The Pennsylvania packet, or, The general advertiser — Lancaster, Pa.;Philadelphia, Pa., 1781-08-21 00:00:00, page 3

BOSTO N, August 9 .
Since our last a vessel bound from Pool, in England,
to Newfoundland, captured by a Salem privateer, ar
rived in port ; die failed from thence some time in June,
and by a gentleman who was a passenger when captured,
we learn, that the ambassadors from the several belli
rerent powers, and of th f armed neutrality, had met
in Vienna in Mby, but that the ambassador from the
British court, cn tl eir firfl meeting, declared that he
had no authority from his court to accede to an am
baffador from the United States in North - America hav
ing a feat among them, in conference of which trey
immediately broke up : That on the dissolution of the
Congress, the Ruffian fleet immediately put to sea, and
were to proceed to the Texel, with the most positive or
ders from the empress of Russia to protest the Dutch
commerce at all events: That the several powers
which compose the neutrali y had insisted that the court
of Portugal should accede to the confederation, or take
a decisive part, and as they had 15 fail of line of battle
ships ready for the sea, 't^as said they would immediate
]y comply with the former requisition : That the French
king had mad? a demand on the British of all the pro
perty taken at 'Statia, and if it was not complied with,
that he should immediately confiscate as much proper
ty in the islands of Dominica and Grenada, as would
compensate for the loss at the island: That the whole
'Statia fleet bound to Europe, captured by the French,
had fafe arrived, except two ships, and that the English
merchants had determined to enter a regular prosecu
tion against admiral Rodney, for the unjuflifiable Sei
zure of their property at that place. In consequence
of the above important occurrences taken place, 'twas
generally thought in England a peace must unavoidably
foon' take place.
We learn that the Squadron under the command of
admiral la Motte Picquet, has taken a feet of 18 British
ships from Lifoon, bound to Newfoundland, their con
voy only escaped.
A vessel is arrived at Marblehead from Cadiz, which
failed in company with a fleet of 15 fail of the line, be
sides transports, with 5000 troops on board, bound for
the Weft-Indies ; so that it is probable we shall soon
have some news from that quarter.
Camp before Ninety-Six, May 29, 1781.
SIR,
ON the 16th I wrote your excellency an account
of the surrender of fort Granby, on the Conga
tee. The day before the Surrender cf that place
the enemy evacuated their post at Neilton's ferry,
blew up their fortifications and defiroyed the greater
part of their Stores Inclofed i an intercepted letter
which may Serve to shew their apprehensions.
On the 18th we began our march for this place.
Lieutenant- colonel Lee having marched the day before
for Augusta with near one third of our force, which
had been with him during our entry into this fiate.
I do myfelf tie honour to inclofe gen. Pickens's re
port of an aftion at Augusta, and Hcut. col. Lee's re-
Philadelphia, August 21.
Letters received by the Fl hin, Job Pay, master, in a
p^ffsge of eleven days from C^pe Francois, bring the
following interfiling Intelligence-
THAT Count de Graffe hid 'ailed from thence with
' a large Squadron for the H^vanna, were he was to
be joined by eleven fail of Spanish ships of the line, be
sides frigates, and wag to take on board seven thousand
land troops, which, when added to the French troops
already embarked, would amount to fifteen thousand.
That the reduction of St. Augustine, Savanna and
Charltftown, formed the immediate objects of this
grand armament ; and, at the beginning of October,
would be in readiness to commence their operations, in
concert with the arms of the United States, for the dis
possessing the British of the posts they hold in the city
of New York and the bay of Chefapeak. The vessel
which has brought the above important news failed
under convoy of the French fleet for three days, and
saw them all well, Standing for Cuba. There can be
no doubt but these great and generous exertions of our
beloved Ally will excite an universal ardor throughout
the federal Union, and that the only point of emula
tion will be, who shall catch the glory of contributing
most, jn the course of the campaign, to the eftablifh
in?nt of these rising, extensive, and independent re
publics-
Extra& of a letter from Martinico, dated July 1, 1781.
" Three vessels arrived here successively, in the course
of last week from Marseilles, but last from Malaga,
whole report to government contain the following cir
cumflances :
“ De la Motte Piquet, being on a cruize off the
Lizard, fortunately intercepted a fleet of 35 merchant
men, which failed from St. Euflatia in March last,
under convoy cf the Vengeance, the Mars, and a
frigate: these last were all that escaped, the rest have
been conducted fafely into Brest.
" The active and implacable en^my of the British
in the East Indies, Hyder Ally Kan, having taken
by florm, after three unfuccefsful attempts, a garris
on called Arcate, in the vicinity of Pondicherry, put
every man to the fivord, except such as escaped by
flight, and about 50 British officers, whom the French
concealed. On this occasion between 3 and 4000 Moors
and 1500 Europeans were massacred, including among
the latter upwards of 50 officers. Fallycherry being
also taken by assault the garrison underwent the fame
fate. Porto Novo and Pondicherry were also taken,
and these accounts add, that 60 thonfaud Moors we e
marching to attack Bengali, which had thrown the En
glish there into the greatest confufion.
" Our enemies have received the mortifying confir
mation of these circumflances by a packet arrived at
Antigua; adding, that Hyder Ally Kan w^s besieg
ing Velour, the flrongefl Settlement of the British in
the interior parts of Indoflan, when those expresses left
the coast of Coromandil, and that it would re impof
fible for that garrison to held out more than fix weeks."
Friday last arrived in the port of Salem, seven priz
es, one privateer and a merchantman.
port of the Surrender of fort Dreadnought to capt.
Rudolph. Fort Cornwallis at that place is elofely in
veiled, and I am in hopes will fall in a few days, as
every possible exertion is making to compleat its reduc
tion.
I have the honour to be, with great refpeft,
Your excellency's raoft obedient humble Servant,
NATH. GREENE.
His excellency the president of Congress.
Ewtaws, May 15, 1781.
SI R, 12 o'clock.
E Y the intelligence which we have picked up this
morning, I think Greene is certainly at Puryfburgh,
and Sumpter moved yesterday towards Dorcheher. I
expert our emissaries back this evening, who will I
hope, bring me the best positive information. I think
of moving to Martin's this night, if 1 learn that
Greene marched this day. I shall push to Monk's
Corner, and shall cause the poll at Neilfon's to be eva
cuated. The wounded are already moved. I have
written to Maxwell giving him leave to move off if he
thinks it necessary. You fee I give up every thing
to Secure the main objeft. I have, &c. RAWDON.
Lieutenant-colonel Balfour.
Camp, on Savannah, May 22d, 1781.
(Copy.)
Dear General,
ON receiving your inftruflions of the 16th instant,
the troops under my command were put in readiness
to march, and the fame evening major Eaton moved
fix miles, taking under his direction the artillery and
infantry. Early on the morning of the 17th I marched
from fort Granby, with the Legion cavalry ; I over
took the major about noon. The troops were halted
and refrefhed. While on this ground I received in
telligence, that matters were in a critical situation be
fore Augufla; and that a body of troops had march
ed from Ninety-fix for the assistance of colonel Brown.
Knowing that the success of your designs i'n this quar
ter would depend on the timely arrival of the rein
forcement detached under me; I pushed forward with
the legion, having the North-Carolina corps and
the artillery to follow under major Eaton In the
night of the 18th I reached the vicinity of general Pick
ens's troops, who were encamped on the banks of Sa
vannah. Major Eaton, by the most Soldier like ex
tions had so conducted his march as to join me early on
the morning of the 19th. In a conference with gene
ral Pickens, it was agreed, that I should con bid the
operations against the post at Gaiphin's plantation,
while the general made the necessary arrangements
and preparations for the compleat investiture of Au
gafta. A detachment was immediately formed of one
troop of cavalry, the infantry of the legion and
captain Finley's piece of artillery, and put under the
direction of captain Rudolph, of the cavalry, to march
to fort Dreadnought. The North Carolina corps and
the Legion cavalry were posted in such a manner, as
to forbid any attempt from colonel Brown towards the
Succour of the befiegrd post, and to preserve a free
communication between our several camps.
In this situation matters flood till the 21st instant,
when captain Rudolph, by the judgment and vigour
of his operations, compelled a most obflinate garrison
to surrender. By which event, not only a post of con
sequence and Supply of flores fell into our hands, but
we are enabled, by the collection of our Strength, to
push our measures against the town.
I have the honour to transmit, in this dispatch, the
captain's report, &c. &c.
It is with singular plea Sure that I embrace this proper
opportunity, of recommending to your particular at
tention this meritorious officer; nor can I, without
committing a violation to my own feelings, omit de
claring, that through a long course of most active Ser
vice, I have derived from his exertions, the most uni
form, judicious and animated Support.
We are now engaged in crossing the Savannah to
join general Fickens. On the a ccom plifhment of which
mcafure the most vigorous operations will be adopted
for the recovery of Augufla, and the liberation of
these insulted and distressed people.
I have the honour to be, fir, with every sentiment
and refpeft of efieern, Your obedient Servant,
HENRY LEE, junr.
Lieutenant colonel commanding the Legion.
General Greene.
SI R, (Copy)
I Have the pleasure to acquaint you, with the Suc
cefsful issue of the command which you was pleased to
honour me with, and which was greatly facilitated by
your instructions, and the powerful execution of the
artillery under captain Finley.
The legion infantry under the command of captain
M. Rudolph, with him captain Handy and Mr. John
son can claim great merit from their vigour and alert
ness. The detachment of cavalry under Mr. Heard,
ha v e equal title to pra : fe from their zeal and attention
during the blockade. Our loss is only trifling, eight or
ten only being wounded.
Inclofed, fir, you have the articles of capitulation,
the number of prifonere, and lift of stores taken in
the post.
I have the honour to be, fir, your most obedient and
very humble Servant,
JOHN RUDOLPH, caps. P. leg.
Fort Dreadnought, May 21, 1781.
ARTICLES PROPOSED.
1. That the garrison march out with the honours
of war, drums beating, and their baggage.
2. That the officers be permitted to keep their Side
arms, horses and negroes.
3. That the officers be permitted to go to any pro
vince, at their option, in possession cf his majesty's
troops.
4. That the king's provifiori and rum, with the
troops, be escorted to Augufla, if in possession of his
majesty and troops, to be delivered to them, if not to be
Surrendered over to the officer of the American army.
5. That the militia be reinflated in their property,
and to have their choice, either to remain at home
peaceably and not molefled in their property, or to
move to any of his majefty,s provinces wrtte their pro
perty, this to be Specified in their paroles.
6. That the troops be Served with good and whole
some provisions, such as issued by order of his majesty.
7. That the troops be permitted to return to the
commanding officers of their regiments,'and remain
prisoners of war until properly exchanged.
ANSWERS.
In compliment to the gallantry with which the post
has been defended, the garrison Shall march out with
the honours of war, &c.
2. The officers to keep their fide-arms and private
baggage.
3. Answered in the cartel established by the com
mander in chief.
4. Galphins is not Augusta, neither Augusta Gal
phins.
5. The militia may remain at home or go to Charlef
town as they please, and are to be allowed their private
baggage including property.
6. Granted.
7. Not perfectly underflood, soldiers to be allowed
the fame indulgence as was granted to the garrison
of forts Watson and Granby.
Bth, Proposition. That a copy of the capitulation be
delivered over to the commanding officer of the British
troops, and Signed by the commanding officer of the
American army.
(Copy) THOMAS HANLOCKF,
capt. 3d bat. N. J. V. comm. offi±
BAM. ROWARTH, capt. K. R.
Bth Answer. Agreed to.
JOHN RUDOLPH, capt. 1. cav.
THOMAS HANLOCKE,
capt. 3d bar. N. J. V. comm. offi.
SAMUEL ROWARTH, capt. K R.
N. E. Fort Dreadnought is often called fort Galphin.
(A Copy)
A lift of prisoners taken at fort Dreadnought,
May 21, 1781.
Commissioned 6 Cadets 3 Assist. Commissaries 2 Ser
jeants 3 Rank and file 56 Total king's rangers 70.
Commissioned 4 Non-commissioned and privates 3^
Irregulars 42.
Boatmen 14 under arms, who fay they were impress
ed in the enemy's Service.
Sixty-one negroes, property of inhabitants, princi
pally armed. JOHN RUDOLPH, capt. P 1. d.
From General Pickens to General Grrene.
Grierfon's Fort, May 25, 1781.
Dear GENERAL,
LAST Saturday lieutenant colonel Lee arrived at my
camp, and the infantry of his legion and one troop of
horse being detached and on the march for fort Dread
nought, at Silver Bluff: Colonel Hammond with his
regiment, except one company, and what of colonel
Hardin's regiment was with me, marched that afternoon
for the fame place, and on Monday evening captain
Roath Surrendered the fort and garrison to our arms,
by which a good Supply of ammunition, with some
arms and a considerable quantity of stores and goods,
fell into our hands: The reduction of this post enabled
colonel Lee to assemble his force and cross the Savan
nah, to co-operate with me against the two forts in this
town.
For the dispatch of business it was determined to
establish ourselves in an intermediate position :
A battery, erefled during the night ofthe 23d, open
ed against the Upper fort, yesterday morning. Colonel
Lee, at the fame instant, moved with the infantry of
the legion, and one 6 pounder under captain Finley r
to counteract any attempts which the enemy might
make from the Lower fort towards the relief of their
friends, while colonel Clark, with a body of militia,
and Captain Smith's command, marched directly from
our battery towards the post we meant to occupy.
Colonel Grierfon, who commanded in the Upper
fort, relinquished the post, and moved towards the
Lower fort. Colonel Brown, who commands the ene
my's forces in this quarter, made a movement towards
the fuccour of colonel Grierfon, but was effectually
prevented. An action then took place with colonel
Grierfon, which ended in a compleat victory on our
fide. The lieutenant colonel andforty odd are prifon
drs, and a major and about thirty others were found
nead on the field; without any other loss on bur fide
than two men Slightly wounded: some few of the ene
my escaped in the woods, and the colonel witha few
followers, were so fortunate as to escape our fire, and
reach Brown's fort in fafety.
Two field pieces fell into our hands on this occasion,
and the troops took possession of the upper fort with
out resistance. During the action, captain Armstrong,
of the legion, drove the enemy's out polls from the
town, and took possession of their redoubts. Thus we
are fully makers of the town and country, and have
circumferibed col. Brown to one fort.
Every officer and soldier engaged, behaved with great
gallantry, and are well entitled to the thanks and ef
teern of their country.
T have the honour to be, with great effeem, dear
general, your most obedient humble servant,
AND. PICKENS.
The hon. maj. gen Greene.
Published by order of Congress,
CHARLES THOMSON, Sec'ry
Last Saturday died, in she 48th year of his age, the
honourable JOHN EDWARDS, Esquire, one of the
illustrious Exiles from South-Carolina ; a man, who in
prosperity and adversity, behaved with equal firmnefs,
zeal and intrepidity, in the glorious cause of America,
and discovered, from the commencement of the war,
every virtue which distinguishes the patriot. Possessed
of an ample fortune, which he devoted to the Service of
his country, and having discharged with fidelity the
highest offices of the state : He was banished with ma
ny of his fellow citizens to St. Augustine; and having
just escaped from the hands of the Philistines, and in
hourly expectation of embracing a beloved wife and
a numerous family of aft' dionate children ; it pleafed'
the Almighty to put a period to his life, and reward
him for his merits As the business of his life was an
unremitting Solicitude to advance the interest of Ame
rica; so his death must be regretted by all, who feel
themselves interefled in her welfare.