Yorkville enquirer. [volume] (Yorkville, S.C.) 1855-2006, 1858-03-04
in 1870, $500. At Monks Corner and Lanneau's

Ill i fCO, S,ouO. IA lUuh , SOlhS "HN
Ferry 100.
The above amount is probably near it, as far as
I can get information. Thus by n continued Sc
ries of misfortunes, owing partly to i'll concerted
plans and bad conduct, was our Southern army
cut up by piece-meal, and a door opened for the
enemy to carry their arms into North Carolina
and Virginia. Discouraging and distressing times
no army in the field Southwark Of Virginia able
to face the enemy. Had not the Almighty de-
creed that We should be free, now was the time to
have subjugated us but after n great many sub
sequent losses, he lent his powerful aid, relieved
our distresses, and finally delivered our cruel and
inveterate enemies, Lord CORVALLIS and his army
into our hands, ut Yorktown in Virginia, and peace
and acknowledged independence soon followed.
Perhaps, to some people of the present day, the
sufferings, d~istresses and hardships borne by the
Continental army may appear incredible and
without any foundation in truth. But to convince
them of the contrary, and that those reports
are correct, 1 refer them to the facts recorded
in the revolutionary histories of the wars, and
other public documents, rs well as to individual
information. Their being paid in deprecated un-
funded paper money was unjust. One author says
that ''the depreciation of the Continental money,
and the manner of redeeming it. can never be
considered by an honest mind, without feelings Of
deep regret" 1t began at different periods in the
different States, but in general, about the middle
of Iii, two years after its appearance. In that
year the depreciation was three for one and in
177S it increased to six for one and 1TT0, to
twenty-eight for one and in 1870, to sixty for
one of silver. My pay was 395 per month. What
was it worth in silver at those periods? In TIT,
it was worth about ten dollars ; in 'T8 about five
dollars; in 10, about one dollar; and in 1880,
about half q dollar. This sum had to buy US clo-
thing, and pay for its Misunderstanding and 9TH
er necessaries. If it had been like the widow
meal and oil, it would have answered all our
wants.
At Haddrel's Point, those officers that had plan
tations and wealthy connections in Charleston,
Jared better than those of different circumstances.
OF this class l was one, who suffered as above re-
lated. On the above scale of depreciation was our
accounts settled with the public, and indents Civ
en- us; but without funds provided for their pay
ment at that time, of course they deprecated rap
idly, and they that had the most confidence in the
faith of the United States, by keeping their in
dents longest, suffered the most. In the year 1870
I sold mine at one dollar in silver for ten of in
dents. So much for my confidence in the public
faith. Then there justly remains due to me nine
tenths of my services unpaid, with interest from
that time. Upon this plan was Gen. Lafayette
justly paid up all his arrears by our government.
No excuse con now be given for not paying u.s.
Money to OVERLOOKING is in the Treasury, and a sur
plus lies unapplied every year. What hinders US
then from being paid? As the Eunuch said to
Phillip, "here is much water" so here is much
money in the Treasury. What stops the current
of justie, and binders US from being paid?
I remained here Mt Providence, Rhode Island,
till the next spring, when I sailed for Charleston,
and on my arrival there, saw some of the Kings
friends receive ablution by pump water. Ofcourse,
full ablution from all the sins of Toryism. set
tied my accounts with the public, and wrote in
the Surveyor Generals office until the winter Of
1888, when I removed into the back country, and
settled in Fairfield District, and finally located my.
self where l now reside, owning the very spot Of
ground where stood the school house in which
taught in my youthful and destitute days. 1t ap,
pears as if Providence had destined the place for
my residence and support. 1t has proved so, and
under the continued blessings of Providence
hope it will remain so, until my ashes shall rest
in it or near it.
Accustomed to the ~incessant activity of military
life, I did not shrink from the performance of any
civil or military duty, to which mightbe called by
the voice of my country. Indeed, since the revo-
l%utionary war, both civil and military offices have
been assigned me. I was elected and commission
ed Captain of Artillery in the militia of the State,
on the 4th of July, 1874; and as Major, on the
18th December, 1877 as Judge of the County
Court, of Fairfield on the 22d May, lT05; and as
Sheriff, on the 10th of December, 1903. But
have now done with all commissions, both civil
and military, having arrived at that period of life,
being in my 74th year, when retirement, content
ment and peace of mind, must be essential to the
comfort of my declining constitution, in the bosom
of my family, in the dutiful and affectionate re-
regards of my children and grand. children, and in
the consciousness, I trust of q well spent useful
life. I look for that contentment, that peace of
mind which neither ambition, vanity, nor the gilt
terring pomps and follics of this world can give.
Thus I close q brief and rapid sketch Of my past
life, and grateful to that Almighty power, who has
wonderfully shielded me in the day of battle, pre-
served me, guided and directed me through the
may scenes of a long life, upheld, supported and
beautifully blessed me, with all things necessary
for me. l earnestly desire to devote the remainder
of my days to his service, and still be doing good
to my fellow men, when it is in my power to do it.
To my children I have yet to redeem q pledge
given in the first part my Of recollections, viz: to
redeem from oblivion the names of some of my
brave companions in arms, as far as I can.
TTo BE CONTINUED.
For the Yorkville Enquirer.