Thought these might be of interest. I have them under Capt. JOHN CANTEY (1712-1792)
of Pine Tree Hill, Camden. He was married to Mary McGirt and son of William &
Arabella (Oldys) Cantey.
Gov. Rutledge to Gen. Marion
October 16, 1781.
Dear Sir:
As some of the wagons from George Town can bring the four boxes of Indigo of Mr.
Sinclair's that you mentioned, I wish you would send it by them. They will pass by you
in two or three days. I must also request the favor of you as soon as the situation of the
enemy will admit of your so doing, to have all the Indigo brought from the South side of
Santee to the North side, and lodged at Mr. John Cantey's or some other safe place,
where Mr. Richardson will send for it. This will, I hope, add considerably to our supply,
which falls much shorter from below than I expected. Our salt here is reduced to the last
half barrel. Be pleased to think of us and forward the order to Swinton. The ammunition
you wrote for, went down yesterday. I am, dear sir,
Your most obedient servant,
J. RUTLEDGE
P. S. I will think of what you say about Putnam, and give you an answer in a day or two,
being at present much hurried.
(No. 194 From Documentary History of the American Revolution, by Gibbes, Volume 3, pp.
192-193)
Doc ID: Gibbes, v. 3, p. 192
Date: 10/16/1781
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[V. 3 No. 52] Col. Watson (of the British) to Gen'l. Marion.
Cantey's House, March 9th , 1781.
Sir:
It is with less surprise that I find a letter sent by you in all the apparent forms of a
flag of truce, attended by an armed party who concealed themselves within a certain
distance of a place that pointed itself out for the delivery of it, than to see the
contents of it exhibit a complaint from you against us for violating the law of nations. I
believe, sir, it would be as difficult for you to name an instance of a breach of it in
his Majesty's troops, as it would for them to discover one where the law of arms or
nations has been properly attended to by any of your party. An enumeration of the various
particulars of such practices on your side, beginning with the very disgraceful conduct of
Congress respecting the Convention troops, and the incessant instances that from that time
to this hour have occurred in the different provinces, would be needless. I think it
however right to mention one, as I meant to inform Gen'l Sumter of it. A few days ago,
after Gen'l. Sumter had t!
aken some waggons on the other side of the Santee, and the escort to them had laid down
their arms, a party of his horse who said they had not discharged their pieces came up,
fired upon the prisoners and killed seven of them. A few days after we took six of his
people. Enquire how they were treated. As to reflecting on our practice of hanging your
followers whom the chance of war puts into our hands, I have to answer, that if your
followers are composed of our people (for all people upon parole to us I call ours) who
have broken their paroles, they must expect to suffer that punishment (which in opposition
to the late cruelties exercised by those who say they belong to you) it becomes necessary
for us to inflict and which the law of nations justifies. The houses of desolate widows
have been laid waste even burnt by these people. By these people too, many individuals
defenceless, without arms, and taking side with neither contending party, but residing
peaceably in their ow!
n houses, have been murdered. By what law are these proceedings justif
ied? Does martial any more than civil law countenance such people? If ever they fall into
our hands, they will meet with the punishment due to their crimes. When noble enemies make
war, such men are protected by no side. You say it was agreed that an exchange of
prisoners should take place at George Town, and that Capt. Postell went with a flag for
that purpose, in consequence of that agreement. But I conceive it was not agreed that a
man on parole to us should become our enemy. Capt. Postell was, I understand, taken at
Charles Town, and admitted to the country on parole, if so, his detention, with all its
consequences, is justifiable. With respect to your threat of retaliation--so long as you
will permit us by a return of similar behaviour, we will make war with that generosity,
that is the boast of Britons is the characteristic of their nation. Men like his
Majesty's troops, fighting from principle for the good of their country, with hearts
full of conscious integrity, are!
fearless of any consequences. War itself bears with it calamities sufficient. Take care
then, sir, that you do not, by improper behaviour to our people who may from its chance of
war become your prisoners, add to its natural horrors.
I am, sir, your very humble servant,
JOHN WATSON.
(No. 52 From Documentary History of the American Revolution, by Gibbes, Volume 3, p. 33)
Doc ID: Gibbes, v. 3, p. 33
Date: 3/9/1781
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Gen. Marion to Col. Peter Horry
Cantey's Plantation, Oct. 29, 1781.
Sir:
I received yours of the 28th ult., with the return of your corps. I this day wrote you for
it, but find you are not yet in a condition to act, and shall not call on you but when
necessity obliges me. Just now I have a large body of Cavalry, and can give you time to
complete the most of your men. I have not one musket to spare, and you may take any arms
from the men, who have given substitutes, or money to procure them-but no other. You will
receive my letter wrote this morning, wherein I desired to see you to settle some matters
of complaint against your officers, and if convenient you will come; whenever you think
your corps is in a state to act, I shall find employment for them. I am, sir,
Your humble servant,
F. MARION
N. B. I have plenty of ammunition.