Edgefield advertiser. [volume] (Edgefield, S.C.) 1836-current, 1851-08-21
A Revolutionary Story founded on Fact
BY THOMAS s. ARTHUR.

Fort Motto, Fort Cranky, Fort Watson,
the fort at Orangeburg, and every other post
in South Carolina except Charleston and
Ninety Six had yielded, successfully. to the
American arms, under the command of
Greene, Sumter, Marion and Lee; ard now
General Greene turned all his energies to
the reduction of Ninety Six, giving orders,
at the same time, for Gen. Sumter, to remain
in the country South and West Of the Con-
garee. so as TO cut off all communication be-
tween Lord Rawdon, who was at Charleston
awaiting reinforcements from England, and
Col Cruger, who was in command at Ninety
Six
Day after day the seige Of MACY Six weFit
on, the Americans slowly approaching the
fort by series of works constructed under
the superintendent of kosriusco: and Cru
Ger still holding out in expectation of REIN
forccmcnts from Charleston, although not q
.inrle word of intelligence from Lord Raw
don had reached him since tho investment of
the post which he held with so much bravery
and perseverance.
On the Sd Of June, the long-eXpectcd rein
foremcnt from England reached Lord Raw
don. and on the 7th he started for the relief
Of Col. Cruger with 4 portion of three Irish
regiments. and was joined soon after by
South Carolina royaliSts, swelling his force
to two thousand men. But all his efforts to
transmit intelligence Of his approach to the
bcleagured garrison at Ninety Six proved un-
availing His messengers were intercepted
bv Sumter and Marion, who held possession
of the intermediate region.
On the llth of June, Gen. Greene received
intelligence from Gen. Sumter of the ap-
proach of Rawdon. Directing Sumter to
keep in front of the enemy, he reinforced
him with all his cavalry under Lieutenant
Colonel Washington, and urged him to use
every means in his power to delay the ad-
vancing British army, until he should be able
to complete the investment Of the fort ut
Ninety Six, and compel it TO surrender. Then
with renewed diligence he pressed the seige
hoping to obtain q capituation before Col
Crueer should receive news Of the approach,
inc succor. and thus break up, with the cX.
ception of Charleston, the last rallying point
of the enemy in South Carolina. But the
commander of the fort WAS ever on the alert
TO make good his defenccs and to annoy anC
rc;ard the bcsicgers in every possible way
and, though ignorant of the near approach o.
aid, he would listen to no ovcrturcs for
capitulation.
One evening, while affairs retained this rs
pcct. Il countryman rode along the American
lines, conversing f,miiarly with the officer
and soldiers on duty. No particular notice
was taken of this, as, from the beginning o
the scige, the friends Of our cause were per
mittcd to enter the camp and go whereve
their curiosity happened to lead them. Th
individual here mentioned moved along
seemingly much interested with all he sav
and heard, until he arrived to the great roa
leading directly to the town, IN which quartz
were only some batteries thrown up for tn
protection OF the guards. Pausing here 70
few moments, he glanced cautiously aroun
him, and then, suddenly putting spur
to his horse, he dashed at full speed into tn
town. Seeing this, the guard and sentinel
opcncd their fire upon him, he escaped ur
hurt, holding up 4 letter as soon as he WA
out of danger The garrison, which had OF
served this movement, understood its mcal
ine, and the gates were instantly throw
open to receive the messenger, who prove
to be from Lord Rawdon, and brought tn
welcome intelligence Of his near approach.
Hoping still TO reduce the fort before tn
arrival cf Lord Rawd1a, Gen. Gracnc urge