Memoirs of the American Revolution from its commencement to the year 1776 inclusive; as relating to the State of South Carolina, and occasionally referring to the States of North Carolina and Georgia

Front matter

MEMOIRS OF THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION, ITS COMMENCEMENT TO THE YEAR 1776, INCLUSIVE ; AS BELATING TO THE STATE OF SOUTH-CAROLINA AND OCCASIONALLY REFERING TO THE STATES OF NORTH-CAROLINA AND GEORGIA. BY JOHN DRAYTON, L.L.D. ACTHOR OF " A VIEW OF SOOTH-CAROLINA" AND A MEMBER OF THE ROYAL SOCIETY OF SCIENCES OF GOTTINGEN. — — ' ; — the Prince who intri-Sfues with foreigners against his People, does it, at the peril of Ms Crown.— DalrymplJs Dlemain.- revocate animos, moestumque timorem Mittite : sorsan et hæc oliin meminisse juvabit. Æn.1. rc. 206, 207. IN TWO VOLUMES. VOL I. CHARLESTON: PRINTED BY A. E. MILLER, 120, BROAD-STREET. 1821. District of Soutk'Cafolma, to wit: «#©0<-__0^ BE IT REMEMBERED, that on the fifteenth day of May, Anno Domini, Q Q ODe thousand eight hundred and twenty-one, and in the forty-fifth year of Q SEAL.

Q the Independence of the United States of America, the Honorable John Dray 0 (j ton, District Judge of the United States of America for South-Carolina Dis* •lOCCOf trict, deposited in this office the title of a book, the right whereof he claims as author and proprietor, in the words following, to wit . "Memoirs of the American Revolution, from its commencement to the year 1776, inclusive; as relating to the State of South-Carolina j and occasionally referingto the States of North-Carolina and Georgia. By John Drayton, L.L- D. Author of "A View of South- Carolina," and a Member of the Royal Society of Sciences of Gottingen. the Prince who intrigues with foreigners against his people, does it, at the peril of his crown. — Dalrymph's Memoirs. revocate animos, moestumque timorem MittUe: forsan et hæc olim meminisse juvabit.

Æn. L v. 206, 207. In two Volumes." In conformity with the act of Congress of the United States, entitled " An act for the Encouragement of Learning, by securing the Copies of maps, charts, and books, to the authors and proprietors of such copies, during the times therein mentioned," and also to the act entitled " An act supplementary to an act, entitled, ' An act for the encouragement of learning, by securing the copies of maps, charts, and books, to the authors and proprietors of such copies, during the times therein mentioned,' and extending the benefits thereof to the arts of designing, engraving and etching historical and other prints.'* JAMES JERVEY, C.erfc of tht District of South-Carolina. TO THE HONORABLE, THE SENATE, AND THE HONORABLE THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF SOUTH-CAROLINA: Gentlemen, WHEN a Legislature so respectable, as that, of which you are the component parts, thought fit to encourage the publication of the following pages, and to extend towards them your beneficent patronage ; I did not farther weigh the cost, or the responsibility : but immediately determined on placing the same, into the hands of the printer, with all possible dispatch For, as they treat of matters intimately connected, with the liberties we enjoy, and the interests over which you preside: it became peculiarly obligatory on me, to present them to your consideration, at as early a moment, as opportunities would permit.

Preface

. W HEN my father, William Henry Drayton, died at Philadelphia in Septem ber 1779, he left many valuable papers in manuscript *, some of them were original, but most of them were copies from Congressional documents, which during the year 1779 he had prepared, as necessary for a history of the Ameri can Revolution, in which, he was about to engage The Gentleman (a member of Congress) who managed his affairs at Philadelphia after his decease, did not think it proper these papers should fall into the hands of his family ; as containing, many secrets of State : and they were consequently destroyed. Some few, however, escaped this general ruin ; accompanied by a book, in which Mr. Drayton had written several passages on various subjects, to be, incorporated into his contemplated history, as they might apply ; and these, came into my hands.

Beside these papers, when he departed from this State in March 1778, on his delegation to Congress, he left a manuscript in two volumes, written by him self; from the latter end of the year 1773, to near the close of that of 1776 j as well grounded on his own knowledge of passing events, as of that derived from the many high and important official stations he filled, in a series of public services — also, a variety of original letters, among7which were some, from the Earl of Dartmouth, one of the King of England's principal Secretaries of State, to the provincial Governors of North-Carolina, South-Carolina, and Georgia — and from Sir James Wright, Governor of Georgia, to General Gage, and Admi ral Graves — Council of Safety's, and Secret Committee's papers — and other documents, supporting the narration in his manuscript — all of which, have remained in the possession of his tamily, unseen by any one.

As these books and papers contain matters relating to the early part of the American Revolution in the Southern Colonies of the Union, which have not been published in any histories hitherto written, I have been induced to submit them to the public, under the form of Memoirs ; that being the only mode which would permit me to use my father's manuscripts and papers, with any vJjj

PREFACE.

. satisfaction to myself. For his manuscript volumes, being written hastily as events occurred ; were collections of facts, neither sufficiently digested for history, nor distributed into that order, which, had he lived, would have been done, before presentation to the public eye. They were besides, more calcu lated for a general history of the American Revolution; and were not suffi ciently connected, to have appeared as proceeding from his pen. For these reasons, I determined they never should appear, but under my control, through my hands, and in my own language, except some parts which are in my father's words: being of opinion, that if I took on myself to give them publicity, I alone should be a;iswerable for any faults of the composition. And I hope this explanation will be received, as an apology to those of my friends, who, placing a high value on original and authentic manuscripts, have wished 1 should publish them without alteration or defalcation ; as thereby giving a better insight of the feelings and transactions of the times, to which they relate, than could be conveyed by any narration which was not contemporaneous.

As to publishing them without alteration or defalcation, I could not allow my self to be the means of spreading before the public manuscripts written in haste ; where many blanks occurred, which it was not in my power to supply, with the matter intended. And as to the narration not being contemporaneous, I was generally with my father, until the last year of his life ; when I was placed at Princetown in the Jerseys, under the care of Dr. Witherspoon, then President of the College, and a Member of the Continental Congress: and although my youth cannot permit me to consider myself as contemporaneous — yet, during that time, I knew many of the characters who are mentioned in this work ; and often attending my father on public occasions, I remember many things, which, otherwise, it could not be supposed, opportunities permit ted me to know, or my youth to recollect : and I even entered into the public feelings, as to some of them.

This will enable me to connect or explain, some parts of the narrative — to add to it, from the papers in my hands, which he had not used — and, to present a work, which I hope will be a tolerable picture ofdangers, which have been overcome ; and of times, w*hich are past. From all these sources of information, I havs entered on the arduous and delicate task, of writing these Memoirs ; and in doing so, I consider my father's manuscripts, as the basis on which they rest ; and the accompanying papers, as prov ing and illustrating the accounts which are related. As I began this work with a determination, of stating nothing, but what I «ither knew, or believed, to be true ; and as in so doing, I was conscious my relation would, in some cases, run counter to what had been published by others ; I thought it adviseable to follow Sir John Dalrymple's mode of proving and illustrating the chapters, by immediately connecting with each one the documents relating to the same *. and I trust in being so engrafted into the work, they will, not only form one of its most valuable recommendations but, will justify me in the views I have taken, of men and of measures.

It has been my practice, not to trust to printed books ; but to procure access to authentic manuscripts, or to papers printed by authority : and this I have done where opportunities permitted — or, where individuals were willing to impart

PREFACE.

. IX the information thev possessed ; and I have generally quoted from the books or papers in my possession. I have found myself under difficulties, in writing the eighteenth chapter of these Memoirs ; as the manuscripts which had been my guide, did not treat of the matters contained therein; and, as the Journals of the Privy Council for the year 1776, have not aided me *, although many and particular inquiries have been made for the same, both at public offices, and of the heirs of John Rutledge, and of Rawlins Lowndes, both of whom were at the head of affairs during the early part of our revolution ; the first, with the title of President and Commander in Chief — and the latter, with that of Gover nor and Commander in Chief. I had, however, a few papers, which with other assistances, enabled me to write the same.

And among the latter, I cannot forbear mentioning the name of John S Cogdell, late Comptroller-General of this State ; to whose friendly and particular researches in the office of the Clerk of the House of Representatives at Columbia, I am indebted, for the only account I have been able to give, of the authority, by which, the Great Seal of this State, was contrived and made. I am also indebted, to Col. Thomas Roper, for the votes of Assembly, printed by the order of that House, respecting the transactions of our first American Congress, which took place at New-York in October 1765; and for those printed by its order, after the Stamp-Act had been passed by the King and Par liament of Great Britain. To Col. Daniel Stevens, for the account which I have given of the proceedings of the people, after the stamped paper, had arrived in the port of Charles town.

To John Champneys, for the manuscript Journals of the Commons-House of Assembly of this then province, from the 2d day of August 1774, to the 15th day of September 1775, inclusive. To Thomas Winslanley, for the manuscript Journals of the Provincial Coun cil, for the years 1774, and 1776. To Elias Horry, Intendant of Charleston, for the Printed Extracts of the Provincial Congress of South-Carolina, for the year 1776. To Benjamin Elliott, for the Orderly Book of Barnard Elliott, while he waj Captain in the second regiment of Infantry, and Major in the regiment of Artillery. To James Nicholson, for Captain Mason's Orderly Book, while he was in the second regiment of Infantry. And to various other gentlemen, who were so polite as to aid me, with information they possessed, or with papers, of public authority; among whom the liberal assistance of Patrick Duncan entitles him to particular thanks. h

PREFACE.

. X The portrait at the beginning of this book, is engraved from an engraving done in France, of a picture drawn in India ink by Mons. De Simitiere at Philadelphia, about the latter end of the year 1778, or the beginning of the year 1779; which, with many other likenesses by the same artist, of Members of Congress, and public officers, were sent to Europe to be engraved ; and after the peace of 1783, many of these engravings were exported to the United States for sale. The Sullivan's Island Map, and plan of the Fort thereon, was made, partly from one drawn by Lieut. Col. James, of the Royal Regiment of Artillery ; who was the British Engineer on board of the Thunder Bomb vessel, which dis charged the shells against the fort on the 28th of June ; and partly, with the assistance of Captains Richard Bohun Baker, and Henry Gray, who were Lieutenants in the second regiment of Infantry, and assisted in fighting the cannon of the fort at Sullivan's Island, on the said 28th day of June.

The Map respecting Colonel Williamson's expedition against the Cherokees, was made from a manuscript draft of the same, found among roy father's papers ; and which was corrected, by refering to the maps of Melish's Military Atlas : and that part of it, which is within the bounds of South-Carolina, con taining almost the whole of Pendleton District, and a small part of Greeneville District, was drawn and corrected, by reference to the late boundary map between South-Carolina and North-Carolina, in the Secretary's office ; and to the map of Pendleton District, in the possession of Major Wilson, Engineer of this State. The Map respecting Ninety Six Court-House and Gaol, and the encamp ments connected therewith, was made from the District Maps of Abbeville and Edgefield in the hands of Major Wilson ; the Court-House, Gaol, Spring and encampments, were located agreeably to the manuscript of William Henry Drayton, aided by surveys caused to be made by Mr. James Nicholson for that purpose.

I have been told by some, that although the persons whose names are men tioned in the following pages, be generally dead ; yet, every thing said of them therein, may not be agreeable to their descendants ; and therefore, as few names as possible, should be brought into public view. In this, I am sensible I tread on tender ground ; as every writer must do, who treats of parties, and of revolutions; and, objections made on this ground, are the prices which we must all pay, for the liberty we now enjoy. Yet, I trust I shall stand excused to the public, and to the many descendants of honorable men, who now hold and enjoy the confidence of their fellow citizens, both in private and in public life, when they consider, that if I have treated of their ancestors, I have also done so of mine— and in both cases, I have given to the best of my power and opportunities, a faithful relation of their translations, from British subjects to American citizens— so, as to introduce them to the knowledge of men from the first commencement of opposition, to that vigorous conduct, which, casting

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. XI a radiance around them, rewarded them with the admiration of their fellow citizens, and with high offices of honour and confidence. To have suppressed their names, would have been to have suppressed a course of anxious and arduous services, which entitled them to the thanks of a grateful people. Be sides, I professed to treat of particulars ; and I could not give just ideas of the public opinion, during the various stages of the' American Revolution, or, of oppositions arising in our public councils, unless the names of those leaders who took part therein were mentioned. It is their names, as men of standing in society, and in whom the people trusted, that stamp authenticity and value on the accounts of those periods — it is for that purpose, they have been intro duced ; and, I hope in having done so, it has been done respectfully.

As to those, who took active and prominent parts, in support of the British Adminis tration in opposition to the American Revolution, their names have already been given to the public, by public authority, and by writers, in terms suitable to their conduct. And when their actions are treated of, I have done nothing more, than the Memoirs required; and to which, they had subjected them selves, by the parts which they took in favour of Royalty and taxation, against Republicanism and liberty. Yet, in these cases, 1 hope I have done it dis creetly ; and I trust it may be so received, among their descendants ; many of whom, are now respectable members of the community, enjoying the public confidence— and being ready with their lives and fortunes, to defend American liberty, and our happy constitution.

It has been suggested to me by others, the work would be unnecessarily increased, by speaking of local matters; of themselves little important, as tending to American independence. From persons, who are more ready to object to the actions of others, than to bring forth any labours or merits of their own, this might have a discouraging effect; as supposing, it might be the opinion of the community. But, I believe the public opinion to be too liberal, to entertain ideas of this kind ; or, to wish, that authentic information should be withholden, which the want of papers, and documents, has hitherto, kept from publicity. Besides, occurrences, however trivial, are interesting to the fnhabitants of those parts of the State, where they happened ; they are also, connected with characters; and in spreading them to public view, we pro mote the best ends of history — the knowledge of men— and the knowledge of measures.

Under such impressions, I have written these Memoirs ; hoping thereby, to arrest from oblivion matters connected with the American Revolution, and of importance to this State ; which otherwise, would have been totally lost. And if in doing so, I have met the public expectation ; or, have in any manner an swered the object of their wishes ; I shall consider myself happy in having undertaken the task: which, the protection of Providence, and the assistance of my friends, have enabled me in such manner to perform. On the 14th of August 1819, I commenced writing the Memoirs ; but was frequently inter rupted by the official duties I had to fulfil, and the various calls otherwise made upon my time. Notwithstanding which, seventeen chapters were completed

PREFACE.

. in 1820; and the work was pnt to the press on the 5th of February 1821 : the same being written and copied over in my own hand writing, during that time. In presenting it thus hastily composed, I fear it is offered, labouring under some errors, and many imperfections ; but I trust to the liberality of a generous public, and an impartial criticism : which, while they notice faults with ten derness, will duly appreciate the motive which led to the publication — that of gleaning a few flowers, remaining after a rich harvest; which may assist in embellishing the memories of our Statesmen — or, be added to that garland of honour, which is already placed on the altar of American Liberty. THE AUTHOR. South-Carolina, Charleston, July 21st, 182L BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCH OF WILLIAM HENRY DRAYTON. WlLLIAM HENRY DRAYTON was born in Soulh-Caro lina, at Dray ton-Hall on Ashley River, in September 1742.

He was the eldest son of John Drayton, whose father Thomas Drayton was a descendant of the Drayton family of Northamptonshire in England; and who came to South-Carolina, from the Island of Barbadoes, in the year 1671, with Sir John Yeamans and others. When William Henry Drayton had arrived at the age of eleven years, his father sent him to England in the year 1753, under the care of Charles Pinckney ; who, having resigned the office of Chief Justice of the Province, was then going to England with his family: among whom were his two sons, Charles Cotesworth Pinckney, and Thomas Pinckney. With the guidance and protec tion of this very respectable gentleman, he prosecuted his educa tion at Westminster School in London, until the autumn of 17^1 ; when he was removed to the University of Oxford: where, he matriculated on the 10th day of October in Balliol College.

He there continued his studies, for near three years ; when the call of a parent obliged him to leave his collegiate duties, ant} to return to Carolina. He did not, however, discontinue the improvements of his mind ; but entered upon a course of reading, with great industry ; and thereby became well informed in the English, anx',v BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCH OF cient and moderfi histories, the Laws of Nations, and the rights of his owu country. His father being a gentleman of large estate, and he the eldest son, he had not been brought up to any profession; but his ardent mind, would not permit him to move in a common sphere: and he therefore turned his attention to law and politics. In the year 1764, he married Miss Golightly, a young lady of independent estate; by whom he had two children; a daughter, and John, the author of this biographical sketch, and of the following Memoirs.

The proceedings in North America, flowing from British Acts of Parliament, did not allow Mr. Drayton to continue in domestic repose; for in the year 1769, under the signature of Freeman, he wrote against the mode of enforcing associations, which he deemed encroachments on his private rights of freedom. This, involved him in a political controversy; in which, he and William Wragg, were opposed by Christopher Gadsden and John M'Kinzie. After this, he returned to Europe, when, he was introduced at the British Court of George III; and was noticed by Lord Sandwich and others of the British nobility. Soon after, he received from George III, King of Great Britain, on the 27th day of February 1771, an appointment of Privy Counsellor for the Province of South-Carolina; and on his return to Carolina, he took his seat as a member of that Council, in Charlestown, on the 3d day of April 1772.

In performing the duties of that station, and in defence of his country's claims, he frequently was in opposition to the Crown Officers and Judges, who were members of the Council ; and, by protests which he entered on the Journals against their proceedings, was, with others, the cause of laws passing therein in behalf of the province, which, otherwise, would have been negatired. Hence, animosities arose against him at the Council-Board ; and he was watched with a jealous eye, as weakening the pretensions of the King, and the views of the British Administration. His standing and abilities at the Board, were nevertheless such, that on the decease of Judge Murray, he was appointed on the 25th day of January 1774, by Lieutenant-Governor Bull, an Assistant-Judge of the province, until his Majesty's pleasure should be known thereon.

In performing the duties of this office, with independence and zeal, he incurred the ill-will of the Chief Justice and some of the Assistant-Judges, who had been sent over from Eng land. And the Continental Congress being about to sit at Phila delphia in this year, he wrote and published a pamphlet under his signature of Freeman, which he addressed To the Deputies of North America, assembled in the High Court of Congress at Philadelphia. " In this, he stated the grievances of America, and drew up a Bill of American Rights. This, was well received. It substantially chalked out the line of conduct adopted by Congress, then in ses sion."* It, however, brought upon him au attack from the Chief Justice and one of the Assistant-Judges, in the Council ; by which the Lieutenant-Governor was obliged to supercede Mr. Drayton, on the 9th day of December 1774.

His public endeavours in be half of his native country, were not checked by this act of power ; on the contrary, they increased so much, that the Council, some months after, addressed the Lieutenant-Governor to suspend him from being a member of his Majesty's Council ; and he consequently was suspended by his uncle, Lieutenant-Governor Bull, on the 1st day of March 1775. The suspension instead of injuring him, in the opinion of his fellow-citizens, drew towards him their affection and support ; and from that time, he possessed their con fidence in a great degree. When the Council of Safety was originated in 1775, he was elected one of its members; and he continued being one of that Board, while that Council existed. He was also appointed Chair man of the Secret Committee of five members; in which capacity he much promoted the seizure of the provincial arsenal and pow der magazines; as well as the seizure of the mail, which had just arrived in one of the King's Packets from England.

He was elected a member of the Provincial Congress of South-Carolina, which sat in January 1775 ; and in the course of that year, was advanced to the Presidency thereof: continuing in that station, while the Provincial Congress existed. And in this character, he issued on the 9th of November 1775, the order from the Provincial Congress to the garrison at Fort Johnson, to oppose the British navy. He was, at different times, appointed on important com missions and deputations to the neighboring colonies; and was " Ramsay's History of South-Carolina, published in 1809, vol. 2d, p. 445. XVJ BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCH OF also sent among the disaffected people of the interior, with high trusts and powers : all of which, he executed with honour to him self, and for the most part, with benefit to his country.

At length, on the formation of a temporary Constitution for South-Carolina, in March 1776, Mr. Drayton was elected Chief Justice of the colony ; and immediately after, he was chosen one of the Privy Council: thereby, being more than reinstated in honour and station, to corresponding offices of State, with those from which he had been superceded and suspended. The government being soon organized under this Constitution, the Courts ivhich had been closed for some time, were opened in a solemn and impressive manner; when on the 23d day of April 1776, in the presence of the Associate-Justices, he delivered in Court a Charge to the Grand Jury, replete with patriotism, reasoning, aud learning. He therein expounded to ihem, the Constitution of the country, as established by the Provincial Congress on the 26th of March 1776 — he laid before them, the causes of that important change of our government — compared them, with those which occasioned the English Revolution of 1688 — stated the law result ing from the injuries in each case — and spoke of the late revolution in South-Carolina : and he declared, that " From such a result of injuries, from such a conjuncture of circumstances — the law of the land authorizes me to declare, and it is my duty boldly to declare the law, that George III, King of Great Britain, has abdicated the government, and that the throne is thereby vacant: that is, he has no authority over us, and we owe no obedience to him.

The British Ministers, already have presented a Charge of mine to the notice of the Lords and Commons in parliament; and I am nothing loath that they take equal resentment against this Charge. For, supported by the fundamental laws of the Constitution ; and engaged as I am in the cause of virtue — I fear no consequences from their •machinations."* While employed in public duties, he never ceased watching passing affairs; and whenever he supposed the public weal would * See 5th page of the Charge, printed in a quarto pamphlet, in the year 1776, in Charlestown, South-Carolina. Also the London Remembrancer for 1776. Part II. page 321— 330, be benefited by his writings, he never failed to come forward with them in an able and decided manner. Under such impressions, the Declaration of Lord and General Howe, published at New- York on the 19th of September 1776, as Commissioners for restor ing peace to his Majesty's Colonies and Plantations in North America, &c. &c. could not escape his notice : and under the sig nature of A Carolinian, he on the 22d October 1776, answered their Declaration, in a small pamphlet.

In this, he pointed out the mischiefs of their proposals, and detected the sophistry of their reasonings. Your Excellencies " think fit to declare," (said he,) that you are desirous " of restoring the public tranquillity" — but, is the end you Excellencies aim at, our honour and advantage? Is it to g ive a free scope to our natural growth? No! It is to cover us with infamy. It is, to chill the sap, and check the luxuri ance of our imperial plant. It is, to deprive us of our natural equality with the rest of mankind, by " establishing" every State, " as a part of the British Empire." In short, your Excellencies invite men of common sense, to exchange an independent station, for a servile and dangerous dependence 1 And so, your Excellencies, beside your military commands as Admiral and General, are also, Commissioners for restoring peace.

Is there not some error in the title ? Ought we not instead of 'peace' to read tyranny? You seem armed at all points for the purpose ; and your very language detects the latent design. But, you are Commissioners; and for the important purpose of ,c restoring peace," you are honoured with a power — "lo confer:" and you have condescended to be mere machines, through which, as through speaking trumpets, words are to be sounded from America to Britain ! How much lower is it possible for your Excellencies to degrade yourselves, in the eyes of the world/ " His country, pleased with his zeal and talents, heaped offices upon him."* On the 15th of October 1776, Mr. Drayton as Chief Justice, attended by the Associate-Justices, again addressed the Grand Jury of Charlestown District. In this Charge, he treated of the * Ramsay's Hist, of So.