This is the order book associated with the 4th South Carolina Regiment, which was established in November 1775 and formed part of the U.S. Continental Army between June 18, 1776 and January 1, 1781, when it was disbanded following the British capture of Charleston. It also contains orders relating to the 1st and 2nd South Carolina Regiments from September 15, 1775 onward, beginning with the capture of Fort Johnson. It discusses the allocation of men and material to various fortifications around the Charleston area, including Fort Sullivan, Fort Johnson, and the Grand Battery. The book accompanied Captain Barnard Elliott (d. 1778), who was reassigned from the 2nd to the 4th Regiment in November, 1775. Considerable reference is made to war plans, military discipline, including courts-martial, and camp life.
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.
Series of loose sheets written by John F. Grimke between August and December of 1779 regarding requisitioning, constructing, and using military and related supplies.
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 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.
A letter (1756) referencing the recruitment of Indians as troops, written by William Shirley (1694-1771), who served as the Governor of Massachusetts and a commander, after Braddock, of British troops in the French and Indian War.
Letter from John Milton (circa 1740-1817), prisoner of war in St. Augustine, Florida, writing to Brigadier General (Lachlan?) McIntosh, under a flag of truce, explaining his condition and desire for release.
Two loose sheets written by John F. Grimke noting conditions of fortifications, need for ammunition at, and repair of various batteries in and around Charleston during the British siege of the city.
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 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 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.
A letter (1776) from Archibald Bulloch (1730-1777), Governor of Georgia, to Lachlan McIntosh regarding seizing a ship. Part of Thomas S. Grimke's autograph collection
Rough notes (circa 1834) for a reply by Thomas S. Grimke to an article in the May/June 1834 issue of the Calumet about the merits (or not) of defensive war, the fair copy of which was lost and never published. The notes are on the reverse of a letter (1796) in French to Grimke's father, John F. Grimke, from his daughter's tutor.
A series of financial records spanning February through September 1777 describing expenses in two week periods, including payment for individual soldiers.
A letter written by Colonel Owen Roberts in Purrysburg, South Carolina to John F. Grimke referring to a soldier who was recently arrested but not yet charged with an unspecified crime.
A letter written by Colonel Owen Roberts in Purrysburg, South Carolina to John F. Grimke in Georgia requesting the issue of "pay bills" for the companies under Grimke's command. Roberts notes that two companies have arrived with ammunition in tow.
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 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 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.
A letter (1771) from Major General Augustine Prevost (1723-1786) regarding seizing a man for an unspecified delinquency. Includes an untitled list of names on the back of the letter.
A business letter from Thomas Fitzsimmons (1741-1811): a Philadelphia merchant, delegate to the Constitutional Convention, and member of the Continental and United States Congress.
A letter from Captain Raymond Demere (circa 1750-1791), a Revolutionary War soldier, to Joseph Tatnall, mentioning a ship to purchase and Bonaventure Plantation. Signature of Captain Raymond Demere.
A letter from an ill woman seeking financial aid from the St. Andrew's Society to pay her rent so that she can get her own place and not rely on the charity of her friend who took her in and cared for her.
A letter from a Scottish person petitioning the St. Andrew's Society for financial assistance to help them recover from illness while living in a workhouse in Charleston, South Carolina.
A short letter from George Reid, Secretary of the Society of the Cincinnati, to John F. Grimke regarding starting a society chapter in South Carolina. Reid notes that a meeting will be held at "William's Coffee House" to discuss the matter further.
A letter from a Scottish woman who is petitioning the St. Andrew's Society for financial assistance due to her old age and changes in financial circumstances.
Published in 1790, the city directory for Charleston includes a city plan from 1788, a street reference to accompany the city plan, alphabetical listings of residents with occupations and addresses, meetings of lodges and societies, a list of corporation, signals at the fort, and the revenue system of the United States. The directory is 56 pages long and features on fold-out city plan illustration.
Signature of Edward Braddock (1695-1755), British commander of troops in North American, who lost his life in the French and Indian war, pasted on a sheet of biographical information.
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 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 regarding the location of various commanders of the Continental Army, including General Washington and General Gates, and their troops.
A short note to John F. Grimke from Charleston's Sheriff[?], James Kennedy stating that a "Sugar House" on Broad Street is ready for the arrival of "Negroes" for incarceration.
A short note to John F. Grimke from Charleston's Sheriff[?], James Kennedy inviting the City Constables and the Seargeant with the City Guard to attend an execution.