A Sketch of the life of Brig. Gen. Francis Marion Part 10

Brig. Gen. Marion to Adjt. Postell.*

* Major John Postell.

_Snow's Island, Dec. 30, 1780._

Sir,

You will proceed with a party down Black river, from Black Mingo to the mouth of Pedee, and come up to this place; you will take all the boats and canoes from Euhaney up, and impress negroes to bring them to camp; put some men to see them safe; you will take every horse, to whomsoever he may belong, whether friend or foe. You will take all arms and ammunition for the use of our service. You will forbid all persons from carrying any grains, stock or any sort of provisions to Georgetown, or where the enemy may get them, on pain of being held as traitors and enemies to the Americans. All persons who will not join you you will take prisoners and bring to me. You will return as soon as possible.

Let me know any intelligence you may gain of the enemy's strength or movements.

I am, your obedient servant,

Francis Marion.

_Adjt. Postell._

N. B.--You will bring up as much rice and salt in the boats as possible.

Gen. Marion to Capt. John Postell.

_G.o.ddard's Plantation,* Pedee, Jan. 19, 1781._

* Snow's Island.

Dear Sir,

I send Lieut. King with fifteen men, to reinforce you. I would have all the flats and boats you can collect, loaded with rice, and sent to Mr.

Joseph Allston's plantation, on Bull's creek, to the north of Pedee, where there is a ferry to Euhaney; and the rice is to be there stored, and the boats kept going until all that is beat out in your district is carried. From there I will send for it up higher. You must take such negroes for the boats as belong to those persons who may be with the enemy, or from those estates which the enemy think forfeited. Gen.

Greene is in want of a number of negroes--say fifty--for the use of the army. You will collect them in your district, and send them to me; taking care not to distress any family, but taking them where they can be best spared. I shall detain those negroes that came up with the boats you have sent. One boat has arrived, and I have sent to a.s.sist in getting up the others. I beg you would give me intelligence of the movements of the enemy in Georgetown, and, if possible, their particular strength: what corps of horse and foot, and how many militia, and if there are any cannon mounted on their redoubt, and whether they are making any new works. You will send Capt. W----, and Mr. S----, and all such men (who have taken, or are suspected of having taken part with the enemy) to me. You must not suffer any person to carry property where the enemy has possession, or have any intercourse with them.

I am, with regard, dear Sir,

Your obedient servant,

Francis Marion.

Extract of a Letter from Gen. Marion to Capt. Postell.

_January 19, 1781._

Dear Sir,

Your father may keep the canoe you mention. I have received the prisoners, by Mr. M'Pherson,* and shall give them the pleasure of seeing head quarters.

* Depeyster's company of grenadiers.

I am, dear Sir,

Your obedient servant,

Francis Marion.

Gen. Greene to Gen. Marion.

_Camp, on Pedee, Jan. 19, 1781._

Dear Sir,

The enclosed letter, from Capt. Odingsells, came to hand last evening, I have directed him to apply to you for orders on the subject. I have detached Major Anderson, with one thousand regulars, and one hundred Virginia militia, to attack and disperse the tories at Mr. Amy's mill, on Drowning creek. The party marched yesterday, with orders to endeavour to surprise them; perhaps you might be able to make some detachment that would contribute to their success. By the last accounts, Lieut. Col.

Tarleton was in motion, with about one thousand troops, towards Gen.

Morgan, who is in the fork of Broad river. Lord Cornwallis is moving in force to cover him. I wish your answer respecting the practicability of surprising the party near Nelson's; the route, and force you will be able to detach. This inquiry is a matter that requires the greatest secrecy.

I am, dear Sir,

Your most obedient humble servant,

N. Greene.

Gen. Greene to Gen. Marion.

_Camp,* Jan. 22, 1781._