Recollection of the Military Expedition from Charleston to Beaufort, January and February 1779, [1880]
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Title
Recollection of the Military Expedition from Charleston to Beaufort, January and February 1779, [1880]
Creator
Date
1832
Subject
Description
"Copied from a paper found among Aunt Anna's papers and presented to Daniel Strobel Martin, grandson of the author [John Peter Martin]" Signed Mary E. Strobel.
2023-05-15
300 dpi, 16-bit depth, color, Canon EOS 5DS, Archival masters are RAW.
Contributor
Martin, John Peter
Cox, Danielle
Butler, Collin (transcriber)
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Copyright has not been assigned to the Charleston Library Society. All requests for permission to publish or quote from manuscripts must be submitted in writing to the Special Collections Librarian. Permission for publication is given on behalf of the Charleston Library Society as the owner of the physical items and is not intended to include or imply permission of the copyright holder, which must also be obtained by the researcher.
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image/jpeg
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Source
Ms. 552, Recollection of the Military Expedition from Charleston to Beaufort, January and February 1779, [1880]
Language
English
Identifier
Ms552
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Transcription
The Military Expeditions from Charleston to Beaufort Jan.+ Feb. 1779–
Trenton New Jersey 1831 or 32
Mr. John Peter Martin to Colin Campbell Esq.,
Beaufort S. Carolina
Before you parted from us, I promised to embody in writing, the substance of our conversation + of my recollections, of the Rencontre with the British on Beaufort Island, in Feb. 1779. Nearly fifty-three years have since rolled by, + I have neither books nor other data to assist me, but I will now commit to paper such particulars as yet remain impressed on my memory, which has always been very good.
I must premise
that I was too young and uninformed to offer my opinion on the object of the expedition which resulted in this affair, unless it was to check the incursions of the enemy into Carolina for plunder, and especially to prevent them from taking refuge within their lines. The British, it must be remembered, were then in possession of Savannah, and the lower part of Georgia.
Be this as it may, the expedition was made up of some volunteer companies from Charleston, including a part of the ancient battalion of artillery, with two or three-pounder field pieces joined to the militia of the neighboring main, and of Beaufort island
Trenton New Jersey 1831 or 32
Mr. John Peter Martin to Colin Campbell Esq.,
Beaufort S. Carolina
Before you parted from us, I promised to embody in writing, the substance of our conversation + of my recollections, of the Rencontre with the British on Beaufort Island, in Feb. 1779. Nearly fifty-three years have since rolled by, + I have neither books nor other data to assist me, but I will now commit to paper such particulars as yet remain impressed on my memory, which has always been very good.
I must premise
that I was too young and uninformed to offer my opinion on the object of the expedition which resulted in this affair, unless it was to check the incursions of the enemy into Carolina for plunder, and especially to prevent them from taking refuge within their lines. The British, it must be remembered, were then in possession of Savannah, and the lower part of Georgia.
Be this as it may, the expedition was made up of some volunteer companies from Charleston, including a part of the ancient battalion of artillery, with two or three-pounder field pieces joined to the militia of the neighboring main, and of Beaufort island
the whole forming a body of four or five hundred men.
These troops were encamped at the ferry ten miles distant from Beaufort, while several small parties of mounted militia scoured the neighboring country. After some time, about half of our force crossed to the Island, + took possession of Beaufort. But a week or more having passed without tidings of the enemy, we prepared to return to the ferry, leaving Beaufort about noon, the weather being fair and moderate. But on this very morning or the previous evening a British force numbering about two hundred and fifty men commanded I think by a Colonel Garden, or Gardiner, crossed to the Island at some western point and made their way over the country to the ferry. It was now low water, and neither party could cross. After making a demonstration for a half hour or more, the enemy left the ferry and proceeded to Beaufort. It was believed at the time, that neither party knew the other was on the island
until they came in contact at the half-way house.
The British were espied issuing from the swamp, while we were descending from the hill, about two or three hundred yards distant.
Not expecting to meet an enemy, we, for a moment, took them for our party coming from the ferry, to join us at Beaufort, but we were soon undeceived by the appearance of the red coats. Our two field pieces commanded by the late Major Heyward, occupied the road, while the infantry with a few militia horse, formed on either side in rear of each flank. A brisk cannonade now ensued, first with round shot, and then with cannister, and a sharp + well directed fire from our infantry, that lasted nearly half an hour.
Meanwhile, the enemy was not idle, but returned us a number of volleys, though being without artillery, they soon gave way, and retreated through the swamp, leaving two of these officers - Calderwood and Finley among the slain. Many more were wounded, and a dozen prisoners fell into our hands.
It was now late in the afternoon, our troops were much fatigued, we were deficient in cavalry, and the ground was unfavorable for pursuit. For these reasons, we did not follow the enemy, but returned to Beaufort, where we arrived in the evening.
Among the few killed on our side, I must not omit to name the lamented Lieutenant Wilkins who fell mortally wounded, while directing one of the field forces of which he had command. He expired about twenty-four hours after the action, and was buried in Beaufort churchyard.
Of this amiable man, and brave soldier, I must add, that he was generally admitted to be the best marksman in the battalion when practicing with round shot at a target. His name was afterward engraven on the piece at which he fell, which continued a sacred memento to the battalion, until, among others, it came into the hands of the British at the reduction of Charleston in May 1780.
But to return to my narrative
These troops were encamped at the ferry ten miles distant from Beaufort, while several small parties of mounted militia scoured the neighboring country. After some time, about half of our force crossed to the Island, + took possession of Beaufort. But a week or more having passed without tidings of the enemy, we prepared to return to the ferry, leaving Beaufort about noon, the weather being fair and moderate. But on this very morning or the previous evening a British force numbering about two hundred and fifty men commanded I think by a Colonel Garden, or Gardiner, crossed to the Island at some western point and made their way over the country to the ferry. It was now low water, and neither party could cross. After making a demonstration for a half hour or more, the enemy left the ferry and proceeded to Beaufort. It was believed at the time, that neither party knew the other was on the island
until they came in contact at the half-way house.
The British were espied issuing from the swamp, while we were descending from the hill, about two or three hundred yards distant.
Not expecting to meet an enemy, we, for a moment, took them for our party coming from the ferry, to join us at Beaufort, but we were soon undeceived by the appearance of the red coats. Our two field pieces commanded by the late Major Heyward, occupied the road, while the infantry with a few militia horse, formed on either side in rear of each flank. A brisk cannonade now ensued, first with round shot, and then with cannister, and a sharp + well directed fire from our infantry, that lasted nearly half an hour.
Meanwhile, the enemy was not idle, but returned us a number of volleys, though being without artillery, they soon gave way, and retreated through the swamp, leaving two of these officers - Calderwood and Finley among the slain. Many more were wounded, and a dozen prisoners fell into our hands.
It was now late in the afternoon, our troops were much fatigued, we were deficient in cavalry, and the ground was unfavorable for pursuit. For these reasons, we did not follow the enemy, but returned to Beaufort, where we arrived in the evening.
Among the few killed on our side, I must not omit to name the lamented Lieutenant Wilkins who fell mortally wounded, while directing one of the field forces of which he had command. He expired about twenty-four hours after the action, and was buried in Beaufort churchyard.
Of this amiable man, and brave soldier, I must add, that he was generally admitted to be the best marksman in the battalion when practicing with round shot at a target. His name was afterward engraven on the piece at which he fell, which continued a sacred memento to the battalion, until, among others, it came into the hands of the British at the reduction of Charleston in May 1780.
But to return to my narrative
On the following day we were joined by the residue of our force that had remained at the ferry on the opposite shore. Not yet knowing whether the enemy had left the island or whether he might not return in greater force, all the points of attack were well guarded, + duty became fatiguing night and day.
During this interval it became a question, and it was decided, that the bodies of the two British officers slain, and hastily buried on the field of action, should be taken up and brought to town for interment in the churchyard.
It was then given out among some of the companies that if four or five men would volunteer for this purpose, they should be exonerated for a given time from all other duty. Being young, active, of buoyant spirits, and not yet eighteen, while ever ready to engage in anything of an adventurous nature, I was among the first that offered to go on this command.
Among the party, I recollect the late venerable Mr. John Horlbeck of the Charleston Fusiliers than whom there was not a more decided patriot in the State. I knew him well, and served with him on several expeditions
and though somewhat advanced in age, and having a family that needed his attention at home, he was ever ready at his country's call.
Furnished with a horse, cart and driver, and a hoe and spade, we set out at ten in the morning for the battleground which was about five miles off. The grave we found scarcely three feet deep, and after removing as much of the earth as we could with our tools, the bodies were discovered lying the one upon the other. A companion and myself, as I well remember, kneeling on opposite sides of the grave, and each taking hold by the wrist, we thus raised the bodies, and laying them with their backs in the cart, and covering them with some green bushes cut from the swamp, we returned slowly to town. They were in full uniform except hats and boots which were missing.
As a memento of this adventure, I recollect cutting a silver button from each of their coats, bearing if I mistake not, the numbers sixteen and forty-eight, designating the regiments to which they belonged. They had been dead about forty-eight hours, and the bodies had become by this time quite offensive, so it must be admitted that our task was not a pleasant one.
About the middle of the afternoon we reached the churchyard, where a grave large enough for both had been prepared. The bell was tolled and the troops were assembled.
It is perfectly within my recollection that I ran into the church, and brought out a book of Common Prayer, from which one of the commanding officers
read the funeral service. The grave being then closed, the same officer made an address to the multitude well calculated to excite that enthusiasm so essential at the time, and which finally contributed so much to effect our national emancipation.
One passage of this address, in substance at least, I distinctly recollect. "Soldiers and fellow citizens, we have now shown our enemies that we have not only the courage to face and beat them in the field but that we have the humanity to give their dead a decent and a Christian burial." I have a perfect recollection of this officer's person, but not of his name, if indeed I ever knew it, there being present several officers commanding the different corps, among them a Colonel or General Bull, perhaps a Barnwell and others.
Another little incident made a great impression on me at the time. After the action I noticed a large pine tree that stood about a hundred yards in front of our artillery. This tree was struck by one of our round shot at about five feet from the ground, and near the centre, and was perforated as completely as an inch board could be by a musket ball. I remember viewing it with attention, and was much surprised at so great an effect, from so small a charge of powder. Could I ever visit Beaufort once more, I should almost search for this, though it must long since have decayed and passed away. In the churchyard also, I should visit the grave of the officers Calderwood and Finley. The spot is some twenty yards in front of the steeple, or west end of the church and a little to the left.
But to resume: After
some days we returned to the ferry, and learning that the enemy had retreated to Savannah we marched back to Charleston, + the expedition ended.
Thus sir, I have endeavored to comply with your request, and their reminiscences are at the disposal of yourself + friends in Beaufort. Although there was nothing in the expedition very chivalric or perilous, nothing more than the adventures a young and ardent mind might encounter at such a period, yet I may humbly claim for myself one merit: that during the whole seven years of our struggle for independence, I was ready to go anywhere, or engage in anything by which the cause might be advanced.
With all the inexperience of youth I frequently exposed myself unnecessarily, and often had reason to repent my temerity.
Nor would I say this much, were there not a few yet living in Carolina, who can bear me this testimony.
I am now advanced in years, being turned of seventy, but when I look back upon the scenes of my early life, a host of stirring incidents throng upon my memory. Death frequently stared me in the face - by land and by water, while imprisonment, cold, hunger, and nakedness fell to my lot. My loss of sight, which is now almost total, and my shattered constitution, I trace mainly to the fatigues, privations, and sufferings I endured throughout the whole period of the war.
When I add to this, the loss of an education and a profession, it will be admitted that my political blessings have cost me personally, very dear. But I have four sons, and a daughter, who with their descendants, and the millions of my country, will I trust + devoutly pray be beneficial to the latest posterity.
The unpatriotic sentiment of the poet
deserves but to be spurned while we read it.
"Love your country, wish it well
Not with too intense a care
'Tis enough that when it fell
Thou the ruin did'st not share"
But sir, if such selfish feelings had then generally prevailed, where should we now be? I will tell you. In all probability in the enjoyment of Colonial dependence, whereas we have achieved our national emancipation and have reared a wide-spreading and a mighty empire.
Copied from a paper found among Aunt Anna's papers, + presented to Daniel Strobel Martin, grandson of the writer.
Mary E. Strobel
During this interval it became a question, and it was decided, that the bodies of the two British officers slain, and hastily buried on the field of action, should be taken up and brought to town for interment in the churchyard.
It was then given out among some of the companies that if four or five men would volunteer for this purpose, they should be exonerated for a given time from all other duty. Being young, active, of buoyant spirits, and not yet eighteen, while ever ready to engage in anything of an adventurous nature, I was among the first that offered to go on this command.
Among the party, I recollect the late venerable Mr. John Horlbeck of the Charleston Fusiliers than whom there was not a more decided patriot in the State. I knew him well, and served with him on several expeditions
and though somewhat advanced in age, and having a family that needed his attention at home, he was ever ready at his country's call.
Furnished with a horse, cart and driver, and a hoe and spade, we set out at ten in the morning for the battleground which was about five miles off. The grave we found scarcely three feet deep, and after removing as much of the earth as we could with our tools, the bodies were discovered lying the one upon the other. A companion and myself, as I well remember, kneeling on opposite sides of the grave, and each taking hold by the wrist, we thus raised the bodies, and laying them with their backs in the cart, and covering them with some green bushes cut from the swamp, we returned slowly to town. They were in full uniform except hats and boots which were missing.
As a memento of this adventure, I recollect cutting a silver button from each of their coats, bearing if I mistake not, the numbers sixteen and forty-eight, designating the regiments to which they belonged. They had been dead about forty-eight hours, and the bodies had become by this time quite offensive, so it must be admitted that our task was not a pleasant one.
About the middle of the afternoon we reached the churchyard, where a grave large enough for both had been prepared. The bell was tolled and the troops were assembled.
It is perfectly within my recollection that I ran into the church, and brought out a book of Common Prayer, from which one of the commanding officers
read the funeral service. The grave being then closed, the same officer made an address to the multitude well calculated to excite that enthusiasm so essential at the time, and which finally contributed so much to effect our national emancipation.
One passage of this address, in substance at least, I distinctly recollect. "Soldiers and fellow citizens, we have now shown our enemies that we have not only the courage to face and beat them in the field but that we have the humanity to give their dead a decent and a Christian burial." I have a perfect recollection of this officer's person, but not of his name, if indeed I ever knew it, there being present several officers commanding the different corps, among them a Colonel or General Bull, perhaps a Barnwell and others.
Another little incident made a great impression on me at the time. After the action I noticed a large pine tree that stood about a hundred yards in front of our artillery. This tree was struck by one of our round shot at about five feet from the ground, and near the centre, and was perforated as completely as an inch board could be by a musket ball. I remember viewing it with attention, and was much surprised at so great an effect, from so small a charge of powder. Could I ever visit Beaufort once more, I should almost search for this, though it must long since have decayed and passed away. In the churchyard also, I should visit the grave of the officers Calderwood and Finley. The spot is some twenty yards in front of the steeple, or west end of the church and a little to the left.
But to resume: After
some days we returned to the ferry, and learning that the enemy had retreated to Savannah we marched back to Charleston, + the expedition ended.
Thus sir, I have endeavored to comply with your request, and their reminiscences are at the disposal of yourself + friends in Beaufort. Although there was nothing in the expedition very chivalric or perilous, nothing more than the adventures a young and ardent mind might encounter at such a period, yet I may humbly claim for myself one merit: that during the whole seven years of our struggle for independence, I was ready to go anywhere, or engage in anything by which the cause might be advanced.
With all the inexperience of youth I frequently exposed myself unnecessarily, and often had reason to repent my temerity.
Nor would I say this much, were there not a few yet living in Carolina, who can bear me this testimony.
I am now advanced in years, being turned of seventy, but when I look back upon the scenes of my early life, a host of stirring incidents throng upon my memory. Death frequently stared me in the face - by land and by water, while imprisonment, cold, hunger, and nakedness fell to my lot. My loss of sight, which is now almost total, and my shattered constitution, I trace mainly to the fatigues, privations, and sufferings I endured throughout the whole period of the war.
When I add to this, the loss of an education and a profession, it will be admitted that my political blessings have cost me personally, very dear. But I have four sons, and a daughter, who with their descendants, and the millions of my country, will I trust + devoutly pray be beneficial to the latest posterity.
The unpatriotic sentiment of the poet
deserves but to be spurned while we read it.
"Love your country, wish it well
Not with too intense a care
'Tis enough that when it fell
Thou the ruin did'st not share"
But sir, if such selfish feelings had then generally prevailed, where should we now be? I will tell you. In all probability in the enjoyment of Colonial dependence, whereas we have achieved our national emancipation and have reared a wide-spreading and a mighty empire.
Copied from a paper found among Aunt Anna's papers, + presented to Daniel Strobel Martin, grandson of the writer.
Mary E. Strobel
Collection
Citation
Strobel, Mary E., “Recollection of the Military Expedition from Charleston to Beaufort, January and February 1779, [1880],” Charleston Library Society Digital Collections, accessed May 18, 2024, https://charlestonlibrarysociety.omeka.net/items/show/1495.