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| Field name | Value |
|---|---|
| Collection Reference Number | GLC02507 |
| From Archive Folder | Documents Relating to 1781 |
| Title | Thomas Sumter to Nathanael Greene reporting on troop movements, with further documents relating to Sumter |
| Date | 16 June 1781 |
| Author | Sumter, Thomas (1734-1832) |
| Recipient | Greene, Nathanael |
| Document Type | Correspondence; Military document; Artwork |
| Content Description | Written by the partisan fighter Brigadier General Sumter, known as the "Carolina Gamecock," to Major General Greene as commander of the Southern Department. Sumter had refused to formally join Greene's command, but was assisting him in the unsuccessful siege of Ninety-Six, which continued until 19 June 1781. At this point Sumter's command still operated under "Sumter's Law," the policy which paid troops that enlisted for 10 months a slave, a horse, and a portion of any Loyalist plunder. Says he received Greene's letter and that there are accounts that the British were 12 miles above Orangeburg. Claims there are 1,500 troops commanded by Lord Rowden. They also have 400 cavalry troops and eight field pieces. Seems that the Ninety-Six is their destination. Says he is waiting for some troops to join him before he marches to slow the British advance. Has advised Colonel Washington and Colonel Lee of his situation. Says General Francis Marion has crossed the Santee River, but has a weak force. Printed material from sale as well as a print are included in the file. |
| Subjects | Revolutionary War Revolutionary War General Global History and Civics Artillery Battle Cavalry Military History |
| People | Sumter, Thomas (1734-1832) |
| Place written | Congaree, South Carolina |
| Theme | The American Revolution |
| Sub-collection | The Gilder Lehrman Collection, 1493-1859 |
| Copyright | The Gilder Lehrman Institute of American History |
| Module | Settlement, Commerce, Revolution and Reform: 1493-1859 |
| Transcript | Show/hide |