Description:

SIEGE OF FORT MOTTE
LT. CHARLES MCPHERSON British commander at Fort Motte, South Carolina, Spring 1781. Very fine content war-date A.L.S., 2pp. 4to., "Mottes", May 5, 1781 to Maj. Andrew Maxwell, British commander at Fort Granby, regarding the approach of Francis Marion who would soon besiege the post manned by 175 British regulars. He writes, in most part: "I was informed last night that [Thomas] Sumpter had moved from your neighborhood and was to join [Nathaniel] Greene immediately. Thus, it is necessary for me, for many reasons, to know in particular as it makes every alternative with respect to the communication to Camden. Watson crossed this morning at Buckingham and will march up on the other side of Wateree [River]. I wrote Major... some days ago for a cannon & it is just now arrived, with the stores belonging to it. I request you will inform me concerning Sumpter's movements. I sent a party of militia last evening to take Lewis Thompson prisoner; and just as they were getting to the house he made his escape and a party I sent for [Lord Francis] Rawdon two nights ago, for the second time, turned back...C. McPherson". Rawdon was at Camden but abandoned the town on May 10 and proceeded towards Fort Motte intending to attack Marion and Lee as they lay siege. Rawdon however soon abandoned the plan deciding to await reinforcements. On verso McPherson writes a postscript: "Yesterday I had the honour of writing to you and forwarding letters from the Commdr. Last night I had an express from Camden. He brings no news but that Greene expects a reinforcement from Virginia & proposes making an attack on Camden...Cha: McPherson". The letter was never delivered. A note on verso indicates it was captured and forwarded the next day to General Sumpter, May 6, 1781. Francis Marion's forces arrived at Fort Motte two days later. The post fell on May 12 to General Marion and Henry Lee. After the evacuation of Camden on May 10, British posts at Orangeburg, Fort Motte, and Granby fell to the Americans on May 11, 12 , and 15, respectfully. By summer, most British forces would be concentrated in safe havens along the coast with Cornwallis's main army marching north to threaten Virginia. Minor chips at left margin to not affect text, slightly weak at folds, else very good condition.

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October 9, 2010 11:00 AM EDT
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