mr. Buflfon's reveries, as our short history testi fies. The second anecdote fits so exactly the first, that I should treat it as a fabri cation, made to aid the quaker, but for my just respect for the character ol Mr. Stedman. Considering it as a real occurrence, I have no doubt but that the un happy being was deranged. Recollect that he joined the army the day before it reached Cross creek, the centre of an extensive settlement of Highlanders, by Mr. Stedman's own authority devoted to the royal cause. His weak state of body forbad long travel ; and his singular dress exposed him to notice and detec tion if his journey to camp had been from a distance. It clearly results that the Surgeon's 'hall tenant had been in the vicinity or iu the midst of the Highland set tlement; and yet from lunacy, I presume, he preferred the solitude of a cavern and the food of acorns to the hospitable fare which distressed loyalists were sure to receive from the Highland emigrants. Who can believe that a being Ihus acting possessed his senses? No rational unprejudiced man can so believe. But why did not Mr. Stedman give us the name and place of residence of this miserable? Secrecy in this case was un necessary ; and the fallacy of the accusation might readily have been con fronted wilh legal testimony. The fact is, that the constitution of the southern people is warmer than th*rt -of their northern brethren, or of their late enemy ; consequently the w-rr in some pruts of Georgia and the Carolinas was conducted with great bitterness among the inhabitants, and some tragical scenes- took place on both sides. These n ere, however, confined to a few neighbourhoods, and to a few instances: Bui the demeanor of the mass of tire people was kind and for giving, the policy, of congress a nri of the state governments humane, and the con duct of the army amiable. Seldom, during the war, was even retaliation resort ed to, though rtflen menaced ; and suely it cannot be pretended that we had not ample opportunity to gratify such menace, if it had comported wilh our disposi tion. This discussion proceeds-front a desire to vindicate Ihe national character from unjust detraction. Southern Department of the United States. 189 ly provident, he could not present to his much loved troops refit ments and iefreshments so much wanted. No magazines were open ed for our accommodation ; rest to our wearied limbs was the only boon within bis gift. Our tattered garments could not be exchanged ; nor could our worn-out shoes be replaced. The exhilarating cor dial was not within his reach, nor wholesome provision in abundance vrithin his grasp The meager beef of the pine barrens, with corn ash. cake, was our food, and water our drink ; yet we were content ; we were more than content — we were happy. The improved coa- ditTim ofthe South, effected by our efforts, had bestowed the solace of inward satisfaction on our review ofthe past ; and experience of the lofty genius of our beloved leader, encouraged proud anticipa tions of the future. CHAPTER XXVIII. JLT 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 rich est though weakest division. In pursuance of this system, the breaking up of Virginia wag deemed of primary importance, and to this object sir Henry Clinton devoted all his disposable force It will be remembered, that gen eral Mathews, with a small detachment, in 1779, laid waste the sea board of the state ; destroying, or transporting to New York, a large quantity of naval and military stores, besides private proper ty ; and that a subsequent expedition under major general Leslie had taken place, which was soon abandoned, in consequence of the derangement which occurred in the plans of lord Cornwallis by the defeat and death of lieutenant colonel Ferguson. The British commander in chief, pursuing steadily this favourite object, prepared, as soon as it was practicable, a third expedition' for that devoted country. It consisted only of one thousand six hundred men, and was placed under the direction of brigadier gen eral Arnold ; who, preferring wealth with ignominy, to poverty with honour, had lately deserted from the service of bis country, having been detected in the infamous attempt to betray West Point, with the care of which fortress he was then entrusted. The ob ject being devastation and plunder, shr Henry Clinton could not have made a more appropriate selection : but when we consider the nice feelings inherent in soldiership, he ran no inconsiderable risk of alienating the affections of his army, by honouring a traitor, with the command of British troops. Mortifying as was this ap pointment to many, it seems that the British officers determined to submit in silence, lest their opposition might delay, if not prevent, an pxpedition deemed necessary by their commander in chief. Ar nold, foul with treason to his country, and with treachery to his J 90 Memoirs of the War in the 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 Virginia. He was accidentally withdrawn from surrounding conspirators ready, on the night of that very day, to seize his person, and convey him across the North river to Hoboken, where they would have been met by a detach ment of dragoons, for the purpose of conveying the traitor to head quarters. Thomas Jefferson still continued at the head of the gov ernment : a gentleman who had taken an early and distinguished part in the revolution, highly respected for his literary accomplish ments, and as highly esteemed for his amiability and modesty. Gen eral 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 neither the governor nor the baron seems to have acted under this communication, presuming, probably, that the detachment making ready in New York was destined for South Carolina, to reinforce the British force under lord Cornwal lis. It would 'appear, that a due recollection of the preceding at tempts 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 gen eral 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 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 tedious passage, it reached the Chesapeake on the 30th, when was felt the fatal effect of omitting timely preparations 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 Peters burg, the depot for the southern army, to be the object, hastened bis 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 confluence of the Apporoatox 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 collec tion of articles of value in spots so accessible. As soon, therefore, ¦ Southern Department of the United States. 191 as the governor and general learned that the squadron had cast anchor in Hampton Roads, (however hope may heretofore have prevailed over vigilance,) due reflection would have shown, that Richmond or Petersburg, or both, were the probable destination of this small armament, more formidable from the suddenness of its approach, than its force. It is true that the honourable and con tinued efforts to support the southern states, had exhausted much ot the resources of Virginia ; yet she possessed enough, more than enough, to have sustained the struggle for their restoration, and to have crushed any predatory adventure like lhat conducted 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 re cover lost ground, when the required force becomes ready, com pels resort to hazardous enterprise, sometimes ruinous by disap pointment, always debilitating by the prodigal expense oi bipod and treasure. Upon this occasion, tbe celerity ofthe enemy's advance, however unequivocally it exemplified the first, furnished no illustration of the last part of the remark. On the fourth of January, Arnold debarked at Westover, the seat of Mrs. Byrd, relict of colonel Byrd, the honourable associate of Washington, in defence of the frontiers of Virginia against the In dian enemy, then guided and aided by France. This step, though indecisive, from the facility with which the conveyance derived from naval co-operation admitted him to withdraw 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 ascertained, 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 Chesa peake bay, had left them, the archives of the state, its reputation, an its singularity, of relation. Between two and three in the morning, the officer of the day was informed that a strange noisehad been heard in front ofthe piquet, stationed on the great road near the creek, resembling that occa sioned by men moving through a swamp. * Lord Cornwallis was exceedingly perplexed in making up his decision, and at length took the course which risked al] to gain all, and, as generally hap pens, he lost all. Thus it often occurs in war. The great Frederic of Prussia committed the same error before Prague, when he attempted to force the in trenched camp of marshal Drum, and afterwards at Cunnersdorf against the Russians and marshal Lauddhn. Once the resolution to follow Greene was Dot only adopted but in execution, a portion of the British army having passed to the southern bnnl<9 of Cape Fear. This decision being soon after changed, the troops were recalled. t Lord Cornwallis to sir H. Clinton, April 24th, and to lord G. Germain, and general Phillips, 23d —Ed. Southern Department of the United States. 215 Presently, and towards that quarter, a sentinel fired, which was followed by the sound of the bugle calling in the horse patroles, as was ihe custom on the approach ofthe enemy. The troops were immediately summoned to anus, and arrayed for defence. The of ficer of the day reported very particularly every thing which had pissed, adding that several ofthe sentinels and one patrole concur red in asserting, that they heard plainly the progress of horsemen, concealing with the utmost care their advance. Never was a more perplexing moment : yet, knowing as lieutenant colonel Lee did, that no enemy could be near him. unless lord Cornwallis, divining 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 ima gination, which sometimes leads the most serene and circumspect into error. In a few moments in a different quarter of our position, another sentinel fired, aud soon aftei wards the same report, from that point, wa9 made, as had just been received from the other. Ap pearances 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 ofthe troops was made to correspond wilh this last annunciation ofthe enemy's approach. This was not completed before, in a different direction, we beard the discharge of a third sentinel. Now the most excruciating sen sations 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 ofthe 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 tiaversed the major segment of our position, 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 understood his object. He had reconnoitred with penetration and perseverance, and had ultimately placed himself in the very spot most certainly promising success. To attempt to regain Deep river was idle; if practicable ; fpr Greene must now be two or three day's march towards Camden, 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 days' march from us. The review of our situation admitted.but one con clusion— that hope of aid could not be indulged, and that we must fely upon ourselves^ only. Braye soldiers can always be safely 216 Memoirs of the War in the 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 fiud all that was desirable. To the cavalry he briefly communicated the dangers which surrounded us, mingled with expressions of his tho rough 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 rehx 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, pursuing the route to the Pedee. The van officer, pro ceeding a few hundred yards, now got up to the sentinel who had fired last, and received from him the same account so often given before. The enigma still remained unexplained, 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 bis 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 lo 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 circuit until they reached the great road from which they had been originally turned. Our agitation vanished, and was succeeded by facetious glee. No where do wit and humour 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 humour, interspersed with innocent flashes of wit. For a time the restraint of discipline ceased. Every character, not excepting the comman dant's, was hit ; and very salutary counsel was often imparted under cover of a joke. Each considered himself a dupe, all laughing at a credulity, any attempt to remove which, during the scene, would have been treated as insulting temerity. The piquets, the patroles, the sentinels, and the officer of the day, were marked as the pecu liar objects of derision. Wonderful that not one of the maDy could distinguish between the movement of wolves and soldiers! They were charged with disgraceful ignorance, shameful stupor, border ing 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 Southern Department of the United States. 217 general verdict was against them. Reaching a settlement, the corps halted, and for a while the remembrance of the ludicrous occur rence of the night yielded to the solicitude of every one to provide his breakfast. Here what had passed was imparted to the inhabitants, and the unintelligible adventure was very satisfactorily solved. We were informed that there had been in the field where the corps had en camped 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 conients became putrid : the wild beasts soon prolitted 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 solici tude to find access to their nightly repast. This was what had been termed " acute reconnoitring," and " an enemy in force, well, understanding his own views." Such is frail man, in war as well as in peace, subject to be imposed upon by his own conceits, notwithstanding the remonstran ces 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 for defence, and that il was possible, though improbable, for the British general to have been adyised 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 tbe 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 supplied 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 14th of April, Lee joined the general. These military friends bad not before met since their wiredrawn expedition against Georgetown, and very cordially rejoiced at be ing again united in the great attempt of wresting South Carolina from the enemy. The letter from the general, enclosing his plan of operations, was delivered to the brigadier, and the references to lieutenant colonel Lee fully explained. The evening; was devoted to repose, and on the next day the two corps quitted the dark and favourite recess, for the execution of the trust confided to them. During their separation, many had been the vicissitudes pro duced 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 218 Memoirs of the War in the Carolina and Georgia to the Union became the avowed, as it had before been the meditated, object of the American general. Embol dened by the effect of that well fought day, he no longer veiled in the mysteries of war his object, but openly disclosed the end to which all his toils and perils pointed. North Carolina became en couraged, by finding that her safety was not now considered pre carious, and that the contest turned, not upon her defence, but up on the expulsion of the common enemy from her southern neigh bours. The etherial spirit which had animated Marion, Sumter, and Pickens,, and year after year had sustained, through their ex ample and efforts, the unequal conflict, had been long subsiding. Enthusiasm is short-lived ; and is soon succeeded by apathy, which deadens vigorous exertion as fully as the former promotes it. In this state of dejection was the country when Greene entered South Carolina. Lord Rawdon, well apprised of the feelings of the people, adopted measures to give a finishing blow to further resistance. Beginning with the eastern quarter ofthe state, where opposition was still sustained by Marion, Rawdon detached lieuten ant colonel Walson, 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 Camden 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 endeavouring 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 tbe Pedee, — an enterprise 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 ©n the evening of the 15th, Marion and Lee took a position 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 in formation received, that the garrison 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 and ef fectually secluded. In a very few hours the customary mode of sup plying the post with water was completely stopped ; and had the in formation feceived been correct, a surrender ofthe garrison could not have been long delayed. The ground selected by colonel Wat son for his small stockade, was an Indian mount, generally conceived to be the cemetery of the tribe inhabiting the circumjacent re gion : 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 procuring water, for Southern Department of the United States. 219 which purpose he immediately cut a trench secured by abbatis from his fosse to the river, which passed close to the Indian mount. Baffled in their expectation, and destitute both of artillery and in trenching tools, Marion and Lee despaired of success ; when major Maham, of South Carolina, accompanying the brigadier, suggested a plan, which was no sooner communicated than adopted. He proposed to cut down a number of suitable trees in the nearest Wood, and with them to erect a large strong oblong pen, to be cov ered on the top with a floor of logs, and protected on the side op posite to the fort with a breast work 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 labour ; some to cut, some to convey, and some to erect. Major Maham undertook the ex ecution of his plan, which was completely finished before the morning of the 23d, effective as to the object, and honourable to the genius of the inventor. The besieged was, like the besieger, unprovided with artillery, and could not interrupt the progress of a work, the completion of which must produce immediate submission. A party of riflemen, being ready, took post in the Maham 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, supported by the legion infantry with fixed bayonets. Such was the effect of the fire from the riflemen, having thorough com mand of every part of the fort, from the relative supereminence ofthe 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 proposal to surrender, which is sued in a capitulation. This, incipient operation having been hap pily effected by the novel and effectual device of major Maham, to whom the commandants very gratefully expressed their acknowl edgment, 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 col onel Watson, now advancing from below to relieve his garrison. Knowing that the fall of Camden was closely connected with the destruction of Watson, the American commandants viewed with de light his approach ; and having disposed of the prisoners, moved to join the cavalry, now retiring in front of the enemy. General Greene broke up from Ramsay's mills on the 7th of April, the day alter he had detached Lee to join Marion ; and de termined to approach Camden with a celerity which would preclude the British general from being apprised of his movement until the appearance of his army announced it. In this expectation, not withstanding his pressing endeavours, he was disappointed. The country through which he marched was barren, its settlements few, the produce of the soil scanty, and the inhabitants disaffected. • Being obliged to depend upon himself for subsistence, always difficult to be procured from the inadequacy of the annual products, and rendered more so by the concealment of part of the little made, 220 Memoirs of the War in the (from hostility to the American cause, or from the natural and powerful claim of securing sustenance at home) general Greene did not reach the neighbourhood of Camden 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 hundred horse and foot, the army when arrived before Camden, exclusive of a small body of North Carolina militia, cannot be estimated at more than one thousand five hundred. Here the American general confidently expected to be joined by brigadier Sumter, in consequence of his instructions to that officer 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 Cam den was certain, and the destruction of Rawdon and his army pro bable Brigadier Sumter 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 Camden, under lieutenant colonel Watson ; who, as be fore mentioned, was low down the eastern quarter of the state. General Greene, not having adequate force to invest Camden, placed himself before it ; not doubting that, by depriving the gar rison of its usual supplies from the country, he should compel the British general to withdraw ; when he flattered himself opportuni ties would occur for striking him in detail, until reinforced by the junction of Marion, Lee, and Sumter; after which he might fall upon his retreating enemy, with well grounded expectation of de cisive success Severed as Watson was from Camden, Rawdon's effective force was not more than nine hundred men ; nor was there any possibil ity of adding to this force but by the safe return of lieutenant colo nel Watson, to whom lord Rawdon despatched a courb-r as soon as he was informed of general Greene's approach, communicating that event, and requiring his immediate junction. Informed of the union of the corps under iVarion and Lee, and of their advance upon Fort Watson, with the situation of Watson, then returning towards Camden on the north side of the Santee, Greene deter mined to change his position from the north to the east side of Camden ; by which movement he could readily bring to him Marion and Lee, if circumstances should demand it, and more effectually oppose the junction of Watson, should he force or elude the corps below. This change of position could not be effected without 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 of every incumbrance, and by a ra pid movement on the direct route through the swamps, to gain his Southern Department of the United States. 221 desired position on the road leading from Camden to Nelson's ferry. With this view he placed in charge of the quarter master general" lieutenant colonel Carrington, his baggage and artillery ; directing that officer to retire to the strong country north of Lynch's creek, putting himself with his small detachment safe from any practicable attempt to break him up This being done, general Greene assum ed bis desired position on the east of Camden ; where his commu nication with Marion and Lee being direct, he soon was informed of their condition, and the situation of Watson. With pleasure he heard that the operations against Fort Watson were advancing to a close, with the prospects of certain success ; and that not only the legion cavalry had been detached to attend the movements of lieutenant colonel Watson, but that a strong pass on the route of the British officer had been occupied with a de tachment of infantry, to which place the whole corps would hasten, the moment the garrison of Fort Watson submitted, an event which was soon expected. Finding that the approach of Watson could not speedily take place, if at all ; and not doubtingbut that by this time brigadier Sumter must be in the vicinity of Camden ; 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 lieutenant colonel Carrington, to rejoin him with celerity. Within a small distance of Camden, on the Waxhaw's road, is Hobkick's hill, the position selected by general Greene af ter repassing' Sandhill creek ; not only from its being on the route prescribed for the rejunction of Carrington, and most convenient to the union with Sumter, but because the ground gave advantages in case of battle ; which, though not presumed upon, was nevertheless always to be kept in view Regarding this consideration, the Ame rican army decamped in order of battle. The regulars composed one line, with th'>ir centre on the road ; the militia, amounting to two hundred and fifty, with the cavalry, form ed the reserve, in a suitable distance in the rear. Strong piquets were posted in front, aided by the customary patroles ranging in front and on the flanks. Thus prepared for whatever might happen, the American army lay waiting for the expected return of Carrington, and the much desired junction of Sumter. On the 24tb, Greene was officially informed of the surrender of Fort Watson ; and in lhr> 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 regi ments 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 Gieene with accuracy ; and. informed his lordship, that as yet the detachment under lieutenant colonel Carrington, with the artillery, &c. had not joined, nor had Greene been reinforced by Sumter, or any other corps.. 222 Memoirs of the War in the Already straitened for provisions, and despairing of succour, this enterprising young soldier resolved to risk battle at once ; confident that every day would strengthen bis adversary, and consequently di minish his chance of victory, (without which not only the evacua tion of Camden must ensue, but with it might follow the destruction of his army) and hoping that he would find Greene destitute of artil lery, conformably to the information just derived fromthe drummer. Giving orders for his troops to make ready, and placing Camden in charge ofthe convalescents, he advanced at nine in the morning of the . 25th, with nine hundred men only, of every description. Avoiding the direct approach to his enemy, he took a circuitous 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 uninterrupt ed wood, the WaxhawYroad running directly through it; his army resting with its left upon the swamp of Pine-tree creek, where the ridge or eminence 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 undiscovered approach was not so encouraging. Therefore lord Rawdon preferred 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 comfortable 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 bad been for some days past impracticable. Absorbed in these employments, the period was very propitious to the enemy's object. His advance was never discovered un*il his van fell upon our piquets. The two in front, commanded by cap tain Benson of Maryland, and captain Morgan of Virginia, received him handsomely ; and, retiring in order, disputed bravely every inch of ground, supported by Kirkwood with the remains of the Delaware regiment. This rencontre gave the first announcement of the contest at hand.. Disposed for battle by the order of encamp ment, the American army, notwithstanding its short notice, was quickly ranged for action — an event, although unexpected, of all others the most desirable ; because, in all probability, the readiest for the production of that issue so anxiously coveted by the Ameri can 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 con- Southern Department of the United States. 22S sisted of the cavalry, under lieutenant colonel Washington, with a corps of North Carolina militia, about two hundred and fifty, com manded by colonel Reade. The British general, pushing before him the piquets and Kirk wood, pressed forward to battle. The king's American regiment on the right, the New York volunteers in the centre, and the sixty- third on the left, formed the line of battle. His right wing was sup ported by Robertson's corps, and his left by the volunteers of Ire land. The reserve consisted of the South Carolina regiment, with a few dragoons, all the cavalry then at Camden. Greene, examining attentively the British disposition, discovered the very narrow front which it presented ; 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 advan tage given by the mode of attack, t He directed 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 lieu tenant colonel Washington with his cavalry to gain his rear. Raw. don no sooner cast his eyes on our disposition than he perceived the danger to which his unequal front exposed him, and, bringing up the volunteers of Ireland into line, the remedied the defect seized by Greene in time to avert the expected consequence. The battle opened from right to left with a vigour which pro mised 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 evidently gained ground ; Washington was carrying every thing before him in the rear ; and lieutenant colonel Hawes, with fixed bayonets, conforma ble 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 unfortunately directed the disordered battalion to rally by retiring to its right company.* Retrograde being the con- * Although the army 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 befare they advanced. Gun- Ay was anxious to lead his regiment into battle thoroughly compacted ; and, therefore, ordered lieutenant colonel Howard to call back captain Armstrong, 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 favoura ble 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 hit own request : whose statement of the facts, as before recited, was followed by the general's orders announcing the spirit and activity displayed by colonel Gun by as unexceptionable ; but his order for the regiment to fall back improper, and the probable cause of the loss of a complete victory. 224 Memoirs of the War in the sequence of this order, the British line, giving a shout, pressed for ward with redoubled ardour ; and the regiment of Gunby, consider ed as the bulwark ofthe army, never recovered from the panic with which it was at this moment unaccountably seized. The' Virginia brigade, and the 2nd regiment of Maryland, with the artillery, not • ithsfanding the shameful abandonment by the 1st 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 them selves to bring it to older. Not the menaces of the one, not the expostulations ofthe other, not the exhortations ofthe third, northe recollection of its pristine fame, could arouse its cowering spirit. The 2nd Maryland, which had from the commencement of the action acted with gallantry, feeling severely the effect produced by the recession of the 1st, became somewhat deranged; and lieute nant colonel Ford being unluckily wounded, while endeavouring to repress the beginning disorder, this corps also fell back. Rawdon's right now gained the summit of the eminence, flanking Hawes regU ment, which had undeviatingly held its prescribed course, although early in the action abandoned on its left by the 1st Maryland, and now but feebly sustained on its right by the 1st Virginia — for this corps had now begun to recede, notwithstanding its preceding suc cess. 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 deter mined to diminish the ills ofthe sad and unaccountable reverse, by retiring from the field. Orders were given to this effect, and 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 miles. Washington wilh his cavalry retiring from the rear the moment 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 lo disturb ;>ur rear,* he at length, by a rapid charge, effectually discomfitted the British van, and put a stop to further pursuits General Greene having passed Saunders' creek, about four miles from the field of battle, encamp ed for the night, and on the next day proceeded to Rudgely's injll. The loss sustained by the respective armies was nearly equal. On the side of America two hundred and Mxty-eight were killed, wounded, and missing : on the side of the enemy two hundred and fifty-eight, including the prisoners brought off by lieutenant colonel Washington, and those paroled by him on the ground. The British * After Greene halted at Saunders' creek, Washington returned with his cavalry to examine the situation of the enemy. His advanced patrole was pursued by major Coffin with his cavalry. Washington, hearing their approach, placed himself in ambush, covered by some thick bushes, near the road, and pressed upon his adversary. Coffin attempted to bring his men to face Washing ton ; but they put spur to their horses to regain their camp. Some were killed, some taken, aud the rest dispersing reached lord Rawdon. Coffin himself escaped. Southern Department of the United States. 225 lost no officer of distinction, which was not the case with us. The wound of lieutenant colonel Ford proved mortal, and captain Beatty, of the 1st Maryland, was killed, than whom the army did not pos sess 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 Sumter, had in six days placed his adversary irta 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 cavalry, and destitute of artillery, the British general, aware of the inevitable consequence of holding himself shut up in Camden, took the bold resolution of attacking his antagonist, notwithstanding his many advantages, con siderably augmented by the convenience of a position selected with the view and from the hope that the critical condition of Rawdon would force him to hazard an action. 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 destroyed, had the troops of Greene executed his orders with com mon resolution. The satisfaction enjoyed by the American general, on discerning tbe enemy advancing upon him, was not confined to himself, but prevailed throughout the army, and afforded no incon siderable pledge that, upon this occasion, 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, wilh the same impression, on his first view of his enemy, he gave orders for striking him in iront, 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 1st regi ment of Maryland, as has been mentioned, deservedly held up to the army as its model, and which upon all preceding occasions be haved 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 advantage, 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, with a view of bringing the regiment to range with its colours, ordered it to fall back to the right company ; but Morgan * It Was this regiment which forced the guards at the battle of Guilford Court house, killing their commandant, and driving them back, seeking shelter undeir cover of the British artillery; and a portion of the snine regiment constituted a part of the infantry which, under Howard, jave us the victory at the Cowpens, by the fr$e use of the bayonet. 29 22*3 Memoirs of the War in the had given the same order, at the Cowpens, to the corps of Howardf Which was not only executed with promptitude, but was followed by its decisive advance, and consequent signal success. Relinquishing an investigation which doe9 not promise a satisfac tory solution, I cannot but observe thai 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 doubted the certainty of success, the cavalry would not have been detached in the rear until the issue of the bat tle had began to unfold itself. Nor is it risking too much to suggest the probability that, had the horss been still in reserve, not only would the forward movement of the enemy, which followed the recession of the first regiment of Maryland, been delayed, but that regiment would have been restored to order, and the battle renewed with every reison 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 tbe gratifying seductions of brilliant prospects to turn him from tbe course which this maxim enjoins. Honourable as this victory was to the British general and to the British arms, it yielded not one solitary benefit. The loss sustain ed 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 Camden, 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 of his expect-. ed succour from Sumter, now deeply chagrined by the inglorious behaviour of a favourite regiment — converting his splendid prospects into the renewal of toil and difficulty, of doubt and disgrace — be came for « 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 hastened to the cavalry, still in front of Watson ; and on the subsequent morning was joined by brigadier Marion, who had been necessarily delayed until the pri soners and stores were disposed of. The British lieutenant colo nel, seeing that the passes on his route were occupied, and know- in" that the advanatges possessed by his enemy would be strenu ously maintained, relinquished his project of gaining Camden on the direct route, and determined, by passing the Santee, to inter pose it between himself and Ihe corps opposed to him ; presuming that he might with facility make his way good to Camden, by re- crossing the Santee above ; or, by taking the route by fort Motte, Southern Department of the United States. 22? 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 dis tance 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 tbe general's orders directing the junction of the corps under Lee arrived, which necessarily arrested the proposed attempt upon Watson. With all possible despatch lieutenant col onel 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 disappointment lately experienced, he did not long permit his accustomed 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 promis ing of good to his country, he determined to adhere to his plan of operations with firmness, and to obliterate his late repulse by sub sequent success. Fixed in this resolution, he despatched an officer to meet Lee, countermanding his orders, followed by captain Fin- ley, of the artillery, with a six pounder, detached by jjjenoral Greene to Mirioo and Lee; in consequence of representations from those officers soliciting this aid. As soon as Finley joined, Lee returned to Marion, who had ap proached the vicinity of the confluence of the Congaree and Wa teree, waiting for Watson's advance. 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 Camden ; and communicated the general's decision to pass the Wateree with the army, for the purpose of intercepting lieutenant colonel Watson, should he se lect lhat route to Camden. In conformity with this decision, Greene broke up from Rudgely's mill, and, passing the Wateree above Camden, sat down in a strong position ; which deprived the British garrison of its usual supplies in this quarter as effectually as it debarred Watson's approach to Camden 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 before him. The accession of the corps under Watson only could save him ; and this accession he saw completely prevented, on the most eligible route, by his ad versary, — he saw it without being able to take a single step in fur therance of the desired aid. Marion and Lee lost not a moment after their union in taking measure" to execute the command of their general, well apprized of the vast importance attached to the interception of Watson. The militia general, being perfectly acquainted with the country, guided the measures adopted. He well knew that, although gen eral Greene's position would slop the lieutenant colonel on th*- 228 Memoirs of the War in the usual route from Motte's post to Camden, 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 prebably, notwithstanding the judicious position taken by Greene, pass the Congaree at Motte's, and afterwards pass tbe 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 ot 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 ofthe Santee, no doubt remained but that he would pass either the Congaree or the Santee on the ensu ing morning. It was now decided to cross to his side ofthe river,. from a conviction 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 zealous associates, foreseeing 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 then ascertained that lieutenant colonel Watson had taken the route leading over that river where its two branches unite — the very spot which had so forcibly attract ed the attention of Marion and Lee, and would have been selected by them, had it not been apprehended that the British lieutenant colonel might prefer the route across the Congaree. Had these two officers confined their attention entirely 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 ex pected that a corps of infantry only could make good its landing in the face of an equal foe, and secured its arrival into Camden. Mortified with the result of their unceasing exertions, the de ranging 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 Camden, and took a more distant position in the high grounds behind Sawney's creek. On the 7th of May the long expected succour reached Camden ; and on the next day the British general put his army in motion, passed the Wateree at the ferry below Camden, and advanced to attack Greene. On his way he was in formed 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. Tb> advantage in number aud quality of infantry was on the side of Rawdon, while Greene continued fo hold his superiority in cavalry. Convinced that the British general would press battle, and anxious to restore the humbled spirits of his troops, general Southern Department of the United States. 229 Greene broke up from his position, and retired to Colonel's creek leaving Washington with his cavalry and some infantry ou tne 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 projected enterprise, but with drew. about the time that Greene commenced his retreat, and re turned to Cumdeo. 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 neighbourhood, and persuaded that the breaking up of the intermediate 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 en trance of the American army into the state, his lordship wisely de cided to give up Camden, and, with it, all the country north ofthe Congaree. Preparing for retreat, he sent orders to lieutenant col onel Cruger to abandon Ninety-six and to join Browne at Augusta, and directed major Maxwell, commanding at fort Granby, to fall back upon Orangeburgh. This arrangement was indubitably the best practicable ; and, duly maintained, would have preserved all the country south of the Con garee. and west ofthe Santee. But so completely had the Ameri can 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 Camden took place, and the Bri tish general proceeded to Nelson's ferry with the expectation of crossing the Santee in time to dislodge Marion and Lee, still prose cuting 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 ofl' four or five hundred negroes, and all the most obnoxious loyalists accom panied him. As soon as Greene was informed ofthe retreat ofthe enemy, per- luaded that Rawdon's first effort would be directed to relieve fort Motte, he advanced towards the Congaree, determined to pass that river, if necessary, and to cover the operations of the besieging corps. This post was the principal depot ofthe convoys from Charleston to Camden, and sometimes of those destined for fort Granby and Ninety-Six. A large new mansion house, belonging to Mrs. Motte, situated on a high and commanding hill, had been selected for this establishment. It was surrounded with a deep trench, along the in terior 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 Charles ton a few hours before the appearance of the American troops, on its way to Camden with despatches for lord Rawdon. Captain M'Pherson commanded, an officer highly and deservedly respected. Opposite to fort Motte, to the north, stood another hill, where Mrs. Motte, having been dismissed from her mansion, resided, in the 230 Memoirs of the War in the old farmhouse. On this height lieutenant colonel Lee with his corps took post, while brigadier Marion occupied the eastern decli vity ofthe 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 pur pose of raking the northern face of the enemy's parapet, against which Lee was preparing to advance. M'Pherson was unprovided with artillery, and depended for safety upon timely relief, not doubt ing its arrival before the assailant could push the preparations to maturity. The vale which runs belween the two hills admitted our safe ap proach within four hundred yards of the fort. This place was se lected by Lee to break ground. Relays of working parties being provided for every four hours, and some of the negroes from the neighbouring plantations being brought, by the influence of Marion, to our assistance, the works advanced with rapidity. Such was their forwardness on the 10th, lhat it was determined to summon the commandant. A flag was accordingly despatched to captain M'PhersOn, stating to him with truth our relative situation, and admonishing him to avoid the disagreeable consequences of an arrogant temerity. To this the captain replied, that, disregarding consequences, he should continue to resist to the last moment. 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 confirming that event, urging reboubled activity, and communicating his determination to hasten to their support. Urged by these strong considerations, Ma rion and Lee persevered throughout the night in pressing the com pletion of their works. On the next day, Rawdon reached the country opposite to fort Motte ; and in the succeeding night encamp ing on the highest ground in his route, the illumination of his fires gave the joyful annunciation of his approach to the despairing gar rison. But the hour was close at hand, when this 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. Persuaded that our ditch would be within arrow shot before noon ofthe next day, Marion and Lee determined to adopt this speedy mode of effecting their ohject. Orders were instaBtly issued to pre pare bows and arrows, with missive combustible matter. This mea sure was reluctantly adopted ; for the destruction of private pro perty was repugnant to the principles which swayed the two com mandants, and upon this occasion 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 patriot, and whose only marriageable daughter was the wife of major Pinckney, an officer in the South Carolina line, who had fought and bled in his country's cause, and was now a prisoner with the enemy. These considerations powerfully forbade the ex- Southern Department of the United Stales. 231 edition ofthe proposed measure ; but there were others of much cogency, which applied personally to lieutenant colonel Lee, and gave anew edge to the bitterness ofthe 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, politely proffer ed, and as politely administered. Nor was the attention of this amiable lady confined to that class of war which never fail to attract attention. While her 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 re lics of happier days — her active benevolence found its way to the sick and to the wounded ; cherishing with softest kindness infirmity and misfortune, converting despair into hope, and nursing debility in to strength. Nevertheless the obligations of duly were imperative ; the house must burn ; and a respectful communication to the lady of her destined loss must be made. Taking the first opportunity which offered, the next morning, lieutenant colonel Lee imparted to Mrs. Motte the intended measure ; lamenting the sad necessity, and assuring her of the deep regret which the unavoidable act ex cited in his and every breast. With a smile of complacency this exemplary lady listened to the embarrassed officer, and gave instant relief to his agitated feelings, by declaring, lhat she was gratified with the opportunity of contri buting to the good of her country, and that she should view the ap.- proaching scene with delight. Shortly after, seeing accidently the bow and arrows which had been prepared, she sent for the lieute nant colonel, and presenting him with a bow and its apparatus im ported from India, she requested his substitution of these, as proba bly better adapted for the object than those we had provided. Receiving with silent delight this opportune present, the lieute nant colonel rejoined his troops, now making ready for the con-. eluding scene. The lines were manned, and an additional fore© stationed at the battery, lest 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 Irvine, of the legion cavalry, was charged with the flag, and instructed to communicate faithfully the inevitable destruction impending, and the impracticability of relief, as lord Rawdon had £,not yet passed the Santee ; with an assurance that longer perseve rance in vain resistance, would place the garrison at the mercy of the conqueror ; who was not regardless of the policy of preventing waste of time, by inflicting exemplary punishment, where resistance was maintained only to produce such waste. The British captain reeeived the flag with his usual politeness, and, heard patiently lr - 232 Memoirs of the War in the vine's explanations ; but he remained immoveable ; repeating his determination of holding out to the last. It was now about noon, and the rays ofthe scorching sun had pre pared the shingle roof for the projected conflagration. The return Of Irvine 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 rffof, and a third at a third quarter ; this last also took effect, and, 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 ofthe 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 commandant, with the regulars, of which the.garrison was chiefly composed, were tak en possession of by Lee ; while the loyalists were delivered to Ma rion. Among the latter was a Mr. Smith, who had been charged with burning the houses of his neighbours friendly to their country. This man consequently became very obnoxious, and his punishment was loudly demanded by many of the militia serving under the bri gadier; 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 punish ment, by his idle waste of his antagonists' time ; and reminded as well of the opportunities which- bad been presented to him of sav ing himself and garrison from unconditional submission, as of the cogent considerations, growing out of tbe posture of affairs, which urged the prevention of useless resistance by exemplary punish ment. The British officer frankly acknowledged his dependent si tuation, and declared his readiness to meet any consequence which the discharge of duty, conformably lo his own conviction of right, might produce. Powerfully as the present occasion called for pun ishment, and rightfully as it might have been inflicted, not a drop of blood was shed, nor any part of the enemy's baggage taken. - M'Pherson and his officers accompanied their captors to Mrs. Motte's, and partook with them of a sumptuous dinner ;* soothing in the sweets of social intercourse the ire which the preceding con flict had engendered. Requesting to be permitted to return to Charleston, on parole, they were accordingly paroled, and sent off in the evening to lord Rawdon, now-engaged in passing the San- * The deportment and demeanor of Mrs. Motte gave a zest to the pleasures of the table. She did its honours with that unaffected politeness which ever excites esteem mingled with admiration. Conversing wilh ease, vivacity and good sense, she obliterated our recollection ofthe injury she had received ; and though warmly attached to the defenders of her County, the engaging amiability of her manners, left it doubtful which set of officers constituted these defenders. Southern Department of the United States. 233 tee at Nelson's ferry. Soon after, general Greene, anxious for the success of his detachment against fort Motte, attended by ah escort of cavalry, reached us, for ihe purpose of knowing precisely our situation, and the progress ofthe British general, who he expected Would .hasten to the relief of M'Pherson, as soon as he should gain the southern_banks of the Santee ; to counteract which the Ameri can general had resolved, and was then engaged in preparing boats, to transport his army over the Congaree. Finding the siege pros perously 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 also move. As soon as the troops had finished ;heir repast, Lee sat out with his detachment, composed of horse, foot, and artillery ; and marching without inter mission, he approached the neighbourhood of fort Granby before the dawn of the second day. Brigadier Sumter, having recovered of his wound, as soon as he received Greene's despatch from Ram say's mill, assembled his corps of militia. For reasons not under stood by the author, the brigadier, instead of joining Greene before Camden, directed his attention to tbe fort of Ninety-Six, and ita upper communications with Charleston, fort Granby, and Orange- burgh. 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 extended to the southern banks of the Congaree, near Friday's ferry. Protected on one side by that river, it was accessible 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 regular approach es ; and in this way would have employed the whole force of Greene for a week at least, in which period lord Rawdon's interposition was practicable. Lieutenant colonel Lee, apprized of the readiness with which the British-general might attempt its relief, determined to press to conclusion his operations with all possible celerity, hav ing 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 ihe neighbourhood of the fort, relying upon the information of his guides, he began to erect a bat tery in the margin of the woods to the west of the fort. The morn ing 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 battery, wa9 direct ed 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, com manded by major Maxwell, of the Prince of Wales's regiment, (a refugee from the Eastern Shore of Maryland) represented lo Lee as neither experienced in his profession, nor fitted by cast of char- 30 234 Memoirs of the War in the Scter 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 mili tary laurels, he had, during his command, pursued his favourite object with considerable success, and held with him in the fort his gathered spoil. Solicitous -to hasten the surrender of the post, lieutenant colonel Lee determined to try the effect of negotiation with his pliable antagonist ; and prepared a summons, couched in pompous terms, calculated to operate upon such an officer as Max well was represented to be. The summons was entrusted to cap tain Eggleston, of the legion horse, who was authorized to conclude finally upon the terms of capitulation, if he found the enemy dispos ed to surrender. The fog ceasing, Finley announced our unexpected proximity, which excited much alarm and some confusion, evidently discerned from our position. The legion infantry advancing at the same time, took possession of the desired ground without opposition ; severing the enemy's piquets in this quarter from the fort. Eggleston now setting out with his flag, produced a suspension of our fire, which induced the piquets and patroles, cut off by our disposition, to at tempt to gain the fort. This effort was partially checked by the rapid movement of the cavalry ; and an officer was despatched to eaplain Eggleston, requiring him to remonstrate with major Maxwell rjpon the impropriety of the conduct of his piquets and patrofes, and to demand 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. Etigleston's remonstrance was duly re spected ; and Maxwell despatched his adjutant with the required orders, replacing the portion of his force on duty out of the fort iii its original station. The negotiation was begun, and the British major testified a favourable disposition to the proposition submitted to him.' After consulting with some of his officers, he agreed to deliver up the fort, upon condition that the private property of every sort, without investigation of title, should be confirmed to its possessors ; that the garrison should be permitted to return to Charleston prisoners 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 at tend the prisoners to the British army. The first condition being diametrically repugnant to the course contemplated by Lee, as it prevented restoration of plundered pro perty, captain Eggleston did not think proper to act under the full discretion with which he had been so properly invested, but sub mitted by letter the enemy's demands to the lieutenant colonel, ac- coiiparied with one from major Maxwell, requiring two covered. wagons for the conveyance of his own baggage, free from search. In reply, Eggleston 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 business. This exception Southern Department of the United States. 235 was ill relished by many ofthe officers, although not resisted by the commandant. Finding that the capitulation would be thus ar ranged, the Hessian officers came in a body to Eggleston, protesting against proceeding, unless they were permitted to retain their horses ; a protest not to be overruled by the authority of Maxwell. The capitulation was suspended, 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 lordship's passage across the San tee, and bis advance towards fort Motte. Had lieutenant colonel Lee determined 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 gratifying them, by considering all horses belong ing to individuals in the fort as private property, and claiming only such, if any, belonging to the public. This obstacle being removed, the capitulation was signed ; and the principal bastion was immediately occupied 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,) the baggage of every sort, two pieces of artillery, and two covered wagons, moved from the fort ; and the major, wilh the garrison protected by the stipulated escort, pro ceeded on their route to lord Rawdon. The public stores of every sort, consisting chiefly of ammunition, salt, and liquor, were faith fully delivered, and presented a very convenient as well as agreea ble supply to our army. The moment Maxwell surrendered, Lee despatched an officer 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 Ancram's plantation, near the ferry ; and the general, crossing the river, joined his light corps. Delighted with the happy event, his satisfaction was considerably increased when he saw the strength of the fort, connected with that of the garrison. 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 vigour 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 the fort at Orange- burgh, had successively yielded : Marion was now before George town, ,which was sure soon to fall. Thus in less than one month since general Greene appeared before Camden, 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 Ihe Congaree, in the heart of South Carolina, ready to advance 236 Memoirs of the War in the upon Ninety-Six, (the only remaining fortress in the state, besides Charleston, in the enemy's possession,) and to detach against Au gusta, in Georgia ; comprehending in ;this decisive effort, the com pletion of the deliverance of the two lost states, except the fortifi ed towns of Charleston and Savannah — 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 brigadier Pickens, with his corps of mili tia had been commanded to repair. Lee commenced his march in the course of a few hours, marching thirteen miles in the evening of the day on which Maxwell bad surrendered. Resuming motion at a very early hour in the morning, he pressed forward with the Utmost expedition ; relieving the fatigued infantry by occasionally dismounting his dragoons and mounting his infantry. Not only the claim for celerity, arising out ofthe general state of affairs, enforced this exertion ; but there was cause to apprehend that lieutenant colo nel Cruger, appiised of lord Rawdon's abandonment, first of Camden and lastly of the field, would, in consequence of these untoward events, hasten to Augusta ; giving up South Carolina to save Geor gia. To reach Pickens before Cruger could join Browne, be came, in this view of events, a duty of the first importance. Pic kens and Lee united could readily strike Cruger on his march, with the prospect of bringing him to submission. This done, the de struction of Browne only remained to be effected for the complete re-annexation (except the sea coast) of these stales to the Unifyn. Approachingin the course of bis 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 enemy exhibited (he appearance of breaking up, and with the hope by this sudden dash of seizing some ofthe 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 approach, appeared suddenly near the town ; but was not so fortu nate as to find a single individual of the garrison without the lines He seized one or two countrymen returning home, who accompa nied him to camp. From these we learnt that lieutenant colone Cruger was uninformed of the events that had lately taken place but hearing of Greene's advance upon Camden, he had been indus triously engaged in strengthening his fortifications, and was deter mined not to abandon his post. Lee despatched a friendly country man to general Greene with tbe intelligence procured, which ba nished all those apprehensions heretofore entertained lest Cruger -might unite himself to Browne. Persevering in his march, lieu tenant colonel Lee reached on the third day the vicinity of Augusta, which is seventy-five miles from fort Granby, preceded by captain O'Neale, with a light party of horse, charged with the collection of provisions and intelligence. From this active and discerning Southern Department of the United Slates. 237 olTiccr the pleasing information was received ofthe recent arrival of the annual royal present to the Indians, which was deposited at fort Gilphin, about twelve miles below Augusta, on the north side of the river, consisting of articles extremely wanted in the Ameri can camp.* To relieve the wants of the army was in itself grateful, bit this intelligence was important in a military view ; because it showed that colonel Browne's force in Augusta was reduced by de tachments from it to secure his deposit "at fort Galphin. Two com panies of infantry now made the garrison of this hitler post, which was a small stockade. Persuaded that his approach was alike un known to Browne and to the officer commanding here, from the pre cautions which, by means of his superior cavalry, he had been ena bled to adopt, Lee determined by a forced march, with a detachment of infantry mounted behind his dragoons, to seize the Indian pre sent. Leaving Eaton behind with his battalion, the artillery, and the lired 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 poinr ; and halting in the pine barrens which skirted the field surrounding the fort, waited for the moment of assault. For many miles not a drop of water had been procurable ;. and the extreme heat ofthe scoiching sun, rendered more oppressive by the necessary halt under the pines, without any liquid whatsoever to revive sinking nature, produced a debility forbidding exertion. _ Having wilh him some mounted mili tia, Lee directed them to dis'mount and to advance upon the fort in the opposite direction — not doubting that tbe garrison, as was the custom, would eagerly pursue them, when an opportunity would be presented of obtaining tbe contemplated prize without loss. The major part of the garrison, as had been expected, fan to arms on sight of the militia and. leaving the fort, pursued them. A selec tion having been made of all the infantry whose strength was fitted for action, a portion of ihem under captain Rudolph was ordered- to rush upon the fort, while the residue, supported by a troop of dra- gnons, took a direction which shielded the militia from the menaced blow. Rudolph had no difficulty in possessing himself of the fort, little opposition being attempted, and that opposition being instantly crushed. We lost one man from the heat of the weather ; the ene my only three or four in the skirmish. The garrison, with the va luable deposit in its keeping, gave a rich reward for our toils and sufferings". Never was a beginning more auspicious. This success not only deprived Browne of a very important portion of his force, but yielded to his enemy an abundance of supplies much wanted by the army of Greene, — among which were the essentials of war, powder and ball — which articles had become scarce in the Ameri- * Powder, ball, small arms, liquor, salt, blankets, with sundry small articles, were gained one of the many useful and valuable acquisitions occasionally procured by the legion 5 for which, of the promised remuneration, not B cent has been ever paid to officer or soldier. 238 Memoirs of the War in the can camp, notwithstanding the occasional contributions ofthe seve ral 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 Sa vannah below Augusta ; and, taking a western direction, to join a corps of militia, known to be in ihe neighbourhood, 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 arrival ; 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 inves titure of Ninety-Six by the main body under the general himself; and urging the propriety of sparing the useless waste of life — the certain consequence of resistance, — cruel, because vain. The sub stitution of a second officer for his superior in summoning the fort arose from the course taken by Browne. He had refused to re ceive flags, forbidding all intercourse with the militia officers ; and Lee, having profited by negociation at fort Granby, was desirous of removing the obstacles which prevented resort to the like course here. To effect this, he thought it advisable to authorize Eggles ton, then the senior continental officer on the south of the Savan nah, to attempt negotiation. Browne, either discrediting the infor mation contained in the summons, or immutable in the decision he had taken, would not answer the letter addressed to him, and for* bad the renewal of such communication. In the evening lieutenant colonel Lee, with (he artillery and in fantry, 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 ofthe Savannah, in an oblong plain, washed by the river on the east and covered by deep woods in the opposite direction. In its centre stood, fort Cornwal lis, judiciously constructed, well finished, and secure from storm. A half mile in its front up the river, the plain is interrupted by n lagoon or swamp with a rivulet passing through it; and on the northwestern border of this lagoon was erected another, but infe rior fortress, called Grierson, from the militia colonel who com manded its garrison. Browne conducted the British force in upper Georgia, and resided in fort Cornwallis. Lieutenant colonel Lee, hearing from Eggleston the affrontive rejection of his proffered ne gotiation, was considerably ruffled at the contemptuous treatment received,. and determined never to enter into any communication with the British commandant until solicited by himself. Thus de-. cided, he was gratified in discovering the divided condition ofthe enemy — its regulars in fort Cornwallis and its militia in fort Grier son ; not doubting, if the moment was duly improved, that a tender of negotiation, on the part of Browne, would follow. While the troops, still concealed, were engaged in taking re freshments, lieutenant colonel Lee employed himself in examining the ground. He did not hesitate in. his. decision, which was in.- Southern Department of the United States. 239 stantly 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 battalion, by passing down the north side of the lagoon, was to approach it on the south, co operating wilh the militia ; while lieutenant colonel Lee, with his infantry and artillery, was to move down the lagoon on us southern margin, parallel wich Eaton, ready to support his attack if requir ed, or to attend to the movements of Browne, 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 Browne should he advance upon Lee. These arrangements being finished, the several commandants proceeded to their respective points. Lee's movement, open to view, was soon discerned by Browne, 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 movement soon ceased. Browne, not deeming it prudent, under existing circumstances, to persevere in its attempt, confined his interposition to a cannonade, which was returned by Lee, with very little effect on either 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 un der cover and concealment of its banks to fort Cornwallis. Lieu tenant colonel Browne, perceiving the fall of this post, withdrew in to 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 attainable 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 ihe enemy could not be counteracted ; all now , to be done was to assume proper stations for close investiture, and, by regular approaches, to compel his surrender. In the late contest our loss was trivial, — a few wounded, and few er 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 bis battalion in the moment of victory. * The militia of Georgia, under colonel Clarke, were so exasperated by the cruelties mutually inflicted in the course ofthe war in this stale, that they were. disposed to sacrifice every man taken, and with great difficulty was this disposi tion now suppressed. Poor Grierson and several others had been killed after surrender; and although the American commandants used every exertion, and offered a large rewaid to detect ihe murderers, no discuvery could be made. Iu no part of the South was the war conducted wilh such asperity as in this quar ter. It often sunk into barbarity. 240 Memoirs of the War in the 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 joiued 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 ; lo execute which all the requisite tools found at fort Galphin, with many collected from the neighbouring 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 tbe troops. It was deter mined to break ground in this quarter, and to extend our works to wards 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 pro cure means for the transportation of the stores gained by the fall of fort Granby, all of which were necessary to the army in the proposed operations. Taking the direct road for Ninety-Six, he sat down before it on the 22d ; his effective force, exclu-ive of militia, not exceeding one thousand : Marion, after taking George town, having continued in that quarter for the protection of the country ; and Sumter who had joined Greene while at Friday's fer- - ry, being sent to apply his attention to the care ofthe 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 (he district of country lying between the Saluda (the southern branch ofthe 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 the state, here, as has been before observed, was fixed a p0st — forming, with Camden to its right and Augusta to its left, the frontier barrier established for the security of Ihe country. The village of Ninety Six, previous \o the war, had been slightly fortified for defence against the neighbouring Indians. These works were considerably strengthened after tbe arrival of the British troops ; and additional fortifications, to secure the post from as sault, were erected under the superintendence of lieutenant Hal- dane, of the corps of engineers, aid-de camp to lord Cornwallis. -^ Lieutenant colonel Cruger, the present commandant, was a native of New York, of respectable connexions, who had taken pari from the fir«t with the British army, and commanded one of the provin cial regiments raised in that state. His garrison amounted to five hundred and fifty men ; three hundred and fifty of whom were re gulars, and, like himself, Americans ; the residue were loyal mili tia of South Carolina, conducted by colonel King. On the left of the village, in a valley, ran a small rivulet which furnished water to Southern Department of the United States. 241 the town and troops. Passing this rivulet westwardly, you ascend an eminence, on which was erected a stockade fort, which, with the fortified prison contiguous to the valley, constituted the chief de fence of the wafer. On the right of the village stood the princi pal work, called the star, from its form It consisted of sixteen salient and re-entering angles, with a ditch, frieze, and abbatis ; and was judiciously designed, and well executed. We have before mentioned that lord Rawdon, previous lo his retreat from Camden, had informed lieutenant colonel Cruger of the changed and chang ing condition of affairs, with orders to him to evacuate Ninely-Six and to join Brovvtie in Augusta ; but that all his attempts to com municate with Cruger had been frustrated. Entirely ignorant of these events, lieutenant co4onel Cruger, nevertheless, guided by his own reflections, wisely employed his time in making all the ne cessary repairs to his works and some additional defences. A mound 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 establish ed. Throughout the preparations directed by Cruger, the garrison, regulars and militia, officers and soldiers, vied with each other in the 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 confidence to the besieged. Colonel Kosciusko, a Polish officer, at the head of the engineers in the southern army, was considered skilful in his profession, and much esteemed for his mildness of disposition and urbanity of man ners. To this officer general Greene committed the designation of the course and mode of approach. Never regarding the impor tance which was attached to depriving tbe enemy of water, for which he depended on the rivulet to his left, Kosciusko 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 laboured 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 an gles of the star, opposite to our works, for the reception of three pieces of artillery, all he possessed, with intention to cover a de tachment 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. Thev parapet was manned with infantry ; and the sallying party under lieutenant Roney, supported by major Green, ready in tbe enemy's ditch rushed upon our works, covered by the artillery and mus ketry 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, carry- ing off the intrenching tools. The enemy sustained no, loss in tnr* 31 S42 Memoirs of the War in the first exhibition of his decision and courage, but that of lieutenant Roney, who died of a wound he received while gallantly leading on his men. So judiciously was this sally planned, and so rapidly conducted, that, although Greene instantly sent a detachme.it to support Kos ciusko, the object was accomplished before support could arrive. Taught by this essay that his enemy was of a cast not to be rashly approached, Kosciusko was directed to resume his labours under cover of a ravine, and at a more respectful distance. He broke ground again in the night of the i3d, still directing his approaches against the star redoubt. Pickens and Lee pressed forward their measures against fort Cornwallis with zeal and diligence ; but not with the wished for celerity, so vigilant aud resolute 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 comforts 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 Browne, whom he knew to be well provided, and whose disposition to cherish his soldiers he had often experienced. To this application Pickens and Lee answered, that, after the ungracious determination to stop all intercourse, 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 consideration could prevail with them again to expose the American flag to contumely. If, however, he thought proper to wait upon colonel Browne, they would permit him to proceed whenever he pleased, on the faith of his parole, re turning immediately after receiving Browne's reply. This offer was cheerfully accepted, and a leiter was prepared en 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 treatment' experienced upon a late occasion ; and assuring the commandant of fort Cornwallis, that no consideration affecting thpmselves or their troops would ever have led to such a condescension. To this letter Browne returned a very polite answer by the pri soner (whose application was instantly complied 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 commandant, so long as the individual to whom he alluded continued to command,* and whom be really did believe had sent in the flag refused to be received, not knowing or suspecting tbe extraordinary change of force opposed to him which had taken place. Pickens * The individual meant was colonel Clarke. Browne, 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 succeed ed to those noble feelings of humanity and forgiveness which ought ever to actuate the soldier. At length all intercourse between the troops was broker off, and the vanquished lay at the mercy of the victor. Southern Department of the United States. 248 and Lee were very much gratified that, while obeying (he claims of humanity, they should have produced a renewal of intercourse, without which ihe contest drawing to a close could not be terminat ed but by a painful waste of human life. The works contiguous to the river had advanced nearly to the desired state, and (hose which had been subsequently commenced in the rear of the fort began to assume a formidable appearance; yet extreme difficulty occurred in tbe consummation of the plan adopted by the besiegers, as the surrounding ground presented no swell or hill which would enable them to bring their six pounder to bear upon the enemy. It was determined to resort to tbe Maham 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. Browne heretofore bad 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 unascertained. 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 bis ap proaching fate — hoping that in the delay he might find safety. On the 28lh he fell upon our works in the river quarter at midnight, and, by the suddenness and vigour of his onset, drove the guard be fore 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 lieute nant colonel Lee to appropriate his infantry exclushely for their defence at night, relieving them from any further share in labour and from every other duty. It was divided into two divisions, to one of which was alternately committed the protection of our works. On the succeeding night Browne renewed his attempt in the same quarter ; and for a long time the struggle was continued with mutual pertinacity, till at length captain Rudolph, by a com bined charge with the bajonet, cleared the trenches, driving the enemy with.Ioss to his stronghold. On the 3oth the timber re- *In the progress of this work under the hands of its author, reference was frequently had to the authority and reminiscences of colonel Howard, and he suggested, on one of those occasions, that captain Oldham should be mentioned during the siege of Augusta, instead of captain Handy. He repeated tbe same suggestion recently to me. The author however adhered to his own impression, and the result of my inquiries having justified me that captain Handy was dis tinguished in the affair, I have not felt myself at liberty, highly as I respect the aufhority of colonel Howard, and the memory of captain Oldham, to vary the reading so deliberately insisted on by the author. To tbe name of captain Oldham, too much praise cannot be given. He was engaged in almost every action in the south, and was uniformly distinguished for gallantry and good conduct. With the exception of Kirkwood of Delaware, and Rudolph of the legion infantry, he was probably entitled to more credit than any officer of his rank in Greene's army. A distinction which must place him high on the rolls of fame. In the celebrated charge on the British at Eulaw, of thirty six men, which he led, all but eight were killed or wounded; yet he forced the enemy. — Ed. 244 Memoirs of the War in the ¦ quired to build the Maham tower was prepared and conveyed to the intended site. In the evening we commenced its erection, un der 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 conveni ent rubbish, to give solidity and strength to the structure. At the same time the adjacent works, in the rear of the fort, were vigor ously" pushed to the enemy's left to connect them with the tower, the point of termination. Browne's attention was soon drawn to this quarter ; and, penetrat ing tbe use to which the log building would be applied, he deter mined to demolish it without 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 — determined to prepare before night for the counteraction of any attempt which might be made. The lines in that quarter, entrusted to the militia, were doubjy manned ; and Handy's division of the infantry, though on duty every other night, was drawn from the. river quarter to main tain, the militia. The North Carolina battalion supplied itsr place ; and to captain Handy on one side,«nd to captain Rudolph on the other, (approved officers) were committed henceforward the pro tection of our lines. The tower was designated as the peculiar ob ject of attention, and to its defence one company of musketry was exclusively applied. Not tnor.e than one third of the night had passed when the enemy began tj 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, lieu tenant colonel Browne, with the elite of his garrison, fell upon our works in his rear. Here for awhile the militia of Pickens contend ed with vigour, but at length were forced by the bayonet out ofthe 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 Marylanders 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. Browne, finding that every effort to destroy our works by open war proved ineffectual, now resorted to stratagem. Lee had omitted to pull down,* as was originally intended, the old wooden house, un der cover of which the tower had been commenced, and which by accidentally taking tire would_have probably consumed it. This house attracted Browne's notice, and he determined, by burning it, * 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. 245 to rid himself of the tower. He had by this time erected a plat- foim in one of tire angles ofthe fort opposite to our Maham tower, and which, being mounted with two of his heaviest pieces or 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 completed, and was found to overlook the enemy's parapet. The upper logs having been sawed to let in an embrasure for our six pounder, it only remained to make an apron upon which the matrosses could draw uptheir piece to the floor of the tower. i his was done in the course of the day, and at dawn on the se cond 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 with out intermission. Before noon the enemy's two pieces were dis mounted from the platform, and all the interior ofthe fort was rak ed, excepting the segment nearest to the tower, and some other spots siiehered by traverses. It was now that lieutenant colonel Browne determined to put in execution his concerted stratagem. In the course of the night a deserter from the fort was sent to lieu tenant colonel Lee. He was a Scot, with all the wily sagacity of his country , and a sergeant of the artillery. Upon being questioned upon tbe effect of our cannonade, and the situation ofthe enemy — he ruiswered, that the strange loghouse lately erected, gave an ad vantage, which, duly improved, could not fail to force surrender; but that the garrison had not suffered so much as might be presum ed ; that it was amply supplied with provisions, and was in high spirits. In the course of ihe conversation which followed, Lee in quired, in what way could the effect of the cannonade be increased ? Very readily, replied the crafty sergeant, adding: that knowing the spot where all the powder in the fort was deposited, with red hot balls from the six pounder, the magazine might be. blown up, This intelligence was received with delight, and the suggestion of the sergeant seized with avidity, althongh it would be very difficult to •prepare our balls, as we were unprovided wilh a furnace. It was proposed to the sergeant, that he should be sent to the officer com manding our battery s and give his aid to the execution of his sugges tion, with assurances of liberal reward in case of success. This proposition was heard with much apparent reluctance, although every disposition fo bring the garrison to submission was exhibited by the sergeant, who pretended that Browne 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 a gibbet would be his fate, if taken. A good supper was now presented to him, with his grog ; which being finished, and being con vinced 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 siege, but merely attend at the tower to direct the pointing el the piece, he assented ; declaring that he entered upon his task with dire apprehensions, and reminding the lieutenant colonel of his 246 Memoirs of the War in the promised reward. Lee instantly put him in care of his adjutant, to be delivered to captain Finley, with the information communicated, forthe purpose of blowing up the enemy's magazine. It was mid night ; and lieutenant colonel Lee, expecting on the next day to be .much engaged, our preparations being nearly completed, retired lo rest. Reflecting upon what had passed, and recurring to Ihe cha racter of his adversary, he became much'disquieled by the step he had taken, aod soon concluded to withdraw (he sergeant from the tower He had not been many minutes with captain Finley, before an order remanding him was delivered, committing bim to the quar ter 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 up per stories. They had often engaged Ihe attention of Pickens and Lee, with a view of applying them, whenever the enemy should be assaulted, to aid in covering their attack. Browne, sallying out be fore break of day, set fire to all but two of the houses. No at tempt was made lo disturb the operation, or to extinguish the flames after the enemy had returned ; it being deemed improper to hazard our troops in effecting any object not material in its conse quence. Ofthe two left, one was more 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 (he two bouses, and especially that nearest the fort, various were their conjectures 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 pa rapet fronting the river, in which quarter the proposed attack would be directed, demonstrated satisfactorily thai the hour had ar rived to make the decisive appeal. Orders were accordingly is sued to prepare for the assault, to take place on (he next day at the hour of nine in the forenoon. In the course ofthe night, aparty of the best marksmen were selected from Picken's militia, and sent to the house spared by Browne, and nearest to the fort. The officer commanding this detachment, was ordered 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, lo have directed the occupation o'f the house by the same officer, with such a force . of riflemen as he should report to be sufficient. Handy was order ed to return to the river quarter at the dawn of day, as .to his de tachment and the legion infantry the main assault would be com mitted. These, with all the other preparations, being made, the troops continued in their usual stations— pleased that the time was near which would close with success their severe toils. About three in the morning of tbe fourth of June, we were aroused by a violent explosion, which was soon discovered to have Southern department of the United Statis. 247 shattered the very house intended to be occupied by the rifle dt before daybreak. It was severed and thrown into the air thirtvor forty feet high, its fragments falling all over the field. This ex plained, at otice, not only the cause of Browne's omitting its de struction, but also communicated the object of the constant digging which had until lately employed the besieged. Browne pushed a sap to this house, which he presumed would be certainly possessed by the besieger, when ready to strike his last blow ; anil 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 ascertaining the number competent to its capacity, that the approaching morning was fixed for the general assault. Not doubting but the house was occupied with the body destined to hold it, he determined to de prive his adversary of every aid from this quarter ; hoping, too, by the consternation which the manner of destruction could not fail to excite, to damp the ardour of the troops charged with storming. Happily he executed his plan too early for its success, 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 commandants, for the gracious interposition of Providence ; and added further evidence 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 to advance. Pickens and Lee having.determined, as inter course with the fort was now open, to present to the enemy another opportunity of avoiding the impending blow by capitulation, had despatched a flag, with a joint letter, adapted to the occasion. Lieutenant colonel Browne, in reply, repeated his determination to defend the post. This resolution could not be maintained ; and on the next day an officer with a flag, proceeded from the fort. The bearer was received at the margin of our trenches, and present ed a letter addressed to the two commandants, offering (o 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 Browne. This discussion produced the delay of one day, which was gratifying to Browne ; it being unpleasant to surrender on the birth day of his^ king.* The terms, as altered, were accepted ; and eight o'clock * Brigadier Pickens and lieutenant colonel Lee, to lieutenant colonel Browne. Augusta, May 31s/, 1781. Sir; The usage of war lenders it necessary that we present you witfi an opportu - nity of avoiding the destruction which impends your garrison. ¦We have deferred cur summons to this late date, to preclude the necessity of much correspondence on the occasion. You see the strength of the investing forces j the progress of our wo'ks ; and you may inform yourself of the situ ation of the two armies, by inquiries from captain Armstrong, of the legion, who has the honour to bear this. ^48 Memoirs of the War in the in the morning of the 5th was designated for the delivery of tbe fort, &.c. to captain Rudolph, appointed on thejjart ofthe victors Lieutenant colonel Browne, 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. Sir: Pickens and Lee, to lieutenant colonel Browne. Augusta, JuneSd, 1781. It is not our disposition to press the unfortunate. To prevent the effusion of blood, which must follow persevereuce in your fruitless resistance, we inform you, that we are willing, though in the grasp of victory, to grant such terrlis as a comparative view of our respective situations can warrant. ' Your determination will be considered as conclusive, and will regulate our conduct. Lieutenant Colonel Browne, to Pickens and L-ee. Fort Cornwallis, June 3rd, 1781. Gentlemen : I have the honour to acknowledge the receipt of your summons 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, lo lieutenant colonel Browne. Headquarters, June 4th, 1781. Sir: We beg leave to propose, that the prisoners in your possession may be sent out of the fort ; and that they may be considered yours or ours, as the siege may terminate. Confident that you cannot 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 coloiiel Browne, lo 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 requisition. -Such attention as I can show, consistently with good pol icy and my duty; shall be shown to them.' Lieutenant colonel Browne, lo 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 lesson the distresses of war to individuals, 1 am inclined to propose to you my acceptance of the inclosed terms ; which being pretty similar to those granted to the commanding officers of the American troops, and garrison in Charleston) I imagine will be honourable to both parties. Pickens and Lee, to lieutenant colonel' Browne. June 5th, 1781. Sir: There was a time when your proposals of this day ought lo have been ac cepted. That period is now passed. You had every notice from us, and must have known the futility of your further opposition. Southern Department of the United States. 249 (o take possession of it with its appurtenances. At the appointed hour the British garrison marched out, lieutenant colonel Browne 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 honourable terms which we herewith transmit. Lieutenant colonel Browne, to Pickens and Lee. June5lh, 1781. Gentlemen : Your proposition relative to the officers of the king's troops and militia beiug 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 ofthe different classes of men who compose this garrison be permitted to march to Savannah, or con tinue in the country, as to them may be most eligible, until exchanged. Pickens and Lee, lo lieutenant colonel Browne. Junebth, 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 Browne, to Pickens and Lee. Gentlemen : ' As some of the articles proposed by you are generally expressed, I have ta ken the liberty of deputing three gentlemen to wait upon you, for a particular explanation of the respective articles. Articles of Capitulation, proposed by lieutenant colonel Thomas Browne, and answered by general Pickens anil lieutenant colonel Lee. Article 1st. That all acts of hostilities and works shall cease between the besiegers and the besieged, until the articles of capitulation shall be agreed on, signed and executed, or collectively rejected. Answer. Hostilities shall cease for one hour ; other operations to continue. Art. 2d. That the fort shall be surrendered to tbe commanding cflicer 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 exchang ed. That proper conveyances shall be provided by the commanding officer of the American troops for that purpose, together with a sufficient quantity of goorj and wholesome provisions till their arrival at Savannah. Ans. Inadmissible. The prisoners to surrender field prisoners of war: the officers to be indulged wilh 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 return to their re spective homes, and be secured in their persons and properties. ' Aus. 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 necessaries as are allowed to the Bri tish hospitals. 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 servants.. 250 Memoirs of the War in the having been taken into the care of captain Armstrong, of the dra goons, with a safe guard to protect his person from threatened violence.* This precaution, suggested by our knowledge of the inveteracy with which the operations in this quarter had been con ducted on both sides, turned out to be extremely fortunate ; as other wise, 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 faith. Browne was conveyed to Lee's quarters, where he continued until the next day, when himself and a few of his officers were paroled, and seat clown the river to Savannah, under the care of captain Armstrong, with a party of infantry, who had orders to continue wilh lieutenant Ans. The officers, and citizens who have borne arms during the siege, shall be permitted their side arms, private baggage, and servants; their side aims not to be worn, and tbe baggage to be searched by a person appointed for that' purpose. Art. 6th. The garrison, at an hour appointed, shall march out with shoulder ed atms 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, enti tles 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 -infantiy. Art. Yrh. 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 tlieir effects, real and personal, in this pro vince, without any molestation, whatever ; or to remove X» any part thereof as they may choose, as wel) themselves as families. Ans Inadmissible. Art. 9. That the Indian families now in garrison, shall accompany the king's troops to Savannah, where they will remain prisoners 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 command ing officer's despatches, which are not lo be opened. Ans. Agreed. Art. 11, (Additional.) The particular attention of colonel Browne is expect ed towards the just delivery of all public stores; moneys, &c._; aud that no loans be permitted to defeat the spirit of this article. Signed at Headquarters, Augusta, June 5th, 178], by ANDREW PICKENS, Brig. Militia. HENRY LEE, jun. Lt. Col. Commandant, V. L. THOMAS BROWNE, Lt. Col. commanding the king's troops at Augusta. #This precaution was indispensable. Already-had the humanity of the be. - sieging 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-colonel Browne's life was, we knew, sought. with avidity; consequently it became our duty to secure his person before the garrison marched ouU Browne had himself suffer ed very cruel and injurious personal treatment in the beginning of the revolu tion ; 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. Southern Department of the United States. 251 colonel Browne until he should be placed out of danger. . Durin°- the few hours' residence iu Lee's quarters, the" British colonel in^ quired after his artillery sergeant, who had, a few nights befoie, deserted from the fort. Upon being told that he was in the quarter guard, he took the first opportunity of soliciting from Lee his res titution ; frankly declaring that he was no deserter, but was pur posely sent out by him in that character, to destroy by^ire the newly erected loghouse, which he plainly discerned to be destruc tive to his safety, and which his sergeant undertook to do, while pretending to direct our fire with the view of blowing up the maga zine of the fort. This communication showed the danger to which the beseigers were exposed for a few minutes, by the readiness with which lieu tenant colonel Lee entered into the plan ofthe deserter, but which, upon further reflection, he fortunately changed ; and demonstrates the great caution with which the offer Of aid from deserters 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 Browne was granted, and the sergeant with joy rejoined his commander. As soon as the capitu lation was signed, preparations for decamping were begun, and early the next morning, the baggage ofthe corps under Lee was trans ported across the Savannah ; about noon, the infantry followed ; and in the evening of the Oth, Lee joined with his cavalry ; pro ceeding with expedition to Ninety-Six, in obedience to orders from general Greene. Brigadier Pickens remained at Augusta until con veyance 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, Pickens and Lee despatched intelligence of the event to Greene ; who announcing the success in general or ders, 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 vigour exhibited in the exe cution of the duty assigned to them. Lee pressing forward with despatch, reached "Ninety Six on the forenoon- of the 8th. Two routes led south ofthe enemy to the American headquarters, 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 dis tance. Believing that the exhibition was designed with a view to insult the feelings of the garrison, lieutenant colonel Cruger gave orders for the contiguous batteries to open upon this corps, not withstanding if enveloped his fellow soldiers 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 sustained ; but the officer was very severely reprimanded by lieu tenant colonel Lee, for the danger to which his inadvertance had exposed the corps- 252 Memoirs of the War in the General Greene had exerted himself, wilh unremitting industry, to complete the works against the star redqubt ; to which single object colonel Kosciusko directed all hJ9 efforts. The enemy's left had been entirely neglected, although in that quarter was pro cured the chief supply of water.* As soon as the corps of Lee en tered camp, that officer was directed to take post opposite to the enemy's left, and to commence regular approaches against the stock ade. Very soon Lee pushed his ditch to the ground designated for the erection of the battery, under the cover of which the subse quent 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 and safety, both on the right and left, lieutenant colo nel Cruger foresaw bis inevitable destruction, unless averted by the approach of lord Rawdon. To give time for the desired event, he determined, by nocturnal sallies, to attempt to carry our trenches ; and to destroy with the spade whatever he might gain by the bayo net. These rencontres were fierce and frequent, directed some times upon one quarter and sometimes upon another : but so judi cious had been the arrangements- of the American general to coun teract these expected attempts, that in no one instance did the Bri tish commandant 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 repose during the night was incessantly disturbed, and whose labour in the day was as incessantly pressed. Ignorant of the situation and prospects of the British general as lieutenant colonel Cruger continued to be, he nevertheless indulged the con fidence, that every effort would be made for his relief, and perse vered with firmness and vigour in his defence. As soon as the se cond parallel was finished, general Greene directed colonel Wil liams, adjutant general, to summon the British commandant ; slating to him his relative situation, and assuring him that perseverance in resistance would be vain, and might produce disagreeable conse quences 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 disregard of general Greene's promises or threats. Failing in this attempt, our batteries opened from the second parallel, under cover of which Kosciusko pressed forward his approach with indefatigable labour. Lord Rawdon heard, with deep regret, the loss of Augusta, and was not insensible to the clanger which threatened Ninety-Six ; but destitute of the means to furnish immediate relief, he was obliged * Kosciusko was extremely amiable, and, I believe, a truly good man, nor was be ik-fic'ient 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, fur permitting his engineer to direct the manner of ap proach. 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. ._ Southern Department of the United States. 253 to arm himself with patience, anxiously hoping lhat every southern gale would waft to him the long expected 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 regim.;nts just arrived from Ireland, and was joined on his route by the troops from Monk's Corner, giving him a total of two thousand men. All his endeavours 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 succour, he might be induced to surrender, wilh a view to obtain favourable conditions for his garrison ; to stop which, he renewed his efforts to advise him ofthe propitious change of his condition, and his consequent advance for his relief. Greene was informed by Sumter, on the lllh, ofthe arrival from Ireland, and of the measures immediately taken by Rawdon to re sume offensive operations. Directing Sumter to keep in his lord ship's front, he reinforced him with all his cavalry, conducted by lieutenant colonel Washington ; urging the brigadier to exert every means -in his power to delay the advance ofthe British army. Ma rion 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 Sumter. Our approaches continued to be pushed with unabated diligence, in the hope that they might be brought to maturity in time to en force the submission of the garrison, before the British general could make good his long march. We now began to deplore the early inattention ofthe chief engi neer to the enemy's left ; persuaded that had he been deprived ofthe use ofthe rivulet in the beginning of the sieg \ he must have been forced to surrender before the present hour. It was deemed prac ticable to set fire to the stockade fort, and thus to demolish the water defence on the left of the rivulet. In the succeeding day, a dark violent storm came on from the west, without rain. Lieuten ant 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 combustible matter, was directed to approach the stockade in the most concealed direction, under cover of the storm, while the~batteries in every quarter opened upou the enemy, and demonstrations of striking at the star redoubt were made, with Ihe expectation of diverting his attention fiom the intre pid, party, which, with alacrity, undertook the hazardous enterprise. The sergeant conducted his gallant band in the best manner ; con cealing it whenever the ground permitted, and when exposed to view crawling 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, although many muskets were discharged at them running through the field, 254 Memoirs of the War in the before they got beyond the nearest rise of ground which could cover them from danger. After this disappbintment, nothing remained but to force our works to maturity, and to retard the advance ofthe British army. In the evening, a countryman was seen riding along our lines south of the town, conversing familiarly with the officers and soldiers on duty. He was hot regarded, as from the beginning 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 protection of the guards. Putting spur to his horse, he rushed with full speed into town, re ceiving the ineffectual fire of our sentinels and guards nearest to him, and holding up- a letter in his hand as soon as he cleared him self of our fire. The propitious signal gave joy to the garrison, who running to meet their -friend, opened the gate, welcoming his arrival with loud expressions of joy. He was the bearer of a des patch from Rawdon to Cruger, communicating his arrival at Orange- burgh in adequate force, and informing him that he was hastening~to his relief. This intelligence infused new vigour into the garrison. It also inspired the besieger with additional motives to push fo conclusion his preparations, as he now yielded up every hope here tofore derived from Croger's ignorance of the movement of the British 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 Maham tower was erecting which would overlook1 his parapet, very judiciously covered it with sand-bags,' to lessen the capacity derived from superior 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, hut also were carried so near the rivulet, as to render supplies of water diffi cult and precarious. The fire during the 17th was so effectual, as to induce the enemy to withdraw his guards established between the rivulet and tbe stockade; and parties of the troops on the left were posted in various points, fo aBnoy the communication with the riviilet. - These arrangements succeeded throughout the day com pletely, and the enemy suffered greatly from this privation, though accomplished too late to produce material advantage. Rawdon continued to advance by forced marches, and inclining to his right, made a vigorous push (o throw himself between Sumter and Greene. In this" effort he completely succeeded, and thus baffled all the measures adopter! by Greene to delay his approach. It now became necessary to hazard'an assault, lo meet Rawdon, or to retire. The American, general was disposed to immitale Caesar at Alesia ; first (o beat the relieving army, and then to fake the besieged town. But his regular force did but little exceed the halfoi that under Rawdon, which added to his militia, consisting of the corps of Sumter, Marion and:Pickens, still left him numerically inferior to the British gene- • rai, " Nevertheless confiding in his known superiority of cavalry, Southern Department of the United States. "256 he wonld 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 our left, our third parallel was completed, two trenches and a mine were nearly let into the enemy's ditch, and the Maham tower was finished. On our right, the 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 tri umph, was averse to the unequal contest to which he must necessa rily expose his faithful troops, and would probably have decided on the safe course, had not his soldiers, with one voice, inlreated to be led against the fort. The American army having witnessed the un conquerable spirit which actuated their general, as well as the un expected 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 Guilford, and of another at Hob- kick'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 their former disgrace. This generous ardour could not be resisted by Greene. Orders were issued to prepare for storming ; and the hour of twelve on the next day (18th June) was appointed for the assailing -columns to advapce by signal from the centre battery. Lieutenant colonel Campbell, ofthe 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 tbe legion infantry and Kirkwood's Delawares, with that on the right. Lieutenants Duval of-Maryland, and Seldon of Virginia, commanded the forlorn hope of Campbell; -and captain Rudolph, of the legion, that of Lee. Fascines were prepared to fill up the enemy's ditch, long poles with iron hooks were furnished to pull down the sand- hags, with every other requisite to facilitate the progress of the assailant. At eleven the third parallel was manned, and onr sharp shooters took their station in the tower. The first signal was an nounced from the centre battery, upon which the assailing columns entered the trenches ; manifesting delight in the expectation of car rying 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 assault. 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 destructive fire. Du- vaf and Seldon entered the enemy's ditch at different points, and Campbell stood prepared to support them, in the rear of (he 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. Un covering the parapet now would have given us victory ; and such 256 Memoirs of the War in the was the vigorous support afforded by the musketry from the third parallel, from tbe riflemen in the tower, and from the artillery mounted 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 pre pared an intermediate battery with his three pieces, which he occa sionally applied to right and left, At first it was directed against Lee's left, but very soon every piece was applied upon Campbell's right, which was very injurious to his column. Major Green, commanding in the- star redoubt, sensible ofthe danger to which he was exposed, if the attempted, lodgment upon his front curtain succeeded, determined to try the boyonet 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 ofthe 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 fight ing with the enemy in front but with the enemy overhead," sus tained 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 Campbell, the sand-bags not being removed. On the left, the issue was very dif ferent. 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 bis blow by passing the rivu let, entering the town, and forcing the fortified prison, whence the left mio-ht have yielded substantial aid to the attack upon the star, by compelling Cruger to struggle for the (own, or forcing him with all his troops to take refuge in the star ; a situation not long to be held, crowded as he must have been, and destitute of water The ad verse fortune experienced by our left column, made tbe mind of Greene return to his cardinal policy, the preservation of adequate force to keep the field. . ,. . ¦, Charmed with the courage displayed in his view, and regretting its disadvantageous application, ho sent orders to Campbell to draw off and -to Lee -to desist from further advance, but to hold the stockade abandoned by the enemy. Our lo=s amounted, during the siege, to one hundred and eighty- five killed and wounded.; that of the garrison to eighty -five. Cap tain Armstrong, of the Maryland line, was the only officer killed on our side, as was lieutenant Roney the only one on theirs. After our repulse, Greene sent a flag to lieutenant colonel Cruger, pro posing a cessation of hostilities for the purpose of bury.ng the dead ; but as to the burial of the dead the proposition was rejected, Cru- ger not choosing to admit our participation in a ceremonial which custom had appropriated lo the victor. As soon as it was dark, the detachment was withdrawn from the stockade, and preparations were begun for retreat. Southern Department of the United States. 251 On the 19th, Greene communicated to Sumter 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. Green, and leaving for the protection of the ladies the usual guard,* until col. Cruger should be advised of his retreat, and take his measures for their security, the American general 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. Raw don 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 tbe unshaken courage displayed in the assault, announced his grateful sense of. the conduct of the troops, as well during the siege as in the attack ; presaging from the past, the happiest result whenever an opportu nity should be presented of contending with the enemy upon equal terms — to the attainment of which his-best exertions would be in variably directed, relying, as he did, upon the same dauntless spirit recently exi ibiled Conscious as the army was of having done its duty, it derived consolation from this exhilarating address, and bury ing in oblivion the grating repulse, looked forward with (he antici pation of soon displaying their courage in a decisive battle. General Greene, moving with celerity, gained the Saluda, where he was joined by his cavalry. Forming a rear-guard, of his horse, the legion infantry and Kirkwood's Delawares, he continued his retreat towards Charlotte in North Carolina, and passed successively the Enoree, the Tiger and Broad rivers, his sick and wounded con- tinning fo precede him. In the morning of the 21st, the British army reached Ninety-six, laving for fourteen days been incessantly pressing forward by forced marches ; exposed not only to the privations inseparable from rapid movement 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 welcomed with the fulness of gratitude due to its exertions and their effect. Responsive to this Was the hearty applause bestowed on the garrison, equally merited "When general Greene approached Ninety- Six, he found the ladies of lieu tenant colonel Cruger and major Green in a farmhouse in the neighbourhood. The American general tranquillized the fears of the ladies, and as they pre ferred 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 apprised of our departure, when he sent the guard with his passport to rejoin our army. Some hours after Greene had withdrawn, one of our-Iight parties, absent some days, relumed; and passing by the farm-house, was going directly to our late camp before Ninety-Six, when Mrs. Cruger send ing for the.officer, communicated what had Happened, and instructed him to over take the reiiring general. 33 258 Memoirs of the War in the by the courage and firmness displayed throughout the late trying period. Officer embracing officer, and soldiers mingling with sol diers, gave themselves up to those gratulations resulting from the happy conclusion of their mutual toils and mutual perils. This pleasing scene lasted only a few hours ; for Rawdon, not satisfied with the relief of Ninety-Six, flattered himself with adding to the triumph already gained, by destroying or dispersing the army of Greene. Having replaced his fatigued and sick with apart ofthe force under Cruger, notwithstanding his long march, notwithstand ing the sultry season, he moved in the evening 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, contrived to strengthen himself by a newly raised corps ot 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 Rawdon acquired infor mation which convinced him of the impracticability of accomplish ing bis enterprise, and induced him lo spare his harassed troops unnecessary increase of fatigue. Halting here for the night, the British general retraced his steps next morning lo Ninety Six. This being made known to Greene, he directed lieutenant colonel Lee with his corps to follow tbe enemy, for the purpose of obtaining and communicating intelligence. After reaching Ninety-Six, Raw don prepared to evacuate the post ; and having entered into arrange ments with the loyalists of that district for the removal of them selves and families into the lines intended to be retained, he adopt ed a plan of retreat calculated to secure the undisturbed execution of his views. Despatching orders to lieutenant colonel Stewart 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 lordsbip, leaving at Ninety-Six the major part of his force, took with the residue the direct road for tbe concerted point of junction. Cruger was ordered to hasten the preparations necessary for the removal of the loyalists, then to abandon the theatre of his glory, and by taking a route considerably to his lordship's right, to inter pose the river Edisto belween 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 ad vantageous to the column of Cruger, which was the most vulnera ble, being heavily encumbered with property of the loyalists, as well as with public stores. But it would not have availed, had not the distance from Cruger been too great for Greene to overtake •The corps was badly mounted — small meagre horses being the only sort procurable. The best officers and the best riders, thus mounted, camvoi stand tolerable cavalry, much less sticft as then composed our rear. Southern Department of the United States. 259 him, without much good fortune, before he should place himself behind the Edisto ; after which, the course of Cruger's route would expose Greene to the sudden and co-operative attack of Rawdon and lieutenant colonel Stewart. When the determination of the British general to abandon Ninety-Six, and with it all the upper- country yet held by him, was communicated to Greene, he imme diately 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 Camden. As soon as the preparations for the evacuation of Ninety-Six and the removal of the loyalists had advanced to their desired maturity 4 Rawdon separated himself from Cruger, and marched to Friday's ferry ; inviting, in appearance, the American general to strike Gruger. ¦ For the reasons before assigned, this course of operations was avoided, and general Greene determined to pursue Rawdon ; and in this decision he was confirmed by the information derived from an intercepted letter from lieutenant colonel Balfour, the command ant of Charleston, to lord Rawdon, stating the reasons which pro duced the recall of Stewart with his corps, after he had commenced his march towards Friday's ferry, in pursuance of orders from Corn wallis. Lee was accordingly directed to continue close to the British army, and to gain its front upon reaching Friday's ferry, where he would find Sumter and Marion, ordered to take the same position, with the confident expectation that, by their united exertions, the advance of lord Rawdon, (uninformed of Stewart's recall,) should he 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 ofthe retiring army ; when finding that his lordship had halted at Eriday'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 its north. Well apprized, from his knowl edge of the adjacent country acquired when before fort Granby, July that only the rich settlement south of Friday's ferry could 8th. afford sufficient forage for the British army, Lee determined to avail himself of the probable chance to strike the enemy, which would be presented the ensuing morning by the British foragers. In the evening he directed captain Eggleston, of the cavalry, to proceed with thirty dragoons along the enemy's right, and taking with him Armstrong, previously despatched in that quarter -with a reconnoitring party, fo make in the course of the night a proper disposition of his force for the contemplated purpose. Eggleston immediately joined Armstrong, and repaired to the expected thea tre of action, placing himself in a secret and convenient position. Soon after day-light, the next morning, a foraging party, consisting of fifty or sixty dragoons and some wagons, were discovered ap proaching the very farm to ivhich Eggleston had directed bis attep- 260 Memoirs of the War in the tion. As soon as the wagons and escort had advanced within reach of Eggleston, he rushed upon the enemy, broke up the foragers, routed the party, and brought off forty five dragoons prisoners. This handsomely executed stroke was the more agreeable, as Eg gleston, by hisjudicious position and rapid charge, contrived to ac complish his object without any loss. General Greene compliment ed the captain and party in general orders ; and the legion horse derived credit with the enemy, very flattering fo its reputation, from the brilliant success of this dptachment. The prisoners being despatched to head quarters, lieutenant col onel 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 (o occupy the heights on the left to cover the horse, whose passage was te dious, 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 ofthe defile in his route. When the troops in the centre had entered the defile, we were alarmed by beating to arms in the camp ofthe 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 that moment leading his horse through the defile. Not doubting but that battle must in stantly take place, and believing the wiser course was to avoid 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 pos sibly extricate himself The troop, which had passed the defile, instantly galloped up the hill and arrayed with the infantry, while the remaining two troops were arrested by the panic of an individual. Eggleston, who commanded the troop so unhappily situated, dis mounting Several of his strongest dragoons, pulled the horse back " Alexander Skinner was a native of Maryland. He was virtuous and sen sible ; full of original humour of a peculiar cast; and eccentric in mind and man ners. In person and in love of good cheer, as well asin dire objection to the field of battle, he resembled with wonderful similitude Shakspeare's Falstaff. Vet Skinner had no hesitation in fighting duels, and had killed his man. Therefore when urged by his friends why he, who w >uld, when called upon by feelings of honour to risk his life in single combat, advance to the arena with alacrity, should abhor so dreadfully the field of battle, — he uniformly in substance an swered, 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 aud duty of a commissioned officer, whose business was to fight: an arrogance which he cor dially 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 stupi- fied bini. However, when Congress should think proper to honour him with a commission, he would convince all doubters that he was not afraid te push the bayonet. Southern Department of the United States. 261 again lengthways ofthe 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 de struction, 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 sentinels, 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 per mitted 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 apprehended, the agitating scene concluded with continuance of the march, after some humorous animadversions 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 towards the British camp, and Rudolph with the infantry drove in the 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 ofthe advance of the corps under Sumter and Marion. Lord Rawdon was not inattentive to the changing condition of affairs. The daring measures executed in his view was truly in terpreted. Not joined by Stewart, and unacquainted with the cause of his delay, he determined 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. meeting of tbe waters formed a bar. A3 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 ofthe 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 Sumter, 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 Sumter, Marion, nor Washington appeared, nor was any communication received from either. Lieutenant colonel Lee, not doubting that the wished for junction would be effected the next morning, determined, if practi cable, to establish his night quarters near Beaver creek, on the south side of which the road by the Eutaws and Motte's post from Charleston intersected that from Charleston, by the way of Orange- 262 Memoirs of the War in the burgh. This spot, too, gave advantages favourable to that effort which it was presumed would follow the union ofthe three corps. Rawdon, still uninformed as to Stewart, and feeling his own infe riority, 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 like 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 practi cable, as Sumter 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 Rawdon upon reaching the creek hastened over ; and lieutenant colonel Lee, finding his expectation illusive, turned to his left, proceeding down the Con garee ; yielding up any further struggle to hold the enemy's front. The British general advanced along the Orangeburgh road,- and halted at this small village, where he was joined on the next day by lieutenant colonel Stewart with the regiment of Buffs and convoy. Informed of the marchof. Stewart from Charleston with the convoy, Greene ordered Marlon and Washington to make an attempt upon this officer, encumbered as he was ; not doubting that this service could be performed in time to unite with Lee. Stewart's march was very slow, which, consuming more time than was expected, pre vented Marion and Washington from reaching Lee before his pas sage of Beaver creek. Marion did not succeed against Stewart. Colonel Horry, one of his officers, cut off a few wagons ; the only advantage gained by the American corps. On the succeeding day Sumter, Marion and Washington joined Lee, when the united corps advanced under Sumter a few miles towards Orangeburgh, conve nient to the route ofthe 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 forc ing it if possible. The reconnoissance was made with great attention, and close to the enemy : for being comparatively destitute of ca valry, lord Rawdon had no means to interrupt it. After spending several hours in examining the British position, general Greene de cided against hazarding an assault. The force of the enemy was about sixteen hundred, infantry and artillery, without horse : Greene's army, comprehending every sort, was rated at two thou sand, of which near a moiety was militia. Cruger bad not joined, being engaged in his march, and in depositing his loyalist in their new homes ;. but he was daily expected,, and would add at least fourteen hundred infantry and some few dragoons to the British Southern Department of the United States. 263 force. If, therefore, any attempt was to be made against Rawdon, delay became inadmissible. Some of the officers attending upori Greene, and in whose opinions he properly confided, did not con sider 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 ofthe Edisto and west ofthe Santee. But the majority concurred with the general, and the contem plated attack was abandoned.* Two powerful reasons led to this de cision. One, that the British general was not only in a strong position, but that he had secured his retreat across tbe Edisto, by occupying with musketry a large brick prison and several other houses com- *" Extract of a leiter, 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 retrogade as far as the cross-roads above VVinnsborough. Lord Rawdon'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 ou his march to fort Granby, our army was ordered to march towards that place by way of Winnsborough. Before we could arrive at Congaree, 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 endeavour to intercept colonel Stewart, who was on his march from Charles ton with the third regiment, &c. consisting of about three hundred, convoying bread, stores, &c, of which lord Rawdon's troops were in great want. Stewart however joined his lordship at Orangeburgh; and general Greene, from tbe in. formation he had received, was encouraged to expect success from an attack upon the British army at that post. Accordingly he collected his troops, and called together the militia and state troops under generals Sumter 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 mate rially 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 Crugqr had evacuated Ninety-Six, aud 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 tbe general rather to offer than to give battle The enemy declined the opportunity, and put up with the insult. General Greene, therefore, ordered our troops to retire in the afternoon to colonel Middleton's plantation, from whence we have proceeded by slow easy marches to this place, and not without leaving behind sufficient detachments to intercept their convoys from below, and to create such a diver sion at Monk's Corner, Dorchester, &c. as will very probably oblige his lordship to march to their relief. Indeed I am encouraged to hope that the garrison at Charleston will not be undisturbed. Mischief is meditated against thein in other quarters; and I sanguinely trust the issue of this campaign will perma nently fix the exalted idea the world has justly conceived of the eminent abili ties of our general, and secure durable advantages to the country." * * i 264 Memoirs of the War in the mafiding the river, to the southern banks of which he could readily retire uninjured, should he think proper to avoid battle until lieu tenant 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 ofthe ground and the disposition of the enemy, could not be brought to take its part iu 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 bis design of holding the country south ofthe 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 ofthe 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 furnished our substitute for bread, which, although tolerably re lished by those familiarized to it from infancy, was very disagree able to Marylanders and Virginians, who had grown up in the use of corn or wheat bread. Of meat we had literally none; forthe few meagre cattle brought to camp as beef would not afford more than one or two ounces per man. Frogs abounded in some neigh bouring ponds, and on them cheifly 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 ri valled the-frog in the estimation of our epicures. The heat of tbe season had become oppressive, and the troops began to experience its effect in sickness. General Greene deter mined to repair to some salubrious and convenient spot to pass the sultry season ; and having selected the High Hills of Santee, a place so called from the eminence of its grouiid, it became very op portune, 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 enemv's disposable force in Orangeburgh. When, therefore, he decamped on the 13th of July, he ordered Sumter, Marion and Lee to move rapidly towards Charleston ; and, after break ing up the posts at and about Dorchester, to unite at Monk's Cor ner, for the purpose of dislodging the nineteenth regiment stationed there under lieutenant colonel Coates. This service performed, their several corps would rendezvous at the High Hills of Santee, for which position the general now commenced his march. * Tacitus (de Moribus Germanorum) observes that tbey had a plentiful table instead of pay, — " Nam epulaB, et quanquam incompti largi tamen apparatm pro stipendio redunt." This cannot he said of us in toto. Like the Ger mans we had no pay; and instead of plentiful tables, in lieu of pay, om table was- not often plentiful, and seldom agreeable. Southern Department of the United States. 265 The corps took distinct routes, concealing their march, and pre pared 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 Hampton, commanding Sumter's cavalry, who falling in with some mounted refugees, dispersed the whole body, and made forty or fifty prisoners. A party of the legio*n 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 ofthe usual visits to the quarter house took place, nor was even a solitary officer picked up in their customary morning rides. Sumter hastened towards Monk's Corner, where lay the nine teenth 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 Sumter would have seized the bridge over the Cooper river, near iVJonk'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 lake a very circuitous route through deep sands, in the heat of July, to reach Sumter, 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 possession, 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 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 Sumter took the precaution to hold by a detach ment 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 maga zine, for the purpose of destroying stores which could not be with drawn, 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 colonel had fired the house, and of course that he had considerably advanced in his retreat, 34 266 Memoirs of the War in the notwithstanding the presumed possession of abridge over which he must pass. The troops were called to arms, and with great cele rity 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 be had retreated on the eastern side ofthe Cooper. In this direction Sumter pursued, preceded by the legion, which was supported by the state cavalry under lieutenant colonel Hamp ton. To our surprise and mortification, no opposition at the bridge had taken place ; and indeed our inquiries terminated in the convic tion that the detachment 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 hi« escape, Continuing to press the pursuit, the ca valry became considerably advanced before the infantry and the mounted militia under brigadier Marion. When they had reached the point where the roads separate, the Britisb horse (not more than a troop) had taken the route nearest to Cooper river. Ex pecting 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 neighbourhood of Quinby bridge, ahout eighteen miles from Monk's Corner. It was much wished to come up with Coates be fore he crossed that bridge, as it was well known lhat the stream, without a circuit, was only passable at the bridge, which it was cer tain 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 di rected to lake close order ; and captain Eggleston with one troop was detached in the woods to the left to turn the enemy's right, while the squadron, under Lee, supported by the cavalry under lieutenant colonel Hampton, advanced along the road directly to wards 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 opposite to Eggleston. This disposition was tbe 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 appre hended measure, formed the principal reason for throwing Eggles ton 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 dis tinctly heard from right to left, which not taking place caused some inquietude, lest it was intentionally reserved to render it more fatal. Southern Department of the United States. 267 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 ofthe horse close upon it, hoped to se cure their safety by this inoffensive conduct; and, without discharg ing a single musket, threw down their arms and begged for quarters. Their supplication was cheerfully granted, and like ourselves they escaped unhurt. Not doubting but that Quinby bridge was yet at least one mile in front, the cavalry were brought to order, and, leaving the captured rear in care of a few ofthe militia horse, has tened to strike the last blow They had not proceeded far when a courier was despatched to lieutenant colonel Lee with information that captain Campbell had ordered his men to resume their arms, and this recalled Lee for a few minutes. At this instant Armstrong with the leading section came in sight of Coates, who, having passed the bridge, was carelessly reposing, expecting his rear guard — having determined to destroy the bridge* as soon as his rear and baggage should have passed it. With this view the planks were mostly raised from the sleepers, lying on them loosely, ready to be thrown into the stream when the rear should get over. Seeing the enemy, with the bridge interposed, which he knew to be contrary to his commandant's expectation, this gallant officer drew up, and sent back for orders—never communicating the unexpected fact that the bridge intervened. Lee, sending his adjutant to the captain, warmly reminded him of the order of the day, which was to fall upon the foe without respect to consequences. Stung with this answer, the brave Armstrong put spur to his horse atthe head of his section, and threw himself over the bridge upon the guard stationed there with a howitzer. So sudden was this charge that he drove all before him — the soldiers abandoning their piece. Some of the loose planks were dashed off by Arm strong's section, which, forming a chasm in the bridge, present ed a dangerous obstacle. Nevertheless the second section, headed by lieutenant Carrington, took the leap and closed with Armstrong, Ihen engaged in a personal combat wilh lieutenant colonel Coates, who, placing himself on the side of a wagon which with a few others had kept up with the main body, effectually parried the many sabre strokes aimed at his head. Most of his soldiers, appalled at the sud den and daring attack, had abandoned their colonel, and were running through the field, some with, some without arms, to take shelter in the farm house. Lee now got up to the bridge, where captain O'Neal with the third section had halted ; and seeing the howitzer in our posses- ion, *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 beerr veteran. General ly speaking, infantry, unless surpassing greatly in number, or aided by the ground, will fall when vigorously charged by horse. If they discharge in toto, they are gone. Holding up the front file fire with charged bayonets, and pour ing in the rear fire, best aids their chance of success. 268 Memoirs of the War in the and the whole regiment flying in confusion, (except the lieutenant colonel, who, with a few, mostly officers, were defending themselves wilh their swords, and calling upon their soldiers for assistao e,) he used every effort to recover and replace the planks. The gap having been enlarged by Carrington's section throwing off more planks, O'Neal's horses would not take the leap ; and the creek was deep in water, and deeper in mud, so that the dragoons, who had dismounted for the purpose of getting the plank, could not, even though clinging to the studs ofthe bridge, stop from sinking — there being no foothold to stand upon ; nor was it possible to find any firm spot from whence to swim the horses across. In this perplexing coniiitiori the victory gained by tbe gallantry of one troop of dra goons was wrested from them, when to complete it only a passage across the creek, not twenty yards wide, was wanting. Discerning the halt ofthe horse, the enemy took corjrage, and the bravest ofthe soldiers hastening back to their leader soon relieved him. Arm strong and Carrington, compelled to abandon the unequal contest, forced their way clown the great road, turning into the woods up the stream to rejoin the corps. Lee continued struggling to replace the planks, until Coates (relieved from Armstrong) repaired with the few around him to defend the bridge, where remained his de serted howitzer. Having only sabres to oppose to the enemy's fire, and those sabres withheld from conlact by the interposing chasm, Lee was forced to draw off from the vain contest, after several of his dragoons had been wounded, among whom was doctor Irvin, surgeon of the legion cavalry.* As soon as he had reached the enemy, Lee despatched the intelli gence lo brigadier. Marion, and to the legion infantry, urging their approach ; and now foiled at the bridge, he communicated to Ma rion his movement some distance up the creek to a ford, which, from the information derived from his guides, would afford a ready pas sage. To this place he urged the brigadier to direct his march, assuring him that by their united effort the enemy might still be destroyed. Marion pressed his march with diligence, bringing with him the legion infantry ; and having passed the creek, united with Lee late in the evening, in front of the house, which, in their panic, had been so eagerly sought by the flyiii!; British soldiers, and which was now possessed by lieutenant colonel Coates, who had repaired to it with his wagons and howitzer ; affording, as it did, the most eli gible position he could assume. Posted in Ihe house, the oulhous- * Such was doctor Skinner's unvarying objection to Irvin's custom of risking his life, whenever he was with the corps going into action, that, kind and amia ble as be was, he saw wilh pleasure that his prediction, often communicated to Irvin to stop his practice, :, « hiclvftntiasted with his own, Skinner felt as a bit ter reproach,) was at length realized, when Irvin was brought in wounded; and he would not dress his wound, although from his station he had the right of pre ference, until he find finished all the privates — reprehending with asperity Irvin's custom, and sarcastically complimenting him, every now and then, with the hon ourable scar he might hereafter show. Southern Department of the United States. 269 es, and along the yard and garden fences, with his howitzer in front and undercover ofthe house, lieutenant colonel Coates found himself safe. Marion and Lee, seeing that no point of his position was assailable with probable hope of success, (destitute, as they were, of artillery,) reluctantly gave up this regiment ; and being low down in a neck, within striking distance from Charleston, after all the fatigue ofthe day they deemed it necessary to retire fifteen miles before they could give reJt to their troops At this moment Armstrong and Carrington, whose suspended fafe had excited painful sensations in the brpasts of their friends, happi ly joined with their shattered sections. Both the officers were un hurt, only one horse killed and one wounded, but some few ofthe bravest dragoons were killed and more wounded. Sending the captain with a detachment to the ground of action, for the purpose of bringing off the dead and wounded, Lee followed Marion ; who having detached a party to replace the planks ofthe bridge, took the direct course to it through the field. While we halted here with the legion cavalry until Armstrong should rejoin, one of our wounded dragoons came hobbling out ofthe swamp, into which he had scrambled when his horse had fallen by the same ball which had shattered the rider's knee. Armstrong now came up, bringing with him sad evidences of his intrepid charge. Some of his finest fel lows had fallen in this honourable, though unsuccessful attempt ; soldiers who had passed from early life through the war, esteemed and admired. Placing the wounded in the easiest posture for con veyance, and hearing the dead on the pummels of our saddles, we concluded a toilsome sixteen hours in the sadness of grief ; not for the loss of brave soldiers, nobly dying in their country's cause, but because they fell in an abortive attack, rendered so by unforeseen incidents. Had the bridge near Monk's Corner (over which the British passed) been held in conformity' to Sumter's plan and order, Coates would have been overtaken before he arrived at Quinby's. Had the guides been correct in their estimation of the distance of the bridge, when we first saw the enemy's rear, Lee (having taken Ihe rear guard) would have found out some other route to the main body, and avoided the fatal obstacle. Had Armstrong, refer ring for further orders, communicated the interposition of the bridge, the warm reply would never have been made, but a cool ex amination of our relative situation would have followed ; the result of which must have been propitious Coates and his regiment must have fallen ; giving increase of fame to our army, with solid good to our cause ; and the sad loss would not have occurred. To produce a discomfiture, this series of omission and error was neces sary and did take place. . Soldiers may and must struggle, — but unless fortune smile, they often struggle in vain.* •The author forgot to relate that, aftei his retreat from this position of Coates, it was attacked by Sumter and Marion, with considerable spirit, and some loss ; but without success, in consequence chiefly of Sumter's failure to bring up his artillery. — Ed. '27 & Memoirs of ihe War in the As soon as we reached our quarters, one common grave was prepared forthe dead, and at the dawn ofiight the rites of sepul ture were performed. The prisoners and baggage which had been taken were instantly sent off under a proper escort, and safely delivered to brigadier Sumter. With the baggage was taken the regimental military chest, whose contents being divided among the troops, by the brigadier's order, gave to each soldier one guinea. We reached on the fol lowing day, the neighbourhood of Nelson's ferry, where the troops were permitted to repose for twenty-four hours. Resuming our march, we crossed the Santee, and by easy marches joined in a few days the army at the High Hills. Incomplete as was this expedi tion, the zeal and vigour uniformly exhibited reflected credit on all employed in it ; and the general, always disposed to honour merit, testified his grateful approbation in very flattering terms. Arm strong, Carrington, and their gallant band, were, as they deserved, distinguished. The troops were placed in good quarters, and the beat of July rendered tolerable by the high ground, the fine air and good water ofthe selected camp. Disease began to abate, our wounded to recover, and the army to rise in bodily strength. En joying this period of rest, tbe first experienced since Greene's as sumption of the command, it was natural to meditate upon the past scenes. Nor was the conclusion of such meditations less instruc tive than agreeable. The wisdom ofthe general was manifest ; and the zeal, patience and firmness exhibited by the troops could not be denied. It is true, that untoward occurrences had deprived us of two victories, and lost us Ninely-Six ; but it was no less true, that the comprehensive views of the general, with his inflexible perseverance, and unvarying activity, had repaired these mortify ing disappointments, and had closed the campaign with the success ful execution of his object. * Defeat had been changed by its con sequences into victory, and our repulse had been followed by acces sion of territory. Tbe conquered states were regained, and our exiled countrymen were restored to their deserted homes, — sweet rewards of toil and peril. Such results can only be attributed to superior talents, seconded by skill, courage and fidelity. Fortune often gives victory ; but when the weak destitute ofthe essential means of war successfully oppose the strong, it is not chance but sublime genius which guides the intermediate operations, and con trols the ultimate event. CHAPTER XXX. ATELY John Champe, sergeant-major of the legion cavalry, who had been for several months considered by the corps as a de serter, returned. This high minded soldier had been selected to L Southern- Department of the United States. 271 undertake a very difficult and perilous project, the narration of which is due to his merit, as well as to the singularity of his pro gress.* The treason of brigadier Arnold — the capture of Andre — with intelligence received by Washington, through his confidential agents inNew York, communicating that many of his officers, and especially a major general named to him, were connected with Arnold — could not fail to seize the attention of a commander less diligent and zeal ous than Washington. It engrossed his mind entirely, exciting re flections the most anxious as well as unpleasant. The moment he reached the army, then under Ihe orders of major general Greene, encamped in the vicinity of Tappaii, he sent for major Lee; posted with the light troops some distance in front. This officer repaired to headquarters with celerity, and found the general in his marquee alone, busily engaged in writing. As soon as Lee entered, he was requested to take a seat, and a bundle of papers, lying on the table, was given to him for perusal. In these much information was de tailed, tending to prove that Arnold was not alone in the base con spiracy just detected, but that the poison had spread ; and that a major general, whose name was not concealed, was certainly as guilty as Arnold himself. This officer had enjoyed, without inter ruption, the confidence ofthe commander in chief throughout the war ; nor did there exist t single reason in support ofthe accusation. lt altogether rested upon the intelligence derived from the papers , before him. Major Lee personally acquainted with the accused, could not refrain from suggesting the probability, that the whole was a contrivance of sir Henry Clinton, in order to destroy that confidence between the commander and his officers on which the success of military operations depends. This suggestion, Washing ton replied, was plausible, and deserved due consideration. It had early occurred to his own mind, and had not been slightly regarded ; but his reflections settled in a conclusion not to be shaken ; as the same suggestion applied to no officer more forcibly than a few days ago it would have done to general Arnold, known now to be a traitor. Announcing this result of his meditations with the tone and coun tenance of a mind deeply agitated, and resolved upon its course, Lee continuing silent, the general proceeded : " I have sent for you, in the expectation that you have in your corps individuals ca pable and willing to undertake an indispensable, delicate and hazard ous project. Whoever comes forward upon this occasion, will lay me under great obligations personally, and in behalf of the United States I will reward him amply. No time is to be lost : he must proceed, if possible, this night. My object is to probe to the bot tom the afflicting intelligence contained in the papers you have just read ; to seize Arnold, and by getting him to save Andre. They are all connected. While my emissary is engaged in preparing means for the seizure of Arnold, the guilt of others can be traced ; and • This retrospect carries the reader back to the northern campaign of 1780, where the author held tha rank of major, and was serving under general Wash ington on the Hudson. — Ed. 272 Memoirs of the War in the the timely delivery of Arnold to me, will possibly put it into my power to restore the amiable and unfortunate Andre to his friends. My instructions are ready, in which you will find my express orders that Arnold is not to be hurt ; but that he be permitted to escape if to be prevented only by killing him, as his public punishment is the sole object in view. This you cannot too forcibly press upon whomsoever may engage in the enterprise ; and this fail not to do. With my instructions are two letters, to be delivered as ordered, and here are some guineas for expenses."' Major Lee replying, said, that he had little or no doubt but that his legion contained many individuals daring enough for any opera tion, however perilous ; but that the one in view required a com bination of qualities not easily to be found unless in a commissioned officer, to whom he could not venture to propose an enterprise, the first step to which was desertion. That though the sergeant-major ofthe cavalry was in all respects qualified forthe delicate and ad venturous project, and to him it might be proposed without indeli cacy, as h'19 station did not interpose the obstacle before stated ; yet it was very probable that the same difficulty would occur in-his breast, to remove which would not be easy, if practicable. Washington was highly pleased at finding that anon-commissioned officer was deemed capable of executing his views ; as he had felt extreme difficulty in authorizing an invitation to officers, who gene rally are, and always ought to be, scrupulous and nice in adhering to the-course of honour. He asked tbe name, the country, the age, the size, length of service, and character ofthe sergeant. Being told his name — that he was a native of Loudon county in Virginia; about twenty-three or twenty-four years of age — that he had enlisted in 1776— rather above the common size — full of bone and muscle ; with a saturnine countenance, grave, thoughtful and taciturn — of tried courage and inflexible perseverance, and asJikely to reject an overture coupled with ignominy as any officer in the corps ; a commission being the goal of his long and anxious exer tions, and certain on the first vacancy ;. — the general exclaimed, that he was the very man for the business ; that he must under take it ; and that going to the enemy by the instigation and at the request of his officer, was not desertion, although it appeared to be so. And he enjoined that this explanation, as coming from him, should be pressed on Cbampe ; and lhat the vast good in prospect should be contrasted with the mere semblance of doing wrong, which he presumed could not fail to conquer every scruple. Major Lee assured the general, that every exertion would be essayed on his part to execute his wishes; and taking leave returned to the camp of the light corps, which he reached about eight o'clock at night. Sending instantly for the sergeant-major, he introduced the business in the way best calculated, as he thought, to produce his concur rence ; and dilated largely on the very great obligations he would confer on the commander in chief, whose unchanging and active beneficence to the troops had justly drawn to him their affection, which would be merely nominal, if. when an opportunity should Southern Department of the United States. 273 offer to any individual of contributing lo the promotion of his views that opportunity was not zealously embraced. That the one now' presented to him had never before occurred, and in all probability never would occur again, even should the war continue for ages ; it being most rare for three distinct consequences, all of primary weight, to be comprised within a single operation, and that operation necessarily to be entrusted to one man, who would want but one or two associates in the active part of its execution. That the chance of detection became extremely narrow, and consequently that of Success enlarged. That by succeeding in the safe delivery of Ar nold, he not only gratified his general in the most acceptable man ner, but he would be hailed as the avenger of the reputation ofthe army, stained by foul and wicked perfidy ; and what could not but be highly pleasing, he would be the instrument of saving the life of major Andre, soon to be brought before a court of inquiry, the de cision of which could not be doubted, from the universally known circumstances ofthe case, and had been anticipated in the general's instructions. That, by investigating with diligence and accuracy the intelligence communicaied to him, he would bring to light new guilt, or he would relieve innocence (as was most probable) from dis trust ; quieting the torturing suspicions which now harrowed the mind of Washington, and restoring again to his confidence a once honoured general, possessing it at present only ostensibly, as well as hush doubts affecting many of his brother soldiers. In short, the accomplishment of so much good was in itself too at tractive to be renounced by a generous mind ; and when connected with the recollection of the high honour which the selection shed upon him, as a soldier he ought not — he must not pause. This dis course was followed by a detail of the plan, with a wish that he would enter upon its execution instantly. Champe listened with deep attention, and with a highly excited countenance; the pertur bations of his breast not being hid even by his dark visage. He briefly and modestly replied, that no soldier exceeded him in respect and affection for the commander in chief, lo serve whom he would willingly lay down his life ; and that he was sensible of the honour conferred by the choice of him for the execution of a project all over arduous ; nor could he be at a loss to know to whom was to be ascribed the preference bestowed, which he took pleasure in acknowledging, although increasing obligations before great and many. That he was charmed with the plan. Even its partial success would lead to great good ; as it would give peace to the general's mind, and do justice as he hoped, to innocence. Full success :. added powerful and delicious personal excitements, as well as the gratification of the general and army. He was not, he said, de terred by the danger and difficulty which was evidently to be en countered, but he was deterred by the ignominy of desertion, lo be followed by the hypocrisy of enlisting with the enemy ; neither of which comported with his feelings, and either placed an insuperable. bar in his way to promotion. 3h 274 Memoirs of the War in the He concluded by observing, that if any mode could be contrived free from disgrace, he would cordially embark in the enterprise. As it was, he prayed to be excused ; and hoped that services, always the best in his power to perform, faithfully performed, entitled his prayer to success. The objections at first apprehended, now to be combatted, were extended to a consequence which had not suggested itself. Lee candidly admitted that he had expected the first objection made, and that only ; which had been imparted to the general, who gave to it full consideration, and concluded by declar ing that the crime of desertion was not incurred ; as no act done by the soldier at the request ofthe commander in chief could be con sidered as desertion ; and that an action so manifestly praiseworthy as that to be performed, when known, would dissipate by its own force tbe reflections excited by appearances, leaving the actor in full enjoyment of the rich rewards of his virtue. That the reflect ing mind ought not to balance between the achievement of so much good, and the doing Wrong in semblance only ; to which major Lee subjoined, lhat he had considered himself and corps highly ho noured by the general's call upon him for a soldier capable and wil ling to execute a project so tempting to the brave ; and that he should feel himself reduced to a mortifying condition, if the resis tance to the undertaking compelled him to inform the general that he must recur to some other corps to provide an agent to execute this bold and important enterprise. He entreated the sergeant to ask himself what must be the reflec tions of his comrades, if a soldier from some other corps should execute the attempt, when they should be told that the glory trans-, ferred to the regiment of which he was one, might have been enjoyed by the legion, had not sergeant Champe shrunk from the overture made to him by his general, rather than reject scruples too narrow aud confined to be permitted to interfere with grand and virtuous deeds. The esprit du corps could not be resisted ; united to his inclination, it subdued his prejudices, and he declared bis willing ness to conform to Ihe wishes of the general ; relying, as he con fidently did, that his reputation would be protected by those who had induced him to undertake the enterprise, should he be unfor tunate. The instructions were read to him, and each distinct object pre sented plainly to his view, of which he took notes so disguised as to be understood only by himself. He was particularly cautioned to nse the utmost circumspection in delivering his letters, and to take care to withhold from the two individuals, addressed under feigned names, knowledge of-each other ; for although both had long been in the confidence of the general, yet it was not known by either that the other was so engaged. He was further urged, to bear in constant recollection the so lemn injunction so pointedly expressed in the instructions to major Lee, of forbearing to kill Arnold in any condition of things. This part of the business beipg finished, their deliberation was turned to the manner of Champe's desertion ; for it was we.ty Southern Department of the United States. 215 known to them both that to pass the numerous patroles of horse and foot crossing from the stationary guards, was itself difficult, Which was now rendered more so by parties thrown occasionally beyond the place called Liberty Pole, as well as by swarms of irre gulars, induced sometimes to venture down to the very point at Paulus Hook with the hope of picking up booty. Evidently dis cernible as were the difficulties in the way, no relief could he ad ministered by major Lee, lest it might induce a belief that he was privy to tte desertion, which opinion getting to the enemy would ihvolve the life of Champe. The sergeant was left to his own re sources and to his own management, with the declared determina tion, that in case his departure should be discovered before morn ing, Lee would take care to delay pursuit as long as practicable. Giving to the sergeant three guineas, and presenting his best wishes, he recommended him to start without delay, and enjoined him lo communicate his arrival in New York as soon as he could. Champe pulling out his watch, compared it with the major's, re minding the latter ofthe importance of holding back pursuit, which he was convtuced would take place in the course ofthe night, and which might be fatal, as he knew that he should be obliged to zig zag in order to avoid the patroles, which would consume time. It was now nearly eleven. The sergeant returned to camp, and taking his cloak, valise and orderly book, he drew his horse from the pick et, and mounting him put hiimelf upon fortune. Lee, charmed with his expeditious consummation of the first part of the enterprise, retired to rest. Useless attempt ! the past scene could not be ob literated ; and, indeed, had that been practicable, the interruption which ensued would have stopped repose. Within half an hour captain Carnes, officer of the day, waited upon the major, and with considerable emotion told him that one of the patrole had fallen in with a dragoon, who, being challenged, put spur to his horse and escaped, though instantly pursued. Lee complaining of the interruption, and pretending to be extremely fatigued by his ride to and from headquarters, answered as if he did not understand what had been said, which compelled the captain to repeat it. Who can the fellow that was pursued be ? inquired the major; adding, a countryman, probably. No, replied the captain, the patrole sufficiently distinguished him to know that he was a dragoon; probably one from the army, if not certainly one of our own. This idea was ridiculed from its improb rbrlity, as during the whole war but a single dragoon had deserted frorn the legion. This did not conviuce Carnes, so much stress was it wiw the f.i-diion to lay on the desertion of Arnold, and the probable effect of his exam ple. The captain withdrew to examine the squadron of horse, whom he had ordered to assemble in pursuance of established usage on similar occasions. Very quickly he returned, statins; lhat the scoundrel was known, and was no less a person than the sergeant- major, who bild gone off with his horse, baggage, arms and orderly book, — so presumed, as neither the one nor the other could be found. Sensibly affected at the supposed baseness of a soldier ex- 276 Memoirs of the War in the tremely respected, the captain added that he had ordered a party to make ready for pursuit, and begged the major's written orders. Occasionally this discourse was interrupted, and every idea sug gested which the excellent character ofthe sergeant warranted, to induce the suspicion that he had not deserted, but had taken the liberty to leave camp with a view to personal pleasure : an example, said Lee, too often set by the officers themselves, destructive as it ¦was of discipline, opposed as it was to orders, and disastrous as it might prove to the corps in the course of service. Some little delay was thus interposed ; but it being now announced that the pursuing party was ready, major Lee directed a change in the officer, saying that he had a particular service in view, which he had determined to entrust to the lieutenant ready for duty, and which probably must be performed in the morning. He therefore directed him to summon cornet Middleton for the present command. Lee was induced thus to act, first to add to the delay, and next from bis knowledge of the tenderness of Middleton's disposition, which he hoped would lead to the protection of Champe, should he be taken. Within ten minutes Middleton appeared to receive his or ders, which were delivered to him made out in the customary form, and signed by the major. " Pursue so far as you can with safety sergeant Champe, Who is suspected of deserting to the enemy, and has taken the road leading to Paulus Hook. Bring him alive, that he may suffer in the presence of the army ; but kill him if be re sists, or escapes after being taken." Detaining the cornet a fpw minutes longer in advising him what course to pursue,— urging him to take care ofthe horse and accou trements, if recovered, — and enjoining Ifim to be on his guard, lest he might, by his eager pursuit, improvidently fall into the hands of the enemy, —the major dismissed Middleton, wishing him success. A shower of rain fell soon after Champe's departure, which enabled the pursuing dragoons to take the trail of his horse ; knowing, as officer and trooper did, the make of their shoes, the impression of which, wa« nn unerring guide,* When Middleton departed, it was a few minutes past twelve ; so that Champe had only the start of rather more than an hour, — by no means as long as was desired. Lee became very unhappy, not only because the estimable and gallant Champe might be injur ed, but less the enterprise might be delayed ; and he spent a sleep less night. The pursuing party during the night, was, on their part, delayed by the necessary halts to examine occasionally the road, as the impression ofthe horse's shoos directed their course ; this was unfortunately too evident, no other horse having passed along the road since the shower. When the day broke, Middleton was no longer forced to halt, and he pressed on with rapidity. As cending an eminence befoie he reached the Three Pidgeons, some * The horses being all shod by our own farriers, the shoes were made in the same form ; which, with a private mark annexed to tbe fore shoes, and known to the troopers, pointed outthe trail of our dragoons to each other, which was often very useful. Southern Department of ihe United States. 277 miles on the north of the village of Bergen, as the pursuing party reached its summit, Champe was descried not more than half a mile in front. Resembling an Indian in his vigilance, the sergeant at the same moment discovered the party, whose object he was no stranger to, and giving spur to his horse, he determined to outstrip his pursuers. Middleton at the same instant put his horses to the top of their speed ; and being as tbe legion all were well acquaint ed with the country, he recollected a short route through the woods to the bridge below Bergen, which diverged from the great road just after you gain the Three Pidgeons. Reaching the point of separation, he halted ; and dividing his party, directed a sergeant "with a few dragoons to lake the near cut,. aud possess with all pos sible despatch the bridge, while he with the residue followed Champe ; not doubting but that Champe must deliver himself up, as he would be closed between himself and his sergeant. Champe did not forget the short cut, and would have taken it himself, but he knew it was the usual route of our parties when returning in the day from the neighbourhood of the enemy, properly preferring the woods to the road. He consequently avoided it ; and persuaded that Middleton would avail himself of it, wisely resolved to relin quish his intention of getting to Paulus Hook, and to seek refuge from two British galleys, lying a few miles to the west of Bergen. This was a station always occupied by one or two galleys, and, which it was known now lay there. Entering the village of Bergen, Champe turned to his right, and disguising his change of course as much us he could by taking the beaten streets, turning as'they turned, he pissed through the village and took the road towards Elizabethtown Point. Middleton's sergeant gained the bridge, where he concealed himself, ready to pounce upon Champa when he came up; and Middleton, pursuing his course through Bergen, soon got also to the bridge, when, to his extreme mortification, he found that the sergeant had slipped through his fingers. Returning up the road, he inquired of the villagers of Bergen, whether a dragoon had been seen that morning ahead of liis party. He was answer ed in the affirmative, but could learn nothing satisfactorily as to the route he took. While engaged in inquiries himself, he spread his party through the village to strike the trail of Champe's horse, a resort always recurred- lo. Some of his dragoons hit it just as the sergeant, leaving the village, got in the road lo the Point. Pur suit was renewed wilh vigour, and again Champe was descried. He, apprehending the event, had prepared himself for it, by lash ing his valise (containing his clolhes and orderly book) on his shoul ders, and holding his drawn sword in his hand, having thrown away the scabbard. This he did to save what was indispensable to him, and to prevent any interruption to his swimming, should Mid dleton, as he presumed, when disappointed at the bridge, take the measures adopted by him. The pursuit was rapid and close, as the stop occasioned by the sergeant's preparations for swimming had brought Middleton within two or three hundred yards. As soon as Champe got abreast ofthe two galleys, he dismounted, arjd running 278 Memoirs of the War in the through the marsh to the river, plunged into it, calling upon the galley's for help. This was readily given ; they fired upon our horse, and sent a boat to meet Champe, who was taken in and car ried on board, and conveyed to New York vvith a letter from the captain of the galley, stating the circumstances he had seen. The horse with his equipments, the sergeant's cloak and scab- bardj were recovered ; ihe sword itself, being held by Champe until ha plunged into the river, was lost, as Middleton found it ne- cessaiy lo retire without searching for it. v About three o'clock in the evening our party returned, and the soldiers seeing Ihe well known horse in our possession, made the air resound with exclamations that the scoundrel was killed. Major Lee, called by this heart-rending annunciation from his tent, saw the sergeant's horse led by one of Middleton's dragoons, and began to reproach himself with the blood of the high prized, faithful and intrepid Champe. Stifling his agony he advanced to meet Middleton, and became somewhat relieved as soon as he got near enough to discern the countenance of his officer and party. There was evidence. in their looks of disappointment, and he was quickly relieved by. Middleton's information lhat the sergeant had effected his escape with the loss of his horse, and narrated the par ticulars just recited. Lee's joy was now as full as, the moment before, his torture had been excruciating. Never was a happier conclusion. The ser geant escaped unhurt, carrying with him to the enemy undeniable testimony of the sincerity of his desertion, — cancelling every ap prehension before entertained, lest tbe enemy might suspect him Qf being what he really was. Major Lee imparted to the commander in chief the occurrence, who was sensibly affected by the hair-breadth escape of Champe, and anticipated with pleasure the good effect sure to follow the ene my's knowledge of its manner. On tbe fourth day after Champe's departure, Lee received a let ter from him, written the day before in a disguised hand, without any signature, and stating what had passed after he got on board the galley, where he was kindly received. He was carried lo the commandant of New York as soon as he arrived, and presented the letter addressed to this officer from the captain of the galley. Being asked to what corps he belonged," and a few other common questions, he was sent under care of an orderly sergeant to the adjutant-general, who, finding that he was sergeant- major ofthe legion horse, heretofore remarkable for their fidelity, began to interrogate hhn. He was told by Champe, that such was the spirit of defection which prevailed among the American troops in consequence of Arnold's example* that he had no doubt, if the temper was properly cherished, Washington's ranks would not only be greatly thinned, but that some of his best corps would leave him. To this conclusion, the sergeant sail, he was led by his own obser vations, and especially hy his knowledge of the discontents which agitated the corps to which he had belonged. His size, place of birth, Southern Department of the United States. 279 form, countenance, hair, the corps in which he had served, with other remarks, in conformity to the British usage, was noted down. After this was finished, he was sent to the commander in chief, in charge of one of the staff, with a letter from the adjutant-general. Sir Henry Clinton treated him very kindly, and detained him more than one hour, asking him many questions, all leading, — first, to know to what extent this spirit of defection might be pushed by proper incitements, — what the most operating incitements, — whe ther any general officers were suspected by . Washington as con cerned in Arnold's conspiracy, or any other officers of note ; — who they were, and whether the troops approved or censured Wash ington's suspicions ; — whether his popularity in the army was sink ing, or continued stationary. What was major Andre's situation, — ¦ whether any change had taken place in the manner of his confine ment, — what was the current opinion of his probable fate, — and whether it was thought Washington would treat him as a spy. To these various interrogations, some of which were perplexing, Champe answered warily ; exciting, nevertheless, hopes that the adoption of proper measures t,pursuing with his whole force the object of his movement into South Carolina. ¦3-9 3Q6 Memoirs of the War in the Turning towards the seaboard, tbe British officer returned unhurt on the 15th day from his departure, and joined lord Cornwallis af Suffolk ; where his lordship, having detached the reinforcement required by the commander in chief to Portsmouth for embarka tion, waited for the rejunction of the light corps. As soon as this took place, the British general moved to Portsmouth, and encamped with his infantry in front of his works ; "the cavalry passed Eliza beth river, and were cantoned in the county of Princess Ann, where wholesome and abundant subsistence for man and horse was to be found on every plantation. La Fayette received, on the day after his repulse, a handsome squadron of dragoons under captain Moore from the town of Balti more ; and retired with most of his army to the forks of York river, having -dismissed all his militia. Thus was concluded the summer campaign of lord Cornwallis in Virginia. For eight or nine weeks he had been engaged in the most active movements, at the head of an army completely tilted for the arduous scenes of war, warmly attached to its general, con scious and proud of its own ability, and ready to encounter every danger and difficulty to give success to his operations. The inferi ority of La Fayette in number, in quality, in cavalry, in arms and equipment, has been often recurred to and cannot be doubted. Yet strange when the primary object of the British general must have been the annihilation of our army in Virginia, he never struck it io whole or in part, although manoeuvring in his face in an open country, and remote from support of every sort except occasional aids of militia. This omission on the part of lord Cornwallis is inexplicable. More than once be had a fair opportunity to force an action ; and that only was necessary, with his vast superiority, to produce the ruin of his antagonist. The American general had great difficulties to surmount, as well as to guard against bis formidable foe, pressing him on his retreat. Wayne directing his most efficient aid, was far to his right, and the baron Steuben, wilh the Virginia levies, was as far on his left. The public stores deposited in several . magazines accessible lo the enemy ; and the great body of the inhabitants of the. lower country, flying from their homes with their wives, their children, and the most valuable qf their personal property, to s.eek safety in the mountains. The state authorities, executive and legislative, like the flying inhabitants, driven from the seat of government ; chased from Charlottesville ; and at length interposing the Blue Ridge-be tween themselves and the enemy lo secure a resting place at Staun ton. In this period of gloom, of disorder, and of peril, La Fayette was collected and undismayed. With zeal, with courage, arid with sagacity, he discharged his arduous duties ; and throughout his difficult retreat was never brought even to array but once in order of battle. Invigorating our counsels by his precepts ; dispelling our des pondency by bis example ; arid encouraging his troops to submit to Southern Department of the United States. 307 their many privations, by the cheerfulness with which he pariici pated in their wants ; he imparted the energy of his own mind to the country, and infused his high toned spirit into his army. His efforts were crowned with success ; and even the erroneous deter mination to risk the elite of his force for the purpose of capturing a supposed covering party of the hostile army, when occupied in passing James river, was repaired by the celerity with which he dis covered his mistake, and with which he curtailed its consequences. To La Fayette, to his able second, to general Nelson, to his cavalry, to his rifle corps, to his officers, and to his soldiers, much praise is due ; nor was it withheld by their comrades in arms, by their enemy, or by the nation. Now, for the first time throughout the war, did ever doubt at tach to the merits of the British general. In the North and in the South, in the cabinet and in the field, he stood pre-eminent ; the bulwark of Great Britain,— the dread of America. When in command of mighty means, and in the heart of that state whose prostration he uniformly viewed as the first prerequisite to the subjugation of tbe South, that he should content himself with burning tobacco, destroying a portion of our scattered stores, and chasing our governor from hill to hill, and our legislature from town to town, comported neither with his fame nor his duty. The de struction of La Fayette ought to have been his sole object. To it every other good appertained ; and this was certainly in his power during his retreat, and even when he covered himself behind Mechunk creek to save the stores at Albemarle Old Court-house. But admit that this presumption is extravagant ; we cannot err when ne assert, that by. following up the blow at James's Island, he must have renewed the catastrophe of Camden in the lawns of Green spring. A second army would have been annihilated ; and that too when on its fate hung the safety of Virginia, of the. South, if not of the United States. Had Cornwallis acted as he always had done until be took com mand ofthe army at Petersburg, he would have moved after snatch ing some refreshments and a few hours repose ; he would have fal len upon the left flank of La Fayette ; he would have forced him upon the Chickahotniny, which for many miles skirted his right, and compelled him to surrender or to die in the last effort. For some cause not yet clearly known, a very different conduct was pursued ; as derogatory to the high fame of this distinguished soldier, as it was in its consequences injurious to his country and destructive to himself and his army. A careful examination of the commander in chief and lord Corn wallis's correspondence exhibits two facts ; first, that sir Henry Clinton was very much disposed to pursue, with the army of Vir ginia, operations at tbe head of the Chesapeake, in the neighbour hood of Baltimore, or in the Delaware. Neck ; and, secondly, that earl Cornwallis did not accord with his chief in such application of the force under his orders, preferring the destruction of Virginia to any other object. This material difference (in view and judgment 308 Memoirs of the War in the laid.the foundation for that languor in exertion which marks every step of Cornwallis in Virginia, until his rmnly resolve to take care of his army by crossing York river, when he found Clinton's pro mise of relief illusory. Knowing it to be his duty to support, and not to direct, the seri ous intention expressed by sir Henry Clinton of pressing solid oper ations in the upper Chesapeake, which we may fairly infer (from his letter written six days after he reached Virginia) was known to his lordship before he left Westover, induced him to adopt a con tracted scale of conduct, lest he might delay, if not mar his chief's design. He found himself now the mere puppet of the commander in chief, and not the carver and executor of bis own plans, limited by general principles necessary to secure unity in design and cor respondency in execution. This ehange in official character pro duced the subsequent change so apparent in his conduct. In his letter above alluded to, ofthe 26th of May, dated " Byrd's planta tion, north of James river," is the following paragraph: " I shall now proceed to dislodge La Fayette from Richmond, and with my light troops destroy any magazines or stores in the neighbourhood, which may have been collected either for his use or for general Greene's army. From thence 1 propose to move to the neck of Williams burg, which is represented as healthy, and where some subsist ence may be procured, and keep myself unengaged from opera tions which might interpose with your plan of the campaign, until I have the satisfaction of hearing from you." It is evident from this letter that it was an answer to instructions found among general Phillips's papers, delineating the plan of the campaign ; or to a letter which met Cornwallis at Petersburg, ex plaining the views of the commander in chief. To the tenor of this answer, Cornwallis's conduct corresponded. He did dislodge La Fayette from Richmond ; he did destroy all the stores in that neighbourhood, and even some more remote ; and he did afterwards return to Williamsburg. It is true that he employed some few days in pursuit of La Fay ette ; but confining himself in point of time, he did not persevere in pressing that object, lest it might consume more time than was compatible with the ulterior views of the commander iu chief. In sir Henry Clinton's letter of the 11th of June,* when comparing * Extract of a UUerfrom sir Henry Clinton to earl Cornwallis, dated, --, New York, June 11, 1781, " Respecting my opinionsof stations in James and York rivers, I shall beg leave only to refer your lordship to my instructions to, and correspondence with, general Phillips and Arnold.; together with the substance of conversations with the foimer, which your lordship will have found among general Phillips's papers, and to which I referred you in my last despatch. 1 shall, therefore. jof course, approve of any alteration your lordship may think proper to make in these stations. "The detachments I have made from this army into Chesapeake, since gen eral Leslie's expedition in-ec'touei last, inclusive, have amounted to seven thousand seven hundred and twenty-four effectives ; aud at the time your lord- ship.made the junction with the corps there, there were under major general Southern Bepartment of the United States. 309 the force under Cornwallis and lhat under La Fayette, he says « 1 should have hoped yon would have quite sufficient force to car ry on any operation in Virginia, should that have been advisable at this late season." The concluding words plainly show lhat he con sidered it too late (o press operations in Virginia, as they would in terfere with what he deemed more important. In this same letter, Ihe. British chief communicates the prospect of a combined attack upon New York, and demands a reinforcement from the army in Virginia. " By intercepted letters inclosed to your lordship in my last despatch, you will observe I am threatened with a siege in this post. My present effective force is only ten tbousand nine hundred and ihirty one : with respect to that the enemy may col lect for such an object, it is probable they may amount to at least twenty thousand, besides reinforcements to the French (which, from pretty good authority, 1 have reason to expect,) and the numerous Phillips's orders, five thousand three hundred and four: a force, 1 should hare hoped, w .71 be sufficient of itself to have carried on operations in any of the soutbern.pruvinct-& oi America; where, as appears by the intercepted letters of Washington and La Fayette, they are in no situation lo stand against even a division oi lhat army. •' 1 have reason to suppose the continentals, under La Fayette, cannot exceed one thousand; and I am iolr.1 by lieutenant colonel Hill, of the ninth regiment, that about a fortnight ago he met at Frederickiown the Pennsylvania line, under Wayne, of .about Ihe same number ; who were so discontented, that their offi cers were afraid to trust them with ammunition. This, however, may have since altered ; and your lordship may pussibly have opposed to you from fifteen hundred to two thousand continentals, and (as La Fayette observes) a small body of ill aimed peasantry, full as spiritless as the militia of the southern pro vinces, and without any service. " Comparing, thereloie, the force now under your lordship in the Chesapeake, and thai of the enemy opposed to you, (and 1 think it clearly appe-jrs that they bave for the present no intention of sending thither reiuloicenreuts,) I should have hoped you would- have quite sufficient to carry on any operation in Vir ginia, should' that have been advisable at this advanced season. " By the intercepted letters inclosed to your lordship in my last despatch, you willobiefve thatl am threatened with a siege in this post. My present effective force is only ten thousand nine hundred and thirty-one. With respect to that the enemy may collect lor such an object, it is probable they may amount to at least twenty thousand, besides rernforcemcnls to the French, (which, from, pret- -ty good authority, 1 have reason to expert,) and the numerous militia of the five neighbouring provinces. Thus circumstanced, 1 am persuaded your lord ship will be of opinion, that the sooner 1 concentrate my force the belter. Therefore, (unlessyour lordship, after the receipt oi rriy. letter ofthe 29lh of May, and the 8th instant, should incline to agree wilh me in opinion, and judge it right to adop^iuy ideas respecting the move lo Baltimore or the Delaware neck, &c,) I beg leave lo recommend it lo you, as soon as you have finished the ac tive operations you may now be engaged in, to take a defensive station, in any healthy situation you choose, (be it at Williamsburg or York Town.) j and I would wish, in that ease, that, after reserving to youi self such troops as you may judge necessary for ample, defensive, aiid desultory movements by water, for the purpose of annoying the communications, destroying magazines, &c, the fol lowing corps may be sent to me in succession, as you can spare them: two bat talions of light infantry ; foity-third regiment ; seventy-sixth or eightieth regi ments; two battalions of Anspach; Queen's rangers, cavalry ^and infantry ; remains of the detachment of the seventeenth light dragoons ; and such propor tion of artillery as can be spared, particularly men." 310 Memoirs of ths War in the militia of the five neighbouring provinces. Thus circumstanced, I am persuaded your lordship will be of opinion that the sooner I concentrate my force the better. " Therefore (unless your lordship, after the receipt of my letter ofthe i!9lh of May and 8th of June, should incline to agree with me in opinion, and judge it right to adopt my ideas respecting the move to Baltimore, or the Delaware neck, &c ) I beg leave to recom mend it to you, as soon as you have finished the active operations you may now be engaged in, to lake a defensive station in any healthy situation you choose (be it at Williamsburg or Vnrk Town) ; and I would wish, in that case, that after reserving to yourself such troops as you may judge necessary for ample, defensive, and desul tory movements by water, for the purpose of annoying the enemy's communications, destroying magazines, &c. , tbe following corps may be sent to me in succession as you can spare them." The letters above mentioned,, of the 29th May and 8th June, were (as we infer from lord Cornwallis's despatches) never received, or probably the confidence they breathe might have induced his lordship to venture to appropriate his time and measures as his own judgment should direct. Ip which case the army of La Fay ette would have experienced a more determined and persevering pursuit. Conforming his whole conduct to the plan of his commander in chief, he followed his enemy only over the North Anna, a branch of the Pamunkey-; and as soon as he completed some secondary objects he fell back to Williamsburg, and from thence interposed the James river between himself and La Fayette, for the purpose of hastening the required detachment lo Clinton ; the demand for which was repeated by a leiter dated tbe 28th of June, lt results. clearly from this cursory review of facts, that lord Cornwallis, from the moment he assumed the command ofthe army in Virginia (20lh of May), considered himself as the mere executor of plans devised by his principal ; and that he consequently never ventured to engage in measures, whose execution might in aDy degree interrupt the completion of sir Henry Clinton's designs. This control paralyzed all his efforts, aod be no longer displayed that decision and fire which had before marked his military career. After passing James river. Cornwallis seems to bave indulged his natural bias, by detaching lieutenant colonel Tarleton to the county of Bedford. This daring enterprise emanated from his unceasing desire to cramp the exertions of Greene, by destroying all the stores intended to supply the pressing wants of our army in the South; and from his determination never to permit any of Greene's light troops to join La Fayette, some of whom be now believed were approaching the Dan to reinforce the army in Virginia. It is very surprising that La Fayette, who had just manifested his anxiety to strike his adversary, even at the risk of the loss of his army, should not have now indulged the same propensity, when the present opportunity so forcibly invited tbe attempt ; which was not only practicable, but exempt from much hazard. Southern Department of the United States. 31 1 The reinforcement of horse just received under captain Moore must have augmented his cavalry to two hundred : Tarleton had with him about the same number of dragoons. The bat and other horses wilh the army, and such as might be readily procured iu the neighbourhood of the camp, would bave enabled La Fayette to mount four or five hundred infantry, two upon a horse. Tarleton had with him but eighty mounted infantry. With this force a skil ful officer (and the Americangeneral had many) could not have been: disappointed in intercepting tbe British detachment. But La Fayette contented himself with sending a body of infantry under brigadier Wayne across James river, whose corps was not fitted to the enterprise, and who therefore could not with his means effect the object, unless lieutenant colonel Tarleton had iinprovi- dently thrown himself into his lap. Sir Henry Clinton, discovering lord Cornwallis's aversion to the establishment of a post on the Chesapeake, and determined to fix one there, countermanded the move of the reinforcement hereto fore required, and repeated his directions for the selection and for tification of a permanent post, convenient for desultory maritime expeditions up the Chesapeake and its numerous rivers, and capable of protecting line of battle ships. It appears that ihe British admiral on the American station had experienced the disadvantages which flowed from the navy's occu pying the usual stations during tbe freezing months, and was conse quently anxious of wintering his fleet further south. He says, in his letter to lord Cornwallis, dated 1 2th July, off Sandy Hook, " That there is no place for great ships, during the" freezing months, on this side of the Chesapeake, where the great ships will be( in security, and at the same time capable of acting ; and in my opinion they had better go to the West Indies, than to be laid up in Halifax during the winter ;" and he goes on to recommend Hampton Roads as the proper place. Earl Cornwallis declining further opposition to the will of sir Henry Clinton, sent his engineer and some captains of the navy to examine Old Point Comfort, which appears to have been the site preferred for the intended post, both by the general and Admiral. The report of these officers was unfavourable ;* and lord Corn- *Cppy of the report of lieutenant Sutherland, engineer, dated Billy, ordnance transport, Hampton Roads, July 25, 1781 . My Lord : Agreeably to your orders, I have examined the ground on Old Point Com fort with as much accuracy as I possibly could ; aud for your lordship's better information, I have made a survey of the ground, upon which is laid down tha width and sounding of the channel. I beg leave to offer what appears to me, respecting the situation of a work on that spot The ground where the ruins of fort George tie is the fittest for a work, but at the same time roust be attended with many inconveniem.es* The level of the ground there is about two feet higher than the high water mark ; wh ch, from its very short distance to the deep waterriuust soon be de stroyed by a naval attack. 312 Memoirs of the War in the wallis, coinciding in the same opinion, selected York and Glouces ter; not far above the mouth of York river, instead of Old Point Comfort. To this place he repaired with the first division of his army ; and disembarking it early in August, took possession of both posts. After occupying these, his lordship directed brigadier O'Hara, command ing at Portsmouth, to destroy ihe works there, and to join him with the rear division of the army. This was done with all convenieTit despatch, and the whole British force concentrated in the position of York and Gloucester before the 23d. Cornwallis, as soon as he landed the first division ofthe army, engaged in tracing the lines of the necessary works on both sides of the river; and committing the direction ofthe post of Gloucester to lieutenant colonel Dunda's, continued himself in that of York. While vvith zed and assiduity he pressed forward the completion of his fortifications with his infantry, and at the same lime employed his cavalry in collecting cattle and forage, he held his army ready to move upon La Fayette, should he think proper to approach him. The American general, as soon as he was advised of the posses sion of the post on York river by the enemy, broke up from his camp on Pamunkey, and recalled Wayne from the. southern side of James river, whither he had been detached to intercept Tarleton, and where he had been contiuued in conformity to the orders ofthe commander in chief; who, as soon as he decided to turn his force upon the enemy in Virginia, apprised La Fayette of his' intention, and commanded him lo take measures for the interruption of lord Cornwallis's retreat, should that general discover the intended blow, and attempt to elude it by gaining North Carolina. The Queen's rangers, under Simcoe, held the post of Gloucester'; while lieutenant colonel Tarleton, with his legion, occupied the front of that of York. These officers displayed their habitual activity in traversing and foraging the country on both sides of the river, The great width and depth of t lie channel give ships the advantage of passing the fort with very little risk. I apprehend one tbousand live hundred yards is too great a distance for batteries to stop ships, which is the distance here. Ships that wish to pass the fire ofthe fort, have no occasion to approach nearer. Nor do I imagine a fort built there could afford any great protection to an in ferior and weak fleet, anchored near the fort, against a superior fleet of the ene my ; which must have it in their power to make their own disposition, and place our fleet between them and ihe fort ; the channel affording no bay for tha secu rity of ships under cover of a fort. The lime and expense to build a fort there must be very considerable, from the low situation of the ground, which must necessarily cause the soitto be mov ed from a great distance to form the ramparts and parapets ; and every other material must be carried there, as the timber on the peninsula is unfit for any useful purpose. These are the remarks which have occurred to me on examining the ground and situation of a work on Old Poitit Comfort, for the protection of the harbour a;od fleet.; which I humbly submit to your loidship. I have the honour to be, &c. ALEXANDER SUTHERLAND. Southern Department of the United States. 31& and in dispersing all the militia collected in their neighbourhood They took extensive sweeps in pursuit of their objects ; there be ing no force nearer to Simcoe than a detachment of volunteer mili tia under lieutenant colonel John Taylor, formerly of Hazen's re giment, who had established himself near Gloucester Court-house, for the protection of that quarter of the country ; and none nearer to Tarleton, than a small body of militia at Chiswell's Ordinary, on the Fredericksburg road. Taylor baffled every attempt to strike his corps ; but the officer at Chiswell's was not so fortunate. Tar leton fell upon him very unexpectedly, and broke up his post, but wilh very little loss. :, Brigadier Weedon being again called lo take command of a por tion of the militia, repaired by order to Gloucester Court-house, early in September, with several small detachments, where he re lieved lieutenant colonel Taylor. As there were among our militia many soldiers who had served out their terms of enlistment in the army, Weedon judiciously di rected those individuals to be thrown into one corps, and placed it under the command of lieutenant colonel Mercer ; who had, during the preceding period ofthe campaign, served with his troop of dra goons in the army of La Fayette. This officer* selected proper persons for the suboulinate stations ; and with two hundred effec tives, rank and file., was detached in front of the militia. Weedon having arranged his corps, advanced to Dixon's mills about the middle of the month, where he continued ; exerting every means in his power to confine the enemy's forages to a small circle, the chief object in view on the Gloucester side of the river. CHAPTER XXXII. 1781 ^ff^ -.. August -*- ^^ Peri°d °f tranquillity, and of rest, still continued i|i 1st. the camp of Greene, undisturbed by the din of war. Worn down as were the troops, nothing could be more comforta ble than this interval of peace ; and its enjoyment was not less grateful than universal, with the single exception of him who most required and most deserved it. Greene's anxious mind and faithful heart rejected participation in the comfort himself had given. Virginia was overpowered by the foe ; North Carolina agitated hy intestine feuds, promoted by the countenance and excitement of the British garrison still possessing Wilmington ; and a portion of the two southern states, with each metropolis, in the hands of the enemy., to be wrested from him only by battle. * Mercer having resigned his commission in the army, (as has been mention ed,) and not being an officer in the militia, the court of the county of Stafford, in which he was born, recommended him (as is required by the constitutioa of the state of Virginia) to the execwtive, who couferred on him the commission^. lieutenant colonel. 40 §\ ¥ Memoirs of the War in the With bis small means, to sustain Virginia, to restore North Caro lina, and Confine the British force in South Carolina and Georgia, to Charleston and Savannah, called for unceasing efforts of mind and body. He gave both without reserve; and finally deter mined, first to liberate North Carolina, by carrying the garrison of Wilmington ; then to pass into the enemy's country south of the Congaree, and compel him to give it up ; afterwards to has ten to Virginia with the elite of his force, uniting to it the army of La Fayette, and once more to face lord Cornwallis. In pur- August. s,lanCe of these arrangements, he gave orders on the 2d to lieutenant colonel Lee, to hold himself in readiness, with his legion, Kirkwood's Delawares, and Handy's Marylanders. To prevent suspicion of his intention, Washington, with his cavalry, was direct ed to pass the Wateree ; Marion, with his militia, was detached to the country on the Cambahee, which river makes the southern boundary ofthe Charleston district ; and other demonstrations were made, indicating the design of entering into the territory occupied by the British. Tbe general aimed his blow against Wilmington, upon the persuasion that the enterprise could not fail, if concealed to the moment of execution ; and this he deemed practicable from its distant situation, in itself sufficient to lull the vigilance ofthe gar rison ; from the sultry season, forbidding military effort ; from the attachment of the country through which the course selected for the march passed ; and from the facility with which that attachment might be applied to subserve tha object. Minute intelligence re specting the enemy and his defences, as well as boats forthe passage of the Cape Fear river, remained to be procured before the expe dition could commence. Lee despatched captain Rudolph, with a small party from the legion infantry, to acquire tbe one and to col lect the other. This officer quitting camp in the night, soon reached the pine barrens ; and continuing his course through the woods to the Pedee, passed that river and approached with celerity the country south of the Cape Fear. Concealing himself in the friendly family to which he was introduced, he engaged, wilh his usual diligence and caution, in the execution of his mission. So favourable was bis re port, as to confirm the sanguine expectations before entertained of complete success. Boats, though chiefly canoes, were procurable in sufficient number to pass the infantry, and the horse could swim. Major Craig still commanded the British garrison ; an officer well qualified for the trust, being circumspect as wel) as brave.; but his garrison consisted only of three hundred men, many of them in the hospital, and the whole inadequate to man his extensive works. With good reason, therefore, was itconcluded, that a concealed and sudden approach was alone necessary to accomplish the object. The day was fixed for the march of Lee, and his final orders were made out. His movement was disguised by the ostensible pretext of hastening to secure a convoy, given out to be on its way from Vir ginia, which might be taken or destroyed by the loyalists of North Carolina, when passing through their neighbourhood : in concur rence with, which pretence, Lee was ordered to proceed in the di- Southern Department of the United States. 515 rection of Camden until he reached the course carrying him through the pine barren into the tract of country inhabited by well affected citizens. At this period information was received from general Washington, indicating the probability that the French West India fleet would visit our coast during the autumn, and intimating the pro priety of being prepared in every quarter for instant co-operation ; as its place of arrival was uncertain, and its continuance with us would be necessarily short. In consequence of this information, general Greene changed his plan, believing it most eligible to devote his means towards the accomplishment of the immediate liberation of South Carolina and Georgia; persuaded that as soon as the Bri tish general should be apprised ofthe probability of a visit from Ihe French fleet, the garrison would be withdrawn from Wilmington, and thus the state of North Carolina would be relieved, without risk of repulse, or loss of life. This change in measures, too, was ex tremely agreeable to governor Rutledge, just returned from the North to resume the duties of his station, delighted with the pros pect of seeing his state completely freed by the expected naval as sistance, and desirous that the force of Greene should be held for that end primarily. T^he detachment under Lee, prepared for service, was discharged ; and captain Rudolph directed to return, holding nevertheless secret his visit to Cape Fear. General Greene, though induced to depart from the minor olbject in his plan of operations, adhered to the general system ; believing it the wiser policy to depend as little as possible on the aid of friends. Repeating his orders to the marquis La Fayette, urging his un varying adherence to the most cautious conduct, and communicating his intention of hastening to his support as soon as the sUte of af fairs in South Carolina would permit — he now turned hi* entire at tention to the British army, still encamped on the south ofthe Con- .garee, between Motte's and the Santee. The season yet continued extremely hot ; but our wounded were recovered, our sick restored to health, and the month of August wasting away. Orders were issued preparatory to movement, and on the 21st the American general decamped from the benign hills ofSantee,* for the avowed purpose of seeking his enemy. Lieu tenant colonel Cruger joined at Orangeburgh, soon after Greene, (finding Rawdon unassailable with hope of success) had retired from its vicinity. Lord Rawdon having accomplished the evacuation of Ninety-Six, removed the loyalists of that quarter within the British lines ; and concentrating his force at Orangeburgh, upon general Greene's retirement to bis summer quarters, relinquished Ihe com mand of the army to lieutenant colonel Stewart, and returned to Charleston, with the view of embarking for England — long intended, but heretofore delayed by the critical posture of affairs. * The soldiers of Greene's army may truly call those hills benignant. Twic* our general there resorted, with his sick, his wounded and worn down troops; and twice we were restored to health and strength, by its elevated riiy situa tion, its pure air, iU fine water, and the friendly hospitality of its inhabitants. •316 Memoirs of the War in the Stewart did not establish a post, as was expected, at Orangeburgh '; ¦but moving his whole force towards the Santee, sat dowu near the Confluence of its two branches, about fifteen miles from his adver sary, on the opposite side of that river. Previous to the breaking up from the High Hills of Santee, an oc currence had taken place in Charleston which deeply aflecteil the feelings ofthe American general and army. The affair would pro bably have led to a war of extermination, had not the fast approach of peace arrested the progress of a system, deliberately adopted by Greene, and ardently maintained by every individual of his army. Isaac Hayne,* a highly respectable citizen of South Carolina, had taken part with his country from the commencement of the war, and served as a private in the militia during the siege of Charleston. After the surrender of that place, Hayne returned to his seat west ofthe Edisto, under the protection ofthe fourth article of capitula tion. "The militia now in the garrison,"" says the answer to that article, "shall be permitted to return to their respective homes as prisoners on parole ; which parole, as long as they observe it, shall secure them from being molested in their property." We have before mentioned the extraordinary proclamation of sir Henry Clinton, which ordered all our militia prisoners on parole, not taken by capitulation, or in confinement, at the surrender of Lincoln, lo become British subjects, or return instantly to the com mandant of Charleston. Although the prisoners taken at the sur render of that city were excepted in the proclamation, the popularity and patriotism of Hayne notwithstanding marked him as the first victim of ils tyranny. Colonel Ballingall, of the royal militia in the district of Hayne's residence, waited on him, from personal respect, and communicated the orders he had received. Hayne asserted his inviolability under the capitulation" of Charleston; represented that the small -pox was then racing in his family ; that all his children were ill with the dis ease ; that one of them had already died, and his wife was on the verge of dissolution. Finding the remonstrance unavailing, he de clared to Ballingall that no human force should remove him from the side of his dying wife. A discussion followed, which terminated in a written stipulation, by which Hayne engaged to " demean him self as a British subject, so long as that country should be covered by the British army." In a civil war no citizen should expect or desire neutrality. Who- * So extremely beloved was this citizen hy his neighbours that, when a corri'- pany of volunteers was levied near his residence in the beginning of the war, Hayne was called unanimously to the command of it. - He obeyed the call, ami fulfilled the duties ol his station honourably to him self, aird beneficially'lo his soldiers. The regiment to which the company was attached being destitute of field offi cers, Hayne was named as colonel. He did not succeed, owing to some intrigues believed to be practised in favour of his competitor, which so disgusted captain Hayne that he resigned his commission and returned to the ranks, where by his exemplary zeal and ohe-dieiice be veiy much advanced the discipline of the regN jnent, and highly contributed to its subsequent utility. Southern Department of the United States. 3] 7 ever attempts to place himself in that condition, misunderstands bu- rnan nature, and becomes entangled in toils always dangerous — often fatal. By endeavouring to acquire, with the most virtuous motive, a temporary neutrality, Hayne was unwisely led into a compact which terminated in his ruin. Pursuing his first object, the care of his sick wife and children, Hayne repaired to Charleston, presented himself to brigadier Pat terson with the written agreement of Ballingall, and solicited per mission to return home. This indulgence, he presumed, could not be denied, being consistent wilh his late compact and his view in executing it. The request, however, was peremptorily refused ; and Hayne was told, that he." must either become a British subject, or submit to close confinement." The latter alternative was most agreeable to his inclination ; but that tender devotion to his family,. which had induced him to repair to Charleston, urged his accep tance of the former. To his friend Dr. Ramsay, who was then a prisoner with the enemy, he communicated tbe conflicting emotions of his mind.* Tranquillized by the interview, he returned to the commandant, and completed his error by a formal acknowledgment of allegiance to the British king — openly excepting, however, to the clause which required his support of government with arms. Patterson the commandant, and Simpson the intendant of police, as sured him, that such service would never be required ; and added, " when the regular forces cannot defend the country withoutthe aid of its inhabitants, it will be high time forthe royal army to quit it." Thus this amiable citizen proceeded from delusion to delusion, until he placed himself in a fallacious security, which subsequent inci dents turned to his destruction. Hayne hastened to his family, happy in the expectation of preserv ing it through the prevailing pestilence. But in this hope he was sorely disappointed ; for his wife and a second child soon tell victims to the fatal malady. These afflictions did not limit his misfortunes : inasmuch as he was interdicted from enjoying even the political quietude he had attempted to secure. He was occasionally required to bear arms in the regal service ; and, uniformly refusing to obey, on the ground of his exception at the time of subscribing the decla ration of allegiance, he was threatened with close confinement. *"If the British would grant me the indulgence, which we in the day of our power gave to their adherents, of removing my family and propeity, I would seek an asylum in the remotest corner of tbe United States, rather than submit to their government ; but as they allow no other alternative than submission or confine ment in the capital, at a distance from my wife and family, at a time when they are in the most pressing need of my presence and support, 1 must for the present yield to the demands of the conquerors. I request you to bear in ininrl, that, previous to my taking this step, I declare that it is contrary to my inclination, and forced on me by hard necessity. I never will bear arms against my country. My new masters can require no service of me but what is enjoined by the old militia law of the province, which substitutes a fine in lieu of personal service. TbatI will pay as the price of my protection. If my conduct should be censured by my countrymen, I beg that you would remember this conversation, and bear witness for me, that 1 do not mean to desert the cause of America." |>18 Memoirs of' the War in the In this situation Mr. Hayne was found when Greene had forced the enemy from the upper country, and restored to the Union the whole of Carolina east of the Santee, and north of the Congaree. A detachment of Marion's militia under colonel Harden, passing to the west ofthe Edisto forthe protection of their own homes, reach ed the neighbourhood of Hayne. Well knowing his worth and in fluence, they were extremely anxious to procure his aid. Paul Hamilton,* one of this party, and an intimate friend of Hayne, call ed on him to solicit co-operation. Hayne frankly stated the change which had taken place in his political condition ; and, believing him self hound by the declaration of allegiance, refused to concur with his friends in supporting a cause the success of which was the ardent wish of his heart. Hamilton then asked the accommodation of a few horses, in which resource Hayne was known to abound. Hayne refused the request ; and informed bis friend, that the moment he heard of Harden's approach he ordered all his horses to be remov ed, lest assistance might be obtained in violation of bis plighted faith. Yet he assured Hamilton, that whenever he should find the royal authority unable to afford its promised protection, he should consi der himself absolved from the extorted allegiance, and would with joy enrol himself with the defenders of his country. Thus did Hayne scrupulously adhere to a contract, which was never obligatory — having been coerced by the duress of power, and in palpable violation of the capitulation of Charleston. Soon after this occurrence, the British were driven below the Edisto ; and nearly the whole country between that river and the Stono inlet fell under the protection of the American arms. Every person in the recovered country believed himself released from those obligations, which ihe late condition of affairs had imposed : for it was justly thought that the allegiance due to a conqueror ceased with his expulsion from the subdued territory. Under this correct impression, Hayne vvith many others repaired to tbe Ameri can camp. His merit attracted immediate attention ; and the militia of his district, by an election in camp, honoured him with the com mand of a regiment. Taking the field immediately, colonel Hayne conducted an ex pedition into the enemy's territory. Some of bis mounted militia penetrated the neck of Charleston, and, near the quarter- house, captured general Williamson ; who had been as active in support ing the royal authority since the surrender of Lincoln, as he had been firm and influential in opposing it prior to that event. Lieu tenant colonel Balfour, successor of brigadier Patterson, put his. cavalry in motion to recover Williamson. This detachment fell suddenly on the camp of Hayne ; but was handsomely received and repelled by colonel Harden, who did hot deem it prudent to push his success by pursuit. t Colonel Hayne, attended by his second, * Present Secretary ofthe Navy. + From ihe character of major Harden it is to be presumed that the inferiori- »j of his force fur bad this measure, or it would have been resorted to. Southern Department oj the United States. 31 & lieutenant colonel M'Lachlin, and a small guard, had unfortunately gone to breakfast with a friend, about two miles from camp. The house was on the Charleston road ; and the negligent guard having left its post in search of fruit,* colonel Hayne was unapprised of the enemy's approach until he saw them a few rods from the door. Being very active and resolute, be pushed for his horse, mounted, and forced his way through the foe. To pass a fence in his route, he put spur to his horse, which unfortunately fell in leaping, and the entangled rider was overtaken by his pursuers. M'Lachlin, being cut off frorn his horse, fell sword in hand, bravely contending against the surrounding enemy. Colonel Hayne was conveyed to Charleston, and lodged in the prison of the provost. The purity of the prisoner's character, and'his acknowledged kindness to the unfortunate in his power, pled against the severity which the commandant was disposed to exer cise : nevertheless the most rigorous course was pursued with re lentless pertinacity. Soon after he was confined in the provost, colonel Hayne receiv ed an official letter from the town major, stating that "a board of general officerst wonld assemble the next day, for his trial." In the evening of the following day, the same officer informed him, that " instead of a council of general officers, a court of inquiry would be held to determine in what view he ought to be consider ed ; and that he should be allowed pen, ink and paper, and counsel." On the 29th of July, two days after this intelligence, the town ma jor directed his adjutant to acquaint colonel Hayne, " that in conse quence of the court of inquiry, held as directed, lord Rawdon and colonel Balfour have resolved on his execution, on Tuesday, the 31st instant, at six o'clock ; for having been found under arms, and employed in raising a regiment to oppose the British government, after he had become a subject, and accepted the protectionof go vernment at the reduction of Charleston." The prisoner, now for the first time informed of the charge exhibited against him, addressed the following letter to the two British officers, who were about to imbrue their hands in his blood. To lord Raradon and colonel Balfour. " My lord and Sir, "On Thursday morning I had the honour of receiving a letter from major Frazer, by which he informed me, that a council of • One af the thousand instances during the war of the waste of American life by confidence in militia, and among the numerous evidences in favour of a clas sification of our militia, by which measure we should obtain defenders worthy of the high trust reposed in them. tThis should probably be staff officers, as there were no Eritish general offi cers then in Carolina. In a statement of his case submitted by colonel Hayne to iiis counsel in Charleston, and published in the London Political Magazine for 1782, he says he received from major Frazer, a notice in the following words-^" a court of inquiry, composed of f»ur staff officers, and five captains, &c>— Ed. 326 Memoirs of the War in the general officers would be assembled the next day for my trial ; an<$ on the evening of the same day, I received another letter from the "Same officer, acquainting me, that instead of that, a court of inquiry would sit for the purpose of deciding under what point of view I ought to be considered. I was also told, that any person whom I should appoint, would be permitted to accompany me as ray coun sel. Having-cever entertained any other idea of a court of inquiry, or heard of ;;ny other being formed of it, than of iis serving merely to precede a council of war, or some Other tribunal, for examining the circumstances more fully, except in th& case of a spy ; and Mr. Jarvis, lieutenant marshal to the provost, not having succeeded in finding the person who had been named for my counsel, 1 did not lake the pains lo summon any witnesses, though it would have been in my power to have produced many ; and I presented myself before the court without any assistance whatever. When 1 was before that assembly, I was further convinced that I had not been deceived in my conjectures. I found that the members of it were not sworn, and the witnesses were not examined upon oath ; and all the members, as well as every person present, might easily have perceived, by the questions which I asked, and by the whole tenor of my conduct, that 1 had not the least notion that I was tried or examined upon an affair on which my life or death depended. "In the case of spies, a court of inquiry is all that can be ne cessary, because the simple fact whether the person is or is not a spy, is all that can be the object of their researches ; and his hav ing entered the lines of the enemy's camp ov garrison, subjects him to military execution. As that accusation neither is nor can be made against me, I humbly conceive that the information I re ceived, that the court would make inquiry concerning what point of view I ought to be considered under, could not be taken as a sufficient notice of their having an intention to try me then; but could only be thought to signify, that they were to take it into con sideration whether I ought to be looked upon as a British subject or as an American : that in the first case I should undergo a legal and impartial trial ; in the second, I should be set at liberty on my parole. Judge then, my lord and sir, of the astonishment I must have been in, when I found they had drawn me by surprise into a proceeding tending to judgment, vvithout my knowing it to be such ; and deprived me of the ability of making a legal defence, which it would have been very easy for me to have done, founded both in law and in fact ; — whenJ saw myself destitute of (he assistance of eounsel and of witnesses ; and when ihey abruptly informed me, that after the procedure of the court 1 was condemned to die, and that in a very few days. Immediately upon receiving this notice, I sent for the lawyer whom I had originally chosen for my counsel. I here inclose his opinion concerning the legality of tbe process held against me ; and 1 beg that I may be permitted to refer myself to him. I can assure you with the utmost truth, that I had and have many reasons to urge in my defence, if you will grant me the favour of a regular trial; if not, which I cannot however suppose Southern Department of the United States. Sf J from your justice and humanity, I earnestly intreat that my execu tion may be deferred, that I may at least take a last farewell of my children, and prepare for the dreadful change. I hope you will return me a speedy answer ; and am, wilh respect, " ISAAC HAYNE." To this representation the town major returned (he following an swer. " 1 bave to inform you, that your execution is not ordered in consequence of any sentence from the court of inquiry ; but by virtue of the authority with which the commander in chief in South Carolina and the commanding officer in Charleston are invested : and their resolves on the subject are fixed and unchangeable." Disdaining further discussion with relentless power, Hayne mere ly solicited a short respite, to enable him for the last time to see liis children. The request was granted in the following communi cation from the town major. " 1 am to inform you, that in couse- quence of a petition signed by governor Bull and many others, aa also of your prayer of yesterday, and the humane treatment shown by you to the British prisoners who fell into your hands, you are respited for forty-eight hours ; but should general Greene offer to expostulate in your favour with the commanding officer, from that moment tbis respite will cease, and you will be ordered to imme diate execution." After the delivery of this message, the amiable American enjoyed the comfort of seeing his family and conversing with his friends. During this interesting this awful period, he exhibited a dignified composure ; and in his last evening declared, that " he felt no more. alarmed at death, than at any other occurrence which is necessary and unavoidable." Very different, indeed, were the feelings of bis friends. Mrs. Peronneau, his sister, accompanied by his children, all clad in the deepest mourning, and manifesting the torture of their heart rending agony, waited on lord Rawdon, and on their knees supplicated him to spare their father and brother! But his lordship's " resolve was fixed and unchangeable !" Anxious to ter minate a life of truth in the formalities of honour, colonel Hayne solicited, in a second letter to the stern duumvirate, permission to die like a soldier. He then arranged the preceding correspondence ; and on the morning of bi> execution presented the packet to hiff son (a boy of thirteen years) and directed him to " deliver it to Mrs. Edwards, with my request to forward it to her brother in con gress. Go then to the place of my execution, — receive my body, and' see it decently interred with my forefathers." This done, he embraced him, imploring the divine blessing on his orphan children. Dressed with bis accustomed neatness, accompanied by a few • friends, be marched with unruffled serenity through a weeping crowd to the place of execution. He had flattered himself with the presumption that his last request would be granted : quickly the sight of the gibbet announced the fallacy of this hope. For a mo ment he paused, but immediately recovering his wonted firmness, moved! forward. At this instant a friend whispered his copfideoc* 41 322 . • Meyioirs of the War in the that " you will now exhibit an example of the manner in which an American can die." " I will endeavour to do so" was the reply of the modest martyr. Never was intention better fulfilled : neither arrogating superiority, nor betraying weakness, he ascended the cart, unsupported and unappalled. Having taken leave of his friends, and commended his infant family to their protection, he drew the cap over his eyes, and illustrated by his demeanor, that death in the cause of our country, even on a gallows, cannot appal the vir tuous and the brave The proceedings in this case exhibit a prevarication and precip itance, no less disreputable to the authors than repugnant to the feelings of humanity. The unfortunate captive is first informed, that a court martial will be convened for his trial ; next, that a court of inquiry will determine the proper mode of procedure, be fore whom he will be allowed the assistance of counsel ; then with out this assistance that he is doomed to death in consequence ofthe deliberations ofthe latter tribunal ; and lastly, that the bloody sen tence does not emanate from this authority, but is the inflexible de cree of the two military commanders. Had the discovery of truth and execution of justice been the sole objects in view, those who well knew English law, liberty and practice, could not have erred. ' Colonel Hayne was certainly either a prisoner of war, or a British subject. If the latter, he was amenable to the law, and indisputa bly entitled to the formalities and the aids of trial .- but if the former, he was not responsible to the British government, or its military com mander, for his lawful conduct in the exercise of arms Unhappily for this virtuous man, the royal power was fa*t declining in the South. The inhabitants were eager to cast off the temporary alle giance of conquest : it was deemed necessary to awe them into sub mission by some distinguished severity ; and Hayne was the select ed victim ! As soon as this tragical event was known to general Greene, he addressed a letter to colonel Balfour, demanding an explanation of the daring outrage. The commandant replied, that " the execution of colonel Hayne took place by the joint order of lord Rawdon and himself; but in consequence of the most explicit, directions from lord Cornwallis ' to put to death all those who should be found in arms, after being at their own request received as subjects, since the capitulation of Charleston, i»nd the clear conquest of the pro vince in the summer of 1780 ; more especially such, as should have accepted of commissions, or might distinguish themselves in inducing a revolt of the country.' To liis lordship, therefore, as being answerable for the measure, the appeal will more properly be made."* * Extract of a letter from lieutenant colonel Balfour to major general Greene, dated Charleston, September 3, 1781. "I come now to that part which has respect to the execution of colonel Hayne; on which head I am to inform you it. took place by the joint order of lord Rawdon and myself, in consequence of the most expiess directions from, lord Cornwallis to us, in regard to all those who should be found in arms, after , Southern Department of the United States. 323 The order of lord Cornwallis, as avowed by the commandant of Charleston, engaged the serious attention of Greene ; who deter mined to resist, with all his power, the cruel and sanguinary system. The officers of the American army entered with zeal into the views of their leader ; and urged, in a unanimous address, the propriety of retaliation. " Permit us to .idd," says the concluding paragraph of that manly paper, " that while we lament the necessity of such a severe expedient, and commiserate the sufferings to which indi viduals- will be necessarily *xpo«ed; we are not unmindful that inch a measure may, in its consequences, involve our own lives in additional danger. But we had rather forego temporary distinctions, and commit our lives to the most desperate situation, than prose cute this just and necessar, war on terms so unequal and dishon ourable." Greene was highly gratified ..with the cordial support, spontaneously pledged by his army ; and, soon after his departure from the High Hills, issued a proclamation, severely arraigning the execution of colonel Hayne, declaring his determination to " make reprisals for all such inhuman insults, aud to select for the objects of retaliation officers of Ihe regular forces, and not the deluded Americans who had joined the royal army." The inhabitants of Carolina, whom the enemy had expected to intimidate by the wanton sacrifice of Hayne, discovering the gener ous and determined spirit of the American general and army, dis carded the apprehensions at first excited, and flocked to the stan dard of their country. Emulating the ardour and decision of the . regular troops, they were ready to subject themselves to all the perils lo which they might be eventually exposed in the just cause of retaliation. The British officers and soldiers were not unmindful ofthe chang ed condition of the war. The unpleasant sensations arising from this state of things naturally produced a serious examination of the cause ; and the inquiry was not calculated to inspire confidence. being at their own request received as subjects, since the capitulation of Charles- Ion and the clear conquest of the province in the summer of 1780; more espe cially such as should have accepted of commissions, or might distinguish them selves in inducing a revolt Of the country To Iris lordship, therefore, as being answerable for this measure, the appeal will more properly be made, and on inch appeal, I must not doubt, every fit satisfaction will be tendered ; but as the,threat in your letter is of a nature which may extend in its consequences lojtfce most disagreeable and serious lengths, I cannot dismiss this subject with out some general remarks, still referring ibv the particular justification to the opinion and decision of lord Cornwallis, immediately under whom 1 have the honour to act. "And first I must conceive, without adverting to the particular cause of dis pute between Great Britain aud this country, that on the subjection of any territory, the inhabitants of it owe allegiance to the conquering power, [in the present case a voluntary acknowledgment was given, and consequent protec tion received ;) and that on any account to recede from it, is justly punishable with death, by whatever law, either civil or military, is then prevalent "To justify retaliation, I am convinced you will agree, a parity' .>f circum stances in all respects is required ; without such, every shadow of justice is re- inovsd, and vengeance only points to indiscriminate horrors." 324 Memoirs of the War in the The feelings which it excited received a considerable addition from the representation which, by permission ofthe American gene ral, was now made by two British subalterns, taken prisoners shortly after the execution of colonel Hayne was known in the American Camp ; and who, as soon as captured, were committed to the pro vost by order of general Greene. Apprehending that they would become the first victims ofthe barbarous policy introduced by their commanders, they addressed tl»eir friends in Charleston, describing their condition, announcing their probable fate, and referring to that clause in the American general's proclamation, which confined his menaced retaliation to British officers only. The honourable and reflecting of both armies perceived, that the justice of the sentence was at least questionable ; that inconsistency and passion had marked the -proceedings. " Nor did it escape ob servation, that colonel Balfour, when attempting to shield himself and cbadjutor under cover of instructions, withheld their dale. This suppression naturally excited a belief, that the orders of lord Corn wallis were previous to Greene's recovery of that part of Carolina in which Hayne resided. Although his instructions might have comprehended the case ofthe ill-fated American, while the country around him was subject to the royal power ; yet after the recon- quest by Greene, they could not be applied with justice. The ex traordinary condition which accompanied the respite, corroborated this conjecture. It was generally asked, if the decision be really conformable with the instructions of Cornwallis, why should Greene's expostulation be prohibited ? The interposition of the American general could not prevent the execution ofthe sentence, if correct j but would lead to a discussion with his lordship, which might de monstrate its injustice — an event to be courted, not avoided, by hor ourable men, dispensing death at their pleasure. It occasioned no little surprise, that lord Rawdon, who had been deemed scrupu lously observant of the nice hearings of honour, should have pro voked a system of retaliation, in the nnpleasant consequences of wliicn he could not participate, being about to depart for ever from the theatre of action !* All these considerations, combined with the actual condition of two of their comrades, produced a meeting ofthe British officers in Charleston, who presented a memorial to the commandant, expres sing their dissatisfaction at the changed condition ofthe war. It was reported and believed that the memorial was answered by an assurance, that the late sanguinary precedent should never be re peated ; which not ouly calmed the just apprehensions of the Bri tish army, but seems to have influenced the future conduct of Bri tish commandants. When the execution of Hayne was knonn in England, it became a topic of animadversion. The duke of Richmond introduced the subject in the house of lords, by " moving an address to the king, • The reader will find in the appendix, lord Rawdon's able justification of jiimself in a letter to the author. — Ed. Southern Department of the United States. 325 praying that his majesty would give directions for laying before the house the several papers relative to the execution of Isaac Hayne." His grace prefaced the motion with a succinct and correct narrative ofthe capture, condemnation and execution of the American colo nel ; and charged the procedure with ' illegality,' 'barbarity,' and ' impolicy.' He read to the house an extract from the proclama tion of general Greene, in which the execution was " reprobated as a cruel and unjustifiable murder, and severe retaliation was threat ened on the persons of British officers. His grace called on the house to institute an immediate and effectual inquiry, as the only mean of securing their own officers from the dangers which hung over them ; and of rescuing the British nation from the opprobrious charges of cruelty- and barbarity, under which it laboured in all the states in Europe." The motion was strenuously opposed by the lord chancellor, the lords Walsingham and Slormont. They argued that " as his majesty's ministers had declared that no information had been received relative to the facts alluded to, it wasr inconsis tent with the dignity and gravity of the house to proceed to a for mal inquiry on vague and uncertain surmises ; lhat it was still less candid and equitable, on such slight grounds, to call in question the characters of brave, deserving, absent officers. But were the facts true and authentic, these lords contended, that colonel Hayne, hay ing been taken in arms after admission to his parole, was liable to instant execution, without any other form of trial than that necessary lo identify the person." The earl of Huntingdon, uncle to lord Rawdon, acquainted the house, that " he had authority from the earl of Cornwallis to declare, that this had been the practice in se veral cases under his command in North Carolina." The doctrine ofthe ministerial lords was denied, with great confidence, by the earls Shelburne and Effingham. It was asserted by the former, "from circumstances within his own knowledge, that the practice in the late war was totally different. A great degree of ignominy and stricter confinement were the consequences of a breach of parole : the persons guilty of that offence were shunned by gentlemen ; but it had never before entered into the head of a commander lo hang them." The earl of Effingham remarked, that " Ihe practice of granting paroles was a modern civility of late date, not yet prevalent in all countries ; and that the lord chancellor's quotation from Gro- lius related to spies, and not to prisoners who had broken their paroles." The motion ofthe duke of Richmond was rejected by a large majority ; twenty-five lords voting in favour of the address, and sevemy- three against it * The arguments, in opposition to the motion, are certainly feeble. Want of official information was a good reason for postponement, but not for rejection. If the principles of public law, relative to * The following correspondence evinces the sensibility with which lord Raw don resented Ihe imputations cast upon his character by the proceeding of the duke of Richmond, his spirited adherence to the point of honour, and the ampl» atonement which was made him. — Ed. 326 Memoirs of the War in the spies, can be applied to prisoners who violate their paroles, they were inapplicable to the case of Hay'ne ; who was condemned for From the London Political Magazine of 1782. No. I. Lord Rawdon's letter to the duke of Richmond, delivered to him by lord Ligonitr on Thursday evening, at 7 o'clock, February 21, 1782. To the duke of Richmond. Thursday noon, February 21. My LoaD :¦ I am this moment arrived from Ireland, from whence I have been hastened by the illiberal advantage which you, have taken of my absence. When I learned, by the public papers, that an inquiry into the execution of Isaac Hayne, of South Carolina, was moved for before the house of lords, I feared that their lord ships would not find any materials on which to decide their opinions ; but, from the unspotted justice of that high court of honour, I rested secure that vague surmises, and unsupported insinuations, would not be permitted to affect the public character of a British officer.. The house, as I conjectured, have reject ed the suspicion with disdain. It now rests wilh me to notice such personal in jury towards my private reputation, as could uot become the subject of their lordships1 animadversion. The expressions with which you, my lord, introduced the motion, were as unnecessary to the business, as they are little reconcilable to the dignity of a senator, the public spirit of a citizen, or the candour of a gen tleman; of course, I feel them fit objects for my resentment. 1 do, therefore, require that you, my hird, shall make a public excuse, in such manner, and in ¦itch terms, as I shaH dictate, for the scandalous imputation which you have thrown on my humanity, a qtiattty which ought to be as dear in a soldier's esti mation as valour itself. If yourgrace had rather abet your malignity with your sword, I shall rejoice, in bringing the matter to that issue. Besides the considera tion of my own wrongs, I shall think myself the avenger of my brother ofheeis in America, to whose security you have given an oblique attaint, by your affected fears for the consequences of general Greene's proclamation. (Signed) RAWDON. No. H. Answer ofthe duke of Richmond lo lord Rawdotfs letter, taken in writing by lord Ligonier, from the duke's own mouth, received at 9 o'clock on Thursday eve ning, February 21, 1782. The duke, declines receiving the letter, as it is couched in terms wliifch he thinks Unjustifiable. That as it was never his intention, so he firmly believes he made ¦se of no expression that could be possibly misconstrued into a personal attack on lord Rawdon.' That he has no objection to referring to the chancellor, for his recollection and opinion on the subject ; and that if he can recollect any expres sion in the course of the debate, that could be applied as injurious to the charac ter of lord Rawdon, he will take an opportunity, in his place, of disavowing ' such intention; provided lord Rawdon desires the duke so to do in more admis- sable language. That lord Rawdon has not specified any expression that is in jurious to his character— consequently the duke cannot at present giveany other answer. Nri. III. Reply of lord Rawdon to the duke of Richmond's answer, February 21,10 oY/ocfc at night. Lord Rawdon will not admit any one expression in bis letter lo be unjustifia ble, after the liberty which the duke of Richmond has taken with bis character. It is nit of any particular word made use of hy the duke that lord Rawdon com plains; but lord Rawdon arraigns the general cast of the proceedings which has pdblicly exposed him to the suspicion of wanton severity, and abuse of power. That the duke of Richmond should get up in his place in the house, and disavow Southern Department of the United States. S27 "being found in arms after he had become a subject." Nor is the doctrine of the earl of Shelburne entirely correct. "Modem the idea of casting any the most distant insinuation upon lord Rawdon's con duct, is the mode of excuse which lord Rawdon would require. But the terms, as the letter mentioned, must be dictated by lord Rawdon. Thursday, 10 at night. No. IV Copy of- a paper in the duke of Richmond-1* hand-writing, brought to lord Raw don by lord Ligonier and general Conway, on Friday noon, Feb. 22. Lord Rawdon says that he will not admit any one expression in his letter to be unjustifiable, after the liberty the duke of Richmond has taken with his char- . acter ; — but as the fact is, lhat lord Rawdon has been misinformed, and the duke of Richmond did not lake any liberty with lord Rawdon's character, and has declared so to lord Ligonier — he must persist in thinking several of the ex pressions in lord Rawdon's letter very unjustifiable. Lord Rawdon says he does uot complain of any particular word made use of by the duke of RichmonJ ; consequently the duke of Richmond can have none to explain. But lord Rawdon says he arraigns the general cast of the proceedings — this also the duke of Richmond denies lo have been in any degree personal to lord Rawdon, which he took very particular pains to explain, in the opening of that business^ hrpiuof of this assertion he has already expressed, and now repeals, liis willingness to refer it to tbe chancellor, whose name has been mentioned as having possibly conceived it otherwise, or to any other unprejudiced peer, whe ther the whole or any part of the duke's conduct had the leasi personality to ward lord Rawdon? And if, contrary to his expectations, any thing of that nature can be imputed to him, he will be very ready, as it never was his inten tion, to say so in bis place, upon a desire from lord Rawdon, expressed in such terms as a man of honour can comply with — but a moment's reflection must satify lord Rawdon that the duke of Richmond cannot suffer himself to be dic tated to by any man, and, that such expressions can only seive to make it im possible ''or the duke of Richmond to give lord Rawdon the reasonable satisfac tion, he is otherwise, of his own accord, desirous of doing, by disclaiming any intentions of attacking lord' Rawdon's personal character, if any unprejudiced peer who was present, will say that theie was tbe least reason for supposing he had done so. No. V. Ultimatum of lord Rawdon, sent to the duke of Richmond by lord Ligonier, on I riday evening, Feb. 22. The duke of Richmond forgets that lord Rawdon does not solicit, but requires satisfaction for a gross injury offered (it matters not whether through design or earelessuessj to his reputation. Were any reference necessary, the approved ho nour, as well as the distinguished ability of the chancellor, would decide lord Rawdon to submit the case to his opinion: but lord Rawdon's feelings can alone determine, whether any imputation may affect his character from the late proceedings of the duke of .Richmond — lord Rawdon has left the duke the only alternative his honour will allow. The excuse required is here subjoined. It is expected that it shall be deliv ered in full House, by the duke in his place. Friday, 3 Afternoon. "I find that my motion for the inquiry into the execution of Isaac Hayne, l( has been considered, as provoking a suspicioii against lord Rawdon's justice "and humanity. I solemnly protest, that 1 did not conceive that it could throw " the. most distant insinuation upon his lordship's conduct ; nor did I ever mean " to say any thing thut could have that tendency. Since I learn that the nrat- " ter is thought liable to bear a false construction, I declare that I am very sorry " to have introduced it upon authority, to wiiich (at the time of making my " motion) I said I could affix no degree of credit." 328 Memoirs of the War in the civility" has indeed meliorated the severities of war, by accommo dating prisoners with paroles. Sometimes the indulged captive is permitted to return to his country ; at others, he is restrained to a particular town or district; and in either case, he is required to remain neuter until officially exchanged. Ignominy justly follows the violation of parole in regard to limits ; but the breach of it by resumption of arms is invariably and rightly punished with death. Had Hayne been guilty of this offence, his execution would have been indisputably just : but the virtuous American neither was nor could be charged with infraction of parole, by resumption of arms. The parole, under which he retired to his seat after the capitulation of Charleston, was completely revoked by the order to repair to that city, and by tbe surrender of his person to the British com mandant. He was then permitted to return to his family, not as a prisoner on parole, but as a British subject ; of which character the reconquest by Greene entirely divested him, and restored him to his country, his liberty, and duty. The ship, in which lord Rawdon embarked for England, was captured by some of the French cruiser*, and brought into the Chesapeake. Soon afterwards the propitious termination of the siege of York placed in our bands the earl of Cornwallis. Wash ington had it now in his power to execute the intention of Greene ; but the change in the demeanor of the British commanders, and the evident and fast approach of peace, rendered the severe expe dient unnecessary. He therefore indulged his love of lenity, and ' conformed his conduct to the mild temper of the United States ; forgiving an atrocity, which, at any other period of the war, would not have been overlooked. Relieved as must bave been lord Rawdon and colonel Balfour, not more by the decision of the house of lords, than by the cle mency of the American commander in chief, they could not, with propriety, infer from either circumstance, justification of their con duct. The rejection of the duke of Richmond's motion grew out of considerations foreign to the real merits of the subject ; and the lenity of Washington may be truly ascribed to an unwillingness to stain the era of victory and returning amity with the blood even of the guilty. Had this principle, as amiable as wise, governed lord Rawdon and colonel Balfour, their fame would not have been tarnished by the blood of an estimable individual, wantonly and unnecessarily shed. How unlike.the conduct of these commanders was that of the' American chieftain to the unfortunate Andre ! At a period of the war, when a strict and stern execution of martial law was in- No. VI. Memorandum of the result. Lord RawdoD having requested lord Ligonier to demand from the duke of Richmond a decisive option upon the alternative proposed in the first letter, adhered fo in the second message, and again ultimately ihsisted.on in the mes sage of last night — general Conway has this morning signified to lord Rawdon, un the part of the duke of Richmond, his grace's unqualified acquiescence, in making the excuse as required by lord Rawdon. Saturday, Feb. 23, two o'clock afternoon.- Southern Department of the United States. 329 dispensable, Ihe interposition of sir Henry Clinton in behalf of an acknowledged spy was received by Washington with patience and wilh tenderness ; and every argument, which the British general and his commissioners could suggest, was respectfully weighed. — But in the closing of the war, when true policy and the mild tenets of Christianity alike urged oblivion and good will, lord Rawdon and colonel Balfour hurried an innocent untried American to the gal lows, and cruelly interdicted previous communication with his general ! CHAPTER XXXIII. T. HE deliberate resolve of Greene, guarantied by the solemn and spontaneous pledge of his officers, changed the character of the war, and presented death to the soldier in the most ignominious form. Death, in the field of battle, has no terror for the brave : to expire on the gibbet shocks all the noble and generous feelings. Major Andre's letter, when condemned as a spy, emphatically delineates this horror ; and paints in vivid colours, sensations com mon to every soldier.* Nevertheless the army exhibited on its march the highest spirit, with zealous anxiety to reach the foe ; and conscious of the justice of the measure adopted by their general, with one feeling cheer fully submitted to its consequences. Proceeding by easy marches, Greene crossed the Wateree near Camden ; but still separated from the enemy by the Congaree, he was obliged to make a long and circuitous march to gain its southern bank, which placed him safe from the possibility of insult while in the act of passing the river. Copie* of the proclamation heretofore issued were distributed throughout the country, as well as forwarded to the hostile head quarters, and to Charleston ; that the enemy, being duly apprised * Copy of a letter from major Andre lo general Washington, dated, Tappan, October 1, 178Q. Sir: Buoyed above the terror of death, by the consciousness of a life devoted to honourable pursuits, and stained with no action that can give rne remorse, I trust that the request I make to your excellency at this serious period, and which is to soften my last moments, will not be rejected. Sympathy towards a soldier will surely ind-uce your excellency, and a milita ry tribunal, to adapt the mode of my death to the feelings of a man of honour. Let me hope, sir, that if aught in my character impresses you with esteem towards me; if aught in my misfortunes marks me as the victim of policy, and not of resentment; I shall experieuee the operation of these feelings in youi breast, by being informed lhat I am not to die on a gibbet. I have the honour to be, your excellency's most obedient, and most humble servant, JOHN ANDRE, Adjutant-general to the British arpiy, 4*2 336 Memoirs of the War in the of the determination of the American general, might without delay arrest its execution by suitable explanation and atonement. No attempt of this sort was made, and no doubt remained that the me naced retaliation would take effect as soon as fit subjects for ita application should fall into our hands. Having reached the neighbourhood of Friday's ferry, the army passed the Congaree at Howell's ; having been joined by brigadier Pickens, with his militia, and by lieutenant colonel Henderson, of the South Carolina line, with a small body of stale infantry lately raised. The two armies being now on the same side of the river, lieu tenant colonel Lee, with his legion and the corps of Henderson, was detached in advance, followed by the main body iu supporting distance. Greene continued to pursue his" march with unvarying attention to the ea?e and comfort of his troops ; preserving unimpaired their strength by withholding them from exposure to the mid day sun, which continued to be keen and morbid. As the van approached Motte's, the exploring cavalry under cap tain- O'Neal fell in with a light party of the enemy detached for the purpose of procuring intelligence. These were all killed or taken From the prisoners we learnt that colonel Stewart, when informed of Greene's passage of the Wateree and movement to wards Friday's ferry, broke up from his position, and retired down the Santee for (be purpose of meeting a convoy from Charleston, and of establishing himself near Nelson's ferry on that river, which information was forthwith communicated to the general. Perse vering in his plan of forcing the enemy to confine himself to the region bordering on the sea, after a few days halt in the. vicinity of Motte's waiting for the junction of brigadier Marion, then on his return from the Edisto, he again advanced. Lieutenant colonel Lee, still preceding the-army, soon found that Stewart had set down at the Eutaw Springs forty miles below his late position, where the convoy from Charleston had arrived. This intelligence was de spatched to Greene, who was disposed to stimulate further retreat ; his sole object being the recovery of the country, and which, though determined to effect, he preferred doing without further waste of blood. Lee was accordingly instructed to announce rather than conceal the advance of the American army, in order that Stew art might, if he chose, fall back a second time. During our march on the 5th and 6th the van corps met with not a single individual, excepting two dragoons from the enemy's camp, one each day, bearing a flag, with despatches for the American general. These dragoons successively confirmed the continuance of Stewart at the Eutaws ; adding that there was no appearance of change in position, and that when they left camp, it was believed that general Greene was still near Motte's post. Instead of receiving the despatches and sending them on as was customary, Lee ordered the British dragoons to proreed to the army, with the view that if general Greene continued to prefer annunciation of his approach to the Southern Department of the United States. 331 enemy the same might be effectually done by the immediate return of the flags, vvith orders for their proceeding to Stewart. Inasmuch as no attempt had been made to conceal the advance of the Ameri can army, Greene could not suppose that Stewart remained ignorant of tbe fact ; and, therefore, in the course of the day dismissed the flags, sending them back to lieutenant colonel Lee without any special directions ; knowing from the discretion appertaining to the officer in advance, that he would be governed in his disposal of tbem by intervening occurrences. The same uninterrupted quie tude continuing during the seventh. Lee became convinced, strange as it appeared, that the British commander wa? uninformed of our proximity ; and, therefore, determined to retain the flags. This was accordingly done, and Greene having first halted at Laurens's farm,* encamped for the night at BurdeU's plantation, within seven miles of the enemy, determining to advance at an early hour the ensuing morning, lt was well ascertained that the British troops were forced to forage at a distance, and lhat occasionally parties were detached for the collection of vegetables as well as of forage ; Lee consequently determined to take every precaution to prevent any communication during the night, believing it probable that he might in the morning fall in with some of the detachments employ ed in procuring supplies. The same dead calm continued : nobody was seen moving in any direction — a state of qujet never before experienced in similar circumstances. While Stewart spent the night perfectly at ease, from his ignorance of passing events, the American general was preparing for battle. Our whole force, including the reinforcements from North Caro lina (which joined us ut the High Hills) under general Sumner, Ihe corps of Jfarion and of Pickens, with that lately formed in South Carolina under lieutenant colonel Henderson, amounted to two thousand three hundred men, of which the continentals (horse, foot and artillery,) made about sixteen hundred. Lord Rawdou, as has been before mentioned, led to the relief of Ninety-Six an army of two thousand, t to which was annexed the garrison of that place under lieutenant colonel Cruger, part of which only was now with Stewart. •Tbisfarm belonged to Henry Laurens, one of the most respectable, honoura ble and distinguished statesmen of our country. He had for many years been a member of congress, and was president of that body in a very trying period of -the war. He was afterwards appointed minister plenipotentiary to the United Provinces, and was unfortunately captured on his voyage by a British cruiser. On landing in England, he was sent to London, when he was immedi ately committed to the lower. From this confinement, and its eventual conse quence, death upon a gibbet, he was relieved by the surrender of the army of lord Cornwallis ; from whieh era the enemy relinquished every hope of subjuga tion,' and turned bis attention with diligence to the conclusion of peace. Laurens went from England to France, where he assisted iu the negotiations which were terminated by the treaty of peace. t Extract from Tarleton's Campaigns — " There appears to be an error in this statement of the force marched from Charleston. Lord Rawdon, in his letter of the Sth, to earl Cornwallis, says, be should move on Ihe 7th of June towards Ninety-Six with the troops at Monk's Corner, and the flauk companies of th* 332 Memoirs of the War in the The effective force of the hostile armies may be fairly estimated as nearly equal, each about two thousand three hundred. A portion of both armies, and that too nearly equal, had never as yet been in action ; so that in every respect the state of equality was pre served, excepting in cavalry, where the advantage, both in number and quality, was on our side. The night passed in tranquility ; and, judging from appearances, no occurrence seemed more distant than tbe sanguinary battle which followed. Greene advanced at four in the morning in two columns, wilh ar tillery at the head of each, lieutenant colonel Lee in his front, and lieutenant colonel Washington in his rear. While moving with much circumspection, in the well grounded expectation that we should fall upon the British piquets unperceiv ed, captain Armstrong, conducting the reconnoitring party, commu- tiicated to Lee the approach of a body of the enemy. This oc curred about eight o'clock in the morning, four miles from the British camp. Forwarding this intelligence to the general, and presuming that the descried foe, consisting of horse and foot, must be the van ofthe enemy, Lee halted, waiting forthe approximation of our main body. The legion infantry were drawn up across the road, the cavalry in open wood on its right, aud Henderson with hi3 corps in thick wood upon its left Shortly the British appeared, following Arm strong. The action opened, and the enemy were soon forced in frout, while the horse, making a rapid movement under major Eg gleston gained the rear. The infantry was destroyed, several killed, and about forty taken with their captain ; the cavalry, flying in full speed as soon as they saw the legion dragoons pressing for ward, saved themselves, as did the foraging party following in the rear, consisting of two or three hundred without arms.* Pressing forward, we soon got in view of another body of the enemy, with whom the action recommenced. Lieutenant colonel Lee, advising the general of this occurrence, requested the sup port of artillery to counteract that of the enemy now opening. Quickly colonel Williams, adjutant general, brought up captain Gains with his two pieces in full gallop, who unlimbering took his part with decision and effect. During (his rencontre both armies formed. The American hav ing, as before mentioned, moved in two columns, each composed of the corps destined for its respective lines, soon arranged in order of battle. three regiments lately arrived. Therefore it seems more probable that lord Rawdon's whole force did not exceed two thousand men, viz: the garrison with drawn from Camden ; lieutenant colonel Watson's corps ; major M'Arthur's re inforcement ; and the flank companies of colonel Gould's brigade." Add to this the regulars of the garrison of Ninety-Six (four hundred) and the flank Compa nies under Majnribanks, between two and three hundred. *The rooting parly, being unarmed, hastened back to the British camp up»n the first fire, and therefore escaped. Southern Department of the United States. 333 The North Carolina militia under colonel Malmedy, with that of South Carolina, led by the brigadiers Marion and Pickens, making the first, and the continentals making the second line : lieutenant colonel Campbell with the Virginians on the right ; brigadier Sum ner with the North Carolinians in the centre ; * and tbe Maryland ers, conducted by Williams and Howard, on the left, resting with its left flank on the Charleston road. Lee with his legion was charged with the care of the right, as was Henderson with his corps with that of the left flank. The artillery, consisting only of two threes and two sixes, commanded by the captains Gains and Finn, were disposed the first with the front and the last with the rear brie ; and Baylor's regiment of horse, with Kirkwood's infan try of Delaware, composed the reserve, led by lieutenant colonel Washington. The British army was drawn up in one line, a few hundred paces in front of their camp, (tents standing.) with two separate bodies of infantry and the cavalry posted in its rear, ready to be applied as contingencies might point out. The Buffs t (third regiment), composed its right, resting with its flank on the Charleston road ; the remains of several corps un der lieutenant colonel Cruger the centre ; and the sixty-third and sixty fourth (veterans) the left. On the Eutaw branch, which runs to the British camp, right ofthe Charleston road, was posted major Majoribanks at the head ofthe grenadiers and light infantry, making one battalion, — his right on the branch, and his left stretching in an oblique line towards ihe flank ofthe Buffs. This branch issued from a deep ravine, between which and the British camp was the Charleston road, and belween the road and the ravine was a strong brick house. The artillery was distributed along the line, a part on the Charleston road, and another part, on the road leading to Roache's plantation, which passed through the enemy's left wing. The front line ofthe American army, following close in the rear of the two pieces under captain Gains, began now to be felt by the van, who, diverging to the right and left, firing obliquely, took post on the flanks agreeably to the orders of battle. *This arrangement of Greene's second line is not correct in point of fact. The North Carolinians under Sumner were posted on the right, and Campbell with the Virginians in the centre. But when the militia of the first line gave way, the brigade of Sumner was ordered to support them, and by his advance, Campbell's brigade became ihe right of the second line. And after Sumner was driven back, the brigades of Virginia and Maryland, were brought up, the former on the right and in contact with the legion infantry. In this order the most important pait of the battle was fought, the charge was made, and Camp bell killed ; and Lee writing from memory rather than research, places Campbell on the ri'ht in the original order, because be remembered he was in that posi tion when he fell by his side. — Ed. tThis regiment was one of the three which had lately arrived from Ireland, and had never before been in action : yet, nevertheless, fought with the most determined courage. The regiment of Maryland, under lieutenant colonel Howard was opposed to it ; and such was the obstinacy with which the contest was maintained, lhat a' number of the soldiers fell transfixed by each others bayonets. '334 Memoirs of the War in the The militia advancing with alacrity, the battle became warm, eonvincing lieutenant colonel Stewart, unexpected as it appears to have been, that Greene was upon him. The fire ran from flank to flank ; our line still advancing, and tbe enemy, adhering to his po sition, manifested a determination to wait an approach. The sixty third and the legion infantry were warmly engaged, when the sixty-fourth, with a part of ihe centre, advanced upon colonel Malmedy, who soon yielding, the success was pushed by the enemy's left, and the militia, after a fierce contest, gave way — leaving the corps of Henderson and the legion infantry engaged, sullenly falling back. Greene instantly ordered up the centre of the second line under brigadier Sumner, to fill the chasm produced by the recession of the militia, who came handsomely into action, ranging with the in fantry of the legion and ihe corps of Henderson, both still main taining tbe flanks with unyielding energy. The battle being rein- Stated grew hotter, and the enemy, who had before gained ground, fell back to his first position. Stewart now brought into line the corps of infantry posted in the rear of his left wing, and directed major Coffin with his cavalry to take post on his left ; evincing a jealousy of that flank where the woods were open and the ground opportune for cavalr)1-, in which we excelled. At this period ofthe action, lieutenant colonel Henderson received a ball, which stopped his further exertion. His corps, however, soon recovered from the effect produced by his fall ; and, led on by lieutenant colonel Hampton, continuing to act well its part, the American line perse vered in advance, and the fire became mutually destructive. Greene, determining to strike a conclusive blow, brought up the Maryland ers aud Virginians ; when our line became dense, and pressing forward with a shout the battle raged with redoubled fury.t The enemy, sensible that the weight of our force was bearing upon him, returned our shout, and sustained himself nobly from right to left. Majoribanks now for the first time was put in motion, which being perceived, lieutenant colonel Washington with the re serve was commanded to fall upon him, aud at Ihe same moment the line was ordered to hold up its fire and to charge with bayonet. The air again resounded with the shouts of the advancing Ameri cans ; the enemy answering by pouring in a close and quickly re peated fire. As we drew near, lieutenant colonel Lee, at the head of his infantry, discerning that we outstretched the enemy's line, ordered captain Rudolph to fall back with his company, to gain the enemy's flank, and to give him a raking fire as soon a? be turned it. This movement was executed with precisicn, and had the happiest effect. The enemy's left could not sustain the approaching shock,- assailed in front as it was in flank and it instantly began to give way, which quickly afterwards took place along the whole line, in some parts of which tbe hostile ranks contended with the bayonet, indi viduals of the Marylanders and of the Buffs having been mutually transfixed. t Sumner's brigade had retreated before this took place, and was not in the charge. — Ed,» Southern Department of the United States. 335 The conquering foops pressed the advantage they had gained pursuing the foe, and possessed themselves of his camp, which was yielded without a struggle. Washington promptly advanced to exe cute the orders he had leceived, and made a circuit to gain the rear of Majoribanks, preceded by lieutenant Stuart* with one section. As he drew near to the enemy, he found the ground thickly set with blackjack, and almost impervious to horse. Deranging as was this unlooked for obstacle, Washington wilh his dauntless cavalry forced his way, notwithstanding the murderous discharge of the enemy, safe behind his covert. Human courage could not surmount the obstruction which interposed, or this gallant officer with his intre pid corps would have triumphed. Captain Watts, second in com-- mand, fell, pierced by two balls. Lieutenants King and Simmons experienced a similar fate ; and Washington's horse being killed, he became entangled in the fall, when struggling to extricate him self he was bayoneted and taken. Lieutenant Stuart was now dis mounted, being severely wounded, and his horse killed close to the hostile ranks ; nor did a single man of his section escape, some being killed and the rest wounded. The gallant young Carlisle, from Alexandria, a cadet in the regiment, was killed, and half the corps destroyed ; after which the residue was drawn off by captain Parsons, assisted by lieutenant Gordon. This repulse took place at the time the British line gave way. Majoribanks, although victorious, fell back to cover his flying com rades ; and major Sheridan, wilh the New York volunteers, judi ciously took possession of the brick house before mentioned for the same purpose ; while, with the same view, major Coffin, with the cavalry, placed himself on the left, in an open field west of the Charleston road. In our pursuit we took three hundred prisoners and two pieces of artillery ¦ one taken by captain Rudolph, of the legion infantry, and the other by lieutenant Duv.il, of the Maryland line, who was killed — a young officer of the highest promise As soon as we en tered the field, Sheridan began to fire from the brick house. The left of the legion infantry, led by lieutenant Manning, the nearest to the house, followed close upon the enemy still entering it, hoping to force his way before tbe door could be barred. One of our sol diers actually got half way in, and for some minutes a struggle of strength took place — Manning pressing him in, and Sheridan forcing bim out. The latter prevailed and the door was closed. Here captain Barr£, deputy adjutant general, the brother of the cele brated colonel Barrr4,t and some few others, were overtaken and made prisoners. Lieutenant colonel Lee, finding his left discomfit ed in the bold attempt, on the success of which rourh bung, recall ed it; and Manning so disposed of bis prisoners, by mixing Ihem with his own soldiers, as to return unnurt ; the enemy in the house sparing him rather than risking those vvith him. * Colonel Philip Stuart, now a member of congress from Maryland.- + Member of parliament. 336 Memoirs of the War in the At this point of time lieutenant colonel Howard, with a part of his regiment, passed through the field towards the head of the ra vine, and captain Kirkwood appeared approaching the house on its right. Majoribanks, though uninjured, continued stationary on the enemy's right, as did Coffin with the cavalry on the left. SheridaD, from a few swivels and his musketry, poured his fire in every di rection without cessation. During this period, Stewart was actively employed in forming his line; difficult in itself from the severe battle just fought, and ren dered more so by the consternation which evidently prevailed. The followers of the army, the wagons, the wounded, the timid, were all hastening towards Charleston ; some along the road in our view, others through the field back of the road, equally in view ; while the staff were destroying stores of every kind, especially spirits, which the British soldiers sought with avidity. General Greene brought up all his artillery against the house, hoping to effect a breach, through which he was determined to force his way ; convinced that the submission of the enemy in the house gave him the hostile army. At the same moment lieutenant colonel Lee (still on the right) sent for Eggleston and his cavalry, for the purpose of striking Coffin, and turning the head of the ra vine ; which point was properly selected for the concentration of our force, too much scattered by the pursuit, and by the allure ments which the enemy's camp presented. Here we commanded the ravine, and might readilj break up the incipient arrangements of the rallying enemy ; here we were safe from the fire of the house, and here we possessed the Charleston road While Lee was halted at the edge of the wood, impatiently waiting for the arrival of his horse, he saw captain Armstrong (the leading officer for the day) approaching, and not doubting that the corps was fol lowing, the lieutenant colonel advanced into the firld, directing Arm strong to follow. He had gone but a little way, when the captain told him that only his section was up, having never seen the rest of the corps since its discomfiture on tbe left some time before. This unlooked for intelligence was not less fatal to the bright prospect of personal glory, than it was to the splendid issue of the conflict.* Not a single * When lieutenant colonel Lee took charge of his infantry, general Greene was pleased to direct that the cavalry of the legion should be placed at his disposal. It accordingly followed, at a safe distance, in the rear of the in fantry. Being sent for at this crisis (as has been related) only one troop appeared. Major Eggleston had been previously ordered into action, and had been foiled, by encountering the same sort of obstacle experienced by Washington, as was afterwards ascertained. To this unfortunate and unauthorized order, may be ascribed the turn in this day's battle. Had the legion cavalry been all up at this crisis. Coffin would have been cut to pieces, the enemy's left occupied in force, the route already commenced completed, and Stewart would have been deprived, by the change in our position, of the aid derived from the brick house ; and his army must in Consequence have laid down their arms. Southern Department of the United States. 337 doubt can be entertained, had the cavalry of the legion been in place, as it ought to have been, that Coffin would have been carri ed, which must have been followed by the destruction of the Bri tish army. Our infantry were getting into order, and several small bodies were sufficiently near to have improved every advantage ob tained by the cavalry. Howard, with Oldham's compaoy, had just recommenced action between the house and the head of the ravine ; and our troops on the right were in motion for the same ground, not doubting the destruction of Coffin, who only could annoy their flank. The recession of Lee, and the retirement of Howard, who was at this instant severely wounded, nipped in the bud measures of offence in this quarter ; while, on the left, the house remained in possession of Sheridan, the weight of- our metal being too light to effect a breach, This intermission gave Stewart time to restore his broken line, which being accomplished, he instantly advanced, and the action was renewed. It soon terminated in the enemy's repossession of his camp, followed by our retreat, with the loss of two field pieces, and the recovery of one of the two before taken by us. Satisfied with these advantages, colonel Stewart did not advance further ; and general Greene (after despatching lieutenant colonel Lee with a proposition to the British commander, the object of which was to unite with him in burying the dead.) drew off'; per suaded that he had recovered the country, the object in view, as well as that a more convenient opportunity for repetition of battle would be presented on the enemy's retreat, which he was convinced could not long be deferred. The battle lasted upwards of three hours, and was "fiercely con tested, every corps in both armies bravely supporting each other. The loss was uncommonly great — more than one fifth of the Bri tish and one fourth of the American army being killed and wound- ed, as stated in the official returns, which intelligent officers of both armies considered short of the real loss sustained. The enemy made sixty prisoners, all wounded ; — we took about five hundred, including some wounded left in his camp by colonel Stewart when he retired. Of six commandants of regiments bearing continental commissions, Williams and Lee were only unhurt. Washington, Howard and Henderson were wounded; and lieutenant colonel Campbell, highly respected and beloved, was killed. This excellent officer received a ball in his breast, in the deci sive charge which broke the British line, while listening to an interrogatory from lieutenant colonel Lee, then on the left of the legion infantry, adjoining the right of tbe Virginians, the post of Campbell. He dropped on the pummel of his saddle speechless* •Doctor Ramsay has represented the death of this highly respected officer differently, from information which no doubt the doctor accredited. But as the writer was personally acquainted with the transaction, he cannot refrain from stating it exactly as it happened. The Virginians had besun to lire, which was not only against orders, but put in danger Rudolph and his party, then turning the enemy's left. To stop this fire, lieutenant colonel Lee. 43 338 Memoirs of the War in the and was borne in the rear by Lee's orderly dragoon, in whose care he expired, the moment he was taken from his horse * Many of our officers of every grade suffered, militia as well as conti nentals ; among whom was brigadier Pickens, who was wounded. The conclusion of this battle wa3 as unexpected to both armies as it was mortifying to ours. The splendour which its beginning and progress hud shed upon our arms became obscured, and the rich prize within our grasp was lost. Had our cavalry contributed its aid, as heretofore it never failed to do, a British army must have surrendered to Greene on the field of battle. But they were un fortunately brought into action under difficulties not to be conquer ed ; one corps cut to pieces, and the other dispersed, in effect the same ; aud the critical moment passed, before it concentrated. Had the infantry of the reserve preceded the cavalry of the re serve, Washington would have avoided the unequal contest to which he was exposed ; and by patiently watching for the crisis, would have fallen upon Majoribanks when retiring to shield the enemy's broken line. Had Eggleston not been drawn frorn his post by or ders officiously communicated to that officer as from the general, tvhen in trulh he never issued such orders, Lee. would have been joined by his cavalry, ready to inflict the last blow, so clearly with in his power. Both these untoward incidents were necessary to stop us from the signal victory courting our acceptance, and both occurred. The honourt of ihe day was claimed by both sides, while the benefits flowing from it were yielded to the Americans : the first be longed to neither and the last to us. Congress expressed their sense ofthe conduct ofthe general and of the merit ofthe army, presenting their thanks to Greene, and to every corps who fought under him on that day ; presenting him at the same time with a British standard, and a gold medal emblemati cal ofthe battle. | galloped down the line to Campbell, and while speaking to him on the subject, the lieutenant colonel received his wound, of which he soon expired without uttering a word. ?Colonel Campbell, though in appearance dead, actually survived some hours after his fall, and on being told just before he expired, that the Americans were victorious, exclaimed with the heroic fervour of Wolfe, " then I die contented." Ed. t See Appendix Q. and Q. J By the United States in Congress assembled, October 29lh, 1781. Resolved, That the thanks ofthe United States in Congress assembled, be pre sented to major general Greene, for his wise, decisive and magnanimous conduct. , in the action of the 8th of September last, near the Eutaw Springs, in South Ca rolina ; in which, with a force inferior in number to that of the enemy, he ob tained a most signal victory. That the thanks of the United States, in Congress assembled, be presented to the officers anil men ofthe Maryland and Virginia brigades, and Delaware bat talion of continental troops, for the unparalleled bravery and heroism by them * displayed, in advancing to the enemy througr-i an incessant fire, and charging * them with an impetuosity and ardour that could not be resisted. <' That the thanks of the United States, in Congress assembled, be presented to the officers and men of the legionary corps and artillery, for their intrepid and gallant exertions during the action. Southern Department of tlie United States. 339 Not a spring nor a rivulet was near, but that in possession of (U enemy ; and the water in our canteens had been exhausted early in the battle. The day was extremely sultry, and the cry for water was universal. Much as general Greene wished to avail himself of the evident ad- Vantage he had gained, by setting down close to Stewart, he was forced to forego this desire, and to retire several miles to the first spot which afforded an adequate supply of water. There he halted forthe night, determined to return and renew the battle. Marion and Lee were to move on tbe 9tb, and turn the enemy's left, with the view of seizing the first strong pass on the road to Charleston, b*low the Eutaw Spring, as well to interrupt colonel Stewart wh^n retreating, as to repel any reinforcement which might be detached from the garrison of Charleston ; while the general continued in his camp, actively engaged in preparing arrangements for the conveyance of the wounded to the High Hills, Marion and Lee, approaching the enemy's left, discovered that he had been bu sily employed in sending off nis sick and wounded, and that he was hastening his preparations to decamp. Despatching a courier to Greene vvith this information, the light troops made a circuit to fall into the Charleston road near Ferguson's swamp, and to take post 00 its margin ; being an eligible position for the accomplishment of the object in view. In our march we received intelligence that a detachment from Monk's Corner, led by major M'Arlbur, was hastening to join Stew- That the thanks ofthe United States, in Congress assembled, be presented to the brigade of North Carolina, for their resolution and perseverance in attacking tbe enemy, and sustaining a superior fire. That the thanks ofthe United States, in Congress assembled, be presented to the officers aod men ofthe stnte corps of South Carolina, for the zeal, activity and firmness by them exhibited throughout the engagement. That the thanks ofthe United States, in Congress assembled, be presented to the officers and men of the militia, who formed the front line in the order of bat tle, and sustained their post with honour, propriety, and a resolution worthy of mendetermined to be free. Resolved, Thai a Britisb standard be presented to major general Greene, as an honourable testimony of his merit; and a golden medal emblematical of the battle and victory aforesaid. That major general Greene be desired to present the thanks of Congress to captains Pierce and Pendleton, major Hyme and captain Shubrirk, his airis de camp, in testiinony of their particular activity and good conduct during the whole ofthe battle. That a sword be presented to captain Pierce, who bore the general's des patches, giving an account of the victory ;_and that the board of war take order herein. Resolved, That the thanks of the United States, in Congress assembled, be presented fo brigadier general Marion, of the South Carolina militia, for his wise, gallant and decided conduct in defending the liberties of his country ; and particularly for his prudent aud intrepid attack on a body of British troops, on the 30th day of August last; and for the distioguisiied part he toon in the battle ofthe 8th of September. Extract from the minutes, CHARLES THOMPSON, Secretary. 340 Memoirs of the War in the art. It was now deemed advisable to recede from the original pur pose, and by a rapid, though circuitous movement, to gain a more distant position, with the view of striking at M'Arthur so far below the Eutaws as to put him out of possibility of support from Stewart ; the commencement of whose retreat was momently expected. To accomplish this arduous movement in time, every exertion was made. Fatigued as the troops were, by their active service the day before, with the long morning's march through deep sand, and scorching heat, yet they gained the desired ground within the allot ted time. But this oppressive march was useless. Stewart hurried his pre parations, and commencing his retreat on the evening of the 9th, had brought his first division within a few miles of M'Arthur, when the light troops reached their destined point. Thus situated, to fight M'Arthur became rash ; as it could not be doubted that he could and would maintain the action, until reinforced by Stewart. Marion and Lee were compelled to desist, and taking post at some distance in the woods, on the right flank of Stewart, they waited un til the main body passed, hoping to strike successfully his rearguard." In tbe course of the morning of the 10th, the junction of M'Ar thur was effected below Martin's tavern, and the British army con tinued moving towards Monk's Corner, which is one day's march from Charleston. Gaining the rear of Stewart, the legion dragoons were directed to fall upon the cavalry attached to the rear guard. This was hand somely executed by the van under captain O'Neal : he made most of the rear party prisoners, two or three escaping to the infantry by the fleetness of their horses. So evident was the dismay* which prevailed, that lieutenant co lonel Lee. not satisfied with this advantage, determined to persevere in pursuit with his cavalry ; hoping to find an opportunity of cutting off the rearguard, with a portion of their wagons conveying the wounded. Following until late in the evening, picking up occasionally the fatigued who had fallen behind, and the stragglers ; he received in telligence from some of the last taken, which determined him not * After the battle, lieutenant colonel Stewart ordered all the arms belonging to the dead and wounded to be collected, which was accordingly done. When the army had marched off the ground, this pile of arms was set on fire by the rear guard. Many of the muskets being loaded, an irregular discharge took place, resembling the desultory fire which usually precedes battle. The retreat ing army at once presumed that Greene was up, and had commenced his attack on its rear. Dismay and confusion took place ; wagoners cut their horses from the wagons and rode off, abandoning their wagons. The followers of the army fled in like manner, and the panic was rapidly 1 spreading, when the firing in the rear ceased. Colonel Washington, who had been taken, though indulged with his parole, was accompanied by two officers. These gentlemen abandoned tbe colonel and galloped off, not liking present ap pearances ; but as soon as tbe mistake was discovered, returned to their prisoner. Washington, after his exchange, communicated jhese facts to his friend major : Pendleton, aid-de-camp to general Greene. ' Southern Department of the United States. 341 longer to postpone his blow. Detaching Eggleston with one troop on his right, to fall upon the flank, Lee, at the head ofthe other two troops, moved along the road to force the enemy in front. As soon as Eggleston had gained the desired situation the charge was sound ed, and the cavalry rushed upon tbe enemy. Unluckily the wood, through which Eggleston passed to the road, was thickly set with blackjack. It became more difficult as you came nearer the road, and the rear officer of the enemy forming bis guard en potency, gave the assailants a warm reception, flying the moment he delivered his fire, yielding up several wagons. Eggleston and his troop were roughly handled ; his horse being killed, — himself happily escaping although five balls pierced his clothes and equipments : an unexpected issue, and which would not have taken place, had not the wood arrested his progress. Lee's squadron was very little injured, having none of tbe impediments to encounter, which accidentally interfered with Eggleston. The suc cess turned out to be useless, for the miseiable wounded, supplicated so fervently to be permitted lo proceed, that lieutenant colonel Lee determined not to add to their misery, and to his trouble ; but taking off his own wounded returned to Marion, leaving the wagons and the wounded to continue their route. Greene did not reach the hostile camp in time to fall upon Stewart; and so expeditious was the progress of the latter, that every en deavour to come up with him with the main body, was nugatory. The British army took post at Monk's Corner, and general Greene returned to Eutaw Spring. Here he found some ofthe en emy's wounded, — leftbecause their conditio'n forbad moving, — with some of his own in the same situation The necessary arrange ments being made for the care and comfort of these unfortunate in dividuals, the American general proceeded by easy marches to our favourite camp, the High Hills of Santee. This retirement from the field came indispensable; not only because of our diminished force from the severe battle lately fought, but disease had resumed its wasting havock, brought on by the forty- eight hours' hard service ; throughout which we were exposed to the sultry sun during the day, and to the heavy dew during the night. Never had we experienced so much sickness at any one time as we did now ; nor was it confined to new levies, as was cus tomary, but affected every corps ; even those most inured to military life, and most accustomed to the climate. Nearly one half of the army was disabled by wound3 or fever, and among the last some of the best officers who had escaped in the action. General Greene happily enjoyed his usual health, and softened our misery by his care and attention. Litters were provided for those most afflicted, and all the comforts which the country afforded were collected, and reserved for the exclusive use of the sick and wounded. On the 18th we reached the High Hills, when permanent arrange ments were adopted for the accommodation of the wounded for checking the spread of disease, and for the plentiful supply of wholesome provisions. Marion and his militia, being habituated to 342 Memoirs of the War in ihe the swamps of Pedee, were less affected by the prevailing fever, and continued on the south ofthe Congaree, to protect the country from the predatory excursions of the enemy. The British army did not escape the insalubrity of the season arid climate, and like its adversaries, was held quiet in quarters ; their chief attention too being called to the restoration of the sick and wounded. Upon lord Rawdon's sailing for Europe, Cornwallis appointed major general Leslie, then serving under him in Virginia, to the command of the British troops in the Carolinas and Georgia ; but this officer did not reach Charleston for some weeks after the battle of the Eutaws. CHAPTER XXXIV. A NEW scene now opened upon the American theatre. The expeciation announced by the commander in chief to the general in the South, previous to our decampment from the High Hills of San tee, became confirmed in the course of the last month. Admiral count De Barras, the French naval commander on this station, communicated officially to general Washington, the resolution taken by the count De Grasse, commanding the Frenchjieet in the West Indies, of sailing from Cape Fran§ois, in St. Domingo for the Ches apeake, on the 3d of August with a powerful fleet, having on board three thousand land forces. Charmed with the prospect of being enabled at length to act with the vigour congenial with his disposi tion, Washington hastened his preparations to invest New York, as soon as the fleet of his most christian majesty should arrive. Nothing was wanting but one decisive stroke to put an end to the war, which his daily experience of the embarrassments attendant upon all the measures of congress, convinced him was at this time indispensable to our final success. The nation was absolutely wearied out ; voluntary enlistments to fill up our ranks, had long since yielded to the enrolment of drafts from the militia for short periods of service, and this last resort had proved very inadequate. Reduced as had been our number of regiments, in consequence of the insufficiency of the annual supply of men, yet they remained incomplete. When Washington took the field in June, his whole force (including the army under La Fayette, the, garrison of West Point, and a detachment of the New York line under brigadier Clinton, posted on the frontier of that state,) amounted to some thing more than eight thousand. His effective force, ready to act under his immediate orders, is rated at four thousand five hundred. Such was the humble condition ofthe main army, after the most judicious, active and persevering efforts ofthe commander in chief throughout the winter and spring, supported by congress, to bring into the field a respectable force. Southern Department of the United States. 243 Diminutive as our army was, yet our capacity to subsist it wag more so. Occasionally its separation became inevitable, to secure daily food ; and therefore we may congratulate ourselves that our ranks were not crowded. The four Eastern states, upon this, as npon many previous urgent occasions, took effectual measures to provide and to transport all the necessary supplies within their reach ; these consisted of mear, salt and liquor. Bread was still wanting ; and this was procurable only from Pennsylvania and Ma ryland, so completely exhausted were the two states of New York and New Jersey ; having been, from 1776, the continued seat of war. The wicked and stupid system of coercion had been pushed to its extreme, and was at length necessarily abandoned ; having be come as unproductive as it had always been irritating. We had no money ; as our paper notes (so called) had lost every semblance of coin, except the name, and the credit of the Lnited States had become the general topic of derision. Tender laws had been enacted to support it ; but the more we attempted to compel the coy dame, the faster she withdrew from our embrace. Our credit became extinct ; and having nothing but depreciated paper to offer in payment, poverty and distrust over spread the land. In this distressing crisis congress came to the wise resolution of stopping the emission of paper, and substituted an annual requisition on the states for the means of supporting the war. Even this last resource failed to produce the intended effect, the states neglecting the calls of the federal head. Confusion and disorder had reached its height ; and Washington himself, the last to despond, began to apprehend that we should fail in profiting of the effectual and timely aid proffered by our ally, through our own incapacity and impotence. ~, Soon after congress adopted the resolution above mentioned, the finances of the nation were committed to the superintendence of an individual ; — a wise reform, too long delayed. Robert Morris, of Philadelphia, a member of congress from Pennsylvania, possessing a mind penetrating and indefatigable, — • who had passed from early life through the various grades of com mercial pursuits, as distinguished by his enterprise and system, as by the confidence which his probity and punctuality had establish ed, was happily selected to fill this arduous station. Compelled by the confusion and want which every where ex isted he entered upon the duties of his office sooner than he in tended ; having on his acceptance stipulated for a limited suspen sion, with the view of completing satisfactorily the various prere quisite arrangements. Discarding considerations forcibly applying to his own reputation in this threatening conjuncture, he immediately assumed his new station giving his entire attention to the restoration of credit. Pro mulgating his determination to meet with punctuality every engage ment he was sought with eagerness by all who had the means ol 344 Memoirs of the War in the supplying the public wants. The scene changed ; to purchase now, as heretofore to sell, was considered the favour bestowed. Faith fully performing his promise, our wants began to disappear, and the military operations no longer were suspended by the want of ne cessary means. To facilitate his efforts he very soon proposed to congress the "formation of a national bank, which expedient was immediately adopted ; and this institution became a powerful engine to smooth the difficulties in his way. Nor was he less sagacious than fortu nate in his measures to bring into use the annual contribution of Pennsylvania to the federal treasury, by undertaking to pay for the state the requisitions of congress, on being authorized to receive the taxes imposed by the legislature to meet the demand. This masterly negotiation secured bread to the troops, the last important supply yet wanting, after the patriotic aud successful efforts of the four New England states to furnish the other articles. Strong in his personal credit, and true to his engagements, the superintendant became firmer every day in the public confidence ; and unassisted, except by a small portion of a small loan* gran.ed by the court of Versailles to the United States, this individual citi zen gave food and motion to the main army ; proving by his conduct, that.credit is the offspring of integrity, economy, system and punc tuality. The apprehensions which had retarded for a time the contem plated movements of the army vanrshing, Washington crossed from the western to the eastern side of the Hudson river, having pre viously directed the count de Rochambeau, commanding the French army, to move from Rhode Island. As the count approached the confines of the state of New York, an officer was despatched to him, changing his direction with a view to bring him in timely sup port of an enterprise on the eve of execution against some of the enemy's posts on^ork Island. The French general very cordial ly and zealously pressed forward to contribute the desired aid ; but the projected plan proving abortive, Washington fell back to the North river, where he was joined by the French army at Dobbs's ferry on the 6th of July. It having been settled lo strike at New York, in a conference which ensued between the allied generals, soon after the decision of the cabinet of Versailles to co-operate by sea in the course of the following autumn, was known, all the measures hitherto adopt ed pointed to this object. Of themselves they were sufficiently significant to attract the attention of sir Henry Clinton ; and he ac cordingly sent orders to lord Cornwallis, to detach a considerable portion of his army to his support. Before this order was executed, sir Henry Clinton received a reinforcement of three thousand men from England, which induced him to counteract his requisition for a part of the army in Virginia, and to direct Cornwallis to place * Six millions of livres toumais, a part of which was applied to the purchase of clothing for our army, and the balance was obtained by bills on Paris. Southern Department of the United States. 345 himself safe in some strong post on the Chesapeake during the ap proaching equinox, ready to resume offensive operations as soon as it should blow over Deficient as Washington was in the strength of his army, and apprized that sir Henry Clinton, although holding in New York only four thousand five hundred regulars (exclusive of his late reinforcement,) could augment his force with six thou sand of the militia in the city and its environs ; h» began to turn his attention to a secondary object, lest he might find the first im practicable. The army of Cornwallis was the next in order as in consequence. He therefore advised La Fayette, in Virginia, of the probability of this result ; directing him to take his measures in time to prevent Cornwallis's return to North Carolina, should his lordship, apprehending the intended blow, attempt to avoid it by the abandonment of Virginia. Washington, now at the head of the allied army, for the first time during the war, held a force capable of continued offence. His effective strength was not more than nineteen thousand ;* but this body might be greatly augmented by the militia of New Jersey, New York and Connecticut, as well as by the garrison of West-Point, and by the corps under brigadier Clinton, still on the frontiers of the state. Nor can it be doubted that he would have received every possible aid to bis operations, as the great boon for which he fought came into our po-session by the fall of New York. Fixed in his resolution to bring to submission the first or second army of the enemy, he pressed forward his preparations for carry ing New York (the object preferred) as soon as the naval- co-opera tion appeared. With this view, he took his measures with the •Congress had demanded from the states an army of thirty-seven thousand men, to assemble in January. In May our whole force, from New Hampshire to Georgia, did not exceed ten thousand ; nor bad we adequate supplies of pro visions and clothing even tor this small force. "Instead of having magazines filled with provisions, we have a scanty pit tance scattered here and there in the different states. Instead of having our arsenals well supplied with military stores, they are poorly provided, and the workmen all leaving them. Instead of having the various articles of field equip age in readiness to deliver, the quartermaster general is but now applying to the several states (as the dernier resort) to provide these things for their troops lespectively. Instead of having a regular system of transportation established upon credit — or funds in the quartermasterVhands to defray the contingent ex penses of it — we have neither the one nor the other ; and all that business, or a great part of it, being done by military impressment, we are daily and hourly- oppressing the people, souring their tempers, alienating their affections. Instead of having the regiments completed to the new establishments, (and which ought lo have been so by the day of , agreeably to the requisitions of con gress,) scarce any state in the Union has, at this hour, one eighth part of its quota in the fields and there is little prospect, thai I can see, of ever getting more than half. In a word, instead of having every thing in readiness to take Ihe field, we have nothing. And instead of having the prospect of a glorious offensive campaign before us, we have a bewildered and gloomy prospect of a defensive one ; unless we should receive a powerful aid of ships, land troops and money from our generous allies : and these at present are too contingent to build upbn.'' Extract front Washington's Journal, published in Maishall's Life of Washington. 44 346 Memoirs of the War in the governors of the adjacent states for obtaining such auxiliary force' as he might require; and he placed his army in convenient posi tions to act in unison either against Nevv York or Staten Island. The latter was certainly lhat which claimed primary attention ; as its possession by the allies gave a facility for naval co operation ;-, agsinst the city and harbour, as important to a combined effort, as tending to hasten the surrender of the British army. ' Sir Henry Clinton was not inattentive to the course selected by his enemy. He strengthened his corps on Staten Island, he strength ened his post at Paulus Hook, and he held in the city a portion of his disposable force ready to reinforce either station which the progress of his adversary might render expedient. Washington, persevering iri his decision to bring to his aid the navy of our ally in the commencement of his assault, determined first to possess Staten Island. He therefore drew large bodies of his troops from the east of the Hudson, and pushed all the preliminary preparations for vigorous operations against that Island. Connecticut, always true to her principles, with the virtuous Trumbull at her head, was ready to fill up with her hardy sons, the chasm in the line of force east of the Hudson ; mid Washington had so often experienced the zeal and fidelity of that brave and virtuous people, that he did not hesitate in reducing his force opposite to V ork Island in order to strengthen himself in New Jersey. This state had been roused to a higher pitch of enthusiasm in our just cause, by the predatory incursions often repeated in ihe Sound since the expedition of sir Henry Clinton for the relief of Rhode Island. She sent her fat beeves to feed us, and her willing sons to fight by our sides. Safe on the east of the Hudson, Washington continued to augment his strength on the west. This course of action was not only adapted to his present object, but was supported by the consideration that if events should compel him to relinquish his design on New York, he would be more conveniently situated to press the destruction of the enemy in Vir ginia. In accordance with his original design, the commander in chief continued to increase his means of commencing his operations with the reduction of Staten Island. Magazines of flour had been col lected in the vicinity of Springfield, in Jeisey ; lo which place, about the middle of August, the line of that slate, with Hazen's re giment, was detached, to cover the depot, and to hasten the comple tion of houses and ovens then preparing to supply bread for the troops moving towa.ds the Hudson, for the purpose of crossing into Jersey to the scene of action. Trie boats destroyed by Simcoe had been replaced ; and all others which could be procured were now collected af places convenie'nt to Staten Island, mounted . .1 , r , • August. on wheels, ready for instantaneous conveyance, when requi site to transport the army to the intended attack. The last division ofthe allies crossed the Hudson on the 25th, and assembling. in the Southern Department oj the United States. Sit neighbourhood of Paramus, halted, waiting apparently only fur the arrival ofthe French fleet to advunce upon Staten Island. Late communications with admiral count de Barras evincing lhat the Chesapeake had been selected by the count de Grasse as his point of destination, and the short period allotted by that olficer for his continuance on our coast, more and more impressed Washington with the probability that he might be compelled to relinquish bis first object, and content himself with the second. Therefore, while seriously preparing to strike at New York, he never lost sight of placing himself in the most eligible position to hasten lo Virginia, should he be compelled to abandon that design. The force to be employed in the South, in the event of such a change in his plan, had now passed the Hudson, with its van near Springfield — detached thither, as has been mentioned, for the os tensible purpose of protecting our magazine of flour ; but in case Washington decided to turn his arms against Cornwallis, the advance of this corps had the double effect of confirming the apprehensions of sir Henry Clinton as to New York, and of placing it nearer to Virginia. He repented his orders to La Fayette to rake measures to arrest Cornwallis, should he attempt to retreat to the South ; and at the same time addressed governor Jefl'erson, urging him to exert all his powers in preparing certain specified aids of men, provisions, wagons, and implements, which the conjuncture demanded. Never was a game better played ; and the final decision taken by the commander in chief to proceed against Cornwallis, grew out of three considerations, every one of which was weighty. The French admiral preferred the unfortified bay of Chesapeake to the fortified basin of New York for co-operation; the time appropriated for the absence of his fleet from the West Indies comported more with un dertaking the facile enterprise against lord Cornwallis, than the stub born operation against New York ; and the expected reinforcements of the army had in a great degree failed. When too the situation of the United States was brought into view — which was thoroughly understood by Washington — no doubt could remain ofthe propriety of changing the scene of action from New York to Virginia. Year after year had the hope been indulged of receiving adequate naval aid ; at length its approach was certain. To apply it unsuccessfully would be productive of every possible ill ; and our debility forbad hazarding such an issue, great as might be the gun. Necessarily, therefore, did the commander in chief relinquish his fir-t object. This change was communicated to count de Barras, who, keeping his fleet in readiness, sailed on the 25th with his squadron for the Chesapeake, expecting to find there the count de Grasse, having in Jbis care all the heavy ordnance and military stores for the intended operations. Pursuant to his plan, the count de Grasse left Cape Francois early in August with twenty-nine sail of the line, taking under con voy a very large fleet of merchantmen, richly laden, destined for Europe. As soon as the French admiral had placed his charge in safety, he steered with twenty-eight sail of the line for the Chesa> i|$8 Siemoirs of the War in the peake, trqsting the fleet of merchantmen to the protection of one of . bis ships ofthe line and a few frigates.* The British admiral in the West Indies, sir G. B. Rodney, had by his activity, courage and success acquired considerable distinction ; but although advised by the British ministry of the intended visit of the French fleet to the coast of America, he seems to have neglect ed or underrated its effect. He was led to this conclusion proba bly by the persuasion that de Grasse never would trust the rich fleet in his care across the Atlantic to a single ship of the line and a few frigates ; but that he would guard it with an adequate, convoy, which would necessarily bring his force to a size within the control ofthe squadron under admiral Graves, reinforced by that now 10m- mitted by sir George to admiral Hood, with orders to has'en to the Chesapeake ; thus evincing his knowledge of Ihe intention of his adversary Hood lost not a moment in executing his orders, and with press of sail shaped his course, at the head of fourteen sail of the line, for the Chesapeake, where he arrived on the 25th — the very day count de Barras left Rhode Island, and the last division of the American army, intended to act against Cornwallis, crossed the Hudson. Finding the Chesapeake empty, he continued along our coast, looking as he passed into the Delaware, which, like the Chesapeake, was unoccupied, and on the 28lh arrived at Sandy Hook Admiral Graves, thus strengthened, although he had with him but five ships of Ihe line fit for service, put to sea on tbe same day ; hoping either to fall in with count de Barras — of whose departure from Rhode Island he was just apprised — or with tbe French West India fleet, before the intended junction could be effected. Most ruinous would have been the consequence had fortune favoured his attempt ; de Barras, conducting not only a very inferior squadron, but having in his care all the military supplies requisite forthe attempt on the Bri tish army in Virginia. He met with neither — de Barras having very judiciously avoided him by going far out to sea, and de Grasse having arrived in the Chesapeake on the 30th, long before the British admiral reached the latitude of tbe capes of Virginia. As soon as he anchored he was boarded by an officer from La Fay ette, announcing his situation aud that ofthe enemy. The count im mediately detached four ships ofthe line to block up York river, and employed some of his frigates in conveying the marquis St. Si mon, with the French reinforcement under his orders, up James ri ver, for the purpose of joining La Fayette. * To this admirable and judicious decision of the count de Grasse, we owe the propitious event which followed, and which led to peace and independence. Veiy properly did congress take care of the relatives of the count when lately bo oppressed with adversity. Sir G. B. Rodney was completely deceived : for he would not for a moment believe that the French admiral would risk such a valuable fleet with such slight protection, and therefore detached only fourteen sail of the line to our coast, which secured to our ally the naval ascendency so essential to our success. Southern Department of the United States. 349 On the 5th of September the van ofthe British fleet appeared off Cape Henry. De Grasse waited only to ascertain us character, doubtful whether it might riot be the French squadron from Rhode Island. Signals unanswered demonstrated thai the fleet was Bri tish, and every mo neot brought into view additional strength The doubt as to character being removed, the French admiral took his part with decision and gallantry. He slipped cable and put to sea, detei mined 10 bring his enemy to battle. 1 his was not de clined, although Graves had bui nineteen ships ofthe line 10 contend against twenty four. The opinion of the day was unfavourable to the conduct of the British admiral, reprehending with asperily his mode of entering into battle. Hood with the van division leading handsomely in a compact body, was closing fast with the adverse fleet, when the ad miral hoisted Ihe signal to tack, throwing Hood off and pulling Drake with the rear division ahead. It was contended that, excel ling in seamanship, and inferior in number of ships, he ought to have supported Hood ; inasmuch as he would thus have brought on ac tion close in with the coast, which tvould have lessened ihe effect ' of the superior strength to which he was opposed : whereas, by the course adopted, he indulged bis adversary in gaining sea room, the object in view, indispensable to the full application of his superior force. If the suggestion be correct, the heavy disaster which ensued may be truly ascribed to this deviation from the track of genius, Jt is thus on sea as well as on land, that nations suffer by not search ing for superior talents when they stake themselves on the conduct of an individual. France and England have for centuries fought by sea and by land. Each preserves it ancient system, improved by experience, adhering however to first principles long established. At sea the French strive to disable the vessel by destroying the masts and rigging. The English, on the contrary, aim at the hull and press into close action, boarding as soon as possible. The French theory seems to be supported by reason. For by diminishing the means of motion, which appears material, the ship is rendered unfit for effective action and thrown out of line ; we are consequently led to conclude that victory ought to follow the French system; but experience, the corrector of human calculations, proves the fallacy of this conclusion. England has always beaten France at sea, and for a century past a drawn battle upon that element, with equality of force, seems to be the utmost glory attainable by the latter. The English possess an advantage growing out of their extensive commerce, Which must ever secure to that nation naval superiority, so long as such a stale of commerce shall continue. The British sailor is unequalled in Europe, nor will he be ever matched but by the American seamen, who is formed in tbe same manner. It is singular but true that the British genius seems latterly *ore to excel on the water than on the land. Whether this be the 360 Memoirs of the War in the result of her insular situation, which points to the ocean as the' proper theatre for private and public exertion, or whether it be accident, remains wrapt in doubt ; but for a long period there has been a striking disparity in the achievements of her admirals and generals, and this disparity has become more striking (luring -the present war. * Formerly she could boast of her Marlborough, her Peterborough, and her Wolfe : latterly not a single soldier has appeared entitled to the first rank. Yet she abuunds in good officers, arid her soldiers equal any on earth. Cornwallis stands first in the last age ; but his exploits do not place him along side of Marlborough. Lord Rawdon's early sei vice gave high promise of future eminence ; but .he has been permitted to waste his talents in retirement. France on the other hand shines on land. In every period of her history we find her marshals, consummate in the an of war, sustaining by their genius the splendour of her arms. It is, perhaps, happy for the human race that neither nation is alike great on both elements, or the civilized world would again be brought under the yoke of one master.! Both fleets were now standing on the same tack, the British hold ing what the sailor's call the weathergage. About four in the after- 'ritjon the leading divisions, with a few ships of the centre, bore down upon each other, and fought with that determined courage which rivalry and discipline seldom fail to produce. These were roughly handled, the remainder never exchanging a ball. The ap proach of night put an end to this partial engagement ; which, al though the adverse fleets continued for four days near each other, was not renewed. Drake's division suffered considerably, so much so as to be deemed incapable of further action until refitted. One ship was so much damaged as to be abandoned and burnt. The French -fleet did not suffer equally ; and, having the wind for four days after the battle, might have readily renewed it Drawing.off, de Grasse returned into the bay on the lOlh, where he found his squadron from hhode Island safely moored, vvith the fleet of transports bearing the battering cannon and other necessary implements of war. Admiral Graves, notwithstanding his crippled condition, approached the capes, when, finding the bay occupied by the whole naval force of the. enemy, he bore away for New York. This battle, like most fought at sea, being indecisive, both sides as is common in such cases, claimed the victory. The British sup ported iheir claim by the acknowledged fact, that the French admi ral might at pleasure have renewed the action, and declining to do so, they contended he necessarily admitted his defeat Whereas the French maintained their title by the equally acknowledged fact, *This was written before the great victories of Wellington — Ed. + "And it came to pass in those days there went out a decree from Caesar Augustus that all the worlri should be taxed." St. Luke, ii. 1.— Give to the emperor of France the British fleet, and we shall soon read and feel a similar decree. Southern Department of the United States. 351 that they fought for the undisturbed possession ofthe Chesapeake - its possession being necessary to the capture of a British army, the object which brought them to the American coast ; and that this possession was yielded by the enemy's return into port. Nor can a doubt exist, if title to victory rests upon the accomplishment of ihe end proposed by hazarding bailie, that the French admiral's pretensions upon this occasion are completely supported ; and, with his superiority of force, it was scarcely to be expected that a dif ferent result could occur. CHAPTER XXXV. JL URSUING in appearance, with unrelaxed effort, those mea sures which indicated an attempt upon Staten island, and continuing to point tbe march of hi? troops towards that place to the last mo ment, Washington suddenly turned his back upon New- York, di recting his course for the Delaware, — having under him a detach-' ment from the American army, consisting of Scammel's light infan try of the New England line, Angel's regiment of Rhode Island,. Hazen's regiment, two regiments from the line of New York, the residue ofthe Jersey line, and Lamb's regimenj of artillery, amount ing altogether to two thousand effectives, with the French army under count Rochambeau. Sir Henry Clinton seems to have been so thoroughly persuaded that New York was the sole object of Washington, as to adhere to this conviction until he was assured that the van division of the al lied army had actually passed the Delaware. Then he discovered that the army in Virginia was the intended victim ; but, instead of instantly taking measures for its relief, he fell with fury upon Con necticut,* vainly presuming that he would thereby recal Washing ton from the South. Y era * A strong corps was placed under general Arnold, who embarking at New ork went up Ihe sound. Ele landed at New London, where he had a consid erable collection of naval stores. This town is situated en the west side of New Thames, and was defended by two forts, one called fort Trumbull, and the other tort Griswold. On the appearance of Arnold, fort Trumbull was evacuated, . and the garrison drawn into fort Griswold, where lieutenant colonel Ledyard commander! with only one hundred a-id sixty men. Lieutenant colonel Eyre, at ihe head of n-arly three regiments, summoned Ledyard to surrender, which being reiused, Eyre advanced with fixed bayonets. Never during the war was more gallantry displayed, than on tins occasion, both by the assailant and the assailed. At length the British made u lodgment in eur ditch, and forced their way by the bayonet through Ihe embrasures. Eyre was killed, as was major Montgomery, second in command, and neatly two hundred privates were killed and wounded. The intrepid Ledyard, being over powered delivered his sword to the conqueror, who, to his eternal disgrace, plunaed'it into the bosom of his conquered antagonist. This bloody example was followed, ana ihe carnage was continued by the slaughter of ihe greater Dart of the garrison. Toe towo nd every tning in it was consumed by fire, believed by the Americans to be d .ne intentionally, but ascribed to accident by the enemy. 352 Memoirs of ihe War in the Never was a military commander more completely deceived, whether we regard sir Henry Clinton's conception of his enemy's design, or the measures adopted with the view of frustrating that design when discovered. It did not require any great cast of mind to perceive that New- York or Virginia must be the destined object ; inasmuch as the only force which could effectually co-operate with the navy of our ally was the army of Washington and the army of count Rocham- beau ; one of which was encamped on the Hudson and the other at Rhode Island. The meaning of naval aid was to bring into ef fectual action our land force. That effectual co operation could not take place in the South : for there our force was not adequate of itself, and could not be reinforced in time by the march of troops from the Hudson The army in Virginia, though nearest to South Carolina, could not be moved without giving up the state This simple and concise view manifests that New York or Virginia only could be comprehended in the concerted plan ; and it could not be doubted, from our in sufficient force, that one of the two, and not both, would employ our entire strength. This being clearly settled, as it ought to have been, in the mind of the British general, what ought he to have suspected ? and what ought he to have done ? Certainly to have prepared in both points to baffle the attempt. , Instead of being over anxious for his own security, he ought to have been less attentive to himself, and more regardful of Corn wallis. The post of New York was by nature strong, and had been annually strengthened, since its possession for six years, as experi ence directed or leisure permitted. Lord Cornwallis had no fortifications but those which he could contrive in a few weeks with a diminished force ; obliged at the same time to attend to an enemy near to him, now almost equal iu number, and to procure food and forage. He ought, therefore, to have commanded the primary attention of Clinton, at least so far as to have placed him as safe as was practicable, with due regard to those operations intended to be pursued as soon as the limited suspension should cease. Instead of ordering Cornwallis to take post at Old Point Comfort, or some other suitable position on the Chesapeake, he ought to have directed him to select a situation on one of its rivers conve nient to tbe resumption of offensive war upon the departure of the French fleet, and safe as to himself in case the naval ascendency of his enemy upon our coast should render retreat necessary. If necessary, this was only practicable by returning to North Caro lina ; and, therefore, the southern margin of James instead of that of York river, was the ground to which earl Cornwallis ought to have repaired, and very probably would have selected, bad his in structions permitted him a choice. City Point was suitable for the renewal of offence, and was convenient to North Carolina whenever retreat became unavoidable. The force to be dreaded Southern Department of the United Slates. 35*3 was that under Washington ; and as soon as Cornwallis learnt (hat Ihe combined army was passing the Delaware, he had only to fall back upon the Roanoke, and Ihe mighty effort would have been Daraeil. La Fayette and the marquis St. Simon never could have ejected a junction— (Cornwallis at City Point)— but on the north side of James river ; and that junction was not very readily to be accomplished in the peninsula made by James and York rivers, his lordship having, as he would have, an easy and adequate boat con veyance across the James river. The safe route of junction was circuitous. St. Simon landing at West Point on York River, from thence might, without chance of being struck, have united with La Fayette in thf vicinity of Rich mond ; or, passing the river there, proceeded to Petersburg, had the American general taken that position for the purpose of arrest ing Cornwallis's retreat. The progress of St. Simoo could not have been concealed from the British general, nor could that of the commander in chief, as well as the disposition made by La Fay ette. In his camp at City Point he would with ease have outstrip ped the two first, and, forcing La Fayette from his front, made good his passage of the Roanoke, before, strengthened by St. Simon, La Fayette could have approached him. Even had they closed upon him, he was nearly equal to them both, and at the head of troops inured to bard service, and familiar with battle. |; Washington, finding the enemy out of reach,* would have re traced his steps ; and the French admiral, foiled in his expecta tions, would have returned as soon as St. Simon could reach the fleet. Had a Turrenne or a Marlborough, a Conde or a Wolfe | com manded at New York, City Poi«t or Flowery Hundred, and not Lit tle York, would have been the position of the hostile army in Vir ginia. September. The allied army pressed its march with all possible despatch ; and the van division reaching Elkton, embarked in trans ports collected for its conveyance. The centre division continued its march to Baltimore, where it also embarked; and ihe remainder of the troops and some of the baggage proceeded by land through Alexandria and Fredericksburg. Washington, havina finished his arrangements for the movement to Virginia, hastened 10 the theatre of action, accompanied by the count Rochambeau. He arrived at Williamsburg, now tbe headquarters of La Fayette, on the 1 4th ; and proceeding to Hampton, attended by the gene- * Washington's solicitude to take care of West Point was unceasing, and would have infallibly recalled him to its vicinity, as soon as he despaired of overtaking Cornwallis. + This superior soldier fell in the important victory which he gained on the heights of Abraham, in the year 1759, when he was thirty-six years of age. I)ad he lived he would have been fifty-two in the beginning of our war, and very probably would have been placed at the head of the forces sent to America. rlis letter, written a few days before his death, portrays his vast geniu9, and it is inserted in the appendix for the edification of my military leaders, hee Ap pendix R. 4* 3-H Memoirs of the War in the rals Rochambeau, Knox, Chatelleux, and Du Portail, went on board the Villa de Pari-, when the plan of siege was conceded with the count de Grasse. Some difficulty occurred lfliprevetiting the count from quilling the Chesapeake to block up the e^femy's fleet in the harbour of New York, a measure which 9eems to have fastened itself upon bis mind. This decision was founded upon information he had just received of the arrival of ailiniral Digby wilh six ships of the line, which induced him to conclude that he should be soon visited a second time by his enemy ; and, therefore, he determined to quit the Ches apeake, preferring to hold the hostile fleet in its own port, rather than to be shut up himself. There seems to be a palpable contradiction in the conduct of the admiral when latp close to bis enemy off the capes of Virginia and his present decision. He held the wind, as has been mentioned, for (aw days after the action ; which, though not a decisive circum stance, was certainly favourable to him, and yet he would not renew tbe battle. ; but widely determining to avoid hazarding the great ob ject in view, drew off from his crippled adversary ,#nd regained the Chesapeake. Now when the preparations for the execution of the concerted enterprise were concluding, and the. commander in chief hjiri reached the ground ready to begin his work, the count adopts the very measure he had before renounced, and goes in quest of his reinforced enemy — vainly presuming that he would shut him up in port, putting to hazard the sure and splendid prospect before him, and converting eventually certain triumph into disgrace if the Bri tish admiral, by his superior seamanship, by the shift of wind or any other of the incidents common tp war, should cut him off from the Chesapeake ; an event much to be apprehended, had the con templated movement been attempted. Washington received with surprise and regret the annunciation ofthe count's intention; and, discerning in it every possible ill, with no probable good, resisted the project with his whole weight. He prevailed : and the count, relinquishing imaginary naval triumph off Sandy-Hook, took a permanent station with his fleet in the bay ; resolved not to hazard for the hope of success off New York a victory within his grasp, as splendid and as powerful in its effects. To strengthen his station the admiral, having disembarked a body of marines, commenced the erection of a batlery for heavy ord nance on Old Point Comfort, which is the northern promontory of James river. The weight of Washington's character, as well as the soundness of his judgment, are both illustrated by this circumstance. The count, from what followed, seems to have been peculiarly attached to the line of conduct then contemplated, and which he renounced in obedience to the judgment of Washington Soon after his re turn to the West Indies, he invested (in conjunction with the mar- qni- de Bouille', commanding the army of France) the Island of St. Christopher. Having landed the marquis and his army, he anchored his fleet, Southern Department of the United Stales. 355 ^consisting of thirty two ships of the line, in Basseterre road. Ad miral Hood, who had fought him under Graves, hearing of the de scent upon St. Christopher, sailed at the head of twenty two ships of the line with a determination to relieve the Island if practicable. As soon as Hood appeared off Basseterre road, de Grasse left his anchorage ground, standing out for sea to avail himself of his supe rior force. Hood, delighted with the movement of his adversary, continued in line of battle* as if ready to engage ; drawing further and further from the shore until he had decoyed the French admi ral to the desired distance, when with press of sail he passed him with his whole fleet unhurt, and seized the anchorage ground which de Grasse had left. Thus acta illy happened what Washington's penetrating mind ^suggested as possible, and which, taking place in the Chesapeake, would have given safety to the falling army. The last division ofthe allied army arrived on the 25th, four weeks from the day our rear passed the Hudson river, and debark ing at BurwelPs ferry upon James river joined in the neighbour hood of Williamsburgh. Our whole force being now collected, moved on the 28th, in four Columns, and sat down in front of the enemy, two miles from him ; the Americans forming its right and the French its left. Lord Cornwallis, adhering to his instructions, had directed his whole attention and labour to the completion of his fortifications in his position at York and Gloucester. These were by no means perfected, and consequently still engaged his unwearied exertions. On the side of York, which is a small town on the southern bimks of the river whose name it bears, m6re remarkable for us spacii.us arid convenient harbour than for its strength of ground in a military point of view, batteries had been erected to co-operate with the naval force in the protection of the harbour, and a line of rircom- yallation had been cut in front of the town, beginning on a small gut which falls into the river on its upper side, and terminating in a deep ravine below the town. This line was defended by redoubts and batteries, united by communications and strengthened by tos-es and abbatis ; and the heights on the opposite side of the g.if or creek were fortified, commanding thoroughly the gorge of laud made by the river and the creek. In front of the intrenchments surrounding the town, the la-t re- sort of the British general, was another line of redoubls and field works, judiciously arranged to co-operate with the army in battle, should the allies determine to force it to withdraw from the field. „¦ Gloucester Point, opposite to York town, was also fortified ; not ; only as a necessary appendage to York, anil contributing to tbe pro tection of the harbour, but as it was convenient to a fertile country Where forage for tbe cavalry might he abundantly procured, and afforded the most likely point of junction for the promised relief. Here the works were finished, ami the post was committed to lieu tenant colonel Dundas, with a few infantry and all the cavalry. ! Under cover of the outer range of protection Cornwallis was en- 356 Memoirs of the War in the camped, flattering himself in the presumption that his enemy, trustr ing to his superior numbers and solicitous lo hasten his submission, would attempt by storm to dislodge him. He entertained the hope that, supported as he was by his redoubts and Heches, he should be able to withstand the assault ; and might, by the intervention of some of those lucky incidents which often happen in battle, strike his enemy so seriously as to retard considerably, it not defer for ever, his approaches. No opportunity was allowed forthe indul gence of this expectation ; and the character of Washington forbad much reliance on this hope, as he was never known to commit to the caprice of fortune what was attainable by obedience to the mandate of reason. In the course of the evening a messenger arrived from sir Henry Clinton with despatches to his lordship, dated tbe twenty fourth, communicating the result of a council of war, held on that day, con sisting of the general and flag officers, wherein " it was agreed that upwards of five thousand troops should be embarked on board the king's ships ; thai every exertion should be made both by the army and navy to relieve him ; and that the fleet, consisting of twenty- three sail ofthe line, might be expected to start on tbe 5lh of Oc tober." Strong as was this assurance, it derived additional strength from the postscript, announcing the arrival of admiral Digby ; inas much as having determined to hazard the fleet and army, the deter mination became fortified by the accession of strength where it was most wanted. Cornwallis, yielding to assurances too solemn to be slighted, as well as conforming to the spirit of his orders, renounced his inten tion of disputing the advance of his adversary ; and, giving up his fortified camp , retired in the night to his town position — never doubt ing that the promised relief would " starl"* on the appointed day, * Copy of a letter from sir Henry Clinton to carl Cornwallis, dated New York, September 24, 1781. My Lord : I was honoured yesterday with your lordship's letter ofthe 16th and 17th in stant ; and, at a meeting of the general and flag officers held this day, it is de- te. mined tnat above five thousand men, rank and file, shall be embarked on board the king's ships, and the joint exertions ofthe navy aud army made in a few days lo relieve you, and alterwards co-opeiate with you. The fleet consists of twenty three sail of the line, three of which are three deckers There is every reason to hope we 6tart frorn hence the 5th of, October. I have received your lordship's letter of the 8th iustntit. I have the honour to be, &c. H. CLINTON. P. S. Admiral Digby is this moment arrived at the Hook, with three sail of the line. At a venture, without knowing whether they can bo seen by us, I request, that, if all is well, upon hearing a considerable firing towards the entrance of the Ch-snpeake, three large separate smokes may be made parallel to it ; and if you possess the post of Gloucester, I'oui-. 1 shall send another runner soon. H. CLINTON. Southern Department of the United States. 357 and well assured that if it did, he should be able to sustain himself unlil it appeared ; when presuming that'a general battle would en sue, he considered it to be his duty in the mean lime to preserve rather than cripple his force. His lordship's conclusion was certainly correct, disastrous as was tbe constquence of his mistaken confidence. This nocturnal movement did not pass unperceived by our guards ; and lieutenant colonel Scammel, officer ofthe day, put him self at the head of a reconnoitring party with the dawn of light, to ascertain its character and exlent. Advancing close lo the enemy's pusition, he fell in with a detachment of the legion dragoons, who instantly charged onr party. In the rencontre, Scaaimel was mortally wounded and taken. He soon expired. This was the severest blow experienced by the al lied army throughout the siege : not an officer in our army surpas sed in personal worth and professional ability this experienced soldier. He had served from the commencement of the war in the line of New Hampshire ;* and when colonel Pickeriug, adjutant general ofthe army, succeeded general Greene as quartermaster general, lieutenant colonel Scammel was selected by the commander in chief to fill that important and confidential station — from which post he had lately retired, for the purpose of taking an active part, at the head of a battalion of light troops, in the meditated operation. When the allies moved from Williamsburgh, general Choise (of tbe army of count Rochambeau) attended by tbe infantry ofthe duke de Lauzun's legion, which had disembarked on the 23d, was detach ed across York river to take command ofthe corps in front of Glou cester Point, with orders to stop effectually the supplies still partially collected from the country by the enemy. General Choise reached on the next day tbe camp of Weedon, and took the command ofthe combined troops. The duke de Lauzun, with his cavalry, bad reinforced general Weedon some days before. Joined now by his infantry, and cester ' He was again reinforced by one thousand, of the French marines • which, added to the legion of Lauzun (about seven hun dred horse aud foot,) and to the militia of Weedon, gave a total of three thousand five hundred effectives. On the evening of the 2d of October, the post of Gloucester was strengthened by lieutenant colonel Tarleton, with hi& legion and mounted infantry. Lieutenant colonel Dun'das moved with the dawn on the morning of the 3d, at the head of a great portion of his garrison, to make a grand forage. The wagons and bat horses were loaded three miles from Glouces ter before ten o'clock, when the infantry covering tliem commenced their return. On the same morning, and at -in early hour, the corps * He was a native of Massachusetts. -$3fJ Memoirs of the War in ihe of Choise was put in motion, for the execution of his plain of'close investiture. Count Dillon, with a squadron of Lauzun's dragoons arid Mercer's infantry, took the York river road; while general Choise, with the main body of his infantry, seconded by brigadier Weedon, and preceded by the duke de Lauzun with the remainder of his cavalry, moved on the Severn road. These two roads unite in a long lane, nearly four miles from Gloucester, with inclosed field? on each side. Passing through the lane, you arrive at an open field on your right and a copse of wood on your left, lining the road for half a mile, where it terminated at a small redoubt fac ing the road Choise, in his advance, was informed lhat the enemy's cavalry were in front; and being desirous of striking them, he pressed for ward with his horse, ordering Dillon and lieutenant colonel Mercer fo hasten their junction with him. The rapid push of ihe cavalry left the main body of our infantry far in the rear; Mercer's corps only w.is in supporting distance. Dillon, with his cavalry, met the general, vvith the duke de Lau zun, atthe mouth of the lane. The united body of dragoons ad vanced down the lane, through which the British cavalry had just passed, proceeding leisurely t lwards ca"ip, to give convenient time for the faraging party's return lo Gloucester, when lieutenant Ca meron, commanding the rearguard, communicated the appearaiice of ihe French dragoon*. This was soon confirmed by tbe approach of our van ; upon which the main body ofthe enemy's horse hatted and formed in the wood Lieutenant colonel Tarleton advanced with a part of his horse upon us, and was instantly charged by the French cavalry, when one of the enemy's horses was wounded by a spear,* and plunging overthrew Tarleton's horse. The main body of the British horse pressed forward to support their commandant, but c nld not force the French dragoons. Fal ling back they were pursued by our cavalry, and took shelter un der cover of their infantry, arrayed in the wood on one side, and along a post and rail fence on the other side of the road. This line of infantry opened their fire, and Choise in his turn re ceded, but slowly, and in good order. The infantry pressing for ward under cover ofthe wood, and incessantly delivering their fire, galled us considerably ; when the French general discovering the corps of Mercer just emerging out of the lane, threw himself by a rapid evolution into its rear, and faced about to renew the conflict. Tarleton having rallied his cavalry, hastened up to the infantry, still advancing in the woods, and resting his right flank upon its left, came forward in point of time just as Mercer entered through the lane into the field. Mercer instantly deployed, stretching his left into the woods, and opened his tire upon the horse opposite to his right, and upon the infantry in front of his left. No regular corps could have maintained its ground more firmly * A part of the duke de Lauzun's regiment (called hulans) were armed with spears. Sbuthern Department of the United States. 35$ than this battalion ol our infantry, It brought the enemy lo pause* whioh was soon followed by hi» retreat When Tarleton drew off, the corps of Mercer had expended nearly all its cartridges. Choisg established himself on the contested ground, and commenced a ri gid blockade ofthe post of Gloucester, which continued to the end ofthe siege. Lieutenant Moir, of the infantry, was killed within a few paces of our line ; besides whom the enemy lost eleven rank and file, as stated by lieutenant colonel Tarleton, who puts down our loss at two officers and fourteen privates. Choise's infantry not having yet got up, he did not think proper to renew the attack without them, inasmuch as the enemy's whole iforce might be readily brought to sustain the retreating corps. General Washington, in his orders ofthe 4th, speaks in handsome terms ofthe behaviour of this portion of the allied troops, and re turns his thanks to the cavalry of the duke de Lauzun, and to the grenadiers of Mercer, which constituted the whole of our force en gaged. Lieutenant colonel Tarleton is extremely mistaken when he supposed thai the main body ofthe investing corps was up. The infantry of Lauzun were the first which approached ; they joined in thirty or forty minutes after the enemy retreated, followed by the marines and the militia under Weedon. As soon as the retirement of Cornwallis from his outer position was discovered on the subsequent morning, Washington occupied by a forward movement the abandoned ground, ready to open his trenches whenevei the ordnance and other requisite, implements should arrive. Indefatigable as were his exertions to hasten their conveyance from the transports lying in James river, only six miles from him, it was not accomplished until the 6th of October, the day after that assigned by sir Henry Clinton for the departure ofthe ar mament from Sandy Honk destined to relieve the besieged army. | The course of our first parallel being ascertained, the working, Idetachment took its post with the fall of night, covered by the requi site guards. Commanded to preserve profound silence, which or der, applying so forcibly to every man's safety, was implicitly obey ed, no discovery of our beginning labours took place until the light of day showed them, when by the zeal ofthe troopsthey had nearly covered themselves. Cornwallis now opened bis batteries, but so well improved had been the night as to render his fire unavailing. Onr soidiers sinking themselves lower and lower, we completed our first parallel with a loss short of thirty killed and wounded, which fell chiefly upon our left. Before the 10th our batteries and re doubts appeared along the fosse, many of them mounted, which opening in succession, soon began to naniftst the superiority sure to accrue to the besieger possessing adequate means, and conducting those means with sagacity and diligence. The slender defences op posed to us began to tumble under the demolishing fire. The loss of time sustained in bringing our cannon six miles, was amply compen sated by the effects of the wise determination lo put the issue of tfte siege on heavy metal. Cornwallis still looked with undiminished 360 Memoirs of the War in the confidence for the promised relief, and wisely adhered to his plan, saving his troOps for the battle to be fought as soon as sir Henry Clinton should reach him Yet he exerted himself to counteract our approach, by repairing in the night the dilapidations ofthe day, and by opening new embrasures throughout his line in support of his defences. All our batteries on the first parallel being complet ed, and mounted in the true style, (weight and not number the standard,) the fire on the 11th and 12th tore to pieces most of the enemy's batteries, dismounting their ordnance in every direction. So powerful was the effect of onr first parallel, that our shells and red hot balls in this range of destruction reached even tbe small navy in the harbour, setting fire to and destroying the Charon, the larg est ship, a forty-four gun frigate, with three transports. Cornwallis saw his fate from this first display of our skill and strength, and if left to his own means, would have resorted to his own mind for safety : but not doubting that tbe promised relief must soon arrive, he determined, as was his duty, to wait the timely in terposition of his commander. Washington discovering the effect of his first parallel, could he have depended on the French superiority at sea, would probably have spared the labour which afterwards ensued: for Cornwallis was now destroyed, unless relieved, or unless his own genius could effect his deliverance. The American general therefore adhering to his system of leaving nought to fortune, which labour and judgment could secure, continued to urge his operations, and in the night of the 11th opened his second parallel. The same order was given, commanding silence ; and its observance being more, cogent from the increased proximity to the enemy, (now within three hundred instead of six hundred yards.) our trench was neaily completed be fore theldawn of day ; manifesting to the British general how far we surpassed, in this second effort, that zeal displayed in our first at tempt, great as it was. Surprised at the unexpected condition in which he found himself, he urged with redoubled vigour tbe repairs wherever requisite, and strengthened his advanced works. This was the morning ofthe seventh day since sir Henry Clinton was to " start" with his relief" navy and army." Cornwallis continued to believe in the assurance, and with unappalled courage determined to maintain his lines. His battery and his two front redoubts opened, and during this day his fire most injured us. Many of our soldiers were killed and wounded. Nevertheless our parallel advanced, and our batteries began to show themselves, yet his two redoubts continued their fire with severe effect. Washington determined to silence them with the bayonet, and accordingly on the 14th directed two detachments to be held ready ; the right from the corps of La Fayette, and the left as the count de Rochambeau should designate. La Fayette conducted in person the assault on our right, and- the baron de Viomenil that of our left. Major Campbell, with sixty- men, (as was afterwards ascertained,) defended the first, and lieutenant colonel Johnson, with one hundred aud twenty men, defended the second redoubt. Lieutenant colonel Southern Department of the United States. 361 Hamilton, (formerly aid-de-camp to the commander in chief*) con ducted the van of La Fayette, as did that of Viomenil. Having removed to their respective posts as soon as it was dark, they advanced to the attack by signal at an early hour in the night. Hamilton, fith his own andGimat's corps of light infantry, rushed forward with impetuosity. Pulling up the abbatis and knocking do.n the palisades, he forced his way into the redoubt ; having de tached lieutenant colonel Laurens, (aid-de-camp to the commander in chief,) with two companies of light infantry, to gain the rear, and enter in that quarter. The resistance of the enemy was instantly overpowed : the major, with every man of his guard, except six or seven, were killed or taken, and the prisoners experienced that marked humanity from the conqueror so uniformly displayed by the Americans in victory. This too when the horrid and barbarous out- * An unhappy difference had occurred in the transaction of business between the general and his much respected aid, which occasioned the latter to with draw from his family. A few days previous to this time, Hamilton had been engaged all the morning in copying some despatches, which the general, when about to take his usual rounds, directed him to forward as soon as finished. Washington finding on his return the despatches on the table, renewed his di rections in expressions indicating his surprise at the delay; and again leaving his apartment, found, when he returned, the despatches where he had left them. At this time Hamilton had gone out in search ofthe courier, who had been long waiting, when accidentally he met the marquis La Fayette, whoseizinK him by the button (as was the habit of this zealous nobleman,) engaged him in conver sation ; which being continued with the marquis's usual earnestness, dismissed from Hamilton's mind for some minutes the object in view. At length breaking off from the marquis he reached the courier, and directed him to come forward to receive his charge and orders. Returning he found the general seated by the table, on which lay the despatches. The moment he appeared, Washington, with warmth and sternness, eluded him for the delay ; to which Hamilton mildly ; replied, stating ihe cause; when the general, rather irritated than mollified, 'sternly rebuked him. To this Hamilton answered, "If your excellency thinks ; proper thus to address me, it is time *br me to leave you.'' He proceeded to the table, took up the despatch, sent off tbe express, packed up his baggage, and quitted headquarters. Although Washington took no measures to i restore him to his family, yet he treated him with the highest respect ; giving to him the command of a regiment of light infantry, which now formed a part of La Fayette's corps. In the arrangements for the assault of the redoubt, La Fayette had given his van to his own aid de-camp, lieutenant colonel Gimat ; but it being Hamilton's tour of duty, he remonstrated to the marquis upon the injustice of such prefer ence. La Fayette excused himself by saying, that the arrangements made had been sanctioned by the commander in chief, an.i could not be changed by him. This no doubt was true ; but Washington did not know that any officer had been called to command out of tour. Hamilton, always true to the feelings of honour and independence, repelled this answer, and left the marquis, announcing his determination to appeal to headquarters. This he accordingly did, in a spirited and manly letter. Wash ington, incapable of injustice, sent for the marquis, and inquiring into the fact, found that the (our of duty belonging to Hamilton had been given to Gimat. He instantly directed the marquis to reinstate Hamilton, who consequently was put at the head of the van, whirli he conducted so advantageously to the ser> vice and so honourablv to himself. This anecdote was communicated to the writer by lieutenant colonel Uamtfa ton, during the siege of York Town. 46 362 Memoirs of the War in the rage committed at fort Griswold in Connecticut, (in the late opera- tiuns of sir Henry Clinton in that state,) was fresh in our memory. Only eight of the enemy were killed, while our own loss was nine killed and thirty-two wounded : among the latter wa« captain Ste phen Olney, ofthe Rhode Island regiment, whose zeal and intrepi dity upon this, as upon every other occasion, had placed him high in the esteem of tbe general and army. La Fayette instantly des patched major Barbour, one of his aids, to the baron de Viomenil, communicating his success. The baron, ready for the assault was waiting to give time to the axe and fascine men to cut down the pa lisades and fill up Ihe fosse ; when, astonished at the intelligence received, he announced it in a loud voice to his troops, ordering them to advance. This was done with the ardour of Frenchmen ; and although here the resistance was much more formidable — the enemy being dou >le in number, and apprised of our approach — still the intrepidity of Ihe assailants was irresistible. The commandant escaped, leaving half his force (about sixty) in our possession ; of these eighteen were killed. Our loss was severe, being one hun dred killed and wounded. Thus did Viomenil honour the bill drawn upon him by La Fayette.* Washington was highly gratified with the splendid termination of this double assault, and was very liberal in his compliments to the troops engaged ; nor did he omit to avail himself of the opportunity which it presented of cherishing thai spirit of concord, good will and mutual confidence between the allied troops, so essential to the common cause. He thus concludes his order of thanks : " The general reflects with the highest degree of pleasure on the confi dence which the troops of the two nations must hereafter have in each other. Assured of mutual support, he is convinced there is no danger which they will not cheerfully encounter, — no difficulty which they will not bravely overcome." Nothing could exceed the vigour with which our operations were pushed, so completely had Washington infused into the mass of the troops his own solicitude to bring the siege to a conclusion. Before daylight the two redoubts were included in our second parallel, which was no.v in great forwardness. Cornwallis saw with amazement the fruit of our night's labour, and was sensible of his condition. Ten days had elapsed since the promised armament was to have sailed, and as yet it had not ap peared off the Capes, nor had his lordship been informed of the cause of the unexpected and torturing delay. Persuaded that his relief could not be remote, he deUrmined for once to depart from the cautious system enjoined by his expectation of succour, and to * Louis XV, after gaining the battle of Fdnlenoy, despatched M. de la Tour with the intelligence to his ally the great Frederick. La Tour reached the king of Prussia passing at the head of his army the defiles of the mountains in Upper Silesia, near the village of Friedbuigh; where in a few hours he attacked the Austrian army, and gained a signal victory, which he announced to the king ol France by M. de la Tour in the following words: "The bill of exchange which you drew on me at Fonteiioy, I have paid at Friedburgh." — Voltaire-. Southern Department of the United Slates, 363 resort to his habit of bold enterprise ; hoping that by retarding our advance he should still give time for th* arrival of succour ° On the 15th of October he ordered lieutenant colonel Ab.-rcromb.fc to hold himself in readiness with a detachment of three hundred and fifty men from the guards and light infantry, for the purpose of possessing himself of two of onr redoubts nearly finished, At four in the succeeding morning Abercrombie advanced upon our lines, detaching lieutenant colonel Lake with the guaid.- against one, and major Armstrong with the light infantry against the other redoubt. The British rushed upon us with determined courage, and both officers completely succeeded ; driving out the French, who occu pied the redoubts, with the loss of one hundred men killed and wounded. This success was of short duration ; for the support moving up from the trenches soon gained the lost ground, ihe enemy relin quishing the redoubts and hastening to his lines. We found our cannon spiked, but, being done in much hurry, the spikes were rea dily drawn, and before the evening the redoubts were finished and opened upon the enemy. Deriving no solid good from this liis only sortie for the purpose of retarding our approach, and still ignorant of the cause of Clinton's delay, Cornwallis was brought to the al ternative pf surrendering. or of attempting his escape. Incapable of submitting, so long as such an event might possibly be avoided, be prepared with profound secrecy to pass his army in the night to Gloucester, garnishing the works with his convalescents, leaving behind his baggage of every sort, his sick, wounded, shipping and stores. To lieutenant colonel Johnson, the officer selected still to hold York, a letter was delivered addressed to general Washington, com mending to his humanity his abandoned comrades. As soon as he passed the river, the British general determined to envelope Choise with his whole force, and seizing all the horses in his enemy's possession, to mount his army and to press forward by forced marches, preceded by his numerous cavalry, the corps of Simcoe and the legion of Tarleton, about four hundred Horses were to be taken every where as he passed, until his whole force was mounted. He intended to keep a direct course to the upper country, with the view of leaving it doubtful whether his ultimate object was New Jersey or North Carolina ; hoping thus to distract the motions of his adversary, if not to draw him to one point of interception, when he might take his decision as circumstances should warrant. This bold conception bespoke the hero, and was worthy of its author. Nor can it justly be deemed so rjesperate as was generally conceived. Washington could not possibly in time seize the north ern and southern route ; and without availing himself of horses, he never could overtake his foe. This aid could not have been in stantly procured ; and when procured, must have been hunted to a portion of his force. It is probable he might, with all the horses $Q4i Memoirs of the War in the in the camp and in the neighbourhood, have mounted four thousand men in four days ; * mod; could not have been collected in time. He could readily, by the aid of water conveyance at his command, with prosperous gales, havie transported his major force to the head of the Chesapeake, so as to have brought it in contact with the retreating foe on the confines of the Delaware, should Cornwallis have taken the northern route ; but he must and would have cal culated on the interposition of sir Henry Clinton, who certainly would have moved through New Jersey to Easton, on the Dela ware, ready to support the retreating army. The American army under Heath would have followed Clinton, but in this condition of things our prospect could not be considered cheering. Clinton and Cornwallis marching in a straight line to each other, Heath upon their upper flank, and the army from the Chesapeake on the lower flank, placed our whole force in hazard. Washington would not have risked such a game. No hope couhl be indulged that troops would assemble from tbe country through which the enemy passed, capable of serious op position. We had seen Arnold the year before with nine hundred men seize the metropolis of Virginia, and return to his shipping, twenty five miles below, uninjured. We had afterwards seen Simcoe possess himself of the Point of Fork, high up James river, unhurt; and Tarleton in Charlottevile, not far from,_the Blue Ridge, almost capturing the governor and legislature of the state. What chance then could exist of stopping Cornwallis by any inter mediate force from the country ? Passing the Potomac, this ex- pr'.iaiion, faint always, considerably diminished. In the part of Maryland through which his course lay, a considerable portion of the people bsd been considered affected with an ardent attachment to the British government ; and Pennsylvania, the next state in his progress, whose union with Maryland might have yielded a force, destructive to the enemy, held a population averse to war. A gieat body of its citizens, from religious principles, resist not at all ; another portion was certainly inclined rather to aid than oppose the British general ; the remainder, not more than one half, solid, sincere and resolute in our cause, were scattered over that extensive state, and consequently could not have been embodied in season. It is therefore probable that the enemy could not have been stopped by the militia ; for in addition to the above causes there was a vt ant of arms and ammunition in all the lower country ; and the riflemen west of the mountains were too remote to be brought to act in time. Should the British general find his enemy's chief efforts directed to occlude him from the north, he would turn to the south ; and what here stood in his way ? In a very few days he would reach North Carolina, and in a few more he would encamp on the Cape Fear in the midst of his friends. *This would have comprehended all the horses in camp to be spared from other indi,pensable services, as well as all to be afforded by the country; and no doubt, upon such an occasion, every horse in the neighbourhood and along the roure of march would have been proffered, but such a collection in feut days could not be effect; d but by great exertions.. Southern Department of the United States^ 365 From this view of the country it is evident thai Cornwallis would have made good his retreat, unless outspeeded, by Washington. Every exertion would have been essayed by the commander irj chief, and our willing countrymen would have contributed with alacrity to support the man of their heart. Yet difficulties stub born and constant were to be surmounted. But we will presume that these were overcome, and that Washington, detaching Rocham- beau with the army of France up the Chesapeake, should be ena bled to mount in time a superior force, and follow upon the heels of the British general. This is the most flattering situation we could expect. He would not, could not, overtake him south of the Potomac, if slipping his course northwardly ; nor could he overtake bim north of the Dan, if proceeding to the south. Whenever he did approach him, action would ensue ; and thus Cornwallis would be brought to a field bat tle, with a force rather inferior to his enemy- How much more to be desired was such change to him than his present condition. Vic tory gave him. safety, and victory was not impossible. He fought and destroyed Gates ; he fought and forced Greene out of the field with a g'-e iter disparity of force against him. The issue of the action would decide his fate If adverse he was destroyed ; if suc cessful he was safe. Who then, comparing his lordship's present condition with the worst that could befal him in the execution of his heroic decision, can withhold his admiration of a determination so bold and wise. Early in the night the first division of the army passed unper ceived to Gloucester, the other division ready to embark for the same shore as soon as the boats returned. This done, the arduous attempt would bave commenced by falling upon De Choise. But Providence had decreed otherwise : a furious storm suddenly arose, and forced the returning boats down the river considerably below the town. Day appeared before the boats reached their destina tion ; and the forenoon was occupied in bringing back the divinion which had passed. Disconcerted by this uncontrollable difficulty, Cornwallis nevertheless continued to make head against his enemy wilh his divided force ; culling new embrasures to remount his dis mounted guns, and expending his last shells in maintaining the une qual contest. Onr second parallel was now completed ; and its numerous 17th. batteries, stored with heavy ordnance, opened with the day. The enemy's shattered defences, could not afford for many hours even shelter to the troops, much less annoyance to the assailant. In every direction they were tumbling under our destructive fire ; and it was evident, that the town was no longer tenable: Washington had only to order his troops to advance lo bring his foe to uncondi tional submission ; nor would this measure have been postpotied longer than the next day had any event occurred, rendering it advi sable. No intelligence was as yet received of the progress of sir- Henry Clinton ; and it appeared from subsequent information that he was still in New York. §66 Memoirs of the War in the Without the hope of timely succour, and foiled in the bold at' tempt to cut his way to safety, the British general had no alterna tive left, but to surrender upon the best terms he could obtain. Taking this mortifying decision, he beat a parley, and proposed by letter addressed to the commander in chief, a cessation of hostilities for twenty-four hours, that commissioners, mutually appointed, might meel and arrange the terms of surrender. Washington lost no time in reply ; declaring his "ardent desire to spare the further effusion of blood, and his readiness to listen to such terms as were admissible ;" but he added, that as he could not permit the waste of time in fruitless discussion, he required, that previous to the appointment of the commissioners, his lordship would submit in writing the basis of his proposed surrender ; to give time for which, hostilities should continue suspended for two hours. Cornwallis acceded to the requisition of Washington, and without delay pro posed the basis of his surrender of the two post* of York and Glou cester, with the naval force appertaining to them. This produced a correspondence,* which was concluded on the following day in * Copy of the Correspondence. Earl Cornwallis to general Washington. York, Virginia, October 17, 17»1. Sib. i I propose a cessation of hostilities for twenty-four hours; and that two officers may be appointed by each side, to meet at Mr. Moore's house, to settle terms for the surrender of the posts of York and Gloucester. CORNWALLIS. General Washington to earl Cornwallis. "Camp before York, October 17, 1781. My Lord I have the honour of receiving your lordship's letter of this date. An ardent desire to save the effusion of human blood will readily incline me to listen to such terms, for the surrender of your posts and garrisons at York and Gloucester, as are admissible. I wish, previous to the meeting of the commissioners, that your lordship's proposals, in writing, may be sent to the American lines; for which purpose, a suspension of hostilities, during two hours from tne delivery of this letter, will be granted. , , G. WASHINGTON. Earl Cornwallis to general Washington. York, nth Octbber, 1781. Sir : I have been this moment honoured with your excellency's letter dated this day. •The time limited for sending my answer will not admit of entering into the detail of articles ; but the basis of my proposals will be, that the garrisons of York and Gloucester shall be prisoners of war, with tbe. customary honours ; and for the convenience of the individuals which I have the honour to command, that the British shall be sent to Britain, and the Germans to Germany, under engagements not to serve against France, America, or their allies, until released, or regnlarly exchanged. That all arms and public stores shall be delivered up Southern Department of the United States. 367 accordance with the principles fixed by Washington. Commission ers were immediately appointed : the viscount de Noailles, of the to you ; but that the usual indulgence of side arms to officers, and of retaining private property, shall be granted to officers and soldiers ; and that the interest of the several individuals in civil capacities and connected wilb us, shall be at tended to. If your excellency thinks that a continuance of ihe suspension of hostilities will be necessary to transmit your answer, I shall have no objection in the hoar that you may propose. I have the honour to be, ,fec. CORNWALLIS. General Washington to earl Cornwallis. Camp before York, ISth October, 1781. M* Lord : To avoid unnecessary discussions and delays, I shall at once, in answer to your lordship's letter of yesterday, declare the general basis upon which a de finitive treaty of capitulation may take place. The garrisons of York and Gloucester, including the seamen, as you propose, shall be received prisoners of war. The condition annexed, of sending the Bri tish and German troops to the parts of Europe to which th,:y respectively belong, is inadmissible. Instead of this they will be marched to such parts of the coun try as can most conveniently provide for their subsistence; and the benevolent treatment of the prisoners, which is invariably observed by the Americans, will be extended to them. The same honours will be granted to the surrendering army as were granted to the garrison of Charleston. The shipping and boats in the two harbours, with all their guns, stores, tack ling, furniture, and apparel, shall be delivered in their present state to an officer •f the navy appointed to take possession of them. The artillery, arms, accoutrements, military chest, and public stores of every denomination, shall be delivered, unimpaired, to the heads of the departments to which they respectively belong. The officers shall be indulged in retaining their side arms; and the officers dnd soldiers may preserve their baggage and effects, with this reserve^ that property taken in the country will be reclaimed. With regard to the individuals in civil capacities, whose interest jour lordship wishes may be attended to, until they are more particularly described, nothing definitive can be settled. ,,.,,¦ I have to add, that I expect the sick and wounded will be supplied with their own hospital stores, aud be attended by British surgeons, particularly charged with the care of them. ,••.,_ Your lordship will be pleased to signify your determination, either to accept er reiect the proposals now offered, in the .course of two hours from the delivery of this letter, that commissioners may be appointed to digest the articles of ca pitulation, or a renewal of hostilities may take place. r ' I bave the honour to be, <5cc. G. WASHINGTON,. Earl Cornwallis to general Washington, dated, York,lSlh October, 1 7&i, SlR : , , c , I aeree to open a treaty of capitulation upon the basis of th, garrisons «f York and Gloucester, including sea men, being prisoners of war, without annex- tors, ana u; » Europe; but I expect lo receive a con* ^ZtT.ll^"oTJ^^n fo/the surrender of Gloucester ,„ its pretext state of defense. 368 Memoirs of the War in the army of Rochambeati, and lieutenant colonel Laurens, aid-de-camp to the commander in chief, on the part of the .allies ; lieutenant colonel Dundas, with major Ross, aid decamp to lord Cornwallis, on the part of the enemy. The commissioners met ; but not agree ing definitively, a rough draft ofthe terms prepared were submitted to the respective generals in chief. Washington, always indisposed to risk the accidents of fortune, adhered to his decision already an nounced of preventing the wnste of time ; and therefore transmitted the next morning a fair copy of the terms to lord Cornwallis, de claring his expectation, lhat they would be ratified on the part of his lordship before the hour of eleven ; and that his troops would lay down their arms at two in the afternoon. Perceiving that it was in vain longer to contend, the British gen eral assented to the terms presented.* Two points had been slren- I shall, in particular, desire that the Bonetta sloop of war may be left entirely at my disposal, from the hour that the capitulation is signed, to receive an aid- de-camp to carry my despatches to sir Henry Clinton. Such soldiers as I may think proper to send as passengers in her, to be manned with fifty men of her own crew, and to be permitted to sail, withoutexaminatioii, when my dc-patrhes are ready; engaging on my part, that thp ship shall be brought back and deliv ered to you, if she escapes the dangers of the sea; that the crew and soldiers shall be accounted for in future exchanges; that she shall carry off no officer without your consent, nor public property of any kind. And I shall likewise desire that tbe traders and inhabitants may preserve, their property, and that no person may be punished or molested for having joined the British troops. If you choose to proceed to negotiation on these grounds, 1 shall appoint two field officers of my army to meet two officers from you at any lime and place that you think proper, to digest the articles of capitulation. I have the honour to be, &c. CORNWALLIS. * Articles of Capitulation. Article 1st. The garrisons of York and Gloucester, including the officers and seamen of his Britannic majesty's ships, as well as other mariners, to surrender themselves prisoners of war to the combined forces of America and France. The land troops to remain prisoners to the United States ; the naval to the naval army of his most christian majesty. Answer. Granted. Article 2d. The artillery, arms, accoutrements, military cbest, and public stores of ever}' denomination, shall be delivered, unimpaired, to the beads of departments appointed to receive them. Answer. Granted. Article 3d. At twelve o'clock this day the two redoubts on the left flank of York to be delivered ; the one to a detachment of the American army, the other to a detachment of French grenadiers. Answer. Granted. The garrison of York will march out to a place to be appointed in front of the posts, at two o'clock precisely, with shouldered arms, colours cased, and drums beating a British or German march. They are then to ground their arms, and return to thei: encampments, where they will remain until they are des patched to the places of their destination. Two works on the Gloucester side will be. delivered at one o'clock lo a detachment of FVench and American troops appointed to possess them. The garrison will march out at three o'clock in the afternoon: tbe cavalry, with their swords drawn, trumpets sounding ; and the infantry in the manner prescribed lor the garrison of York, They are likewise ro return to their encampments until they can be finally marched off. Southern Department of the United States. 369 tiously insisted on by lord Cornwallis : the first, that his army should be sent to Euroj.e, upon the condition of not serving against the Article 4th, OfficVrs are to retain their side arms. Both officers and soldiers to keep Iheir private pioporty of every kind, and no part of their baggage or papers to be at any time subject to search or inspection. The baggage and papers of officers aud soldiers taken during the siege to be likewise preserved for them. .Answer. Granted. It is understood, that any property, obviously belonging to the inhabitants of these 6lates, in the possession of the garrison, shall be subject to be reclaimed. Article 5th. The soldiers to be kept in Virginia, Maryland, or Pennsylvania, and as much by regiments as possible, and supplied with the same rations of provisions as are allowed to soldiers in the service of America. A .field officer from each nation, to wit, British, Anspach, and Hessian, and other ofhens on parole in the propoiiion of one to fifty men, to be allowed to reside near their respective regiments, to visit them frequently, and be witnesses of their treat ment ; and that their officers may receive and deliver clothing and other neces saries for .thtm ; for which Passports are to be granted when applied for. Answer. Granted. . Article 6th The general, staff, and other officers not employed as mentioned in the above articles, and who choose it, to be permitted to go on parole to Europe, to New York, or any other American maritime post at present in the possession of tbe British forces, at their own option; and proper vessels to oe granted by the count de Grasse to carry them under flags of truce to .New York within ten days from this date, if possible ; and they to reside in a district, to be agreed upon hereafter, until they embark. The officers of the civil departn.ent of the army and navy to be included in this article. I as.- ports, to go by Und, to be granted to those to whom vessels cannot be furnished. Answer. Granted. Article 7th. The officers to be allowed to keep soldiers as servants, according to the common practice of the service. Servant-, not soldiers, are not to be Considered a6 prisoners, and are to be allowed to attend their masters. Answer. Granted. Amcle 8th. The Bonetta sloop of war to be equipped, and navigated by its present captain and crew, and left entirely at the disposal of lord Cornwallis from the houi that the capitulation is signed, to receive an aid-de camp to carry despatches to sir Henry Clinton, and such soldiers as be may think propei to send to New Yoik ; to be permitted to sail without examination, v.hen his des patches are ready. His lordship engages, on his part, that the ship shrill be delivered to the order of the count de Grasse, if she escapes the dangers of Ihe sea; that she shall Hot carry off any publrr stores. Any part of the crew that may be deficient on hep-ieturn, and the soldiers, passengers, to be accounted for ou her delivery. Answer. Granted. Article 9lh. The traders are to preserve their property, and to he allowed three months to dispose of or remove them ; and those traders are not to he considered as prisoners of war. Article 9tli Answered. The traders will be allowed to dispose of their- effects, the allied army having the right of pre-emption. The traders to be considered as prisoners of war upon parole. Aiticle 10th. Natives or inhabitants of different parts of this country, at present in York or Gloucester, are not to be punished on account of having joined the British army. , Article 10th Answered. This article cannot be assented to, being altogether of civil resort. , . , , . n,. „ Article 11th. Proper hospitals to be furnished for Ihe sick and wounded. They are to be attended to by their own surgeons on parole ; and they are to be fur nished with medicines and stores from the American hospitals. 47 370 Memoirs of the War in the United States or France until exchanged ; and the second, security for our citizens who had joined the British army. Both were per emptorily refused ; but the last was in effect yielded by permitting his lordship to send << sloop of war with his despatches to sir Henry Clinton free from search. Availing himself of this asylum for the individuals with him, obnoxious to our government, they were safely conveyed to New York. At two o'clock in the evening the British army, led by general O'Hara, marched out of its lines with colours cased, and drums beat ing a British march. The author was present at this ceremony ; and certainly no spec tacle could be more impressive than the one now exhibited. Valiant troops yielding up their arms after fighting in defence of a cause dear to them, (because the cause of their country) under a leader who, throughout the war, in every grade and in every situation to which he had been called, appeared the Hector of his host. Bat tle after battle had he fought ; climate after climate had he endured ; towns had yielded to his mandate, posts were abandoned at his ap proach ; armies were, conquered by* his prowess ; one nearly ex terminated, another chased from the confines of South Carolina be yond the Dan into Virginia, and a third severely chastised in that state on the shores of James river. But here even he, in the midst of his splendid career', found his conqueror. The road through which they marched was lined with spectators, French and American. On one side the commander in chief, sur- Answered. The hospital stores now in York and Gloucester shall be delivered for the use of the British sick and wounded. Passports will be granted for procuring them further supplies from New York, as occasion may require ; and proper hospitals will be furnished for the reception of the sick and wounded of the two garrisons. Article 12th. Wagons to be furnished to carry the baggage of the officers at tending the soldiers, and to surgeons when travelling on account of the sick, at tending the hospitals at public expense. Answer. They arc to be furnished' if possible. Article 13th. The shipping and boats iu the two harbours, with all their stores, guns, tackling, and apparel, shall be delivered up in their present slate to au officer of the navy appointed to take possession of them, previously unloading the private property, part of which had been on board for security during the siege. Answer. Granted. Article 14th. No article of capitulation to be infringed on pretence of repri sals ; and if there be any doubtful expressions in it, they are to be interpreted according to the common meaning and acceptation of ihe words. ' Answer. Granted. Done at York iu Virginia, October 19th, 1781. CORNWALLIS. THOMAS SYMONDS. Done in the trenches before Yorktown, in Virginia, October 19th, 1781. G. WASHINGTON. LIS COMTE DE ROCHAMBEAC. LE COMTE DE BARRAS, en mon noin et celui du Comte de Grasse. Southern Department of the United States: 371 rounded by his suit and the American stuff, took his station ; on the other side opposite to him, was the count de Rochambeau in like manner attended. The captive army approached, moving slowly in column with grace and precision. Universal silence, was observed amidst the vast concourse, and the utmost d.-cency prevailed : ex hibiting in demeanor an awful sense of the vicissitudes of human fortune, mingled with commiseration for the unhappy. The head of the column approached the commander in rhief; — O'Hara, mis taking the circle, turned lo that on his left for the purpose of pay ing his respects to the commander in chief, and requesting further orders ; when quickly discovering his error, with much embarrass ment in his countenance, he flew across the road, and advancing up lo Washington, asked pardon for his mistake, apologized for the absence of lord Cornwallis, and begged- to know his further pleasure The general, feeling his embarrassment, relieved it by referring him with much politeness to general Lincoln for his go vernment. -Returning to the head of the column, it moved imler the guidance of Lincoln to the field selected for the conclusion of the ceremony. Every eye was turned, searching for the British commander in chief, anxious to look at that man, heretofore so much the object of their dread. All were disappointed. Cornwallis held himself back from the humiliating scene ; obeying emotions which his great char acter ought to have stifled. He had been- unfortunate, not from any false step or deficiency of exertion on his part, but from the infatuated policy of Lis superior, and the united- power of his ene- mv, brought to bear upon him alone. There was nothing vvith which he could reproach himself; there was nothing with which he could reproach his brave and faithful army : why not then ap„- pear at its head in the day of misfortune, as he had always done in the day cf triumph ? The British general in this instance deviated from his usual line of conduct, dimning the splendour of his long and brilliant career. The post of Gloucester, falling with that of York, was delivered up on the same day by lieutenant colonel Tarleton, who had succeeded to the command on the transfer of lieutenant colonel Dundas to the more important duties assigned to him in the defence of York. Previous to the surrender, Tarleton waited upon general Choise, and communicated to that officer his apprehensions for his personal safetv if put at the disposal of the American militia. This confer ence' was sought for the purpose, of inducing an arrangement which should shield liim from the vengeance of the inhabitants. General Choise did not hesitate a moment in gratifying the wishes of Tarle ton. The legion of Lauzun and the corps of Mercer were selected by the general to receive the submitting enemy, while the residue ofthe allied detachment was held back in camp. As soon as the ceremony of surrender was performed, lieutenant colonel Hugo, of the legion oi Mercer, with his militia and grenadiers took pos session of the redoubts, and protected the hostile garrison from those outrages so seriously, though unwarrantably, anticipated by 372 Memoirs of the War in the the B'iish' commandant. It would have been very satisfactory to give the reasons which induced this c-immunication from lieutenant colonel Tarleton, but Choise did not go ioto the inquiry, aud they remiin unascertained. Indubitably they did not grow out of the American character or habit. Rarely in the course of the war were the rights of human ity violated, or the feeling of sympathy and commiseration for the unfortunate suppressed by the American* ; and a deviation from our general system ought not now to have been expected, as the commander in chief was present, and the solemnity of a capitulation had interposed. We look in vain to this quarter for the cause of this procedure ; and therefore conclude that it must have arisen from-events known ;o the lieutenant colonel himself, and applying to the corps under his command. By the official. returns it appears that the besieging army, atthe termination of the sieg*, amounted to sixteen thousand men, — five thousand five hundred continentals, three thousand five hundred militia, and seven thousand French. The British force in to'to is put down at seven Ihoi^.-md one hundred and seven ; of which only four thousand and seventeen, rank and file, are stated to have been fit far duty. The army, vvith every thing belonging to it, fell to the United States ; while the shipping arid all its appurtenances were allotted to our ally. The British loss, including officers, amounted to five hundred and fifty eight ; while ours did not exceed three hundred. We obtained an excellent park of field artillery, all of brass. At iny other period ofthe war no acquisition could have been more acceptable. The commander in chief, in his orders of congratulation on the happy- event, -m.ide his cordial acknowledgments to the whole ar my, which was well deserved ; as in every stage of the service it had exemplified unvarying zeal, vigour and intrepidity. On the count de Rochambeau, the general-. Chatelleux and Viomenil, high appl une was bestowed for the distinguished support derived from them throughout the siege ; and governor Nel-nn oi Virginia" re ceived the tribute of thanks so justly due to his great and useful exertions. The generals Lincoln, La Fayette, and Steuben, are named vvith much respect. General Knox, commanding the artil lery, ani! general du Portail, chief of engineers in the American army, are particularly honoured for their able and unremitting as sistance. r On the very day in which lord Cornwallis surrendered, sir Henry Clinton left Sandy H>iok, with the promised relief; originally put down at four thousand, afterwards at more than live thousand, now seven thousand ; made up of bis best corps, escorted by admiral Digby, who had mi • coecled Graves, with twenty five sail ofthe line, two fhijs of fifty guns, ard eight frigates. Such want of pre cision must alvvsnsbli-t military enterprise. Why it happened, rem lins unexplained ; but there, seems to have, been, in all expe ditious of the same sort, either from English ports or from those of Southern Department of the United States. 373 the colonies, the same unaccountable dilatoriness, uniformly pro ducing deep and lasting injury to the nation. Alter a fine passage the fleet appeared on the 24th off the capes of Virginia, where sir Henry ClinUm received intelligence of the surrender. Continuing some days longer off tbe mouth of the ( hesapeake.to asc> nam the truth, his information became con- finned ; when further delay being useless he returned to New York. In the mean time de Grasse continued on his anchorage ground with liiirty-HX sail of the line, and Ihe usual proportion of friga'es, hastening preparations for his departure. Why sir Henry Clinton .should hive ever encouraged his general in Virginia to expect relief, seems unaccountable. The project adopted, too Me, by Cot u wallis of escaping north or south was much more feasible than the plan of relief so confidently relied up on by the Bnti.-h general in chief. How were twenty-five ships, of the hue to force their way into the bay of Chesapeake, occupied by a superior hostile fleet .? But admitting the improbable event ; what then would ensue ? Sir Henry, with his seven thousand men, would disembark up the bay so as to approach Gloucester point, or he would laud in ihe vicinity of Hampton ; from whence the road to York is direct, and the distance not more than one day's inarch. To laud at the former place would be absurd, unless the French fleet was annihilated — an indecisive action, though unfavourable to France, could not pro. luce the desired end. It was scarcely possi ble for sur h inferiority ol naval force to strike a blow so decisive. The route to Gloucester was therefore n >t eligible ; as the York river intervening, sure to be occupied by the. French fleet, would sever the two armies. That by the way oi Hampton, or from J.iines river, was occluded by only one obstaclo, and that obstacle was in surmountable. Sixteen thou-and bayonets interposed ; twelve thou sand five hundred of which were in the hands of regulars, all chosen troops. Cornwallis, with his small force, could not leave his lines ; if he did, Washington, moving towards Clinton, would have only to turn upon his lordship as soon as he ventured from his intrenched camp, and in one hour he must have destroyed him. Clinton next m or der must infallibly fall. Acting upon ihe opposite principle, Corn wallis would continue in his position, and Washington would attack Clinton on his advance-, midway between Hampton and York, or be tween his point of debarkation on James river and our lines ; the 'issue. would be the same, though the order would be reversed: Clinton would be first destroyed, and Cornwallis would then sur render. The further the inquiry is pursued the more conspicuous will the want of due foresight and wise action in the British coiiimandei in chief appear. The moment he was informed by liis government that he aii"-iit expect a French fleet upon our coast in the course ofthe autumn, he ought to have taken his measures a* if he had been as sured of the maritime superiority which happened. Thus acting, 374 Memoirs of the War in the* should tho presumed event happily fail, be was safe; should it un happily be realized, he would have been prepared to meet it. Relying upm the superiority ofthe British navy, he seems never to have reflected that the force of accidents might give that supe riority !o his enemy. Had he tor a moment believed that the care ofthe spoils of Saint Euslatius could have benumb. 'd the zeal of sir G. B, Rodney, commanding in chief the naval force of Great Bri tain in our- he>iii~phere, he might have pursued a safer course. Or if he had conceived it possible tliat.a-storiri might have torn to pieces one fleet, injuring but little the other, (an occurrence which some- times happens) he would have discerned the wisdom of relying upon himself for safety ; an 1 consequently would h >ve ordered Cornwal lis to take post on the south of James river, ready to regain Noith Carolina should it b»corne necessary. But never presuming upon the interposition of any incident giving to France a naval ascendency upon our coast, he took his measures upon common place princi ples, following the beaten track and fell an easy prey to bis sagaci ous adversary ; who, to prevent the interference of any occurrence impeding the progress of his views, made ready in time to take his part as circumstances might invite, and to press forward to his end with unshckeutng vigour. Sir Henry Clinton was — like most ofthe generals who appeared in this war — good, but not great. He was an active, zealous, honourable, well bred soldier ; but Heaven had not touched his mind with its setherial spark. He could not soar above the ordinary level ; and though calculated to shine in a se condary sphere, was sure to twinkle in the highest station. When presidents, kings, or emperors confide armies lo soldiers of common minds, they ought not to be surprised at the disasters which follow. The war found general Gage in chief command in America ; con fessedly better fitted for p.->ace. He was changed for sir William Kowe ; who, after two campaigns, was withdrawn, or withdrew. Sir Henry Clinton succeeded ; and when peace became assured, sir Guy Carleton, aflerwards lord Dorchester, took his place. By a strange fat ii iff y the soldier best qualified for the arduous duties of war, was reserved to conduct the scene* of returning peace. This general was and had been for many years governor of Canada. He defended Qpibec against Montgomery; where he gave strong indi cations of a superior mind by his use of victory. Instead of de taining his enemy (fellow subjects, as he called them) in prison ships-; committing them to ihe discretion of mercenary commissa ries for food and fuel and to military bailiffs for safe keeping, Car leton paroled the officers, expressing his regret that they should have been induced to maintain a cause wrong in principle, and fatal to its abettors in i«sue ; and sent home the privates, giving to all every requisite aid far their comfortable reiurn, enjoining them ne ver to take up arms a second time against their sovereign : as there by they would forfeit the security and comfort which he had pre sented, as well as violate their own peace of mind, by cancelling a contract founded in the confidence of their truth. Commiserating the delusion uoder which they had acted, he en- Southern Department of the United States. 375 couraged their abandonment of the new doctrines ; anathematizing with bi-.terness the uns, intrigues, and wickedness of their rebellious leaders, against whom, and whom only, the thunderbolt of power ought, in his judgment, to be hurled. 1 he effect ol such policy was powerful. General Greene, from whom the information is derived, expressed his conviction that the kindness of Carleton was more to be dreaded than the bayonet of Howe ; and mentioned as an undeniable fact, that in the various dis tricts to which our captured troops returned, not excepting the faith ful state of Connecticut, the impressions made by the relation ofthe treatment experienced from him, produced a lasting and unpropitious effect. Here is exhibited deep knowledge of the human heart — the ground work of greatness in the art of war. When we add the honourable display of patriotism evinced by the same officer, in his support of the expedition under lieutenant general Burgoyne, in truded by the minister into an important command which the go vernor of Canada had a right to expect, and subjoin that when a co lonel at tbe head of a regiment in the army under Wolfe, before Quebec, he was the only officer of that grade entrusted by that great captaiu with a separate command, America may justly rejoice in the misapplication of such talents, anil Great Britain as truly la ment the infatuation of her rulers, who overlooked a leader of such high promise. Cornwallis, in his official letter, representing his fall, gave serious umbrage to sir Henry Clinton ; so difficult is it to relate the truth without offence, when communicating disaster resulting from the im providence, or incapacity of a superior. That the reader may judge of this last act ofthe most distinguished general opposed to us in the course of the war, his lordship's letter has been annexed.* General Greene, as has been mentioned, hoping that as soon as the army of Virginia was brought to submission, the French admiral might be induced to extend his co operation further south, had sent to the commander in chief lieutenant colonel Lee with a full and minute description of the situation and force of the enemy in the Carolinas and Georgia. This officer arrived a few days before the surrender ; and having executed his mission, was detained by the commander in chief to ac company the expedition, which he anxiously desired to forward con formably to the plan of general Greene. The moment he finished Ihe great work before him, he addressed himself to the count de Grasse, urging his further aid if compatible with his ulterior objects. The French admiral was well disposed to promote the views of Washington ; but the interest of his king and his own engagements forbad longer delay on our coasts. Failing in Ihe chief object of his address, Washington inloruied the admiral of his intention to reinforce the army in the South, diluting upon .the benefits inseparable from its speedy junction with general Greene,- * See Appendix, N. J 76 Memoirs of the War in ihe and his hope that the conveyance of the reinforcements fo Cape Fear river would not be inconvenient. This proposition vas cheer fully adopted, and the corps destined for the South, were put under the direction ofthe marquis la Fayette, with orders to possess him self of Wilininglon, situated fifteen miles up the Cape Fear, still held by major Craig, and from thence to march to the southern headquarters. It so happened, that the count found it necessary to recede from his promise ; so that gen*, nil Greene, much as he pres sed naval co operation, which could not fiil in restoring the three southern states completely, was not only disappointed in this his fond expectation, but was also deprived of the advantage to be de rived from the f'.'cile and expeditious conveyance of his reinforce ment as at first arranged. The army of Kocliambeau was cantoned for the winter in Virgi nia : the brigades of Wayne and Gist were detached to the south under major general St Clair : the remainder ofthe American army was transported by water to tbe head of the Chesapeake, under major general Lincoln, who was ordered to regain the Hudson river ; and the detachment vvith St. Simon re-embarfeed, when the French admiral returned to the West Indies. Thus concluded the important co operation of the allied forces ; conceited at the court of Versailles, executed with precision on the part of count de Gra«e, and conducted with judgment by the commander in chief. Great was the joy diffused throughout our infant empire. Bon fires, illuminations, feasts, and bails, proclaimed the universal delight ; congratulatory addresses, warm from the heart, poured in frorn every quarter, hailing in fervid terns ihe patriot hero ; the reverend ministers of our holy religion, the learned dignitarie- of science, the grave rulers and governors of the lurid, all tendered their homage ; and the fair, whose smiles best reward the brave, added, too, their tender gratitude and sweet applause. This wide acclaim of joy and of confidence, as rare as sincere^ sprung not only from Ihe conviction that our'signal success would bring in its train the blessings of peace, so wanted by uur wasted country, and from the splendour with which it encircled our national name, but from the endearing reflection that the mighty exploit hud been achieved by our faithful, beloved Washington. We had seen him struggling throughout the war with inferior force against the best troops of England, assisted by her powerful navy ; surrounded with difficulties ; oppressed by want; never dismayed, never ap- palled, never despairing of the commonwealth We have sem him renouncing his own fame as a soldier, his safety as a man ; in his unalloyed love of country, weakening his own immediate force to strengthen that of his lieutenants; submitting with equanimity -to his own consequent inability to act, and rejoicing in iheii triumphs, because best calculated to uphold the great cause entrusted to liis care ; at length by one great and final exploit under tbe benign in fluence of Providence, lifted to the piun.icle of glory, the merited reward of his toils, his sufferings, his patience, his heroism, and hi? Southern Department of the United States. 877 virtue. Wonderful man ! rendering it difficult by his conduct throughout life to decide whether he most excelled in goodness or in greatness. Congress testified unanimously their sense of the great achieve ment.* To Washington, de Grasse, Rochambeau, and to their ar- *By the United States, in Congress assembled, October 29th, 1781. Resolved, That the thanks of the United States, in Congress assembled, be presented to his excellency general Washington, for the eminent services which lie has rendered to the United States, and particularly for the well concerted plan against the British garrisons in York and Gloucester ; for the vigour, atten tion and military skill with which the plan was executed ; and for the wisdom and prudence manifested in the capitulation. That the thanks of the United States, in Congress assembled, be presented to his excellency the count de Rochambeau, for the cordiality, zeal, judgment and fortitude, with which he seconded and advanced the progress of the allied army against the British garrison in York. That the thanks of the United States, in Congress assembled, be presented to his excellency cnunt de Grasse, for his display of skill and bravery in attack ing and defeating the British fleet off the bay of Chesapeake ; and for his zeal and alacrity in rendering, with the fleet under his command, the most effectual and distinguished aid and support to the operations ofthe allied army in Virginia. That the thanks of the United Stat(-s, in Congress assembled, be presented to the commanding and other officers of the corps of artillery and engineers of the allied army, who sustained extraordinary fatigue and danger, in their ani mated and gallant approaches to the lines of the enemy. That general Washington be directed to communicate to the other officer; and the soldiers under his cummand the thanks of the United States in Con gress assembled, for their conduct and valour on this occasion. Resolved. That the United States, in Congress assembled, will cause to be erected at York, in Virginia, a marble column, adorned with emblems of the alliance between the United States and his most christian majesty, and in scribed with a succinct narrative of the surrender of earl Cornwallis to his ex cellency general Washington, commander in chief of the combined forces of. America and France, to his excellency the count de Rochambeau, commanding the auxiliary troops of his most christian majesty in America, and his excellen cy the count de Grasse, commanding in chief the naval army of France in the Chesapeake. Resolved. That two stands of the colours taken from the British army under the capitulation of York, be presented to his excellency general Washington, in the name of the United States, in congress assembled. Resolved, That two pieces of field ordnance, taken from the British army under the capitulation of York, be presented by the commandei in chief of the American army to count de Rochambeau ; and that there be engraved thereon a short memorandum, that congress were induced to present them from con sideration ofthe illustrious part which he bore in effectuating the surrender. Resolved, That the secretary of foreign affairs be directed to request the minister plenipotentiary of hie most christian majesty, to inform his majesty, that it is the wish of Congress that count de Grasse may be permitted to accept a tes timony of their approbation, similar to that to be presented to count de Ro chambeau. , ...» , Resolved That the board of war be directed to present to lieutenant colonel Tilghman, 'in the name of the United States, in Congress assembled, a horse- properly caparisoned, and an elegant sword in testimony of their high opinion nf his merit and ability.t t Lieutenant colonel Tinch Tilghman had served from the year 1776 in the character of aid-de-camp to the commander in chief, was highly beloved anU respected, and was honoured by Washington with bearmg to Congress h» offi* cial report of the surrender of the British army in Virginia, 48 378 Memoirs of the War in ihe mies, they presented the thanks of the nation, the most grateful reward which freemen can bestow, or freemen receive ; and passed a resolution to erect a monument of marble on the ground of vic tory, as well to commemorate the alliance between the two nations, as this the proud triumph of their united arms. Nor did they stop here.' Desirous that the chiefs of the allied forces should carry with them into retirement some of the trophies of their prowess, they presented to the commander in chief two of the standards ta ken from the enemy, to the admiral two field pieces, and a like num ber to the general of the French troops. They concluded, by dedi cating the 30th of December for national supplication and thanks giving to Almighty God in commemoration of his gracious protec tion, manifested by the late happy issue of their councils and efforts, themselves attending in a body divine worship on that day. CHAPTER XXXVI. A.S soon as it was ascertained that the count de Grasse would not take under convoy -the troops destined to reinforce the southern army, general St. Clair was ordered to prepare for immediate mo tion ; and lieutenant colonel Lee was directed to return with the despatches ofthe commander in chief. Hastening to the south, the ' lieutenant colonel proceeded with expedition to the High Hills of Santee, — still tha head quarters ofthe southern army. General, Greene finding himself baffled in the expectation he had indulged, of being sufficiently strengthened to complete the restoration of the south, which he had so happily, in a great degree, accomplish ed ; determined, nevertheless, though reduced by battle and by disease, to remain inactive no longer than the season rendered it' necessary. The autumn in ^outh Carolina is extremely debilitat ing as well as prolific of disease. Prepared to move, he only wait-. ed for the commencement of the cool-season. The general was' well apprized of the effect of the late hard fought battle ; which,1 notwithstanding the enemy's claim to victory, had broken the force! and spirit ofthe British army. Nor was he unmindful in his calcu lations of the relative condition of the two armies, that this opera-1 November llh, 1781. ' Resolved, That the secretary of foreign affairs be directed to prepare a sketch of emblems of the alliance between his most christian majesty and the' United States, proper to be inscribed on the column to be erected in the town ofj York, under the resolution of the 29th day of October last. 5 Resolved, That an elegant sword be presented in the name of the United. States, in Congress assembled, to colonel Humphreys, aid-de-camp of general1' Washington, to whose care the standards taken under the capitulation of York*1 were consigned, as a testimony of their opinion of his fidelity and ability, and! that the board of war take order therein. Extract from the minutes. CHARLES THOMPSON, Secretary. Southern Department of the United States. 379 tive battle had beeti fought by hi% infantry only ; the horse under Washington, although very much shattered, had not in the smallest degree contributed to the issue ofthe action; while that of the legion had by a manoeuvre only aided the van in the morning ren contre : a circumstance well known to the enemy, and which could riot be overlooked in his estimate of the past and of the future. The American general being convinced that be was in effect the conqueror, conformed his plan and measures to this character. In the severe contention the last ten months, the districts between the Santee and the Pedee, and between the Wateree and Congaree, having been successively the seat of war, their cultivation had been neglected The product of the soil was scanty, and of that little, all not concealed for the subsistence of the inhabitants had been taken by the armies. The only country from which Greene could draw supplies was that on the lower Pedee, and this was so distant as to render the conveyance to camp extremely inconvenient, which added to 'the insecurity ofthe route of transportation, from its expo sure to the enemy's maritime interruption for-bad resort to that district. It fortunately happened that subsistence for man and horse was most abundant in tbe quarter of the state to which the general was desirous of transferring the war. Although he had confi dently expected that the commander in chief would have succeeded in prevailing on the French admiral to continue in our waters long enough for the execution ofthe plan submitted by him to Washing ton, nevertheless he seduously applied himself in preparing for the partial accomplishment of his object with his own means, in case of disappointment. In North Carolina, Wilmingtor. remained in the possession of the enemy. In South Carolina he had only Charleston and the contiguous islands, and the isthmus formed by the rivers Cooper and Ashley, with a portion of the country lying between the last river and the Edisto. But in Georgia, Savannah with a larger space of country was in his uncontrolled possession. With the requested aid the American general could nol have been disappointed in the entire liberation of the three states ; without tliis aid, he flattered himself with being able, by judicious and vigo rous operations, to relieve North Carolina and Georgia. To this obje^lrhe turned his attention, and for this purpose he determined to place himself intermediate to Charleston and Savan nah. The district south of the Edisto fitted his views in point of locality ; and having been since J 779 exempt in a great degree from military operations, agriculturs had been cherished, end the crops of rice in particular were tolerably abundant. This substitute for bread, however unpalatable to Marylanders and Virginians, of whom Greene's army was principally composed, is nourishing to man, and with the Indian pea, which grows luxuriantly in South Carolina and Georgia, affords nutritious forage for horse. He put his army in motion (on the 18th of November,) and soon after when he crossed the Congaree, left the main body under the orders of colonel Williams, who was directed to advance by easy and stated parches to the Four Holes, a branch ofthe Edisto, while the gene- 380 Memoirs of the War in the rai himself, at the head of the Jjght troops, took a circuitous route ¦to the same place. Correspondency in the movement of the two corps being preconcerted, Williams proceeded ou the direct route to the Four Holes ; and Greene advanced by forced marches upon Dorchester, where the enemy had established a post, garrisoned at present by four hundred infantry, all their cavalry, not exceeding one hundred and fifty, and some militia. This post (if surprised) could be readily carried, and such a result was not improbable. If not surprised, the general flattered himself, unless the enemy had recovered from the despondency which followed the battle of the Eutaws, that he would abandon it ; and if disappointed in both these expectations, he considered himself as amply compensated tot this movement, by his own view of a part of the country to which he meant to extend his operations. The cavalry, preceding the light infantry in various directions, occupied an extensive front, for the purpose of precluding commu nication of our approach ; which it was intended to conceal lrom the inhabitants as well as from the enemy, lest some of the disaffect ed might inform him of our advance. We marched in paths through woods and swamps seldom trod by man ; and wherever we could not avoid settlements, all the inhabitants capable of conveying m- forfliation were secured. Notwithstanding these precautions, and our active cavalry, the enemy received advice of our approach sometime in the night previous to the morning intended for the me ditated blow. The commanding officer drew in his outposts, and concentrated his force in Dorchester, keeping in his front a few patroles to ascer tain and report our progress. Lieutenant colonel Hampton, at the head of the state horse, (a small corps which had, with honour to itself and effect to its country, shared in the dangers of the latter part of the campaign with our army,) fell in with one of these, and instantly charging it, killed some, wounded others, and drove the rest upon the main body. The British cavalry sallied out in sup port, but declining combat, soon retired. Disappointed in the hoped-for surprise, the general continued to examine the enemy's position, desirous of executing by force, what be hoped to have accomplished by stratagem. In the course of the day the presence of Greene became known to the foe, who instantly prepared for departure. He destroyed his stores of every sort, fell back in the night down the isthmus, and before daylight (the return of which he seemed to have dreaded) established himself at the Quarterhouse, seven miles from Charleston. General Greene pursued his examination of the country at his leisure, which being finished, he returned to the army, now eucamped on the Four Holes. After a few days he passed the Edisto, and sat down at the Round O, which is situated between that river and the Ashepoo, about •forty or fifty miles from Charleston, and seventy miles from the confluence of the Wateree and Congaree ; fifteen miles beyond which, on the east of the Wateree, in a straight line, are the Higb Hills of Santee. Southern Department of the United States. 381 Taking immediate measures for the security of the country in his front, he detached brigadier Marion with his militia to the east of Ashley river, with orders to guard the district between that river and the Cooper ; and he sent lieutenant colonel Lee down the wes tern side of Ihe Ashley, directing him to approach by gradual ad vances St. John's Island, and to place himself in a strong position within striking distance of it. Previous to this the enemy had evacuated Wilmington, by which North Carolina became completely restored lo the Union. Shut up as were tbe British troops in Charleston and its isthmus, major Craig, with the garrison from Wilmington, some additional iufantry and the cavalry, had been detached to St. John's Island, where most of the cattle collected for the British army were at pasture, where long forage was procurable for the cavalrj , where co-operation with the garrison of Charleston was convenient, and whence in fantry might be readily transported along the interior navigation to Savannah. To repress incursions from this post, as well as to inhibit the con veyance of supplies from the main to'the Island, became the princi pal object of Lee's attention. The advance of Marion and Lee being, by the general's order, simultaneous, they gave security to their contiguous flanks from any attempt by land, all hough they were divided by the Ashley ; it being not inconvenient to apprize each other of any movement of the enemy on either hide of the river. This co-operation was enjoin ed by the general, and punctually executed by the two comman dants. The first day's march brought these detachments to the country settled by the original emigrants into Carolina. The scene was both new and delightful. Vestiges, though clouded by war, every where appeared of the wealth and taste of the inhabitants. Spacious edifices, rich and elegant gardens, with luxuriant and ex tensive rice plantations, were to be seen on every side. This change in the aspect of inanimate nature, could not fail to excite emotions of pleasure, the more vivid because so rare. During our continued marches and countermarches, never before had we been solaced with the prospect of so much comfort. Here we were not confined to one solitary mansion, where a few, aod a few only, might enjoy the charms of taste and the luxury of opulence. The rich repast was wide spread ; and when to the exterior was added the fashion, politeness and hospitality of the interior, we became en raptured with our changed condition, and the resolve of never yield ing up this channing region but with life, became universal. To crown our bliss, the fair sex shone in its brightest lustre. With the ripest and most symmetrical beauty, our fair compatriots blend ed sentimental dignity and delicate refinement, the sympathetic shade of melancholy, and the dawning smile of hope ; the arrival of their new guests opening to them the prospect of happier times. The rapture of these scenes was as yet confined to the light troops. The general continuing in his position at the Round O, subsisting upon the resources of the country in that neighbourhood 382 Memoirs of the War in the and in his rear, reserved all the surplus food and forage within the advanced posts for the future support of his army. Decamping from the Round O, he moved on the route taken hy his van ; when the main body participated in the gratifications which this pleasing district, and its more pleasing possessors, so liberally bestowed. After some marches and countermarches, brigadier Marion took post between Dorchester and Biggin's bridge, and lieutenant colo nel Lee at M'Queen's plantation, south of Ashley river. The main body encamped at Pompon, in the rear of Lee. Here general Greene began to enter more particularly into his long meditated design of relieving the state of Georgia, by forcing the enemy to evacuate Savannah. We have befipre mentioned that major, now lieutenant colonel Craig, had taken possession of St. John's Island, vvith a respectable detachment Lee was ordered, when detached towards that Island, to take measures for ascertaining with exactness the strength and position of Craig, with his customary precautions against surprise, and his manner of discharging the duties which his situation imposed. This service was undertaken with all that zeal and diligence which the mandates of a chief so enlightened and so respected, and an enterprise more brilliant than all the past exploits in the course of the southern war, could claim. Some weeks were assiduously devoted to the acquiring of a clear comprehension of this arduous and grand design, vvith an exact knowledge of the complicated means necessary to its execution : in the mean time, demonstrations were made and reports circulated, exhibiting a settled plan in the general of passing Ashley river, to be ready to fall upon Charleston as soon as the reinforcement under St. Clair, now approaching, should ar rive. About this time Greene's attention to the leading object of his measures was diverted by accounts from the West, announcing an irruption of the Cherokee tribe of Indians on the district of Ninety-Six ; which having been as sudden as it was unexpected, had been attended with serious injury. Several families were mas sacred, and many houses were burnt. Brigadier Pickens, (whose name we have often before mentioned, and always in connection -with the most important services,) had, after his long and harassing campaign, returned home with his militia. The moment he heard of tbe late incursion; he again summoned around him his well tried warriors. To this officer the general resorted, when he was in formed of this new enemy. Among the first acts of general Greene's command in the South, was the conclusion of a treaty with this tribe of Indians, by which they had engaged to preserve a state of neutrality so long as the war between the United States and Great Britain should continue. What is extraordinary, the" Cherokees rigidly complied with their engagement during the past campaign, when the success of lord Cornwallis, wilh the many difficulties Greene had to encounter, would have given weight to their interference. Now, when the British army in Virginia had been forced to surrender, and that acting in South Carolina and Georgia had been compelled to take shelter in the district of court- Southern Department of the United States. 383 try protected by forts and ships, they were so rash as to listen to exhortations often before applied in vain. Pickens followed the incursors into their own country ; and having seen much and vari ous service, judiciously determined to mount his detachment, adding the sword* to the rifle and tomahawk. He well knew the force of cavalry, having felt it at the Cowpens, though it was then feebly exemplified by the enemy. Forming his mind upon experience, the straight road to truth, he wisely resolved to add t» the arms, usual in Indian wars, the unusual one above mentioned. In a few days he reached the country of the Indians, who, as is the practice among the uncivilized in all ages, ran to arms to oppose the invader, anxious to join issue in battle without delay. Pickens, with his accustomed diligence, took care to inform himself accu rately of the designs and strength of the enemy ; and as soon as he had ascertained these important facts, advanced upon him. The rifle was only used while reconnoitring the hostile position. As soon as this was finished, he remounted his soldiers, and ordered a charge : with fury his brave warriors rushed forward, and the asto nished Indians fled in dismay. Not only the novelty of the mode, which always has its influence, but the sense of his incapacity to resist horse, operated upon the flying forester. Pickens followed up his success, and killed forty Cherokees, took a great number of prisoners of both sexes, and burnt thirteen towns. He lost not a soldier, and had only two wounded. The sachems of the nation assembled in council ; and thoroughly satisfied of their inability to contend against an enemy who added the speed of the horsef to the skill and strength of man, they determined to implore forgiveness for the past, and never again to provoke the wrath of their triumphant foe. This resolution being adopted, commission ers were accordingly appointed, with directions lo wait upon general Pickens, and to adjust vvith him the terms of peace. These were readily listened to, and a treaty concluded, which not only termi nated the existing war, but provided against its renewal, by a sti pulation on the part of the Cherokees, in which they engaged not * John Rogers Clarke, colonel in the service of Virginia against our neigh- tiours the Indians in the revolutionary war, was among our best soldiers, and better acquainted with the Indian warfare than any officer in our army. This gentleman, after one of his campaigns, met in Richmond several of our cavalry officers, and devoted all his leisure in ascertaining from them the various uses to which horse were applied, as well as the manner of such application. The information he acquired determined him to introduce this species of force against the Indians, as that of all others the most effectual. By himself, by Pickens, and lately by Wayne, was the accuracy of Clarke's opinion justified ; and no doubt remains, but in all armies prepared to act against the Indians, a very considerable proportion of it ought to be light ca valry. t The Indians, when fighting with Infantry, are very darinf;. This temper of mind results from his consciousness of his superior fleetness ; which, together with his better knowledge of woods, assures to him extrication out of difficulties, though desperate. This temper of mind is extinguished, when he finds that he is to save himself from the pursu.it of horse, and with its extinction falls that habitual boldness. 384 Memoirs of the War in tlie only to remain deaf to the exhortations of the British emissaries, but that they would apprehend all such evil doers, and deliver them to the governor of South Carolina, to be dealt with as he might direct. The object of the expedition being thus happily accomplished, general Pickens evacuated the Indian territory, and returned to South Carolina, be/ore the expiration of the third week from his departure, without losing a single soldier. Pickens's despatches, communicating the termination ofthe Cher okee hostilities, were received by Greene just as he was about to enter upon the execution of his meditated enterprise. All the re quisite intelligence had been acquired, the chances calculated, the decision taken, the plan concerted, and the period proper for exe cution* fast approaching. Lieutenant colonel Craig, with his infantry, was posted at a plan tation not far from the eastern extremity of the Island. The caval ry were cantoned six or seven miles from the infantry, at different farm-houses in its western quarter. At low water the inlet divid ing St. Johns from the main was passable by infantry at two points only, both familiar to the enemy. That at the western extremity of the Island was full of large rocks, and could be used only in the day, it being necessary carefully to pick your route, which jn the deep water was from rock to rock. About midway between (he eastern and western extremities was the other, where no natural difficulty occurred, and in the last of the ebb tide tbe depth of wa ter was not more than waist high. This was guarded by two gal leys, the one above and the other below it, and within four hun dred yards of each other, as near to the ford as the channel would permit. Lee's examination of their position, together with bis observa tions of the manner in which the captains of the galleys performed night duty, suggested the practicability of passing between the gal leys with infantry unperceived. As soon as genera! Greene became satisfied that this difficulty could be surmounted, he determined to hazard the attempt, if a proper place for the cavalry to swim across could be ascertained. But the deep marshes which lined the shores seemed at first likely to prevent the approach of the horse. At length major Eggleston, commanding the legionary cavalry, discov ered a practicable route some distance below the galleys. He or dered one or two of his dragoons to swim to the opposite shore in the night to select firm ground, and to erect small stakes as bea cons to guide the cavalry where first to strike the shore nf the Isl and. This was duly executed, and reported accordingly to the general. of *Only one or two night9 in a month suited, as it was necessary that the tide „, ebb should be nearly expended about midnight, tbe proper liour of passing to the island ; and it was desirable to possess the advantage of moonlight after we entered the island. Besides, then the galley crews were most likely to be at rest ; and we had sufficient time before daylight to execute our various m- irange ments. Southern Department of the United States. 3831 Th The day was now fixed for making the attempt, and preparatory rdeis were issued. Lieutenant colonel Lee, with the light corps acting under him, being insufficient in strength, a detachment of infantry from the army was made ready and placed under lieutenant colonel Laurens, who was ordered to join Lee at a given point, when on his march to the theatre of action. The plantation on which lieutenant colonel Craig had encamped was intersected by m.my ditches, as was usual in the cultivated grouiid.-i of South Carolina near the sea. One of these stretched along the front of the British camp, about one hundred yards dis tant from it, which afforded sufficient space for the infantry of Craig to display in line, and which the assailants did not doubt the lieu tenant colonel would seize as soon as he should discover their advance. » To compensate in some measure for the advantage which tha ground afforded to the enemy, the infantry of the attacking corps was rendered superior by one fifth to that to be assaulted. Lieutenant colonel Craig, although to all appearance protected from annoyance by his insulated situation, did not neglect the ne cessary precautions for bis safety ; nor did he permit any relaxation in discipline, or any diminution of vigilance. The chance of sur prising him was' not encouraging; but being very desirable and possible, it was determined that it should be attempted. On the road leading from the ford, protected by the galleys, Craig had placed a picquet, about a mile from the galleys ; and two miles further on was another, at the point where the road last mentioned intersected another which ran longitudinally through the island. On the left of this point of intersection, Craig was encamped, three or four miles from il towards Charleston ; and on the right of the same point were the cavalry, a few miles distant towards the west ern extremity of the island. Our plan was as follows : As soon as the infantry should effect its passage to the island, an officer of cavalry, vvho had bean directed for the purpose to accompany lieutenant colonel Lee, was then to return to major Eggleston wilh orders for the cavalry to pass over, and wail for the infantry near the road of march, which took a direction inclining to the landing place ofthe horse. The first picquet was to be approached with the utmost secrecy, and then to be forced with vigour by the van,' which was ordered to spread itself for the purpose of preventing the escape of any in dividual', and the cavalry had directions to take measures to inter cept every person who might endeavour to pass in their direction. We flattered ourselves with possessing the picquet without much resistance ; and knowing that Craig was too remote to hear the firing, should any occur, we hoped by the interception of every fugitive to stop communication with him. The second picquet was to be avoided, which with proper care- was feasible ; when the infantry, supported by one troop of horse, was to advance upon Craig, while Eggleston with the residue of the dragoons would fall upon the enemy's cavalry. Succeeding in .49 38f> Memoirs of the War in the -both preliminary points, the main body could not escape the me ditated surprise, which would give us an easy victory : failing in arresting'every. individual ofthe post, or in evading the last picquet, Craig would be advised of our approach, and would be prepared to receive us. In the latter event, we intended, by turning one of his flanks, in case he threw himself into the ditch,— of which, from our knowledge of his character, no doubt could exist,— to force him to change his front; and we were so thoroughly satisfied with the character of our troops as to assume it as a fact, that no corps, even of equal force, could execute the manoeuvre in their face without being destroyed. In this opinion Greene concurred, and on its accuracy was rested the issue of the enterprise. However such a conclusion may Wear the appearance of arrogance, it does not merit the reproach. The veteran troops in the Southern army had attained the highest state of discipline. Every soldier as well as offieer was conscious of his acquirements, and had experienced their good effect. They also knew that victory was not only the sure reward of every man's doing his duty in baftle, but tbey were convinced that each man's pergonal safety was promoted by the same course. Thus persuaded, they were habitually actuated by the determi nation of confiding entirely in their leader, their discipline, and their valour. Such troops will generally succeed, and, upon this . occasion, could scarcely fail': for the major part of Craig's infantry had long been in garrison at Wilmington, where Ihey never had seen an enemy in arms; and his cavalry were known to be very inferior to the American horse, and were separated from the in fantry To reckon, therefore, upon victory, did not manifest pre sumption ; hut only showed that Lee and Laurens duly appreciated the advantages they possessed, and were willing to stake their re putation and lives on the correctness of ihe estimate they had formed of them. * *THe delicacy of the calculation on which ibis enterprise was founded, and the confidence with which minute es'imnti'S of character, position, and of time were relied upon, afford happy illustrations of that branch of the art military, which has little lelation to technicalities, and springs from the highest powers of the niirrrl. Bouapaite divides military genius into thai which is divine, an.l that which is (menial (" Menn'ires, vol. 5, p. 76, Montholon.") " Achille <*lait filsd'une de-esse Sl d'uu mortel: c'est 1'image tlu-geniede la guerre; la partie divine c'est tout ce qui derive des considerations morales du caractere, du talent, (le rinleret.de votre divers, un ; de 1'opinion, de l'esprit du soldat,. qui est fort & vainqueur faible Sz battu, selon qu'il croit l'etre ; la partie terrestre e'est les armes, les retranchements, les positions, lesprdres de bataille, tout ce qui tient a la combinaison des-*hoses mat6rielles.v He afterwards relates the following anecdote of Turreune, and exclaims — " voilA qui tient a la partie divine dea 1'art.' In 1653Turrennein reconnoitering the position of the arch duke Leopold, who W'th the great Conde, was besieging Arras, passed so near the Spanish lines as to have sirveral of his attendants killed by. dischaiges of grape shot. To his friends who remonstrated against this exposure of his person, and apprehending a more serious attack upon him, he replied — " This step would be imprudent it is true, if it was taken in front of the quarter where Conde commands. But Southern Department of the United States. 38*7 The day appointed for the execution of the enterprise now ar rived (2SthJJecemhei). Lieutenant colonel Laurens moved with his detachment from the main body towards the Ashley river, for the ostensible purpose of passing the river and taking post in ihe neighbourhood of Dorchester. Halting near Bacon's bridge until, late in the evening, he countermarched, as if returning to camp, " when after nightfall he turned to bis left, taking the route pre scribed for his junction with Lee. The latter officer moved in the same evening from his position at M'Queen's plantation, and about nine P. M. reached the rendezvous, where he was met With pre cision by Laurens. The troops halted, and took the last meal for twenty four hours ; after which they were called to arms and were made acquainted with the destined object. They were told, that the enterprise before them was replete with difficulties ; that the most powerful of the many which attended it would he met at the threshold ; that this was to be encountered by the infantry, and could be overcome only by profound silence and strict obedience to orders. Success in the first step would in all probability lead to complete victory ; inasmuch as the enemy was inferior in number, divided. in position, and safe, in his own presumption, from his in sular situation. That the plan of operations had been approved by the general ; and the troops now united had been honoured by his selection of them for the purpose of concluding the campaign in a manner worthy of the zeal, courage and patience displayed by the army in all preceding scenes. They were assured that every diffi culty had been well weighed ; the best intelligence with the best guides had been procured ; and that they could not be disappointed in reaping a rich harvest of glory, unless ihe commandants had de ceived themselves in their estimate of their intrepidity and disci pline. A burst of applause ensued from the ranks, evincing the delio-ht which all felt in knowing lhat victory was certain, unless lost by their misbehaviour. The disposition for battle was now made. The infantry was ar rayed in two columns ; that of Lee forming the right, that of Lauren's the left. The cavalry were also divided into two squadrons : one third under Armstrong was attached to the infantry ; while the other two thirds, under Eggleston, were appropriated to strike at the enemy's dragoons, with orders as soon as they were secured to hasten to the support of the infantry. Every necessary arrangement having been made, we resumed our march ;'and, after a few miles, the cavalry filed to our left to gain.its station on the river. Within an hour' from this separation, we got near to the marsh., which on this side lines the river in the 'place where the infantry was to pass. Here the infantry again 'halted and deposited their knapsacks, and the officers, dismounting, 'it isimnortantthat I should observe their position closely, and lam sufficiently Kquainled with the Spanish service lo know, that before the art-hduke will, be Informed of it, and can take the advice of Conde, I shall be safe inmyccn camp " The next besieging arj|y forced its entrenchments, defeated it with great'sUugliter, and saved Arras.— Bd. 388 Memoirs of the War in the left their horses. Dr. Skinner, of the legion infantry, who conV sidered fighting as no part of his business, was indulged in his re quest of being intrusted with the, charge of the baggage. The de tachment again moved ; every manjj in his place ; and every officer enjoined to take special care to march in sight of his leading section, lest in the darkness of the night a separation might happen. After some time our guides informed us that we were near the marsh. This intelligence was communicated from section to sec tion, and the columns were halted, as had been previously concert ed, that every officer and soldier might pull off boots and shoes to prevent the splashing which they produced when wading through water, to be resumed when we reached the opposite shore. The order was instantly and cheerfully executed by the troops. Enter ing on the marsh, we moved very slowly, every man exerting him self to prevent noise. The van, under Rudolph, reached the shore, and proceeded, in conformity to orders, without halting into the river. Lee coming up with the head of the column, accompanied by lieutenant colonel Laurens, halted and directed a staff officer to return and see that the sections were all up. We now enjoyed the-delight of hearing the sentinels from each galley crying "all's safe," when Rudolph vvith the van was passing between them. No circumstance could have been more exhileraling, :-.s we de rived from it a conviction that the difficulty most to be apprehended would be surmounted, and every man became persuaded from the evidence of his own senses, that an enemy assailable only in this way would be found off his guard, and, therefore, that victory was certain. At this moment the staff oflicer returned with information that the rear column was missing. Laurens immediately went back to the high land with some of the guides and staff officers to endea vour to find it. The affliction produced by this communication is. indescribable. At the very moment when every heart glowed with anticipations of splendid glory, an incident was announced which menaced irremediable disappointment. Hour after hour passed ; messengers occasionally coming in from Laurens, and no intelligence gained respecting the lost column. At length the tide, which was beginning flood when the van passed, had now risen so high. as to cpmpel the recal of Rudolph, even had not the morning been too far advanced to admit perseverance in the en terprise. A sergeant was sent across the inlet with orders for the return of the van, and the column retired. ' Rudolph found the wafer, which hail not reached the waist as he passed, up. to the breast as he relumed. Nevertheless every man got back safe ; the tallest assisting the lowest, and the galley senti nels continuing to cry " all's sale." We soon regained onr baggage, where large fires were kindled, and our wet troops dried them selves. Here we met general Greene, who had, in conformity with his plan, put his army in motion to draw near to the theatre of ac tion, lest a body of troops might be pushed across the Ashley to intercept the attacking corps in ils retrjeat from the Island ; and wilh a view of compelling the galleys to abfiridon their station, that Lee Southern Department of the United States. 389 might retire on the next low tide where he had passed, it being the most, convenient route. He received with regret the unexpected intelligence, rendered the more so, as he was well assured that the enemy would learn the intended enterprise, and, therefore, that it could never be again attempted. As soon as the day broke, the last column — which had been com pletely bewildered, and was, if possible, more unhappy at the oc currence than its chagrined comrades — regained the road taken in the night, and was now discerned by those who had heen searching for it. Laurens returned with it to our baggage ground, mo..t un happy of the unhappy. '°n inquiry it was ascertained that the leading section, instead of tin ;uto the- marsh, continued along the road, which led to a la;;, -'tion. Here the error was discovered, to which was ad.iei. .:., "-er Instead ot retracing his steps, the senior officer, from his ley in the night to enter the town in that quarter at the hour fixed for an assault upon the enemy's lines. As the scheme presented great and numerous difficulties, it was not to be executed unless a more attentive examination should jus tify the attempt. A British galley, for some purpose not known to us, was stationed high up the Ashley, and obstructed the desired inspection of that part of the rivers Greene expressed his wish that it should be destroyed, if to be done without too great a sacri fice. Captain Rudolph, of the legion infantry, was advised by Ills' * fcord Rawdon to Earl Cornwallis, May 24th, 1781.—" Lieutenant colonel Balfour was so good as to meet me at Nelson's. He took this measure that he might represent his circumstances to me. He stated that the revolt was univer sal and that, from the little reason to apprehend this serious invasion, the oM works in Charleston had been in part levelled, to make way for new ones which were not yet constructed ; that its garrison was inadequate to oppose any force of consequence ; and that the defection of the town's people showed itself in a thousand instances. I agreed with him in the conclusion to be drawn from thence,, foal eny misfortune happening te my corps might entail the loss of the prov.eoe." 392 Memoirs of the War m the commandant of the general's wish, and requested to discover the state of discipline on board the galley, and to devise a plan for its seizure. This officer gave his immediate attention to the project. While Rudolph was pursuing his object, lieutenant colonel Lee he- came informed of the enemy's design to beat up his quarters at M'Queen's. As soon as this information was received he drew in all his parties, including Rudolph, and fell back in the night three miles nearer to the army, where he established himself in a posi tion-so well secured hy rice ditches as to place the corps safe from nocturnal attack. The hostile detachment moved from Charleston about noon, drawing near to Ashley river before sunset. Early in the night it resumed its march, but did not reach M'Queen's, having lost its way in con-sequence of the darkness ofthe night. Lee re turned early in the morning to his relinquished position, presuming that he should find his disappointed adversary retreating hastily ; and hoping that he should be able to derive some advantage from the perplexity to which he would be soon driven by fresh and vi gorous troops. Finding lhat the enemy had not advanced as fir as M'Queen's, he proceeded towards Bacon's bridge, where hailing, he learnt their misdirection, and returned to his former position. The country between Dorchester and tbe quarter-house had Keen occasionally visited by our light parties, which infringed upon the domain claimed by the once army of South Carolina, now gar* rison of Charleston. A well concerted enterprise was projected by the commandant lo repress the liberties taken By our light par ties. Infantry was detached in the night to occupy specified points, and cavalry followed in the morning, some forco operation with the infantry, and others for the seduction of our light parties It so happened that captain Armstrong, of the legion cavalry, had been sent to Dorchester by general Greene the night before, for the purpose of conferring with a spy from Charleston. On the approach of morning Armstrong advanced to Dorchester ; and meeting the party of dragoons sent forward for the purpose of decoying any of the American detachments traversing this quarter, he rushed upon it. In obedience to order the enemy, though superior in number, fled. Armstrong was one ofthe most gallant ofthe brave, too apt to bury in the confidence he reposed in his sword, those considera tions which prudence suggested. Eager to close with his flying foe, he pursued vehemently, and fell into the snare spread for his destruction. The moment he discovered his condition he turned upon his enemy and drove at him in full gallop. The bold effort succeeded so far as to open a partial avenue of retreat, which was seized by his subaltern and some of the dragoons. , They got off; but Armstrong and four privates were taken, the first and only horse officer ofthe legion captured during the vvar. Previous to this the northern reinforcement under major general St. Clair having arrived, brigadier Wayne was ordered to Georgia; having under him lieutenant colonel White, who had lately joined the army with the remains of Moylan's regiment of dragoons. Wayne proceeded without delay, and in a few day* crossed the Southern Department of the United States. 393 Savannah river at the Two Sisters' ferry. A small corps of Geor gia militia, encamped in the vicinity of Augusta, was directed to fall down to Ebenezer, the station selected by the brigadier for the ren dezvous of his troops. Here he was shortly reinforced by lieuten ant colonel Posey,* ofthe Virginia line, atthe head of three hundred continentals from the army of general Greene. Th- immediate object of this motion into Georgia was to protect the country from the incursions of the garrison of Savannah. With that 'design was connected the expectation that the insufficiency of the British force in that town to man its extensive works would probably present an opportunity of carrying the post by a nocturnal assault. Wayne was accordingly ordered, while engaged in exe cuting the first, to give due attention to the accomplishment of the last object. As soon as the advance of the American detachment was known in Savannah, brigadier general Clarke, who commanded the royal forces in Georgia, directed his officers charged wilh his outposts to lay waste the country with fire, and to retire with their troops and all the provisions Ihey could collect into Savannah. This order was rigidly executed, and the district circumjacent to the capital was devastated. In consequence whereof Wayne found it neces sary to draw his subsistence from South Carolina, which added to the difficulties daily experienced in providing for the main army. The country heretofore the seat of war in South Carolina, was literally without food ; and its distressed inhabitants, with the utmost difficulty, procured enough for bare support. That into which Greene had advanced was relatively well supplied ; but still it might be justly considered a gleaned country. It had furnished the Bri tish post at Orangeburg during tbe summer : it had also supplied the army of lord Rawdon when advancing upon Ninety-Six, and when retiring thence, and had always contributed considerably to the maintenance of the troops and inhabitants in Charleston. The crop, originally small in consequence of ihe habitual neglect of agriculture in a state of war, had been much exhausted by the previous drains from it before the arrival of Greene, and was, after that event, the sole resource of our army in South Carolina, and the principal one of that sent to Georgia under Wayne. This real scarcity was increased by the waste which always accompanies com pulsory collection of subsistence ; a practice yet necessarily con- tinned, as the civil authority had been but lately restored. The battle of the Eutaws evidently broke the force and humbled the spirit, of the royal army ; never after that day did the enemy exhibit any symptom of that bold and hardy cast which had hitherto distinguished them. . Governor Rutledge being persuaded that the happy period had •The same officer who so gallantly seconded brigadier Wayne in his assault tf Stony Point. . with which the brigadier marched in person, *Po»y »»£"d"°h™ Wayne received the ball which fortunately only g,.*. MthTlwn of hi. head ; but' which laid him prostrate for a few moment.. 394 Memoirs of the War in the at length arrived for the restoration of the government, issued a proclamation in a few weeks after the battle of the Eutaws, con vening the general assembly at Jacksonborough, a small village upon the Edisto river, about thirty-five miles from Charleston. Invested with dictatorial powers, the governor not only issued writs for the intervening elections, but also prescribed the qualifications of the electors. The right of suffrage was restricted to those inhabitants who had uniformly resisted the invader, and. to such who, having accepted British protections, had afterwards united with their countrymen in opposition to the royal authority before the 27th day of Septem ber ; in the early part of which month the battle of the Eutaws had been fought. The exchange of prisoners which had previous ly taken place, liberated many respectable and influential charac ters too long lost to the state. These citizens had now returned, and were ready to assist with their counsel in repairing the desolation of war. This period pre sents an interesting epoch in the annals of the South. From all quarters were flocking home our unfortunate maltreated prisoners. The old and the young, the rich and, the poor, hastened to their native soil ; burying their particular griefs in the joy universally felt in consequence of the liberation of their country. They found their houses burnt, their plantations laid waste, their herds and flocks destroyed, and the rich rewards of a life of indus try' and economy dissipated. Without money, without credit with debilitated constitutions, with scars and aches, this brave and patri otic groupe gloried in the adversity they had experienced, because the price of their personal liberty and of national independence. They had lost their wealth, they had lost their health, and had lost the props of their declining years in the field of battle ; but they had established the independence of their country ; they had se cured to themsejves and posterity the birth-right of Americans. They forgot past agony in the delight of present enjoyment, and in the prospect of happitiess to ages yet unborn. From this class of citizens the senators were chiefly selected. On the appointed day the assembly convened at Jacksonborough, when governor Rut ledge, in an interesting and eloquent speech, opened the session. The incipient proceedings of the assembly present authentic infor mation of the havoc of the war and of the distress of the country, and convey the pleasing testimony of the mild and amiable disposi tion which swayed even in this day of wrath and: irritation the le gislature of South Carolina. The length of the governor's speech forbids its entire insertion : extracts of it are given, with the answer of the senate, which will sufficiently exemplify the justice of these observations, as do the consequences of the amiable policy pursued by the legislature de monstrate that beneficence in the sovereign is the readiest cute which can be applied to heal the wounds of discord and of war. Southern Department of the United States-. 396 "Honourable gentlemen nf the Senate, Mr. Speaker, and, gentlemen of the House of Representatives : ''Since the last meeting of a general assembly, the good people ol this stale have rot only felt the common calamities of war, but trom the wanton and savage manner in which it has been executed, they have experienced such severities as are unpractised, and will scarcely be credited by civilized nations. ' ,' " The enemy, unable to make any impression on the northern states, the number of whose inhabitants, and the strength of whose country, had baffled their repeated efforts, turned their views to the southern, which, a difference of circumstances afforded some expectation of conquering, or at least of distressing. After a long resistance, the reduction of Charleston was effected hy the vast superiority of force with which it had been besieged. The loss of that garrison, as it consisted of the continental troops of Virginia and the Carolinas, and of a number of militia, facilitated the ene my's march into the country, and the establishment of strong posts in the upper and interior parts of it : and the unfavourable issue of the action near Camden induced them vainly to imagine, that no other army could be collected which they might not easily defeat. The militia commanded by the brigadiers Marion and Sumter, whose enterprising spirit and unremitted perseverance under man v diffi culties are deserving of great applause, harassed and often defeated large parties ; but the numbers of those militia were too few to contend effectually vvith the collected strength of the enemy Re gardless therefore ofthe sacred ties of honour, destitute ofthe feelings of humanity, .and determined to extinguish, if possihle, every spark of freedom in this country, they, wilh the insolent pride of conqrierors, gave unbounded scope to the exercise of iheir tyrannical disposition, infringed their public engagements, and vio lated the most solemn capitulations. Many of our worthiest citi zens were, without cau*e, long and closely confined, some on board of prison ships, and others in the town and caslle of St. Augustine. " But I can now congratulate you, and I do so most cordially, on the pleasing change of affairs, which, under the blessing of God, the wisdom, prudence, address and bravery of the great and gallant general Greene, and (he intrepidity of the officers and men under his command, has been happily effected. A general who is justly entitled, from his many signal services, to honourable and, singular marks of your approbation arid gratitude. His successes have been more rapid and complete than the most sanguine could have expect ed. Tbe enemy compelled to surrender or evacuate every post which they held in the country, frequently defeated and driven from place to place, are obliged to seek refuge under the walls of Charles ton, or in the Islands in its vicinity. We have now the full and ab solute possession of every other part of the state ; and the legisla tive, executive and judicial powers, are in the free exerci-e of iheir respective authorities. The interest and honour, the safety and happiness of our country, depend so much on the result of your deliberations, that I flatter myself you will proceed in the weighty business before you, with firmness and temper, with vigour, unanij mity, and despatch. JOHN RUTLEDGE." 396 Memoirs of the War in the " The address of the honourable the Senate in answer to the governor's speech. May it please your excellency ; " We beg leave to return your excellency the thanks of this house for your speech. " Any words which we might adopt would convey but a very faint idea of the satisfaction we feel on the perfect reestablishmenl of the legislative, executive and judicial powers in this state. "It is with particular pleasure that we take the earliest oppor tunity to present to your excellency our unfeigned thanks for your unwearied zeal and attention to the real interest of this country, and to -testify our entire approbation of the good conduct of the ex ecutive since tbe last meeting of the general assembly. "We see and revere the goodness of Divine Providence in frus trating and disappointing the attempts of our enemies to conquer the southern states ; and we trust that, by the blessing of the same Pro vidence on the valour and intrepidity of the free citizens of Ame rica, their attacks and enterprises will continue to be' repelled and defeated. " We reflect with pleasure on the steady resolution with which Charleston was defended by a small body of brave men against such a vast superiority of force ; and we gratefully acknowledge the me ritorious conduct and important services of the officers and privates of the militia, who stood forth in the hour of danger ; whose cool ness, perseverance and ardour, under a complication of difficulties, most justly entitle them to the applause of their country. "We flatter ourselves that the blood which tbe enemy spillefl, the wanton devastation which has marked their progress, and the tyrannical system that they have invariably pursued, and which your excellency hath so justly and pathetically described to us, will rouse the good people of this state, and will animate them into a spirit to protect their country, to save their rights and liberties, and to main tain at all hazards their independency. " It is with inexpressible pleasure that we receive your excel lency's congratulations upon the great and glorious measures of the campaign, on the happy change of affairs and the pleasing prospect before us ; and we assure your excellency that we concur most sin cerely wilh you in acknowledging and applauding the meritorious zeal, and the very important services which have been rendered to ihis state by the great and gallant general Greene, and the brave and intrepid officers and men under his command, and to whom we shall be happy to give the most grateful and singular testimonies of our approbation and applause. "We are truly sensible ofthe immense advantage which the United States derive from the magnanimous prince, their ally. We have the most perfect confidence on his royal word, and on the sincerity of his friendship ; and we think ourselves much indebted to that illustrious monarch for the great and effectual assistance which he hath been pleased to give the confederated states, and .by Southern Department of the United States. 397 Whose mean.* ihe,, have been enabled to humble the pride of Bri- taiu, and lo establish their independency upon the most permanent basis. " The importance of the several matters which your excellency hath recommended lo our consideration is so evident thai we shall proceed to deliberate upon them with all possible despatch ; and we flatter ourselves that our business will be earned on with tem per, firmness, aud unanimity. J..JL. GERVAIS, President." During this session a law was passed, prescribing a mode of pro-- viding tor the subsistence of the araiy by the civil authority. No regulation was more requisites as the military process was grating to our fellow citizens, wasiejul of the resources of the country., inconvenient to the army, ancTrepugiianl to the feelings of soldiers, who believed themselves to be in heait as in name the defenders of liberty. Resort to compulsion had been forced upon the general by necessity, though in every way objectionable; and which ought never to be tolerated for a moment when avoidable. In pursuance of power invested by this law, the governor appointed William Hiot agent for the state. Tins gentleman executed the duties of his station wilh intelligence, zeal, and diligence ; and very much contributed to our support, without offence to the husbandmen, and with very little aid from the army. But such was the real scarcity of the primary articles of subsis tence, that with all the exertions (and tney were great) ofthe agent, want continued to haunt ttie camp, which compelled general Greene to contribute, upon some occasions, his assistance to the authority of the laws. Brigadier Marion, although a colonel in the line of South Caro lina had beeu chosen a member of the legislature ; and iiefore he sat out for Jacksonborough, had selected a station for -his militia near the Sarvtee river, remote from Cnarleston. His absence from his command, notwithstanding the distance of ttie selected position, inspired the enemy with a hope that a corps which had heretofore been invulnerable might now be struck. A detachment of cavalry was accordingly prepared for the meditated enterprise, and placed under the orders of lieutenant colonel Thompson. This officer having passed the Cooper river near Charleston, late in the evening, proceeded towards the Santee. • Observing the greatest secrecy, and pushing his march with diligence, he fell ' upon the militia camp before the dawn of day, and completely routed the corps. Some were killed, some wounded, and the rest dispersed, with little or no loss on the part of the British. Major Benson, an active officer, was among the killed. Thompson hastened back to Charleston with his detachment ; and Marion, returning from Jacksonborough, reassembled his mi- Captain Rudolph, who had been charged with the destruction of the Britisb galley in the Ashley river, although often mtenupted by '393 Memoirs of the War in the other duties, had never intermitted his attention to that object. Early in March, sometime after the dispersion of the militia near the isantee, the captain presented bis plan to lieutenant colonel Lee, who communicated it to the general. It was founded on the facility he had discovered with which boats going lo market with provisions passed the galley. Rudolph proposed to place in one of these boats an adequate force, disguising himself in a countryman's dress, and disguising three or four of his soldiers ifylfjp'garb and colour of negroes. The boat -v as to be stored with the rfsua'l articles for Charleston market, under the cover of which he concealed his armed men, while him self and his four negroes should conduct the boat. His plan was approved; and lieutenant Smith,; 08 the Virginia line, who had been very instrumental in acquis indfche intelligence on which the project was grounded, was uniteoflS the captain iu its execution. Every thing being prepared with profound secrecy, Rudolph and Smith embarked with their parties at a concealed landing place, high up the Ashley, on the night ofthe 18th of March. Between three and four in the morning, Rudolph got near to the galley, when the sentinel hailed the boat. He was answered in the negro dialect that it was a market boat going to Charleston, and asked permission to proceed. In reply, the boat was ordered to hale along side, as the captain ofthe galley wished to purchase some provisions. Rudolph obeyed; and as soon as he got along side threw some of his poultry on deck, his disguised negroes at the same time taking fast hold of the galley. On a signal from Rudolph, Smith and his soldiers rose and board ed the galley. The sentinel and a Few others were killed : sume escaped in the darkness of the night by throwing themselves into the river; and ths captain with twenty eight sailors were captured. The galley mounted twelve guns besides swivels, and was manned with forty-three seamen. Rudolph did riot lose a man ; and after taking out such stores as he found on board the galley he burnt her, and returned to his place of embarkation. Thus the tone of enterprise continued high and vigorous on our side, while low and languishing with the enemy. The novelty of this successful attempt attracted notice in Charleston : and such was the state of despondency which prevailed in its garrison, as to give currency lo opinions calculated still further to depress the humbled spirit ofthe British soldier. When it was found that even their floating castles, the pride and bulwark of Englishmen, were succes-fiilly assailed by landsmen, the quarter of the town, which was accessible by water, necessarily became an object of jealousy. Every alarm in the night excited dire apprehensions : sometimes Greene was moving to force their lines, at other times he was floating down the Ashley ; and in one way or other he was ever present to their disturbed imaginations. But such fears were illusory. After a critical examination of the enemy's situation, no point was found vulnerable ; and the gen eral was obliged to relinquish any attempt on Charleston. He ne- Southern Department of the United States. 399 vertheless indulged a hope that Wayne might discover an opening: to strike the post of Savannah, where the garrison amounted scarcely to one thousand men, too small for the extensive works before that town ; and he held ready therefore a chosen corps to reinforce Wayne whenever requisite. At this juncture treason had found its way into our camp. The in activity which had succeeded the series of bold and vigorous ser vice was a fit season for recollection of grievances long endured, and which, being severely felt, began to rankle in every breast; Hunger sometimes pinched, at other times cold oppressed, and al ways want of pay reminded us as well of the injustice of our govern ment as of our pressing demands upon it. The Pennsylvania line had joined the army ; the soldiers of which being chiefly foreign ers, were not so disposed to forget and toforgive as our native troops. Even heretofore this line had pushed their insubordination so far as to abandon in a body, the commander in chief, lo drive off' their officers, to commit the eagles to base hands, and to march un der the orders of leaders elected by themselves. They justified this daring mutiny by referring to their contract of enlistment, which they alleged had been violated ; and it must be admitted that this allegation was too well founded. Soldiers who had enlisted for three years had been detained after the period of their service expired, under the pretext that they had enlisted for the vvar As soon as this injustice was redressed, and some pecuniary accommodation rendered, all not entitled to their dis charge returned to their duty. The violation of contract is always morally wrong ; and however it may sometimes yield present good, it is generally overbalanced by subsequent injury. The government which is under tbe neces sity of resorting to armed men, enlisted for a term of service, to protect its rights, ought to take care that the contract of enlistment is fair as well as legal-, and that it be justly executed ; or they afford a pretext for incalculable ills, which, though often avoided from the force of circumstances, are sometimes productive of irreparable misfortunes to the nation. Every effort was made at the time by the enemy to turn this menacing occurrence into the deepest in jury ; but the fidelity of the revolting troops remained invulnera ble ; the best possible apology for their previous conduct. The present mutiny was marked by a very different character. It was grounded on the breach of allegiance, and reared in all the foulness of perfidy. Greene himself was to be seized and delivered to the enemy. How could treason ascend higher ? A serjeaut in the Pennsylvania line took the lead in this daring conspiracy ; a soldier heretofore much esteemed, and possessing talents adapted to the enterprise. No doubt exists but that he anil his associates held continual correspondence with the enemy, and that a plan had been concerted forthe protection of the mutineers by the co-operating movements ofthe British force. The vigilance and penetration of Greene could neither be eluded nor overreached. He well knew that the soldiers were discon- 400 Memoirs of the War in the tented ; nor was he insensible to the cause of their complaints, But he confided in the rectitude of congress, and in the well tried fidelity of that portion ofthe army which had so often fought by his side. He nevertheless dreaded the effects of the wiles of the art ful and wicked, when applied to the inflammable mass around him. To the enemy's camp and to that description of his troops most likely to forget self-respect and patriotism, he directed his close and vigorous attention. From both be drew information which con vinced him that his apprehensions were not groundless. Redoub ling his exertions, as well to discover the plan aud progress ofthe conspirators as to thwart their designs, he learnt that the Serjeant, supposed to be the Jeader, had, by indulging unwarily the free de claration of his sentiments, subjected himself to martial law, and alarmed all the faithful soldiers, who, though prone to unite in the declarations ofthe wrongs they had suffered, and of their determin ation to obtain redress, had never entertained a thought of execut ing their views by the prostitution of military subordination, much less by the perpetration ofthe blackest treason, ofthe basest ingra titude. Greene, acting with his usual decision, ordered the arrest and trial of the serjeant. This order was immediately executed ; and the prisoner being by the court martial condemned to die, the sentence ofthe court was forthwith carried in effect. (23d April.) Some others, believed to be associates with the serjeant, (among whom were Peters and Owens) domestics in the general's family, were also tried ; but the testimony was not deemed conclusive by the court. Twelve others deserted in the course ofthe night, and got safe to Charleston. Thus the decisive conduct of the general crushed instantly this daring conspiracy; and the result proved, as often happens, that although the temper of complaint and of discontent pervaded the army, but few of the soldiers were in reality guilty ofthe criminal intentions which were believed at first to have spread far through the ranks. While the arrests and trials were proceeding in our camp, and while general Greene continued to watch the movements of the enemy, they disclosed a spirit of adventure, which had been for some months dormant. Large bodies of horse and foot were put in motion ; some of which, in the course ofthe night, approached ns with unusual confidence. This boldness tended to confirm the suspicions before entertained that the enemy was not only apprised of the intentions of our mutineers, but had prepared to second their designs. General Greene, feeling his critical situation, contented himself for the present vvith detaching select parties to hover around the enemy for the purpose of observing his motions, with the de termination to strike his adversary as soon as he should find his army restored to its pristine discipline and character. Oo the morning after the execution of the traitor, captain O'Neal of 24,h- the legion cavalry fell in with a body of the enemy's horse under major Frazer. O'Neal being very inferior in strength to his antagonist, retired, Southern Department of the United States. 401 and was vigorously pursued by Frazer. During his flight he per ceived a second body of the enemy in possession of his line of re treat. He was now compelled to change his course ; and with the utmost difficulty escaped himself, after losing ten of his dragoons. I razer had advanced as high as Stan's bridge, the place assigned for the reception of that portion ofthe conspirators who had under taken to betray tbe person of their general. On his return he was met by O'Neal, not far from Dorchester. This was the sole advan tage resulting to the enemy in a conjuncture from which he expected to derive signal benefit. CHAPTER XXXVII. T. HE unexpected events which had occurred in the preceding campaign, when known in England, attracted" universal attention, and produced a determination lo put a period to the war in America. In accordance with this resolution instructions were forwarded to the commander in chief of the royal forces, who conformed his sub sequent measures to the change in the system of administration ; further waste of life being in his opinion unnecessary. His lieute nant in South Carolina, major general Leslie, proposed to general Greene a cessation of hostilities. This proposition was rejected by the American general, as his powers did not reach the subject. He consequently communicated the same to congress, who alone could give the requisite authority. General Leslie finding his pacific overture unavailing, was com pelled to pursue measures to obtain supplies for his troops, al though sure to produce the sacrifice of individuals in both armies ; a sacrifice which he anxiously desired to avoid For this purpose incursions into our territory were occasionally attempted ; some times with siiccess, but generally the British detachments were forced to regain their lines without the accomplishment of their views. This little warfare, always irksome, unless the prelude to grand operations, was peculiarly so to troops inured to the most interest ing scenes of war, and conscious that those scenes could never be renewed. Men of the sword only can appreciate this condition of war, the most revolting to every real soldier. Inquietude and ill humour could not fail to prevail, especially in the American camp ; where want of clothes, want of food, and empty purses, were super added. Amid these a new cause of uneasiness was excited. Lieu tenant colonel Laurens, who became a pmoner on the fall of Charleston, had been exchanged by congress out of cirse, which was much disrelished by our officers in the hands ofthe enemy ; as they considered every departure from the usage of war hot only unjust in principle, but cruel to themselves in application. This usage secures to every prisoner bis exchange in turn ; and un- 51 402 Memoirs of the War in the doubtedly, as a general rule, is unexceptionable. Deviations from it ought rarely to be admitted, and then only from a strong cause. In support of the present deviation, it was contended that the war raged in South Carolina, Laurens'snative country ; lhat his acknow ledged talents tvould therefore be singularly useful in that theatre ; and moreover, that he was aid-de-camp to the commander in chief, and consequently was an exception to the general rule. No doubt these reasons are forcible, and will always have weight with the so vereign. They did not however tranquillize the feelings which the occurrence had excited. Lieutenant colonel Laurens, after joining the southern army, continued in the family of general Greene, wait ing for some change of circumstances which might enable the gene ral to fix him permanently in the line of service. This Greene was very desirous of effecting; not only because the resolution of congress authorizing his exchange called indirectly for it, but the commander in chief required it from his own conviction ofthe worth and capacity of this excellent officer. Notwithstanding these high authorities, notwithstanding his own inclination and Laurens's reputation, stubborn difficulties interposed, not to be readily vanquished. Officers of the highest merit, who had served under himself from his accession to the command ofthe southern army, to whom he owed, and to whom he felt, every obli gation which a general can owe or feel, must be supplanted or over looked to make way for ihe desired appointment. Lieutenant colonel Lee had become, incapable from ill health of continuing in command of the light troops, and had obtained leave of absence. This contingency produced a vacancy which the general had the clear right of supplying at his will. The occurrence of fered some relief to the embarrassment into which the resolution of congress and the wishes ofthe commander in chief had involved general Greene ; but as the vacant station was the most desirable within his gift, because the most honourable, the preferment of an officer who had not shared in the arduous struggle just closed, to the many who had, in every vicissitude of his eventful campaign, covered themselves vvith glory, did not comport with justice, and could not escape animadversion. To smooth the difficulties which intervened, the general had associated Laurens with lieutenant co lonel Lee in the expedition against St. John's island, hoping that the brilliancy of success, would cover the substitution ofthe second for the first, as soon as that officer should retire. But unfortunately the attempt failed, and the general lost the aid which he expected to derive from the magic power of victory. In this perplexing situation some of general Greene's confidential advisers did not hesitate io urge him to recede from his purpose, upon the ground of the superior pretensions of officers, whose services imposed upon him r.imary attention. Nor would this counsel have been unavailing, had not the general been persuaded that his omission to employ lieutenant colonel Laurens would be considered as dis respectful to the commander in chief. One of Greene's aid de camps had been for some time at headquarters ; and from this gen- Southern Department of the United States. 408 Heman was deiived the information which led to the above conclu sion. He had heard insinuations in the family of Washington which lisped these sentiments. It was more than once suggested that the general of the South had been less communicative than was ex pected ; and even allusions to the conduct and fate of Gates were occasionally made, which clearly imported the possibility, if not probability, that the conqueror in the South, like the conqueror in the North, might become the rival of the commander in chief. In justice lo general Washington it was acknowledged that senti ments of this sort never fell from his lips, or in his presence. Ne vertheless when those around him ventured to hold such language, it could not but inspire unpleasant feelings in the breast of Greene. General Greene determined, at every hazard, to afford no just oause for such unjust suspicions. He declared his conviction that Washington himself would spurn such insinuations, unless his mind should have been previously poisoned by artful and designing men, possessing his esteem and confidence. He lamented that the motives which actuated his conduct must, from their nature, be concealed ; as he was persuaded lhat the very officers themselves, whom he apparently neglected, would approve the course in the then stage of the war, when every opportunity for the acquirement of military reputation was probably finally closed. In consequence of this resolution, as soon as lieutenant colonel Lee took leave, the general new modelled the light corps,* giving it additional strength. By this arrangement he was warranted in calling a general officer to its direction, and consequently avoided those just complaints which must have arisen among his lieutenant colonels, had the command been continued in that grade, and had any other than a lieutenant colonel of his own army been honoured with it. Brigadier Gist, of the Maryland line, wh.6 had lately reached headquarters, was placed at the hend of the augmented corps, hav ing under him colonel Baylor, of the third regiment of dragoons, who had also lately joined, and lieutenant colonel Laurens. The first commanded the cavalry, and the last the infantry. * Headquarters, camp near Bacon's bridge. General Gist will take command of the light troops, which will consist of the following corps, viz. The cavalry of the legion, and the cavalry of the third and fourth regiments, under the command of colonel liaylor. The infantry of the legion, the dismounted dragoons of the third regiment, the Delaware regiment, and one hundred men properly officered, fit for light in fantry service, under major Beall, to be immediately detached from the line, and the whole of the infantry lo be commanded by lieutenant colonel Laurans. General Gist will make such further arrangements as he may find necessary; but that the service may be accommodated as much as possible to the constitu tion of the cavalry corps, whenever the cavalry of any corps are ordered out, and infantry are wanted, the infantry belonging to sucn corps will march with is. Extract from the general orders of the 13th June, 1782. JOS. HARMAR, lieut. col. deputy adjutant general; 404 Memoirs of the War in the However judicious the course adopted by general Greene to give effect to Ihe wishes of the commander in chief had been, disagreea ble consequences nevertheless ensued. In the reorganization of the light corps, the cavalry of the third regiment and of the legion had been united ; as had been the infantry of the legion with Kirk wood's Delawares, for the purpose of forming a command for lieu tenant colonel Laurens. The separation of the horse and foot of the legion now for the first time took place, and gave considerable umbrage and inquietude to the officers and soldiers. The first considered the constitution of the corps sacrificed, and the. last had been so long habituated to fight side by side, that they were very unwilling to commute ap proved and beloved comrades for any others, however brave. The legion officers gave vent to their feelings io a remonstrance to the general, couched in terms not the most loyal. Greene re plied with moderation, firmness and dignity, and adhered lo his adopted system. This was followed by the resignation of every officer in the legion, a result as unexpected as inconvenient. The general lamented the rash step, but did not condescend by any re laxation in his measures, or remodification of the light (roops, to avert it. He, however, reminded tbe remonstrants of their right of appeal to Congress, who would no doubt correct the proceed ings of their generals, whenever they might invade the rights or cancel the privileges of any portion of the troops submitted to iheir direction. The officers had acted under the impulse of first im pressions, which, though honest, are not always correct. Passion had now subsided, and the temerity of their conduct became ex posed to their view. They cheerfully seized the opportunity pre sented by the general's suggestion, withdrew their resignations, and committed their case to the controlling power of Congress. The inhabitants of the state of South Carolina had been for seve ral month-* in the peaceable enjoyment of legal government, with the exception of the metropolis, and a small range of country upon the Little Pedee river. A major Ganey, with his band of royal ists, resided here ; and, insulated as they were, still resisted. Bri gadier Marion had, in June 1781, entered into a formal treaty with Ganey and his associates, hy which they were pardoned for past offences (both numerous and atrocious,*) secured in their estates and in the rights of citizenship, upon the condition that they would return to the rightful ovvners all plundered property ; that they would renounce for ever allegiance to his Britannic majesty, and demean themselves hereafter as became peaceable citizens. This treaty was now renewed, wilh the condition that such of the royal ists as preferred removing into the British lines might do so, and take with them their propeity. ?Among the many murders and burning of houses perpetrated by this ban ditti, that of colonel Kobb was singularly atrocious. A party of them, led by a captain Jones, surprised the colonel on a visit to his family. He defended hit house, until he was induced, by the promise of personal safety, to surrender as a prisoner of war ; when he was immediately murdered in the presence of hit -wife aud children, and his house burnt. Southern Department of the United States. 405 The wise and forgiving policy which dictated the course pursued by Marion, was attended with the happiest consequences. Bitter enemies were converted into warm friends ; and many of these re claimed citizens enrolled themselves in the corps of Marion, ready to fight by the sides of their countrymen, whose lives they had sought by night and by day from the full of Charleston to the period of this treaty. During these transactions in Pou'h Carolina, brigadier Wayne pursued vvith vigour his operations in Georgia. At the head of a force equal nnly to half of that oppo-ed to him, he nevertheless exhibited that daringness of chiracter which marked his military life. The signal chastisement inflicted hy major general Grey at the Paoli, in the campaign of 1777, with some minor admonitions, had, it is true, subjected this natural propensity in some degree to the control of circumspection. While in command before Savannah, his orders, his plans, his motions, all bespoke foresight and vigi lance ; and although he played a hazardous game, he not only avoided detriment or affront, but added to the honour of our arms. The pacific policy lately adopted by the British general, and to vv'iich brigadier Clarke invariably adhered, contributed not a little to a result so favourable to our views. The British general rarely sent detachments into the country, and only once in considerable force : never with a view of provok ing resistance, but always with the expectation of accomplishing hi* object by the secrecy and celerity of his measures. About the middle of May he received information of an intended trading visit from some of his Indian friends, then considerably advanced on their route to Savannah. To protect this party from the corps under Wayne, to which it would be exposed in its progress, lieu tenant colonel Browne (who had been exchanged soon after his surrender of Augusta) was detached by brigadier Clarke on the 19th, with three hundred and fifty infantry and a squadron of caval ry. Browne advanced as far as Ogeeche to meet the Indians ; but being disappointed, he moved early in the morning of the 2 Ist, to regain Savannah. It appears that a dispute having arisen between the warriors of the Overhill Creeks, from which tribe this trading party came, had occasioned a delay for a faw weeks ; otherwise the Indians would have reached the Ogeeche the very evening Browne arrived there. Wayne discovered, on the 20th, that a detachment ofthe enemy had passed from Savannah to the Ogeeche ; and he took bis mea sures forthwith to intercept it on its return. With this view his corps (about five hundred effectives, mostly infantry, with three grasshoppers, "^ were put in motion. Tbe van consisted of one com pany of light infantry and a section of dragoons, under the orders of captain Alexander Parker. This officer was directed to haslen his march through woods and swamps, and to seize a causeway on which Browne must necessarily pass. Parker was ordered, when ever he met the enemy, to reserve his fire, and lo fall upon him with sword and bayonet. Wayne followed with the main body, to 406 Memoirs of the War in tlie support his van. About ten in the forenoon captain Parker reached the causeway, when he discovered a small patrole of cavalry in his front. Each advancing, the two parlies soon met, when captain Parker accosted the leading file, and demanded the countersign. Confounded or deceived, the British officer, instead of falling back upon Browne, approached Parker in the attitude of friendship He now discovered his mistake, but too late to extricate himself, and was with his patrole taken, except one dragoon, who got back to colonel Browne, moving in column to sustain his van, wilh his ca valry in front. Lieutenant Bowyer, who commanded our horse, was ordered to charge, which was executed with decision. Bowyer was supported by Parker with his infantry. The British cavalry were thrown into confusion ; and, as Browne's whole force was in column on the causeway, from whence there was no moving to the right or left, the substitution of his, infantry for his cavalry became impracticable, and the British colonel was obliged to fall back. This was accom plished without loss, as general Wayne did not get up in time to improve the advantage gained by Parker. Two of our van were killed and three were wounded. We took major Alexander, se cond in command, and eighteen dragoons, with their horses and furniture. Wayne had been delayed by the swamps, which in the South invariably present stubborn difficulties to the march of troops. As soon as he reached Parker he pursued the enemy ; but all his endeavours to renew the action proved abortive, and Browne, made good his retreat to Savannah. The Indians, whom lieutenant colonel Browne expected to meet, would have rendered his corps superior to that under Wayne, when the encounter might have terminated differently. General Wayne seems either to have been unapprized of this intended junction, or to have disregarded it ; for he pressed forward to strike his foe, regardless of ground or number. The fortuitous success of such conduct, encourages the ardent soldier to put himself upon his for tune and his courage, — overlooking those numerous, sure and 'ffec- tnal aids to be drawn from accurate intelligence and due circum pec- ti.in. Foitune at length forsakes him, no prop remains to support him but his courage, and he falls a victim of his own presumption ; honoured for his bravery, but condemned for his temerity. Some weeks before general Clarke made this attempt to secure the safe entry of his Indian friends into Savannah, Wayne had in tercepted a trading party ofthe Creeks on their way to the British garrison. Of these the American general detained a few as hosta ges, and permitted the re-t to return to their own country. This generous treatment seem* fo have inspired apprehensions in Savan nah, that its effect would diminish the British influence among the Creeks ; an event deprecated by the enemy in case of continuance ofthe vvar, which, though improbable, might nevertheless happen. Therefore it was thought proper to prevent, by suitable succour, the interruption of this second visit. To that end' Browne had been detached. Not only, as has been seen, did the effort fail, Southern Department of the United States. 407 but it wa3 followed by a disaster very unpleasant to the enemy, and in its conclusion pregnant with cause of regret to ourselves. Guristersigo, a principal warrior among the Creeks, conducted the party of Indians lately expected by Clarke. Although he did not arrive at the appointed rendezvous so as to meet Browne, he leached it in the later part of the succeeding month. This warrior, accompanied by his white guides, passed through the whole state of Georgia unperceived, except by two boys, who were taken smd killed ; and having reached the neigliLourhood of Wayne on the 23d of June, he determined to strike at a picquet of the American corps stationed, as he was informed, at Gibbons's plantation, directly on the route to and not far distant from Savan nah. -There were two plantations so called, in the same range of coun try, both of which were occasionally stations for onr troops. At this time Wayne himself wilh the main body occupied one, while the other was on the same day (2sid) held by a picquet guard. Not only to avoid Wayne, but to carry this picquet, became the object of Guristei'Mgo ; and he acquired through his white conductors the requisite intelligence, with negro guides for the execution of his purpose. Wayne, jn pursuance of a system adopted to avoid surprise (of which the Indian chief was uninformed), moved every night ; and consequently the calculation that he would be on the 23rd where he had been on the 22d, was unfounded. The reverse was the fact, which would undoubtedly have been perceived by Guristersigo had he been acquainted with the custom of tbe American general, and his plan of attack would have been modified accordingly. De camping from Gibbons's late in the evening of the 22d, Wayne ex- ' changed positions with his picquet, and thus fortunately held the very, post against which the Indian warrior had pointed his attack. Here the light infantry under Parker (who had been for several days close to Savannah) joined, and being much harrassed by the late tour of duty, was ordered by the brigadier lo take post near his artillery, in the rear. Knowing but one enemy, the garrison of Savannah, Wayne gave his entire attention to that quarter; and conscious, from his precautions, that no movement could be made by the enemy in Savannah without due notice, he forbore to burden his troops with the protection of his rear, because in his opinion unnecessary. A single sentinel only from the quarter-guard was posted in the rear, on the main road leading through Ihe camp to Savannah, and the very road which Guristersigo meant to lake. Soon after nightfall the Indian chief at the head ol his warriors emerged from the deep swamps, in which he had lain concealed, and gained the road. He moved in profound silence, and about three in the morning reached the vicinity of our camp ; here he halted, and made bis disposition for bailie. Believing that he had to deal with a emal! detachment only, his plan of attack was simple and efficient. Preceded by a few of the most subtle and daring of his comrades, directed to surprise and kill the sentinel, he held him- 408 Memoirs of the War in the self ready to press forward with the main body upon the signal to advance. This was not long delayed. His wily precursors having encompassed our sentinel, killed him, when Guristersigo, bounding from his stand, fell with his whole force upon onr rear. Aroused from sleep, the light infantry stood to their arms, aud the matrosses closed with their guns. But the enemy was amongst them ; which being perceived by Parker, be judiciously drew off in silence and joined the quarter- guard behind Gibbons's house at headquarters. Th<* general had about this time mounted, and, concluding that the garrison of Savan nah was upon him, he resorted lo the bayonet, determined to die sword in hand. Orders to this effect were given to Parker and despatched to lieutenant colonel Poney, commanding in camp, dis tant a few hundred yards. Captain Parker, seconded by the quar ter-guard, advanced upon Ihe foe ; and Posey moved with all possi ble celerity to support the light troops, bul did not arrive in time to share in the action. Wayne, participating with his light corps in the surrounding dangers, was now dismounted, his horse being killed ; the light troops, nevertheless, continued to press forward, and Parker drove all in his way back to our cannon, where the In dian chief with a part of his warriors was attempting to turn our guns to his aid. Here Guristersigo renewed the conflict, and fought gallantly ; but the rifle and tomahawk are unavailing when £ 6nfroiit- ed by the bayonet in close quarters. We soon recovered our ar tillery, and Guristersisio, fighting; bravely, was killed. Sevenleen of his warriors and his white guides fell by his side, the rest fled.* * The narrative in the text is founded chiefly on information contributed by captain Parker, (the late general Alexander Paiker, of Virginia,) who was per sonally and conspicuously engaged in the rencontre. Soon altei the appear ance of the memoirs, ^pneial Posey, who was then in the Senate of the V. S. sent to the author, the following statement, with n letter from general Parker, attesting its correctness. The veracity of Posey was as unquestioned as itis courage, ami it is satisfactory In be able to render him justice in his own words, Ed. A statement in Lee's memoirs of the war in the southern department of Ihe Uni ted States, corrected, relative to the encounter which general Wayne had with Hie Creek Indians, in the. stale of Georgia, un llie night of the 13d of June, 1782. The army on that night was disposed agreeably to general orders in the fol lowing manner. The aitillt-ry, the cavalry, and the light infantry of Pose} 's regiment, commanded by captain Alexander Parker, were arranged iu proper order, at the lower Mrs. Gibbon's, (distinguished iu lhat way, theie being two widow ladies of ihe fame name, where the troops were encamped alternately) wilh a guard and chain ol sentinels in the rear, and Posey's regiment posted a few bundled yards on the mini leading by .Mrs. Gibbon's to Savannah, with a proper disposition ol guar. Is, and a chain of sentinels in front. Major Samuel Findley, was with the regiment, Posey having received orders to remain wilh general Wayne that night, the regiment being within so short a distance. The whole of the troops had for several weeks been doing hard duty, every nigln lying down in their ranks wilh their clothes and accoutrements on, and their arms by their sides, and almost worn out with fatigue in watching and loss of lesl, in constant expectation that tne British would either come nut of Savan nah in force for action, or that we might have au opportunity of falling in «itl> Southern Department of the United States. 409' Now it was discovered that the assailing foe was not from Savan nah. Although surprised at the extraordinary occurrence, Wayne foraging parties. The account general Lee gives until he commences with tha attack made by Guristersigo is correct, except as lo the disposition of the tioops above stated. When ihe attack was made, it was wilh such fury and violence, at a dead time ol the night when the men were iu profound sleep, (exr-epi the guards,) with yelling, and the use of iheir tomahawk-, spears, scalping knives and guns, that our men were thrown into disorder. Wayne and Posey had thrown ceir cloaks about them and lay down close to each other, the alarm soon roused them, and they had pro.-eeded bu; a few steps when captain Parker met colonel Posey, and informing him that the suddenness of the attack had confused his men, wished to know if the colonel had any particular orders. Posey imme diately ordered tint the light infantry should be rallied behind the house, and his esert'rons, united with Parker's, in a short space of time collected the men. Posey then placed himself with Parker at their head, and ordered a charge through the enemy to the regiment; ihe charge was made with celerity and firmness, though the conflict was severe, many of the Indians falling by the force of the bayonet. One or more of the enemy fell by Posey's own arm, and unfor tunately for sergeant Thompson of Parker's light infantry, (who contrary to or ders hdd. taken olf his1 coat and tied up his head with a handkerchief, but who was manfully engaged, and had immediately next to Posey fired at an Indian,) Posey from his appearance with his coat off, and head tied up, took him for ah Indian, and thrusting his sword through his body, laid him at his feet. But he greatly lamented the circumstance when he visited the hospital the next morning, and learned from the brave but incautious sergeant the particulars of his wounds. General Wayne with the cavalry followed Posey, who had filed off lo the right to gain his regiment, which he met oo its march to the scene of action, and placing himself at the head, charged immediately upon the rear of the eneniy anil put them to flight. General Wayne filed off to the left where he fell in with A consideranlc body of the Indian.?, and compelled them to retreat after a severe conflict. Thus with the united force and much bravery of both officers and sol diers, the whole of the Indians were defeated and routed. Posey then sent to Wayne for orders, and informed him that he should be found on his march to wards Savannah, whither he was proceeding, with a view to ascertain the situa tion of the British. When the regiment reached the forks of the road, (within one mile of the town,) a small party was detached to examine the British guards, and ascertain whether they retained their usual positions, who soon returned and reported that they did. Shortly after this, a trooper brought information that within half a mile in our rear he had discovered a large body of men, but that it was too dark to distinguish whether they were Indians or British. I osey immediately marched, ordering the trooper to shew him where he had discover ed the enemy. On approaching them it was light enough to see they were a body of Indians. They were staudingin a road leading I'irough a large swamp. While the regiment was preparins for action, eoVeral of the chiefs advanced about twenty or thirty steps and halted, looking very earnestly and apparently at a loss to know whether we were the enemy or British tioops, as we were marching directly out frorn towards Savannah. Posey discovering that all re tired and hid in'the swrr.np except those few that had advanced, waved his sword for them to come up, they accordingly came to him, he ordered them underguard, and made search in the swamp fnr the others, but could not find any of them. He then returned lo the forks of the road, and shortly after general Wayne joined with the balance of the troops. The general appeared in a good humour until he discovered the Indian prisoners, his counlenai.ee then changed, and he asked Posey in a very peremptory manner, how he could think of taking those savages prisoners. Posey related the circumstance of the manner in which they were decoyed, and observed that he thought it wrong lo put them to death alter they became prisoners ; he said they should not live, aqd they were accordingly put to death. 410 Memoirs of the War in the adapted with promptitude his measures to the occasion, and, scat tering his troops in every direction, pursued the flying Indians. Tw.dve of them were taken, and after a few hours captivity were put to death by order of the general. One hundred and seventeen pack horses, laden with peltry, fell into our hands ; and although every exertion was made to capture the surviving Indians, they all got back to their distant country. Our loss was small, not exceeding twelve killed and wounded. This bold and concluding scene, though highly honourable to the unlettered chief, did not surpass those which preceded it in the progress of his daring enterprise. The accuracy of the intelli gence obtained respecting the interior of Georgia, the geographical exactitude with which he shaped his course, the control he estab lished over his rude band — repressing appetite for plunder when opportunity for gratification hourly occurred — and the decision with which he made his final arrangements, alike merit applause. Gu ristersigo died as he had lived, the renowned warrior of the Over- hill Creeks.* Wayne behaved with his accustomed gallantry. Not doubting but that general Clarke with his whole force from Savannah was upon him, he determined to cut his way to victory, or to die in the midst of his enemy. To this end was his order to captain Parker ; to this end was his order* to lieutenant colonel Posey ; and to this end was liis own conduct and example. It is true the American general was surprised ; but if a surprise pan be overlooked, this is the one. Who could suppose lhat an Indian warrior would be found bold enough to relinquish his safe and distant forests to traverse longitudinally the state of Georgia, and to force his entry through .an investing army into -Stvannah. If the comprehensive and search ing mind had, in its prying into all possible adventures, presumed upon such an attempt, it would scarcely have been brought to con clude, that the enterprise could remain undiscovered until the edge of the Indian tomahawk was felt iu our camp. However military critics may be disposed to withhold censure in consequence of the novelty and singularity of the late enterprise, yet, like every other incident in war, it demonstrates lhat the gene ral who is contented with the inadequate protection of his camp, not only places himself at the disposal of fortune, but invites disas ter. This would probably have been the result now, had not the Indian chief been turned from his right course by taking our can- * As it will probably not be long before the liberal part of the civilized world will seek eagerly for information respecting this perishing race of men, so re markable for a strange mixture of cunning and fortitude, of secrecy and vio lence, of patience and inrpetuosity, l.have thought proper to subjoin the account which setier.. I Parker, as an eye witness gave of ihe corrduct and fate of this bold and spacious warrior of the woods. " He was the largest and bravest of the vvarrii-rs— -six feet, three inches high — weighing about two hundred and twenty pounds — of ^ manly and expressive countenance, and thirty years of age. Af'er receiving an espontoon and three bayonets in his body, encouraging liis warriors all the while, he retired a few paces, composedly laid himself down, and died without a groan or struggle." — Ed. Southern Department of the United States. 41 1 non, and thus gave lime to recover hy valour, what had been lost by want of due caulion. As soon as general Wayne had buried the (lead, and taken care of the wounded, he changed his ground as usual ; and finding that he had an enemy in rear as well as in front, he became more circum spect in his future arrangements. This was the last rencontre in Georgia. General Clarke held his troops safe within his fortifications, prepared to evacuate Savan nah whenever he should receive orders to lhat effect, which he knew could not be long deferred. Wayne continued in the neighbourhood of the enemy pursuing his desultory game, and watching vvith unceasing vigilance his adver sary's motions. Early in July he was visited by a deputation of merchants from Savannah, under the protection of a Hag of truce, for the purpose of ascertaining on what conditions the British sub jects would be permitted to remain with their'property, for a given term after the evacuation of the city, which event might be daily expected in consequence of orders recently received. General Wayne informed the deputation, that whenever the British garrison should withdraw, he would protect the persons and property of all who might remain ; but that the ultimate dis posal of the one and ofthe other belonged to the civil authority of the state, to which he would communicate the purport of their application. This answer being made known !o ihe merchants and other inhabitants wishing to remain in Savannah, they, by permis sion of the British general, sent a second deputation to the Ameri can head quarters, with the view of fixing definitively the condi tions on which they might be indulged in their desire. In the mean time general Wayne had consulted governor Martin, who, soon after the American detachment entered Georgia, removed with his council of state to Ebenezer, for the purpose of ex'ending the limits of the civil authority. In pursuance of the governor's instructions, the American general gave assurances to the inhab itants, that all who chose to remain should be protected in person and property, arid should be allowed sulficient time to dispose of their property and to adjust their affairs, when ihey might depart in manner and form most agreeable to themselves Major Haber sham, a respectable oflicer in the line of Georgia, was employed by general Wayne in the conclusion of this business, and seems lo 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 removal, and were found in the town when entered by Wayne. They received the promised pro tection and pursued, without molestation, their customary occupa tions. ' As soon as the loyalists had finished their arrangements with the American general, brigadier Clarke completed his evacu ation, (on the 1 1th July) and general Wayne on the same day took possession of Savannah, which had been for more than three year* occupied by the enemy. 412 Memoirs of the War in the The spontaneous restoration of Georgia to the United States confirmed the expectation which prevailed, lhal the further prose cution ofthe war in America had been relinquished by his Britannic majesty, and would necessarily be soon followed by the recall of the royal army and fleet. Previous to this event lieutenant colonel Carrington rejoined. While at the High Hills of Santee, this officer, although at the head of the quartermaster general's department, was permitted by the general to repair to the main army, in consequence of a vacancy in the line of artillery by the resignation of colonel Pcoctor, of Penn sylvania. Carrington was considered as entitled to the vacancy, and took command ofthe regiment 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 ofthe regiment was uncertain ; and therefore gen eral Greene determined that, though absent, he should govern the department through bis deputy, for the purpose of securing his fu ture services, should his expectation of promotion fail. On captain Crump, of the Virginia line, second in the department, the impor tant trust devolved during the absence of his piincipal, and he dis charged its various duties with intelligence and effect. When the siege of York terminated, Carrington, disappointed in his expected promotion, repaired to Philadelphia by order of general Greene, for the purpose of concerting measures with the superiotendant of finance, tor 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 lo the long suffering army of the South. The evicualion 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 departure of the royalforces, detached lieutenant colonel Posey to the main army, now proceeded to South Carolina with his corps. General Greene concentrating his troops, drew nearer to Charleston, and directed his operations to the single object of pre venting the enemy from deriving any -ubsistence from the country. The intention of evacuating Charleston was now announced Augus . .^ j,enera| orders by the British commander ; who, how ever, continued to exert his force in procuring the provisions ne cessary not only for the daily support of the army and loyalists, but also for their maintenance until the first should be established in their future quarters, and the last transplanted to their intended * See Carrington's letter. Southern Department of the United States. 415 settlements. Small parlies were therefore occasionally detached from Charleston in various directions through those parts of the country remote from the American army, for the purpose of col- leaing and transporting rice corn, and meat, to the British head quarters. Sometimes these parties succeeded ; but generally they were compelled to return without effecting the object of their in cursion. Major general Leslie soon perceived the precariousness of this resource ; to remedy which, and to stop the further effusion of blood, Bow unnecessary as to the main object of the war, notwithstanding the rejection of his pacific overture some time before, addressed gen eral Greene by letter,* (August) expressing the motives and object of his military inroads, and proposing to discontinue them, on condi tional' being permitted to purchase from the country such supplie*. as migtu be necessary during his continuance in Charleston. The civil authority was necessan'y consulted on Leslie's proposition by the American general. So manifold and interesting were the ad vantages to our army from agreeing to the enemy's proposal, that deliberation seemed to border upon absurdity. The American soldiers were covered by tattered garments, destitute of shoes, and scarcely furm- lied 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 supe'riiitenddnl 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 the general was urged by these con siderations to avail himself of the opportunity within his grusp, he was constrained to forego it. The government of South Carolina entertained the belief, that the British army on the evacuation of Charleston, would be transferred to the West Indies. Connected with this opinion was the conviction that ihe proposed purchase of provisions was not so much intended to meet present wants, as. to amass magazines for the support of the British forces contending against our ally in that quarter. To accommodate the enemy in the ac complishment of this object was deemed dishonourable aud perfidi ous ; therefore it was determined to endure present ills rather than tarnish the national character : the proposition of general Leslie was accordingly rejected Sensibly as the American army felt this unexpected termination of the enemy's overture, not a murmur was heard in iis ranks. Trained to suffer when required so lo do by authority, the officers and soldiers exemplified upon this occasion their immutable dispo sition to forget their own wants in their zeal to uphold the cause and character of their country. The punctilious observance of the obligations of treaties and Scrupulous obedience to the injunctions of honour cannot be too much applauded ; yet it will scarcely be contended that compliance • See letter. 414 Memoirs of the War in the with the proposal of general Leslie either violated the treaty be-- tween the United. States and his most christian majesty, or trenched upon the principles of honour ; nor can it be denied that it sub served 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 he supplied wilh provisions in the manner proposed, he must obtain them by force. How easy would it have been for the governor and general, with their just solicitude, to observe the stipulations of treaties, and to avoid even in appearance the violation of honour, to accept the enemy's proposition on the express condition that the subsistence to be procured should be limited to present support, and lo 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 Ihe overstrained anxiety lo avoid possible injury to France, the absolute advantages, comfort to our suffering soldiers, and stoppage to human slaughter, were neglected. This mistaken decision was soon followed by its natu ral, and with us deeply lamented, consequences. Foiled in accomplishing his object in the way desired, the British general prepared lo resume his suspended incursions into the coun try, determined lo effect by force Ihe procurement of those supplies which he had flattered himself wilh obtaining by purchase. Sup ported by marine co-operation applicable with readiness to all Ihe circumjacent country by the facilities of its interior navigation, and possess-ing the contiguous islands, with strong detachments from his army, general Leslie proceeded to the execution of his determina tion, fearless of consequences, but lamenting the necessity of wast ing human life. A detachment of light infantry, attended by armed vessels, passed along the interior navigation, and having reached Combahee river, began to collect and convey provisions to the transports which'ac- companied 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 coun teract any attempt he might make. As soon therefore as he became apprised of the movement of the British detachment, he directed brigadier Gist to advance in pursuit. Gist was soon in motion, and after a long and rapid march gained the neighbourhood ofthe enemy, then at Page's Point, on the Combahee. At this moment lieutenant colonel Laurens, commanding the infantry under Gist, joined, hav ing, as soon as informed of the march ofthe light troops, left his sick bed to hasten to the field of battle. Laurens no sooner over took the corps than, by permission of the brigadier, he put himself at tbe 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 Southern Department of the United States'. 415 serious impression from the inadequacy of his force, he fell in the vain attempt at the head of his intrepid band, closing bis 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 expectations, 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, re mote from the American camp. Preparations for the evacuation of Charleston proceeded, but not with the celerity expected. This excited apprehensions among the owners ofthe numerous bodies of negroes within the enemy's lines, that with the removal ofthe 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 ef the act of confiscation passed by the legislature, from the opera tion of which had been exempted all debts due to British merchants, and claims on real estates by marriage settlement. These two funds, added to that arising from the confiscation of estates, furnished a va luable resource ; and the governor assured general Leslie that he would apply them in remunerating his fellow citizens for their ne groes, 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 re conciling the opposite interests ofthe adverse parties. Commission ers were accordingly appointed vvith full powers to treat upon the subject. The honourable William Gerrard, on the part of the stale, and Alexander Wright and James Robertson, on the part of the loyalists. Tbe discussion which ensued terminated in a com pact on the 10th of October, to the following effect : " That all the slaves ofthe citizens of South Carolina now in tbe power ofthe honourable major general Leslie shall be restored to their former owners as far as is practicable ; except such slayes as may have rendered themselves particularly obnoxious on account of their attachment and services to the British troops, and such as bad specific promises of freedom. That the faith of the state is hereby solemnly pledged that none of the debts due to British merchants, or to persons who have been banished, or whose estates have been confiscated, or property secured by family settlements fairly made, or contracts relative thereto, shall now, or at any time hereafter, be. arrested of withheld by the executive authority of the slate ; that no act ofthe legislature shall hereafter pass for confiscating, or seizr inc 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 private capacity shall at all limes be exerted for that purpose. 416 Memoirs of the War in the "That the same power shall be allowed for the recovery of the debts and property hereby protected and secured, by the parties or their representatives in the courts of justice or otherwise, as ihe citizens of the slate may be or at any time were entitled :o, not withstanding any act of confiscation or banishment, or any other dis ability whatsoever ; and that the same may be remitted to an) part ofthe world they may think proper, under the same and no olher regulations than the citizens ofthe state may be subject to. " That no slaves, restored to their former owners by viitue of this agreement, shall be punished by the authority ofthe stite fir' hav ing left their masters and attached tnemselves to the British troops ; and it will be particularly recommended to their respective owners to forgive them for the same. " That no violence or insult shall be offered to the persons or houses of the families of such persons as are obliged to leave the state for their adherence to the British government, when the Ame rican army shall take possession of the town, or at any time after wards, as far as it is in the power of those in authority to prevent it. " That Edward Blake and Roger Parker Saunders, esq'rs., shall be permitted to reside in Charleston on their parole of honour to as sist in the execution ofthe first article of this compact." — Ramsay* In pursuance of this contract all minor measures were punctili ously adopted for its consummation. The two American commis sioners were duly accredited and received in Charleston But the very first embarkation ofthe retiring enemy evinced that matured consideration ofthe preceding compact produced its viola tion by the party which had proposed it. Leslie began to remove the loyalists ; for a portion of whom St. Augustine had been select ed as a retreat. A fleet for their transportation was accordingly pre pared ; and when they embarked, two hundred negroes accompanied them. The American commissioners remonstrated against this in fraction of the compromise entered into, lo superintend the honour able fulfilment of which they not only had been appointed by the governor of the stale, but had been admitted into Charleston bv the general. The remonstrance produced the debarkation of a small part of the negroes on board ; but when the commissioners asked for permission to restore this small part to their owners, by forward ing them to the assigned post for their reception without the Bri tish linf>s, the request was denied, and justified by the following letter : To Edn-ard 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 Fcrgu«on and another person were at Accahee ; where, I believe, they still remain, in expectation of the negroes to Southern Department of the United States. 417 be delivered up, without any sanction but that ofthe agreement en tered into. I am directed to observe, that if a line of conduct on the part of general Greene, so different 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 ihe short time he is to remain in it. " He wishes you will inform governor Matthews that he expects the soldiers taken away will be returned, and that the'governor will take proper measures to have this requisition complied with. Un til this is done, general Leslie must be under the necessity of put ting a stop to the further completion ofthe agreement." "(Signed) S. WEYMS, deputy adjutant general." The inability of the British general to secure the faithful execu tion of the compact; might have been perceived by him before its latification ; 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 in ability was not discovered until after ratification, better would it have been to declare the fact, than to resort to a flimsy and irrele vant pretext for abrogation of a contract. However, the British general seems to have preferred resorting for his justification to an expedient not less defective in reasou than incompatible with his fair and honourable character. No suspensions of military operations had ever been suggested, much less stipulated. How then the capture of British soldiers, by an American patrole, could be construed into a violation of the contract entered into with the governor ofthe state, is not discern - able. But pretexts, the most trivial, will be embraced by povyer 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 t,0iVS ' "October ISM, 1782. "Sir, " I was a few minutes ago favoured 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 corres pondence, I therefore address myself immediately to you I ad dressed a letter to you this morning, by which you will hod that I wis not even then without some apprehension of the intended eva sion ofthe compact entered into or, the 10th instant ; but on the re ceipt of maior Weyms's letter, no room was left rne 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 dissolved, and have accordingly 53 418 Memoirs of f%. War in ihe ordered my commissioners immediately to quit your lines. But be fore 1 take my final leave of you, permit me to make one or two observations on major Weyms's letter, as probably the whole cor respondence between us may one day be brought to public view. 11 On the 12th instant I wrote to you, to know whether persons go ing to .Accabee lo bring off the negroes when brought there, should be protected from your armed parties ; and, further, to permit me lo send a parly of militia to guard the negroes remaining unclaimed to-ome part of the country where they could be supplied with pro visions To this letter I have received no answer, which has ob liged me lo use the precaution of giving flags to all persons who have applied to go to Accabee ; as I could on no principle look on thai ground as neutral, until it had been mutually 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 mak ing excursions as .far as Ashley ferry; which was absolutely the case the morning o( the day that the party from general Greene's army took the soldiers you so peremptorily demand of i-e ; and if I nra rightly informed, hostilities were commenced by your party. Be that as it may, 1 conceive it of little consequence, as either parly had a right to commence hostilities on hostile ground ; and between enemies every spot must be considered as such, until mutually agreed upon fo 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 Ac cabee unmolested, I hold myself under no manner of obligation to vou for this forbearance ; as I informed you they were there under the sanction of a flag; that they were to remain there for the pur pose of receiving the negroes sent out by tbe 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 business, without the least molestation whatever. Besides, Sir, if your reasoning, as far as it applies to those gentlemen, prove any thing, it proves too much ; because on the same principle, the other two commissioners being in Charleston, ought to make that neutral ground also, not withstanding no stipulation for that purpose had been entered into. I never interfere with general Greene's military plans, therefore the paragraph which relates to his operations ought to have been addressed to him ; but 1 believe he pays as Utile regard to threats as I do." With this leiter ceased every effort to give effect to the contract between the governor and general Leslie. The American commis sioners returned home, and the negroes seduced and taken from the inhabitants of South Carolina in the course of ths war, remained subject lo the disposal of the enemy. They were successively shipped to the West Indies ; and it is asserted, upon the authority of the best informed citizens of South Carolina, that more than twenty thousand slaves were lost to the state in consequence ofthe Southern Department of the United States. 419 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 continued, but so tardily, that general Greene himself, who never yielded entirely to the opinion that peace was near at hand, began to doubt tbe since rity of those pacific professions which accompanied general Leslie's annunciation of his intended evacuation of Charleston. His pre sumption of the enemy's perseverance in the war, and intimate knowledge of the distressed condition of his army for clothing of every sort, could not fail more and more to excite the sensibility of a commander 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 endeavoured without intermission to negotiate a contract for the supply ofthe army wilh provisions, and to secure winter clothing for the troops, the want of which became every day more pressing. Vain were all bis ef forts to accomplish the first, although supported by the executive authority ol the state, and seconded by the active exertions ofthe quartermaster general ; who was authorized by the general to pledge the specie funds appropriated by the superintendant of fi nance to the southern service, to those who might contract for the supply either of provisions or clothing. The devastation ofthe country, the neglect of the culture of the soil, and the bankrupt condition ofthe 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 lo relax bis endeavours to sub stitute the regular and cheap system of feeding his troops by special contract, instead of the wasteful moue of requisition by the state agent, who was occasionally compelled to resort to military aid, Greene was reluctantly compelled to yield to the general inability, and trj rely on the precarious and ruinous old mode, adopted through necessity and continued from the.same cause. The evacuation of Charleston would of course change the state of tbe country, and give vigour to enterprising individuals. Then, and not till then, could he indulge the hope of effecting the discreete change in sub sisting his army ; and he was obliged to rely upon Ihe same event for procuring the requisite clothing, rendered more and more ne cessary by the approach of winter. Exclusively therefore of the importance ofthe expected event, in a military and national view, it became the peculiar object of anxi ous solicitude with the American general, as it presented the only re source lo relieve his army from difficulties, which must unless sur mounted, lead to its dissolution. General Leslie had declared, in his orders ofthe 7th of August, his intention of withdrawing his army.; but September had passed away, and Charleston still remained in possession ofthe enemy. In the course ofthe preceding month, governor Matthews had con trived, through his influence with some ofthe royalists in Charles ton who had resolved to throw themselves on the mercy of their 420 Memoirs of the War in ihe , country, to procure a small quantity ofthe most necessary articles of clothing. This fortunate acquisition, added to a supply forwarded from Philadelphia by means of the superintendant of finance, ena bled the general to cover the most naked of his army ; and the un ceasing exertions ofthe state commissary, aided by the co-operation ofthe quartermaster general, produced an agreeable change in the quantity and quality of provisions. Still the situation of the army was deplorable, and much remained to be done to give durable com fort to the troops, whose past distress is thus described by general Greene in an official letter written on the 1 3th of August. " For up wards 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 condition 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 despe rate situation." The delay and uncertainty in evacuating Charleston, however productive of gloomy forebodings in the American camp, did not stop the enterprise of adventurous individuals, who, believing the event at hand, seized, as they presumed, the sure opportunity of advancing their fortunes. Many of these procured admittance 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 August or begin ning of September, made their way into Charleston, was Mr. John Banks from Virginia. This gentleman, (no doubt vvith permission) after a short stay in town, visited the American army. Here he was introduced to general Greene. Well knowing the naked con dition of his contryraen in arms and convinced of the general's soli citude to relieve their sufferings, he offered to procure and deli ver whatever might be wanted.- Greene having been, as before mentioned, authorized by the superintendant of finance to enter into contracts for supplying his army, did not hesitate in accepting Banks's proposal, and a contract was arranged with him for the requisite clothing to be delivered on the evacuation of Charleston. This was the first opportunity 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 ofthe general and army. The preparations for evacuating Charleston began now to assume a determinate character ; and the doubts heretofore entertained on that subject to be dissipated. The American general held still his position at Ashley hill, shutting up every avenue to intercourse be tween town and country. The enemy no longer attempted to in terrupt this operation, but fixed in his design of withdrawing from South Carolina, he avoided unavailing conflict. Thus passed the autumn, and general Leslie, although never intermitting his prepa rations to retire, stili continued with his army in Charleston. At Southern Department of the United States. 421 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, wilh the legion and light infantry, had, for some days previous, by order of Greene, placed himself near the quarter house for the purpose of entering the town as soon as it should be evacuated. To this officer, Leslie informally intimated his wish to prevent injury to the town, in which he presumed on the cordial coincidence of the American general, and which he insinuated was only to be effected by prohibiting every attempt to interrupt the em barkation ofthe retiring army. Wayne communicated to the general the intimation he had receiv ed from Leslie, who directed him to conform to it. Accordingly no effort was made to disturb the enemy's embarka tion, which took place without the smallest confusion or disorder, the light troops under Wayne entered into town close after the re tirement 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 sur render to sir Henry Clinton. (12th May, 17&0.) The governor with his suite was escorted into the capital on the same day. On the next the civil authority resumed its former functions, and the din of arms yielded to the innocent and pleasing occupations of peace. APPENDIX. A— Page 11. JL^IFUTENANT General Burgoyne had been a soldier from early life, and very much distinguished himself .in the campaign of 1762, under the count de la Lippe Schomburg, in Portugal, where he established his reputation in Brm«, signalizing himself particularly by his surprise of the Spaniards at Va- lentia de Alrantera, and afterwards with colonel Lee at Villavelha. He was an accomplished gentleman, with the advantage of respectable family connex ions, and a highly finished education. B,— Page 11. Major General Gates, like his. antagonist, had been bred to arms, and served in America during the war of 1755. His course seems to have been mediucre. After the peace of 1763 he settled in Virginia, where the revolu tionary war found him. Unprovided as were the states with, soldiers of expe rience, general Gates was called forth by the congress of 1775, and was ap pointed adjutant general, with the rank of brigadier to the army assembled be fore Boston in our first campaign. C— Page 36'. Major General Charles Lee was born in England, and entered very young into the army — the profession most congenial to his mind. He served in America, in Portugal, and in Turkey, always respected, sometimes distin guished. Like his unfortunate friehd, lieutenant general Burgoyne, he possessed the confidence and esteem of count de la Lippe, under whose orders, with lieute- nunt colonel Burgoyne, he was detached to strike at a detached camp of the enemy in the village of Villavelba, during the campaign of 1762, in Portugal ; which service was handsomely peiformed. In the dispute between .the colonies and the mother country, Lee espoused with warmth the cause of the colonies, whose rights he believed to be despoti cally invaded ; and sometime after came over to America. When convinced that the sword must be drawn, he resigned his commission in the British army, and accepted the third station in the American staff, proffered to him by con gress. He possesserl a sublime genius, highly improved by books and travel; but was eccentric from freedom of thought, which he uttered without reserve ; sarcastic without malignity of heart, but with asperity of tongue j and im prudent, from an indisposition to guard himself by cramping mental indepen dence. 424 APPENDIX. D.— Page 84. Major General Baron he Kalb was a German by birth ;* and, frorn the best information obtainable, must have served during the war of 1755 in some of the inferior stations of the quarter master geneial's department, in the imperial army operating with that of his most christian majesty j it being well ascertained by his acquaintances in our army that he was intimately versed iu the details of that departrhenf. Towards the close of that war he must have beeu despatched by the French court to North America, as he has himself often mentioned his having traversed the then British provinces in a concealed char acter; tbe object of which tour cannot be doubted, as the baron never failed, when speaking of the existing war, to express his astonishment, how any go vernment could have so blundered as to efface tbe ardent and deep affection which, to his own knowledge, existed on the part of the colonies to Great Bri tain previous to the late rupture. — A prefeience, equalled only by their antipa thy to the French nation, which was so powerful as to induce the baron to con sider it, as he called it, "instinctive." Just before the peace our incognitus, becoming suspected, was arrested j and for a few days he was imprisoned. On. examination of his baggage and papers, nothing could be found confirming the suspicion which had induced his arrest, and he was discharged. Such discovery was not practicable; as during this tour, the baron himself declared that he relied entirely upon liisrmemory, which was singularly strong ; never venturing to commit to paper the information of others or his own obser vations. On the restoration of peace the baron relumed to Europe, and came once more to America in 1777 or 1778, recommended to congress as an experi enced soldier, worthy of confidence. A brigadier in tho service of France, he was honoured by congress with the rank of major general, and repaired to the main army, in which he. served at the head of the Maryland division very much respected. Possessing a stout frame, with excellent health, no oflicer was more able to encounter the toilsof war. Moderate in mental powers, as in literary acquire ments be excelled chiefly in practical knowledge of men and things, gained durin" a long life byclose and accurate investigation of the cause and effect of passing events. We all know that the court of France has been uniformly distinguished by its superior address and management in diving into the secrets of every nation, whether friend or foe, with whom it hus relation. The business of espionage has been brought in. France to a science, and a regular trained corps, judiciously organized, is ever in the service of the court. Of this body there is strong reason to believe that the baron was a member, and probablv one of the chief confidants of that government in the United States. No man was better qualified for the undertaking. He was sober, drinking wa ter only : abstemious to excess; living on bread, sometimes with beef soup, at other limes with cold beef; industrious, it being his constant habit to rise at five in the morning, light his candle, devote himself to writing, which was never intermitted during' the day but when interrupted by his short meals, or by atten tion to his official duty ; and profoundly secret. He wrote in hieroglyphics, not upon sheets of paper as is customary in camps, but in large folio books; which were carefully preserved, waiting to be transmitted to his unknown correspon dent whenever a safe opportunity might offer. He betrayed an unceasing jeal ousy lest his journals and his mystic dictionary might- be perused; and seemed to be very much in dread of losing his baggage ; which, in itself, was too trifling to be regarded, and would only have attracted such unvarying care from the * Colonel Howard thinks he was from Alsace or Lorrain — German provin ces ceded to France; and that he served in the French army in conjunction with that of the imperialists in 1755. It is very probable— the French had in this country the regiment of Deux Pauls, a German corps— but raised from a district then belonging lo Fiance. -APPENDIX. 425 *aluable paper deposit. He never failed to direct his quartermaster to place him as near the centre of the army as was allowable, having an utter aVersiort to be in the vicinity of either flank, lest an adventuring partisan should carry off his baggage. What became of his journals is not known; but very probably he did not venture to take them into South Carolina : what is most probable, he placed such as remained in the hands of the French minister for transmission to Paris, wher. he was ordered lo the South. If he continued to write when marching to South Carolina, his progress must have been slow, as he was necessarily n.uch engaged in the duties of his com mand, which became multiplied by the extreme difficulty with which subsistence was procurable. Whether his baggage was captured is not known to me ; but it cannot be doubted, that his papers did not tall into the possession of the ene my ; as in such event we should probably have heard not only of the fact, but also of their contents. No man surpassed this gentleman in simplicity and con descension ; which gave fo his deportment a cast of amiability extremely ingra tiating, exciting confidence and esteem. Although nearer seventy. than sixty years of age, such had been the temperance of his life, that he not only enjoyed to the last day the finest health, but his countenance still retained the bloom of youth ; which circumstance very probably led to the error committed by those who drew up the inscription on the monument, erected by order of congress1. This distinguished mark of respect was well deserved, and is herewith present ed to the reader. Resolved, that a monument be erected to the memory of the deceased major general baron rie Kalb, in the town of Annapolis, ic the state of Maryland, with the following inscription : " Sacred to the memory of the baron de Kalb, knight of the royal order of military merit, brigadier of the armies of France, and major general in trie- service of the United States of America. Having served with honour and re putation for three years, he gave a last and glorious proof of his' attachment to the liberties of mankind, and to the cause of America, in the action near Cam den, in the state of South Carolina ; where, leading on the regular troops of Maryland and Delaware against superior forces, and animating them by his example to deeds of valor, he was wounded in several places, and died the 19tli of August following, in the forty-eighth year of his age. The congress of the United States of America, in acknowledgement of his zeal, of his services, and of his merit, hath greeted this monument." ' E.— Page 83. William Richardson Davik, of North Carolina, was born in the village of Egren.ont, near White Haven, in England, on the 20th of June, 1756. His father, visiting South Carolina soon after the peace of 1763, brought with him this son; and, returning to England, confided him to the «w of th. reverend William Richardson, his maternal uncle ,, who, becoming much attach ed to hi, nephew, not only took charge of his education, but adopted him as bis son andPheir. At the proper age William was sent to an academy in North. Carolina ',- whence he was, after a few years, removed to the college of Nassau- hallin Pr nceton, New Jersey, then becoming the resort of most of the southern vouth under the'auspices of the learned and respectable doctor W.therspoon. Here he finished his education, graduating in the antomn of 1776, » year me. •^i0"-^ «^M^"»^^ °ut for-a r r ,he ..the commissions for the troops just levied had been issued. He went ro" Salisbury whe"eh commenced thi study of the law. The war continuing, (o balisbury, m"c "« ,„u:,.h „n<.rallv Dreva led when it began, Davie ""JIT ta„«r"K "rd t' wifhT ' LeMmself among the i defenders oi could "V°6 inducing a worthy and popular friend, rather too old for military servlT.?;*,*. aU«So> o7 dragoons, 'a/the readi.st mode of accomplishing a» ' 84 V 426 APPENDIX. wish, Davie obtained a lieutenancy in this troop. Without delay the captain joined the southern army, and soon afterwards returned home on furlough. The command of the troop devolving on lieutenant Davie, it was at his request an- nexed to the legion of count Pulaski, where captain Davie continued, until pro moted hy major general Lincoln to the stalion of brigade major of cavalry. In this office Davie served until the affair of Stono, devoting his leisure to the ac quirement of professional knowledge, and rising fast in the esteem of the general and army. When Lincoln attempted to dislodge lieutenant colonel Maitland from his intrenched camp on the Stono, Davie received a severe wound, and was removed from camp to the hospital in Charleston, where he was confined for five months. Soon after his recovery he was empowered by the government of North Caro lina to raise a small legionary corps, consisting of one troop of dragoons anil two companies of mounted infantry; at the head of which he was placed with the rank o/ major.. Quickly succeeding in completing his corps, in whose equipment he expended the last remaining shilling of an estate bequeathed to him by his uncle, he took the field, anil was sedulously engaged in protecting the country between Char lotte and Camden, from the enemy's predatpry incursions. On the fatal 16th of August, he was hastening with his corps to join the army, when he met our dis persed and flying troops. He nevertheless continued to advance towards the conqueror; and by his prudence, zeal, aud vigilance, saved a few of nur wa gons and many of our stragglers. Acquainted with the movement of Sumter, and justly apprehending that he would be destroyed unless speedily advised of the defeat of Gates, he despatched instantly a courier to that officer, communi cating what had happened, performing, in the midst of distress and confusion, the part of an experienced captain. The abandonment of all ihe southern region of North Carolina, which fnllowed this signal ovei throw, and the general despondency which prevailed, have been recorded in the body of this work ; nor have tbe fortunate and active services of major Davie been overlooked, feo much w,as his conduct respected by the government of North Carolina, that he was, in the course of September, promoted to the rank of colonel commandant of the cavalry of the state. In this station he was found by general Greene on assuming the command of the Southern army; whose attention had been occupied from his entrance into North Carolina, in remedying the disorder in the quarter master and commis sary departments. To the first Carrington had been called ; and Davie was now induced to take upon himself the last, much as he preferred the station he then possessed. At the head of this department colonel Davie remained through out the trying campaign which followed; contributing greatly by his talents, his zeal, his local knowledge, and his influence, to the maintenance ofthe diffi cult and successful operations which followed. While before Ninety-Six, Greene foreseeing the difficulties again to be encuuntered, in consequence of the accession of force to the enemy by the arrival of three regiments of infantry from Ireland, determined to send a confidential officer to the legislature of North Carolina, then in' session, to. represent to them his. relative condition, and to urge Iheir adoption of effectual measures for the collection of magazines of pro visions, and the reinforcement of his army. Colonel Davie was selected by Greene for this important mission, and immediately repaired to the seat of government, where he exerted himself to give effect to the views of his general. The events of the autumn assuring the quick approach of peace, colonel Davie returned home ; and having shortly afterwards married miss Sarah Jones, daughter of general Allen Jones of North Carolina, he,selected the town of Hali fax, on the Roanoke, for his residence ; where he resumed the profession with the practice of law. APPENDIX. 427 F.— Page 38. Simeon Thayer was born in the town of Mendon, in the county of Wor- chesler, in the State of Massachusetts, on the2lst of April,' 1738 ; and early in life removed from thence to the tuwu of Providence, in Rhode Island, where a few years afterwards he married, anil permanently established himself.' - No. man more uniformly possessed the esteem of his neighbours and acquain tances than this gentleman did, being distinguished for unvarying goodness of heart, rendered peculiarly agreeable by the modesty of his demeanor, and the simplicity of his manners. Bottomed on this solid 'foundation, his popularity extended as he advanced in life. And when in his thirty-seventh year, resis tance to Great Britain became necessary, the determination of Thayer to take the field was anticipated by the spontaneous offer of the command of a com pany in colonel Hilchcork's regiment of Rhode Island, about to be detached to the American army before Boston. Thayer's merit soon attracted attention : and when Washington projected the arduous enterprise against Quebec, com mitted to the direction of colonel Arnold for the purpose of co operating with Montgomery, the choice spirits of his army were selected for the expedition. Thayer could not of course be overlooked: he. marched under Arnold atthe head of a company, exhibiting, throughout the opera lion, peculiar fitness in mind aud body to meet danger and difficulty. The fall of Montgomery b"ing soon followed by our repulse, Thayer was made prisoner, bravely struggling to carry the second barrier, and experienced in common with his comrades the beneficence extended by sir G. Carleton to the American prisoners, — so truly honourable to the heart and to the head of the British general. Captain Thayer rejoined his regiment as soon as he was exchanged, and went through the war, adding to his early stock of military reputation whenever opportunity offered. He served generally under Washington, by whom he was highly respected. His conduct in the defence of Mud Island has been briefly touched in the course of this work. It is but justice to add, that the assumption ofthe com mand in ihe desperate condition to which the island was reduced, was in conse quence of the voluntary request of major Thayer, displaying as much magnani mity as gallantry.' It was known that the island must soon fall : to defend it to the last moment,. and then to save the garrison, was the best which could be done. Few pre sumed this practicable; and fewer were disposed to undertake the hazardous task. Thayer offered himself to brigadier Varnum, commanding ourforce in New Jersey, which was joyfully accepted ; and the gallant major as joyfully repaired to his post. In the battle of Monmouth the corps to which Thayer was attached was closely engaged ; he was wounded by a cannon ball, which deprived him of the sight ofthe eye on the side it passed. Concluding his military life with the war, he returned to Providence ; car rying wilh linn the esteem of his fellow soldiers, the gratitude of his country, tbe admiration ofthe witnesses of his exploits, and the immutable approbation of the commander in chief. Here he continued to deck the laurels he had ac quired in the field of battle by his benevolence, his sincerity, his constancy in virtue, and his modesty in deportment. .... The legislature of Rhode Island honoured him with the commission of major general in her militia, which he held to his death. In 1 796 general Thayer re moved from Providence to his farm in the township of Cumberland, where he spent his last years in the exclusive occupations of ag.iculturc. Enjoying good health with universal esteem, he closed his honourable life, after a short ill- ,,es at home, on the 21st day of October, 1800, in the sixty-third year of his age leaving one son and one daughter H* remains were brought to Provi dence and tmerred in the north Presbyte.ian burying ground His gravels dis tinguished by a plain white marble slab; emblematic of Ins deportment, through. life, and spptless as.his virtue. 428 APPENDIX. G.— Page 13. Brigadier Geheral Daniel Morgaw, of the Virginia line on conti nental establishment, deservedly ranked among the best and most efficient sol diers of the United States, was born in New Jersey ; from whence he emigrated to Virginia in 17SS. Like many of the greatest men of every country, his na tive condition was indigent, so much so as to render it necessary for young Mor gan to enter into service as a labourer for daily n ages. Soon after his arrival in Virginia, he obtained employment from farmer Ro berts, near Charleston, in the county "of Jefferson, (then Berkely.) Afterwards he was engaged to drive, a wagon for John Ashley, overseer for Nathaniel Btir- rell, Esq., at his estate on the Shenandoah river, in Frederic county, near Ber ry's ferry. When he left Ashley, Morgan had by his care and Industry, amassed enough cash to purchase a wagon and team ; which purchase he made, and soon afterwards entered with it into the employment of Mr. John Ballantine, at his establishment on Occoquan creek. At the expiration of his year, Brad- dock's expedition was spokc'u of as an event, certainly to take place in the course of the ensiing summer. Morgan reserved himself, wagon, Hie. Cor this expedi tion, and jqined the army, but In what character is not known. He receiyed, during his military service, a severe wound in the face ;' the scar of which was through life very visible. We do not understand in what affair this happened ; but it was from a rifle or musket, aimed, as he said himself, by an Indian. The bullet entered the back of his neck, and passed through his left "tiheek, knocking out all liis jaw teeth on that side, In the course of the otmpnign he was unjustly punished, by being brought to the halbert under a charge of contumely to a Britisb officer, where, he received five hundred lashes. The officer being aflerwards convinced of his cruel error, marie every amend in his power to the maltreated Morgan ; who, satisfied with the contrition evinced by the officer", magnanimously forgave him. Nor did the recollection of this personal outrage operate in the least to the prejudice of tho British officers iu the late war. Many of them as is well known, fell into the hands of Morgan, and invariably received from hirn compassionate and kind treatment. The general would often, among his intimate friends, recur to this circum stance; the narrative whereof he generally concluded, by saying, in a jocular way, that " King Geoige was indebted to him one lash yet ; for the drummer miscounted one, and he knew wel] when he did it ', so thai he only received four. hundred and ninety-nine, when he promised him five hundred." In this period of life, from twenty to thirty years of age, Morgan was ex tremely dissipated; and spent much of his time in vulgar tippling and in gam bling nouses. However, although habituated to the free use of ardent spirits-, he was never considered as a drunkard; and though enamored with cards and dice, he was a cautious player, increasing rather than diminishing his cash fund. This course of life subjected him to many affrays and furious pugilistic combats. The theatre of these exploits was Berryville, a small village in the county of Frederick, (,< nvnonly called Battletnwn; named, as is generally supposed, from the fierce combals fought on its soil under the banners of Morgan. Whatever may have been the cause, it is certain that he spent much of his leisure at this place ; that he fought there iiiany severe battles j and that though often vanquished he never was known to omit seizing the first opportunity which presented^ after return of strength, of taking another bout with his conqueior ; and this he repeated from time to time, until at length victory declared in his favour. Such wat the innate invincibility of young Morgan — which never forsook him, -when, by tbe strength of his unimproved genius', and the propiliousness of for tune, he gained an extended theatre of action ; as replete with difficulty as to him with glory. When he returned from Braddock's expedition he reassumed his former employment, and drove his own wagon. In a few years his pre vious savings, added to the little he earned in the campaign, enabled him to "purchase a srnall tract pf land from a Mr. Blackburn, in the county of Frederick ; APPENDIX. 429 on which, during our war, he erected a handsome mansion house, with suitable accompanying improvements, and called it Saratoga,— in commemoration of the signal victory obtained by general Gates, to which he had himself princi pally contributed. On this faun Morgan,. having, married shortly after his re- mm from his military tour, resided when the revolutionary war broke out. The smattering of experience gained during Braddock's expedition, pointed him out to the loading men of Frederick, as qualified to command the first company nf riflemen, rained in that county iu defence of our country. He speedily completed his company, as all Ihe finest youth of Frederick flocked to him ; among wliorn was lieuteuunt, aflerwards colonel Heth, and many others, who in the course of the war became approved officers. With this company Morgan hastened lo the American army encamped before Boston, in 177S, and soon afterwards was detached by the commander in chief under Arnold, in his memorable expedition against Quebec. The bold and disastrous assault, planned and executed by the celebrated Montgomery against that city, gave opportunity for the display of heroism to individuals, and furnished cause of rleep regret to the nation by the loss of ihe much beloved Montgomery. No officer distinguished himself more than cap tain Morgan. Arnold commanded lire column to which Morgan was attached, and became disabled by a ball through his leg early in the action, aud was car ried off to a place of safety. Our troops having lost their leader, each corps pressed forward as the exam ple of its officer invited.. Morgan took the lead, and proceeded by serjeant, af terwards lieutenant colonel, Porterfield, who unfortunately fell at ihe battle of Camden, when his life might have saved an army, mounted the first barrier; and rushing forward, passed the second barrier, lieutenant Heth and serjeant Porter field only before him. lo this point ofthe assault a group of noble spirits united in surmounting the obstacles opposed to our progress; among them were Grfceue and Thayer of Rhode Island, Hendricks of Pennsylvania, and Humphreys of Virginia ; the two last of whom were killed. Vain was this blaze of glory. Montgomery's fall stopped the further advance of the principal column of attack; and the severity of the raging storm, the obstacles of nature and of art in our way, and the combined attack of the en emy's force, no longer-divided hy attention to the column under Montgomery, ^overpowered all resistance. Morgan (wilh most of the corps of Arnold). was taken; and as heretofoic mentioned, experienced a different treatment from sir Guy Carleton than was at that period customary for British officers to dis pense to American prisoners. The kindness of Caileton, from motives of policy", applied more forcibly to the privates than the officers, and produced a durable impression. While Morgan was in confinement at Quebec, the following anecdote, told by himself, manifests the high opinion entertained by tne enemy of his military talents from his conduct in this assault. He was visited occasionally by a Bri tish-officer, to him unknown; but from his uniform, he appeared lo belong to tne navy, and to be an officer of distinction. During one of his visits, after conversing upon many topics, " he asked Morgan if he did not begin to be con vinced lhat the resistance of America was visionary ? and he endeavoured to impress him with the disastrous consequences which must infallibly ensue, if the idle attempt was persevered in, and veiy kindly exhorted him to renounce the ill advised undertaking. He declared, with seeming sincerity and candour, his admiration of Morgan's Bpirit and enterprise, which he said were worthy of a better cause ; and told him, if he would agree to withdraw from the American and join the Biitish standard, he was authorized to promise him ihe commission, rank and emolument of a colonel in the royal army." Morgan rejected the proposal with disdain ; and concluded his reply by observing, " That he hoped he would never again insult him in his distressed and unfortunate .iluation, by makin' him offers which plainly implied that he thought him a rascal." The officer withdrew, and the offer was never repeated. As soon as our prisoners were exchanged, Morgan hastened to the army; and %y the recommendation af general Washington, was appointed to the command 430 APPENDIX. of a regiment. In this station he acted under the commander in chief in 1777, when a select rifle corps was formed out of tbe others in the army, and commit ted to his direction, seconded by lieutenant colonel Richard Butler of Pennsyl vania, and major Morris of New Jersey, two officers of high talents, and espe cially, qualified for the enterprising service to which they were assigned,. Mmgan and his riflemen were singularly useful to Washington ; but our loss of Ticon- lieroga, and the impetuous advance of Burgoyne, proclaimed so loudly the gloomy condition of our affairs in the North, lhat the general who thought only of the public good, deprived himself of Morgan and sent him to Gates, where he was persuaded his services were most' required. The splendid issue of the subsequent campaign and the triumph of Gates have been mentioned, as well as the instrumentality of Morgan in producing the glorious issue. Great and effectual as were his exertions, general Gates did not even mention him in his official despatches. The cause of this cruel omis sion was then known but to a few. General Morgan himself says, that immediately after the surrender of Bur goyne he visited Gates on business, when he was ttiken. aside by the genenil, and confidentially told that the main army was extremely dissatisfied wilh the -conduct ofthe war by the commander in chief; and thru several of lire best officers threatened to resign unless a change took place. Morgan perfectly understood the views of Gates in this conference, although he was then a stranger to the correspondence which he had hold wilh Coinvay aud others ; and sternly replied, "that he bad one favour to ask of him, which was, never to mention that de- teslible subject to him again; for under no other man than Washington, as com mander in chief, would he ever serve." From that moment all intimacy be tween himself and Gales ceased ; and when, a fciv days afterwards, ihe latter gave a dinner to Ihe principal officers ofthe British army, among which of course some ol ours were mixed, Morgan was not invited. It so happened that this meritorious orru-er found it necessary to call upon general Gates the same evening on military business. He was introduced into the dining room; and as soon strike his antagonist. We have seen with what vigour and effect he seconded his general in the fields of Guilford, of Hobkick, and ot Eutaws, invariably exciting by bis impressive example, officer and soldier to the animated display of skill and courage. Returning, upon peace, to bis native state, the government desirous (at APPENDIX. 44'^ sentiidfnt at that time common through America,) to reward whenever it had the power, those officers and soldiers who continued in service to the last, be- •loivei upon this distinguished patriot, the collectorship of the port of Baltimore, the most lucrative office within its gift. On the adoption of the present government of the Union, Washington wag eaiied to the presidency, and of course continued William., with whose merit he wasparticulaily acquainted, in his office. Previous to this epoch, he married Miss Mary Smith, daughter of William Smith, esq. one of tbe most respectable inhabitants of the town, by whom he had four sons, all of whom survived their parents. General Williams's health Jiart, for many years before his death, been very delicate, resulting from the hardships incident to military life, increased in his case by the severe treatment •experienced while a prisoner in New York, which was peculiarly oppressive while Sir Wm. Howe commanded the British forces in America. Vainlv at tempting by change of climate, and every other advisable measure, to stop the menacing disease, he, unhappily for his country, his family and friends, fell a victim to a pulmonary complaint in July 1794, on his way to the Sweet Springs. His amiable and discnnsolate widow soon fell the victim of grief, exhibiting » rare display of ihe tenderness and ardour of conjugal love. Brigadier general Williams was about five feet ten inches high, erect and elegant in form, made for activity rather than strength. His countenance was expressive, and the faithful index of his warm and honest heart. Pleasing in his address, he never failed to render himself acceptable, in whatever circle he moved, notwithstanding a sternness of character, which was sometimes mani fested wilh too much asperity. He was cordial to his friends, but cold to all whose correctness in moral principle became questionable in his mind. As a soldier, he may be called a rigid, not cruel disciplinarian, obeying strictly his superior, he exacted obedience from his inferior. He possessed that range of mind, although self-educated, which entitled him to the highest military station, and was actuated by true courage which can refuse as well as give battle. Soaring far above the reach of vulgar praise, he aimed singly at promoting the common weal, satisfied with the consciousness of doing right, and desiring only that share of applaqse, which was justly his own. There was a loftiness and liberality in his character, which forbade resort to intrigue and hypocricy, in the accomplishment of his views, and rejected tho contemptible practice of disparaging others to exalt himself. In the field of battle he was self-possessed, intelligent and ardent; in camp circumspect, attentive and systematic ; in counsel sincere, deep, and perspica cious During the campaigns of general Greene, ho was uniformly one' of hi« few advisers, and held his unchanged confidence. Nor was he less esteemed by his brother officers, or less respected by liis soldiery Previous to the disbandment of the army, congress manifested their sense of Williams's merit and services, by promoliug him to the rank of brigadier general, of which event we have his own account, in a letter to his friend, major Pendle ton, written, iu Philadelphia, and dated May 18, 1782. "MS DEAR PSNDLETOW: " Your lacunic epistle of the 20lh April was handed to me by general Sr Clair, in the situation you wished. Involved in a scene of tbe most agreeable amusements, I have scarcely had time for reflection, therefore, if I have been guilty of any omission towards you, or any other of my Southern friends, I hope it will be imputed to tbe infatuating pleasures of the metropolis. " My promotion, (for which I am principally indebted to my invaluable friend, general Greene,) might prove the efficacy of making a short campaign to court, (especially as it had been once rejected) if the circumstances which attended it, did not too evidently discover how much the greatest men are actuated hy ca price and how liable the most respectable bodies are to inconsistencies. Upon. «he application of general Greene, seconded by the recommendation of W-;'n. tngton, the .votes of congress were taken, whether I should or ;;,„„],] not be made a brigadier, in consequence of former resolves, w^'.jj, yetJ cUarly, in my 442 APPENDIX. opinion, gave me a right to promotion. It was resolved in the negative. l"potr the second motion in congress, the same letters were re-consi-'ered, and the man who^e legal claim was rejected, (because it was inconvenient, oi might give umbrage to others,) is promoted in consideration of his distinguished talents and services. I wish I may be always able to justify and maintain an opinion that d> es me so much honour. If congress will please to wink at my impetfections, I will be careful not to meddle with theirs." General Ahdrew PlCREurs was born in Paxton township, Pennsylvania, on the 19th September, 1739. His parents were fiom Ireliind — his ancestors from France. When he was a child his father removed to the counly of Augusta, in Viginia, and in 1752 to the Waxhaw settlement in South Carolina. Bred on tlie Indian 1 rein tie rs,his first occupations were hunting and war, those in which our best patriots have been nursed. In the French war which was concluded by the peace uf '63, he served us a volunteer in (.rant's expedition against the Chero kees In the revolutionary contest he took an early and spirited part — was captain, major, colonel, anrl brigadier general successively, in the militia of South Carolina ; and by his constant and gallant exertions contributed, in an equal degree with Sumter and Marion, to the liberation of the souihtm states. Tire reader will have nnticed his activity aud valour at the, Cowpens, at Haw liver, ai Augusta, anrl at Et.taw, at which last place a musket ball which struck bis breasl was prevented' from pioving mortal by the buckle of his sword belt. He commanded in chief in several liidiau expeditious. In '79 at Kettle Creek, he defeated colonel Boyd, a'very brave officer, at the head of a body of tories and Indians, double his own force in numbers This action, in which Boyd was killed, dispersed and greatly dispirited the tories iu the western parts of South Carolina and Georgia, and gave an ascendency to the wbigs. In 1781 he was equally efficient and successful in an expedition against Ihe Cherokees, which is recorded in ihe body of this work. He served in the legislature of South Caro lina i'rom Ihe close ofthe war until '94, when he was elected to congress. In '95 he retired from congress, and then was re-elected to the state legislature until he declined that office also He was unanimously elected major general of the first division of South Carolina militia ; and was repeatedly appointed by the federal government a commissioner to treat with the soothe n Indians, in con junction with colonel Hawkins, with governor Blount, and with general Wilkin son . President Washington offered him a biigade of light troops under general Wayne, against the nonhern Indians, which service he declined. In all his pub lic stations his conduct was faithful and efficient, satisfactory to his country, and honouiable to himself. In 1765 he married Miss Calhoun, the aunt of the pre sent Vice President of the United States. She bore him three sons anil six daughters, all of whom survived their parents. This great aud gopd mililay chieftg,in died on the Uth of August, 1817, at Tennessee, in Pendleton disliict, SoulIi Carolina, a seat at which he had long resided, and which was peculiarly interesling to him from having been th. scene of one of his earliest Indian battles. He was a sincere believer in the Christian-religion, and a devout observer of the Presbyterian form of worship. His-frame was sinewy and active: his habits were simple, temperate, and indusuious. His characteristics were tacitumiiy and truth, prudence and decision, modesty and courage, disinterestedness and public spirit. His letter to the author of this work, which details the chief par ticular of his life, closes wilh sentiments which harmonise so perfectly with his character, lhat they form a suitable conclusion to a sketch of his life. '¦ Atthe sieges of Augusta and Ninety Six, at ihe battle of Eutaw, and in other services with the army, you know whether I did my duty. And I leave it to my country to say whether I have been an humble instrument in the hands of Providence to its advantage. But whatever the public sentiment may be, I have a witness within myself that my public life and conduct have been moved and actuated :by an ardent zeal for the welfare and happiness of my beloved country.'' — Edf. appendix. 443 Anthony WAtne was born in the year 171-5, in West Chester county, Pennsylvania, of parents who were respectable in character and condition. His grandfather was a captain tinder William III., at the battleof the Bnym. In '73, he was a member of the provincial legislature of Pennsylvania, and as soon as the dispute between England and America commenced he took part with the latter. In '75, he commanded a regiment, served under MontKomery, and was wounded at the siege of Quebec. During the next year, he acted under Gates at Ticondeiog'a, and was promoted to the rank of brigadier. He was dis tinguished at the battles of Brandywine, Germautnwn, and Monmouth. , But his most shining exploit was th« storming of Stony Point, wneie he received a wound in the head, and exhibited a love of glory far strongei lhan tbe luve of life ; for, supposing his wound to be mortal, he desired to be carried forward that he might die in the enemies works Congress rewarded him by the vote of a gold medal, in those days aji honour equal to a Roman triumph. He was se cond to La Fayette in 1781, in his Virginia campaign, and bore a conspicuous part in the perils and honours of the siege of York. After the surrender of that place- he was detached with the Pennsylvania line to join general Greene, and under his orders completed, as the reader has seen, the liberation of Georgia. Alter the war he served in congress, as a member ofthe House of Representa tives In 1792, he was selected by President Washington as commander in chief against the western indians, who, having defeated St. Clair, had become formidable. His operations were conducted wilh great skill and prudence, and alter gaining a decisive victory over their troops, he forced them to conclude a ¦treaty of peace. In December, 1796, he died, leaving behind him the reputa tion of having been one of the most distinguished and meritorious officers of the revolution. His person was rubust ; his presence commanding; his manners graceful ; his temper frank, fiery, and generous. His military conduct was characterized perhaps too much by a love ol fighting; but fierce and formidable as he was in battle, his excessive courage never destroyed his self possession, nor obscured the excellent judgment which ne possessed, and had cultivated by much reading and expenence. — Ed. 5.— Page 178. GENERAL GREENE'S OFFICIAL REPORT OF THE BATTLE OF GUILFORD, TO THE PRESIDENT OF CONGRESS. Camp at the Iron Works, March 16, 1781. Sir: "On the 10th, I wrote to his excellency general Washington, from the High Rock ford, on the Haw river, (a copy of which I enclosed your excellency,) lhat I had effected a junction with the continental regiment of eighteen months men, and two considerable bodies of mililia, belonging lo Virginia and Noun Caro lina. After this, junction, I took the resolution of attacking the enemy without loss of time, and made the necessary disposition accordingly, being persuaded,, lhat if we were successful, it would prove ruinous to the enemy, and, if otherwise,, it would only prove a partial evil to us. The army marched from the High Rock ford on the I2th, and on the 14th arrived at Guilford. The enemy lay at tbe Quaker meeting-house, on Deep river, ei^ht miles from our camp. On the morning of Ihe 15th, our. reconnoi tring party reported the enemy advancing on the great Salisbury road. The army was drawn up in three lines. The line was composed of North Carolina militia, under the command of generals Butler and Eaton. The second line of. Viminia militia, commanded by generals Stevens and Lavuson, forming two brigades, one of Virginia, aud one of Maryland continental troAps commanded by general Huger and colonel Williams. Lieutenant colonel Washington, wilh 444 .APPENDIX. the dragoons of the first and third regiments, a detachment of light infantry, composed of continental troops, and a regiment of rirlcnei',, uniler colonel Lynch, formed a corps of observation for the security of our right flank. Lieu» tenant colonel Lee, with his legion, a detachment 'of light infantry, and a corps of riflemen, under colonel Campbell, formed a corps of observation for the se curity of our' left flank. The greater pait of this country is a wilderness, with a few cleared fields interspersed here and there. The army was draw n upon a large hill of ground, surrounded by other hills, the greatest part of which was' covered with timber, and thick under-brush. The front line was posted with two field pieces, just on the edge of the woods, and tire back of a fence which ran parallel with the line, with an open field directly in their front. The second line was in the woods, about three hundred yaids in the rear of the first, and the continental troops about four hundred yards in the rear of the second, with a double front, as the hill drew to a point where they were posted ; and on the right and lelt were two old fields. In this position we waited the approach of the enemy, having previously sent off the baggage to this place, appoinud for our rendezvous in case of a defeat. Lieutenant colonel .Lee, with his legion, his infantry, and part of his linemen, met the enemy on their advance, and had a severe skirmish with lieutenant colonel Tarleton, iu which the enemy suffered greatly Captain Armstrong charged the British legion, and cut down near thiity of their dra goons; but as the enemy reinforced their party, lieutenant colonel Lee was obliged to retire, and take his position in the line. The action commenced by cannonade, which lasted about twenty minutes ; when the enemy advanced in three columns: the Hessians ou tbe right, the guards in the centre, and lieutenant colonel_Webster's brigade on the left. The whole moved through the old fields to attack the North Carolina brigades, who waited the attack until the enemy got within one hundred and forty yards, when pari of them began to fire, but a considerable part lelt the ground without firing at all. The general and field officers did all ihey could lo induce the men to stand then ground; but neither tbe advantages of the position, nor any other consideration could induce them to stay. General Stevens and geneial Lawson and the field officers of those brigades were more successful in their exertions. The Virginia militia gave the enemy a warm reception, and kept up a heavy fire for a long lime ; but being beat back, the action became general almost every where. The corps of observation, under Washington and Lee, were warmly engaged, and did great executiun. In a word, the engagement was long and seveie, and the enemy only gained their point by superior dis cipline. They having broken the second Maryland regiment and turned our left flank, got into ihe rear of the Virginia brigade, and appearing to be gaining on our right, which would have encircled ihe wnole of the continental troops,! ihou-ht it im.s, advisable to order a retreat. About this time lieutenant colonel Wash ington made a charge with the horse upon a part of the brigade of guards, and the first regiment ol Marylanders, commanded by colonel Gunby, and seconded by lieutenant colonel Howard, follow- it tbe horse with their, bayonets; near the whole of the party fell a sacrifice. General Huger was the last lhat was enga ged, and gave the enemy a check. We retreated in good order to the Reedy Fork river, and crossed at the ford, about three miles from the field of action, and then halted, and drew up the troops, until we collected most of the strag glers. We lost our artillery, and two ammunition wagons, the greater part of the hoises being killed before the retreat began, and it being impossible to move the pieces but along the gieat rood. After collecting- our straggleis, we retired to this camp, ten miles distant from Guilford. From the best information I can get, the enemy's less is very great ; not Joss, in killed and wounded, than six hundred men, besides some few prisoners that we b!..uoht off Incl'Std I send your excellency a return of our killed, wounded and missing most ot the latter ,ba.ve gon- home, as is out too customary with the miluia alter an action. I cannot learn that the enemy has got any considerable number APPENDIX. .44& of prisoners. Our men are all in good spirits, and in perfect readiness for another field day. t I only lament the loss of several valuable officers, who are killed and wound ed in the action. Among the latter aie general Stevens, shot through the thigh, and general Huger in the hand; and among the former is major Anderson, one of the Maryland line. The firmness of the officers and soldiers, during the whole campaign, hat been unparalleled. Amidst innumerable difficulties they have discovered a degree of magnanimity and fortitude that will forever add a lustre lo their mili tary reputation.'1 S.— Page 178. Earl Cornwallis to lord George Germain. Guilford, March IT, 1781. Mt Lord: " I have the satisfaction to inform your lordship, that his majesty's troops »nder my command obtained a signal victory on the 15th instant, over the rebel army commanded by general Greene. Iu pursuance of my intended plan, commun'cated to your lordship in my despatch No. 7, I had encamped on the 13th instant at the Quaker's meeting house, between ihe forks of Deep river. On the 14th I received information that general Butler, with a body of North Carolina militia, and the expected reinforcements from Virginia, said to consist of a Virginia state regiment, a corps of Virginia eighteen months men, three thousand Virginia militia and re cruits lor the Maryland line, had joiued general Greene; and the whole army, which was reported to amount to nine or ten thousand men, was marching to attack the British troops. During the afternoon, intelligence was brought, which was confirmed in the night, that be had advanced that day to Gniliord, about twelve miles from our camp Being now persuaded that he had resolv ed to hazard an engagement, after detaching lieutenant colonel Hamilton with our wagons and baggage, rsco led by his own regiment, a detachment of one hundred infantry and twenty cavalry, towards Bell's mill, on Deep river, I marched with the rest of the corps at day break oo the morning of ihe 15th, to meet the enemy, or attack them in their encampment. About four miles from Guilford our advanced guard, commanded by lieutenant colonel Tarleton, fell in with a corps of the enemy, consisting of Lee's legion, some back moun tain men and Virginia militia, which he attacked with his usual good conduct and spirit, anddefeaied; and continuing our march, we found the rebel army posted on rising grounds, about a mile and a half from the court-house. The prisoners taken by lieutenant colonel Tarleton having been seven. 1 days with the advanced corps, could give me uo account of the enemy's older oi po>i:ion, and the country people weie extremely inaccurate in iheir description of the ground. Immediately between the head of the column and the enemy's lir.o was a considerable plantation; one large field of which was on our lefi of the load, and two others, with a wood of about two hundred yards broad, betweru them, on our right of it ; beyond these fields the wood continued for several miles to our right. The wood beyond the plantation in our front, in the skirt of which the enemy's first line was formed, was about a mile in depth, the road then leading to an extensive space of cleared ground about Guilford court house. The woods on our right and left were reported to be impracticable for our cannon ; but as that on our right appeared the most open, I resolved to attack ¦the left wing of the enemy; and whilst my disposition was making for that u'ur. pose, 1 ordered lieutenant M'Cleod to bring forward the guns and cannonade their centre. MS APPENDIX. The attack was directed to be made in the following order. On the right Um regiment of Bose and the seventy-first regiment, ledby major general .Leslie, and supported by the fiist baitalion of guards ; on the left, the twenty-third and thirty-third regiments, Jed hy lieutenant colonel Webster, and supported by the grenadiers and second battalion of guards, commanded by brigadier O'Hara; the yagers and light infantry of the guards remained in ihe wood on the left of the guns, and the cavalry in the road, ready to net as circumstances might re quire. Our preparations being made, the action began at about half an hour past oue in the afternoon. Major general Leslie, alter being obliged, by the great extent of the enemy's line, to bi ing up the first battalion of guards to the right of the regiment of, Bose, soon defeated every thing before him; lieutenant colonel Webster having joined the left of major general Leslie's division, was no leys successful iu his front ; when, on finding that the lett of the tbhty-third was exposed to a heavy fire horn the right wing of the enemy, he changed his front to the left; and, being supported by the yagers and light infantry of the guaids, attacked and routed it; the gienadiers and second battalion of the guards moving forward to occupy the ground left vacant hy the movement of lieutenant colonel Webster. All the infantry being now in the line, lieutenant colonel Taileton had direc tions lo keep his cavalry compart, and not fo charge without punitive orders, except lo protect any of the e.oips from ,ihe most evident flange* oi' being de feated. The excessive thickness of the woods renrieied our bayonets of little Tise, and enabled the broken enemy to make frequent stands, with an irregular fire, which occasioned Fome loss, and to several of the corps great delay, particu larly ou our right, where the fii^t battalion of the guards and regiment ol Bose were warmly engaged in front, flank, anrl rear, with some of the enemy that had been routed on the ivrst attack, and with part of the extiemily oi iheii left wing,, which, by the closeness of the woods, had been passed unbroken. The seventy-first regiment, and grrnadieis, find second battalion of the guards, not knowing what was parsing on »hcir right, and hearing the fire advance on their left, continued to move forward, 'the artillery keeping pace with them on the road, follow ed by the ovahy. The second batt a Kon of guards first gained the clear grnnnd near f mi ilford court-house, and found a corps of continental infantry, much superior in number, funned in the open field on the left ol the road. Glowing with impatience to signalize themselves, they instantly attached ami defeated them, taking two six p-nundcrs. ; but pursuing into the wood with too much ardour, were thrown info < onfusion by a heavy fiie, and immediately charged and driven back into the field by lieutenant colonel Washington's dra goons, with the loss of the six pounders they had taken. The enemy's cavalry was soon repulsed by a well directed fire from two three pounders, just brought up bylieuten.mt M'Cleod, and hy the appeal ance ol the grenadiers, ofthe guards, and the seventy-first regiment, which, having been impeded hy some deep ra vines, were now coining out of the wood on the right ol the guards opposite to the court-house. By the spirited exertions of brigadier general O'Hara, though wounded, the second battalion of the guards was soon rallied, and, supported hy the grenadiers, returned to the chaige with the gieatest alacrity. The twen ty-third regiment arriving at that instant from our left, and lieutenant colonel Tarleton h tving advanced with part of the cavalry, the enemy were soon put to flight, and the two six pounders once more fell into our hands; two ammuni tion wagons, and two other six pounders, being all the artillery they had in the li-ld, were likewise taken About this time, the thirty-third regiment and light infantry of the guards, alter overcoming ninny difficulties, completely routed tne corps which was opposed to them, and put an end to the action in this quarter. The twenty-third and seventy-fust regiments, with part of the cavalry, wert: or dered to pursue ; the remainder of the cavalry was detached with lieutenant colonel Tarleton 10 our right, where a heavy fire still continued, and where his appearance and spiiiled attack contributed much to a speedy termination of the action. The militia with which our right wing had heen engaged, dispersed iu the woods; the continental!; went off by the Keedy Fork, beyond which it was •no.t in my power lo follow them, as their cavalry had suffered but little. Oue APPENDIX. 447 troops were excessively fatigued by an action which lasted an hour and a half, and our wounded dispersed over an extensive space of country, required imme diate attention The care of our wounded, and the total want of provi sions in an exhausted count'-y, made it equally impossible for me to follow the blow the next day. The enemy did not stop until they got to the iion works on Troublesome creek, eighteen miles from the field of battle. From our observation and the best accounts we could procure, we did not doubt but the strength of the ene,ny exceeded seven thousand men; their mili tia composed their line, with parties advanced to tha rails of the field in their front; the continentals were posted obliquely in the rear of their light wing. Theii cannon fired on us whilst we were forming from the centre of the line of militia, but were withdrawn to the continentals before the attack. I have the honour to inrlose to your loidship tiie li.->t ol'our killed and wound ed. Captain Schutz'a wound is s-upposed to be mortal; but the surgeons as sure me that none of the other officers aie in danger ; and that a great number of the men will soon recover. I cannot ascertain the loss of the enemy, but it must have been considerable ; between tw*o and three hundred dead were left upon the field ; many of their wounded that were able to move, whilst we were employed in the care of our own, escaped anrl followed the routed enemy ; and our cattle, drivers, and forage paities, iiave reported to me that the houses, in a circle of six or eight miles around us, are lull of others. Those that remained we have taken the best care of in our power. We took few prisoners^ ow.ng to Ihe txcessive thickness of the wood facilitating their escape, and every man of our army being repeatedly wanted for action. The conduct and actions of the officer;, and soldiers that compose this little army will do more justice lo tneir merit than 1 can by words. Their persever ing intrepidity iu action, their invincible patience in the hardships and fatigues- of a march of above six hundred miles, in which they have forded several large rivers =ind numberless creeks, many of which would De reckoned large rivers in any other country in the world, without tents or covering against the climate, and often without provisions, will sufficiently manilest their ardent zeal for the honour and interest of their sovereign and their country. I have been particularly indebted to major general Leslie for his gallantry and exertion in the action, as well as his assistance in every other part of the service. The zeal ami spirit of brigadier general O'Hara merit my highest commendations ; for after receiving two dangerous wounds, he continued in the field whilst the action lasted; by his earnest attention on all other occa sions, seconded by the officers and soldier* of his brigade. HU majesty's guards are no less distinguished by their order aud discipline than by their spirit and valour. The Hessian regiment of Bose deserves my wannest praises for its discipline, alacrity and courage, and does honour to major du Buy, who commands it, and who is an officer of superior merit I am much obliged lo brigadier general Howard, who served as a volunteer, for liis spirited example on aU occasions. Lieutenant colonel Webster conducted his brigade like au oflicer of experi ence and gallantry. Lieutenant colonel Tarleton's good conduct and spirit,, in the management of his cavalry, were conspicuous during the whole action j and lieutenant M'Cleod, who commanded (he artillery, proved himself upon this as well as all former occasions, a most capable and deserving officer. The attention, and exertions of my uid-r.e-camps, and of all the other public officers of the army, contributed very much to the success of the day. I have constantly received the most zealous assistance fiom governor Martin during my Command in the southern district ; hoping that his presence would tend to incite the loyal subjects of this province to tuke ar. active part with us, he has cheerfully submitted to the fatigues and dangers of oor campaign; but his delicate constitution has suffered by his public spirit; for, by the advice of the physicians, he is now obliged to return to England for the recovery of. "This jiiirt of Hie country is so totally destitute, of subsistence, that forage it. 448 APPENDIX. not nearer than nine miles, and the soldiers have been two days without bread. I shall, therefore, leave about seventy ofthe worst of the wounded cases at tha New Garden quaker meetinghouse with proper assistance, and move the re mainder with the army to-morrow morning to Bell's mill. I hope our friends will heartily take au active part with us, to which I shall continue to encou rage them ; still approaching our shipping by easy inarches, that we may pro cure the necessary supplies for further operations, and lodge our sick and wounded where proper attention can be paid to them. This despatch will be delivered to your lordship by my aid-de-camp, captain Bmdrick, who is a very promising officer, and whom I beg leare to recom mend to your lordship's countenance and favour, ice.'' ¦;i Q,— Page 538. Headquarters, Martin's Tavern, near Ferguson's Swamp, South Carolina. September 11, 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 tioops, and a body of militia, collecting at that place, with an intention to make an attack upon the British army laying at colonel Thompson's, near M'Corri's ferry. On the 27th, on our airival near Fryday's ferry, I got intelligence that the enemy were retiring. We crossed the river at Howell's feriy, 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 pre parations to establish a permanent post there. To prevent this, I was deter mined rather to hazard an action, notwithstanding our numhers 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 gene ral 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 on the evening of the 7th, at Bur- dell'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 bat talions 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 Caro lina 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 bri gades 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 -lumner, and posted upon the right. The Vir ginians consisted of two' battalions, commanded by major Suead and captain Edmonds, and the whole by lieutenant colonel Campbell, and posted in the centre. The Marylanders also consisted of two battalions, commanded by lieutenant colonel Howard and major Hardman, and the brigade hy colonel Williams, deputy adjutant general to the army, and were posted upon the left. Lieutenant colonel Lee with his legion covered our right flank; and lieutenant APPENDIX. 443 colonel Henderson with the rp. . ' ....p.. .111 wiyiniC WILH IUB SCCUnU. ihe legion and- state troops lormed otn a-lvance, and were to retire upon the ilatiks upon the enemy's forming. I„ this order we moved on to the attack. lie cgion and state troops fell in vvith a party ofthe enemy's horse and foot, ajout lour miles from their camp, who, mistaking our people for a pa.ty of militia, charged them briskly, but weie soon convinced of their mistake by the reception they met with. The infantry of the sta.eiroops- kept up a heavy fire, and the legion m front, under captain Rudolph, charged them with fixed bayo nets: they fled on all sides, leaving four or five dead on the ground, and several more wounded. As this was supposed to bp 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 bbgan to the Eutaw Springs. The firing began again between two and three miles from tbe 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. Geneial Marion, colonel Malmedy 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 honour upon that class of soldiers. But the enemy's lire being greatly superior m ours,- and continuing to advance, the militia begrni to .jive ground. The North Carolina brigade, under general Sumner, was or dered up to iheir support. These were all new levies, and had been under discipline but little mure than a month ; notwithstanding which they fought with a degree of obstinacy that would do honour to the best of veterans ; and I could hardly tell which to admire most, tbe gallantry of the officers or the bravery of the troops. They kept up a heavy and well directed fire, and the enemy re turned 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 Colo- nel Williams, were letl 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 efficers aud soldiers upon this occasion. They preserved their order, and pressed on with such unshaken resolution that they bore down all before 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, aud was charging them in rear at the same time the Virginia and Maryland troops were charging them in front. A most valuableofficer, lieutenant colonel Henderson, got wounded early in the action ; and lieutenant colonel Hampton, who commanded the state cavalry, and who fortunately suc ceeded lieutenant colonel 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, where 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 oi form. Li uteuaut colonels Polk and Middleton, who commanded the state infantry, were uo less conspicuous for their good conduct than their intrepidity ; and the troops under their command gave a specimen of what may be exported from men, naturally brave, when improved by proper discipline. 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 ou. hands, and some hundreds ol 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 ptcqueted garden ,.k le others were lodged in an impenetrable thicket, consisting of a wagged shrub, .57 456 APPENDIX. called a black jack. Thus secured in front, and upon the right by th* house and a deep ravine, Upon the left by the picqueted gulden and in the impenetra ble shrubs, and the rear also being secured by the spnngs and deep hollow ways, the enemy renewed the action. Every exertion was made to dislodge them. Lieutenant ndonel Washington made most astonishing efforts to get through the thicket to charge the enemy iu the rear ; but found it impracticable, had his horse shot under him, and was wounded and taken prisoner. Four six pounders were ordered up betore tbe house — two of our own, and two of the enemy's, which they had abandoned — and they were pushed on so much under the com mand of the fiie from the house and the party in the thicket, as rendered it im practicable to bring them off again when the troops weie ordered to retire. Never were pieces better served ; most of the men aud 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 ammunition mostly consumed, though both officers and men continued to exhibit uncommon acts of heroism, 1 thought proper to retire out of the fire of the house, and draw up the troops ut a little distance in the woods ; not thinking it advisable to push our advantages fuither, being persuad ed the enemy could not hold the post many houis, 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. W collected all our wounded, except such as were under the command of the n>- ¦ 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 iKat, and want of refreshment, the action having continued near four hours. 1 lett on the field of action a strong picquet, and eaily in the morning detached general Mariun and lieutenant colonel Lee with the legion horse between Eu taw and Chirlestou, to prevent any reinforcements from coining to the relief ol the enemy ; and also to retard their march, should they attempt to retire, aud give time to the army n fall upon their lear 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 t! eirs On the evening ofthe 9th, the enemy retired, leaving upwards of seventy of their wounded behind them, and not less tfian one thou sand stand of arms that were picked up on the field, and found broke and cou- cealed in the Eutaw Springs. They stove between twenty and thirty puncheons of ruin, and destroyed a great variety of other stores, which they bad not car riages to carry off. We pursued them the moment we got intelligence of their retiring. But ihey formed a junction with major M'Arthur at this place, gene ral Marion and lieutenant colonel Lee not having a force sufficient to prevent it : but ou our approach they retired to the neighbourhood of Charleston. We have taken five hundred prisoneis, including- the wounded the enemy left behind ; aud I think they cannot have suffered less than six hundted more in killed and wound ed The fugitives that fled from the field of battle spread such an alarm that the enemy burnt their stores at Dorchester, and abandoned tbe post at Fair Lawn; and a great numbt-r of negroes and others weie employed in felling tiees across the road for some miles without the gales 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; hut not being able to overtake them, we shall halt a day oi 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 ofthe bayonet marie by the Viigioians and Marylandeis, the in fantry of the legion, aiid captain Kirkwood's light inlantiy : and though few ar mies everexhibited equal bravery with ours in general, yet the conduct and intre pidity of these co' us were peculiarly conspicuous.^ Lieutenant colonel Campbell fell as he was leading his troops to the charge, a'nd though be fell with distin guished marks of honour, yet his loss is much to be regretted : he was the great soldier .tnd the firm patriot. Our loss in officers is considerable, more from tiieir value than their number; 'or never did either men or officers offer their blood more willingly in the service APPENDIX. 451 •f their country. 1 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 exceeded any thing 1 ever saw. I also feel myself greatly indebt ed to captains Pierce and Pendleton, major Hyrne and captain Shubrick, my aids de-camp, for their activity and good conduct throughout the whole of the action. This despatch will be handed to your excellency by captain Pierce, to whom I. beg leave to refer you for further particulars. 1 have the honour to, &c. NATH. GREENE. His Excellency the President of Congress. Q._page 338. Extract of a letter from Lieutenant Colonel Stewart lo Earl Cornwallis. Eutaw, September 9th, 1781. With particular satisfaction I have the honoui to inform ,your lordship that, on the 8th instant, I was attacketl, hy the rebel general Greene with all the force he could collect in this province and North Carolina ; and after an obstin ate engagement, which lasted near two hours, I totally defeated him, and took twfo six pounders. Soon after I had the honour of writing your lordship from Thompson's, I received inlormation of Greene's having moved with the rebel ai- my towards Camden, 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 Conga ree. The army under my command 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 op portunity of receiving my supplies, and disencumber myself from the sick, with out risking any escorts, or suffer myself to be attacked at a disadvantage, should the enemy have crossed the Congaree. Notwithstanding every exertion having been made lo gain intelligence of Ihe enemy's situation, they rendered it impos sible by way-laying the by-paths and passes through the different swamps, and even detained different flags of truce which I had sent on public business on both sides. About six o'clock in Ihe morning I received intelligence by two deser ters, who left general Greene's camp the preceding evening about seven miles from this ple.ee; aud from their repoit the rebel army consisted ol near four thousand men and four pieces of cannon. In the mean lime I received intelli gence by major Coffin, whom I had previously detached with one hundred and forty infantry and fifty cavalry, in order to gain intelligence ofthe enemy, that they appeared in force in his front, then about four miles from my camp. Find ing 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 conse quences. I immediately formed the line of battle, with the right ofthe army to Eutaw's branch, and its left crossing the road leading to Koche's plantation, leaving a corps on a commanding situation to cover the Charleston road, anil 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 o he gained hy it; for by moving forwards I exposed both flanks of the aim) to the enemy's cavalry, wlucli 1 saw ready formed to take lhat advantage, particur larly on the left, which obliged nie to move the reserve to support it. 452. APPENDIX. By an unknown mistake the. left ofthe line advanced and drove their militia and North Carolinians before them; but unexpectedly finding tho Virginia and Maiylahd lines ready formed, and at the same time receiving a heavy fire, oc- easioued some confusion, lt 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 a detachment of New York volunteers, under the command of major Sheridan, whom I had'previously ordered to lake post in the house to.check the enemy, should they attempt to pass it. The action was re newed 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 cuuid not be brought off when the left ofthe line retired. The right wing of the army being composed of the flank battalion, under the command of major Majoribanks, having lepulsed and drove every thing that attacked them, made a rapid move to the lett, and attacked 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 thuy contrived to cany 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 ad vantage 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 iu want of bread, there being no old corn or mills near mo I was, therefore, under the necessity of sending out rooting parties from each corps, untler an officer, to collect potatoes every morning at day-break; and unfortunately that oi the flank battalion and buffs, having gone too far in front, fell into the enemy's hands hefore the action began ; which not only weakened my lines, but increased their number of prisoners Since the action, our lime 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 Dawson, Stewart, Sheridan arid Coffin, and to captains Kelly and Campbell, commanding the different corps and detachments; and every other officer and soldier fulfilled the separate duties of men stations with great gallantry. But to major Majoiibauks, and the flank battalion under his com mand, 1 think the honour of the day is greatly due. My warmest praise is due to captain Barry, deputy adjutant general, major brigade Cnxon, lieutenant ftan- ken. assistant quarter master general, and to acting major of brigade Roebuck, for the gteal assistance rendered ine 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, Sumter, Marion, Sumner and Pickens, and the legions of colonels Lee and Washington, driving them from tho field of battle, and taking the only two six pounders they had, deserve some merit. In closed is the return of the killed, wounded ami missing of his majesty's troops. From the number ol corps and detachments, which appear to have been engag ed, it may be supposed our force is great; but your lo dship will please to ob serve, that the army was much leduc.ed by sickness and otherwise. 1 hope your lordship will excuse aoy inaccuracy lhat may he in this letter, as lhave been a good deal indisposed by awnund which I received in my left elbow, which, though slight, from its situation iSvtroublesome. It will give me most singular pleasure if my conduct meets wilh the approbation of his majesty, that of j out lordship, aud iny country. Return of Killed, Wounded, and Missing. 3 commissioned officers; 6 sergeants; 1 drummer; lo rank and file, killed. 16 ditto. 20 ditto. 2, ditto. 313 ditto. wounded. 10 ditto. 15 ditto. 8 ditto. 224 ditto. missing.. APPENDIX. 453 R.— Page 326. Head Quarters at Montmorenci, on the River St. Lawrence, September 2d, 1759. Sm: *v I wish I could, upon this occasion, have the honour of transmiting lo you a more favourable account of h;s majesty's arms ; hut the obstacles we have met with, in the operations of the campaign, are much greater than we had reason to expect, or could foresee ; not so much It om the number ofthe enemy, (though superior to us,) as from the natural strength of the country, which the'Maiquis de Montcalm 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 ofthe inhabi tants of the country, son-e o*' the tioops t.f the colony, and every Canadian that rt-as able to bear arms, besides several nations of savages, had taken the field in a very advantageous situation ; I could not flatter myself, that 1 should be able lo reduce, the place. 1 sought, however, an occasion to attack their army knowing well, that wilh these troops, I was able to fight, and hoping that a vicn-iy might disperse them. We found them encamped along the shore of Beauport, from the river St. Charles' to the falls ol Montmorenci, and intrenched in eveiy accessible part. The 27th June we landed upon the isle ol Orleans; but receiving a returning mes sage from the admiral, lhat ilieie was reason to think the enemy had artillery, and a force upon the point ol Levi, 1 detached brigadier Monrktnn, 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 tore- tire, and possessed himself of that post: the advanced parlies, upon this occa sion, had two or three skirmishes with the Canadians and Indians, with little loss on either side. Colonel Carleton marched with a detachment to the westernmost of the isle ot Orleans, from whence ouv operations were likely to begin. It was absolutely necessary to possess these two poinis, and fortify them ; because from either the one or the other, the enemy might make it impossible for any shin to lie in the bason of Quebec, or even within two miles of it Batteries of cannon1 aud 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 enemy perceiving these works in some forwardness, passed the river with 1600 men, to attack and destroy them. Unluckily 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 considerably 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 9ih of July, at night, we passed the North Channel, and encamped near the enemy's left, the Montmorenci between us. The next morning captain Dank's company of rangers, posted in a wood lo cover some workmen, were attacked and defeated by a body of Indians, and had so many killed and wounded, as lo be almost disabled for the rest ofthe campaign. The enemy also suffered in this affair, and were in their turn driven off by the nearest troops. . ,,..,.. The ground to the eastwartl 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 f->r some hours iu the latter part of the ebb, and beginning of the flood tide; aud I had hopes, that possibly means might be found of passing the river above, so as to fi"lit the marquis de Montcalm, upon 'erms of less disadvantage than di rectly attackine 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 lo no purpose to at- 454 APPENDIX.. tempt a passage 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. The lbth of Joly, tio 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 lo reconnoitre Ihe country above, where I found the same attention on the enemy's side, and great difficulties on ours, arising from the nature nf the ground and the obstacles to nur com munication with the fleet. But what I feared most was, that if we should land between Ihe town and the river, captain Rouge, the body first landed, could not be reinforced before they were attacked by the enemy's whole army. Notwithstanding these difficulties, I thought once of altempting it at St. Michael's, about three miles above the town; but perceiving that the enemy were jealous of the design, were preparing against it, and had actually brought artillery and a mortar, (which being so near to Quebec, Ihey could increase as Ihey 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 hy the town uuhuri, it seemed so hazardous, that I thought it best lo desist. However, to div-de the enemy's force, and to draw their attention as high up the river ns possible, and to procure some intelligence, I sent a detachment un der the command of colonel Carleton, to knd at the. point de Trempe, lo attack whatever he might find there, bring off some prisoners, and all the uselul papers he could get. 1 had been informed, that a number of the inhabitants ol Quebec had retired to that ploce, arid that probably we should find a magazine of pro visions there. The colonel was fired upon, by a body of Indians, the moment he landed, but they were soon dispersed, and driven into the. woods ; he searched for ma gazines, hut to no purpose, brought off eonie prisoners, and returned wilh lit tle loss. After this business, I came bick to Montmorenci, where I found that briga dier Townshend had, by s superior fiie, prevented the French from erecting a battery on the bank of the river, from wheVice they intended to cannonade our camp. I now resolved to take the first opportunity which pi esenled itself, of attacking the enemy, though posted to great advantage, aud everywhere pre pared 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, Ihe 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 situation 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 :n my power to examine their situation, so as to be able to determine where we could best attack them. Preparations were accordingly made, for an engagment. The 31st of July in the forenoon, the boats of the fleet were filled with gienadiers, and a part of brigadier Monckton's brigade from the point of Levi. The two brigades under the brigadiers Townshend and Murray, were ordered to be in readiness to past the ford, when it should be thought necessary. To facilitate the passage of this corps, the' admiral had placed the Centurion in the channel, so that she might check the fire of Ihe lower battery, which commanded the ford. This ship was of great use, as her fire was very judiciously directed. A great quantity of artillery was placed upon the eminence, so as to batter and enfilade the left of their entrenchments. From the vessel which ran aground, nearest in, I observed that Ihe redoubt was too much commanded, to he kepi without very great loss, and the more as the two aimed ships could not he brought near ei ougli tu cover both with their' appendix. 455 mrtillery and musketry, which I at first conceived they might. But asthe enemv seemed in some confusion, and we were prepared for an action, I thought it a proper tune to make au attempt upon their entrenchments. Orders were sent to the brigadier generals, to be ready with the corps under their command. Brigadier Monckton was to land, and the brigadiers Townshend and Murray to pass the ford. ' At a proper time of the tide, the signal was made, but in rowing toward. the shore, many of the boats grounded upon a ledge lhat runs off a consideia- ble distance. This accident put u» into some disorder, lost a great deal of time, and obliged me to send an officer to stop brigadier Townshtnd's inarch, whom I then observed to be in motion. While the seamen were getting ihe 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 nie, to find a better place to land ; we took one flat bottomed boat with us to make the experiment, and as suon as we had found a fit part of the shore, the troops were urdered 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 distinct bodies, and to begin Ihe attack, supported by bri gadier Moncktou's corps, jas 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 utmost disorder and confusion, wituout waiting for the coips which were to sustain them, and join in the attack. Brigadier Monckton was not landed, aud briga dier 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 iu or about the redoubt which ihe French abandoned upon their approach. In this situation they continued for some time, unable to form under so hot a fire, and having many gallant officers wounded, who, (careless of their persons.) had been solely intent upon their duty, 1 saw the absolute necessity jf calling them off, that they might form themselves behind brigadier Moncktou's corps, which was now landed, and drawn up on the beach, in extreme good order. By this naw accident, and this second delay, it was near night ; a sudden storm came on, and the tide began to make ; so that I thought it most advisable not to persevere in so difficult an attack, lest, (iu case of a repulse,) the retreat af brigadier Townshend's corps might be hazardous and uncertain. Our artillery had a great effect upon the enemy's left, where brigadiers Townshend and Murray were to have attacked ; and it is probable that if those accidents -I have spoken of had not happened, we should have penetrated ihcre, whilst our lelt and centre (more remote from our artillery) must have borne all the violence of their musketry. The French did not attempt to interrupt our march. Some of Iheir savages came down lo murder such wounded as could not be brought off, and to scalp the dead, as their custom is. The place where the attack was intended, has these advantages 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 in deed posted upon a comma tiding eminence. The beach, upon which the troops were drawn up, wasuf deep mm., wilh holes, and cut by several gullies. The hill to be ascended very sleep, and not every where practicable. The enemy numerous iu their intrenchments, and their fire hot. If tbe attack had suc ceeded, our loss must certainly have been great, and theirs imonsiduiuble, from the shelter which Ihe neighbouring woods afforded them. The river St. Chailes still remained to be passed, before the town was invested. All these circum stances I considered ; but the-dtsire tu act iu conformity to the king's lutcutiuus, 456 APPENDIX. induced me to make this trial, persuaded that a victorious arrov fin 's no difli cultiss. The enemy have been fortifying ever since with care, so as to make a second attempt still more dangerous. Immediately after this check, 1 sent brigadier Murray above the town with one thousand two hundred men, directing him to ass..-t rear admiral Holmes in the destruction of the French ships (if Ihey could be got at,) in order to open a communication, with general Amherst. The brigadiei was to seek eve;-y favour able opportunity of fighting some of the enemy's detachments, piovideri he could do it upon tolerable terms, and to use all the means in his power to provoke them to attn-k him. He, made two diffeient attempts to and upon the north shore without success; but in a third was more fortunate. He landed unex pectedly at De Chambaud, and hu.-nt a magazine there, in which were snine provisions, some ammunition, and all the spare stores, clothing, arms and bag gage of their army. Finding that their ships were not lo 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 the army. The prisoners he took informed him of the surrender of the fort of Niagara and we discovered, by intercepted letters, that the enemy had abandoned Ca rillon and Crown Point, were retired to the Isle aux Noix, and that general Amherst was making preparations to pass the lake Champlain, 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 th usand men. The admiral's despatciies aud 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, and am still so weak, that I begged the genera] officers to consult together foi the public utility. They are all of opinion, that,(as more ships antl provisions bave now got above the town) they should try, by conveying up a -corps of four or five thousand men, (which is nearly the whole strength of the amy, after the points of Levi and Orleans are left in a proper state of defence,) to draw the enemy from their present situation, aud bring them to an action I have acqui esced in their proposal, and we are preparing to put it in execution. The admiral and I have examined the town, with a view to a general assault; but, after consulting with the chief engineer, who is well acquainted with the interior parts of it, and, after viewing it 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 advanced by that, since the few passages that lead from the lower to the upper town, ate carefully in trenched, and the upper batteries cannot be affected by the ships, which must receive considerable damage from them and from the mortars. The admital would readily join in this, or in any other measure, lor the public service ; but I could not propose to him an undertaking of so dangerous a nature, and pro mising so little success. To the strength of tbe country, the enemy have added (for the defence of the river) a great number of floating btilte.ries and boats. By the vigilance of these, and the Indians round our different posts, it has been impossible to execute any thing bysurprise. We have had almost daily skirmishes with these savages ; in which they are generally tlefeated, but not withotit loss on our side. By the list nf 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 for midable part of this armament is deprived of the power of acting, yet we have almost the whole force, ol 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 (ireat Britain, I know, require the most vigorous measures ; but the courage of a handful of brave men should be exerted only where there is some hope of a favourable event. However, you may be assured, str, that the small part of the campaign which remains, shall be employed (as far as I am able) for the honour of his majesty, and the ihterest 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 bis majesty's arms in any other parts of America. I have the honour to be, &c. JAMES WOLFE. APPENDIX. 457 N.— Page 375. Earl Cqrmvallis lo Sir Henry Clinton, K. B. York Town, October 20, 1781. Sir t ' .1 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 capitulation, on the 19th instant, as prisoners of war, to the combined forces of America and France. I never saw this post in a very favourable light. But when I found I was to be attacked in it, in so unprepared a stale, by so powerful an armv and artil lery, nothing but the hopes of relief would have induced me to attempt its de-' fence ; for I would either have endeavoured to escape to New York by rapid marches from the Gloucester side, immediately on the arrival of general Wash ington'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 favoured 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 lo 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 measures 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 tbe relief would sail about the 5th of October, I withdrew within the works on the night of the 29th of September, hoping by the labour and firmness of the sol diers to protract the defence until you could arrive. Everything was to be ex pected frpm the spirit of the troops; but every disadvantage attended their la bour, as the work was to be continued under the enemy's fire ; and our stock. of iotrenching tools, which did not much exceed four hundred when be 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 belonged to our outward position, occupied a gorge between two creeks or ravines, which came from the river on each side ofthe 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 distance 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 upou our right, and defended by about one hundred and twenty men (ofthe twenty-tnird regiment and marines), who maintained that post with uncommon gallantly. The fire continued incessant from heavy cannon, and from mortars and howitzers, throwing shells from eigUt 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 .js by the fire of the besiegers, and observing that the enemy had not only secured their flanks, but proceeded ;n every tespect with the utmost regularity and caution, I could not venture so large sorties, as to hope fiom them any considerable effect : but otherwise I did every thing in my power to inter rupt their nork, 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 even ing of the 14th, they assaulted and carried two redoubts that had been advanc ed about three hundred yards for the purpose of delaying their approaches and covering our left flank, and included them in their second parallel, on which Ihey - continued to work with the utmost exertion. Being perfectly sensible that our works could not stand many hours after the opening of {he batteries st that 38 4§8 ¦ APPENDIX. parallel,;, we not only continued a constant fire with all our mortari, and every gun'that coiilri be bro'ught'to bear upon it, but 'a little before daV'-break,onitlie morning Of the 10th,' I ordered a sortie of about three 'hundred and fifty men, Under trie direction of lieutenant colonel Abercrombie, to attack two batteries 'Which'appeared to be in the greatest forwardness, and to spike the glint. A de- - "tachment of guards/with the eightieth company' of grenadiers,' under„ the com mand of lieutenant colonel Take, attacked the one, ; and one of light infantry, Under the corhinand of major .4rnisfr.oV2,'attacled'tbeotner:_a,Dr),bdjIi?<8ucie4c.d- ed,' by forcing the redoubts that covered them, spiking eleven ghnj, and killing or wounding about one hundred of the French trdjop who had the' guard of that part of the trenches, and with little1 loss onour side. The action, though ex tremely honourable to the officers 'and''spliji&ig who executed it, proved of little public advantage; 'for' the cahnoti having been spUed in a tiurry, Jwere soon rendered fit for service- agVirf"; arid befqre dark the wiio^ 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 to choose belween preparing to surrender next day, or endea vouring to get off with ihe greatest part of the troopV; and I determined to at- •v tempt the latter, reflecting that, though it should proveunsuccessful In its im mediate object, it might, at least, delay the enemy in the prosecution of farther ehteiprises. Sixteen large boats were prepared,' ana, 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 ipwn's people, and the sick and wounded,' on which subject a leiter was ready to be delivered to general Wash ington" ' ". ~*>J ' -'*¦ After making my arrangements with the utnros't'secrecy, the light infantry, greatest part of the guards, and part of the twenty third regiment, ' la.nde'n' at Gloucester; buVat this critical moment,' the weather from being moderate and calm, changed to a violent storm of wind and rain, and drove all, the Skats, some of which had Iroops'qn board, rluwYp. the river,'' lt was spcjn evidehr that . the intended passage was impracticable; and the absenceOof the boats rendered it equally impossible* to bring back the troops that had passed, which 1 had br- de.eri about two iii the morning. In this situation-, with my little force divided, the enemy's batteries opened at day-break. The passage between this place and Gloucester Was miieh exposed; bill the boats'havjhg now, returned, ihey were ordered to bring back the tioops that had passed during the night, and they joined in ihe foienoon without much loss. Our works in (he mean time were going to ruin; and not having been able' to strengthen them by abattis, nor in any other manner than by a slight freezing,, which the enemy's artilleiy were demolishing' whenever ihey fired, my opinion entirely, coincided with that of the engineer and principal officers of Ihe army,. that ihey were in many^pja- ces assailable i'll the forenoon; and that hy the continuance of the.same fire for a few hour's longer, they would be 'iii' such. a stale iis.,to fender, it desperate, with our numbers, to attempt to maintain ihem; . We.at that/time' could.not fire a single gun; only one eight inch and a little more'th a n one hundred Coliorn shells remained. A diversion by the French ships, of. war, that lay at thehionth of York river, was to' be expected. Our- numbers hail been diminished- by the enemy's1 file, but particulaily by sickness -^.arid the strength and spiv its of these in the works were much exhausted by the fatigue of constuntwatching. and un remitting duty. Under all these circumstances, 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 hed'ever,. behaved, with so much fidelity and courage, by exposing then? to an assault,' which, from the ^umbers .and precaution of .the erri-my, could not fail to suSceed, 1 therefore proposed to capitulate ; .and. I have the honour to inclose to .your excellency the c-qpy of trie correspondence be.tween g*S^ai Washington and me on. that subject, .and itbe,.i,erms of capitulation aI*7 '' opun" --1 s"lceie'y 'anient that beller could not be .obtained; but ljbave f|| '¦¦ d '""hi"? m my power to alleviate ihe misfortune, and distress of- both omrei? a -id soldiers. APPENDIX. 459 The men are well clothed and provided with necessaries, 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 pur surrender, has been perfectly good and proper. But the kindness and atten tion that have been shown lo us, by the French officers in particular — their deli cate sensibility of our situation, their generous and pressing offer of money, both public and private, lo any amount — hare really gone beyond what I can possibly describe ; and will, I hope, make an impression ou 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 soidiers in bearing the greatest fatigues, and their firmness and intrepidity under a perse vering fire of shot and shells, that 1 believe has not often been exceeded, deserve the highest admiration and praise. A successful defence, however, in our situa tion, was, perhaps, impossible; for the place could only be reckoned an intrench ed camp, subject in most places lo enfilade, and the ground in general so disad vantageous, that nothing bat ths 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 capitulate, 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 mili tia. They brought an immense traiu of heavy artillery, mostly amply furnished with ammunition, and perfectly well manned. The constant aud universal cheerfulness and spirit «f the officers, in all hard ships and dangers, deserve my warmest acknowledgments; and I have been particularly indebted to brigadier general O'Hara aud lieutenant 'colonel Aber crombie, the iormer commanding on the right, and the latter on the left, lor their attention and exertion on every occasion. The detachment of the twen ty-third regiment, and of the marines, in the redoubt on the right, commanded by captain Apthorpe, and the subsequent detachments, commanded by lieute nant colonel Johyston, deserve particular commendation. Captain Rochfort, who commanded the artillery, and indeed every oflicer and soldier of that.dis- ships, and to the other officers and seamen of the navy, for their active and zealous co-operation. 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 honour to deliver this despatch, and is well qualified to explain to your excellency every particular relating lo our past and present situation. .<,•,„ *¦ r I have the honour to be, &c. CORNWALLIS. At sea, Hlh June, 1813: 'tL letters which you did me the honour to write to me, with th. copy of M.moirs ofthe war in the southern provinces of America, reached me at a &.".' whTnTe Arrangement, for my immediate embarkation left ine no. a mo- m ,"u *!¦ ^^S„eJdeto'mvself to begin the study of it as soon as we should put to ' .hhutPXther deTa'y oc urred'.. The box containing the book was accident- allv nlaced^n The holdf under such a quantity of other packages, as till lately Tendered it impracticable for me to retrieve it. 460 APPENDIX. I must undoubtedly feel flattered by your procedure in writing to me, as well as by the tenor of your letters: and I beg leave to return thanks for your polite ness. One consideration alone, the conviction of your tint having interiorly cre dited a particular statement, which you have promulgated on the faith of its cur rency among your party, could prevent my expressing astonishment, that you should profess any sort of estimation, or offer a complimentary attention towards a. person represented in that narrative as capable of an atrocious act. No gen tler description would befit the measure, -ascribed to me in that statement, ot sa crificing to any views of general policy, an individual not truly, standing within the scope of capital punishment, or even of inflicting that punishment where justly incurred, if public duty did not exact the enforcement. It is the most disgusting of the circumstances attending civil war, that men, .holding themselves aloof from its dangers, always endeavour by virulence and hardihood of imputation against their adversaries, to disguise from themselves and others, the nnthingliness of spirit which restrains them from taking efficient part in the conflict. The slanders thus raised cannot be met. They acquire substance by uncontradicted circulation, as every successive propagatbr feels pledged to maintain the verity of the assertion. And when the contest is over, While the successful faction has not either interest or inclination (perhaps not the means) to retract the calumny, the individuals of the subdued party are cau tious not to entail on themselves outrage by controverting any charges which their victors may have pleased to fabricate. The misrep. escalations thus be come articles of political creed : And the most generous mind will be apt, uncon sciously, to satisfy itself that it may remain exempt from the necessity of scruti nizing a statement, when the consequences of exposing its inaccuracy, would be to revolt popular prejudice, to incur the appearance of want of ardour in the general cause, and above all to overthrow some favourite position of the person himself. Hence it is, as I think, that you have been led to receive implicitly a representation which with very little trouble you could have proved to be in correct, I well know that your honourable disposition, judging from all 1 have heard of your character, would not deliberately advance so serious a charge as you have published against me, had you believed it to be erroneous. But to affix the brand of injustice in the execution of Isaac Hayne, was a ground-work ne cessary for your giving due credit to the gallant devotion which you state to have been displayed by the American • fficers', in reference to that measure; and you have hence been betrayed into too easy a credence ofthe recital you were sure to. receive from all of the party in Carolina, (your only informants,) to which the unfortunate man belonged. The strange want of reflection with which you must have listened to every story palmed upon you, cannot be more strikingly exemplified than in the com munications from ihe town -mayor to the prisoner, which you have retailed. To have supposed the town mayor capable of informing the prisoner that be was to appear before a board of general officers, you must have imagined a principal staff officer of ours ignorant of that which you, and every man jn your army, and every other individual in the province, knew; namely, that we had not a single general officer in South Carolina. Admitting unfeignedly that much of excuse, I. still cannot but feel extraordi nary surprise, that when you entered into a long argumentative detail, (founded on an assumption quite novel) to prove that the conduct of Hayne ought not to have been treated as guilt, you avoided perceiving he could not be brought with in your own hypothesis. Were your position tenable, (which your better reflec tion would hardly contend,) that the inroad of a skulking party gives a manu mission from every tie. of allegiance to the inhabitants of any district through which it passes, youi advertence to period, to locality, and to particulars would have satisfied you, that the treason of Hayne couhi not be so extenuated ; and I only wonder how the recollection could escape presenting itself. In truth, you must have indistinctly surmised that there would be a difficulty about the appli cability of your principle, when you deemed it requisite to urge another vindica tion ; a vindication totally inconsistent with the former, because it acknow.- APPENDIX. 461 ledges the criminality which the other denies, and only labours to lessen its de gree. I allude to the situation in which you suppose Hayne lo have been plac ed by the proclamation of Sir Henry Clinton Not having an opportunity to consult any copy of that proclamation, I can only say that 1 never had the im pression of its bearing ihe sense you ascribe to it, and that I have no remem brance of its being so understood by others. Could, however, that proclamation have had the effect of annulling any of the conditions on the faith'of which Charleston was surrendered, it would have stamped indelible disgrace on him who issued it, and would have been deeply disreputable to the country which in that act he represented ; but how was it to hear on the case of Hayne ? Tne part which he had to take, as a prisoner on parole under, the capitulation, was clear. He had only to repair to Charleston, and surrender himself, till the re monstrance of congress could be exerted with Sir Henry Clinton, upun so gross an infraction of public faith. The nou-existeuce of any such reclamation on the part of congress, whose view would not be restricted to the single case i f Hayne, sufficiently rebuts the construction you put upon the proclamation. Still, supposing for the sake of giving you the utmost advantage your assumption (if valid; would claim, that the proclamation did so press upon the unhappy man, I repeat that the. fit course for' him was lo submit himself a prisoner. 1£ from any private considerations he preferred, the other alternative; he made his choice with all the obligations inseparable from it, and spontaneously rendered himself liable to all the penal ties attached to a breach of those obligations. The slightest inquiry would have satisfied you, that all who exchanged the character of prisoner on parole under the capitulation, for that of a British subject, did so voluntarily in order to en joy the benefits of disposing of the produce of their plantations, in a lucrative course of trade, not allowed to prisoneis. And when you represent Hayne as having plighted only a conditional fidelity, it is wonderful you should not have at once detected the imposition that was attempted upon you, by those who made such an assertion. Where w-as the British officer to he found, who could have inducement, or disposition, or competence, to allow of a limited .oath of allegiance to his sovereign 1 The tale carried falsity on the very face of it. Your penetration might, therefore, have been expected to see through the flimsy pretext, and to perceive, that this was an excise which Hayne would naturally make to his former comrades, to mitigate the reproach attached by ihem to his having taken the oath of allegiance, and to soften the unfavourable construc tion which he must imagine"would, even in their opinions, attend his perfidy un der so solemn a compact. But your cause would gain nothing were this ob. seivation not irrefragable. Were the possibility- admitted of his having estab lished 'the stipulation to which you allude, it would not alter his criminality. When summoned to bear arms, (if he ever were so,) he would have to say that lie had made a condition, lhat he abided by the reservation, and that he was prepared to meet any consequence of adhering to it If, instead of that course, he chose to enter into secret negotiation with the enemy, he did it knowingly un der all the peril connected with the act. Nay, had he at once broken his en gagement, and lepaired to general Greene's army, though it would have been treason, it would not have been treason of so deep aud complicated a dye, as that in which he involved himself. Before I proceed further on this head, it is expedient that a material point should be cleared up to you. You mistake entirely in supposihg that the pro vince of South Carolina was under my command. Lieutenant eulonel Balfour was my senior in the army list; and my provincial rank of colonel, held for the purpose of connection with the regiment raised hy me, did not altei that relation, as the colonels on the provincial establishment were subordinate to the youngest lieutenant colonels of the line. Sir Henry Clinton, in order to give me the management or affairs iu South Carolina, subsequently promoted me, as.a'brigadier of provincials ; but we had uo intimation of this till the commission arrived, after I had actually embarked for England : Lieutenant colonel Balfour would, therefore, at all events have commanded me. A still more particular limitation of my powers existed. Lord Cornwallis, on entrusting me with, the ma- 46£ APPENDIX. nagementof the troops ou the frontier, had specifically allotted the whole track within the Santee, Congaree, and Saluda rivers, to lieutenant colonel Balfour, as commandant of Charleston. Camden had always been reprobated hy rne as a station; not merely from the extraordinary disadvantages which. attended it, as an individual position ; but from its being on the wrong side of the river and covering nothing; while it was constantly liable to have its communication with the interior district cut off. Lord Cornwallis did not consider how much he augmented this objection, often urged by me to him, by an arrangement whence I was debarred from any interference with the district, from which alone I could be fed, the country in front of Camden, as well as that between the Wateree and Broad livers being so wasted, as to afford nothing beyond preca rious and incidental supplies. Fixed at Camden, with -.even hundred men (lieutenant colonel Watson's corps never having formed part of my garrison, and the residue of the force with which I encountered general Greene, having been introduced by me into Camden three days after he sat down before it,) I was completely dependant on lieutenant colonel Balfour for subsistence, for military stores, for harses, for arms, and for those reinforcements which were indispensable from the expenditure of men, in the unceasing activity of out ser vice. With his posts ut Motte's house, Cougarees, aud Ninety-Six, I hatl no concern, further than their occasional danger obliged .me to make movements for their protection; an assistance, which 1 had peculiar difficulty in rendering to the two former, from the works having unaccountably been so placed as not to command the ferries, through, which blunder succours could not be thrown across the river to the garrisons when invested by an enemy. Hence it hap pened that, on the abandonment of Camden in the hope of saving those posts, and protecting the interior country, I was forced to pass the Santee by the cir cuitous route of Nelson'6 ferry; From this delay arose the circumstance, that en the day after my crossing the river, I received the account of the fall of the two redoubts, pompously denominated Fort Mott and Fort Granby. The event, by throwing into your hands the only magazines of provision in the .country, utterly incapacitated me from advancing! For, destitute of cavalry to face yours, 1 must have been unable to glean daily food for my troops; and could not think so lightly of the talents of general Giecne, as to indulge the visionary expectation that he would put his fortune to the hazard of a battle, when he might reduce me to the extreme of distress by a policy unattended with risk ta himself. These particulars are not stated bo much for the purpose of conveying any information; which will be interesting to you in explaining much of the cam paign, as to shew, that I had uot in the interior district, any immediate interest, or any course of management, the interruption of which could excite in me ir ritation against Hayne, or indeed call my attention to his crime. And you well know there was not any peevish acrimony in our warfare. In fact, I never heard of the insurrection which he instigated, till its suppression was communi cated to me by lieutenant colonel Balfour. The way I came to have any part in the affair was this. When Lord Corn wallis suddenly marched into North Carolina, he wrote to me, (then through ac cidental circumstances at Camdei.,) lo assign to me the very unexpected charge of maintaining that post, and the frontier beyond the rivers. In the same letter be entreated me, as a proof of friendship to himself, that I would act cordially with lieutenant colonel Balfour, between whom and me his lordship knew there had been some estrangement. Iu answer, I assured him, that ho might depend on iny giving to lieutenant colonel Balfour in every particular, the most zealous support. Shortly after we had withdrawn from Ninety-Six and the upper country, lieutenant colonel Balfour wrote to apprise me, that an insuirection had taken place in the rear of my army, but had luckily been crushed. He stated the im perious necessity of repressing tbe disposition to similar acts pf treachery, by making an example of the individual who had planned, as well as headed the revolt, and who had fallen into lieutenant colonel Balfour's hands. He soli cited my concurrence (absolutely ineffective in any other point of view, in a dij' APPENDIX; 4,63 trlct where I was wholly under his control) that it might vouch to Sir Henry- Clinton, with whom he was on ill terms, for the public policy of the measure. Oh the justice of it, there was not then a conception, that in possibility a ques tion could be raised. I replied that there could be no douht as to the necessity j for making the example, to which I would readily give the sanction of my name. Collateral circumstances were then unknown to me. Immediately on my arri val at Charleston, application was made to me-by a number of ladies, (princi pally of your party) to save Hayne from the impending infliction.' Ignorant of the complicated nature and extent of the crime, I incautiously promised to use my endeavours towards inducing lieutenant colonel Balfour to lenity. A peti tion to be signed by the ladies, was drawn up as a s'ep gratifying to me, by one of the officers of iho staff, (I believe by major Barry, the deputy adjutant general) to serve as a basis for my address to the commandant. When I opened the matter to him he appeared much astonished ; detailed lo me circumstances of the case with which I had been completely unacquainted ; requesting me to inform myself more minutely upon them ; and earnestly begged me to ponder on - the effect, which forbearance from visiting such an 'offence withdue punishment, (sure to be ascribed to timidity) must unavoidably produce on the minds ofthe inhabitants. It was a grievous error in nie that I did. not at once yield to the 'reasoning, and to the conviction which it could, not but impress, instead of still attempting to lealize the hope, which I had suffered the ladies so loosely to en tertain. I unluckily persevered in the effort to reconcile a pardon with some ap pearance of propriety. At this time 1 saw a lady connected with Hayne: I sup pose it must have been the Mrs Perroneau mentioned by-you. I frankly told her what had passed between me and lieutenant colonel Balfpur, stating the embar- lassmentin which I found myself, from the enormity of the transgression, aud the objections too justly urged, but adding, lhat, unless there should be inter vention from general Greene, I would still try if the difficulty coultl be surmount ed. This point, I understand, was most profligately wrested, as if lieutenant colonel Balfour and I had held lorth a sort of implied condition to the unfortu nate man, that he should be spared if general Greene did not interfere ; and that the latter was thence withheld from exertions which might have been effectual. Lieutenant colonel Balfour was never privy to the conversation between Mrs. Perroneau und me; nor could it in any case have been imagined possible, that such a communication should reach general Greene, when Iho attempt at any correspondence with him would have been a capital offence. It was simply an expression of my fears, that a ciicumstaiice might occur which would at once destroy all chance of my being useful. Any interposition on the/part of general Greene must have been in irritating terms, and would infallibly have precluded an excuse which I hoped to obtain, and which would afford a decent pretence for a lenity, felt by me to be li ible to great and well founded censure. As a mode of gaining lime, I had solicited lieutenant colonel Balfour to have- the par ticulars ofthe case ascertained by a court of inquiry for my satisfaction, alleging the chance, (though I coultl not really believe the existence of any such) that circumstances might have been distorted by the animosity of Hayne's neighbours. This step, althougha court of inquiry was the same form of investigation as had been used in the case of major Andu';, was an indiscretion on my part; because it afforded a colour for perversion, by seeming to imply lhat there might be a doubt as 10 the amount of guilt : whereas, by all tho recognized laws of war, nothing was requisite in the case of Hayne, but to identify his person previous to banging him on the next tree. Before that Court (the proceedings of which were unavoidably thrown overboard with my other p.. pers, when I was taken by the French at sea,) he produced docninenls to establish his claim of being treated as an American officer, but which only more distinctly suustanti ited his criminal correspondence with tbe enemy. So that the ca.se, had it admitted of aggrava tion would have been made worse by the result of that inquiry. Ha was, irom his correspondence with the enemy while within our ports, a spy in the strictest sense of the word : and to that guilt was added tho further crime ol his having. debauched a pottionof our enrolled 'militia, at the head ot which he menaced with death all persons of the vicinage, who would not join htm in amis against 464 APPENDIX. us, and actually devastated the property of those who fled from participation in the revolt. Such were the difficulties of the task in which I had improperly en tangled myself. I notwithstanding persevered Mr. Alexander Wright and Mr.'t Powell, (I think his Chiistain name was Charles) in compliance with my wishes,', undertook to tiy whether a petition ft r pardon to Hayne might not be procured \ from a respectable numUerofloyalists: though they gave me little encouragement to hope success, from even their known and just influence with that body. They first applied to Jieuteriant governor Bull, who consented to sign the petition, pro vided the attorney-general, sir Egerton Leigh, would do sc) The answer of sir Egerton Leigh was, that lie wouldburn his hand off rather than do anaclso in jurious to the king's service.- Lieutenant governor Bull's conditional promise of course fell to the ground, though he subsequently, from some dupery practised upon his age, joined his name with those of certain of your most active 3nd avow- . etl partisans : and not oue loyalist, of repute could be persuaded to put his name to. the petition. There then remained no possible excuse for a remission ofthe punishment; under which circumstances, it would have been baseness in me to wards lieutenant colonel Balfour, and a forfeiture of my plighted assurance fo lord Cornwallis, had I withheld my name from the measure, when, alter what liad passed, I could hut be conscious it was deeply necessary for the public service. The enterprise which Hayne had planned and achieved when he was inter cepted and taken, had an object of singular malignity. 1 allude to the seizure of Mr. Williamson; and the insulting triumph with which Mr. Williamson was told; that the purpose in capturing him; was to have been hanged in the camp qf general Greene, had naturally roused the indignation of all the friends of the Biitish government. Mr. Williamson, as you know, had been a brigadier gene ral of the American militia at the time of our invading South Carolina. When ihe rest ofthe province submitted, Mr. Williamson also adopted that line. He had not taken up arms, against you,, nor was he intermeddling in politics, but quietly residing in the neighbourhood of Charleston. The attempt, therefore, to carry him off, and to exhibit in his person, a proof that even mere submission to our, rule should entail the utmost severity of infliction, caused great ferment in the minds ofthe loyalists. This was extraordinarily augmented by 9 dread ful impolicy on the part of the unfortunate prisoner. The number of indivi duals professedly of your party, to whom tbe capitulation had given the right of remaining iu Charleston, afforded to Hayne a communication most mischievous for him. For those persons, intoxicated by an apparent change of tide in their favour, not only-themselves held thelanguage (hat the British government would not dare to execute Hayne, but. misled the unhappy man to use the same tone of defiance to the loyalists. To have been swayed hy their resentment would have been unworthy: but they had a claim very distinct from that of passion, to a consideration of their opinions, from those entrusted with the conduct of the general concern. WhenHheir fortunes and their lives were risked in the cause of Britain, they had a right to demand that the joint stake should be so managed, as to give to them their.fair chance for, success in the. contest: and it was obvious, lhat if in an hour when the highest peril was to be encountered-by those who remained faithful; no terrors were to impend over a breach of the sacred -ties by which they were individually bound to each other and to government, a premium would in fact be held forth to treachery, and ihe dt-solution of the com mon interest would be inevitable. If we were to maintain » claim on their fidelity, it could only be by showing a just sensibility foctheir welfare. You prove yourself perfectly aware of the nature of the period, and of the urgent pressure under which we Laboured, when you mention the expectation you weie authorized to entertain, that a French army would land in the south ern provinces. We had received from the secretary at state, an intimation which led us to believe, that Beaufoit was its probable destination. Adver tence io this contingency, and the necessity of making provision against tho event, had materially influenced the conduct of the campaign. It was the rea son why, when I undertook the relief of Nineiy-Six, I was furnished with out Rarely seventeen hundred men. Even of that foroe, a principal proportion was APPENDIX. 46U eomposad of HassiapVo,' of .troops just landed from Ireland, so little suited to bear the 'rap-'rtttv.ni uian-h which our circumstances exacted, (hat we left (lum bers :of -them (veiry maiiy'd'ead fnnn.tlic heat,) along the mad. The crisis may be estimated byAhiy being obliged to risk-such an enterprise with a strength,, on, any prdyiafy calculation', so inadequate to the> object. In this exi'gtjncjr, we found ourselves surrounded by defection and treachery on all sides. The perfi dy had-gonevso far, that soon after my crossing the Santee, I had to communi cate- to lieutenant colonel Balfour the necessity I'm- 'bis immediately disarnung a port-ion of his town militia, designated hy me'; a*. I knew from Information not ques tionable, that they were in .correspondence with general Greene, and Jiad en-.. gaged to seize the gates for- him, if he could sl'ip by me, and present himself suri- ' deuly Before Charleston. In such-extremities, those administering the interest of their country (if they were not to bow then- heads to the defection, and abjectly sacrifice the important trust,. leposed, inthem) had no option but to exert against the iflfehief, that strenuous resistance which their duty required, and the purest justicedauthorized. ^ Such, sir, arc the real featui-es'bf a case, which you hold forth in unfavour-, able cdntrast'with the tenderness of sentiment displayed, iu the proceedings against major, Au. Ire ! It is not my wi.h. to' eniei into a discussion of the latter qase: and it would be most unfair to doubt the dispositions of general.Wash- jaatatifor the irresistible pressure1 which rendered them abortive , , Vet thus far I must remak. .Had there been so much solicitude to save tliat unfoitunate officer as you represent, this ostensible, plea might have beenadvanced for him -. That his'enterihg in disguise within.your fottiess, was by the direction and with the invitation of your officer commanding-there. For the guijt of Hayne no sha dow of> palliation could, be found. Th&story of remonstrance from the Bmish officers to -lieutenant colonel Balfour shows how, lamentably you were deceived in every respect by the fabrications iu the province. That recurrence of the British officers -to the cominaipdamywas for,the purpose of urging him to secure Sa for retaliation, in case of general Greene's carrying into effect his ou - raieous threat. Thev needed not to have given themselves the trouble ; ami, Too wise'noTto K ^hettr wo'uld not bear scrutiny, and that it .must not for his ends be A"ve"X!^1e^"Z, that lieutenant colonel Balfour Having "-""""^."^'SfrLlo I Cornwallis to Check by retaliation and I had severally, direct rders f rom I -ntl 'lrea,ed the loyalist, the 7«i!"%-Jie";e7,Vit numbers in Ir hands justly amenable to ri- ..who fell into then P°« ^ ^ himself t0 dispeuse „ith that ¦njunciton: gour/each of us had tas.en "UV ( that our obedience would only Sot from any dojbt. of its equ. y, bu t fto-n^o .yd e . extend -be calamity, and Irom * ho •- *« . , ^ „,„.,„ officer5 would be the best corrective of tne ^',un"" ^ot' jonipractised upon you have fromhavingsucl, feeling, £. .h« ,f.ll««»o - '—^^^ fl,ends, * the ex- led you to suppose, that I "ad been «¦ ffi 'J $eem- he91tai,oti iiucipal officers on the eve of my *>«»» ' any -,„ confess ment was So i staff and p.incipal officers on the eve oi my . -» Jompany, Vconfess bound W justice towards the comraau rt.r* tt address ^ , ^ that the apparent demur was 'r^SU and to admit that, I to find ground, to ewurt a remission of £ J"^,, ', w„ conscientious ; TZ °T*» W-iouely balled for *• example. tiaos, which so impev^ 46®" -AJti'£x©tx. That thttrjlitylsli merit of Hayne rtray appear an unnecessary severity, yAu s,tn.t«, that' at this juncture the British cat « was evidently lost rn America, The opinion of an enemy, especially of an ejneiny so zealtinf and energeiic as*you, would be no very rational guide for an officer's conduct. There was not at that period any reason fur our entertaining such a -notion; nor would duty have •alloy/ed a relair^ltign of the exertions which t'he*trustdemanded,-:Uporr%uy per sona} conceptions, of the sort:' No, apprehension existed of inability to cope with your joint force, should the' French land- in South Carolina, though the !><.>- '-ssily of keeping, the British troops in a position to be readily, collected into one body, gaveyou lor the time appareut advantages. Your circumstances were still cfii^ttk.,; The situation must not be argued from subsequent occurrences, not then within the foresight-of any one ; and there were measures whiclf'would at ince have altered the relative -condition of affairs. - Had -lore?' Cornwallis, with his ariny refreshed, re-equipped, and reinforced, 'originally marched; from Wiimiugtoti.to the Upper 'country of North Carolina, the step must have' been decisive. s>gajast you. Its consequence were so clear, that, ignorant ofthe un- cont rotable fjffistacles, whieh doubtless niust'have existed lo forbid his lordship's pursuing*tha't policy, we every d a y ex pegted to hear of his being in Hillsborough. If, leaving 'Viigiuia occupied in self-defence; against such a portion of troops as he might' think proper to allot for the purpose, he had pioe^gded^to raise ajid or ganize the loyalists of Noith Carolina in your rear, cutting off'all your supplies and reinfoicemeiitsfrom the iiorthward/jt appeared to us thait the destruction of general Greene's" army was almost rinevitable. We were sufficiently on the watch lo prevent a junction belween you 'and any French force that might be lande'd at Beauford: And, for theerids of co-operation, instructions from lord Cornwallis would undoubtedly have caused the .field army in South Carolina to be' put on a footing of efficiency, which it did not possess during my ser vice. Fortunate it would have bleu had this movement, so confidently reek- one,*! upon by us, taken place' While it .must have'so seriously affected gene- ra:l'»Greene's army, it would h'ave removed, lord Cofcnwalljs from a position, where he was an object for the concentration of force by the Americans and French, and it would of course have precluded that fatal operation. The wisdom of Providence decreed otherwise ; and the judgment of lord Cornwal lis was nor, left unfettered. -ij:-. ...'.-w-- ¦ j This letter, hjis run into inordinate Teftgth ; though yrib will readily un- derst|rid that I have forborne to dilation many points connected with the subject. Its prolixity has arisen from the wish to furnish you with full means of ifi^Alfrrg a sure" judgment on the' case. Be assured that I have not a suspicion" of your having given any colour to your narrative, .but-what you tlpSily believed to be the true one After, rthe promulgation o( so in vidious a charge against me, I know not how it can be in your jiower to make me any reparation: But of this I will remain persuaded; that if my statement shall lead you to a conviction of your having done me injustice, you Will sincerely regret the facility, with which you credited fepresenta-* tions, so, likely to be warped by the interests and the passions of thosejfiom whom you receiyed them. I have, the honour, sir, to be your most obedient homble servant, - "'¦J ''¦ MOIRA. Major General Henry Lejs.