Letter from Charles Scott to Nathanael Greene informing him of his orders from General Washington to aid General Muhlenberg in recruitment efforts in Virginia before reporting to General Greene.
Letter from Christian Febiger to Nathanael Greene regarding the transfer of equipment, such as tents, camp equipment, colors, and fifes, to Virginia. Febiger also details the activities of the Committee of Congress and transfer of additional personnel.
Letter from John Hancock to the Governor and Council of the State of Virginia regarding the movement of the British fleet from New York. Hancock reports that the fleet is suspected to be bound for South Carolina.
Letter from John Cox to Nathanael Greene reporting an encounter between 800 Continental troops, North Carolina militia, Virginia militia, and the British. Cox reports that the American troops were outnumbered and eventually defeated by Lord Cornwallis and his men.
Letter from Daniel of St. Thomas Jenifer to Unknown reporting the loss of a battle in Camden, South Carolina, Britain's efforts to attain allies in Europe, shortage of funds, and the arrival of an enemy fleet containing 2000 soldiers.
Letter from William Pierce to William Davies regarding the general status of the American troops; in Charleston and Virginia in particular. In the last paragraph Pierce expresses the imminence of an attack.
Letter from William Davies to Nathanael Greene discussing the shortage of various supplies and troops. Colonel Davies debates the movements of several regiments of men in regards to military strategy and what movement would provide the most strength in the desired areas. Davies also reports the instability of the government in the states of South Carolina, North Carolina, Virginia, and [New] Hampshire.
These images are from the daybook of James Poyas, a Charleston merchant. Entries begin in February 1760 and end in April of 1765. James Poyas was born in 1736 to Jean Louis (anglicized to John Lewis) Poyas and Marie Jourdan. He married Elizabeth Portall in 1755, and they had one child, a daughter, Elizabeth. In 1767, James moved his family to London. They never returned to America to live. His daughter married an Englishman, Joseph Higginson; and James died in Bath in 1799. Beyond these few facts, very little is known about James and his family. Research is, of course, on-going. The daybook itself is one of a set. The South Carolina Historical Society holds the companion book, which covers from 1764-1766, so there is some overlap. The description of the entries list the names and, in the parentheses behind them, their account numbers. This will serve as a differentiation between people (fathers and sons, cousins, etc.) with the same or similar names. Due to slight variations in spelling (for which we have attempted a reconciliation), it will also serve as a confirmation that one is in fact looking at the same person throughout the ledger. Some of the miscellaneous account numbers, not associated with people, are: account 3 -- the store itself; account 31 -- cash; account 87 -- Indico [Indigo?] and account 81 -- Bonds and Notes. Occassionally there are entries with no account numbers next to them. These seem to be have been entered into another ledger (petty cash?) but no account number has been listed in our corresponding description, even if that person had (or would have) an account.
Letter from Stephen Drayton to Nathanael Greene requesting to be employed in his army and relaying the information he had received from Philadelphia regarding the movements of the French as they hastened to aid the Revolutionary troops.
Letter from William Duer to Nathanael Greene expressing his joy over his new marriage, concern over the political climate of the states, and request to forward a few letters.
Letter from Thomas Farr to John Laurens regarding the situation of the British in Charlestowne; the shortage of supplies, the lack of reinforcements, and the fear of an imminent American attack on their forces on James Island. Farr goes on to request protection for the few stores of food he has left, as he has given everything to the Continental army and would not like those of his estate to starve.
Letter from Royal Flint to Nathanael Greene. Includes a discussion of the discrepancies in the mail and missed communications. Flint goes on to discuss the political nature of the country as was told to him by General Greene. Flint continues to discuss the general nature of the politics and questioning the decisions made by the government; saying the people have developed a habit of complaining, the need to regulate the currency, and refrain from continuing to alter the constitution.He also addresses the issue of pay, advocating the compensation of the army. He then discusses the lack of supplies for General Greene's troops. Flint goes on to state that Colonel Wadsworth is tiring of his role in the legislature.
Letter from John Laurens to Francis Kinloch regarding foreign travel in Europe and the state of American political affairs. Laurens proceeds to outline the South Carolinian officials who are to attend the General Congress gathering that will soon take place in Philadelphia or New York.
Letter from Francis Marion to Nathanael Greene regarding the movements of the enemy around South Carolina, the fitness of his men, and the renewing of clothing supplies for the corps.
Letter from Mann Page, Jr. to John Page relating recent news including the locations of Howe's fleet and a foiled assassination attempt on General Washington.