Orangeburg County, South Carolina - The whole text, 1898 (part 6 of 9)

But it appears that a few days later there was another exchange of shots between Thomson's men and the enemy, for on June 27th, Mr. Hutson wrote again: "The firing yesterday was between the troops on Long- Island and our advanced Guard on Sullivan's Island, across the Breach. They fired with Field Pieces, and threw several shells. The President and General Lee were down there at the time. One of the shells bursted within a few yards of the President, and he brought a piece of it up to Town with him. They did not do anv execution and General Lee would suffer oniv two

On the 27th, Gen. Lee, in a letter to Col. Moultrie, wrote: "I have ordered Gen. Armstrong to send an hundred volunteers to ease Col. Thompson's regiment of their heavy duty, for I find, that a part of Col. Horry's regiment* had most magnanimously refused to take this duty on them: We shall live I hope to thank them."

On the 28th of June the British fleet, having crossed the bar, bore down on the little fort that Colonel Moultrie occupied at the western extremity of Sullivan's Island, - but the result of the British admiral's temerity on that occasion, in bearing down upon that fort, is too well known. The battle, of Fort Sullivan is American history. We have only to deal with the part taken by our own Thomson at the other end of the Island.

About the same time that the British fleet moved to attack Col. Moultrie's fort, the British army of tw^o thousand regulars, under General Sir Henry Clinton, marched down to the western extremity of Long Island, and attempted to cross the inlet, where it is fordable at low water, over to Sullivan's Island. Clinton's army was flanked by an armed schooner and a sloop, and by a strong flotilla of armed boats from the fleet, with orders to co-operate with the army. But Col. Thomson's sharpshooters and artillerists not only drove Clinton's regulars back from the ford as often as they attempted to cross it, but swept the decks of the flotills^ as often as it approached to aid the army. And after a short and decisive fight the army was defeated and driven off^ and the flotilla dis- porsed. Clinton's forces, including the marines, numbered nearly two thousand more than Thomson's, and yet Col. Thonison bad not a man killed and only one wounded.

"Mr. Byrd makes reports of your condnct which does you infinite honor; they are indeed such as I expected. I have sent for more ammunition for you, and ordered a large corps of riflemen to reinforce Col. Thompson." Whether Col. Thomson received these reinforcements before, during, or after his fight, the records do not state; but Gen. Moultrie in his ''Memoirs." p. 142. says that Col. Thomson's force corjsisted of his own regiment of 300 men, Col. Clarke with 200 North Carolina regulars. Col. Horry with 200 South Carolina troops, and the Racoon Company of 50 militia riflemen. He further says: "Col. Thompson had orders that if they could not stand the enemy they were to throw themselves into the fort" - an order which, it appears, he was not put to the necessity of obeying.

On the day after the battles. Gen. Lee wrote Col. Moultrie a letter of thanks, to which his secretary added the following postscript: "The General desires that Col, Thompson w\\\ send as soon as he can, a return of all occurrences in his part of the Island."

"On July 1st, (lien. Lee addressed a letter to Col. Moultrie to which he added the following postscript: "I must request that your garrison may be kept more vigilant than ever, and that Col. Thompson and his corps do not relax; for it is almost proverbial in war, that we are never in so great danger as when success makes us confident." But the British were satisfied

For his splendid victory over Clinton, the Continental Congress included Colonel 'rbomson's name in the general resolution df thanks to the victorious forces on this occasion.

-Philadelphia. July 20th, 1776. "In Congress. "Pipsolved, That the thanks of the United States of America, be given to Maj. Gen. Lee, Col. William Moultrie, Col. William Thompson, and the officers and soldiers under their comman*ls; who, on the 28th of June last, repulsed, with so much valor, the attack which was made on the State of South-Carolina, by the fleet and army of his Britannic majesty.

The six South Carolina regular regiments were now, by resolutions of the Continental Congress, passed June 18th, and July 24th, 1776, put regularly upon the Continental Establishment, and the South Carolina officers came into the Continental line as the youngest officers of their respective ranks, as will appear by the following resolution of the General Assembly of South Carolina, passed September 20th. 1776: "Resolved, that this house do acquiesce in the resolution of the continental Congress of the 18th of June, and the 24th of July last, relative to the putting the two regiments of infantiy, the regiment of rangers.* the regiment of artiller\', and the two regiments of riflemen, in the sei-- vice of this state, upon the continental establishment."

Hildreth says, Histor}^ United States, Vol. III., Chapter XXXII., p. 109, that "Congress had already! taken into Colonial pay:|: the three regiments of South (Carolina, presently increased to five".

In the month of July following his victory ovei' Clinton, Col, Thomson was called upon to furnish a detachment for an expedition against the Cherokee Indians in the upper part of South Carolina.

Upon the breaking out of hostilities, the British agents in the South instigated the Cherokee Indians to take up arms against the colonists. An Indian war commenced, and was carried on with its usual barbarity.§ The speedy departure, however, of the British fleet from the sea coast, after their unsuccessful attack on Fort Sullivan, gave an opportunity to concentrate a large force for the chastisement of the savages.

Col. Andrew Williamson,!' of Ninety Six District, commanded the forces in this expedition. With a small force of militia he began his march on the third of July. His force being small, his progress was ne-

* "There are some of my officers, I am informed, who will not take Continental Commissions". - Col. Thomson to Major Morgan Conner, January 2nd, 1777.

JTt was 'T'olonial pay" in name only, for fieneral Moultrie says that up to April, 1778, "the state Iiad paid and clothed the troojts, and furnished every article that was necessary for military operations from their own stores, the continent having nothing here at the time". - Memoirs, Vol. II, page 864.

?Mr. Francis Salvador stated in a letter lo Mr. Drayton, dated July IS, 1776, that some of the inhabitants of the up-connfy were so panic stricken that they fled as low down as (^rangeburgh. - I)raytoi\'s Memoirs Vol. II, page 363.

cessai'ily slow. On the IGth lie reached Dewett's Corner near the Cherokee houndary line. Here he was joined by Capt. Felix Warley, of Thomson's regiment, with a detachment of a hnndred rangers, and a convoy of wagons with anununition, arms, and stores.*

The Carolinians had several sluir|) engagements with the Indians, bnt they finally defeated them; traversed their whole country; and laid waste their fields of coin; and about five hundred of the Cherokees were forced to take refuge in West Florida, where they were fed at the expense of the British government. Of this expedition Ramsay says:

"None of all the expeditions before undertaken against the savages had been so successful as this first effort of the new-horn conjmon wealth. In less than three months, viz. from the 15th of July to the Uth of October 1776 the business was completed, and the nation of the Cherokees so far subdued as to be incapable of annoying the settlements. The whole loss of the Americans in the expedition did not exceed fifty men, but in this number was that w^oithy citizen Mr. Francis Salvador.''}-

In August, 1770, Gen. Charles Lee, comiiianding the troops in South Carolina, undertook an expedition against the British province of East Florida. President Rutledge gave oi'ders to Col. Thomson to send 130 men of his regiment with Gen. Lee. In consequence of this order Col. Thomson, on August 7th, issued an order to Major Mayson to take command of this detachment at Savannah. Gen. Lee's expedition

* "Captain Warley with this loaded eoiivoy, luairhed from Charlewtovvn to Dewett's Comer, by the road aloiiji the Coiigaree and Hard- Lahour Creek, in fourteen days." - Drayton's Memoirs. Vol. II, page 843, foot note.

left Savannah in September and marched towai'd St. Augustine; but two days thereafter Gen. Lee received an express from Congress ordering him to the northwai'd with the Virginia and North Carolina troops. This put an end to the expedition, and Major Mayson returned to the Congarees with liis detachment in October, and at once gave his men furloughs for thirty days, for recuperating.

On October the 6th we find, by his own order book, that Col. Thomson was in camp at the Congarees with 161 officers and privates, with the detachment that had been sent to East Florida not yet returned, though it did return a few days later.

Scarcely had the detachment under Major Mayson returned from Georgia, when Col. Thomson was ordered to send off another detachment to assist the Georgians. This detachment, consisting of two captains, three lieutenants, three sergeants and ninetythree privates, marched from the camp at Congarees on October 14th, 1776, under the command of Capt. John Caldwell, with orders from Col. Thomson to cross the Savannah just below Augusta and proceed to Fort Barrington on the Altamaha. A second detachment, of seven privates and a, sergeant, under command of Lieut. Beames, marched, on October ISth, to join Capt. Caldwell, and took orders to Capt. Caldwell instructing him to execute his orders, and then to join the regiment wherever it should then be.

The next service required of the 3rd regiment was to go to Georgia, in 1777, under General Robert Howe, who then commanded the troops in South Carolina and Georgia. Gen. Howe, in February, 1777. received intelligence from Georgia tliat a body of regular troops, under (V)l. Fuser, were marching to invade Georgia, and he immediately left C'harlestown for Savannah; but the enemy soon retreated, and in March following, Generals (ladsden and Moultrie, commanding at Charlestown, requested Gen. Howe to return to that city, which he did in June following. In the meantime he wiote a letter to Gen. Moultiie, from Savannah, on March IGth, in which he said: "Thompson's are at Purisburgh, and will he ordered to march to-morrow."* They were ]n'obably marched back to their homes, for we find in Col. Thomson's order book a letter, dated at "Charles Town 25th April 1777", directed to Maj. Wise, in "Camp near Nelson's Ferry", ordering him to send a detachment to Charlestown.

During the remainder of the year 1 777, Col. Thomson's regiment was divided up into detachments, which performed various duties in difl'erent parts of South Carolina. One detachment, for some time, guarded the jail at Ninety-Six, another, under Capt. Lyles, was, on August 16th, ordered to capture several Tory leaders in Ninety-Six district and convey them to Charlestown jail, v^hile othei' detachmerits w^ere given other similar duties to perform. The regiment was encamped part of the time at Amelia and pai't of the time at Nelson's Ferry.

"I liave received letters and information from the Congarees, which give good grounds to suspect that some design is formed to disturb the tranquility of the interior piirts of this state. Several of tlie inhabitants have suddenly and secretly withdrawn themselves from their habitations, and have manifested, by other parts of their behavior, that some enterprise is in agitation, that may, if not timely attended to, surprise us at a disadvantage. I have ordered Colonel Beard to keep a good look out, and to raise a proper number of his militia, so as to l)e in readiness to oppose any sudden attem})t that may be undertaken by those people called Tories. 1 have taken the liberty to direct him in case the matter should wear a serious aspect and require a greater force than he can readily draw from his regiment, to apply for aid and succor to Colonel Thonjson, who, I l)elieve has a detachment of his regiment near those parts, as 1 intended to apply to you to give the required assistance. I wish the present appearances which have given this alarm may blow over* without producing any ill consequences. Perhaps the late incursions of the Florida scouts in those parts, may have afforded an opportunity of tampering with the ill-affected, and of exciting ill humours amongst them. However this may be, it is prudent to be prepared against the worst.

On April 7th, (len. Howe wrote, from Savannah, to Gen. Moultrie, wishing him "immediately to prepare, and have in readiness to march at a moment's warning, 200 men"; and in answer to this Gen. Moultrie wrote, on April 10th: "I have, agreeably, to your orders sent 150 men from Thompson's, and 50 from Sumpter's regiments in readiness to go off at a mo-

Thomson's regiment seems to have been very much in demand abont that time. On Api'il 14th President Lowndes wrote to Gen. Moultrie as follows: ''As it appears froni the concurient accounts of all the intelligence 1 have leceived, that the disaffected plan their hopes and expectations on being joined with a force from Florida: and that their aim is to form the junction by crossing Savannah river, a condiderable party having alieady taken that route, 1 submit to you. whether it would not be necessary and proper to post Thompson with his regiment at some convenient place on Savannah river to interrupt or prevent such a design, more especially as he would be enabled from thence, more expeditiously to remove to the immediate assistance of Georgia. The militia in all parts of the back country being in arms, and on their guard, 1 think no gi'eat danger is to be apprehended, unless a combined force should be effected, which must be by crossing Savannah river, the guarding of which might bafile their scheme."" To this dien. Moultrie replied on the same day: 'T just now received yours, and have considered with attention what you mention with regard to posting Thompson"s regiment on Savannah river, I cannot at present think it proper by any means, and 1 will therefore give you my reasons. That regiment consists of about one third the number of continental troops in this State (150 of them in town which we cannot do without, unless the militia will take off' some of our guards) and the sending them so far from the capital would be running too great a risk, besides the harrassing the troops: should any sudden attack be made upon our sea coast, we have only the continental troops to make head until the militia can be collected, which you know will take some little time; should any attack be made on our frontier it cannot be halt" the consequence, and should the enemy attempt to move with an army through the back country, they must drag themselves so slowly along that before they could penetrate far we should be collected to oppose them; and should they move in small parties I think our militia quite sufficient to check their progress. I flatter myself that this bustle is not so serious as was first imagined, or 1 ceitaiuly should have heard from Gen. Howe ere this, to move on the troops, he had ordered to be in readiness."

But Gen. Moultrie had not long to wait on Gen. Howe for marching orders, for on the same date that he addressed his letter to President Lowndes, Gen. Howe wrote him, from Savannah, as follows: "The situation of affairs here, makes it necessary to desire that the men under marching orders, repair, with all possible expedition to Purisbui-gh, where they will receive directions as to their further conduct. You will take care that they are provided with every military requisite, as this state cannot furnish them. You are, however, not to delay the march of the men, for any preparations of this sort, as 1 am exceedingly anxious for their arrival, and shall continue to be so, till they do arrive."

"When I wrote you before, though I thought it eligible to prepare for the worst, yet 1 had hopes that things would not have been so serious; but the aspect they now weai-, induces me to believe, that this state,* deplorably weak in itself, will need every support yours can give it: 1 am therefore under the necessity of ordering fifty men from the first regiment, and also

The occasion of these alarms was the well authenticated reports received from St, Augustine, that a British army, under Tien. Prevost, was about to invade Georgia. On April iSth Gen. Moultrie replied to Gen. Howe: "1 received yours by express, last night, and shall order the first detaidiment off to-morrow morning; the remainder of the first regiment and the artillery will march off on Monday, under the command of Colonel Charles C. Pinckney."

On the same date Maj. J. F. Grimke, Aid-de-Camp to Gen. Howe, sent the following order to Gen. Moultrie: 'i am directed by General Howe to request of you, that you would have the remaining part of the continental troops, amounting to one half the number and allowed by the president and council of your state, in immediate I'eadiness for marching, upon receiving the general's orders."

On April 24th Gen. Moultrie answered this order: "Our first detachment* marched off a few days ago, and Colonel Charles C. Pinckney with the second, went otf yesterday." =!:*** 'i have ordered the i-emainder of Thomson's and Sumpter's regiments to be ready to march on my receiving your further ordeis." * * * * "()ur number of continental troops belonging to this state, amount to about fifteen hundred."

But Gen. Moultrie was too slow for Gen. Howe, for on the 2()th, Major Grimke wrote again as follows: 'T have to request your excuse if 1 did not deliver myself so explicitly as 1 was ordered to do in the last letter I wi'ote you by desire of Major (ieneral Howe. As I did not keep a copy, not having time to write it again,

1 cannot refer to the order, nor do I at present recollect in what mode of expression I delivered myself. The order, sir, that it was my intention to transmit yon, shonld have positively declared the necessity for the imniediate march of the troops, forming and remaining part of the continental battalions in the state of South Carolina. Yon will please, therefore, to order the troops you refer to, whom you say you have directed to be ready to march at a moment's warning, and consists of the othei- parts of Colonel Thomson's and Sumpter's regiments. They are to proceed to Fort Howe, by the shortest road upon the Alatamaha, without touching at Savannah." To this (len. Moultrie replied, on May 1st: "The excuse you request should rather l)e asked by me, as I neglected to inform you, that your orders were very explicit, and I accordingly put them in execution, excepting for Thomson's, in lien of which I sent the hrst regiment, as they are better clothed and disciplined."

The appearance in (ireorgia of so formidable a force had the effect of deterring Prevost froni invading that State, and Gen. Howe then determined to "carry the war into Africa" by marching into P]ast-Florida, but the country through whicli they passed was so barren, and the season so unfavorable that upon reaching the St. Mary's river and capturing and destroying Fort Tonyn, it was decided, on July 11th, to go no farther. Gen. Howe, with the (Georgia troops, and, it appears, a portion of the South Carolina troops - among them the detachment fron) Thomson's regiment under Maj. Wise - returned to Savannah; while Col. Pinckney with the other South Carolina troops returned by watei" to Charlestown. The South Carolina troops reniaining with Howe lingered out a summer season in Georgia, and when the autumn came the British army again found work for them to <lo.

On November 27th, (len. Howe wrote from Zubly's Ferry to Uen. Moultrie advising him that the British were again about to invade Ueorgia, and requesting the ar,sistanee of more South Carolina troops. In answer to this Gen. Moultrie wrote, on the 2Sth: "I have sent an express to Col. Huger to expedite his inarch, leaving his baggage and weak men behind to come up more at leisure. 1 shall get Col. Henderson's l)attalion off I hope to-morrow; Thonjpson's regiment is not far from you,* they are taking the shortest rout to Purislmrgh." Although (nlen. Moultrie wrote "Thompson's I'egiment"", it appears to have been only a detachment of that regiment, for Gen, Huger wrote, on December 28th. to Gen. Moultrie: "l am just now turning out my regiment with Thompson's detachment, and few of the Georgia continentals, with orders to take the tiekl immediately"; and we find by (.'ol. Thomson's order book that he, with the major part of liis regiment, was at this time aiding the civil authorities and militia about Oi'angeburgh to subdue certain disturbers of the peace, and was ]>ati-olling the Edisto and Savannah rivers in order to keep out "Florida scouts" and protect the frontier settlers from Indians.

On the 29th. Gen. Howe's army was totally defeated by Col. Campbell, and Savannah fell into the hands of the Bi-itish. In this tight the South Carolina troops, including Maj. Wise's detachment of the 3rd regiment, formed the right wing of Hovs-e's army, which was commanded by Gen. Isaac Huger. In the meantime Major-General Benjamin Lincoln, a New Englander whouj Congress had sent to relieve Cren. Howe, had arrived in Charlestown and assumed command there. As soon as he could collect reinforcements, he marched for the Savannah river, arriving at Purishurgli on January Brd, 1779, - too late to save Howe. That eveninghe vs^as joined by Howe, and the next day by the South Carolina troops.

Gen. Lincoln remained at Purisburgh. with the Continental troops and some militia, having skirmishes with the enemy almost daily, until April, when he moved his army up to Black Swamp, twenty-five miles above; leaving a small force at Purisburgh. On the 20th of April Cen. Lincoln marched off up the river, leaving Gen. Moultrie with a fence of 1200 men at Black Swamp. Two days later Gen. Lincoln wrote back, ordering (len. Moulti'ie to send up Gen. Huger with the remaining (Continental troops, excepting detachments of the 2nd and 5th i-egiments (numbering 220 men), to the nuniber of 1000 men. The 3rd regiment was, therefore, with Lincoln, and shared the fortunes of his army as he marched up on the South Carolina side of the Savannah, and crossed that river and marched down on the Georgia side. The ai'iny was engaged in only a few skii'mishes, it is true, but the long march through a rough, thinly settled country was more trying to the health and spirits of the men than a pitched battle would have been.

While Gen. Lincoln was marching up and down the banks of the Savannah river "inspiring the inhabitants of the country with confidence". Gen. Prevost crossed the Savannah liver. on April 2yth, with about 3000 men and marched for Charlestown. But Gen. Moultrie with about 250 Continentals and 1000 militia lately arrived from Orangeburgh, was between Prevost and Charlestown, and delayed his march in every possible way: all the while sending despatches to Lincoln requesting him to send reinfoicements, and to return to South Carolina with his army in order to save Charlestown. Gen. Moultrie was joined at Charles- town by a considerable militia force, and by a skillfully arranged piece of deception Prevost was made to believe that the town would be surrendered; but when time enough had been gained to bring (len. Lincoln's army, which had recrossed the Savannah and was marching to Moultrie's relief, uncomfortably near to Prevost all proposals of surrender were withdraw'n. It was then too late for Prevost to attempt to storm the works around Charlestovvn, and he withdrew to the neighboring sea islands.

On the 20th of June, Gen. Lincoln made an unsuccessful assault on Pi-evost's trenches at Stono, and the next day Col. Grimke wrote a letter to jMr. J. Kean in which he stated that ''the left of our line was composed of continental troops, under Gen. Huger"; and we may presume that the detachment of the 3rd regiment was there.

A few days after Lincoln's attack on his trenches at Stono, Prevost embarked his army for Beaufort, where he left a part of his force and repaired to Savannah with his main army.

AI)out the 1st of Se])tember Count D'Estaing, with a French fleet, appeared oiT Charlestown bar and announced to Gen. Lincoln that he was ready to assist him to lay siege to Savannah. On September 5th Gen. Lincoln ordered all officers and soldiers to join their respective regiments. This brought Col. Thomson and all of the officers and men of the 3rd regiment to their places. On the 23rd of September, Lincoln's army joined the French, and encamped before Savanvt^h. On the 4th and 5th of October their batteries opened on the British works, and on the 9th an assault was made, which resulted in the defeat of the allied forces. The 3rd regiment lost its major, (Samuel Wise) one Lieutenant, (Bailev) and 10 of the rank and file; while one captain, (Farrav) two lientenants, (Gaston and DeSanssure)* two sergeants and twenty-fouiof the rank and file were wounded - making a total of 41 killed and wounded, |

From certain documentary evidence now before us, we are led to the conclusion that Col. Thomson and Lieut. Col. Mayson l)oth resigned their commissions in the 3rd regiment about the beginning of the year 1780. It is on the following evidence that we base our conclusion:

Extract from a letter from Gen. Lincoln to Lieut. Col. Marion, dated Charlestown, November 25th, 1771): "I will inquii-e into the reason why the officers of the Third are absent, I must find some officers who belongto another corps to do duty in that l^egiment.'":|;

Order from Major Edmund Hyrne, Deputy Adjutant General, to Lieut. Col. Peter Horry, dated February nth, 17S0: "You are this day in orders for the third Regiment, and the General desires me to inform you that your presence is immediately and absolutely necessary. We have certain intelligence of the British Troops having landed and we are just informed that sail are now off Stono,"§

Letter of same date, from Major Hyrne to Lieut. Col. Peter Horry: "I am sorry to have troubled you with my letter of this date by the Express. Col. Henderson, (before the order was issued,) informed the General he had altered his mind and would accept the appointment, and he is accordingly appointed Lt. Col. of the third."

The next seivice required of the 3rd regiment was to assist in tlie defence of Charlestown against the fleet and arn]}' which Sir Henry Clinton brought from New York against that city in February, 1780. Col. Thomson was not with the regiment during the siege. Dr. Johnson, in ''Traditions of the [levolution". says that he was on detached service in Orangeburgh District; and John Lewis Gervais, Deputy Paymaster General for the Southern Department, writes, in his diary of March 10th: "Col. Thomson is forming a camp near Orangeburg, to put a stop to plunderers." Moses Young writes, in his journal of April 4th: Col. Thomson raising men - has got 20". J. L. Gervais, in a letter written from Georgetown, dated April 28th, says: "By our last advices, Gen. Caswell was, with 1000 men. near Col. Thomson. Gen. Williamson was expected last Sunday at Orangeburg, with DOO men - say 600." * « * "Col. Thomson was at Orangeburg with 200 men." * * "Major Vanderhorst, formerly in the first regiment, arrived yesterday from Colonel Thomson." And when Charlestown finally fell, one lieutenant-colonel is the only field officer* recorded as having been surrendered by the 3rd regiment - and that lieutenant-colonel was doubtless Henderson.

The reorganization of the Continental Army might have caused the resignation of Col. Thomson. Instead of having regiments with full colonels, the army was organized into 88 battalions, each commanded by a lieutenant-colonel. This was done to accord with the arrangement in tlie British army, and facilitated the exchange of prisoners. It is likely that this change, coupled with his long illness, caused Col. Thomson to

Not long after the surrender of Charlestown Col. Thomson was captured and paroled. While at home under parole he was arrested, charged with having hroken his parole, and taken to Gharlestown where he was confinefl in the hasement of the old ''Exchange" for some time. When he was finall}' releiised and exchanged he immediately reported to Gen. Greene, sa.ys Dr. Johnson in ''Traditions of the lievolution", and was put to scouting. If he had never resigned his commission in the 3rd regiment he would, most likel5^ have resumed command of the remnants of that regiment after the fall of Gharlestown.

Very little is known of the part taken by the 3rd regiment in the defense of Gharlestown, hut in order to show here what is known of the part taken b}^ that regiment it will be necessary to again have recourse to extracts from journals and documents of that day, and histories written since:

We learn from Gen. Mcintosh's journal, and from Gen. Moultrie's Memoirs, Vol. IT, page 80, that Captain Goodwyn,* of the 3rd regiment, was killed by the besiegers on April 26th; and when Gharlestown finally surrendered on the 12th of May, 1780, the Bi-itish returns show that the 3rd regiment surrendered one lieutenant-c()lonel, nine captains, six lieutenants, one surgeon, one surgeon's mate, U) sergeants, 14 drummers, and 208 of the rank and tile: making a total of 259.

practicall.v annihilated; another regiment took its place in the Continental line while its men were on parole, and when the few survivors were exchanged they probably joined other regiments.

'-(Colonel William Thomson commanded the third regiment, called the Rangers; he being from the upper part of Orangeburg District, soon filled his regiment with many of the best riflemen in the State, he being himself the most practiced marksman in his command. The tories in the upper country having been influenced by Sir William Campbell, the royal governor, and his agents, commenced hostilities there, and afforded the new troops a fine opportunity for exercise and for facing an enemy. The expedition was under command of General Richard Richardson,* of the militia, and was conjpletely successful, but the cold and exposure was very severe to such soldiers. They had scarcely concluded this campaign, when news was received that Sir Henry Clinton was preparing, at New- York, a strong armament against the South. They were consequently ordered down to the sea coast, for its protection. Colonel Thomson was posted at the eastern end of Sullivan's Island, in a small battery of two guns, the brick foundation of which has lately l)een discovered, by the shifting of the sand. It was called the advanced guard, and was ordered to protect the island from the bayonets of Sir Henry Clinton, - his command of two thousand British regulars, being

"This gentleman was horn in Pennsylvani;i, of Irish parents, about the year 1727, and removed with his fathers family to South-Carolina, while yet a child. They settled on the west side of Congaree }-iver, in what was called Amelia township, now known as St. Mathew's Parish, in Orangeburg District. This was at the time a frontier settlement, and young Thonjson grew^ up 'amidst alarms and strife,' which trained his mind to deeds of enterprise and daring, and nerved his body to endure the toils and sufferings incidental to border warfare. The rifle became his favorite companion in all his excursions, and his sure reliance in danger. He planted with his father, and aided him in guiding the plough, in driving the team, and in all the other occupations of a country life.* Being sociable and friendly in his disposition, he l)e<'ame a favorite among his neighbors, secured their adn]iration by winning the prizes at every shooting match, and commanded their respect and esteem by his uniformly correct deportment.

"About the year 1763,t William Thomson married Miss Eugenia b'ussell, born in that neighborhood, the half sister of Colonel William Heatly. Her father was a native of Massachusetts, and born of English parents who had settled in that then Province.

"In 1769 great commotions arose in the uppei' parts of the State, between what were called llegulators and Schofilites, At that time no courts wei'e established out of Chai'leston, and lawless depredators, living near the Indian nations, plundered the industrious, honest

*In ail affidavit, inado ifi January, 1761, before Andrew Brown, J. P., relative to the will otManies Beanies, lie spoke of himself as "William Tliomson, late Indian Trader in the Cherokees".

KKl'KOITC i:ll l-olt THE HISTORY IIK OKA Mi KUT HIi Cor.NlY FHOM AN OLII OTL I'OUTKAir IN I'OSSICSBION OK (Il.vlM.KK T. HAKKKl.L. KKti.. OF KA\ANNAH. (JHOlfCUA fanners, and escaped over the borders with the stolen horses and cattle. The parties aggrieved united to protect each other, soon took upon themselves to punish the aggressors, and personal feelings no doubt hurried them on into some unjustifiable acts. They called themselves Regulators; the depredators appealed to the royal governor for protection, and a silly fellow, a Colonel Schovel, was sent up for that purpose. He encouraged them to assemlile in arms, and bloodshed was barely prevented by the intervention of a few more discreet pei'sons. They took their name from that of their colonel, and having been screened by the royal authority, many of them and their descendants became royalists in the revolution, which commenced a few years after this event.

"To soothe these irritaticms, and prevent future depredations, sevei'al additional courts were established in the upper country, one at Camden, one at Orangeburg, and one at Cambiidge. in Ninety-Six, now Abbeville District. As soon as the establishments could be carried into effect, William Thomson was elected sheriff of Oiangeburg District, as a man of the greatest influence, energy, and decision. He entered on the duties of his office in June, 1772, and continued to be called upon in all difficulties and in all emergencies of a public nature that subsequently occurred.

"He was elected a ujember of the Provincial Legislature, under the royal government, and was a member of the convention which commenced revolutionary measures, adopted a constitution, and organized the means for resisting Great Britain. When it was resolved to raise three regiments for this purpose in South Carolina, William Thomson was elected colonel of the Rangers, oi- third regiment, and immediately proceeded to enlist his men, under ordeis issued on the 17th June, 1775. Before his number was complete, and while employed in drilling his men, the royalists in Ninety-Six armed in opposition to the revolutionary government. Col. Thomson had previously been out with William Henry Drayton and the Rev. Mr. Tenant, acconjpanied by Colonel Joseph Kershaw, of Camden, endeavoring to <*onciliate and restrain the disaffected in the upper and western portions of the State. Now, that the royalists assembled in aims, and attacked Colonel Williamson, at Cambridge, forbearance ceased to be a pacific measure. Colonel Thomson marched with his command, under General Richard Richardson, captured all their officers, except Colonel Cunningham.* and crushed their hostile proceedings. This was in the winter of 1775, and such was the severity of the weather that the expedition was designated *the snow camp."

''Scarcely had Thomson's reginjent returned from this campaign, when news arrived that the British had assembled, in New- York, a fleet and army, under General Clinton, to attack Charleston and overrun the Southern States. After this British armament had appeared off Charleston bar, but had not yet either landed their army or entered the harbor. Colonel Thomson asked for leave of absence, that he might make some arrangements on his plantation, called Belleville, about one hundred miles from the city. A furlough was granted him for only two days. He immediately mounted his hoise, rode home, effected his business, and returned to the city within forty-eight hours. This is a family tradition.

June. 1776, are ns well known as any part of the American histoiy. Bnt it is not generally known what an important part, in this defence, was performed by Colonel Thomson's command. They were posted at the easterii extremity of Sullivan's Island, in a redoubt, called 'the advanced guard,' constructed of palmetto logs, with merlins, on a brick foundation. At this point, the army under General Clinton, numi)ering two thousand regulars, was to make the general attack, as soon as the fleet should become engaged with Fort Sullivan. They accordingly marched from Iheir encampment on Long Island, down to the edge of the inlet, where it was fordable. except at high water. They were flanked by an armed schooner and sloop, and by a flotilla of armed boats from the fleet, with orders to reach the landing on Sullivan's Island, and rake the platform of the redoubt, while the army crossed over the inlet and stormed the little fort, which was entirely open on the west. Colonel Thomson had but two cannon, and they were manned only by his rangers, who had never fired a great gun before this occasion. But, with small arms, they were the best marksmen in the State, and their commander, Colonel Thomson himself, was decidedly the best shot of the whole regiment.

"The flotilla advanced Inavely to the concerted attack, cheered on by the army, paraded on the shore, within speaking distance of the boats. When within reach of his guns. Col. Thomson opened on them so well directed a fire that the men could not be kept at their posts; every ball raked the decks. The flotilla njade repeated attempts to reach their destined point, and did come so near to it as to be within the range of grape shot. This being equally well directed, soon cleared the decks, and dispersed the flotilla.

coucertecl, but not well execnted. Tliey intended that it should be made at the same time with that of Sir Peter Parker's fleet on Fort Sullivan. Clinton harl two thousand British infantry, exclusive of the marines and boatmen supplied from the fleet, which probably amounted to six or seven hundred more. He had, therefore, about two thousand rejjjulars more than the whole command of (Jolonel Thomson, of which the Raccoon and other militia companies constituted a considerable portion. The force w^as suflicient to defeat Colonel Thomson, and then storm Fort Sullivan, as was intended. If Wellington had commanded instead of Clinton, he would probably have passed with more facility than he did over the river Douro, near Oporto. Clinton had the command of boats for transportation, of which Wellington had very few.

-'Mr. Alexander Forrester, a near relation of the late Robert Elliott Rowand, left Charleston at the commencement of the revolution, and joined the British troops in this expedition. He said, in my presence, that he was in the schooner, and that it was impossible for any set of men to sustain so destructive a Are as the Americans poured in upon them on this occasion; that it was the destructive Hre from Colonel Thomson's fort wdiich prevented the flotilla from advancing, and not the shoals and sand bars, as was alleged; that it was the repulse of the flotilla which prevented General Clinton from fording the inlet, and not the depth of water.

" 'By the Red sea, the Hebrew liost detained, Througli aid divine, the distant shore soon gained; Tiie waters tied, the deep a passage gave, Hut this God wrought, a ehosen race to save.

"Two other stations are represented on this plan* - the rear guard, of which the foundation may still be seen, as the foundation of the Episcopal Church, and the quarter guard, on or about the site of the new Moultrie House. These were spoken of by British writers, as efficient means of resisting their combined attack, but they had no opportunity of showing what they might have done; they never fired a gun. They also say, that the inlet wliich ran across the low land, called curlew ground, was covered by heavy cannon, mounted and pointed in the fort; but this, also, is an excuse. The annexed plan of the fort, copied from Drayton's Memoirs, will prove that not a single gun, of any description, was mounted on the eastern part of the fort. A great part of the eastern portion of the fort was unfinished, and exposed to the intended attack of Clinton's bayonets.

"The riflemen, under Colonel Thomson, were ranch amused with the grape shot, and the effects of shooting a pocket full of bullets into a crowd of their enemies, at every discharge; for they could not suppose that any one of their balls could ever njiss its object.

''For his good conduct on this occasion. Colonel Thomson received the thanks of Governor Rutledgef and of Congress.^ - See vol. i., of Moultrie's Memoirs, page 1S3.

"Moultrie takes but little notice of Colonel Thomson's agency on this memorable occasion. The effects of his fire were not known until Ion"- after the revolu- tion. The British officials am] their ininistiT did not like to acknowledge it: the reputation of their navy was made to bear the disgrace of this defeat; the army was not suffered to come within gnnshot of the Americans.

was so soon repulsed; had they made another attack, they might have effected a landing. Colonel Thomson had, by this time, expended all the ammunition provided for his two Ccinnon, and v^^ould have been compelled to spike them, and rely on his infantry and small arms, to oppose the enemy in their march to Fort Sullivan. For this purpose, he had about seven hundred and fifty excellent marksmen to oppose two

"From this time, Colonel Thomson continued actively engaged, wherever duty or danger required his services. Under General Howe, he lingered out* a summer campaign in one of the most sickly parts of Georgia, w^here inaction and disease, more wasteful than war, reduced the numbers and spirits of his brave companions in arms, until the British forces, under Colonel Campbell, defeated Howe,t and overran that State. Next he served under General Lincoln, in his various endeavors to protect the Carolinas, by confining the enemy within the limits of Georgia, and^ finally, to expel them, by the attack on their enti-enchments at Stono. In these harrassing duties, his exposures brought on a fever, when in the neigh l)orhood of Purisburg, and he retired for a while under furlough.

"Colonel Thomson also served under Count D'Estaing, in his w^ell known disastrous siege of Savannah, in which it became evident, as previously demonstrated in the siege of Newport. Rhode Island, that a iman high in rank at the Court of France, and high in the favor of his king, was not. intuitively, a skillful admiral or al)le general. It was probably lucky for the Count that he was wounded at Savannah. He had something to show for hi>s defeat - a set-ofp. In this unfortunate expedition, Coh)nel Thomson had embarked with all his family influence, with the highest hopes of success. His son, William, his three sons-inlaw, and two nephews, accompanied him to Savannah, under D'Estaing; theii' mortificntion at the result was sore, indeed.

"In these battles, in the pieviotis severe duties of the campaign, and in the subsequent exposure and sufferings of his reginient, little or no mention is made in history of the services rendered by Colonel Thomson. Justice has not been done him; probably, because he w^as always attached, with his light troops, to the command of some officei' of high rank, to whom his services were inestimable, in scouting and skirmishing, but not reported in the line of battle. By his own men, he was designated l)y the sobriquet, 'Old Danger'. Even General Moultiie, when speaking of the battle of Sullivan's Island, uses the expression, T had seven hundred and fifty men under Colonel Thomson,' although in a deta<died command, about three miles off from him. Drayton, in his account of it, does not even give, on his map of Sullivan's Island, the position defended by Colonel Thomson.

"When Charleston was beleaguered by General Clinton,* Governor Rutledge was advised to withdraw from the city, that he might be l)etter able to annoy the enemy, and cut off the aid and supplies that they might otherwise obtain from the country. P'or this purpose, the rangers were withdrawn from the defence of Charleston, and kept in active service in Orangeburg District. The governor's faujily had been previously withdrawn, like most of those who could effect it, and were residing near where Stateburg now stands, afc the house, I believe, of Colonel William llichardson, owned and occupied by his son, the late lamented Judge J. 8. Richardson. Such was the confidence of Governor Rutledge in Colonel Thomson's character, that when informed of the surrender of Charleston, he committed the care of his family to Colonel 'W, requesting that he would escort them with his own family to some place of safety. The governor remained in the State, with the hope of keeping up a resistance to the victorious British army. The indisposition of Mrs. Rutledge prevented their prompt removal, and thwarted this arrangement. In two or three days after the appointed time, Colonel Thomson's house was surrounded by a body of tories and British troops, and he was made a prisoner, with his son, William Russell Thomson, then about seventeen years of age.

"The father was sent down to Charleston, and confined numy months in the 'Provost,' in the same damp vaults that are under the present Custom House.* He was there confined at the time of Gates' defeat. But his son was left at home, w^ith the family, on parole. This elegant establishment was called Belleville. The British made it one of their garrisons, and stockaded it for defence. Various officers were in command of it, at different times, and of very different dispositions; some behaving with great rudeness and brutality, while others were polite, and even kind. It was the misfortune of young Thomson to displease one of the former description, who did not appear to resent it, until removed to the conimand of Foit Granby, opposite to Columbia. He then wrote to his successor, at Belleville, to hang young Thomson for a breach of parole, without trial or evidence. Fortunately, this offi- cer was a just and huraane man; his name was Stewart. He did not like the duty imposed on hitii, and contrived to drop the letter where it would fall into the hands of the family. Young Thomson saw that it was neck or nothing with him, and watched tor an opportunity of making his escape. While standing near one of the sentinels, for this purpose, a poor, halfstarved pig, belonging to the garrison, had escaped from his pen and passed close to them, Thomson had a fellow feeling for the pig, and thought that both of them might escape by the same means. He, therefore, persuaded the sentinel to catch it, and started with him in the pursuit. The pig, not being overloaded with fat or food, ran out at the sally-port, and they, whooping and holloing after him, continued the chase, until they had driven the animal out of gunshot. In the pig chase Thomson lost his hat, but he saved his neck. He soon joined Sumter's division,* where a horseman's cap was obtained, much more becoming than his old slouch. His excellent mother soon devised means for sending him a change or two of clothes, and he was free.

"Colonel Thomson was kept in close confinement until his health was much impaired. He was then permitted to return on parole to Belleville. It so happened that the officer in command was relieved in a day or two after Colonel Thomson's return. Whether from private instructions, caprice, or other motives unknown, this officer marched Colonel ThouLson back with him to Charleston. He was, however, soon permitted to return to Belleville, which continued to be occupied as a British station. About this time it was attacked by the Americans, and to this day some of the bullet marks may be seen in the house. While he was exulting with hopes that it might he taken, and he released, he was ohliged to provide for the safety of his family, hy making them lie down on the floor. This attack was simultaneous with that on Fort Motte. and was only intended as a feint to prevent a junction of the two British foi-ces, the stations being within sight of each other. The double purpose was answered: when Fort Motte was taken, Belleville w^as evacuated.

''On the surrender of Fort Motte, a number of tories wTre found among the British regulars. Most of these were of German families, who originally settled Amelia towmship, and built Orangeburg. The Americans were about to retaliate on them as tories, the severities inflicted on themselves as whigs. At that critical moment Col. Thomson rode over to the American camp, and knew^ most of these, his Dutch neighbors. He I'epresented to Colonels Lee and Marion,* that these people had been compelled to enter the British fort, and made to labor as artiticers; that they had always been harmless, and tried to keep aloof from both parties. Their release was secured. The Dutchmen, who had given themselves up for lost, now hurried off without thanking Colonel Thomson, or pausing to say 'Good by to you.' They scrambled over the breastwork instead of going through the gate, and some rolled over into the ditch, in trying to he the first out.

"In the general exchange of prisoners, effected by the address of Major Hyrne, Colonel Thomson was set at liberty, and immediately repaired to General Greene for service. From his knowledge of the country, he was particularly useful in scouting and cutting off the couriers and supplies of the enemy. In one of these expeditions, a very young and inexperienced recruit was sent out with a detachment, on patrol. They fell in with a superior force of the enemy, and were hotly pursued. The young man was well mounted, and a good rider, but it was the first time that ever he had faced an enemy, and when the retreat commenced at full speed, he concluded that all the detachment would be cut oif. His own comrades galloping close behind him, were mistaken for the enemy, and he called out for 'quarters!' He spurred on. still cryingout 'quarter! quarter! quarter!' until he was actually within his own camp. Being then stopped, and asked why he continued to cry out 'quarter! quarter!' when there was no enemy within half a mile of him, he declared that he had believed the enemy to be close upon him, and expected to be cut down at every leap of his horse.

"The whig ladies were sometimes permitted to enter Charleston, and Mrs. Thomson obtained from one of the British officers a passport for herself and little daughter, Charlotte. On her way down, she had an interview with her husband, and passed on. She made the intended purchases, and while so engaged, left her child in a room, only saying that a gentleman or two might step into the room, and she must not l)e frightened, he would not hurt her. but that she must keep in her bosom anything that he might place there. Accordingly while alone in the room, a gentleman entered, and looked anxiously around, then bowed to her, put a folded paper into her bosom, and went hastily out, without saying a word. The mother i-eturned, and they left the city immediately; the father again met them, conducted them into General Greene's camp, and introduced them to the general. The little girl was aske*! by the general, if she had not something for him, but she, having been niuch amused with the novelty of every thing that she saw, had forgotten all that had passed in the room, and told him 'no.' He then asked more particularly for a paper, that had been put into her bosom, and she gave it to him. It has since transpired that General Greene had agreed with General Andrew Williamson for a particular description of the British forces in Charleston, on condition that he should be screened from confiscation and other injury. General Greene did obtain the information from Williamson, and it was probably in this way. through Colonel Thomson. The little daughter of that day. is now the venerably Mrs. Charlotte Haskill, the only survivor of Colonel Thomson's large family. He had four sons and eight daughters. Of these sons, William and Paul lived to be married; Paul had no children; William left a fine family, among whose descendants the name is preserved and cherished. The daughters, we believe, were all married, and left families.

''At the commencement of the revolution Colonel Thomson was an indigo planter, living in the enjoyment of affluence and domestic happiness. His only motive for resistance, was a sense of duty to protect the chartered rights of iiis country, and the rights of British subjects in America. In the course of the revolution, he lost almost everything that was movable, from his plantation. His valuable stock of horses and cattle, with his negroes, were dispersed, and most of them lost. The camp fever and small pox had been introduced into his plantation, by the British troops, and about one hundred of his people died of these dreadful disorders. But none of his negroes ever left him to join the British, notwithstanding their promises of freedom, their temptations, and their threats. One negro, named 'Abram,' had been intrusted by his master with the care of a favorite blooded horse, and the enemy heard of it. All their endeavors to obtain the horse were of no avail with Abram. and at last, from threats they proceeded to execution. He was hung up, by the neck, three several times, until senseless, but still refused to reveal the place in which he had concealed the horse. The name of Abram is gratefully spoken of by Colonel Thomson's family to this day, and his other faithful services recounted.

"When Charleston was recoveied from the British. Colonel Thomson returned to his plantation, and <iiligently endeavored to restore his shattered fortune. He continued the cultivation of indigo, very successfully, as long as he lived. His house was ever hospitably open to all travellers; his friends and neighl)ors were ever generously entertained at his plentiful board. To some he was too liberal and confiding; he involved his estate by securityship to ii large amount.

"He continued subject to the calls of his country, whenever his services were needed for public purposes, and again became the sheriff of Orangeburg District. He was fond of the sports of the field and of the turf, and for his enjoyment in these he kept a choice collection of hounds and horses. He enjoyed these pleasures the more, in proportion to the number of his associates, and was as much amused with their eriors and mishaps, as with their success in the hunt. To him they were very exciting scenes and incidents.

"Colonel Thomson's health having declined, lie travelled to the Sweet Springs of Virginia, hoping for its restoration, but he died there on the 2"2(1 of November, 179(>. aged sixty-nine years."

The late Mr. Simms, in his book, "South Carolina in the Revolution", has also paid a trilmte to (.'olonel Thomson and the 3rd. regiment, as follows: with the lan<l ariuy. at the east end of the Island, conducted h}^ native rifleineii, under Colonel Thompson, was such as to paralyze the enemy. This portion of the affair has been but little comaiented upon by our historians; yet the fire of Thompson's marksmen, with rifies, and from two snuill field-pieces, was such^ - and the British flotilla, advancing from Long Island upon the eastern end of Sullivan's, were so raked by the tire - that the men could not be kept to their guns. The decks were cleared,. the flotilla dispersed, the enterprise abandoned; yet the force of Clinton consisted of 2,000 British infantry, exclusive of some 600 or 700 marines and boatmen, supplied from the fleet; while Thompson's strength lay in his two cannon, a small redoubt of palmetto logs, and 700 rifles."*

Dr. Johuson also gives, in a letter to Col. Wade Hampton, dated June 27, 1S42, another account of Col. Thomson's defeat of Clinton, which, while it does not differ materially fronj that given in his ''Traditions", adds some interesting facts. The following extracts from Dr. Johnson's letter relate to Col. Thomson and his regiment:

'-Col. William Thompson, of Orangeburg District, having been appointed to the command of the 3d regiment, had his complement of men soon ,made up by the enlistment of some of the most expert Riflemen in the State; he himself being one of the most.practiced among' them. He had the finest eye that I ever saw in the head of mortal man.

"With but little experience in war, and certainly without having ever heard a cannon flred at an enemy, the 2d and 3d regiments were ordered to oppose the best appointed armament that had then been equipped against any part of the United States, not merely sent for the capture of Charleston, but for the conquest of the three Southern States." [The force that] "Col. Thompson commanded, was stationed at the eastern extremity of Sullivan's Island, called the advance guard, and ordered to protect it and fort Sullivan from the bayonets of Sir Henry Clinton's infantry, then encamped on Long Island, within sight of the redoubt. He had but two pieces of cannon and it was then first proved that the riflemen make the best gunners for artillery. The plan of attack was this; while the fleet attacked the forts, the British army was to land and storm them, if not already abandoned. An armed schooner and a flotilla of armed boats were ordered to attack Col. Thompson's redoubt, in order to cover the landing of the infantry. They did. indeed, repeatedly make the attack, but were always received by the cool, well-directed fire of the Orangeburg sharp-shooters, then for the first time firing cannon, loaded with grape shot; the flotilla was always repulsed with great loss.

"Mr. Alexander Forester, a near relation of the Kowand family, was in South Carolina at the commencement of the revolution, and like many other consciencious but mistaken men, believed that his first duty was to his king. He returned after the revolution, and told my father in my presence, that he was one of the detachment ordered to land on the eastern end of the Island; that he was in the armed schooner, and that in every attempt made to reach the position assigned to them, the destruction from Col Thompson's two cannon was so great, and their decks so repeatedly swept by grape shot, that even the seamen could not be made to work the vessel, and the landing of the British troops was thus prevented. Col. Moultrie well merited the praises bestowed on him for so ably defending the fort, called fort Moultrie, in compliment to its gallant defender: l»ut the no less snccessful and important duty performed by Col. Thompson, at his station, is not generally known. They who suffered hy it were the least willing to acknowledge their defeat, and ascribed their failure to other causes. In their official desi>atches, they said that the flotilla became embarrassed among the shoals, and the channel proved too deep for the infantiy to ci'oss over."

Hank Name

*Oii Dec. 2, 1775, a letter was addressed by Henry Laurens, [^resident of the <'ouncil of Safety, to "Andrew Williamson, esq.. Major in Col. Thomson's Regiment at Ninety-Six". This only meant that Major Wfllianis(»n was, for the time beins', serving- under Col. Thomson - not that he belonged tt) the 3rd reg;iment.

From the Journal of f'oiuu-il of Safety for Jan. 11, 177(>, we extract: "Col. Thomson and Major P>rguson of the rangers attended", &c. Maj. Ferguson probably bore the same ndation to f'td. Thomson that Maj. Williamson did, as I'ecited above. He was not a Major in the Hrd regiment.

"Rf.solved, That as theCongress had not a|)pointed an Adjutant for the Regiment of Rangers, they can only approve of Col. Thomson's choice, and agree to recommend to the next Provincial Congress to provide the pay." - Journal of Council of Safety, July lOth, 1775.

"Tf) Col. Thomson, for pay due to .John Esom, Adjutant to his regiment of rangers tils <)0 ()". - Journal of Council of Safety. Jan. 2r!i-d, 177(i.

Name

"Sir - Complaints have been frequently made to ns, of jjreat inconveniences arisins: to the regiment and detachments of rangers, from your non-attendance In person or by a sufficient deputy. It has been allejfed, tliat Ions continued sickness has rendered you incapable of performing .vour duty: if this be true, you outjht to have ajjpointed proper clerks, and to have acquainted us with the cause of your a))sence. We desire you will immediately take such measures as will tend to the public service, and prevent further c<)m))lafnts in your department.

Journal of Council of Safety, Jan. 21), 177(5: "To John Chesnut, esq., Pa.ymaster to the rangers, for pay of the officers, and 6 companies of that regimeni. up to the 20th instant £11, .571 12 11."

SGen. DeSaussure says, pam])hlet, page 7, that (apt. (Joodwyn resigned Maj' 80, 1778, l)ut Gen. Lachlan Mcintosh, in his journal for April 26, 1780, states that "Cai)tain Goodwin, of :?d South-Carolina", was on that day killed in the siege of Charlestown.

Namk. Aitointkk

Dr. Joseph Johnson, in his "Traditions of the Revolution", page 99, states that the order books of Col. William Thomson "have been preserved by his family, and are verv creditable to his officer-like conduct and discretion." One of these books is now in possession of Judge A. C. Haskell, of Colymbia, who has very kindly allowed it to be copied for use in this work. The book is bound in soft brown leather, is about eight by ten inches in size, contains about ninety unruled pages, very closely written in the style of script that generally prevailed at the time of the American Revolution. The following is a carefully made copy of the original:

You are hereby directed forthwith to Issue Orders for levying in this and the adjacent Colonies proper men not exceeding thirty in each Company to serve for six months certain and not longer than three Years in the Regiment of Rangers under your command observing the Articles agreed upon in Provincial Congress, for Ordering and governing the Forces in this Colony. And it is recommended to all the good People of this and the neighboring Colonies to give you and the officers under your command all necessary aid and assistance therein.

Inclos'd is a Copy of orders I rec*? from the Council of Safty. You will observe the contents and give orders accordingly to the four upper Companies Viz: Captf. Perwis. Kirkland, Caldwell, and Polk, you will also order an Encampment in the most convenient place near Reedy River and that each CaptV. as soon as he has enlisted Ten men to send them to the Camp in order to learn their Exercise and be in readiness with a good Horse, and Rifle, and other necessaries.

same dny gave orders to the lemaining Hve Capt*: Wise, Woodward, Kirshaw, Rirhardson, and Goodwyn, for their levying thirty men with speed, with oi'ders for each Captain immediately upon raising Ten men to send the same to their Camp near Holmans.

You are hereby forthwith ordered to station at Fort Charlotte a Company of Rangers to Harrison that Post, and to take care of the Military Stores which are there deposited.

You will direct the commandiiig Officer of this Detachment to take an Inventory of the Military Stores he shall find in the Fort and to send to the Council of Safety an Exact Copy of it, and also an Account of the state of the works.

Order the Commanding officer, whom you send on this Service to inlist the Men at Present in Garrison to serve as Rangers if they are willing, and give Mr. Whitfield* all proper Encouragement to remain in the Fort, provided he will be subject to your order, we are very desirous of retaining him in the Service of the Colony, and therefore you might propose to him pay equal to his present allowance, which we will confirm if he accepts it, and will upon Your Recommendation of him as a proper Person appoint him to the first Vacancy in your Regiment.

You will immediately send a copy of these Instructions to Major Mason, in order that he may not execute any thing relative to the Directions he had concerning Fort Charlotte. We are Sir.

rec*? from the Council of Safety You are hereb}" ordered forthwith carefully to put them into Execution, direct CaptV Perwis to take the Command, desire You will see that he has good likel}^ Men and good Rifles &c.

Desire You may give CaptV Purvis orders to see that M^ Whitfield and his Possession is not molested if he will accept the offers made him, and if it is convenient for him I would be glad to see him at my House.

I hope you will see that the four Capt'' of Rangers in your neighborhood does list good likely Rifled Men. T expect to hear from you as soon as you have executed these orders, which I make no doubt will be on sight. I intend for Town this Day week, but will be home in few Days.

Yours of the 29''' by M"" Swcinston I rereived, I desire Yoa will send some of Your Men, not less than Twelve, with one Officer, as soon as You can, I inclose You the Articles against Meeting, and the Oath to be taken by the Men when listed. Have the Meeting Act Read to Your Men, and them properly enlisted, good likely Rifles, 1 hope to see You have, as 1 know You can have choice, tell my Friend your Brother, I am ohlig'd to go to Town this Day Week, as soon as I return hope to see him, in mean while hope he will endeavor to settle the Minds of the Catawbas as I am almost sure some one has been tampering with them.

Some time past 1 wrote to you to come down or send Your Lieutenant to receive Your commission and orders, but has not heard from You, makes me think the Letter miscarried I expect you have listed Your number of thirty before this time our Can:ip is near Holman's on the old Road, 1 shall go to Town Saturday, in the mean tinje beg to see you or Your Lieutenant ately make a return to the Council of the several Companies in the Regiment of Rangers specifying the names of the officers non=coni missioned officers, and Privates, the station of each Company together with a state of their Cloathing, Horses, and Ammunition.

That if the Companies are not full, he use his utmost Diligence in order to complete them- and that each Man be well mounted, armed and accoutred. On the Tenth Day of August next, Eight companies shall rendezvous at some proper Place to be appointed by the Colonel, and march \)j the following Routes, to wit:

Three Companies to the Southward by Orangeburgh, to the three Runs, thence down Savannah River to Purrysburg, thence to Ponpon, and downward by the High Road.

Three Companies to the Northward, by the Kings Tree, and the most Populous Parts of Waccamaw^ and Pedee to George Town, thence by Wambaw to Hugers Bridge, and by the Strawberry Road going up to Childsburry=Town to Biggin Bridge, Monck's Corner, and thence downward by the High Road.

Two Companies through S^. Stephen's Parish down to Monck's Corner thence to Edistow saw Mills, and from thence thro' the Horshoe, and Round 0 to Parkers Ferry, Dorchester, and thence down the High Road.

That Col: Thomson do march with the First Detachment to the Southward. That Major Mason do march with the second Detachment to the Northward.

That the whole meet and rendezvous at some convenient Place within Ten Miles of Charles Town on the First Day of September, and that notice of the

That the utmost Diligence be constantly used, to train and Exercise the Regiment by Companies and otherwise as Opportunities may permit, in the use of Arms agreeable to the Manual Exercise approved of by the Council.

That strict discipline be at all times kept up in the Regiment, Companies, and Detachments, . , That Marauding and every degree of Injury to the Inhabitants or their property be strictly forbidden; and that exemplary Punishment be duely inflicted upon offenders against the orders of the Council and the Articles of War.

That all needful and proper Assistance be given, when required by the Parochial Committees, officers of the Colony Regiments of Foot, Magistrates and officers of the Militia who have signed the genei-al Association; and imuiediate Notice transferred to the Council of such Requisitions, and services intended or performed.

That orderly Books be kept by the commanding officer of each Detachment and the whole returned, together with a State of the Regiments, at the time of their Rendezvous on the first of September to the Council.

As there are persons suspected of attempts to alienate the affections of the Inhabitants of this Colony from the Interests of America, Col: Thomson and all the officers of the Regiment of Rangers, are ordered to take proper Notice of such suspected Persons. And if it shall appear to the Colonel, or the Commanding officer of any Detachment, that the conduct or behavior of such Person or Persons are dangerous to the safety of the Colony the Colonel or such Commanding Officer of any Detachment is required to

Col: Thomson is to procure from Fort Charlotte, half a Pound of Gun=Powder per Man, and Lead in proportion, for the Eight Companies which are to march and to the Commanding Officer of Fort Charlotte, a receipt for such Powder and Lead. Strict orders to be given for the Preservation of such Powder and Lead, against all kind of Damage; and that no part be used but as occasions may require solely for the service of the Colony.

Owners and Keepers of Ferries are to charge Ferriage of the Rangers and their Horses, to the Public: Accounts thei'eof to be certified by the Commanding officers of Detachments, and transmitted to the Council of Safety.*

The Council of safety recommend to the Inhabitants - throughout this Colony, to treat the Regiment and Detachments of Rangers with Hospitality, and to supply them with Provision and necessaries, for their Money, at Reasonable Rates. By order of the Council of Safety.

I herein inclose you copy of the orders received from the Council of Safety. You will please to give the three Companies in Your District orders accordingly I should be glad if you would have them all in Amelia by the sixth Day of August as I could wish to have them together four Days before they March.

You'll observe the Instructions about the Powder and Lead in Proportion and order down sufficient Quantity for the five Company's in this Neighbourhood, as perscribed in the General orders, that I may be able to make a return of the whole You may supply those three Company's with their Dividend of Powder and Lead before they come down in order to save Carriage. I make no doubt but you have comply'd with the orders concerning Fort Charlotte before this time. I should be glad to hear from You immediately.

You are hereby required to rendezvous your Company in Amelia by the sixth of August next, in the meantime you are to be very diligent to learn them their Exercise. 1 hereby send you the Manual Exercise that is ordered to be learned by the Council of Safety, which You'll please to teach them except the Bayonet Exercise, and in loading, the Breech of Rifles must go to the Ground, and that You immediately make a return to me of your Company, specifying the names of the Officers, non commissioned officers, and Privates, the Station of Your Company with the State of their Cloathing, Horses, & Ammunition, if yonr Company is not full, use your utmost diligence to compleat it I remain

The underwritten is a Copy of Orders from the Council of Safety, which please strictly to observe. "As there are Persons suspected of attempts to

"alienate the affections of the Inhabitants of this Col- ''ony from the Interest of America, Col: Thomson and "all the Officers of the Regiment of Rangers are order- "ed to take proper Notice of such suspected Persons. "And if it shall appear to the Colonel or the Com- "manding Officer of any Detachment that the Conduct "and Behaviour, of an,y Person or Persons are danger- "ous to the Safety of the Colony, the Colonel, or such "commanding officer of any Detachment, -is required "to confine such Person or Persons in the District "Gaol, or otherwise and report to the Council of safe- "ty immediately.

That Col: Thomson do immediately march with his whole Regiment, or such Part as may be necessary for his Service, and take possession of Fort Charlotte, if the same is not already secured agreeable to the order of the 26th of June last, after which he is to leave one Company in Garrison and follow his late orders: And that the President do forthwith transmit a Copy of this Order and write Col: Thomson on the Subject.

upon thern about Monday next to take a Tour of about Ten Days, owing to some Intelligence I just now received let Lieutenant Hopkins proceed on his Journey, forward the Express to Major Mason with all possible speed I am.

I just now rec^J your friendly Letter with the orders from the Council of Safety which shall he put in execution immediately. I expected that Major Mason had executed the orders of the 26fJ' June long before this time, as I trusted that part of the service to him with particular orders to execute it, being in his neighborhood I am very sorry the Council of Safety has to i-epeat their orders to me.

Since the Express sent You, Yesterday, I have rec<J Orders from the Council which makes it necessary to March to Fort Charlotte on Savannah River, It is hereby ordered that You, with your Com pan}' meet me on Sunday next at the Congarees in readiness for that Service.

Since the Express sent you Yesterday, I have re('<? a Letter and orders of which I have sent you a Copy, 1 desire you will in) mediately transmit to me a state of the whole affair as it now stands. I shall collect four of the Lower Company's Immediately and be at the Congrees in five Days in order to March up if the needful is not done already of which I hope to be acquainted from you before that Day. I desire you will collect the four upper Company's to have them in readiness to join me when T come to Ninety six, that is if Capt. Purvis is not in the Fort already according to the first Orders, If so the express of Yesterday will acquaint You what to do with the other three Company's. I shall be extreamly sorry & surprized to find the orders of the 26*'^ has not been put into execution by You, as I depended entirely on You, expecting to have them as absolutely executed as If I had been present. I shall add no more at present but that I expect to hear from You as above. I am with Capt^ Kirshaw, Richardson, Goodw\ n's & Woodward's ill order to carry into Execution your orders of the 15^'i Instant, it was not in my Power to collect the four Cympanys together sooner Capt" Wise being at the gi'eatest distance and also near a Quarter where t was inform'd several disaffected Persons live say on Thomson's & Lynch's creek's, for whitdi reasons 1 only sent him your orders of the 13^'' Instant, & intended leaving him there in order to watch the Intententions of these Persons, But on my way up hither, 1 met an express from Major Mason, to the Council of Safety and also one for my self, a copy of which I herewith send you Inclosed. I shall now Camp a few^ miles above this Place, with the four Company's above mentioned & dispatch iin Express to Capt: Wise in the morning with orders for him to repair immediately with his Company to this Cam]\ I shall also send orders to Major Mason to have Fort Charlotte well guarded. If he finds it necessary with the whole of the other three Company's, or whatever part of them may be rais'd. The paymaster who is now with me, has only yet received 1000£ which 1 brought up from Charles Town for him, there being no more ready £500 of which shall be sent Immediately to Fort Charlotte, with a Detachment that I purpose sending there in order to get a small supply of Gunpowder, and Lead agreeable to your order of the 13t'> Instant being entirely without, Excepting 151';'' borrowed of M'! Kirshaw, this will be handed you by Capf; Woodward* who being desirous of going to Town in order to fit out himself and his Men, & as he also comes from near that Quarter where most of the disaffected lives he

* "The President laid before, and read to the Coiuieil, sundry papers, contained in a dispatcli from Col. William Thomson, reeeiveiJ Jast nijiht l)y Capt. Thomas ^Vood ward, of the Uangers." - Journal of Couneil of Safety, July 2t>tli, 177").

27t.'i oame safe to Hand, on Sunday last the 2"^ Instant. I have the honour of acquinting You b}^ the return of the F]x|ness that we left Charles Town not sooner than the 24^'' of last Month, the very Day after the conclusion of the Provincial Congress, having arrived at my Place I begun imniediately to enlist Men, the number of which consisting this Day in 22 well chosen, young, and well mounted Men, I shall no doubt coinpleat my Company, this, or the beginning of next week. But permit me Sir. to observe that our people wants time to ecjuippe, and piepare for a march as long as such we have to perform from this place to the Camp. I hope to set out at the Head of the whole Company about the \^} of August, and Join the Camp with all possible diligence. I have the honour to be Sir

Just as I was about to dispatch Mr. Sallens yesterday with the four Blank Association Papers, which you will receive in a seperate packett, certain intelligence arrived from. Fort Charlotte which render'd it proper to detain him till this morning.

The Council of Safety alarmed by an intimation of Mr St Pierres proceed - with one Cossel, in the Fort as given by Capt: Whitefield in a letter to Mr. Gervais

& not clearly informed of the part which the Capt himself means to take, are anxious that you should can-y their Orders of the 26*'i June into execution immediately take possession of the Fort & all the Military & other Stores contained in it. for this end the Council made another oider last night for enforcing the former, a certitied Copy of which you will find here inclosed.

The Gunpowder is most particularly recommended to your care, not only to get possession of the whole, but to prevent damage waste and misapplication of any part & not a moment to he delayer].

I flatter myself with hopes that you will have anticipated the wishes of the Counril, that the Fort is now in the Hands of their Officers nevertheless I have it in charge to signify their commands that if it shall be necessary You immediately attempt to surmount every difficulty by the united efforts of your whole Regiment, You at their Heads together with such assistance as our Friends & associates in that neighborhood may think proper to lend upon this momentous affair. The Council entertain hopes that Capt: Whitetield will associate in the Interest of America, in such case he will correspond with the Council, by transmitting to them a return of all the Stores at the time of his surrending to their officer which must be countersigned by that officer or Yourself if you shall find it necessary to go there.

The earnestness of the Council upon this important service impels n)e in conclusion of the subject again to repeat, it is their order, you take possession of the Fort and Stores without delay & also without delay you transmit a return of your proceedings including a complete Inventory.

for direction in case <>f opposition by an}' person either openl^y or otherwise were presumptive evidence is strong. And tliis moment when T cannot receive the Instruction of the Council «t when I dare not delay the messenger, it occurs to me that CaptV Whitfield however ohearfully he may shew an inclination to serve the Colony by resignation, may not be content with a subcommand / if he is a man of spirit he will not/ in such case I recommend that you advise him to come to Charles Town & apply to the Council which I add from a Zeal for the Public service as well as from a feeling for a (ientleman, in the circumstances which he will be reduced to therefore if he follows my advice & does not succeed in This application to the Council, 1 shall hold n)yself answerable to reimburse if he desires it) the expence of his extra journey in consequence of my reconnnendation.

P S: in Council, by order, the Letter which comes inclosed with this is to be delivered to Capt Whitefieid a'fter he has signed the association otherwise not for some Days after You have taken possession of the Fort.

* "The (%niiK-il havinji approved the letter, agreed witli Thomas Hingelton to deliver it to Col. Thomson, for forty pounds enrreiiey." - .Journal of Council of Safety, July 1(5, 1774.

P. S: Mr: Chesnut informs me that King Prow, with about 50 of the Catawba's are now at Camden on a friendly visit. Mr: Kirshaw & 1 myself are both at a loss what to do with regard to taking some of them into pay for want of Your Instructions.*

Di' Sir, I herewith send you Inclosed Copy of orders I sent to Major Mason with the order of the 26th ^ifo from the Council of safety 1 an) sorry Major Mason, has so unfortunately lost the Gunpowder, & cannot tell why he brought it out of the Fort, perhaps the Council of Safety order'd him to do so, as be told me when on his way up from Town, that he had orders relative to Fort Charlotte, but did not

"Hiir - The Council of Safety have ordered me to acknowledge the receipt of your fovour of the 8th instant, and to return tlieir thanks for your assiduity in treating with the old men and head warriors of the Catfiwba Indians,

"Your assurances that those people are hearty in our interest, and your hopes that forty or fifty of them will cheerfully enter into the service of the Colony, aflbrds the Council additional satisfaction, and the design of uniting them to tiie Regiment of Rangers is a measure which tliey altogether approve of, l)ut to be under the particular direction of a whire man, agreeable to a resolution of the Congress in their late session.

"The Council request you to give tliem immediate notice wiien any body of the Catawbas are ready to march in order to join the Rangers, and that you will recommend a white man well qualitied to lead them in scouts, and in action. Transmit your notice by the iiands of such a one. The Council will give him a commission, and dispatch him with a letter to Col. Thomson, in whose camp he will meet the Indians," - Journal of Council of Safety, July 2(5, 1775.

inform nip what they were, and kept it a secret from me, as I could wish he had done from all others. T am doubtful that the officers in that Quarter are not the persons esteenj'd among their neighbors, & that they have not told the men their duty at the time of their Enlisting them, however j^ou will be better able to Judge when you Peruse the inclosed papers, by w^hich 3^ou will also see how Fletchall, Cunningham & Robinson has deceived and deluded the poor people, in the Fork, Between Broad & Saluda Rivers I am Clearly of opinion if some Gentlemen of the Council of Safety, or of the most noted Character together with Coll? Richardson (as many of these People formerly belonged to his Regiment) could be prevailed on to go up among them that could these unhappy disputes lietween Great Britain & the Colony's in a proper Light that most of them might be brought over by fair means. I do not mean Fletchall Cunningham & Robinson, if they was Cherokees Chiefs or Leaders I would v^enture to loose my life or send their Scalps to the Council of Safety But the poor people they have deluded, 1 am of opinion might yet be convinced of their Error. 1 think M^; Tennent would be a good hand to send up as a great many of those people are of his - Religion. I sent Lieut: David Hopkins with association Col. Fletchall, & expect him Back

When I was left in Town 1 apply'd to the Council of Safety for a warrant for our Doctor Alexander Rogers, which I did not then get, and a Blank appointment for his Mate, 1 likewise apply'd to have an Adjutant appointed would be glad to know if the Council made any order for one.

resentment between Mayson, Kirkland, &. this Cunningham the latter with some more of his Neighbours think they have not been taken proper notice oft I only throw out those hints for your information.

My last to You was the 22'."^ Instant by Capt'.' Woodward since whirh 1 have rec] the Inclosed Letter from Lieut David Ho^jkins who 1 sent with the Association from the President to Col. Fletchall,:|: You likewise have inclosed a Letter handed me last night from Capt: Wise f have rec<? a Letter from Major Mason dated the 22^^ Inst: wherein he informs me of the arrival of Capt: Purvis with the Day before & that he had only Enlisted eleven Men he farther informs me that he had expected Capt: Polk within Ten Days, from whom I have never yet received any account therefore cannot inform you with regard to the state of his Company, & neither Caldwell nor Kirkland have yet made me a return of their Company's. Captains Kirshaw, Goodwyn Woodward Richardson are now in Camp with me & have all their Companys com pleat except the Latter who wants four Men yet, which I hope to get in a few t8(), after all, this "cliivalroiis gentleman of tiie old school", of whose "duty to his king" we have heard so niueli, was nothing l)ut a "sorehead".

ILetter from Henry Laurens, President of the ("onneil of Safety, to Col. Thos. Fletchall, dated .July 14th, 177o: "This letter will he presented to you hy an Officer in the Colony Regiment of Rangers, who will he dispatched hy Col. Thomson for that special service, and who will wait for your answer."

Days tho^ I find some difficulty in raising Men, as the Enemies to the cause, take great Pains to progagate different reports that the Money they are to he Paid with will not pass &c.

The men with me are chiefly well armed with Rifles what few are wanted I expect to collect in a few Days but their Horses in General appear but low in flesh, about 50 Men are already clothed with their Regimentals & shall get the remainder ready as speedy as possible I can as I have a number of Taylors employ'd for that Purpose, but find it little difficult to procure a sufficient Quantity of low priced Blue Broad Cloth.

My Men that rides express, expects that their Expences will he paid by the publick, as their Wages will not be sufficient to support themselves & Horses, & pay traveling charges <S:c as 1 never had any Instruction in this matttr shall be glad of Yours on that head.

I have orderV] Major Mason, if he found that Capt" Cald wells company was sufficient to guai'd Fort Charlotte to rendezvous the other three Company's near the ridge, until I rec<? farther orders, from the moving the Gunpowder first out of the Fort to ninety six, the difi'erent accounts of Captain Kirklands behavior in that occasion, Capt: Purvis only having enlisted eleven Men, and not having any intelligence from Polk, together with the minds of the back People being so much agitated at this time that I am really at a loss in what manner to act in regard to the conduct & Behaviour of the different officers in that Quarter, shall therefore be extremely glad of your direction and am with due regard.

Copy of a Letter from the Rev«J Mr Cresswell to Major Mason which with the Letters now inclos'd to the Council of Safety will farthur inform you of the confusion in the different parts of the Frontiers of thi^ Colony, from these & the many different accounts that I daily have from up the Country 1 am at a Loss to say any thing on that subject but as I know it to be my duty to have my small Regiment Trained & complete as soon as in my Power, and to have the minds of the small Part 1 have with me as quiet as possible, as they seem rather disatistied at present occasioned me to solicit your Friendship in the following application.

It was agreed to in Provincial Congress that the Regiment of Rangers which I have the Honour to command was to be upon as good a Footing as the Provincial Rangers in the late Indian War, which 1 allow they would be at 20^ ^ month, provided, provisions Blanketts, Horses & Ammunition were to be purchased as reasonable as at that time, and that wild Game was as plentiful in the Back Country as they were then, & our Duty to be there, but am sorry to inform You that Goods in the Back Country are become scarce & dear, as is also Provisions of all kinds - I have four Companys of my Regiment encamp'd near the Congrees, & I find it extremely difficult to keep them from suffering for want of Provision, which causes much murmuring amongst my Men . . I am convinced it will not be in my Power to make my Men perfect in their Exercise, as it takes them off their duty a great part of their time providing provisions. You are sensible that our duty in the late war, was chiefly in the back - - Country were Provisions were very reasonable, and plenty of Wild Game to be met with, and we were never call'd to this place or lower down. Except wdien we were ordered 1o join the Regulars, & then we were found in Provisions at the Expense of the publick and all Detachments that were sent below this place were always found in Provisions, which I make no doubt you'll remember on recollection If you'll please to consider a few moments the expence a Person must be at at this time to maintain himself & his Horse, and furnish himself with a Rifle Gun suitable for the occasion I make no doubt but you'll find them on a much worse footing than our Rangers formerly were. If you think any step could be taken to have the privates found in Provision at the expence of the Colony am convinced it would answer a good purpose, & quiet the minds of the few I have with me that I can depend upon, and I heartily wish the first resolve of the Congress, respecting the number of Men in each Company had been carried into Execution, which number would have been easily rais'd had the Men been found in Provision, even had their pay been something less. - However, this I leave entirely to You. and shall be much oblig'd to you for your advice on the subject. And if you think it proper & Judge it a reasonable request should Esteem it a favour if you'll communicate it to the Council of Safety & use your Influence in favour of my Regt or if you think a petition from all the officers setting forth the Inconveniencys the Men labour under would answer a better Purpose, should be glad to be informed tho 1 am persuaded You can be of more service to the Reg*; than any Petition they can send down, as you are well acquainted with the Circumstances these men must he in being obligd to purchase Provisions at whatever prices the People where they happen to be stationed at Choses to set upon them I an] very respectfully, Hon^': Sir

The Council of Safety having fully considered the contents of your three Letters reced by the Hands of Gilbert Gibson have order'd me to reply in the following Terms,

Respecting the movement of your Regt: under your command You are to be govern'd by their late orders untill you shall receive further Instructions, t-oncerning an additional allowance to Your Men, when employed as express messengers, the Council Concur in your opinion that somewhat more than the ordinary daily pay ought to be granted. You may be the most competent Judge in this this article & therefore you are requested to adjust & signify what will be suthcient and satisfactory, in consideration of Gibson's having been detained in Charles Town he has been allowed and paid 15 / p"" Day taking all clays together, with which he is extremely well satisfied in the ordinary course - perhaps 10* p^' Day will be full enough.