Letter from John Rutledge, December 9, 1780.

Letter from John Rutledge, December 9, 1780.

1780-12-09

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_Let8

Charlotte Dec. 9. 1780

Gent.,

I find the Enemy have left Virginia, probably, for So. Carolina, or to land in the lower part of this State ab. Cape-Fear River, & effect a Junction with Lord Cornwallis, more readily than they could from Virginia - your utmost Attention, to the speedy Relief of the Southernmost States, is absolutely necessary, & I must repeat my Recommendation, of them, to your Care - I shd. have been better satisfied, if the Enemy had remained in Virginia, for, I think, that State w. have been a Match for 'em & I do not apprehend their Removal will give us any considerable Aid, this Way, from Virginia, nor that, what does come (if any shd.) will arrive soon - &, the Reinforcement, from Virginia, added to that from N. York, will make Lord Cornwallis, so formidable, that I fear it will not be an easy Matter to prescribe Bounds to his Progress, unless he shd. have
Reason to fear a respectable force, towards the Sea - Every Thing which can be done, here, certainly will be, but, we shall look for great Matters, from you, & you must not from us - I rec. a Letter, of Nov. 13., from the Presidt. Of Congress, last Night pr Express, but none from you.

I am with great Regard,
Gent.
Y'. most obedt. Servt.
J: Rutledge

P.S.
Wd. it not be possible for the French Fleet, & Army, at Rhode-Island, to slip out, & get, at least into Chesapeake-Bay? The March from thence, hither, wo. not be great – pray don't let 'em remain at Rhode-Island a moment longer, than can be avoided - The British possessing that place is of no Consequence to us.
Govt. Rutledge
Decr. 9th 1780 Charlotte