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[v. 3, No. 126.] Gen. Greene to Lieut. Col. Lee HEAD QUARTERS, June 29, 1781. By a deserter who came into the camp last evening, I learn the enemy have 16 wagons loaded with stores of different kinds moving up from Charleston, upon the Orangeburg road, under an escort of four hundred men and forty cavalry, for the use of Lord Rawdon's army. He left them at Four Holes, 35 miles below Orangeburg on Sunday last, and says they could not march more than 8 or 10 miles a day, and adds that they were very sickly and much dissatisfied. I have directed Col. Washington to move down to Ancrum's plantation on the Congaree, and Col. Middleton to join him at that place. If you are in a situation to form a junction with them I think you may take the whole of this escort with great ease. I beg you will take measures therefore without loss of time, forming a junction with them at that place, or advertising them where it may be effected to more advantage. Or if you think your force equal to the attempt, and that the opportunity may be lost by waiting for a reinforcement, in that case, you will move as further information may dictate to be necessary. As your collective force joined to that of Washington and Middleton will effect the business without risque. I wish you not to hazard too much to effect it. But at any rate you will inform Col. Washington what route you will move, and what you wish him to do. I shall send a duplicate of this letter for fear one should miscarry. I have the pleasure to inform you by letters received yesterday from Virginia, that Lord Cornwallis is retiring before the Marquis. Gen'l. Washington joined by the French army has laid siege to New York with an army of 15,000 men. I have also official information from Congress of the defeat of the British fleet in the West Indies. I have several other interesting pieces of intelligence which are flattering to our interests, but am not at liberty to disclose them at present. Part of our reinforcements have arrived, and the remainder of them are near. I rely upon your prudence and activity, and am, Very affectionately, N. GREENE (From Documentary History of the American Revolution, by Gibbes, Volume 3, p. 102) Doc ID: Gibbes, v. 3, p. 102 Date: 6/29/1781 |
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