Charles Bagwell, Lieutenant Colonel 99th Regiment, To The Governor, June 9, 1814 It
being my opinion that a full report of the perilous situation of the
County of Accomack ought to be made known to your Excellency I have
taken this liberty to enumerate those of the greatest importance.
The British at this time have erected a strong Fort on Tangier Island
within the limits of the County. a ship of 74 Guns with several other
armed vessels, are stationed within Nanticoke Sound oppisite the
Island. A considerable number of negroes in their Fort, which it is
reported they are training to the use of the Musket. And from this
County several negroes have run to the shipping which are said to be
excellent Pilots for the Creeks and Harbours along the Coast.
Their
barges almost daily off the mouths of our Creeks, and descent was
actually made on Sunday the 29th of last month at Pungoteague, and a
skirmish ensued, the particulars of which shall leave to the Commandant
of the 2nd Regiment to detail.
In
consequence of the enemy having such a formidable force in our
neighborhood, I have thougth it for the safety of the upper part of the
County to order out two companies of Militia and have divided them son
as to guard four of the most exposed situations. To-wit: Hunting Creek,
Guilford Creek, Misongo Creek and Pocomoke River, and shall continue
them as long as privision can be procured or the danger disappears.
By
the active exertions of Captain john Drummond a Company of Artillerests
have been raised; they are without cannon or armes of any kind, and
munitions. If it is practicable to have them furnished, shal be under
an obligation to your Excellency to writ me when it be expected.
Several Volunteer Companies have been raised lately, and one of them
Riflemen, which consider as the most efficient force that can be
employed in our County if Rifles can be procured. Mr. George D. Wise,
Capt., Mr. Thos. B. Custis and John B. Walker, first and second
Lieutenants, were elected by the above Rifle Corps who are spirited
young men, and I believe will make excellent officers.
My
Opinion is that to grant commissions to Volunteer Companies will answer
no good prupose except they can be furnished with arem, as it creates
disgust among the officers of the Companies from which the men have
withdrawn, and will fill our County with Supernumerary officers, as I
believe several companies of them will be reduced below the number the
law requires.
I am, &c,
Source:
_____.
Calendar of Virginia State Papers and Other Manuscripts From January 1, 1808 to December 31, 1835. Vol. 10. New York, NY: Kraus Reprint Corporation, 1968; p. 337.