Description:

GEN. NATHANAEL GREENE WRITES TO A PENNSYLVANIA PAPER
Interesting content newspaper broadside extra, "Postscript to the Pennsylvania Packet [Philadelphia: printed by John Dunlap], Aug. 14, 1781, 1p. folio, reprinting an extract of a letter from American Gen. NATHANAEL GREENE (1742-1786), dated July 17 and written from his headquarters in the "High Hills of Santee" in South Carolina. In part: "... In the afternoon of the 23d, I got intelligence that the enemy had crossed the Saluda, and were advancing rapidly to attack us. I immediately put the army in motion, having few or no militia with me, and retired towards Charlotte, on which route we had previously ordered provisions and forage to be provided. The enemy pursued us two days; but as our sick, wounded and stores, had all been sent off before, they could effect nothing, though they came on as light as possible, leaving even their knapsacks and blankets behind them ... The enemy advanced no further than Enoree, as we rendered their subsistence difficult, by dismantling the mills as we retired ... From a persuasion that the enemy would attempt to re-establish themselves at the Congaree, I had directed generals [Thomas] Sumpter and [Francis] Marion to collect all the force they could, and meet me at that place. I left the army on the march, and joined the cavalry near the enemy, that I might the better direct the force to the most proper for operating to advantage ... On the arrival of the army at the Congaree, we crossed and drew our force together at Beaver Creek ... With the rest of our force, having been joined by generals Sumpter and Marion with about 1000 men, composed of state troops and militia, we began our march on the 11th to attack the enemy at Orangeburgh, and arrived before the place on the 12th: but we found them so strong and advantageously posted, that we had little hopes of succeeding in an attempt, especially as our cavalry, from the nature of the ground, and position of the enemy, could not be brought to act to advantage: nor could we have improved a defeat, as the enemy has a safe retreat over the Eddistoe river; and the only pass defended by a large brick jail, not inferior to a good redoubt. In this building, and in several others near it, their troops were posted. Secured on one side by an impassable river, and covered by the other by strong buildings, little was to be expected from an attack..." Greene also encloses an extract from a letter from HENRY LEE (1756-1818), describing a cavalry action which took place during the aforementioned maneuvers, in part: "... In the night of the 2d captain Egglestone fortunately crossed the enemy undiscovered, and took a judicious position two miles in their front. Early in the ensuing morning, the main body of the British horse were observed advancing. On the first notice preparations were made, for manoeuvring, and the enemy presuming a militia prize, pushed on with vigour. They were met with great gallantry, and were in a few moments entirely defeated, and pursued to the piquets of the army. One captain, one lieutenant, and one cornet and forty-five privates were brought off, with their horses, arms and accoutrements; but one man escaped..." The broadsheet also describes several naval movements, including actions taken against British ships by the privateer Marquis. In fine condition, with original, uncut deckled edges. Besides this newspaper, Dunlap was also responsible for printing the first published copies of the Declaration of Independence, commonly referred to as the "Dunlap Broadside".

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December 10, 2016 11:00 AM EST
Wilmington, DE, US

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