The New-Jersey gazette — Burlington [N.J.], 1781-02-21 00:00:00, page 2

cording to his direction, and the enemy advanced
without discovering Colonel Hazen, until they re?
ceived a well directed fire, which immediately scat
tered and dispersed them.
At this instant the British troops appeared in force
on the road from Williams's, within a mile of East,
Chester. This obliged me to advance Col. Sherman,
with his battalion and part of Col. Scammeil's, on
that road. The remaining troops with Col. Scam
mell were held in reserve; and I direct d Col. Hazen
and Lieut. Col. Hull to retire to East-Chester, that
ourVorce might there be united, if the British troops
Should advance (they being at much less distance from
that place than Col. Hazen's and Col. Hull's detach
ments were.) But on Col. Sherman's taking post on
the hill weft ofthe village, the Britilh halted, and did
not advance again. Col. Hazen, retiring according
to order, drew the enemy on near to East-Chester,
when Capt. Kemper opened his field-piece upon them,
and some of Col. Scammell's hunters gave them so
well directed fires as immediately to disperse them ;
some were seen to fall, and the rest retreated in great
disorder toward West-Chester. Having obtained the
objects I had in command, agreeably to yqur directi
on, I returned by the road through New-Rochel.
In the course of these tranfaCtions, the enemy fuf
fered very considerably, near thirty being killed at
the huts and the several guards which were attacked
in the night, and many were seen to fall in the various
actions in the morning of the 22d ; but as my orders
were to hazard nothing after the object of the enter
prize was accomplished, itjs impossible to give their
loss with certainty, All their huts and a considerable
quantity of forage were burnt, the pontoon bridge
destroyed, about one hundred and twenty cattle and
horses driven up from Morriffania, and fifty-four of
Delancey's corps made prisoners.
In justice to Lieut, Col, Hull, and his officers, I
pught to fay that much of the success of this enter
prize is owing to the judicious arrangements made by
him, and the fortitude and address with which they
were executed by them ; and in the state of excessive
fatigue of his men, the retiring thro' West-Chester in
good order, and bringing off his prisoners, near two
miles under the enemy's fire, until he was supported
by Col. Hazen, does him great honour. Capt. Ho
neywell, who on this occasion had collected about 70
horsemen, was particularly serviceable. And I feel
myfelf under great obligations to Colonels Hazen,
Scammell, and Sherman, for the great assistance I re
ceived from them in making the necessary arrange
ments, and the cheerfalnefs with which.they and the
troops under their command executed the several
parts of duty assigned to them.
The destruction of the huts in a place the enemy
considered perfectly secure, (from the protection ofa
redoubt, and the distance being much greater to the
only possible way of retreat than the enemy's march
to possess the fame pafs)l hope will give some relief
to our frontiers, which have fuffered so much from
the incursions ofthefe banditti ; and shall be happy if
the manner in which it was executed Ihould meet your
, approbation.
Lieut. Col. Hull's report, and the return of the kill
ed, wounded and miffing, are enclosed.
I have the honour to be, dear General,
Your most obedient servant,
SAM. H. PARSONS.
Major-General Heath.
Return of Killed, Wounded and Miffing, in an expe
dition against Morriffania, January 21, 1781.
Killed, i Ensign, 11 rank and file.
Wounded, 1 Captain, 1 Sergeant, 11 rank & file.
Miffing, 6 rank and file.
Total, killed, wounded and miffing, 31.
SAMUEL H. PARSONS, M. G.
By the brig N^/bit, Capt, Forbes, <wbo arrived at Bal-'
timorefrom Bordeaux, we have the following advices.
L O N D O N,- October 14.
A LETTER from Versailles, Oft. 6, fays, " This
morning a courier was difpatchcd to St. Ilde
phonfo for M. d'Estaing, requiring his immediate re
turn, and attendance on the King, in consequence of
some private dispatches from America, communicat
ed by Dr. Franklin."
From Brest we have information, that an attempt
was made to set fire to the rope houses in the dock
yard, on the evening of the aid ult. and one Reillie,
a priest, is taken into custody. Two bread magazines
were destroyed by fire on the 19th, and upwards of
400 vats of bread burned, that were designed for the
use of the Weft-India squadron.
A letter from Torbay, Oft. 11, fays, " This morn
ing a lignal was given for all the ships in the grand
fleet to weigh anchor, which they accordingly did,
and they are expected to fail this afternoon or to-mor
row morning."
08. 17. The advices from Brest mention, that the
ships of M. Treville's squadron are as completely
manned, equipped, stored, and in as good condition
for long foreign service as any squadron that has fail
ed from that port for fifty years past ; and also that
ayoo extra seamen are on board for the service of De
Ternay's squadron.
It is said that in the course of next term a bill will
he preferred against Lord George Gordon, before the
/Grand Jury of the Hundred of Offulfton ; and if a bill
is found, he will be tried in'the Court of King's Bench,
which will be most probably in the next Hillary term.
A letter from Paris, dated QCt. „ fays, “ All Paris
has been farprized. to hear of the detention of the ce
lebrated author of " The Political Annals," in the
Baftile. It is a certain fad, Mr. Linguet came to
pass a few days at Paris ; he was arrested and conduct-,
ed to the Baftile. The motive for the order to secure
his perlon is not preejfely related. This circumstance
contributes to make him more illustrious. He had
the talent of attracting admiration."
Off. 18. It is reported that Major Cockrane in his
dispatches to Lord George Germaine, brings the fol
lowing description of Sir Henry Clinton's next intend
ed expedition, in the prosecution of the American
war. That it was his intention immediately to make
up the Chpfapeake ; that he purposed to embark three
British and three Hessian regiments, with drift orders
to push as far up James river as the ships could possi
bly go, and to complete the total reduction of North-
Carolina, before any other measure can be adopted.
Mr. Bull is appointed Governor of South-Carolina,
in the room of Lord William Campbell, deceased.
The appointment of the Earl of Carlile to the Lieu
tenancy of Ireland gives offence to the real friends of
Britain and Ireland. Some scruple not to fay, that
Court favour alone is the most recommendatory qua
lification, and not the public good. The patriots arc
apprehensive his Lordship's abilities are not adequate
to the management of a people just emerging from
what they deemed slavery. It therefore requires the
nicest political precision to hold the balance of true
policy in a proper equilibrium.
BOST O N, February 8.
Monday evening last Capt. Frierd, in a ship be
longing to Salem, from the Weft-Indies, ran alhore
on Moon island, and is loft. Seventeen ofthe hands
were drowned.|
PROVIDENCE, February 3.
A flag of truce arrived at New-London yesterday
fennight from New-York, and brought 33 prisoners,
most of them in a very sickly and emaciated conditi
on, owing to the inhuman treatment they experienc
ed while with the enemy. Captain William Malem,
of this place, came in the above flag, and has since
arrived here, having been near fix months cloiely con
fined on board a prison-ship and in the provost, altho'
a prisoner was sent from hence about four months
since to exchange for him, Capt. Malem informs,
(and from his present languishing state veracity will
not be questioned) that the fufferings of our unfor
tunate fellow countrymen in captivity are beyond
description, and, if possible, exceed the enemy's for
mer refinements in barbarity ; that the prisoners were
subsisted entirely upon condemned provisions; that,
from this cause, numbers of them have been deprived
of their fight ; that even a fufficiency of water was de
nied them, so that many, after having in vain offered
a silver dollar for half a pint of water, were obliged
to allay their thirst with urine ; that the prisoners had
repeatedly petitioned the Admiral, but their petitions
remained unaafwered, and their fufferings unredrefs
ed ; that latterly about seven or eight die in a day,
and that during his confinement upwards of 750 had
fallen victims to British cruelty ; that he left 350 on
board the prison-ship, and 50 in the provost, about
100 of them totally blind ; and that these fpeCtacles
of human misery were daily paying their debt to na
ture —the enemy boasting that the rebels dare not re
taliate.
On Thursday Capt. Phineas Potter arrived here, in
21 days from Cape Francois. He informs, that ad
vice was received there that the British fleet and army
had made an attack on the island of St. Vincent, and
were repulted with great loss. #
The French and Spanish fleets were said to be at the
Havannah, when Capt. Potter failed. —Capt. Hard
ing, in the Confederacy, was arrived at the Cape from
Philadelphia.
RICHMOND, January 27.
The latest accounts from below are, that the ene
my have proceeded down as low as Portsmouth ; they
landed about 23 men, commanded by a Licut. Brown,
at Newport-News, to collect cattle ; who advanced
near two miles in the country, and made a pretty good
collection of beef, hogs and poultry. A party of mi
litia, about fourteen, being apprised of it, attacked
them in their retreat, killed and wounded about 17,
and recovered the plunder: Among the wounded is
the Lieutenant, a prisoner, together with eight o
thers. Our loss is only one man killed. The party
having expended their ammunition, prevented their
pursuit.
BAL, TI MORE, February 6.
We hear from Richmond, that Mr. Thomas Deffa
fure, merchant, a native of South-Carolina, but who
hath for some time resided there, a very worthy ac
complished young gentleman, well known and re
fpeCted, going into the country on horseback with a
scarlet coat on, whilst the enemy were in that neigh
bourhood, most unhappily loft his life by the prema,
ture zeal of a militia-man, who (hot him dead, under
the idea of his being a British officer.
Extract of a letter from Frederickfburg, Feb. 1.
" I have this moment seen a letter from Hampton,
dated the 28th of January, to a correspondent in Fre
derickfburg, advising, that on the 22d, seven of the
enemy's vessels were forced on shore in Hampton
road, by a severe gale of wind in the night, three of
them square rigged vessels. Also, that a packet ar
rived there from New-York, to &wlc% all the whipping
and troops that are in Cheafapeake bay, to repam
immediately to New-York ; and I really believe, from,
concurrent circumstances, that this may be relied on.'?
PHILADELPHIA, February 14.
Extract of a letter from Major-General Greene to the
Prefideut pf Congress, dated Camp, South-Caro
lina, on the Pee Dee, at Kerfhaw's, Jan. 9, 1781.
"S I R,
" GENERAL du Portaii, by passing through this
camp, gives mg an opportunity of ehclofing your Ex
cellency an extract of a letter from General Morgan."
ExtraCt of a letter from Brigadier-General Morgan,
dated Camp, on Pacolet creek, Dec. 31, 1780. 1
" After an uninteresting march I arrived at this
place the 2511'1 0! December. On the 27th 1 received
intelligence that a body of Georgia tories, about 25Q
in number, had advanced as far as Fair-Forest, and
were insulting and plundering the good people in that
neighbourhood. On the 29th I dilpatched Licut. Col.
Washington, with his own regiment, and 200 militia
horse, who had just joined me, to attack them. Be
fore the Colonel could overtake them they had retreat
ed upwards of 20 miles. He came up with them next
day, about twelve o'clock, A. M. at Hammond's
store-house, about 40 miles from our camp. They
were alarmed and flew to their horses. Lieut. Col.
Washington extended his mounted riflemen in the
wings, and charged in front with his own regiment.
They lled with the greatest precipitation, without
making vuy refinance; 150 were killed and wounded
and about 40 taken prisoners. What makes this fuc- }
cefs the more valuable, it was obtained without the
loss of a man. This intelligence I have just received
by the Baron Glaubier, who served on |he expedition
as a volunteer. To guard against any misfortune, I
have detached 200 men to cover the retreat of the
fortunate party. When I obtain a more partu. n
account, ihall transmit it to head-quarters, an
commend to your particular attention those men
have diftinguilhed themselves on this occasion.
I have the honour to be, dear General,
. Your most obedient humble servant,
DAN, MORGAN
The Hon. Major-General Greene,
Dear Sir, Campon Pacolet, Jan. 4, it
"The account in my last, refpeCting Lieutl
Walhington's success at Hammond's stored, isa .
thentic as any I have been able to collect. It wl
lowed by some small advantages. General Cun
ham, on hearing of Waters's defeat, prepared
vacuate Fort Williams, and had just marched out
the last of the garrison, as a party of about 40 n
horsemen under Col. Hays, and 10 dragoons 1
Mr. Simmons, arrived, with an intention of dem
ing a surrender. The enemy's force was so sup
to theirs, that they could effeft nothing more tha
demolition of the fort. I am, dear Sir,
Your most obedient humble servant,
DAN. MORGAN
General Greene.
Published by order of Congress
C. THOMSON, Seercta
The following extract of a letter from an officer<
state of Georgia, giving a particular and authv.r
account of the action of. the 29th of Decer #
preceding the important and complete victory
tained over the British troops on the 17th of J^
ary last, is published to shew that the cruelt
the enemy, In the southern states, are no 1
borne with impunity.
“ Camp, Fair-Forest river, Jan. 1, 1781.
" We have just had a report that Col. Twiggs and
Capt. Watson, who went with a flag to Augusta in or-,
der to bring out the distressed women and children,
have been most shockingly butchered. Besides these,
between forty and fifty others of our unfortunate
countrymen have been hanged by the enemy, without
any fort of ceremony, as well as a number of South-
Carolinians. This savage proceeding has produced a
great national resentment, both in the troops and the
people ; and if the report, refpe&ing those meritori
ous officers ihould prove true, you may rely upon it,
that the firft persons of consequence that may be in
their power, will be made objects of retaliation by the
Georgians.
" General Morgan has arrived and taken command
of the western army, which was quite unexpected by
the enemy. In consequence of a late check our bri
gade met with near Ninety-fix, and its eventual
treat, a parcel of tories in Georgia, embodied um
Waters, crossed the Savannah and joined Gen. Ci
ningham at Williams's fort, between the Saluda a ^
Enoree. Three hundred and fifty, under Watt
were detached to Fletchall, on this river. The Ger
gians having been a good deal scattered since the che
we were too weak to attack, but were taking m<
fures to aflemble them for that purpose. At thisc
sis Col. Washington arrived with eighty dragoon
we immediately joined him, and advanced against
enemy. I had the honour to command the few of our
state myfelf. The enemy retreated towards the so 1
we pursued all night, and came up with them the
next day, within ten miles of the fort. The attack
was instantly made in three divisions, and they broke
and retreated in confufion ; but hill hoping to reach
the fort. The pursuit continued, upon a full run,
for seven miles, exhibiting the mos t bloody feenes,
Perhaps some ofthe greatest villains on the continent
composed the adverse corps, and who had been guilty