Caption: 'A detachment of the First South Carolina (Colored) Federal Volunteers, Colonel Beard, repelling an attack of the Confederate troops in the vicinity of Doboy River, Ga. From a sketch by Colonel Brewerton.'
[Color image.] Caption (in French): 'Evenements des Etats-Unis: Charleston et ses fortifications. [Events of the United States: Charleston and its fortifications.] 1--Charleston. 2--Riviere Ashley [Ashley River]. 3--Chemin de fer de Savannah [Savannah Railway]. 4--Riviere Cooper [Cooper River]. 5--Riviere Wando [Wando River]. 6--Fort Pinkney [Castle Pinckney]. 7--Fort Ripley. 8--Fort Johnson (ile James) [James Island]. 9--Riviere Stone [Stono River]. 10--Fort Sumter. 11--Fort Moultrie. 12--Batterie Gregg (pointe de Gumming) [Battery Gregg (Cummings Point)]. 13--Fort Wagner. 14--Batteries rasantes du general Gilmore [grazed batteries of General Gilmore]. 15--Ouvrages pris par les federaux. [Works undertaken by the Federals]. 16--Phare Inlet [Lighthouse inlet]. 17--Batteries federales (ile Folly) [Federal Batteries (Folly Island)]. 18--Canonnieres et vaisseaux cuirasses [gunboats and ironclads]. 19--Hotel. 20--Ile et batteries Sullivan [Sullivan Island and Batteries]. 21--Moultrie. 22--Mont Pleasant [Mount Pleasant]. 23--Breach Inlet. 24--Shem Creek. 25--Batteries construite par les confederes sur l'ile James, dans le voisinage du fort Johnson [Batteries built by the Confederates on James Island, in the vicinity of Fort Johnson].
[Color image.] Caption: 'The citizens of Charleston, S.C., deserting their homes, on the threatened attack of the city by the Federal Forces. From a Sketch by Lieutenant G.P. Kirby.'
Caption: 'Escorting Major Taylor, of New Orleans, the bearer of a flag of truce, blindfolded, to the Confederate lines, after his unsuccessful mission.'
Caption: 'Captain Frazer, of the Twenty-First Massachusetts Regiment, turning upon and capturing his guard while being conveyed to the Confederate camp.'
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 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 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 Mann Page, Jr. to John Page relating recent news including the locations of Howe's fleet and a foiled assassination attempt on General Washington.
Letter from William Bryan to [Governor Richard Caswell] regarding the British attacks in the north, the movement of their fleet, his suspicion that they intend to attack South Carolina, and the lack of preparation for said attack.
Letter from Mann Page, Jr. to John Page regarding the location of various commanders of the Continental Army, including General Washington and General Gates, and their troops.
Letter from Mann Page Jr. to John Page praising the news of Mr. George Wythe’s promotion to Speaker of the House of Delegates and in turn, lamenting the decision to dismiss Colonel R. H. Lee from Congress.
Letter from Mann Page, Jr. to John Page appraising his brother of his bout with smallpox, preparation for an enemy invasion in Philadelphia, the British blocking of trade, the loss of a ship with her captain and supplies, and reporting the expected renewal of British forces in the spring.
Letter from Francis Barber to William Alexander [Lord Stirling] regarding his reluctance to be kept from the fray by an injury and to express upon Lord Stirling the necessity of additional troops to safeguard the stores near Elizabethtown.
Letter from Abraham Lott to Nathanael Greene regarding the failure of the ‘Rhode Island Expedition,’ led by Comte d’Estaing, and general social writing.
Letter from Stephen Drayton to Benjamin Lincoln mentioning the misconduct of the North Carolina’s commissary and continue to discuss ideas on better transportation of troops and supplies. Drayton goes on to detail some of the supplies which he has sent to various units and camps; tents, knapsacks, kettles, canteens, hoes, axes, and carpenters tools. He laments the lack of spades or shovels and states that he has enclosed a list of items.
Letter from John Ashe to Benjamin Lincoln regarding the impending invasion of troops from the other side of the Savannah river and an insistence that there needed to be a strong opposition to meet them in Augusta. Ashe also states that he has enclosed a letter from General Williamson.
Letter from William Heath to The Staff of the Army [and] Hospital, Eastern Department thanking them for the opportunity to serve and command in the army.
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 Abraham Lott to Nathanael Greene regarding his poor health, family, and the current state of military affairs, including the enemy retreat from Charlestown, where their current strong holds are, and movements of companies of men.
Letter from William Moultrie to Benjamin Lincoln informing him of his moving his troops (400 Continental troops, artillery, 4 pieces of field artillery, and 350 militia) to join Lincoln.
Letter from William Heath to Nathanael Green regarding his opinions on two questions which Major General Greene has posed: whether he has the right to command and the justification of an officer complaining of injuries sustained while in military capacity.
Letter from John Habersham to Benjamin Lincoln regarding the exchange of prisoners and the receipt of American prisoners that were being held in Savannah.
Letter from Henry Laurens to Benjamin Lincoln regarding his travel plans to board a ship for Cadiz. He also reports that the horses are in deplorable condition and paper is running out.
Letter from John Laurens to Benjamin Lincoln discussing battle strategy and reporting the number of enemy troops opposite them on the Wappataw River. Laurens also reports that the enemy have ransacked ‘Mrs. Pinckneys’ plantation.
Letter from James Mitchell Varnum to Nathanael Greene regarding general politics and how he believes the country should be organized after the war. Varnum goes on to criticize Congress and discuss the lack of men and funds to continue much longer in the war.
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 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 William Skirving to William Moultrie regarding a shortage of men to defend South Carolina from the enemy, the issue of deserters, and the transport of British prisoners.
Letter from Samuel H. Parsons to Nathanael Greene regarding the general state of political affairs as the war draws to a close. General Parsons voices his concerns on the activities of Congress and his doubt that military officers will have a voice in political affairs post-war.
Letter from George Weedon to Nathanael Greene regarding the climate of the state of Virginia, the imminent attack of Lord Cornwallis, and the campaign to raise recruitment. Weedon goes on to discuss the climate of the South, in general, the disadvantage of South Carolina, and the lack of action from North Carolina.
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 Charles Petit to Nathanael Greene regarding the success of General Greene’s military campaign, the raising of funds and supplies, and the state of trade.
Letter from John Mathews to Nathanael Greene regarding the possible battle strategies of the English as the end of the war draws near and how the Continental army should go about trapping the British troops.
Letter from William Pierce, Jr. to Nathanael Greene regarding the transfer of the British fleet to Halifax, the lack of confidence the Tories have in Lord Cornwallis, and the general state of the British military holdings in the Americas.
Letter from Charles Petit to Nathanael Greene regarding the war in America and Europe’s dependence on the United States asserting their dominance over England.
Letter from Thomas McKean to Nathanael Greene regarding the movement of troops from Staten Island towards the Delaware River and the placement of Admiral Digby and his battle ships, frigates. McKean also states his inclusion of the current proceedings of Congress.
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.
Letter from Major General Nathanael Greene addressed to Arthur Campbell regarding the ongoing hostilities in the states of North Carolina and Virginia. Greene is advising Campbell on how to best achieve peace with the Cherokee and Chiccasaw Native American tribes.
Letter from John Walker to Thomas Jefferson regarding the receipt of intelligence that an enemy attack on stores was imminent, their attempt to prevent the attack, and requesting orders.
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 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 Abner Nash to Nathanael Greene reporting on the state of affairs in South Carolina and North Carolina; requesting aid in opposing Lord Cornwallis in North Carolina.
Letter from Robert Lawson to Nathanael Greene regarding the reluctance of the militia under is command to march further south and also of the hindrance of their progress by the movements of Cornwallis and Phillips. Brigadier General Lawson also details the destruction the British are leaving in their wake, burning tobacco, destroying supplies, etc., and begs the further instructions from Major General Greene.
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 [John] Peter [Gabriel] Muhlenberg to Nathanael Greene regarding the arrival of the French Fleet in the Massachusetts Bay and an account of the ongoing skirmish with the British in Massachusetts.
Letter from Thomas Wade to Nathanael Greene regarding the transfer of supplies, specifically corn meal, and reporting the movements of Lord Cornwallis.
Letter from Otho Holland Williams to Nathanael Greene detailing his trip to Bath, the purchase of a tract of land in Maryland, and his wish to receive orders from General Greene.
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 Benjamin Lincoln to Nathanael Greene regarding the issues the government encountered when attempting to pay the soldiers of the Revolution and discussing possible solutions. General discussions of economics, the nature of the relationship with France, and establishing trade with several Spanish ports are also discussed.
Letter from Nathaniel Pendleton to Nathanael Greene anticipating the peaceful end to the war and relaying general news of the growing society they have established on Kiawah Island; containing his wife, in addition to the families of Colonel [William] Washington, Captain Wilmot, and Mr. Gibbs. The second half of the letter discusses the ill health of various persons.
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 Jethro Sumner to Nathanael Greene regarding the recruitment of additional soldiers in North Carolina, the invasion and damage done by enemy troops, and the matter of retirement for some.
Letter from [John] Peter [Gabriel] Muhlenberg to Nathanael Green regarding the attempt to recruit troops but being recalled from his efforts by a lack of funds to pay the soldiers. Muhlenberg continues to report the transfer of the French fleet from the Massachusetts Bay to prepare for the imminent attack on New York.
Letter from Richard Henry Lee to [Nathanael Greene] regarding the British evacuation of ‘Charles Towne’ and the stubbornness of the English King to release America and therefore, end the war.
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 George Weedon to Nathanael Greene regarding the British evacuation of ‘Charles Towne’ and the plans of Continental Army officers for the end of the war.
Letter from Gouverneur Morris to Nathanael Greene regarding the issues the government encountered when attempting to pay the soldiers of the Revolution and discussing possible solutions.
Letter from John Hector St. John to Nathanael Greene praising him for his military achievements throughout the American Revolution and thanking him for his success in achieving freedom for the American people.
Caption: 'Shipping the recaptured Africans on board the U.S. steam frigate Niagara, at Charleston, S.C.--from a sketch by our own correspondent.' [full date Oct. 9, 1858]
![Letter from William Bryan to [Governor Richard Caswell]](https://iiif.library.cofc.edu/iiif/2/35544/full/200,/0/default.jpg)
![Letter from William Heath to Colonel Gallop [Gallup?]](https://iiif.library.cofc.edu/iiif/2/35918/full/200,/0/default.jpg)
![Letter from Francis Barber to William Alexander [Lord Stirling]](https://iiif.library.cofc.edu/iiif/2/40644/full/200,/0/default.jpg)
![Letter from William Heath to The Staff of the Army [and] Hospital, Eastern Department](https://iiif.library.cofc.edu/iiif/2/35917/full/200,/0/default.jpg)
![Letter from Thomas Burke to [Nathanael Greene]](https://iiif.library.cofc.edu/iiif/2/36219/full/200,/0/default.jpg)
![Letter from [John] Peter [Gabriel] Muhlenberg to Nathanael Greene](https://iiif.library.cofc.edu/iiif/2/48503/full/200,/0/default.jpg)
![Letter from [John] Peter [Gabriel] Muhlenberg to Nathanael Green](https://iiif.library.cofc.edu/iiif/2/48504/full/200,/0/default.jpg)
![Letter from Richard Henry Lee to [Nathanael Greene]](https://iiif.library.cofc.edu/iiif/2/48506/full/200,/0/default.jpg)
