Our Collection

At the Institute’s core is the Gilder Lehrman Collection, one of the great archives in American history. More than 85,000 items cover five hundred years of American history, from Columbus’s 1493 letter describing the New World through the end of the twentieth century.

Sumter, Thomas, 1734-1832 to Nathanael Greene

Order a pdf of this item here.

Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC02507 Author/Creator: Sumter, Thomas, 1734-1832 Place Written: Congaree, South Carolina Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 16 June 1781 Pagination: 1 p. : address : docket Height: 42 cm, Width: 24.7 cm Order a Copy

Written by the partisan fighter Brigadier General Sumter, known as the "Carolina Gamecock," to Major General Greene as commander of the Southern Department. Sumter had refused to formally join Greene's command, but was assiting him in the unsuccessful siege of Ninety-Six, which continued until 19 June 1781. Says he received Greene's letter and that there are accounts that the British were 12 miles above Orangeburg. Claims there are 1,500 troops commanded by Lord Rowden. They also have 400 cavalry troops and eight field pieces. Seems that the Ninety-Six is their destination. Says he is waiting for some troops to join him before he marches to slow the British advance. Has advised Colonel Washington and Colonel Lee of his situation. Says General Francis Marion has crossed the Santee River, but has a weak force. Printed material from sale as well as a print are included in the file.

Sumter, Thomas, 1734-1832

Citation Guidelines for Online Resources