Letter from John Rutledge, March 8, 1781.

Letter from John Rutledge, March 8, 1781.

1781-03-08

Letters from John Rutledge, President of South Carolina, to the state delegates in the Congress of Philadelphia. Topics include the fall of Charleston, Thomas Sumter's victory at Hanging Rock, patriot and British troop strengths in South Carolina, battle of Eutaw Springs, execution of Isacc Hayne, John Laurens diplomatic activities in France, and election of J. Matthews to succeed Rutledge.

2023-05-11

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Ms. 140, John Rutledge letters, 1780-1788.

English

Ms140_Let15

Camp on Haw. River
March 8. 1781.

Gent.

Since my last to you from Hillsboro. I have rec. several of your favours, but, will say nothing, on the Subject of 'em, at present, as I propose to get off, the day after Tomorrow, for Phila. - Having made the necessary military arrangemts. for So. Carolina, not seeing the prospect of getting into that Country, being unable in the present Circumstances of Affairs, to render any Service to it, by staying here, &, the Gen'. thinking I may, perhaps, by going Northwardly, I have determined to comply wth. his wishes - & shall be happy if I can affect them -

But, my Journey will be very tedious, for I must supply myself, with some
Horses on the Road, (my own being worn down) & I shall call on the Governors of No. Carolina, Virginia, & Maryland, in my Way, to represent the Situation of Matters, wch. I believe is very differt. from what People think 'em - However, I am persuaded, that if Congress & France are disposed to extricate the Southern States, from their present distress, they soon may - I hope to find such a dispossession - our Army re-crossed the Dan this day fortnight, & have been sv'. days, & now are, within twelve Miles of Cornwallis's, but we shall move presently – Nothing, of any
Consequence, has happen'd, between the two Armies.

I am with great Esteem
Gent.

P.S. I hope the Pennsylvania Line are far advanced, on their attack, to join the Southern Army.
Yr. most obedt. Servt.
J: Rutledge

March 8th. 1781
Govr. Rutledge
[illegible] River

To
The Delegates of So. Carolina in Congress.