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Gov. Matthews to Gen. Marion [Horry MS.] Uxbridge, September 18, 1782. Sir: I have written to you by Major Conyers respecting Maham's corps; also, what must be done with those persons who come out of Charlestown. Since the time specified in my invitation, the refugees have obtained permission to remain until the 26th inst. I proposed a plan to Col. Lushington, some time ago, for manning the galley at Georgetown; I have not since heard from him on the subject. If that plan dues not take, I know of no other at present; for, as I have before observed to you, I have no money, nor have I the means of commanding any. It would be a mere trifle for the merchants and inhabitants in and about that place, to advance as much money, or something else, as would fit out the vessel, and they are the most immediately interested in it. A few years ago, the public spirit of our people would have stimulated them to do such a thing without being asked; but, alas! that seems now to be vanished. Mrs. Matthews is now on her way from Philadelphia, and I expect she will be at the high hills of Santee about the 7th of next month; and, as the road from Laurens' Ferry to this place is very dangerous, I must desire an escort might be sent to meet her at the ferry, and conduct her down to my quarters. Let the escort be at Laurens' by the 7th, and send on one of the men to Capt. Richardson's, to wait there until she arrives (if she should not be there before) that she might know the escort waits for her; otherwise, she may stay there a day or two, and I don't want the men to be absent longer than necessity requires. You are a better judge than I am what number of horse will be sufficient to render her passage safe; therefore, I shall leave the appointment of the party to you. I think it would be well to caution the person who is to command the party, not to say for what purpose they are ordered, lest some villains might be tempted to waylay the road before she gets to the ferry, for she has only one white man and two negro servants with her, and Capt. Richardson informs me there are some bad men in that neighborhood, who have lately plundered several people. If it would not be fatiguing the horses too much or attended with particular inconvenience, I would be glad they could be sent as far as Capt. Richardson's, to meet her. However, I shall leave the matter to you, as I dare say you will be disposed to accommodate her as far as the service will admit. Yours, &c., JOHN MATTHEWS (From Documentary History of the American Revolution, by Gibbes, Volume 2, p. 228) Doc ID: Gibbes, v. 2, p. 228 Date: 9/18/1782 |
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