|
Copy of Earl Cornwallis's dispatch, No. 10, to Lord George Germain, dated Wilmington, April 18, 1781. My Lord, AS Governor Martin returns to England by this opportunity, I shall beg leave to refer your lordship to him for many particulars relative to this province: But I think it incumbent on me to be explicit to your lordship, as His Majesty's minister, on one or two capital points. The principal reasons for undertaking the winter's campaign were, the difficulty of a defensive war in South Carolina, and the hopes that our friends in North Carolina, who were said to be very numerous, would make good their promises of assembling and taken an active part with us, in endeavouring to re-establish His Majesty's government. Our experience has shewn, that their numbers are not so great as had been represented, and that their friendship was only passive, for we have received little assistance from them since our arrival in the province; and although I gave the strongest and most public assurances, that after refitting and deposting our sick and wounded, I should return to the upper country, not above two hundred have been prevailed upon to follow us, either as provincials or militia. This being the case, the immense extent of this country, cut with numberless rivers and creeks, and the total want of internal navigation, which renders it impossible for our army to remain long in the heart of the country, will make it very difficult to reduce this province to obedience by a direct attack upon it. If, therefore, it should appear to be the interest of Great Britain, to maintain what she already possesses, and to push the war in the southern provinces, I take the liberty of giving it as my opinion, that a serious attempt upon Virginia would be the most solid plan, because successful operations might not only be attended with important consequences there, but would tend to the security of South Carolina, and ultimately to the submission of North Carolina. The great reinforcements sent by Virginia to General Greene whilst General Arnold was in the Chesapeak, are convincing proofs that small expeditions do not frighten the powerful province. I have the honour to be, &c. CORNWALLIS (From A History of the Campaigns of 1780 and 1781, in the Southern Province of North America?, by Lieutenant-Colonel Tarleton, pp322-325.) Tarleton, Ch 5., [G], p. 322a 4/18/1781 |
Last modified: 7/13/01/PLW.
URL: http://www.southcarolinahistoricalsociety.org/displays/RevWar/archives-online/Tarleton__Ch_5___[G]__p__322a.html