The Pennsylvania packet, or, The general advertiser — Lancaster, Pa.;Philadelphia, Pa., 1781-08-16 00:00:00, page 4

Extract of a letter from major-general
Greene, dated head-quarters, on the
High Hills cf Santee, July 17, 1781.
I Did myfelf the honour to addrels your excellency
on the 22d ofJune,at Little River,near Ninety-Six,
since which we have been copflantly upon the move-
In the afternoon of the 23d, I got intelligence that the
enemy had crossed the Saluda, and were advancing ra
pidly to attack us. I immediately put the army in
motion, having.few or no, militia with me, and retired
towardsfCharlotte, on which route we had previoGly
ordered provisions and forage to be provided. The
enemy pursued us two days; but as our sick, wounded
and Hores, had'all been sent off before, fney could ef
fdtDothing, though they came 011 as light as possible,
levying even their tnapfacks and blankets behind them.
The eneihy advanced no farther than the Enoree, as
we rendered their fubfifience difficult, by dismantling
the mills as we.retired. On the morning of the 26th,
they began to retire towards Ninety-Six. We halted
near the Cross Roads, at a point proper to file off to
wards the Congaree, and favourable to return to the
siege of Ninety-fix. As the enemy retired I kept the
legion close to their heels. Lord Rawdon lay at Nine
ty-Six only two days; and then, with a little more
than one half his force, he began bis march for the Con
garee, leaving colonel Cruger at Ninety Six, with the
remainder. From these appearances it was evident the
enemy intended to hold the post cf Ninety-Six, and re
establish one ten the Congaree at Friday's ferry. To
prevent the enemy from eftablilhing a pod there, and
holding there ground at Ninety Six, (which served to
awe the Georgians, and encourage the Indians, who
frequently committed depredations within 30 or 40
miles of us) we left our baggage, stores and invalids
behind us at Winniborough, with orders to proceed to
Camden ; and marched the army with all possible ex
pedition for the Congarees. His lordship arrived there
two da'ys.before us; but on our approach he retired
to Orangeburgh, with evident marks of precipitati
on, which discovered that our movements were un
cxpeßed.
Captain Eggleftone, of lieutenant-colonel Lee s legion,
made a ftro'e at his horse, which served to encreafe
bis fears. Incited is leutenant-colonel Lee's report
of the affair.' The address and gallantry of captain
Eggleftone, upon the occasion, cannot be tco highly
commended.
From a oerfuafion that the enemy would attempt to
re eftabidh rhemfelves at the Congaree, I had directed
gen rals Sumpter and Marion to collea all the force
they couid, and meet me at that place. I left the ar
my on the march, and joined the cavalry near the ene
my, that I might the better dired the force to the most
proper point for operating to advantage.
We got intelligence by an intercepted letter, that
colonel Stewart, with a reinforcment, was convoying
a quantity of provisions and stores from Charleftown
to lord Rawdon. We made a rapid march, with the
whole of our cavalry, and a body of mounted infantry,
under general Marion, to intercept them: but unfor
tunately we were too late; they formed their junction
without interruption : howevever, colonel Horry took
three of their waggons, which were a little in the rear,
loaded with a variety of stores.
On the arrival of the army at the Congaree, we cross
ed and drew our force together at Beaver Creek;
and general Pickens was detached to watch the motions
of the enemy at Ninety-Six. With the rest of our
force, having been joined by generals Sumpter and
Marion with about 1000 men, composed of state troops
and militia, we began our march on the 11th to at
tack the enemy at" Orangeburgh, and arrived before
toe place on the 12th: but we found them so flrong
and advantageously posted, that we had little hopes of
succeeding in an attempt, efpecialiy as our cavalry,
from the nature of the ground, and position of the
enemy, could not be brought to aft to advantage:
nor c;uld we have improved a defeat, as the enemy had
a fafe retreat over the Eddifloe river ; and the only
pass defended by a large brick jail, not inferior to a
good redoubt. In this building, and in several others
near it, their troops were posted. Secured on one
fide by an impassible river, and covered by the other
by Hrong buildings, little was to be expected from an
attack®'
in this situation we got intelligence of the evacuation
of Ninety-Six, and that colonel Cruger, and the troops
with him were on the march, in the forks of the Eddiftoe,
for Orangeburgh. There was no possibility of strik
ing at him, as the north branch of Eddiftoe, which lay
between us, had no other pass for thirty miles, either
above or below, than that which the enemy occupied.
As the evacuation of Ninety-Six was one great object
of our manoeuvre, and as the enemy were driven from
the Congaree, we thought it most advifeable to attack
their lower polls at Monk's Corner and Dorchefler;
by which we were in hopes to force the enemy at
Orangeburg to retire into the lower country for the
protection of those posts. Generals Sumpter and Marian,
with the legion cavalry, are detached upon this ser
vice, and began their march from Orangeburgh on the
13th, at which time we began our's for this place to
refrefh the army, and to form a junction with general
Sumner and a body of militia, expected from Salisbury
diftrid. The day after we left Orangeburgh the ene
my formed a junction with the troops from Ninety-
Six, and had made no movements the day before yes
terday.
The late reinforcement which arrived in Charlef
town amounted to a little more than 2000 men, and
had orders only just to call there, but were not ex
pelted to be wanted, and were to have gone to the
northward. One of the regiments mutinied a few
days since at Dorchefler; in quelling which near an
hundred men were killed and wounded: It is said to
have arisen from the nature of the service the men
were employed in, different from what they expected.
They came over as settlers, not as soldiers.
Philadelphia: Printed and Sold by DAKID C. CLAPPOOLE.
Since the news of the unfortunate capture of our
Euftatia fleet on the 2d current, the public has been
pestered with a variety of reports concerning them.
One of these yesterday went so far as to fay, that the
grand fleet, under admiral Darby, had fallen in with
them, and retaken all the transports, together with
four line of battle ships belonging to the French, and
that one only of their men of war had escaped. We
are sorry to add that no confi mation has yet been
received of this matter. It it some confolatiou, how
ever, to refled, that after the worst which has happen
ed touching this misfortune, the Vengeance, with all
the prize money on board her, is certainly fafe.
May 19. An express was received yesterday mor
ning at the admiralty from Plymouth, with an account
of the arrival of one of the government cutters, the
master of which has brought intelligence, that he saw
the whole of the French ships with their prizes, in the
entrance of the British channel, long. 5. 35, lat. 48.
30, fleering with a fair wind for Brest harbour, where
they mus shave arrived in the common course of pro
bable events, a week ago.
So much are the India compa nyin want of fllipping,
in consequence of Hyder Ally's incursion into the Car
natic, and the reduction of Arcot, that a by-law, con
fining the company to a particular number of vessels
Nothing can equal the cruel ravages o' W:e enemy
in these parts, where they leave the country. The
tories are all ordered down below Orangeburg, buth
believe few will go ; and I am happy to hear a far lets
number have joined the enemy, in their late move
ments, than was expeded. The militia on our fideare
encreafing : In Georgia a considerable body are collect
ed,, and in readiness to defend the state."
Extract of a letter from lieutenant colonel Lee, dated
" KNOWING the distressed state of the British ar
my, and having learnt that his lordship had left a body
of his cavalry at Ninety-Six, 1 detached captain Arm
strong with an additional troop to reinforce captain
Eggleftone, with advice to pass the river Saluda, to
gain the forage country, and to seek an opportunity for
Diking at the enemy's foragers.
“ In the night of the 2d captain Eggleftone fortu
tunately eroded the enemy undifeovered, and took a
judicious position two miles in their front. Early in the
ensuing morning, the main body of the Britifli horse
were observed advancing. On the firfl notice prepa
rations were made for manoeuvring, and the enemy
presuming on a militia prize, pushed on with vigour :
They were met with great gallantry, and were in a few
moments entirely defeated, ,and pursued to the piquets
of the armyfOne captain, one lieutenant, and one
cornet and forty-five privates were brought off, with
their horses, arms and accoutrements ; tut one man
efcapfd.
" Captain Eggleftone speaks in the most handsome
terms, of the zeal displayed by the soldiers on this oc
casion, and declares the greatest obligations to caps.
Armftrong'and cornet Winflon, who seconded his ex
ertions with the most exemplary intepidity and ju:lg
ment. # Captain Eggleftone has claim to every praise,
for his efforts, and adds to the many obligations
which his zeal for the public service, and unwearied
attention to duty, had imposed on his commanding
officer." Published by order of Congress,
CHARLES THOMSON, Secretary.
Several important pieces of intelligence, contained
in these English papers, we have omitted this week, ow
ing to our not receiving them timely. The following
is what we present our readers with at present, viz,
LONDON, May 17.
Since our last arrived here the privateer fliip Mar
quis, captain Cowell, from a cruise of 12 weeks, during
which he has captured a b v ig from Portsmouth, bound
for Newfoundland ; her cargo consists of dry goods,
salt, cordage, &c.
Captain Cowell, in lat. 48—50, fell in with a British
ship from Liverpool, bound for New York (on the 29th
ult. about one o'clock, P. M.) and engaged her yard
arm and yard arm, upwards of two glasses ; but he
finding the British fliip to be of much superior force,
(he mounting 32 guns, four, fix and nine pounders,
after the Marquis had eight men killed and fourteen
wounded, her hull, masts, yards, rigging, and fails
being much damaged, captain Cowell thought proper
to leave her, he not having men enough to give her
another broadside: he supposed the loss of the Eritifh
to be very great, as there was a continual run of blood
from the chip's (cuppers.
We have been favoured with a number of London
papers which came in the Marquis, one of which
mentions: that the Dutch fleet confiftine of 27 fail,
which was captured at St. Euftatia, and ordered for
England, has been retaken by La Mothe Piquet, and
have all fafe arrived at Brest.
By a gentleman from the eastward, we have received
the following intelligence from Penobfcot, which may
be depended on : that the enemy continue to fir out
their small privateers daily: that 15 fail of which
were nearly ready for sea including those which have
lately failed from that place: that their orders were to
cruise along the Pattern Shore chiefly, with intent to
take all ccafters, or other vessels which may not be arm
ed ; therefore, coasters, &c. may through timely notice,
prevent rhemfelves from falling into the hands of their
most inveterate enemies. It is said, that one Mowat
is at the head of the above plunderers. The infamous
Long, who lately made his escape from this place, had
a vessel fitted immediately for him upon his arrival at
Penobfcot ; and has often threatened, that if ever he
has it it in his power, he is determined to burn and
fink all vessels that he may hereafter fall in with, be
longing to the Americans.
We learn that provisions are exceeding scarce at Pe
nobfcot, corn not to be had for less than five silver dol
lars per bushel, and other necessaries of life in propor
tion.
S AL E M, Ju'y 31.
July 3d.
was repealed on Tuesday, and leave given to the di
redors to purchase some additional ships, which are to
be freighted for different settlements with the g r eatest
expedition. —_.__— —~.
Philadelphia, August 14.
By the Black Prince, captain Robinson,
which arrived here on Sunday morning, af
ter a short passage, from Cadiz, we have in
disputable authority to assure the Public,
That the greatest part of the St Euftatia
Fleet (having on board the gallant Mr.
Rodney's Plunder of that island) was fafe
arrived at Brest.
" A detachment of eleven fail of the line left Cadiz
soon after Admiral Darby failed to the northward, to
meet their flota feon expelled from Havanna, I believe
they have few others fit to keep the sea. The French
have about 20 fail of the line at Brest and Rochfort,
which I believe will be all ready this month ; and I
hope ours will be out time enough to prevent their get
ting away to join the Spaniards at Cadiz. De Graffe
detached fix fail of the line to the Eafl, and took with
him nineteen, and a fifty gun fliip to the Weft Indies ;
there are at Martinique four, which makes twenty
three : and fir George Rodney has twenty-one, with
which I make no doubt he will both face and beat the
French squadron : Mons. Monteil has left the Havanna,
and returned with four fail to St Domingo, so we shall
still, I flatter myfelf, maintain our fnperiority on the
American seas ; and if de Graffe detaches for your coast,
fir George will do the fame. Tam sorry admiral Digby
is detained out so long, for it will-retard his departure
for New-York, as he will not probably leave his Rati
on till the grand fleet gets out."
A very valuable ship, from Bristol bound
to New-York, is sent into our river by the
Rising Sun privateer, captain Caffon.
Extras of a letter from New-London, dated August 1.
" Last evening captain Dudley Saltonftall, in the
brig Minerva, carrying sixteen fix pounders, brought
into this port the ship Hannah, Murray, Samson, and
company owners, from London, burthen 350 tons,
mounting sixteen fix pounders and 35 men, Thomas
Watson commander, which he took the 29th of July off
the Hook, in 35 fathom water, after an engagement of
two glasses. The captain of the Hannah affirms, infu
ranoe was made on her at Lloyd's for 80,0001. sterling,
and it is supposed fheis worth at least 90,0001. sterling.
A number of the invoices were thrown over board,
tho' invoices for 40,000 b sterling have been picked up.
Captain Watson's people dec! re, that a French fleet
has captured all Rodney's St. Euftatia fleet, except two.
" Last week the sloop Randolph, captain Peck,
brought in a ship from Bristol, worth io,oool. lawful
monry. Yesterday the schooner Young Cromwell, of
10 guns and 39 men, Wm. Reed, master, brought in
tothis port, a schooner of 10 guns and 45 men, which
was taken fix hours after she left New-York; and a
number of small privateers have been lately sent in
here, which I cannot particularize."
Extraß of an authentic letter from a gentleman at the
southward, to his friend in this city, July 28, 1781.
“ On Sunday the 15th inflant, a party of horte, head
ed by Wade Hampton, came down unexpectedly from
Monk's Corner, ftopt at Goose Creek Church, at the
time of service, and made the congregation prisoners;
proceeded as low as the Quarter house, surprised a
party of South-Carolina dragoons, killed the officer, a
few privates and carried away the remainder, with
about 60 horses; after having paroled some others that
happened to be there. One captain John Wright,
who was with the party, was killed, but I heard of
nobody else. Lord Rawdon is now in town; he came
lately from Ninety-Six with part of his army, which
he left at Dorchefler; the greatest part was left at
Orangeburgh, under the command of colonel Cruger.
The 19th regiment which was pofled at Monk's Cor
ner, being obliged to retreat, after having destroyed
their baggage, crossed at Huger's Bridge, and made a
stand at Shubrick's plantation, where they were at
tacked by a considerable party of colonel Sumpter's ;
half of the regiment were either killed, wounded or
taken; the remainder so surrounded after the a&ion
was over, that they could not look out.
However, after the arrival of an express to the com
mandant, part of the 30th regiment and all the Hessians
that could be spared were sent out in all hafie, and re
leased the 19th, which would have been obliged to
surrender, had not that reinforcement come so soon to
their relief. General Greene is encamped upon the
high hills of Santee ; he has issued orders for all the fa
milies of those who are with the British, to remove
immediately within the British lines. I saw a perfoil
yeflerday who was very lately in his camp ; he fays,
that he read the general order, mentioning, that gene
ral Greene would provide waggons for those who had
no conveniency to move their families. A large rein
forcement, under the command of general Sumner, are
upon their march so join general Greene, and, accord
ing to accounts we have, they must have joined by
this time. This is exaf ttruth of the matter, and you
may communicate it to whom you please, who may
depend upon it."
From Rivington's Royal Gazette, dated August 8.
Extract of a letter from London, dated June 5.
“ Admiral Darby is returned without detaching any
ships to the westward, and left admiral Digby, with
ten fail of the line, to protea our homeward bound
trade: In his absence, La Motte Picquet flipped out
with fix ships, and captured twenty fail of fir George
Rodney's Euftatia prizes. They were kept in the
chops of the channel by a strong easterly wind, which
prevented admiral Darby's earlier return to England,
or the Monsieur might have repented his enterprize.