The Pennsylvania packet, or, The general advertiser — Lancaster, Pa.;Philadelphia, Pa., 1780-09-12 00:00:00, page 3

PHILADELPHIA, September it.
Extras of a letter from General Gates, to the President
of Congress, dated Hulfborough, August 20, 1780.
SIR;
IN the deepest distress and anxiety of mind, I am obli
ged to acquaint your Excellency with the defeat of the
troops under my command. I arrived with the Mary
land line, the artillery, and the North-Carolina militia,
on the 13th instant, at Rugely, 13 miles from Camden;
took post there, and was the next day joined by General
Stevens, with 700 militia from Virginia; Col. Sumpter,
who was at the Waxaws with 400 South Carolina mili
tia, had, the Sunday before, killed and taken near 300
of the enemy, wro were pofled at the Hanging Rock.
This, and other strokes upon the enemy's advanced polls,
occasioned their calling in all their out polls to Camden.
The i s :h, at day light, I reinforced Col. Sumpter with
300 North Carolina militia, 100 of the Maryland line,
and two 3 pounders from the artillery, having previously
ordered him down from the Waxaws, and directed, as
Soon as the reinforcements joined him, that he Should pro
ceed down the Wateree, opposite to Camden, intercept
any stores coming to the enemy, and particularly the
troops from Ninety Six, who were likewise withdrawn
from that post. This was well executed by Col. Sump
ter, as his letter enclosed will ihew.
Having communicated my plan to the General officers,
in the afternoon of the 15th inflant, it was resolved to
march at 10 at night, to take post in a very advantageous
Situation, with a deep creek in front, seven miles from
Camden; the heavy baggage, &e. being ordered to march
immediately by the Waxaw road. At 10 the army be
gan to march in the following order, —Col Armand's le
gion in front, Supported on both flanks by Col. Potter
field's regiment, and the light infantry of the militia, me
advanced guard of infantry, the Maryland line, with
their artillery in front of the brigades, the North Caro
lina militia; tue Virginia militia, the artillery, *c. and
the rear guard. Having marched about five miles, the
legion was charged by the enemy's cavalry, and well
fuppor;ed on the flanks, as they were ordered, by Col.
Potterfield, who beat back the enemy's horb, and was
himfelt unfortunately wounded; but the enemy's infan
try advancing with a heavy fire, the troops in front gave
way to the firfl Maryland irigcd',and a confufion frn
fued, which took fume rime to regulate. At length, the
army was ranged in iine of cattle, in the following order :
Gen. Gift's brigade upon the right, with his right close
to a swamp, the N orth-Carolina militia in the center, and
the Virginia militia, with the ligt infantry and Potter
field's corps, upon the left ; the artillery divided to the
brigades, and the firft Maryland brigade as a corps de
reserve, and to cover the cannon in the road, at a pro
per dist nice in the rear. Col. Armand's corps were or
dered to the left, to support the left fiank and oppose toe
enemy s cavalry. At day light the enemy attacked and
drove tn our light party in front, when I ordered the left
to advance ano attack the enemy ; but to my a ftomfh
meat, the left wing and Nor h Carolina militia gave way,
Gen. Cafwell and myfelf, aflifted by a number of officers,
did all in our power to rally the bicken troops, but to no
purpose; for the enemy coming round the left flank of
the Maryland division, completed the route of the whole
militia, who left the Continentals to oppose the enemy's
whole force. I endeavoured, with Gen. Cafwdl, to rally
the militia at some distance, on an advantageous piece of
ground, but the enemy's cavalry continuing to harrafs
their rear, they ran like a torrent, and bore all before
them. Hoping y% that a few miles in the rear, they
might recover from their panick, and again be brought
into order, I continued my endeavour, but this likewise
proved in vain
The militia having taken to the woods, in all direaions,
I concluded wifn Gen. Cafwell, to retire towards Char
lotte. I got there late in the night, but refitaing that
there was no profpea of collecting a force at that place,
adequate to the detente of the country, I proceeded with
ail possible dispatch hither, to endeavour to fall upon fan e
plan of defence, in conjunction with the legislative body
es the state. I Shall immediately difparch a flag to Lord
Cornwallis, to know the fituaiion of our wounded, and
the number arid condition of the prisoners in his hands.
Copy of a letter from Col. Sumpter, to Gen. Gates, dated
Wateree ferry, August 15, 1780.
Watrrte Ferry, August 15, 1780.
DEAR GENERAL,
I HAV E jud time to inform you, that early this
morning I took p STeihon of ail the pas ways over the
Watered river, trom Elkinfes ford to Mr. Wnitears ferry,
five miles below Camden. The enemy had guards at
many different places upon the river, ail of which was
evacuated fail night or this morning, and the guardsor
dered into C m ten, except those at Wateree ferry,which
was continued on both files of the river, of which the
guard upon the well fide, was furprized by a party of
my men, who killed seven, took about thirty prisoners,
among which was Col Cary their commander, together
with thirty eight waggons, loaded with corn, rum, &c.
al(o a number of horfes,the boats are all upon the opposite
fide of the river, the ground upon this fide is very bad,
the enemy keep up a cenflant fire, but I have received
tio damage yet, I intend to keep peffeffion, if I can, un
til I am honoured with your Excellency's further com
mands. I Should not have been so precipitate in my
movements, but forefaw the excessive disadvantage that
would result from their having the communication open,
whereby they was con ftantly receiving both men and pro
visions.
The number cf troops, regulars T mean, do not ex
ceed izoo, and not as many as 1000 of the militia, who
are generally firmly and much dispirited; there is a re
inforcement laid to be upon the road from town, will ar
rive in two days, the number about five hundred.
As foot )as possible will give you a mere particular ac
count of what is.paffing.
I am Dear General, with the greatest refped,
Your Excellency's most obedient humble servant,
THOMAS SUMPTER.
His Excellency General Gates.
P. S. I have the pleasure to inform your Excellency,
that I have this inflant made about Seventy prisoners. all
Brit sh, fix waggons, baggage, &c. just from Ninety Six,
many of the prisoners are sick.
ExtraH of a letter from Governor Nash to the Delegates
of North-Carolina, dated'Hilliborough, Aug. 23, 1780.
SINCE our late defeat near Camden, I delayed writing
ill I could give you some certain account of that unhappy
affair. The militia, except one North Carolina regiment,
commanded on the occasion by Col. Dixon, of the regu
lars, gave way on the firfl fire, and fled with the utmost
precipitation. The regulars and the regiment just men
tioned, bravely flood and pushed bayonets to the iaft.
By the desertion of the militia, the enemy were able to
turn the left of the (landing troops, and to bend their
whole force against them. The conflict was obflina : e and
bloody, and lasted for fifteen minutes. After ocr brave
troops had retreated from the ground, they were fiercely
charged by a party of British horse, whom.they repulLd,
and, to their immortal honor, made good their retreat.
General Cafwell has feat in a flag, and a surgeon to at
tend the wounded. As yet we have no particular account
of the fate of the miffing, except of a few principal officers,
among these is the Baron de Kalb, fain to be mortally
wounded. Generals Gift, Smallwood, Stephens, Ruther
ford, Butler and Gregory are fafe, so is Col. Gunby, who
was said to be killed. To add to our misfortunes, Colonel
Sumpter, who the day before the action had captured a
party of the British, with forty waggons, was the day af
ter the aHion overtaken and surprised near the Hanging
Rock, by a party of the British horse. They came oh
him so unprepared, as to oblige him and his men to fly to
the woods, leaving their prisoners, waggons, and even
their arms behind them. General Stepiens writes toG<-
neral Gates, that he has colleHed between 7 and Soo of
the Virginia militia and hate troops. General Cafwell
made a fland at Charlotte, near the boundary line, and
called in upwards of 1000 freih men. These he added 10
Col. Sumpter's party of about 700, and gave him the com
mand of the whole, whilst he came here. I have ordered
out three regiments from this giftri&, and mean to put
them under the command of Gen ral Sumner, and the of
ficers cf three regular regiments of this Rate; so that I
hope in a few days we fliall be able to assume a tolerable
good countenance.
Extract of a letter from General Gates to the President
of Congress, dated Hillsborough, joth Aug. 1780
SIR,
I Have the honor to enc ofe to your Excellency, for
the perusal of Congress, my letter cf tnis date to General
Washington.
Extras from the enclosed letter to General Washington,
dated Hillsborough, Au.q. 30, 1780.
SINCE my public letter to Congress I have been able
to collea authentic returns of the killed, wounded and
miffing of the officers of the Maryland I ne, Delaware rr
gimun, arullcrifts, and those of the legion under Col. Ar
mand. They are enclosed.
The mditia broke so early in the day, and feature I in
so many dir^aiuns upon their retreat, t-at very few have
fallen into me hands of the enemy. By the firmaefs and
bravery 0 the continental troops, the vi&ory is far from
bloodirfs on the part of the toe, they having upwards of
590 men, with officers in proportion, killed and wound'd.
Lord Cornwallis remained with his army at Camden
when ! received the last accounts from thence. Two days
after the adion of the 16th, fortune termed determined to
continue todiftreSs us; for Col Sumpter, having march
ed near 40 miles up the rver Wateree, halted with the
vaggons and prisoners he had taken on tie fifteenth.
By tome indifetetion, the men were furprized, cut off
from their arms, the whole routed and the waggons and
prisoners retaken. Col. Sump+er, Since his furprize and
defeat up toe we,ft fide of the Wateree, has reinflated and
encreafed his corps to upwards of 1000 men. I have di
reded him to continue to harrafs the enemy upon that
fide; Lord Cornwall^ will there o<e be cautious how he
makes any considerable movement to the eastward,
while this carps remains in force upon his left flank, and
the main army ism a manner cantoned in his front. Auk
ious for the pubic good, I Shall continue my unwearied
endeavours to flop the progress of the enemy, to reinstate
our affairs, to re-commeoce an otfenfive war, and recover
our losses in these Southern Stales.
The enclosed RETURN is as follows :
LISTcf Continental Officers kil nd, captivated, wound
ed and miffing, in the ambons of the 16th aad 18th
August, 1780.
KILLED.
The Honorable Major General the Baron de Kalb.
Capt. Williams, 6r; Maryland regt.
Capt. Duvall, id do.
Lieutenant Donovan, 6th do.
Lt. and Adjutant Coleman, artillery.
WOUNDED.
Captain Somervell, 6th Maryland regt.
Gibson, sth do.
Rnun, Virginia State Artistry.
Lieut. Duvall, 3d Maryland regt.
Sears, zd do.
Ensign Fickle, 7th d>.
PRISONERS.
Lieut. Col. Woolford, sth Maryland regt, wounded.
Lieut. Col. Vaughan, Delaware.
Lieut. Cel. Porterfield, Virginia State regt, wounded,
Lieut. Col De Bufoo, A. D. Camp Gen. de Kalb do.
Major Winder, ift Maryland regt.
Major Patton, Delaware regt.
Major Pinckney A D. Camp Gen. Gates, wounded.
Captans. Brice, 3d Maryland regt.
Hoops, 4th do.
Lynch) sth.
Hamilton, sth.
Hardman, 2d, wounded.
Smith 3d, do.
Dorsey, artillery, do.
La Brune, legion, do.
R oeds, Delaware regt.
Lamouth, do.
Captain Lieut. Waters, artillery.
Lieutenants. Shoemaker, 4th Maryland regt, wounded.
Hanson, 4th do. do,
Read, sth do. do.
Norris, 6th do. do.
Wallace, ar illery.
Foot, legion.
Mofsley, artillery.
Duff, Delaware regt.
Skillington, do.
Lieut, and Adjt. Purvis, do.
Ensigns. Burgifs, 4th Maryland regt.
Roach, Delaware regt*
Volunteers. Nellfon, 6th Maryland regt, wounded.
Rutlidge, 4th do.
MISSING,
Capt. Morris 7th Maryland regt, wounded!
Gaffaway, id do.
Lieut. Gaffaway , 2d, do.
Captain Meridhh, artillery.
Capt. Lieut. Blair, do.
S I R,
THE above is the fooft accurate return I can obtain
at prelent—thofe who have received flight contufiona
which do not hinder their doing duty are not included.
Hillsborough, Your moil obedient
August 29, Humble fervent,
1780 O H WILLIAMS.
N ^. Seven hundred non commiffloned officers and
foldierd of the Maryland divfon ;ave re joined the ar
my. Au exaf treturn thereof thall be sent by the next con.
cyanc%
HORATIO GATES.
Publifoed by order of Congress,
CHARLES THOMSON, Sec'ry.
Ektraft of a letter frem Baltimore, dated September 9.
“ Yesterday Capt. futnain arrived here from Cape
Nichola Mole, who fays he failed in company with a
large French fleet; to the northward of our Capes. He
tien left them handing a north east course, which cer
taiidy must be the fleet expend."
Extract of a letter from Fort-Pit, August 18.
" The enemy have lately ki'led and taken near 400
men, women and children from Licking Creek, near
Kentuckey, and it is probable their next attempt will be
against this part of the country. But! flatter myielf they
cannot approach us with a eonfiderable force, without
being discovered by the friendly Indians, who will give
immediate notice."
Extras? of a letter from Matomkin, August 31.
“ A fleet of 18 fail palled l;y here yeflerday, which I
suppose to be the French 9 et, ^ they were parted with
a few days ago r y a fm.nl (crooner, they were titering
to the northward."
The letter of marque fidop Eclipse, from St. Croix, was
loft on Wednesday la# on rhe Brandywine, loaded witti
salt, rum, sugar, cordage, &c. job Pray, commander.
She fell in wan and took he brig Recovery, tothe south
ward of Bermuda, bound to Charlestown, with 117 pun
cheons ot rum, for the British troops there; which vef
(el is arrived."
Extract of a letter from Baltimore, dated Sept. 9.
“ Ooe of my Captains, woo was taken, got here yef^
terday from the Eastern Shore, and informs roe of an ar
rival there from the Capr,who failed from thence under
convoy of 19 Sail 0 French men cf war, bound to Rhode-
Iriand,which he bh in the lati.uJe of SouthCarohnair days
ago, and they have fi^e been teen 45 miles to the north
-1 ward of our cape?. Tnis news is confirmed by others,
and generally believed here. It is 26 daysago they left
the Cape, with ma@y other particulars, which I do not
mention."
Mr, DUNLAP,
IT is of great importance to the owners of negroes in
this state. and to its p ace and good cr er, that the fol
lowing fedions cf ala - puffed laftMarch, for the gradual
abolition of slavery, Should be ,e publithed, as a neglect
to register their negroes in the limited time, may orcafion
very disagreeable claims and deputes. The register for
this city, is kept by John Haley, Esq ; clerk cf the
city court, who lives on tie south fide cf Vine street,
between second .and third Streets. A. B.
" And be it further enaded by the authority aforefaid.
That every person who is or thall be the owner of any
negroe or mulatto Slave or Servant for lie, or till the a;e
of thirty-one years, now within this Sale, or his lawful
attorney, fhali on or before the said firft day of Novem
ber next, deliver or cause to be delivered in writing to
the Clerk of the Peace of the ceonty, or to the Clerk of
the Court of Record of the city of Philadelphia, io Which
he or the Shall re pe&ively inhabit, the name and firname
and occupation or profemoa of such owner, and the nam3
of the county and township, diftria or ward wherein he or
file refideth, and alfofthe name and names ofany fueh Slave
and Slaves, and servant and Servants for life or till the age
of thirty-one years, together with their ages and sexes
severally and refpe&ively set forth and annexed, by such
person owned or ftatedly employed, and then being
within this State, in order to afeertain and distinguish
the Slaves and Servants for life and year., tiil the age
of thiriy-one years, within this State, who fhali be
such on the said tirlt day of November next, from all
other persons ; -which particulars Shall by said Clerk cf
the Se ffions and Clerk of said City Court be entered in
books to be provided for that purpose by the fa:d Clerks;
and that no negroe cr mulatto, now within this State,
fhali from and after the said firft day of November be
deemed a Slave or servant for life, or till the age of thirty
one years, unless his or her name Shall be entered as a
ferefaid on such record, except such negroe and mulatto
Slaves and servants as are herein after excepted • the said
Clerk to be entitled to a fee of two dollars tor each slave
or servant so entered as aforefaid, from the Treasurer cf
the county, to be allowed to him in hisaccounts.
" Aad be it further enabled by the authority aforefaid.
That no man or woman cf any nation Or colour, ex
cept the negroes or mulattos who Shall be registered as
af^refaid, Shall at any time hereafter be deemed, adjudged
or holder )within the territories of this Commonwealth
as Slaves or Servants for life, but as fete men and tree wo,
men, except the domestic Slaves attending upon Dele
gates in Congress, from the other American States, fo
reign Miniflers and Confess, and perfon# passing through
or sojourning in this State, and not becoming refidenh
therein, and seamen employed in Ships, not belonging t 0
any inhabitant of this State, nor employed in any Ship
owned by any such inhabitant. Provided such domestic
Slaves be not aliened or fold to any inhabitant,nor (except
in the case of Members of Congress, foreign Minifiers
and Confuis) retained in this State longer than fix
months.
[The other Printers in this city are requeued to inferf
|he above.]
Philadelphia, September 12, 1780.
WANTED TO RENT,
An OUSE in Market-street, Between Third and
Front-Streets. A line dire^ed for A. B. and left
at Wood's Eating House in Second -street, between Arch
and Race Sheets, Shall be attended to.