Wynnesborough Letters for the years 1780 thru 1781

Wynnesborough, SC - 8 November 1780

I am not sanguine as to your operations in that country. The enemy is, I believe, in no great force, and Marion is cautious and vigilant.

Wynnesborough, SC - 9 November 1780

Major Wemyss attacked Sumpter at Fish Dam at one o'clock this morning, contrary to his plan, which was to wait till daylight.

Wynnesborough, SC - 10 November 1780

I must now observe that the cruelty exercised on the prisoners taken under Major Ferguson is shocking to humanity ; and the hanging poor old Colonel Mills, who was always a fair and open enemy to your cause, was an act of most savage barbarity.

Wynnesborough, SC - 11 November 1780

The serjeant-major of the 63rd, who was left with a flag of truce, is returned, and assures me that when day broke there was not a rebel to be seen

Wynnesborough, SC - 12 November 1780

The state of affairs at Ninety-Six absolutely requires immediate offensive measures in that quarter, or everything will be lost and not easily recovered.

Wynnesborough, SC - 12 November 1780

Had I attempted to penetrate into the further parts of North Carolina, my small army would have been exposed to the utmost hazard

Wynnesborough, SC - 13 November 1780

I have taken every possible measure for the security of Ninety-Six

Wynnesborough, SC - 25 November 1780

Gates is certainly come up towards Charlottetown with all the Continentals he could muster - they say from 700 to 1000 infantry

Wynnesborough, SC - 1 December 1780

I think it proper to represent to you that the officers and men taken at Sing's Mountain were treated with an inhumanity scarcely credible.

Wynnesborough, SC - 3 December 1780

The militia of Ninety-Six, on which alone we could place the smallest dependence, are so totally disheartened by the defeat of Ferguson that of the whole district we could with difficulty assemble 100

Wynnesborough, SC - 3 December 1780

Your account of Rugeley vexed me, although it did not surprise me.

Wynnesborough, SC - 18 December 1780

Our friends hereabouts are so timid and so stupid that I can get no intelligence.

Wynnesborough, SC - 22 December 1780

I have the pleasure to inform your Excellency, that Major-General Leslie arrived at Charlestown on the 14th.

Wynnesborough, SC - 27 December 1780

I can with truth assure yon, Sir, that no man abhors acts of cruelty more than myself, or would more reluctantly adopt measures of severity.

Wynnesborough, SC - 29 December 1780

The slow progress of Leslie is vexatious, but it cannot be helped.

Wynnesborough, SC - 29 December 1780

I directed Lieut-Colonel Brown to encourage the Indians to attack the settlements of Watoga Holstein, Caentuck, and Notachuckie

Wynnesborough, SC - 30 December 1780

From everything I hear of Greene's force, I do not think it possible for him to strike any blow that would materially affect my movements

Wynnesborough, SC - 6 January 1781

The difficulties I have had to struggle with have not been occasioned by the opposite army : they always keep at a considerable distance, and retire on our approach.