Camp at Ashley Hill.
Ranks thinned very much; deaths not so frequent. Our situation as to ground, a
handsome one, and, as far as I can judge, eligible, but assuredly the climate
is severe upon northern constitutions. Gentlemen who can afford it, reside
during summer in the city and spend the winter in the country. An unpleasant
week's command. At a bridge over Ashley, six or seven miles from camp, where
the great road from Charleston to the upper country crosses, a subaltern and
thirty men have been stationed. It became my turn. Orders were to suffer no
people to pass or repass without proper permit. It was now pretty well known
that the enemy would soon evacuate the city. Many poor devils had taken
protection and followed the British in; provisions scarce in town, and those
people sick of their situation-they were anxious to get back to their old
places of abode in the country. Some very miserable objects came out—whole
families, battered and starving. Was sure, upon my representation,
leave would be given to let them pass. Stated the business in writing, and
dispatched a sergeant. No—ordered not to let them pass; thought this an
unnecessary cruelty.
SOURCE: J. B.
Lippincott & Co., Publisher, The Record of the Court at Upland, in
Pennsylvania. 1676 to 1681. And a Military Journal Kept by Major E. Denny, 1781
to 1795, pp. 252-3
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