From Diary of the American Revolution, Vol II. Compiled by Frank Moore and published in 1859.
August 29.—A correspondent at Camden, in South Carolina, says:—”Every officer in the line of the Southern army, that was present, has addressed General Greene on the late execution of Colonel Hayne, praying that the Lex Talionis shall follow. In consequence of which the general has issued his proclamation to that purpose, and by a flag sent to the commandant of Charleston, has forwarded him copies of the address and proclamation, which sets forth: ‘That retaliation shall immediately take place, not on the Tory militia officers, but it shall fall on the heads of regular British officers.’ This will now open a new scene of bloodshed, which in the end the British will have reason sorely to repent. We have three British officers with us prisoners, who are quaking with fear, on the result of this proclamation, but they are not of sufficient rank to become objects; they tell us that Colonel Balfour was very averse to the measures taken against Colonel Hayne, and throw all the blame on Lord Raw-don and Colonel Gould. However, this gains little credit here, as the character of the commandant for his cruelty, persecution, and hypocrisy is so well established, that we are certain that he would not have foregone the great pleasure of giving his fiat to the execution of an American for the universe, as this cruel piece of baseness will the more endear him to his sovereign.1
“General Greene, with the army, left Camden day before yesterday, on his march towards the enemy at Congarees, and we imagine be crossed at Friday Ferry yesterday. A report has just reached us that the enemy the night before last, on receiving intelligence of General Greene’s movements precipitately left their encampment and marched off, first setting their huts and some houses on fire.”2
1 See General Greene’s Proclamation.
2 New York Packet, October 4.