The Pennsylvania packet, or, The general advertiser — Lancaster, Pa.;Philadelphia, Pa., 1783-04-03 00:00:00, page 2

SOUTH-CAkbLINA.
The SPEECH of his Excellency JOHN ^ATHEWS,
esquire, governor and commander in chief of the Rate
of South Carolina, to the General Assembly,
at the opening of the session.
Honourable gentlemen of the senate,
Mr. speaker and gentlemen cf the house of repre
sentatives,
X^ OUR country having been so long depriv'd of
k y o o r deliberations, you must of course expert
the accumu ated business, in that spa r e of time,
wul occasion your present session to be more 'engthy
than usual: but as the Supreme Disposer of all human
events, his be. n graciously pleased to remove our in
veterate enemy from every part of this state, whereby
you are again assembled in the capital thereof, under
t is venerable roof, the feat of ourearlied deliberati
ons, in support of our just cause, and whereby an
opportunity is afforded you of once more concerting
the neceffiry measures for fettling the affairs of your
country, in all its parts, on the mod solid and perma
nent b sis. Under such agreeable circumfiances then,
I persuade myfelf you will feel a glow of happiness,
that must give animation to your counsels, and light
en the burthen of a long train of important business,
whi h require your early and serious consideration.
/ efore I proceed to a detail of the federal matters I
have to lay before you, permit me to offer you my
fiucereft congratulations on the re poss ffion cf our ca
pital, and every other part of the Rate, and on the
present prosperous Bate of affairs.
After theadjourment of the last general assembly, I
c y uf d every effort to be made uT of, to carry into
immediate execution, the law for procuring recruits on
the plan therein established; but it was attended with
so many embarrassments in its execution, that I did,
by advice of the privy c uncil, dired the mode, in
forne measure, to be changed, by ordering a part of the
negroes to be fold at public auction, and placing the
monry arffing from the sales, in the hands of brigadier
general Huger, with inftrudions, not to allow more
than thi ty guineas to each recruit. On experience,
this mode of recruiting was found preferable to that
pointed out by the aft; and our battalions would, at
this day, have made a far more refpe&able appear
ance, could the means have been procured for prose
cuting the plan ,• but the great scarcity ofmon^y in the
Country soon caused the prices to be so reduced that,
by advice of the privy council, I directed tie sales to
be suspended until the evacuation of this town, an e
vent, then generally expected, soon to take place.
However, as it did not happen until a very (bort time
before the meeting of the general assembly, I did not
choose to pursue the plan any further, before I knew
w ether it met with your approbation.
The expofrd situation of the northern parts of this
fate, and of the brigade commanded by brigadier ge
neral Marion, for want of a more refpeflable and per
manent body of cavalry, induced me, by advice of the
privy council, to continue in the service of the Bate,
the corps commanded by lieutenant colonels Mayham,
and Hampton, and afterwards to consolidate them,
di miffing such officers as were supernumerary. The
reasons for keeping up this corps, ceasing with the
evacuation of this fiate by the enemy, I did, by advice
of the privy council, direct it to be dismounted, and
the men incorporated with the Continental line of this
fiate, allowing them the fame bounty as was allowed
to recruits in the line, including the bounty they had
before received; and Ie horses, equipments, and
flores belonging to the regimen-, to be dilpofed of,
and the money arming therefrom, to be applied towards
paying, their bounty.
Agreeable to ;he directions of the '< a& for disposing
of certa n estates, and banilhing certain persons there
in mentioned," J have caused to be apprehended, all
persons found withn this date, who were objeßs of
that law. They now are in confinement, waiting for
an opportunity to transport them to some part of his
Britannic majefly's dominions, excepting meffrs. Ed
mund Petrie, Richard Wayne, and James Lynah
who nave been permitted to remain on their plan ati
ons, in consequence of reprefemations made to me in
their behalf, by major general Greene, and brigadier
general Marion, whose letters receding those gentle
I cannot dismiss this fubjea, without recommend
log to your favourable notice, the officers woo lately
command d that corps; as I think their meritorious
ferv ces entitle them to the regard of them country.
At the close of the last feffion,.find ng no law had been
puffed relative to the former citizens of this date, who
should afterwards surrender themselves to this govern
ment, I have, by advice of the privy council, re
ceived a considerable number of them, on the conditi
ons pointed out by the ad passed in the lad session of
the general assembly, entitled, “ an ad for fettling the
qual fictions of the electors and clewed in the next
general assembly."
In the month of August lafl, I received a memorial
from a number of British merchants residing in Chartef.
town, praying that permission might be granted them
to remain t t as er its evacuation by the enemy, for
a certain limited time, for the purpose of felling, with
in this Rate, the goods they then had on hand. On
which memorial, I took the advice of the privy coun
cil, ^nd thereupon an agreement was entered into with
the said m rchants, which agreement I shall take an
early opp rtuuity of laying before you.
Aber my entrance into this town, I found a num
ber of persons here, who had formerly been citizens
f this fiate, but who had continued to reside under
the British government in Charleftown, until its deffo
lu ion; whose cases it was thought advifea ble by the
privy council, to refer to the general assembly ft is
therefore left wit you to decide on their future defiiny.
There are alfu in this town, a number of persons
who are British fubje^s, and who remained here on its
evacuation, without any conditions on the part of this
fiate. I have confider d mod of them as prisoners to
the Rate, and have parolled them accordingly, until
the meeting of the legislature: it now remains with you
to deter mine on their several cases.
men, I shall lay before you for your consideration ; as
well as another letter from major general Greene re
fpeHing Mr. Andrew Williamson.
The defenceless fiate in which this town and har
bour have been left by the enemy, require some imme
diate and decisive measures to be taken for the Security
of both, and also for the protection of our trade.
The honourable major general Greene has offeredto
undertake the execution of this important work. This
gentleman, to whom this country is already so greatly
indebted for the eminent services he has rendered her
in the hour of her deepest diflrets, and to whose abili
ties and gallant conduct, so firmly Supported by the
brave officers and Solders under his command, is, un
der Divine Providence, principally to be attributed
the tranquility we at present enjoy ; Bill anxious for
the future welfare of this Bate, is willing to Sacrifice
that recess the present opportunity affords him, to con
tinue to promote its security and prosperity. I shall
beg leave to refer you to his letter to me on this fubje&,
which I shall lay before you.
Permit me now to draw your very particular atten
tion, to a matter of the firft confluence to the future
well being of this fiate; that is, the Settlement of our
public accounts, for the variety of demands against
the public, which now remain unliquidated in the
hands of the citiz ns, not only of this, but other
Bates, has been one of the principal causes of the pre
sent impaired fiate of the public credit ; and if some
Speedy and effectual remedy is not applied to prevent
it, every degree of confidence in the public faith must
be totally loft.
I have lately received from the fu perintendant o' fi
nance, two requisitions ; one for this Slate's quota of
interest money due on the domestic debt of the united
slates, amounting to Seventy-two thousand dollars;
and the other for its quota of the general expence for
the present year, amounting to one hundred and twen
ty thousand dollars for the sirs lquarter, with a Sus
pending clause for the remainder, on a supposition
that it might be railed by loans. The Several papers
relative thereto I shall immediately lay before you.
It is not the demands of the united Rates alone, that
must at this time engage your attention, but the
pressing necessities of this state likewise call loudly on
you for relief. l ean very evidently forfee the many
difficulties you will have to encounter in prosecuting
this business to the desired issue. It is a fubjef? that
ought to be treated with the greatest tenderuefs, at the
fame time it requires firmnefs and decision.
The firft object for your consideration will be, the
utility of passing a tax bill; and Secondly, the devis
ing Some efficacious plan in aid thereof, for the regu
lar and fubflaiitial support of this government, and
Satisfying the demands of the united slates.
How far the resources of the state can be applied to
answer those great ends, is the matter proper for your
enquiry; in the course of which, I am confident you
will find the essential interests of your country so
much depend on a judicious determination on your
part, that you will leave nothing uneffayed that can
lead to an objeft of such magnitude.
During the recess of the general assembly, amongst
the dispatches I have received are Several from the
president of congress, the minister of France, the fu
perintendaor of finance, the Secretary at war, the Se
cretary for foreign affairs, the delegates of this fiate
in congress, and commodore Gillon, together with a
number of papers, which will require your considerati
on; I Shall therefore immediately lay them before
you.
Since your last meeting, an event has taken place
in Europe, which promises very great advantages to
the unit'd states of America, both in its political and
commercial consequences I mean the connection
that has been formed between these united slates and
Seven united provinces of the Netherlands.
The latest official accounts I have received, refpea
ing the negociations in Europe for a peace, were da
ted in the beginning of September—Nothing was then
determined nn—Mr. Grenville had returned to Eng
land,and Mr. Fitzherbert had Succeeded him as minis
ter plenipotentiary, and was then at Paris: but we
have been so long amused with the pacific disposition
of the court of Great Britain, that we have every
thing to apprehend from her infidjous vigilance ; there
fore to be substantially prepared for war, will be the
mod effectual means to disappoint her ambitious views,
and Secure to ourselves an honourable and advantage
ous peace.
I have endeavoured to comprise the Several matters
I had to communicate to you, in as narrow a com
paG as possible, knowing that every moment of your
time is precious Never was there a period, in which
the deliberations of the great council of a nation were
more interefling to, and harmony amongst its members,
and dispatch to bufinef smore devoutly to be wished
for by its citizens, than in your present session.
I am happy to know, that the representatives of the
freemen of the Bate of South Carolina, require no Ai.
mu'us to do their duty; and that with them, no pri
vate considerations are ever Suffered to interfere with
the true interests of their country.
January 24, 1783. JOHN MATHEWS.
The ADDRESS of the honourable the senate in an
fwer to his excellency's Speech.
With hearts full of the most unfeigned joy, we ac
cept your excellency's congratulations, and ^ith the
reverence, and the mod devout gratitude to
ine Providence, we acknowledge that manifeft blef
and protection, which God hath vouchfafed to
bestow upon the councils and arms of America, parti
May it please your Excellency.
E , ''' ' eave '° ret " r " your excellency our
, ~ nks f ° r y° ur s peech delivered to both
houses of assembly.
We should be wanting to ourselves, and to those
we represent, were we not to acknowledge, with due
gratitude, your excellency's unremitted attention, to
the duties of your important ft lion, during a period
when only a combination of difficulties presented them'
Selves to your choice.
We with chearfulnefs embrace this occasion, to tefti
fy our warmest acknowledgments to the honourable
major general Greene, for the interest that he is pleas
ed to take in our future welfare, w ich greatly heigh
thens the merits of his pas lfervices to this country :
when we reflect upon that gentleman's successes, it is
impossible for us not the express the highest fatisfaßion
at his invincible cortftancy of mind, and inexhaustible
resources of genius, to whom the most dangerous and
difficult situations have only administered frefh occa
sions of valour ; nothing but a just sense of the glori
ous object for which they were contending, cou'd
have enabled him, and the brave officers and Soldiers
under his command, to Surmount every difficulty, a
rising from the Superior number and advantageous si
tuation ofthe enemy.
We are fully fenfibb of the iofiduous conduct, and
ambitious views of the court of Great Britain; and we
are confident that the most effectual means 'to pro
cure a permanent, juf t and honourable peace, will be
to make ample provision for carrying on the war with
vigour.
Impressed with the importance of the present period,
and of the Several matters which your excellency hath
recommended to our deliberation, we fha 1 proceed to
take them under our most serious consideration, with
dispositions to promote union and harmony among
ourselves; than which, nothing in our opinion can be
more conducive to counteract the designs of our e
nemies.
In the Senate, January 28. 1783.
JOHN LLOYD, President.
His Excellency's ANSWER.
Honourable Gentlemen,
fVZ 'lthanks are due to you for this ad-
The disposition therein manifefted by you, is so well
calculated to promote the welfare of the fiate, that
I have not the lead doubt your country will derive the
most solid benefits from your deliberations.
I have endeavoured to difeharge the duties of my
office to the heft of my judgment and abilities; and
if my country has reaped the fma'lefl advantage
from my f rvices, I am amply paid for al! the anxi
ous moments I have experienced during my admini
firation.
JOHN MATHEWS.
January 29, 1783.
In the Senate, January 29, 1783.
ORDERFD, That the speech of his excel ency the
governor, delivered to this house and the house
of representatives, on the 24th ioflant; tbe address of
this house, and his excellency's answer thereto, be
printed.
By order of the Senate,
JAMES SHARP, C. S.
CHARLESTOWN, (South-Carolina) Feb. 15.
On the 4th instant, the I giflature proceed'd to be
choice of public officers, when the following gentlemen
were elected, viz.
The honourable Benjamin Guerard, esquire, go
vernor and commanded in chief;
Honourable Richard Beresford, esquire, lieule
nant-goyernor;
Privy Council.
Hon. Peter Bocquet, esquire,
. Hon. Arnoldus Vanderhorft, esquire,
Ron Benjamin M aring, esquire,
Hon. Josi 41 Smith, esquire,
Hon. Nicholas >vele gh, esquire,
Hon, William Hazell Gibbes, esquire,
Hon. Jacob Read, esquire,
Hon Daniel D fauffure, esquire.
Sheriff for Charledown diftrid, Daniel Stephens,
esquire.
cularly in the connexion that has been formed be
tween these united Bates, and the seven united pro
vinces of the Netherlands, and in the regaining of our
capital.
On the next day his excellency the governor eleft,
their honours the li utenant governor and privy coun
cil, took the oaths prescribed by the constitution in
the- house of representatives, in presence of both branch
es of the legislature; after which his excellency the go
vernor, preceded by the Sheriff bearing the sword of
state, and accompanied by his honour the lieutenant
governor and privy council, the honourable the presi
dent and members of the senate, the honourable the
speaker and members of the house of representatives,
the honourable major general Greene and his fuice,
with a number of other gentlemen, attended in the bal
cony o>f the senate house, where his excellency was
proclaimed; from whence they proceeded in the fame
order to the exchange, where the governor was again
proclaimed ; after which there was a dis harge of 13
rounds and 3 voliies from a party of continental
troops, which were paraded on the occasion under the
command of general Wayne.
The honourable Henry Laurens, John Rutledge,
Ralph fzard, Jacob Read, and Thomas Sumpter,
enquires, are elected delegates from this state to con
greis.
By advices from North-Carolina, we are informed
of the arrival of a French ship there from Martinico,
who confirms the account of the arrival of the combin
ed fleet from Europe, with a large body of troops,
under the command of the marquis Bouille. Alio of
the arrival of a large veffrl of near 400 t,os burthen,
from Offend, laden with a verv valuable cargo of dry
goods, having a numbr of merchants on board, who
intend to fettle in th t Bate.
MARRIED.] At Accahee, near this town, colonel
Lewis Morris, aid de camp to the honourable major
general Greene, to Miss Ann Elliott, daughter of the
deceased William Elliott, esquire.
Since the evacuation was brought in here a brig, ad
judged a prize to captain Keen, loaded with wine fr^m
Fayal; file was intended for this port, and was consign
ed to the late Mr. William Smith, merchant of this
place.