Banastre Tarleton; "The Campaigns of 1780 and 1781", Chapter 3 notes

On the morning of the 17th I dispatched proper people into North Carolina, with directions to our friends there to take arms and assemble immediately, and to seize the most violent people and all military stores and magazines belonging to the rebels, and to intercept all stragglers from the routed army; and I have promised to march without loss of time to their support. Some necessary supplies for the army are now on their way from Charles town, and I hope that their arrival will enable me to move in a few days.

Christopher Gadsden, lieutenant		Thomas Ferguson.
governor.		Anthony Toomer.
Thomas Farr, late speaker.		Alexander Moultrie.
[p186]Jacob Read.		Edward M'Crady.
Richard Hutson.		David Ramsay.
Edward Blake.		John Todd.
Edward Rutledge.		George Flagg.
Isaac Homes.		Peter Fayssoux.
Richard Lushington.		Josiah Smith.
Peter Timothy.		John Parker.
John Edwards.		John Sansam.
Hugh Rutledge.		John-Ernest Poyas.
John Floyd.		John Budd.
William Price.		John Loveday.
Thomas Savage.		Thomas Singleton.
Thomas Heyward.		Edward North.
William-Hazel Gibbs.		Joseph Atkinson.

Whereas, notwithstanding the moderation of the British government, and His Majesty's unparalleled clemency to those of his deluded objects, who, from a sense of their errors, have returned to their duty and allegiance, there are several persons of property in this province, who obstinately persist in their guilty and treasonable practices, and are either in the service or acting under the authority of the [p187] rebel Congress; or by abandoning their plantations, to join the enemies of Great Britain; or by an open avowal of rebellious principles, and other notorious acts, do manifest a wicked and desperate perseverance, in opposing to the utmost of their power the re-establishment of His Majesty's just and lawful authority: And whereas it is a duty incumbent upon me, to take all due precaution to secure the tranquility of His Majesty's government, and the peace and liberties of his faithful and loyal subjects in this province, and to prevent the wicked designs of such ill-disposed persons as are above described from taking effect: And whereas it might be of dangerous consequence to suffer such persons to possess and make use of their estates in this province, thereby furnishing them with the means of carrying on their malicious and traiterous designs more effectually into execution; and as it likewise appears to me both just and expedient, that the property which they have voluntarily staked in support of rebellion, should now be applied, on our part, to defray a portion of the expences occasioned by the obstinate delinquency of their faction: I have, therefore, thought proper to issue this proclamation, to notify to all persons concerned, that I have ordered the estates, both real and personal, in this province, belonging to the wicked and dangerous traitors above described, to be sequestered; and I have constituted and appointed John Cruden, Esq. to be commissioner to execute the purposes of this proclamation, with full power and authority, on receipt of an order or warrant under my hand, or the hand of the officer commanding the British forces in this province, or the commandant of Charles town, and not otherwise, to take into his charge, custody, and possession, the estates, both real and personal, of those who have abandoned their plantations to join the enemies of Great Britain; and of the estates, both real and personal, (not included in the capitulation of Charles town) of those in the service, or acting under the authority [p188] of the rebel Congress; and of the estates, both personal and real, of those persons, who by an open avowal of rebellious principles, or by other notorious acts, do manifest a wicked and desperate perseverance in opposing, to the utmost of their power, the re-establishment of His Majesty's just and lawful authority. And the said commissioner shall, within the term of twenty-one days after execution of every such order or warrant above mentioned, by seizure of the estates or property therein described, cause notice thereof to be published in three successive newspapers, that no person concerned may plead ignorance of the same; and the like term is allowed for the removal of possessors from the premises so seized. And to the end that this trust, of so great importance, be duly and faithfully administered for the public benefit, I do hereby strictly require and enjoin, that the said commissioner doth, in every case of the seizure of property, whether real or personal, forthwith take upon the spot, (if in the country) in the presence of two persons acting either as field officers, or captains of militia under His Majesty, and (if in town) in presence of two creditable freeholders, an exact inventory of the property so seized, which they are hereby required to sign; and it is to be kept and produced by the commissioner, as a voucher on the exhibition of his accounts. And whereas it is dictated by humanity and compassion, that due and reasonable consideration be had for the families of traiterous offenders, whose property is necessarily become the objects of this proclamation, I have authorized and directed the said commissioner to pay, for the support and maintenance of families, consisting of a wife and children, one fourth part of the neat annual product of the seized estates respectively, and one sixth part where there is a wife and no children, as the case may be, provided they are resident, and continue to be resident, within this province; and the receipts and acquittances of the parties shall be, and are hereby directed to be, considered [p189] sufficient vouchers to the said commissioner at the settlement of his accounts. And it being highly expedient, that accounts of all personal property, and of the issues and produce of all estates, consisting of land, negroes, cattle, and of every species of property, seized by virtue of this proclamation, be kept in the most clear and distinct manner possible; I do hereby direct, that the said commissioner do keep particular and separate accounts of all property, real and personal, under the names of the persons who were supposed and acknowledged to be the proprietors at the time of seizure: And I do hereby farther direct and require the said commissioner to make up a general account of the expence of management, and of the amount of the sale and disposal of all property whatsoever that shall come into his hands, which is to be laid before the commandant and board of police of Charles town, every six months, or oftener if it shall appear necessary and practicable; and he shall be thereunto required, during such time as the said estates shall remain under sequestration: And the commandant and board of police are hereby directed and required to inspect the said accounts with all convenient dispatch, and if they appear to them to be just and right, to grant a certificate thereof to the said commissioner; and the said commissioner is hereby farther required, upon such certificate being granted, to pay the balance arising from the above-described estates into the hands of the paymaster general of His Majesty's forces or his deputy, to be applied to the purpose before mentioned, or in any manner that may be directed by His Majesty's commissioners for restoring peace to America, or the commander in chief. And I do hereby declare, that any person or persons obstructing or impeding the said commissioner in the execution of his duty, by concealment or removal of any property he may be authorized to seize, or otherwise, shall, on conviction, be punished as aiding and abetting rebellion; and if any person or persons shall make [p190] discovery where any effects are concealed, or attempted to be carried away, or shall give any necessary information to the said John Cruden, Esq. so that effects belonging to a person whose estate is sequestered may be secured, the person or persons giving such information shall be most liberally rewarded: And all officers, civil or military, and all other persons whatsoever, are strictly enjoined and required to aid and assist the said John Cruden and his deputies in the execution of the trust reposed in him. And whereas certain limited orders and powers have been given by me to colonels and commanding officers of militia, in some few of the districts of this province, to seize the horses, cattle, negroes, and provisions of persons concerned in the last revolt, more particularly described in the said orders, and to apply the same, under certain regulations and restrictions, to the indemnification of the King's loyal and faithful subjects in the respective districts, who had suffered by the depredations of the rebels: And whereas the colonels and commanding officers of militia were by the said orders directed to report to me, at the head quarters of the army, the property they should seize by virtue of the same, specifying clearly its nature and value, and the application thereof towards the relief and indemnity of His Majesty's faithful subjects who have suffered as aforesaid; I do now hereby require and command them, instead of reporting to me their proceedings, as above directed, to transmit to the commandant of Charles town, within the term of fourteen days after the distribution of the property seized, particular accounts of all such property seized, and of its application and distribution, in writing, which are to be signed by the colonel or commanding officer of the militia, and by the twelve men of the neighbourhood who condemned the property, and ordered distribution of the same; and that they do transmit exact duplicates of the said accounts, signed in the manner above directed, at the same time to John Cruden, Esq. the commissioner [p191] named in this proclamation, to be lodged in his office at Charles town; to the end that it may appear and be ascertained how the property seized, under the above-recited orders, hath been applied and distributed.

Given under my hand and seal, at head quarters, in the district of Wacsaw, in the said province, the sixth day of September, Anno Domini one thousand seven hundred and eighty, in the twentieth year of His Majesty's reign.

If nothing material happens to obstruct my plan of operations, I mean, as soon as Lieutenant-colonel Tarleton can be removed, to proceed with the 23d, 33d, volunteers of Ireland, and legion, to Charlotte town, and leave the 71st here (a.) until the sick can be brought on to us. I then mean to make some redoubts, and establish a fixed post at that place, and give the command of it to Major Wemyss, whose regiment is so totally demolished by sickness, that it will not be fit for actual service for some months.

Sir,
I have just received yours of the 19th, and last night had the satisfaction to hear from Lieutenant-colonel Cruger, that he had arrived in time to save Browne, and (b.) retaken the guns, and totally routed the enemy, who had retired with great precipitation; that the Indians had pursued and scalped many of them. I have no objections to your making any allowance to the militia you think they deserve; but had rather it called gratuity than pay, even if it amounts to the same sum. Tarleton (a.) is better, and was moved to-day in a litter; his illness [the rest of the sentence is footnoted as having been in cipher, and is left blank]. I shall [the rest of the sentence was also in cipher and left blank].

I heard a report that a Major Davie, who commands a corps of about eighty horse militia, had marched against you. You will know whether this is true before this can possibly reach you.

P. S. As soon as I have consumed the provisions in this settlement, I shall march with as much expedition as possible to Cross creek. I am told the climate will be healthy there by the middle of next month.

My Lord,
A doubt does not remain with regard to the intelligence I sent your lordship: They are since joined by Clark and Sumpter, of course are become an object of some consequence. Happily their leaders are obliged to feed their followers with such hopes, and so to flatter them with accounts of our weakness and fear, that, if necessary, I should hope for success against them myself; but, numbers compared, that must be doubtful. I am on my march towards you by a road leading from Cherokee ford, north of King's mountain. Three or four hundred good soldiers, part dragoons, would finish the business. Something must be done soon. This is their last push in this quarter, &c.

Sir,
I do myself the pleasure of congratulating your excellency on the small dawn of good fortune which at length appears in the south, as you will find by the dispatches I have the honour of enclosing to you, and which I this moment received from General Gates.

Sir,
I am at present about seventy miles from Salisbury, in the fork of the Catawba, with about four hundred and fifty horsemen, in pursuit of Colonel Ferguson. On my crossing the Catawba river, I dispatched to different quarters for intelligence, and this evening I was favoured with this news, which you may depend on: That Colonel Clark, of the state of Georgia, with one hundred riflemen, forced his way through South Carolina to Georgia. On his route thither, being joined by seven hundred men, he proceeded to the town of Augusta, and has taken it with a large quantity of goods; but not finding it prudent to continue there, he has retreated to the upper parts of South Carolina, in Ninety-six district, and made a stand with eight hundred brave men.

This moment another of my expresses is arrived from Colonels M'Dowell and Shelby: They were on their march, near Burk court house, with one thousand five hundred brave mountain men, and Colonel Cleveland was within ten miles of them with eight hundred men, and was to form a junction with them this day. I expect to join them to-morrow, in pursuit of Colonel Ferguson, and, under the direction of Heaven, I hope to be able to render your honour a good account of him in a few days.

Sir,
This instant I received the great and glorious news contained in the enclosed letter from Brigadier-general Davison to General Sumner, [p195] who directly dispatched it to me by express. We are now more than even with the enemy. The moment the supplies for the troops arrive from Taylor's ferry, I shall proceed with the whole to the Yadkin. General Smallwood and Colonel Morgan are on their way to that post; the latter, with the light infantry, was yesterday advanced eighteen miles beyond Guildford court house; the former, with the cavalry, lay last night thirteen miles on this side that place. I desire your excellency will forthwith dispatch copies of all the letters I now send you to the President of Congress.

Sir,
I have the pleasure of sending you very agreeable intelligence from the west. Ferguson, the great partizan, has miscarried. This we are assured by Mr. Tate, who was major in General Sumpter's late command; the particulars from that gentleman's mouth stand thus: That Colonels Campbell, Cleveland, Shelby, Seveer, Williams, Brandon, Lacey, &c., formed a conjunct body near Gilbert town, consisting of three thousand men. From this body were selected one thousand six hundred good horse, who immediately went in pursuit of Colonel Ferguson, who was making his way to Charlotte. Our people overtook him well posted on King's mountain, and on the evening of the 7th instant, at four o'clock, began the attack, which continued forty-seven minutes. Colonel Ferguson fell in the action, besides one hundred and fifty of his men; eight hundred and ten were made prisoners, including the British; one hundred and fifty of the prisoners are wounded: One thousand five hundred stand of arms fell into our [p196] hands. Colonel Ferguson had about one thousand four hundred men. Our people surrounded them, and the enemy surrendered.

We lost about twenty men; among whom is Major Chronicle, of Lincoln county; Colonel Williams is mortally wounded. The number of our wounded cannot be ascertained. This blow will certainly affect the British very considerably. The brigade major who gives this was in the action. The above is true. The blow is great. I give you joy on the occasion.

Sir,
With great satisfaction I inform you of the defeat of Major Ferguson on King's mountain, four o'clock Saturday afternoon. The particulars I enclose you as I received them a few minutes ago: Also a letter from General Davison, of his securing twenty-nine barrels of powder, which were secreted some time since near Charlotte.

This document was in the author's
possession

I am very much obliged to you, my dear Sir, for the pains which you have taken in looking out for a position for us. All the maps of the country which I have are so very inaccurate, that I must depend totally on your judgement: Whilst I remain in this quarter, my principal point is to communicate readily with Camden and Ninety Six; at the same time that I shall be in a neighbourhood where the camp may be well supplied. The nearer to the great road I should imagine the better: However, I am not enough acquainted with that part of the country to decide. Swan's report appears to be in some degree influenced by his desire of getting in safety to his own home. Twenty miles westward from the cross roads I should think would remove us too far from that direct communication which we wish. But I must repeat, that I speak from maps, in which I suspect the relative positions to be ill laid down.

The supplies of rum and other stores which we must receive from Camden, would make it eligible not to strike off too wide from that post. I shall proceed to the cross roads to-morrow, where I shall hope to hear from you: But we beg that you will in the mean time encourage the inhabitants to bring us in as much flour and meal as possible; assuring them that they shall be punctually paid for every thing with which they furnish the camp.

I have the honour to be,
Dear Sir, with great regard,
Your very faithful servant,
RAWDON.

Dear Tarleton,
A letter from Despard informs us, that you have the rank of lieutenant colonel, which gives me the greatest satisfaction, and which you so truly deserve; I am glad it was done before they knew of the affair of the 18th, as it puts them still in your debt. I know nothing more than when I wrote last. Our supplies of all sorts very scanty. Rebel plundering parties come within fourteen miles; their force on this side only (b.) Sumpter, &c. Poor Captain Hovenden is laid up with fever and ague.

Sir,
You will be pleased to proceed with the troops embarked under your command to Chesapeak bay; and, upon your arrival at that place, you will pursue such measures as you shall judge most likely to answer the purpose of this expedition; the principal object of which is to make a diversion in favour of Lieutenant-general Earl Cornwallis, who, by the time you arrive there, will probably be acting in the back parts of North Carolina. The information you shall procure on the spot, after your arrival at your destined post, will point out to you the properest method of accomplishing this. But from what I have received here, I should judge it best to proceed up James river as high as possible, in order to seize or destroy any magazines the enemy may have in Petersburg, Richmond, or any of the places adjacent; and finally to establish a post on Elizabeth river. But this, as well as the direction of every other operation, is submitted to Earl Cornwallis, with whom you are as soon as possible to communicate, and afterwards to follow all such orders and directions as you shall from time to time receive from his lordship.

Colonel Marion had so wrought on the minds of the people, partly by the terror of his threats and cruelty of his punishments, and partly by the promise of plunder, that there was scarcely an inhabitant between the Santee and Pedee, that was not in arms against us. Some parties had even crossed the Santee, and carried terror to the gates of Charles town. My first object was to reinstate matters in that quarter, without which Camden could receive no supplies. I therefore sent Tarleton, who pursued Marion for several days, obliged his corps to take to the swamps, and by convincing the inhabitants that there was a power superior to Marion, who could likewise reward and punish, so far checked the insurrection, that the greatest part of them have not dared to appear in arms against us since his expedition.

Dear Tarleton,
Major Wemyss attacked Sumpter at Fish Dam at one o'clock this morning, contrary to his plan, which was to wait until day light; the consequence is, that Wemyss is wounded and left, and about twenty men: Lieutenant Hovenden is wounded, but I believe [p201] the legion has not lost much -- Must beg of you to return immediately, leaving some horses for mounting men at Camden. I am under the greatest anxiety for Ninety Six, and trust you will lose no time in returning to me.

You will have received my letter of yesterday, since which we have intelligence that Sumpter has passed the Broad River, and joined Clarke, Brannen, &c. They talk of expecting some of the mountaineers; as they have excellent horses we cannot hurt them; and unless they receive some check they will be very troublesome. The 63d are well mounted for infantry, and may occasionally ride in your train, they behaved vastly well, out of five shots which were fired from the picket, one broke Wemyss' arm, and another his knee, the command then devolved to a young lieutenant, who knew nothing of the plan, or the ground, or the force of the enemy, and all was confusion. After what I have said, I am sure I may depend on your acting for the best, on the general plan of the welfare of the army.

I send duplicates of my two last letters, as I ordered one of the expresses to return immediately, and he is not yet come; I am apprehensive some accident may have happened to him. The enemy [p202] declare their intentions of going to Ninety Six; I have sent M'Arthur with the 1st battalion (a.) of the 71st, and the 63d under Money to Shirar's ferry: I wish you would get three legions, and divide yourself into three parts: We can do no good without you, I trust to your coming immediately, unless you see something more materially pressing.

My Dear Tarleton,
I most heartily wish you joy of your success: But wish it had not cost you so much; I have ordered M'Arthur to proceed to Calley's ford on Ennoree, and to wait for your orders with his battalion, sending on the baggage with a captain and fifty men: If you should want him it will make but little delay; if not, it will save him a long march. I have sent Stewart to assist your wounded; I am happy to hear that Money is in no danger; I most sincerely rejoice in your escape, as well on my own account, as on that of your country: That success and every happiness may ever attend you, is the sincere wish

If you hear of Campbell, or any force advancing, you need not hurry yourself. In short, I leave all to your discretion; you know [p203] the importance of putting the district of Ninety Six into a state of security, and will act accordingly: You will make any requisitions you please to Cruger, either from co-operation from him, or assistance of militia, which is now under the direction of Cunningham, brigadier general of the militia of the district, and which, I hope, will do better than it has lately done.

I have a letter from L___, who, on the first application, complies with our wishes: I will not tire you with a repetition of my obligations to you; I trust you will find that I shall never forget them. Pray express my thanks in the strongest terms to the officers and men under your command.

I have no doubt but your victory will be attended with as good consequences to our affairs as it is with honour and credit to yourself; I shall be very glad to hear that Sumpter is in a condition to give us no farther trouble; he certainly has been our greatest plague in this country.

Sumpter having passed the Broad river, and joined Brannen, Clarke, &c., I detached Major M'Arthur with the 1st battalion of the [p204] 71st, and the 63d regiment, after having sent my aid-de-camp, Lieutenant Money, to take the command of it, to Brierley's ferry, on Broad River, in order to cover our mills, and to give some check to the enemy's march to Ninety Six. At the same time I recalled Lieutenant-colonel Tarleton from the low country. Tarleton was so fortunate as to pass not only the Wateree, but the Broad river, without General Sumpter's being apprized of it, who having increased his corps to one thousand, had passed the Ennoree, and was on the point of attacking our hundred militia at Williams' (a.) house, fifteen miles from Ninety Six, and where, I believe, he would not have met with much resistance. Lieutenant-colonel Tarleton would have surprized him on the south of Ennoree, had not a deserter of (b.) the 63d given notice of his march: He, however, cut to pieces his rear guard in passing that river; and pursued his main body with such rapidity, that he could not pass the Tyger, and was obliged to halt on a very strong position, at a place called Blackstock's, close to it; Tarleton had with him only his cavalry, and the 63d mounted, his infantry and a three pounder being several miles behind. The enemy not being able to retreat with safety, and being informed of Tarleton's approach and want of infantry, by a woman (c.) who passed him on the march, and contrived by a nearer road to get to them, were encouraged by their great superiority of numbers, and began to fire on the 63d, who were dismounted. Lieutenant-colonel Tarleton, to save them from considerable loss, was obliged to attack, although at some hazard, and drove the enemy with loss over the river: Sumpter was dangerously wounded, three of (d.) their colonels killed, and about one and twenty men killed, wounded, or taken. On our side about fifty were killed and wounded, Lieutenants Gibson and Cope, of the 63d, were amongst the former, and my aid-de-camp, Lieutenant Money, who was a most promising officer, died of his wounds a few days after. Lieutenant-colonel Tarleton, as [p205] soon as he had taken care of his wounded, pursued and dispersed the remaining part of Sumpter's corps; and then, having assembled some militia under Mr. Cunningham, whom I appointed brigadier general of the militia of that district, and who has by far the greatest influence in that country, he returned to Broad river, where he at present remains; as well as Major M'Arthur, in the neighbourhood of Brierley's ferry.

It is not easy for Lieutenant-colonel Tarleton to add to the reputation he has acquired in this province; but the defeating one thousand men, posted on very strong ground, and occupying log houses, with one hundred and ninety cavalry and eighty infantry, is a proof of that spirit and those talents which must render the most essential services to his country. Lieutenant-colonel Tarleton commends much the good behaviour of the officers and men under his command; and he particularly mentions Lieutenant Skinner, of the 16th regiment of infantry, who does duty with the legion, as having distinguished himself.

Rugeley will not be made a brigadier. He surrendered without firing a shot, himself and one hundred and three rank and file, to the cavalry only: A deserter of Morgan's assures us that the infantry never came within three miles of the house. I wish you to try all you can about intelligence.

I have no material intelligence, and I am sorry to say, none that I can depend on from the enemy on our front. If you can meet with any persons more enterprizing than those I can find, I beg you will employ them. No news from Ninety Six, or General Cunningham, since you left us. I saw yesterday your (a.) convalescents; some of them I hardly thought fit to join; and there were rather more black attendants, both male and female, than I think you will like to see. As soon as I hear any thing material from Leslie, you shall hear from me.

N O T E S
T O T H E
T H I R D C H A P T E R.

Notes:

N O T E S T O T H E T H I R D C H A P T E R.

Notes:

N O T E S
T O T H E
T H I R D C H A P T E R.