The Pennsylvania journal, or, Weekly advertiser — Philadelphia, Pa., 1776-03-27 00:00:00, page 1

“ <\N the earliest intelligence that the Tories were col
leaing and embodying at Croft creek, which I re
ceived on the pth of Feb. I proceeded to take possession cf
Rorktifh bridge, within seven miles of Cross creek, which I
considered as an important post. This I effected on the 15th
with my own regiment, five pieces of artillery, and a part
of the Bladen militia : but as our numbers were by no means
equal to that of the Tories, I thought it most ad ifeable to
intrench and fortify that pass, and wait for a reinforcement.
By the 19th I was joined by Col. Lillington with 150 of the
Wilmington minutemen, Col. Kenon with zoo of the Duplin
militia; and Col. Ash with about 100 of the volunteer inde
pendent rangers, making our numbers then in the whole a
bout 1100, and ftom the best information I was able to pro
cure, the Tory army, under command of Gen. McDonald,
amounted to about 14 or 1500. On the 20th they marched
within four miles of us, and sent in by a flag of truce, the Go
vernor's proclamation, a manifefto and letter from the Gen.
copies of which, together with another letter and my an
fyers, you have inclofed. I then waited only until Col.
Martin and Col. Thackfton who I had certain intelligence
were on their march, should get near enough to cut off their
retreat, and determined to avail myfclf of the fish favorable
opportunity of attacking them. However, contrary to my
expectations, I learnt on the zxR that they had the night be
fore, and that morning crossed the N. Weft river at Camp
belltown with their whole army, funk and destroyed all the
boats, and taken their route the mod direct way to Negtoe
Head point. I then dispatched an express to Col. Calwell,
who was on his march to join us with about 800 men, and
dircaed him to return and take possession of Corberts's-ferry
Over Black-river and by every means in his power to ob-
Prua, barrafs and distress them in their march; at the fame
time I directed Col. Martin and Col. Thackfiou to take
poffefficn of Cross creek, in order to prevent their return
that way. Col. Lillington and Col. Ath I ordered, by a
forced m<rch, to endeavour if poffibic to reinforce Colouel
Cifwell, but if that could not be effected, to take possession
of Moore's creek bridge, whilst I proceeded back with the re
mainder of our army to cross the N. Weft at Elizabeth town,
so ascither to meet them on their way to Corbert's ferry, or
fall in their rear and furrouad them there. On the 23d I
crofled the river at Elizabeth town, where I was compelled
to wait for a supply of provisions until the 24th at night,
having learn that Col. Cafwell was almost entirely without.
Just when I was prepared to march, I received an express
from Col. Cjfwell, informing that the Tories had railed a
flat, thief had been funk in Black river about five miles a
bove him, and by creating a bridge bad pared it with their
whole army. I then determined, as the lift expedient, to
proceed immediately in boats down the N. W. river to
Dollifon's landing about 60 miles, and to take possession of
Moore's creek bridge, about 10 miles from diem, at the fame
time acquainting Col. Cafwell of my intentions, and recom
mending to him to retreat to Moore's creek bridge if possible,
but if not, to follow on in their rear. The next day by four
o'clock we arrived at Dobifon's landing, but as we could not
possibly march that night for want ot horses tor she artillery,
I dispatched an exprels to Moore's creek bridge, to learn the
filiation of affairs there, and was informed that Col. Lining
t&n, who had the day before taken his stand at the bridge,
was that afternoon reinforced by Col. Cafwcll, and that they
had raised a small breastwork, and destroyed a part of the
bridge.
" The next morning/ the 27th, at break of dayman alarm
gun was fired, immediately after which, scarcely allowing our
peopieamoinent to prepare, the tory army with Capt. M'Cleod
at their head, made their attack on Col. Cafwcll and Cel.
Lillington, and finding a fmad entrenchment next the bridge,
on our fide empty, concluded that our people had abandoned
their post, and in the most furious manner advanced within
thirty paces of our breastwork and artillery, where they met
a very proper reception. Cipt M'Cleod and C^pt. Campbell
fell within a few paces of the bitalbwork. the former of
whom received upwards of twenty balls throuh his body;
and in a few minutes their whole army was put to the flight,
and most shamefully abandoned their General, who was next
day taken prisoner. The loss of the enemy in this aCTon,
from the best accounts we have been able to learn, is about
thirty killed and wounded ; but as numbers ot them must
have fallen into the creek, besides many more that were car
ried off, I foppofe their less may be estimated at about fifty.
We had only two wounded, one of which died this day.
Thus, Sir, I have the pleasure to inform you, has mod hap
pily terminated a very dangerous iniurreChon, and will, 1
trust, put an effectual chick to toryifm in this country.
" The fixation of affairs at this place made it necefTary for
me to return here, which,>at the ffvecial xequeft of the commit
tee, I did last night with my regiment. The large requisiti
ons made by the men of war, who now lie just below the
town, gave the inhabitants reason to apprehend every thing
that could be fuffered from their diiappeinted vengeance,
however, the committee have most fpirihdly determined, ra
ttier to fuffer the worst of human evils than afford them any
Supplies at all, and I have no doubt we shall be able to pre
vent them from doing any great injury.
" In order to lessen as much as possible the expence incur
red by this expedition, I fume time ago directed Col. Martin
to disband all the troops under his command, except 1000, in
cluding the regulars, and with rhofe to secure the perform and
'/ # ,T H E
March 27^776, , 'W^ CT ' N ™ L 1738#
PENNSYLVANIA JOURNAL;
^^^^^^ffi^#|ffi^ffl
WEEKLY ? ## ^^;^^^^M ADVERTISER.
SS©SSWS^^GSSS^S AM ^ ^^^f^l^^^ SS^sCS^SSSS^^Ss
^^ EBD ^ march 2 7 ,1776
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N 0 R T H-C A ROLI N A.
Extras of a letter from Brigadier General fames Moore, in the
Continental service, to the Men. Cornelias Harnet, Esq; prefr
dent «f the Provincial Council, North-Carolina, dated /Filming
ton, March 2, 1776.
"S I R,
" Yours of this day I have received, in answer to which I
must inform you, that the terms which you are pleased to fay,
in behalf cf the army voder your command, are offered to us
as friends and countrymen, are such as neither my duty or
inclinations will permit me to accept, aud which, I mutt
prefurne you too much of an officer to cxpe& of me.—You
were very right when you supposed me unacquainted with
the Governor's proclamation, but as the terms therein pro
posed are such as I bold incompatible with the freedom of
Americans, it can be no rule of conduct for me; however,
should I not hear farther from you before 12 o'clock to
morrow, by which time I shall have an opportunity of con
fuhing my officers here, and perhaps Col. Martin, who is in
tne neighbourhood of Cross Creek, you may expect: 1 more
particular answer; mean time you may be assured that the
feelings of humanity will induce me to shew that civility to
such of your people as may fall into our hands, as I am de
sirous should be observed towards those of ours, who may be
unfortunate enough to fall into yours. I am, Sir, your most
obedient and very humble fervaut."
Camp at Rockfifo, Feb, 19, 1776 JA. MOORE.
From Brigad.er General Moore to Brigadier General M'Donald,
" Sir,
" Agreeable to my promise of yesterday I have consulted
the officers under my command, refyeaiig your letter, and
am happy in finding them unanimous in opinion with me.—
We confider ourfeves engaged in a etufe the most glorious
and honorable in the world, the defence of the liberties of
mankind, in fupfcrt of which we are determined to hazard
every thing dear and valuable; and in tendcruefs to the de<
estates of the infurgenis fubjeft to your farther orders, and
then to proceed to this place, unless otherwise diie&d. How
ever, as I do not think the fervicejuft now requires such a
number of men in arms, I shall immediately direct him to
disband ail except the regulars, and with those to remain in
and about Cross-creek until farther orders."
Extract of a letter from Col. Richard Cafwell, late a Delegate for
the province of North-Carolina in the Continental Congress, and
now commander of a bed, ofstroops in that province, to the Hen.
Cornelius Harnet, Efa; Prefidcat of the Provincial Council of
North- Carolina, dated from bis camp at Long-Creek, February
29th, 1776.
"SIR,
" I have the pleasure to acquaint you, that we had an en
gagement wi:h the torics, at Widow Moore's Creek bridge,
on the 27th current. Our army was about rooo strong, con
fiding of the Newbern battalion of minute men, the militia
from Craven, Johalton, Dobbs and Wake, and a detach
ment of the Wilmington battalion of minute men, which we
found encamped at Moore's creek the night before the battle,
under the command of Col. Lilington. The torics, by com
mon report were 300®, but Gen. M'Donald, whom we have
a prisoner, fays there were about 15 or 1600; he was unwell
that day, and not in the battle. Capt. M'Cleod, who seem
ed to be the principal commander, with Capt. joha Camp
bell, are among the flaio. The number killed and mortally
wounded, from the best accounts I was able to collect, was
about 30, most of them were shot on their puffing the bridge.
Several had fallen into the water, some of whom, I am pret
ty certain, had not risen yesterday evening, when I left the
camp ; such prisoners as we have made, fay, there were at
least 50 of their men miffing. The tories were totally put
to the rout, and will certainly disperse. Col. Moore arrived
at our camp a few hours after the engagement was over ; his
troops came up that evening, and are now encamped on the
ground where the battle was fought; and Col Martin is at or
near Cross creek, with a large bud, of men; those. I presume,
will be fuffiefent effectually to put a hop to any attempt to
embody again. I therefore (with Col. Moore's consent) am
returning to Newbern with the troops under my command,
where I hope to receive your orders to dismiss them. There
I intend carrying the General. If the council foould rife
before my arrival, be plcafed to give order in what manner
he fliall be disposed of. Our officers and men behaved with
the spirit and intrepidity becoming freemen, contending for
their dearest privileges.”
A letter from Donald M' Donald, Esq; lately created Brigadier
General in the tar, arm, b, Gov Martin, to Brigadier Gene
ral Moore, at ICckfJh, dated Feb. 19, 1776.
" Sir,
" I herewith fend the bearer, Donald Morrison. by advice
of the Comm dinners appointed by his Excellency Josiah
Mania, and in behalf of the army now under my command,
to propufe terms to you as friends and countrymen. I mult
suppose you unacquainted with the Governor's proclamation,
commanding all his Majesty's loyal fubjefh to repair to the
King's royal ftandaid, cife I should have imagined you would
ere this, have joined the King's army now engaged in his
Mdjefty's service.—l have therefore thought it proper to in
timate to you, that in case you do not, by 12 o'clock to
morrow, join the royal daudard, I must confider you as ene
mies, and take the neceffaty ftps for the Support of legal
authority.
" I beg leave to remind you of his Majrfty's fpecch to his
Parliament, wherein he offers to receive the milled with ten
derness and,mercy, ftom motives of humanity I again beg
of you to accept the profered clemency I make no doubt
but you will shew the gentlemen sent on this message,
every possible civility, and you may depend, in return, that
all your officers and men which may fall into our hands, fliall
be treated with an equal degree of refpedL I have the ho
nor to be, in behalf of the army Sir, your most obedient
bumble fervent, DON. MAC DONALD.
His Excellency's proclamation is herewith eyeleted.
Brigadier-General Moore's answer.
" Sir,
" I received your favour by Capt. James Walker, and ob
served your declared sentiments of revolt, hostility and re
bellion to the King, and to what I underhand to be the cor
ftitution of this country.—ls lam mistaken future consequences
must determine, but while I continue ip my present senti
ments I shall confider myfelf embarked in a cause which must,
in its consequences, extricate this country from anarchy and
licentioufneis —I cannot conceive that die Scots emigrants, to
whom, I imagine you allude, can be under greater obliga
tions to t 1 is country than to that king, under whose gracious
and merciful government they alone could have been enabled
to visit this western region.—And I trust, Sir, it is in rhe
womb of time to fay, that they arc not that deluded and un
grateful people which you would reprefcut them to be As
a soldier in his majesty's farvice, I muff inform you, if you
are yet to learn, that it is my duty to conquer, if I cannot
reclaim, all those who may be hardy enough to take up arms
against the best of makers and of kings. I have the honour
to be, in behalf of the array under my command, Sir, your
most obedient fervanf. DON. M'DONALD.
Head Quarters, loth Feb. 1776.
Extract of a letter from the Provincial Ofol of North Carolina,
dated Newbern, March 5, 1776.
Governor Martin has been too fucccfsfu lin exciting an ia
furreetion of the banditti among the Highlanders and Regu
lators. We refer you to a copy of Colonel Cafwell's letter
and other inclofed papers for the particular account of them.
We have given orders that the persons and properties of the
ringleaders mould be secured, and that all who were in arms
or Aiding and abetting should be disarmed, and every other
effectual measure purued to prevent their giving G vernor
Mania any aid in case of the arrival of his expected reinforce
ments. We have every thing to hope from the vigilance
Ikdl, and activity of the officers, and the bravery, Spirited'
and patriotic behaviour of the troops on this occasion. A no
ble ardor appeared in every part of the country through all
ranks of people; in so much that in left than a fortnight 9 400
men and upwards were embodied and on their march against
the enemy; more might have been raised, had they been ne
cessary. We hear that the men of war are on their way to
Wilmington, the inhabitants have removed all their valuable
effects, apprehending that the Governor will prevail on the
officers ot the men ot war to adt the fame tragedy there, which
Lord Dunmore lately played at Norfolk, to his immortal in
fauiy.
“ We have ordered that the Provincial Congress should
meet at Halifax the second of text month.
4 > We have appointed Committees to confer with Virginia
and South Carolina, on the most proper mode of defence to be
adopted by theft-Colonies the enfuiag campaign.
“ We understand General Clinton is arrived in Virginia
with the transports and troops from Bokon, be have not vet
any advice or the arrival of those expected from Great-Britain.
“ Oue Mr. Ac^fon, midihipman of the Svren, wkh three
fibers, were drove.over Ocracock Bar in diftref' ,who were
taken prisoners and brought to Newbern, the midChipman and
one tailor are sent so Halifax as prifooers, the other two dis
charged in this town It appears the Syren had taken a vcf
fel ot ours on the coast, and those men were conducing the
prize to Boston, when they were forced over the bar."
Extras from a private letter, dated North Carolina, March 1%
With very great pleasure I acknowledge the receipt of
your obliging favour ; and my happiness in writing to you is
now increased, by the immediate news of the defeat of these
rascally difturbaoces of government called Highlanders and
Regulators, who had embodied themselves to a great number
and were within 20 miles of Willmiugton. It is incopceivea
ble to imagine what joy this event has diffufed through this
province—the importance of which is heightened by Clinton
and Lord William Campbell's being now in Cape Fgar, in
languine expectation of being joined by the above defeated
and routed villains, and with a determined resolution of at
tacking the weakest part of America, the which, I presume they
supposed North-Carolina to be—Bat how amazing.y mortified
mull they prove, in finding that this weak, poor infyoifican t
Carolina, in less than fifteen days, could turn out more than
ten thousand independent gentlemen volunteers, and within
that time pursue them to the very feenc of adtion. SinceL
luded people under your eommanu, permit me, Sir, through
you to inform them, before it is too late, of the ding : us
and deftru&ive precipice on which they stand, and to remind
them of the ungrateful return they are about to make for their
favorable reception in this country; if this is not lufficient to
recall them to the duty which they owe to themselves and their
posterity, inform them that they are engaged in a cause in
which they cannot succeed; as not only the whola force of
this country, but that of our neighbouring provinces is exert
ing and now actually in motion to suppress them, and which
must end in their utter deftruaion. Defrous however of
avoiding the effufion of human blood, I have thought proper
to fend yon a copy of the test recommended by the Continen
tal Congress, which if they will yet fubferibe, and Jay down
their arms by to-morrow rx o'clock, we are willing to receive
them as friends and countrymen —Should this offer bp rejs&-
ed, I £hall confider them as enemies to the Constitutional Li
berties of America, and treat them accordingly.
'' I cannot conclude without reminding you, Sir, of the
oath which you and some of your officers took at Newbern,
on your arrival to this country, which I imagine you will find
difficult to reconcile to your prefint conduct — I have no boubt
that the bearer, Capt. James Walker, will be treated with
proper civility and refpe& in your camp.
I am, Sir your most obedient and very humble servant,
Camp at Reckfijb, Feb. 20, 1776. JA. MOORE."
From Brigadier General M'Donald to Brigadier General Moore.
“SIR,