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Gov. Matthews to Gen. Marion [Horry MS.] Uxbridge, Ashley River, July 30, 1782. Sir: I was not less surprised than concerned on receipt of your letter to-day, to find you at Wasmasaw, instead of being on the other side of Santee. Mr. Singleton, who was the express that carried the letter for you, deserves to be hanged. Pray, find him out, and have him confined, for he shall certainly answer for this infamous piece of negligence. Had you received the letter on Sunday morning, which was the time you ought to have got it, Georgetown might, in all probability, have been saved; but it must now, beyond all doubt, be lost. The last of the British troops, 170 in number, did not quit Charlestown until yesterday afternoon; you could, therefore, have been a full days' march ahead of them, besides, your then position being so much nearer the scene of action than that of the enemy's. On the contrary, they will now have a days' march of you, consequently the fall of Georgetown must inevitably follow, and which must be a dreadful stroke to us. The whole of the land forces said to be employed on this expedition is about 700. If any thing can be done to save the place, or any part of the stores, I am sure your utmost endeavors I can depend on. I am convinced the opportunity is lost. Pray, let me hear from you as soon as anything is done, and what is the fate of the place. I am, sir, your obedient servant, JOHN MATTHEWS (From Documentary History of the American Revolution, by Gibbes, Volume 2, p. 203) Doc ID: Gibbes, v. 2, p. 203 Date: 7/30/1782 |
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