great desertion had taken place last night: nine of the Rhode Island
company, and the best men they had, who have made many campaigns, and
never were suspected, these men say they like better a hundred lashes
than a journey to the south-ward. As long as they had an expedition in
view they were very well satisfied, but the idea of remaining in the
southern states appear to them intolerable, and they are amazingly
averse to the people and climate. I shall do my best, but if this
disposition lasts I am afraid we will be reduced lower than I dare
express. With the highest and most affectionate respect, yours &,c.~[1]
Footnote:
1. See Letters of Washington, of the 21st and 22d April--Sparks' Writ.
of Wash. v. 8., pp. 19, 22.
TO MAJOR GENERAL GREENE.
(ORIGINAL.)
Hanover Court House, April 28th, 1781.
Sir,--Having received intelligence that General Phillips' army were
preparing at Portsmouth, for offensive operations. I left at Baltimore
every thing that could impede our march, to follow us under a proper
escort, and with about a thousand men, officers included; hastened
towards Richmond which I apprehended would be a principal object with
the enemy.
Being on our way, I have received successive accounts of their
movements. On the 21st, the British troops, commanded by their Generals,
Philips and Arnold, landed at City Point on the south side of James
River. A thousand militia under Maj. General Caroude Stuben and General
Muhlenberg, were posted at Blandford to oppose them, and on the
25th they had an engagement with the enemy; the militia behaved very
gallantly, and our loss, it is said, is about twenty killed and wounded.
The same day, the enemy whose force it is reported to be near 2500
regular troops, marched into Petersburg. Yesterday they moved to
Osburn's, about thirteen miles from Richmond, and after a skirmish
with a corps of militia, destroyed some vessels that had been collected
there, but have not yet attempted to cross the river. Baron de Stuben,
is at the same side, and has removed to Falling Creek Church.
The Continental detachment will in a few hours arrive at this place, 20
miles from Richmond. The enemy are more than double our force in regular
troops and their command of the waters gives them great advantages.
With the highest respect, I have the honor to be yours, &c.
TO GENERAL GREENE.
(ORIGINAL.)
Camp on Pamunkey River, May 3d, 1781.
Sir,--I had lately the honor to inform you of the enemy's movements
towards Richmond, and the forced marches I was making to its defence.
The detachment arrived on the 29th; the British army was thirteen miles
distant on the other side of the river. Petersburg, Chesterfield Court
House, and part of our vessels had fallen into their hands. Our regular
force consisted of 900 men, rank and file; that of the enemy, of 2,300,
at the lowest estimate.
The command of the water, and such a superiority of regular troops, gave
them possession of our shore. There was no crossing for us, but under a
circuit of fifteen miles, and from the number and size of their boats,
their passage over the river was six times quicker than ours.
Richmond being their main object. I determined to defend this capital,
where a quantity of public stores and tobacco was contained. General
Nelson was there, with a corps of militia, and Generals Stuben and
Muhlenberg, higher up on the other side. The same evening, we were by
summons from General Philips, made accountable for the public stores on
board vessels near the town, (which he declared) should certainly fall
into his hands. Next morning the enemy moved to Manchester, opposite
Richmond, where they burnt the ware-houses. Six hundred men ventured on
this side, but were timely recalled, and being charged by a few dragoons
of Major Nelson, flew into their boats with precipitation.
Knowing General Phillip's intention against Richmond, (orders for attack
had been already given) I directed Baron de Stuben to join us, and
collected our force to receive the enemy, but the same night they
retreated to Osburn's, from thence to the neck of land formed by James
River and Appamatox, where they have re-embarked. Col. Pleasant's and
Good's battallions of militia, were sent on each side of the river and
gave annoyance to their troops and boats. The enemy have lost some men
killed, prisoners and deserters. Since the British army landed at City
Point, (some flour excepted at the Court-house) no public property has
been destroyed. Yours &c.
TO GENERAL WASHINGTON.
(ORIGINAL.)
Camp near Bottom's Creek, May 4th, 1781.
MY DEAR GENERAL,--I request you will receive my affectionate
acknowledgements for your kind letters. Every mark of friendship I
receive from you adds to my happiness, as I love you with all the
sincerity and warmth of my heart, and the sentiment I feel for you goes
to the very extent of my affections.
Inclosed I send you, my dear General, two copies of letters to General
Greene, which I also sent to Congress for their information. You will
also find copies of the strange letters I have received from General
Phillips, and the answers which, if he does not behave better, will
break off our correspondence.
The leaving of my artillery appears a strange whim, but had I waited for
it Richmond was lost, and Major Galvan, who has exerted himself to the
utmost, cannot be with us under two days, as he never could obtain or
seize horses for the artillery and ammunition waggons. It is not without
trouble I have made this rapid march. General Phillips has expressed to
an officer on flag, the astonishment he felt at our celerity, and
when on the 30th, as he was going to give the signal to attack, he
reconnoitred our position, Mr. Osburn, who was with him, says that he
flew into a violent passion and swore vengeance against me and the corps
I had brought with me.
I am, however, uneasy, my dear General, and do not know what the public
will think of our conduct. I cannot say in any official letter that no
boats, no waggons, no intelligence, not one spy could be obtained; that
if once I had been manoeuvring with Phillips he had every advantage over
me; that a defeat would have scattered the militia, lost the few arms we
have, and knocked down this handful of Continental troops. Great deal of
mischief had been already done. I did not know but what the enemy meant
to establish a post. Under these circumstances I thought it better
to fight on none but my own grounds and to defeat the main and most
valuable object of the enemy. Had I gone on the other side, the enemy
would have given me the slip and taken Richmond, leaving nothing to me,
but the reputation of a rash unexperienced young man. Our stores could
not be removed.
No orders from General Greene have as yet come to me. I cannot conceive
the reason of his delay in answering my letters. In the meanwhile,
Phillips is my object, and if with a thousand men I can be opposed to
three thousand in this State, I think I am useful to General Greene. In
a former letter he tells me that his object is to divide the enemy, and
having no orders I must be regulated by his opinion.
The enemy are gone down the river. I have detached some militia to
Hoods where I mean to make a fort. Colonel Hennis, with another corps of
militia, is gone towards Williamsburg. His orders are in case the enemy
land there, to annoy them, and in case they mean to establish a post,
he is to disturb them until I arrive. This position is 16 miles from
Richmond, 42 from Williamsburg, 60 from Fredericksburg. I have sent an
officer at Point Comfort, and established a chain of expresses to
know if they appear to turn towards Potomac. Should it be the case,
Fredericksburg will have my attention, having missed Mr. Hunter's works
at Fredericksburg must be their next object as they are the only support
to our operations in the southward. Your first letters, my dear General,
will perhaps tell me something more about your coming this way. How
happy I should be to see you, I hope I need not express. As you are
pleased to give me the choice, I shall frankly tell my wishes. If you
co-operate with the French against the place, you know I wish to be
at head quarters. If something is co-operated in Virginia, I will find
myself very happily situated for the present. In case my detachment
remains in this State I wish not to leave it, as I have a separate and
active command, though it does not promise great glory; but as you gave
me leave to do it, I shall in a few days write to you more particularly
on my private concerns. It is not only on account of my own situation
that I wish the French fleet may come into the bay. Should they come
even without troops, it is ten to one that they will block up Phillips
in some rivers, and then I answer he is ruined. Had I but ships, my
situation would be the most agreeable in the world. Adieu my dear
General, you will make me happy to write me sometimes. With the highest
respect and most tender affection, I have the honor to be, yours,
&c.~[1]
Footnote:
1. See Letters of Wash. of 31 May.--See Sparks' Writ., v. 8., p. 60.
TO GENERAL WASHINGTON.
(ORIGINAL.)
Richmond, May the 8th, 1781.
MY DEAR GENERAL,--There is no fighting here unless you have a naval
superiority, or an army mounted upon race-horses. Phillips' plan against
Richmond has been defeated; he was going towards Portsmouth, and I
thought it should be enough for me to oppose him at some principal
points in this State. But now it appears I will have business to
transact with two armies, and this is rather too much.
By letters from North Carolina, I find that Lord Cornwallis, who I had
been assured had sailed from Charleston, is advancing towards Hallifax.
In consequence of letters from the same quarter, General Phillip's has
altered his plans, and returned to a place called Brandon on the
south side of James river, where he landed the night before last. Our
detachment is under march towards the Hallifax road, his command of the
water, enabled him to land where I could not reach him. The brigade at
Petersburg is destroyed, and unless he acts with an uncommon degree of
folly, he will be at Hallifax before me. Each of these armies is more
than the double superior to me. We have no boats, few militia, and
less arms. I will try to do for the best, and hope to deserve your
approbation.
Nothing can attract my sight from the supplies and reinforcements
destined to General Green's army. While I am going to get beaten by both
armies or each of them seperately, the Baron remains at Richmond where
he hurries the collection of recruits, and every other requisite. I
have forbidden every department to give me any thing that maybe thought
useful to General Greene, and should a battle be expected (an event
which I will try to keep off,) no consideration will prevent our sending
to Carolina 800 recruits who, I hope, may be equiped in a fortnight.
When General Green becomes equal to offensive operations, this quarter
will be relieved. I have written to Wayne, to hasten his march, but
unless I am very hard pushed, shall request him to proceed south-ward.
The militia have been ordered out, but are slow, unarmed, and not yet
used to this business. General Green, from whom I had as yet no letters,
was on the 26th, before Camden, but did not think himself equal to the
storming of the works. My respects, if you please, to Mr. Washington,
and compliments to the family. Most respectfully and affectionately.
Yours &c.
TO GENERAL WASHINGTON.
(ORIGINAL.)
Welton, north side of James River, May 18th, 1781.
MY DEAR GENERAL.--Having been directed by General Greene to take command
of the troops in Virginia. I have also received orders from him, that
every account from this quarter, be immediately transmitted to Congress,
and to your Excellency; in obedience to which I shall have the honor
to relate our movements, and those of the combined armies of the enemy.
When General Phillips retreated from Richmond, his project was to stop
at Williamsburg, there to collect contributions which he had imposed,
this induced me to take a position between Pamunkey, and Chikahomany
rivers, which equally covered Richmond, and some other interesting parts
of the State, and from where I detached General Nelson with some militia
towards Williamsburg.
Having got as low down as that place, General Phillips seemed to
discover an intention to make a landing, but upon advices received by a
vessel from Portsmouth, the enemy weighed anchor, and with all the
sail they could crowd, hastened up the river, this intelligence made
me apprehensive that the enemy intended to manoeuvre me out of Richmond
where I returned immediately, and again collected our small force,
intelligence was the same day received that Lord Cornwallis (who I had
been assured, to have embarked at Wilmington) was marching through North
Carolina, (this was confirmed by the landing of General Phillips at
Brandon south side of James River.) Apprehending that both armies would
move to meet at a central point, I march towards Petersburg and intended
to have established a communication over Appamatox and James river, but
on the 9th, General Phillips took possession of Petersburgh; a place
where his right flank being covered by James River, his front by
Appamatox, on which the bridges had been destroyed in the first part of
the invasion, and his left not being attackable but by a long circuit
through fords that at this season are very uncertain, I could not (even
with an equal force) have got any chance of fighting him, unless I
had given up this side of James River, and the country from which
reinforcements are expected. It being at the enemy's choice to force
us to an action, which their own position insured them against our
enterprizes, I thought it proper to shift this situation, and marched
the greater part of our troops to this place about ten miles below
Richmond. Letters from General Nash, General Sumner, and General Jones
are positive as to the arrival of Colonel Tarleton, and announce that
of Lord Cornwallis at Halifax. Having received a request from North
Carolina for ammunition, I made a detachment of 500 men under General
Muhlenberg to escort 20,000 cartridges over Appamatox, and to divert the
enemy's attention, Colonel Gimat, with his battalion, and 4 field
pieces cannonaded their position from this side of the River. I hope our
ammunition will arrive safe, as before General Muhlenberg returned
he put it in a safe road with proper directions. On the 13th, General
Phillips died and the command devolved on General Arnold. General
Wayne's detachment has not yet been heard of, before he arrives, it
becomes very dangerous to risk any engagement where (as the British
armies being vastly superior to us) we shall certainly be beaten, and
by the loss of arms, the dispersion of militia, and the difficulty of
a junction with General Wayne, we may lose a less dangerous chance of
resistance.
These considerations have induced me to think that with our so very
great inferiority, and with the advantage the enemy have by their
cavalry and naval superiority, there would be much rashness in fighting
them on any but our grounds, and this side of the river, and that an
engagement which I fear will be soon necessary; ought, if possible to be
deferred till the Pensylvanians arrive, whom I have by several letters
requested to hasten to our assistance.
No report has lately come from near Hallifax, though a very active
officer has been sent for that purpose; but every intelligence confirms
that Lord Cornwallis is hourly expected at Petersburg, it is true there
never was such difficulty in getting tolerable intelligence, as there
is in this country, and the immense superiority of the enemy's horses,
render it very precarious to hazard our small parties.
Arnold has received a small reinforcement from Portsmouth.
I am dear General, your most obedient humble servant, Yours &c.
P.S. Injustice to Major Mitchell and Captain Muir, who were taken at
Petersburg, I have the honor to inform your Excellency that they had
been sent to that place on public service. I have requested General
Lawson to collect and take command of the militia south of Appamatox,
local impediments was thrown in the road from Hallifax to Petersburg,
and precautions taken to remove the horses from the enemy's reach.
Should it be possible to get arms, some militia might be brought
into the field, but General Greene and myself labour under the same
disadvantage, the few militia we can with great pains collect arrive
unarmed, and we have not a sufficiency of weapons to put into their
hands.~[1]
Footnote:
1. See Washington's Letter of the 31st May.--Sparks' Writ. of Wash., v.
8., p. 60.
TO COLONEL HAMILTON.
(ORIGINAL.)
Richmond, May 23, 1781.
MY DEAR HAMILON,--I have been long complaining that I had nothing to
do, and want of employment was an objection I had to my going to the
southward; but for the present, my dear friend, my complaint is quite
of an opposite nature, and I have so many arrangements to make, so many
difficulties to combat, so many enemies to deal with, that I am much of
a General as will make me a historian of misfortunes, and nail my curse
upon the ruins of what good soldiers are pleased to call the army in
Virginia. There is an age past since I heard from you. I acknowledge
that on my part, I have not written so often as I ought to have done,
but you will excuse this silence in favor of my very embarrassing
circumstances, however remote you may be from your former post of
aid-de-camp, to the Commander-in-chief, I am sure you are nevertheless
acquainted with every transaction at head quarters. My letters have
served to report information, and I shall consequently abstain from
repetitions.
Our forced march saved Richmond. Phillips was going down, and thus far
I am very happy. Phillips' return, his landing at Brandon, south side
of James and Appamatox rivers. Had Phillips marched to Hallifax I was
determined to follow him, and should have risked every thing rather
to omit making a diversion in favor of Greene; but that army took
possession of Petersburg, and obliged me to stick to the side of the
river whence reinforcements are expected. Both armies have formed their
junction of between four and five thousand men. We have no Continentals;
their infantry is near five to one; their cavalry ten to one. Our
militia are not numerous, without arms, and not used to war. Government
wants energy, and there is nothing to enforce the laws. General Greene
has directed me to take command in this State, and I must tell you by
the way, his letter is very polite and affectionate; it then became my
duty to arrange the departments, which I found in the greatest confusion
and relaxation; nothing can be obtained, and yet expenses are enormous.
The Baron and the few new levies we could collect, are ordered to South
Carolina. Is it not strange that General Wayne's detachment cannot be
heard of? They are to go to Carolina; but should I have them for a few
days, I am at liberty to keep them. This permission I will improve so
far as to receive one blow, that being beat, I may at least be beat with
some decency. There are accounts that Lord Cornwallis is very strong;
others make him very weak. In this country there is no getting good
intelligence. I request you will write me if you approve of my conduct.
The command of the waters, the superiority in cavalry, and the great
disproportion of forces, gave the enemy such advantages that I durst not
venture out, and listen to my fondness for enterprise; to speak truth, I
was afraid of myself as much as of the enemy. Independence has rendered
me the more cautious, as I know my own warmth; but if the Pennsylvanians
come, Lord Cornwallis shall pay something for his victory.
I wish a reinforcement of light infantry to recruit the battallions, or
a detachment under General Huntington, was sent to me. I wish Lawson or
Sheldon were immediately dispatched with some horses. Come here, my dear
friend, and command our artillery in Virginia. I want your advices and
your exertions. If you grant my request, you will vastly oblige your
friend. Yours, &c.
TO GENERAL WASHINGTON.
(ORIGINAL.)
Richmond, May the 24th, 1781.
MY DEAR GENERAL.--The junction of Lord Cornwallis with the other army at
Petersburg was an event that, from local circumstances, and from their
so great superiority, it was impossible to prevent, it took place on
the 20th, and having lost every hope to operate, a timely stroke in
conjunction with the Pensylvanians, my ideas were confined to defensive
measures. I therefore moved up to Richmond, where precautions were taken
to remove every valuable property, either public or private.
By an officer that was in Halifax after Lord Cornwallis, I hear he
has not left any post at that place, it appears, his sick and wounded
remained at Wilmington, and were reimplaced by that garison. Reports
concerning the numbers are so different, that I cannot trust anything
but my eyes, until such an opportunity offers, this is the order of
march, in which it is said his Lordship crossed Roanoke. Col. Tarlton's
legion, Col. Hamilton's corps, 23d, 71st, 33d, British regiments, 200
tories, an Hessian regiment, the light infantry and guards with six
field pieces. I am told General Leslie and Genl. O'Hara are with him, I
have received successive and repeated accounts, that a British fleet of
transports was arrived at Hampton, they were said to consist of 11 large
vessels, and 16 smaller ones, under convoy of three large frigates. Mr.
Day D.Q.M. at Williamsburg, writes that on the 22nd, 12 sail of large
ship; a sloop, and schooner got underway opposite James Town; those
ships full of men, and some horses on board the sloop. We have no
accounts of any fleet having sailed from New-York.
Yesterday afternoon, we had a heavy rain, which Colonel Tarlton improved
in surprising some militia in Chesterfield County, thirty of whom fell
into his hands.
This morning at 9 o'clock the enemy moved from Peteraburg towards
City Point, and destroyed the bridge they had lately constructed over
Appamatoc. I have just received accounts, that a body of them has landed
at Westover. These are said to be the men who came up the river
from Hampton, previous to which General Arnold had received a small
reinforcement from Portsmouth.
To my great mortification, I have heard this morning, that the
Pensylvanians are not so near as I had been, by every account positively
assured. General Wayne writes me he will hasten to my support, and I am
confident he will not lose time at this critical moment, but before he
arrives, it is impossible that 900 continentals and 40 horses, with a
body of militia by no means so considerable as they are reported to be,
and whom it is so difficult to arm, be with any advantage opposed to
such a superiority of forces, such a number of cavalry, to which may be
added, their very prejudicial command of the writers.
Our handful of men being the point to which militia may be collected,
and the only check, however small it is, that the enemy may have in this
state, it ought, I think, to be managed with a great deal of prudence
as its preservation is so very important to the fate of operations in
Virginia.
With the highest respect. I have the honor to be Yours &c.
TO GENERAL WASHINGTON.
(ORIGINAL.)
Camp between Rappahannock and North Anna, June 3rd, 1781.