The New-York gazette, and the weekly Mercury — New-York [N.Y.], 1781-04-09 00:00:00, page 2

Camp, at the Iron Wot^, ten mites from
Guildford couit-houfe, March 16, 1781.
SIR,
ON <he loth I wrote to his excellency general Wash
ington, from the Hgh Rock ford on the Haw
riser,>a copy of which 1 enclosed your Excellency, that
I had efteded a junction with a continental regiment of
erg^ren months men, and two considerable bodies of
Biiliua belonging to Virginia and North- Carolina. Al
ter this junction, Ito k the resolution of attacking the
enemy, without loss ob time, and made the nectary
ai^ofiticn accordingly, being persuaded that it we were
faccehfui. it would prove ruinous to the enemy, and if
otherwise, it wobld only prove a partial evil to us.
The army marched from the High Rock ford on the
12th, and on the 14th arrived atGuildford. The enemy
lay at the Quaker meeting house on Deep river, eight
miles from our camp. Go the morning of the 15th cur
reconnoitering parties reported the enemy advancing on
the great Slithery road. The army was drawn up in
three lines ; the front line wa, composed of the North-
Carolina militia, -under the command of generals Butler
and Eaton ; the fecund line of Virginia militia, com
fa.nded by generals Stevens and Lawson, forming two
brigades; the third line, confiftihg of two brigaaes, one
of Virginia and one of Maryland 'continental troops,
commanded by General Huger and Colonel Williams.
Lieut. Col. Washington, with the dragoons of the firft
and third regiments, and a detachment of light infantry
composed of continental troops, and a regiment of rifle
men under col. Lynch, formed a corps of observation for
the security of our right flark. Lieut, col. Lee, with
his legion, a detachment of light infantry, and a corps
of r'fle men, under col. Campbell, termed a corps of
observation for the security of our left fl.nk.
The greater part of this country is a wilderness, with
a few cleared fields interspersed here and there. The
army was drawn up on a large hill of ground, iurrounded
by other hills, the greater part of which was covered
with timber and thick underbufh. The front line was
polled with two field piecesjuft on the edge of the wodds,
and the back of a fence which run parallel with the line,
with an open field directly in their front. The second
line was in the woods, about three hundred yards in the
tear of the 6 if, and the continental troops about three
hundred yards in the rear of the second with a double
font, as the hill drew to a point where they were polled,
and on the tight and left were two old fields. In this
position we waited the approach of the enemy, having
previoi fly sent off the baggage to this place appointed to
rendezvous at, in case of a defeat, Liew. Col. Lee with
his legion, his infantry, and part of his riflemen, met
the enemy on their advance, and had a very severe ikir
nhfh with Lieut, col. Tarleton, in which the enemy
fufhied greatly. Capt. Aimflreng charged the British
legion and cut down near thirty of their dragoons ; but
as the enemy reinforced their advanced party, Lieut,
coi. Lee was obliged to retire, and t.ke hrs position in
the line.
The action commenced by a cannonade whith lifted
about twenty minutes, when the enemy advanced in
three columns ; the Hessians on the right, the Guards in
the center, and Lieut, col. Wester s brigadeon the left.
The whole moved through the old fields to attack the
North-Carolina brigades, who waited the attack until
the enemy got within about one hundred and forty yards,
when part of them began to fire, but a considerable part
left the ground without fi ing at all. The Generals and
field officers did all they could to induce the men to stand
their ground, but nei her the advantages of the position
nor any other confederation could induce them to flay.
General Stephens and General Lawson, and the field
officers of those brigades, were more fuccelsfcl in their
exertions. The Vrginia militia gave the enemy a warm
reception, and kept upa heavy fire for a long time ; but
being beat bark, the a€bo'n became general almost every
whe.e --The corps of observation under Wethington
and Lee were warmly 'engaged, and did great execution.
In a word, the cont ia was long and severe, and the ene
my only gained their print by fu/trior dlfcipline.
They having broken the second Maryland regiment,
and turned tu; left flank, got into the rear of the Virgi
nia brigade, and appearing to be gaining our right, which
would have encircles the » hole of the Continental troops,
I thought it most advisable to order a retreat. About
this time, Lieut. Colonel W r/hingtop made charge wi h
the horse upon a part of the brigade of guards; and the
firft regiment of Marylanders, c rmmanded by Colonel
Gunby, ftconded by Lreuy Colonel Howard, followed the
horse with their bayonets; near the whole of this party
fella facrifice. General Huger was the last that wat en
gaged, and pave the enemy a check. We retried in
good order to tl.eß cd, Fork river, and crossed at the ford
about three miles from the field ofadion and there halted,
and drew up the troops, until we collect d molt of our
ftrggle.-s. We loft our artillery and two ammunition
waggons, the greater part of the horses being killed before
the retreat le,an, and it being impoffibic to move the
pieces but Along the great road- .After collecting our
fragglers, we retired to this camp, ten miles diftantfrom
Guilford.
From the best information I can get, the enemy's left
is very great, not tefs in kill d and wounded than fix hun
d^d men, besides some few prisoners we brought iff;
Indoftdl fend your Excellency a return of otir killed,
wounded and miffing. Most of the latter have gone home,
as is but too c^ftomery with militia alter ar< a&ion I
cannot learn that the eaemy have got any considerable
number of prisoners. Our men are in good Ipirits,
and in peruA readiness, for another field days
I only lament the hft of several valuable officers who
are killed and wounded inrhe action. Among the latter
is General Stevens, /hot through the thigh, and Gene
ral Huger in the hand and among the former is Major
Andefon, of the Maryland line.
The firmnefs of the officers and soldiers, during the
whole campaign, has been almost unparalelltd. Amidst
innumerable difficulties «hey have discovered a degree of
magnanimity and fortitude that will for ever add a luftre
to their military reputation.
I have the honour to be, with very great refpe&
and eftcem, your Excellency's most obedient and
most humble fefvant.
Nathaniel greene.
His Excellency Samuel Huntington, Elq; Presi
dent of Concrete.
RETURN of the killed, wounded and niifs
ing, of the Continental troops in the action
of the 15th of March, 1781, near Guilford
Court House, in North-Carolina:
Camp, Speedwell Furn±.e, Guilford-
County, North-Carolina,
March 17, 1781.
Brigade of Virginia Regulars, commanded
by Brigadier General Huger. Killed, 1 Capt,
a subalterns, 3 ferjeants, 23 rank and file;
wounded, 4 feijeants, 35 rank and file;
miffing, 39 rank and file.
Brigade of Maryland Regulars,com manded
by Col. Williams. Killed, 1 major, 1 subal
tern, 2 ferjeants, 11 rank and file. Wounded,
(brought off) § captains, 1 ferjeant, 36 rank
and file. Miffing, 3 ferjeants, 6 drums and
fifes, 88 rank and file.
Of Delaware Battalion, Capt. Kirkwood's
company. Killed, 7 rank and file. Wounded,
2 subalterns, it rank and file. Miffing, 2
drums ard fifes, 13 rank and file,
Detachments of firll and third regiments cf
cavalrv. commanded by lieut. col. Washing
ton. Killed, 3 rank and file. Wounded (pj;-
foners of war) 2 cap ains, 2 subalterns, 4 rark
aad file, Mining, 3 rank and file.
Partizangle Legion, commanded by Lieut.
Col. Lee. Killed, 3 rank and file ; wounded
(prisoners cf war) 1 Capt. 7 rank and file ;
miffing, 7 rank and file.
Total. I,Major, 9 Captains, 7 Subalterns,
14 ferjeants, 8 drums and fifes, 290 rank and
file.
Brigadier General Huger, slightly wound
ed in the Hand.l
I received no return of the companies of
artillery, but their loss, &c. is very consider
able.
This return is the most accurate that can be
obtained at prefenl, but it is expected many
of the miffing will rejoin their corps.
O. H. WILLIAMS, D. A. General.
Return of the militia, killed, wounded and
miffing, in the action at Guilford Court-
House, in Nontli-Carolina, the 15th of
March, 1781.
Camp, Speedwell Furnace^ North
• Carolina,
March \yh; 1,81.
First Brigade Virginia militia, commanded
by Brigadier General Stevens. Killed, 2
Captains, 9 rank and file wounded, 1 Capt.
4 Subalterns, 30 rank and file ; milling, I
Major, 1 Capt. 3 Subalterns, 3 ferjeants,
133 rank and file.
Second brigade Virginia militia, command
ed by brigadier general Lawson. Killed, 1
rank and file. Wounded, 1 major, 2 subal
terns, 13 rank and file. Miffing, 1 subaltern,
3 ferjeants, 83 rank and file.
Rifle regiments commanded by cols. Camp
bell and Lynch. Killed, 2 captains, r rank
and file. Wounded, 1 captain, 1 fubalterr., 1
ferjeant, 13 rank and file. Miffing, 1 captain
7 subalterns, 8 ferjeants, 78 rank and file.
Total, 8 captains, 18 subalterns, 15 ferjeants,
361 rank and file./
Brigadier General Stevens, wounded thro'
the thigh. Many of those miffing are expected
to return, or to be found at their homes.
O. H. WILLIAMS, D. A. General.
RETURN of the North-Carolina Militia,
killed, &c.
Two brigades commanded by brigadier ge
neral: Butler and Eaton. Killed, 6 rank and
file. Wounded, 1 captain, 1 subaltern, 3 rank
and file. Miffing, z captains, 9 subalterns,
„2 rank and file. Total, 3 captains, 10 su
balterns, 561 rank and file.
The North-Carolina cavalry, commanded
by the marquis bf^retigney, 101 l 1 man killed
and 1 wounded.
I have received no return of one of the North
Carolina regiments ; those miffing are supposed
to have gone home. According to the reports
of the general and field officers, very few were
killed or taken, molt of tlrem having thrown
away their arms, add abandoned the field early
in the action.
O. H. WILLIAMS, D. A. General.
Published by Order of Congress,
• CHARLES THOMPSON, Sec'ry.
PHILADELPHI A, April 2.
Capt. M'Clean, in coming up Chefapeak
Bay, fell in with the noted Refugee plunderers
Caven, Thomson, and Downe, on board a prize
schooner. He immediately boarded them,
when the word bayonet so terrified those dar
ing pirates, that they surrendered without te
fikance. Captain M'Clean carried them into
Rappahannock, and delivered them to the
perlons whom they have been for sometime
plundering. The vessel and cargo of tobacco
was returned to the original owners.
NEW-YORK, April 4.
Co Tuesday last died much lamented after a
long illness which (he bore with fortitude and
resignation, Mis. Sarah Hastie, the very valu
able Wife of Mr. James Hallie, merchant of
this city.
On Tuesday the 3d instant was married Miss
Jouet, to Capt. Camaron, of the 37th regiment
a young lady endowed with every accomplish
ment to make the married Hate really happy.
On Saturday another Rebel Mail ivas brought
to this City, taken last 1 burj day with Montaigne
the Post Rider, <wbo nvas in per Jon brought to tow:
by the cantors. It contained a great number of
letters in the bags from Atezu England, Rhode-
Island, Connecticut, Fife-Kill, Ne<v Windjor, &'c.
The Public may depend on the genuintnefs of the
following Letters
—To Mr. Lund Waffiington, at Mount Ver
non, Virginia.
" New Windjor, March 28, 1781.
" Dear Lund,
" SINCE my last yourietter of the 14th inst.
is received. If Mr. Triplet has got as much
land as he has given, and you have paid him
the caffi difference, with a proper allowance
for the depreciation ti n'ce the oargain was made,
I am at a loss to discover the ground of his
tomplaint-—and if men will complain without
cause, it is a matter of no great moment. It
always was, and now is my wi(h to do him ju
stice, and if there is any thing lacking in it,
delay not to give full measure of julirce, be
cause I had rather exceed than fall Short.
K We have heard nothing certain of the two
fleets since they left their refpedive ports.—
We wait with impatient anxiety for advices
from Chefapeak, and the Southern army—
God fend they may be favourable to us.—A
detachment from New-York has made two or
three attempts to put to sea (for the purpose, it
is said, of reinforcing either Arnold or Corh
wallE) and as often returned —My last ac
counts from New-York mention another at
tempt on the 25th, but whether with truth, or
not, it is not in my power to fay.—lt was un
fortunate—but this 1 mention in confidence—
that the French fleet and detachment did not
undertake the Epterprize thej arg now upon,
wlen I firft proposed it to them.—The defti ac
tion of Arnold's corps would then have been
inevitable before the British fleet could have
been in a condition to put to sea. Instead of
this the small squadron, which tock the Romu
lus and other vessels, was sent, and could not,
as I foretold, do any thing without a land force
at Portsmouth. I ,am
Your affedonate friend and Servant,
G. Washington."
Copy of a Letter from Oliver Wolcott, junior,
to bis Father in Congress, reprinting the fate of
thefinances in Connecticut :
Hartford, March 25, 1781.
Honoured Sir, ,
*' The Assembly of this state have ^t length
risen without doing much business, they con
sidered the state of our finances as so perplex
ing and intricate, that they chose to leave it
to a future opportunity ; nothing of conse
quence was determined except laying a few
j taxes, but the manner in which they have
made them payable, makes it doubtful whe
ther they will have any good cpnftquences.
I believe it was before you left home, that the
Assembly agreed to collect a tax of four dol
lars upon the pound, in old continental cur
rency ; and also set on foot a large lottery for
the purpose of issuing the new bills Struck by
order of Congress. The last Affemply seemed
to think that it would be very impolitic to issue
the new money, and therefore have abolished
the lottery as of no consequence, though the
tickets were printed and Signed, and advertise
ments for sale had been polled in all parts of
the state. In order to answer the prelent ur
gent demands for money, they have ordered
that all the taxes that were laid to fink the
Connecticut emissions, together with those laid
the last session, might be paid in orders drawn
by the Committee of Pay-Table.
“ In consequence of which the Superin
tendent Commissary, and Quarter-Matter of
this state have drawn large sums upon the
Treasurer in Small orders ; their orders are dis
tributed into all parts of the state to the Col
? leCtors, and every farthing of the money ori-
Iginally designed as a fluking fund for car new
I billr, is applied to puichafe fupplits for the
larmy. By means of this Senatorial quibble
I the money is kept in circulation, though the
faith of the'ftate has been solemnly plighted,
that it Should not re issue.
Little of the Continental money is seen in
circulation, and even that final! quantity is not
in so great request as formerly—the discount is
Seventy-five for one.
" I am,Sir, with refpeCt, your obedient Son,
" O. WOLCOTT.
'' Hon. O. Wolcott. Esq:"
Marine Society.
A Quarterly Meeting of the New-York Ma
rine Society, will be held this Evening at
6 o'clock, at Strachan's Tavern, on Browne
john'sWharf.
By Order of the 1 President,
George Fowler, Secry.
W ANTE
A Maid Servant, with a good (hua&er c She must•
be capable of taking care of a Jmall Family,
wheie there is no Children, and uodedisnd to milk
two Cows 2nd make Butter. <uh a I'etfn will
Imeet with Encouragement by applying to H, Gaine.
1 J JAMES DER KINDEREN, having byauthority
I 1 been appointed a Mtal'urer of coals, fall, corn,
I &c. in this city, request the favour to be employed
I by whom may have occasion.
DER KINDEREN.
tT)- B E~S OLD,
And possession given on the firft of May next,
A Two Story and an half dwelling house,
in Queen-Street, in an exceeding good
!Rand for bulinefs, with a lot of land enclosed
I with a board fence, being 20 feet in front on
I the said Queen-Street, and 96 feet 4 inches
I on King-Street, which is the depth of the said
! lot ; in the rear whereof there is a finall tene-
I ment, fronting King-Street, and a liable in
[the yard. This Situation is one of the most
I advantageous in this city for any kind of bu-
Ifinefs, particularly a baker, there being
I plenty of room in the said yard for a bakehouse;
!without incommoding either the said dwelling
Ihoufe or tenement. Proposals in writing,
§ will be received by John Kelly, No. 28,
Hanover-Square.
N. B. If the above mentioned house and
Jots is not fold at private sale by Wednesday the
17th inst. it will on that day be. disposed of at
public vendue at the Coffee-Houfe between
the hour of 12 and 1 o'clock.
Io BE S()L D,
At Public Auaion, at the Ciffee-Houfe, on Satur
day the 14th of April, between 1 and 2 o'clock,
A Valuable dwelling house and lot of ground,
fnuated in Water-Street, No. 101, now occu
pied by James Arden, contains in front and rear
28 feet, in depth 40 feet 6 inches; the loft is 64 feet
6 inches deep; under said house is a Specious cellar,
which has for two years past been occupied as a gro
cery Shore, and is as good a stand for that business as
any in this city: In the rear thereof is also a very
convenient kitchen and wa^ house. The Situation
and convenience of the piemifes may be viewed any
time before the day of sale.
P. M'DAVITT.
N. B. One hundred and twenty pounds per an
num rent, wi:l be given for the cellar only, if agree
able to the purcbafer. April 4, 1781.
SOLD, Br'
GEORGE BE L L,
No. 10, the corner of Water-street, at the lower end
of the Exchange Bridge,
A General assortment of groceries, a variety of
glass, China, and earthen ware. Also a large
assortment of lumber, fugh 3, jojfts a .d beards of
different kinds.
This Duy, at the Coffee- House,
Will be fold, a few I'ipes of
Very excellent Geneva
and French Brandy,
Thirty Barrels cf fuperfira : lour, now landed;
a few puncheons Temmon RUM.
P. M'DAVITT.
TO be fold at public su&Hn at the Coffee Huufr,
on Wednefd iv tiie nth inlbnt, at one u'Clock,
A valuable Lot of Ground in Dock-Street, adjoin
ing to the eaftw&rd of the Dwelling House of Mr.
Isaac Low. The lot is 27 feet front, ^nd 67 feet
deep.
A good and indisputable title will be given to the
purchaser. If any perfan chutes to treat for t>e per
chafe of said lot before the day of file, ap^ly to
Second Class
Of the New-York. Refugee and other
Poor LOTTERY,
POSITIVELY .
(COMMENCES drawing on Wednesday the 18th
" irttant, at the house of Mr. Amort, near the
New Bridewell, tinder the infpe&mn of Cant. Lwt.s
King, Fi ederick Rhinelander, and Robert Dale, who
are appointed by authority for that purpose.
To be fold ct pubtec VENDUE,'
01 Tuesday the rodi day of April,
farm or plantation belonging to Richard
A Smith, of Herricks, containing about So aci\ $
of good lan& 16 whereof is timber land. The whole
is in good C ce with the appurtenances thereunto
belonging : It is a very convenient Stand for a flo e
keeper, or any person inclining to keep a house of
entertainment.,
Likewise on Did day will be fold a piece of Salt
meadow, lying near Rockaway, which cuts yearly
about eighteen load of salt hay. Also horses, cattle,
and a number of Southold goods too tedious to men
tion. Sold by me RICHARD SMITH, and
, CHARLES DOUGHTY,
Creditors } JOHN ALLEN,
<HENDRICK HAGNER.
The vendue to begin at ten o'clock frid day.
/Ittwood's Medicinal Store,"
No. 207, Water-Street,
T$ atn>ly fnpplied with the choicest cf DRUGS
1 and MEDICINES, mostly pmchafed hem
Apothecaries-Hall, particularly Bak in Powder, and
the Chemical Preparations.- -A Colkaiun cf the
most approved Patent Medicines, Janes's Powders,
Maredajit's Drops, Keyfe/s Pills, &c. &c.—Also
several much e.feem,d Competitions for that noble
Brute the Horse, whefe Case St this Season of the
Year generally exci.es the humane Attention of his
feeling Matter,--.For the feather'd Tribe, Seeds of
different Kinds, Canary, Hemp, &c. are kept ji
Readiness; and Saffron to infpirt their Lay, and
improve their Plumage.- -Many valuable Articles
for Culinary Purposes.--- Sagoe Powder in final!
Canisters (Criterion of its Genuihenefs); Hartfhom
Shavings, Vcrmicellv, Pearl Barley, fiefh Oatmeal
Spices, &c/---A quantity of very fine East-India
Mingoes---ss, per Dozen. Good Sallad Oil.
Refcfiptions are here accurately prepay ei,---all
Orders from Navy and Army duly executed, and
Medicine Chett* compleared at the fli uteft Notice,
Thomas Buchanan, and Co.
Have for Sale, at their Store,
In lateen-Street, No. 221,
I^ORT wine of the firft quality, in pipes,
hogsheads and quarter calks,
Kegs of white lead, yellow oker, and
Spanish brown, ground in oil,
Poland flarch in boxes and half baxes,
Nails in calks, from 6d.to §d.
A few tons bar iron, fnor from 3, to glb.
Cohorns, a few pair 4 and 6 pounders,
New rice in tierces,
Womens callimanco shoes in trunks,
Mens fine leather shoes,
Irilh linnens from 45.6 d. to gs. per yard,
An aflortment of other DRY GOODS, as
usual.
PUBLIC AUCTION,
TO-MORROW, at w o'Clock,
By James Inglis,
At his Office in Water-street, No. 36,
Will begin the sale of a general and choice
assortment of Spring, Summer and Staple
Dry. Goods,
The greater part of which are well calculated
for the expanding commerce of the fouthera
Colonies.
A most excellent capacious
DRY CELLAR
To be LET.
AUCTION of BOOKS.
Next THURSDAY Evening the 12th of April,
at 6 o'clock, by JAMES INGLIS, at his
Office in Water-Street, No. 36, will begin
the sale of a very large and most fplendi^
collection of valuable
BOOK S,
On Hiftpry, Physic, Law, Philosophy, Gea,
graphy, Autonomy, Mechanics, Politics, Go,
ticifm, Poetry, a few on Religion, many Plays,
very many famed Novels, &c. &c. &C- all by
the best Authors.
The books are in several languages, but;
chiefly in English; they are all neatly, and
many of them elegantly printed and hound ;
the who^ collection is such d, is seldom found
at an auction in this country.'
The sale will continue every evening pll 0
whole are fold off.