Charleston documents for the years 1776 thru 1863

Charleston, SC - 1 July 1776

They immediately commenced the most furious fire I ever heard or saw. I confess I was in pain, from the little confidence I reposed in our troops ; the officers being all boys, and the men raw recruits.

Charleston, SC - 24 July 1776

I am much obliged by your favor of the 19th, which gave me not only a comprehensive view of affairs your way, from the beginning of the war; but, also, the ideas of people touching the discharge of Cunningham and his companions.

Charleston, SC - 6 October 1776

The command of the Military Department in this State devolving upon me, I feel it my duty to lay before your Excellency, and by your means before the Honorable Council and Assembly, my sentiments

Charleston, SC - 6 November 1776

Enclosed you will receive an extract from the Journals of the Privy Council

Charleston, SC - 7 November 1776

I have the honor to transmit you, by the Hon. Mr. Drayton, the copy of a resolution of the Council of this State, for obtaining the aid of 1,500 minute men, or militia men, from North Carolina

Charleston, SC - 19 June 1777

General Lafayette letter to wife...I shall now speak to you, my love, about the country and its inhabitants, who are as agreeable as my enthusiasm had led me to imagine.

Charleston, SC - 1 August 1777

That terrible performance which, by-the-by, most wise and respected rulers, was torn down, as it were, from under your noses, almost as soon as it was stuck up in Savannah, reached this place only last night

Charleston, SC - 19 December 1778

The troops have been supplied by this State ; and the heads of the several departments of Medical, Commissary, and Quarter-master, when supplies were necessary, have applied to the civil authority

Charleston, SC - 25 December 1778

I fear with some reason (as it comes north about), that a damned infamous cabal is forming against our commander-in-chief, and that whenever they shall find themselves strong enough they will strike an important blow.

Charleston, SC - 10 February 1779

You are immediately to detach two hundred and fifty men, rank and file, of your regiment, properly armed and accoutred, with the necessary number of officers

Charleston, SC - 24 February 1779

I embrace with pleasure an opportunity of complying with the request, you made me when I left Santee, of transmitting such intelligence as I thought worthy your notice

Charleston, SC - 28 March 1779

Since that General Lincoln has thought proper to re move the army from Purysburgh to the two Sisters (except about three hundred left as a guard to their camp under the command of Col. Pinckney) where it seems the enemy have assembled their whole for

Charleston, SC - 12 June 1779

I presume the draught has been made of a fourth part of your regiment, for patrol duty, according to the directions I gave some time ago, and expected that the remainder would have been in town before now.

Charleston, SC - 27 July 1779

As your regiment may be more usefully employed at present near Savannah river, to guard their settlements and prevent the depredations of the enemy in that part of the country,

Charleston, SC - 7 November 1779

We remain unsupported by troops, unsupplied with many essential articles, and uncovered with works ; and, what adds to the unhappiness, is the little prospect that our affairs will speedily be in a better channel.

Charleston, SC - 8 January 1780

I hear, but have no official notice of it, that the Virginia line are ordered from the main army, to reenforce this department. If this should prove true, it will be fortunate indeed for this country

Charleston, SC - 23 January 1780

I had, a few days since, the honor of your favor of the 12th ultimo, by Colonel Laurens, announcing that the Virginia line were ordered to this department, than which nothing could be more acceptable, saving that of their not being needed.

Charleston, SC - 12 February 1780

I have received information that, on the 3d instant, the enemy landed about eight thousand troops, commanded by Sir Henry Clinton.

Charleston, SC - 12 February 1780

I desire that you will immediately embody one-third of your regiment and procure as many volunteers as you can from it

Charleston, SC - 14 February 1780

The day before yesterday, we had certain intelligence of the arrival of forty-five sail at North Edisto. A debarkation immediately commenced on Shnmons's Island; and an advanced corps, it is said, of five hundred, proceeded the following day

Charleston, SC - 2 March 1780

I desire that you will immediately cause the contents of this letter and the enclosed Proclamation to be circulated, and generally made known throughout the district of your regiment

Charleston, SC - 4 March 1780

Sir Harry seems to be collecting his force on James's Island, and is there throwing up some works ; one among the ruins of Fort Johnson, another a little to the westward of it.

Charleston, SC - 14 March 1780

The enemy's present disposition of his force, and all his late operations, indicate a design to attack Charleston by a siege in form. To complete the in vestiture, he must introduce his ships of war into the harbour.

Charleston, SC - 24 March 1780

Since my last, the enemy have, very unexpectedly, brought over the ships mentioned in the inclosed paper. It has been thought there was not water enough for a sixty-four gun ship.

Charleston, SC - 9 April 1780

The enemy crossed the Ashley, in force, near the ferry, on the 29th ultimo, and the next day moved down, and encamped about three thousand .yards from our lines.

Charleston, SC - 9 November 1780

On the night of the 1st instant, the enemy broke ground, and have been working slowly ever since. I scarcely know how to denominate what they have executed hitherto.

Charleston, SC - 21 June 1782

I fear the Commandant of Georgetown cannot settle anything in regard to your exchange, however, on your arrival in this city.

Charleston, SC - 16 March 1783

The evacuation of Charleston, and the proposals of peace, are matters highly interesting to this country, whose finances and political arrangements are in the most deplorable situation. Charleston remains without a platform, or a single cannon for it

Charleston, SC - 20 April 1783

I beg leave to congratulate your Excellency upon the returning smiles of peace, and the happy establishment of our independence. This important event must be doubly welcome to you, who have so successfully conducted the war

Charleston, SC - 26 June 1783

Nathanael Greene letter to Anthony Wayne... An Indian war I expect will be the consequence...

Charleston, SC - 8 August 1783

I see, by the papers, the Northern army does not choose to be furloughed. The people here begin to be alarmed at it.

Charleston, SC - 24 May 1788

South Carolina has ratified the Federal Constitution. Our Convention assembled the 12th instant, and yesterday the vote of ratification was taken

Charleston, SC - 19 June 1790

I am infinitely obliged to you, for having favored me with introductory letters for my nephew, Mr. Horry. It will give him an opportunity of travelling with such great advantage

Charleston, SC - 28 December 1800

Aristotle says that a man should not marry before he is six-and-thirty: pray, Mr. Alston, what arguments have you to oppose to such authority? Hear me, Miss Burr.

Charleston, SC - 19 November 1803

those pretty little playthings from D. M'Kinnon delighted me. I looked at them over and over, with as much pleasure as a miser over his hoard.

Charleston, SC - 16 February 1816

I fully coincide with you in sentiment; but the spirit, the energy, the health necessary to give practical effect to sentiment, are all gone. I feel too much alone, too entirely unconnected with the world, to take much interest in any thing.

Charleston, SC - 22 October 1843

On my arrival here day before yesterday I found your friends in some excitement. I heard that you were determined to refuse immediately to go into a convention at all

Charleston, SC - 27 January 1844

I heard for the first time the position in which you have been placed. If not anticipated, it was not unexpected.

Charleston, SC - 3 March 1844

I came here and found things in much confusion. I think your immediate friends in this city managed very badly, and the country gentlemen were very much excited

Charleston, SC - 3 May 1844

I consider the annexation of Texas now that the views of Great Britain and the Northern States are not only disclosed, but openly avowed the most vital one which has occured since the revolution.

Charleston, SC - 17 April 1845

Elmore shewed me Polk's letter offering him the Mission to England and his reply. He refuses it solely on account of his embarrassments and the time allowed him being too short to prepare

Charleston, SC - 9 October 1845

as much as I appreciate the motives of those who abstain from seeking high Elevation, yet those who are the Exponents of the Great Political Truths we wish to propogate

Charleston, SC - 9 July 1846

The passage of the Tariff has pleased, but not satisfied us. Perhaps it was the best terms which could at this crisis be got

Charleston, SC - 9 March 1847

I have just returned from addressing a very large and enthusiastick meeting. It is said to be the largest ever held here. I find perfect unanimity here, including Whigs and democrats.

Charleston, SC - 24 April 1847

On my return home, I found with few exceptions the Democratic press of Georgia was in full cry against you and among the most rabid and clamorous was the Columbus Times edited by a Son of the late Mr. Forsyth.

Charleston, SC - 9 December 1847

The Political movements are pregnant with events. The election of Winthrop would argue more harmony in the Whigs than was generally supposed.

Charleston, VA - 21 October 1859

I am here a prisoner, with several sabre-cuts in my head and bayonet-stabs in my body.

Charleston, VA - 31 October 1859

I suppose you have learned before this by the newspapers that two weeks ago to day we were fighting for our lives at Harper's Ferry

Charleston, VA - 31 October 1859

Your most kind letter has reached me, with the kind offer to come here and take care of me.

Charleston, VA - 1 November 1859

You know that Christ once armed Peter. So also in my case I think he put a sword into my hand...

Charleston, VA - 8 November 1859

I am supplied with almost everything I could desire to make me comfortable, and the little I do lack (some articles of clothing which I lost) I may perhaps soon get again.

Charleston, VA - 8 November 1859

When you get home, please enclose this to Mrs. John Brown, North Elba...

Charleston, VA - 12 November 1859

Dear brother... I would answer that my sons, as well as my wife and daughters, are all very poor...

Charleston, VA - 15 November 1859

Your kind mention of some things in my conduct here which you approve is very comforting, indeed, to my mind.

Charleston, VA - 15 November 1859

I am very grateful for all the good feeling you express, and also for the kind counsels you give, together with your prayers in my behalf.

Charleston, VA - 16 November 1859

...yet nothing can so effectually minister to my comfort as acts of kindness done to relieve the wants or mitigate the sufferings of my poor distressed family.

Charleston, VA - 17 November 1859

I am under many obligations to you and to your father for all the kindnesses you have shown me, especially since my disaster.

Charleston, VA - 19 November 1859

I suppose I am the first since the landing of Peter Brown from the Mayflower that has either been sentenced to imprisonment or to the gallows.

Charleston, VA - 21 November 1859

I am very glad to learn from yourself that you feel so much resigned to your circumstances, so much confidence in a wise and good Providence

Charleston, VA - 22 November 1859

I intended to convey this idea, that it was my object to place the slaves in a condition to defend their liberties, if they would, with out any bloodshed...

Charleston, VA - 22 November 1859

Dear children... When and in what form death may come is but of small moment.

Charleston, VA - 22 November 1859

Dear children... That is exactly the thing I have wished you all to do for me, to be cheerful and perfectly resigned to the holy will of a wise and good God.

Charleston, VA - 23 November 1859

Although you write to me as a stranger, the spirit you show towards me and the cause for which I am in bonds makes me feel towards you as a dear friend.

Charleston, VA - 24 November 1859

You have laid me and my family under many and great obligations. I hope they may not soon be forgotten.

Charleston, VA - 24 November 1859

I have but very little idea of the charges made against Mr. Griswold, as I get to see but little of what is afloat.

Charleston, VA - 25 November 1859

You will doubtless agree with me in this, that neither imprisonment, irons, nor the gallows falling to one's lot are of themselves evidence of either guilt, "infatuation, or madness."

Charleston, VA - 27 November 1859

It (your effort) at any rate takes from my mind the greatest burden I have felt since my imprisonment...

Charleston, VA - 27 November 1859

it is exceedingly gratifying to learn from friends that there are not wanting in this generation some to sympathize with me and appreciate my motive, even now that I am whipped.

Charleston, VA - 27 November 1859

I am obliged to occupy a part of what is probably my last Sabbath on earth in answering the very kind and comforting letters of sister Hand and son

Charleston, VA - 28 November 1859

I leave it to an impartial tribunal to decide whether the world has been the worse or the better for my living and dying in it.

Charleston, VA - 29 November 1859

I now get daily more than three times the number of kind letters I can possibly answer, I cannot deny myself the satisfaction of saying a few words to a stranger

Charleston, VA - 29 November 1859

I have asked to be spared from having any weak or hypocritical prayers made over me when I am publicly murdered, and that my only religious attendants be poor little dirty, ragged, bareheaded, and barefooted slave boys and girls

Charleston, VA - 29 November 1859

Jeremiah G. Anderson was fighting bravely by my side at Harper's Ferry up to the moment when I fell wounded...

Charleston, VA - 29 November 1859

It does indeed give me pleasure and the greatest encouragement to know of any efforts that have been made in behalf of my poor and deeply afflicted family.

Charleston, VA - 30 November 1859

I would most gladly comply with your request most kindly made in your letter of the 26th inst., but it came too late.

Charleston, VA - 30 November 1859

I am waiting the hour of my public murder with great composure of mind and cheerfulness

Charleston, VA - 30 November 1859

I have only time to give you the names of those that I know were killed of my company at Harper's Ferry...

Charleston, VA - 1 December 1859

I am very cheerful, in hopes of entering on a better state of existence in a few hours...

Charleston, VA - 1 December 1859

I give to my son John Brown, Jr., my surveyor's compass and other surveyor's articles

Charleston, VA - 2 December 1859

It is my desire that my wife have all my personal property not previously disposed of by me...

Charleston, SC - 8 November 1860

From to-day forward I will tell the story in my own way. I now wish I had a chronicle of the two delightful and eventful years that have just passed. Those delights have fled

Charleston, SC - 10 December 1860

We have been up to the Mulberry Plantation with Colonel Colcock and Judge Magrath, who were sent to Columbia by their fellow-citizens in the low country

Charleston, SC - 20 December 1860

You are authorized and requested to withdraw my letter by Dr. Hamilton immediately

Charleston, SC - 21 December 1860

Mrs. Charles Lowndes was sitting with us to-day, when Mrs. Kirkland brought in a copy of the Secession Ordinance. I wonder if my face grew as white as hers.

Charleston, SC - 27 December 1860

I abandoned Fort Moultrie because I was certain that, if attacked, my men must have been sacrificed, and the command of the harbor lost.

Charleston, SC - 27 December 1860

The row is fast and furious now. State after State is taking its forts and fortresses.

Charleston, SC - 11 January 1861

I have thought proper, under all the circumstances of the peculiar state of public affairs in the country at present, to appoint the Hon. A. G. Magrath...

Charleston, SC - 26 March 1861

Dueling was rife in Camden. William M. Shannon challenged Leitner.

Charleston, SC - 2 April 1861

Doctor Gibbes says the Convention is in a snarl. It was called as a Secession Convention.

Charleston, SC - 3 April 1861

Met the lovely Lucy Holcombe, now Mrs. Governor Pickens, last night at Isaac Hayne's.

Charleston, SC - 6 April 1861

Beauregard is a demigod here to most of the natives, but there are always seers who see and say. They give you to understand that Whiting has all the brains now in use for our defense.

Charleston, SC - 8 April 1861

Went to see Miss Pinckney, one of the last of the old-world Pinckneys. She inquired particularly about a portrait of her father, Charles Cotesworth Pinckney

Charleston, SC - 12 April 1861

Anderson will not capitulate. Yesterday's was the merriest, maddest dinner we have had yet. Men were audaciously wise and witty.

Charleston, SC - 13 April 1861

Nobody has been hurt after all. How gay we were last night. Reaction after the dread of all the slaughter we thought those dreadful cannon were making.

Charleston, SC - 15 April 1861

I did not know that one could live such days of excitement. Some one called : "Come out ! There is a crowd coming."

Charleston, SC - 27 April 1861

I have the honor to transmit to the department my detailed report of the operations during the bombardment of Fort Sumter

Charleston, SC - 27 April 1861

I have the honor to submit the following detailed report of the bombardment and surrender of Fort Sumter, and the incidents connected therewith.

Charleston, SC - 25 May 1861

Mr. Barnwell has excellent reasons for keeping cotton at home, but I forget what they are. Generally, people take what he says, also Mr. Hunter's wisdom, as unanswerable.

Charleston, SC - 6 June 1861

Charleston people are thin-skinned. They shrink from Russell's touches. I find his criticisms mild. He has a light touch.

Charleston, SC - 12 June 1861

The war is making us all tenderly sentimental. No casualties yet, no real mourning, nobody hurt. So it is all parade, fife, and fine feathers. Posing we are en grande tenue.

Charleston, SC - 19 June 1861

n England Mr. Gregory and Mr. Lyndsey rise to say a good word for us. Heaven reward them

Charleston, SC - 24 June 1861

Last night I was awakened by loud talking and candles flashing, tramping of feet, growls dying away in the distance, loud calls from point to point in the yard.

Charleston, SC - 15 November 1861

Robert E. Lee letter to daughter Mildred...your letters always give me great pleasure

Charleston, SC - 16 July 1863

Rose O'Neal Greenhow letter to President Jefferson Davis... On reaching Wilmington the situation of Charleston became the engrossing subject of conversation and of interest

Charleston, SC - 20 July 1863

Rose O'Neal Greenhow letter to A.R. Boteler... the skill and daring of our people will be taxed to the utmost to repell the brutal hoards who are now hovering around.

Charleston, SC - 23 July 1863

Rose O'Neal Greenhow letter to A.R. Boteler... finding it impossible to get out from this port I have remained here