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THE PETTIGREW PAPERS
The Reverend Charles Pettigrew (ca. 1747-1808), Episcopal clergyman, Edenton. Photograph from the files of the State Department of Archives and History, Raleigh; copied from a photograph owned by Allen P. Petti- grew of Raleigh.
SNorth Carolina State Library Raleigh
N. C. Doc.
The Pettigrew Papers
Volume I 1685-1818
Edited by Sarah McCulloh Lemmon
Raleigh State Department of Archives and History
1971
Copyright, 1971, by the North Carolina State Department of Archives
and History
STATE DEPARTMENT OF ARCHIVES AND HISTORY
EXECUTIVE BOARD
Josh L. Home, Chairman
Miss Gertrude Sprague Carraway Fletcher M. Green
Gordon S. Dugger Hugh T. Lefler
T. Harry Gatton Edward W. Phifer, Jr.
H. G. Jones, Director
CONTENTS
List of illustrations, charts, and maps vii
Foreword ix
Introduction xi
Listing of letters and documents, 1685-1795 xxv
Listing of letters and documents, 1796-1806 xxviii
Listing of letters and documents, 1807-1818 xxx
The Pettigrew Papers, 1685-1795 1
The Pettigrew Papers, 1796-1806 176
The Pettigrew Papers, 1807-1818 400
Appendix A: A calendar of manuscripts in the Pettigrew family papers in the Southern Historical Collection, Library of the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, for the period 1685-1818, which have been omitted from this volume 665
Appendix B : A calendar of manuscripts in the Pettigrew family papers in the North Carolina State Department of Archives and History, for the period 1685-1818, which have been omitted from this volume 669
Index 671
LIST OF ILLUSTRATIONS, CHARTS, AND MAPS
Charles Pettigrew Frontispiece
Pettigrew Family Chart xiv
Blount Family Chart xvi
Lockhart Family Chart xix
St. Paul's Church, Edenton 31
Josiah Collins 63
A Page of Poetry in the Pettigrew Papers 108
Map of Land Surveyed for Charles Pettigrew 181
"Belgrade" 287
First Pettigrew Chapel 310
St. David's Church 310
James Iredell, Jr 319
"Mulberry Hill" 388
Charles Pettigrew Marker 410
View of Scuppernong River 661
FOREWORD
Documentary volumes tend to be long-term projects, but the papers of the Pettigrews have required more time than usual to reach the stage of publication. In 1940 Dr. J. Carlyle Sitterson of the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill reviewed the Pettigrew collections and an agreement was reached whereby he would edit the papers for publication by the State Department of Archives and History. Dr. Sitterson, in 1949, relinquished the job of editing to Dr. Bennett H. Wall, then of the University of Kentucky. Dr. Wall found the lack of time for editing to be a problem, and a decade later the job was assumed by Dr. C. 0. Cathey, also of the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Dr. Cathey obtained funds for the typing of a significant amount of material during the years he worked on the papers. Ad- ministrative duties encroached on his editorial time, however, and he also felt it necessary to give up the job. Dr. Sarah M. Lemmon of Meredith College began working on the Pettigrew family papers and correspondence in the fall of 1965. The State Department of Archives and History wishes to acknowledge the preliminary work by Drs. Sitterson, Wall, and Cathey and to express appreciation to Dr. Lemmon for bringing to completion the first volume in the series. Additional volumes will be pub- lished in future years.
Included are papers of Charles Pettigrew, a teacher, planter, and Episcopal minister; Ebenezer, his son, a planter and con- gressman ; and James Johnston, a grandson, who practiced law in South Carolina and died of wounds received in the Civil War. The list of correspondents is extensive, and the papers provide an excellent study of North Carolina life over a period of many years.
Except where otherwise noted, illustrations are from the files of the State Department of Archives and History. All pictures were reproduced by Mrs. Madlin Futrell of the staff of the Division of Museums. Mrs. Brenda S. Stott and Mrs. Mary Reynolds Peacock, editorial assistants in the Division of Publica- tions, prepared the copy for the printer; Mrs. Peacock assumed responsibility for seeing the volume through the press.
February 1, 1971 Memory F. Mitchell
Historical Publications Editor
INTRODUCTION
The Pettigrew Family
According to the traditional family history,1 James Pettigrew lived near Glasgow, Scotland. Because he fought on the side of William of Orange in the Battle of the Boyne, he was rewarded with an Irish estate in County Tyrone, where he removed. James was the father of James Pettigrew III, born in 1713 in County Tyrone. Sent to college to study medicine, he married Mary Cochran while he was still in school. The couple, together with at least four children, migrated to the New World and settled at the present Chambersburg, Pennsylvania, in November, 1740.
Charles Pettigrew was born March 20, (1744?), in Pennsyl- vania. Little is known about his early life. In 1757 James Petti- grew took his family and moved south, probably in search of more land for his numerous children, who eventually numbered thirteen. He stopped for three years in Lunenburg County, Vir- ginia, where he rented a farm and practiced medicine. In those days it was not disgraceful to call oneself a "quack," as both he and his son Charles did. Charles here attended a local classical school. Around 1760 the family crossed into Gran- ville County, North Carolina, and James bought three hundred acres of land in 1767 from Hornel Lewis. At this time a Pres- byterian, James gave the land on which the first Presbyterian church in North Carolina is reputed to have been erected. Charles completed his education here under the Reverend Henry Pattillo, who became a lifelong friend.2 In 1766 Charles was engaged as a tutor for the children of the Hawkins and Macon families in Warrenton ;3 he remained in Warrenton when in 1768 his father once again moved south to Abbeville District, South Carolina,
1 This paragraph is summarized from "Traditional Family History" in "Genealogy," Pettigrew Papers, Southern Historical Collection, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, hereinafter cited as Pettigrew Papers, UNC.
3 Bennett Harrison Wall, "Charles Pettigrew" (unpublished master's thesis, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, 1940), 2-3, hereinafter cited as Wall, "Charles Pettigrew." See also the letter from James Waddel to Charles Pettigrew, February 10, 1804, Pettigrew Papers, UNC.
3 William E. Dodd, The Life of Nathaniel Macon (Raleigh: Edwards and Broughton, 1903), 4, hereinafter cited as Dodd, Nathaniel Macon; Charles Pettigrew to Benjamin Hawkins, December 16, 1802, in this volume (the term "in this volume" refers to The Pettigrew Papers, Vol. I).
N.C. Department of Archives and History
where he died in 1784.4 Charles Pettigrew corresponded at intervals with his family in South Carolina, the last letter exchanged being in 1806 when his nephew William wrote of his father's death and spoke of a desire to move to another state. Other family members with whom he corresponded were a brother Ebenezer, a brother William, a sister Mary Verner, and a nephew John Witherspoon. A chart of Pettigrew family members mentioned in this volume follows, based on informa- tion given in the letters themselves.5
Charles Pettigrew moved to Edenton in 1773 following his appointment by Governor Josiah Martin as schoolmaster.6 Al- though still a Presbyterian, he was required as part of his position to be lay reader at St. Paul's Anglican Church, of which the Reverend Daniel Earle was rector. Whether self- taught or tutored by Earle, he studied for the ministry, sailed to London in the winter of 1774, and was ordained in 1775 by the Bishops of London and Rochester.7 He returned to Edenton and, as far as can be ascertained, never resided outside its vicinity for the remainder of his life.
Charles Pettigrew appeared singularly untouched by the Revolutionary War. He preached to the Senate of the state in 1777, but the House twice refused to approve a bill remunerating him for the sermon.8 This was usually a sign of mistrust. When drafted into service in the militia in 1780, he reported for duty but soon found a substitute9 — although this could well have been occasioned by the fact that he was but recently a father. This appears to be the sum total of the war's impact upon him.
In 1778 Mr. Earle resigned his pastorate, possibly under political pressures caused by the Revolutionary War, and
* Wall, "Charles Pettigrew," 4.
6 Ebenezer Pettigrew to Charles Pettigrew, February 22, 1789 [copy] ; Charles Pettigrew to Ebenezer Pettigrew, May 25, 1789; William Pettigrew to Charles Pettigrew, April 27, 1795; Charles Pettigrew to Mary Verner, May 26, 1800; John Witherspoon to Charles Pettigrew, August 5, 1802; Charles Pettigrew to John Witherspoon, September 22, 1802; John Wither- spoon to Charles Pettigrew, March 4, 1803; William Pettigrew to Charles Pettigrew, November 26, 1806; David Witherspoon to Ebenezer Pettigrew, August 2, 1817, all in this volume.
8 Charles Pettigrew Appointed Schoolmaster, June 23, 1773, in this volume.
7 Wall, "Charles Pettigrew," 6-7. Upon his return to Edenton, Charles Pettigrew received an annual salary of £20 from the Society for the Propa- gation of the Gospel in Foreign Parts in addition to his other salaries.
8 Walter Clark (ed.), The State Records of North Carolina (Winston and Goldsboro: State of North Carolina, 16 volumes, numbered XI-XXVI, 1895- 1914), XII, 149, 155, 159, 321, 322, hereinafter cited as Clark, State Records.
9 Charles Pettigrew Discharged from Military Service, June 27, 1780, in this volume.
xii
The Pettigrew Papers
Charles Pettigrew was chosen rector with a salary of £100 per year, paid by subscription.10 In the same year, on October 29, he married Mary Blount, daughter of John and Sarah Blount, both of whom were then deceased. Charles Pettigrew was at that time thirty-four years of age and Mary Blount was twenty-eight.11 A chart of this branch of the Blount family follows.12
10 Subscription List for Sunday Services of Charles Pettigrew at Edenton, May 1, 1778, Pettigrew Papers, UNC.
11 Blount-Pettigrew Genealogy in the handwriting of William S. Pettigrew, "Genealogy," Pettigrew Papers, UNC, hereinafter cited as Blount-Pettigrew Genealogy.
"This chart is based on information found in: Deposition by Mary Lock- hart Pettigrew, undated but apparently around 1819, Pettigrew Papers, UNC, hereinafter cited as Deposition by Mary Lockhart Pettigrew; Minute Docket of the Chowan County Court of Common Pleas and Quarter Sessions, 1812-1827, State Archives, State Department of Archives and History, Ra- leigh, 24, hereinafter cited as Chowan County, Minute Docket, which indi- cates that Frederick, Clement H., and Sarah P. Blount proved the division of their inheritance from their father Frederick Blount at the September term of the court, 1812 (this repository will hereinafter be cited as State Archives) ; Marriage Bonds, Craven County, for Frederick Blount to Rachel Bryan, October 1, 1807, and Ebenezer Pettegrew [sic] to Ann B. Sheppard [sic], May 13, 1815, arranged alphabetically, State Archives (unless otherwise noted, all further marriage bonds will be found in the State Archives) ; Marriage Bonds, Pasquotank County, for William Shepard to Mary Blount, May 12, 1794; Heads of Families at the First Census of the United States Taken in the Year 1790: North Carolina (Baltimore: Genealogical Publishing Company, 1966), 34, 134, for Charles Pettigrew, Edenton District, Tyrrell County, and Wilson Blount, Newbern District, Craven County; John Blount's will in J. Bryan Grimes, North Carolina Wills and Inventories (Raleigh: Edwards and Broughton, 1912), 61; Dr. Frederick Blount's will, September 23, 1822, in Craven County Records, Wills 1775-1860, I, 75, State Archives (unless otherwise noted, all wills can be found in the State Archives) ; Beasley Family in "Genealogy," Pettigrew Papers, UNC, although there is apparently a substitution of the name Joseph for that of Frederick; Blount-Pettigrew Genealogy for the marriage of Elizabeth Blount to John Beasley, although he is mistaken for his son Dr. John Beasley; Marriage Bonds, Chowan County, for John Beasley to Sarah Liles, September 30, 1752, and Charles Pettigrew to Mary Blount, October 28, 1778; inscriptions on tombstones in the Blount family cemetery at "Mulberry Hill" plantation near Edenton; John Blount's will, December 8, 1753, in Chowan County Records, Wills 1694-1808, I, 46; and the follow- ing items in this volume: Frederick Beasley to Charles Pettigrew, May 8, 1796; Frederick Beasley to Elizabeth Beasley, May 28, 1799; John Beasley to Charles Pettigrew, September 21, 1799; Frederick Beasley to John Beasley, April 11, 1805; Ann Beasley to John Beasley, June 10, 1805; Will of Charles Pettigrew, January 26, 1806; Wilson Blount to Frederick Blount, November 1, 1809; and Will of John Beasley, November 23, 1814. There is an error in J. R. B. Hathaway (ed.), North Carolina Historical and Genealogical Register, I (January, 1900), 132, hereinafter cited as Hathaway, Historical and Genealogical Register, which has Frederick Blount marrying Rachel Bryan, who was actually the wife of his nephew Frederick Blount.
xm
N.C. Department of Archives and History
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The Pettigrew Papers
Charles and Mary Blount Pettigrew had five children : John, born August 2, 1779, who died of a fever September 24, 1799; Mary, born January 5, 1781, who died the following September; Ebenezer, born March 10, 1783, who was the only one to reach maturity; and twins, Mary and James, born prematurely on March 7, 1786, who died within twelve hours. Mary Pettigrew died March 16, following.13
The Pettigrews first lived on a plantation about a mile from Edenton, possibly "Mulberry Hill," moving in 1786 to "Bel- grade" on Harvey's Neck just a month before Mrs. Pettigrew died. Two years later the father and two little boys moved across Albemarle Sound to the vicinity of Scuppernong River in Tyrrell County,14 where Charles had first acquired land in 1782. Here he began to develop a plantation.15 When the Eden- ton consortium of Collins, Allen, and Dickinson connected Lake Phelps with the Scuppernong River by means of Collins Canal, Charles Pettigrew expanded his holdings down to the lake and began to grow rice. This plantation he named "Bonarva" ; later his son Ebenezer resided there.16
Until he moved to the Scuppernong, Pettigrew had remained connected, if loosely, with St. Paul's Church in Edenton. Be- tween 1790 and 1794, he associated himself with a handful of clergy who were trying to organize the Episcopal Diocese of North Carolina and to affiliate with the General Convention of the Protestant Episcopal Church of the United States. Upon the fourth attempt to hold a convention at Tarborough, a con- stitution was drawn up and Pettigrew was elected bishop. After his intentions of journeying to Philadelphia for his consecra- tion were thwarted by yellow fever in 1795 and again in 1798, he gave up the effort and quietly conducted services, weddings, and funerals as requested. He built two chapels on his own land and preached in one or the other nearly every Sunday.17
13 Blount-Pettigrew Genealogy.
14 Memoir by Ebenezer Pettigrew, August 4, 1842, Pettigrew Papers, UNC. Ebenezer gives a moving description of a small boy's reaction to a strange new home.
15 Land Grants to Charles Pettigrew, October 29, 1782, May 18, 1789, and November 30, 1795, Pettigrew Papers, UNC.
18 Wall, "Charles Pettigrew," 52-62.
17 Sarah McCulloh Lemmon, "The Genesis of the Protestant Episcopal Diocese of North Carolina, 1701-1823," North Carolina Historical Review, XXVIII (October, 1951), 456-457.
xv
N.C. Department of Archives and History
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XVI
The Pettigrew Papers
On June 12, 1794, Charles Pettigrew, then fifty years old and father of two boys of fifteen and eleven years of age, married Mary Lockhart, a maiden lady of forty-six who lived with her widowed mother at "Scotch Hall" near Edenton.18 A chart follows of the Lockhart family and some of its connec- tions.19
Charles and Mary Lockhart Pettigrew continued to live at her home, "Scotch Hall," for three years. The two boys were sent to the newly opened University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, although their father constantly worried about the morals of the students there and eventually withdrew his sons in 1797. That same year, following Mrs. Lockhart's death, the family moved to Tyrrell County where Charles first bought a home and then in 1799 erected a larger one. Here he remained until his death. Upon his recall from the university the older son John, or Jackie, was sent to Nixonton to study medicine under Dr. Andrew Knox, but he died in 1799. Ebenezer was sent to the Edenton Academy where he made a lifelong friendship with James Iredell, Jr., and Thomas B. Haughton.20
In 1803, however, Ebenezer, then twenty, was called home by his father to take charge of the plantation on Lake Phelps.21 The family lived a busy life, managing their slaves, cultivating rice and wheat, developing irrigation ditches and threshing machines for both grains. Ships from Edenton, Plymouth, and
18 No marriage bond has been found for Charles Pettigrew and Mary Lockhart. Wall erroneously gives the year as 1795; the correspondence in this volume clearly indicates that it was prior to September 13, 1794. The Lockhart Genealogy, undated papers, Pettigrew Papers, UNC, hereinafter cited as Lockhart Genealogy, gives the date as June 12, 1794, but there has been an erasure.
19 This chart is based on information found in: Deposition by Mary Lockhart Pettigrew; Marriage Bonds, Bertie County, for George Ryan to Elizabeth Lockhart, December 11, 1763; Lockhart Genealogy, although it erroneously shows Elizabeth Lillington Lockhart as the daughter rather than the sister of General Alexander Lillington (both of whom were chil- dren of Major Alexander Lillington), and it also shows a Reverend Ebe- nezer Pettigrew instead of Reverend Charles Pettigrew; and the following items in this volume: Will of James Lockhart, December 7, 1753; Elizabeth Lockhart Appointed Guardian, April 27, 1756; James Lockhart to Elizabeth Lockhart, March 9, 1772; Alexander Lillington to Elizabeth Lockhart, December 12, 1779; Will of Elizabeth Lockhart, January 10, 1791; Rebecca Barnes to Mary Lockhart, August 6, 1792; William Clements to Charles Pettigrew, September 13, 1794; David Lockhart to Charles Pettigrew, August 24, 1796; Charles Pettigrew to Mrs. Tunstall, June 22, 1803; and six letters from George L. Ryan to Mary Lockhart Pettigrew, June 3, 1807— August 19, 1811.
20 This is summarized from letters contained in this volume.
21 Ebenezer Pettigrew to Thomas B. Haughton, August 11, 1803, in this volume, p. 312.
xvii
N.C. Department of Archives and History
Scuppernong sailed for the West Indies or for New York bear- ing cargoes to various merchant firms and returning with fine goods ordered by the planters. The chief New York firms dealt with by the Pettigrews were Kelly & Mollan, Mollan & Rankin, and Mollan, Rankin & Gallop. Upon occasion Ebenezer went to New York to attend to business.22 Most of the time the Petti- grews had no overseer ; and although Charles never wrote about engaging in physical labor, Ebenezer frequently described sow- ing wheat, building a barn, digging drainage ditches, and the like.
On April 8, 1807, Charles Pettigrew died at the age of sixty- three.23 Mrs. Pettigrew remained at "Belgrade" ; Ebenezer ap- peared devoted to her and ran both plantations from "Bonarva." Mrs. Elizabeth Pambrun was a companion to his stepmother for many years.24 Although Ebenezer grieved that his friends James Iredell and Thomas Haughton led a gay city life while he was a hardworking farmer, he built up a valuable property. In 1815 he owned 309 acres in Tyrrell County, 385 acres in Washington County, and 17 slaves; although the acreage was relatively small, the high tax valuation placed on it indi- cated the excellence of his development of the property.25 After a long courtship, Ebenezer married his cousin Ann (Nancy) Blount Shepard of New Bern on May 17, 1815, and built a new home for her that year, purchasing the furnishings from New York.26 Nancy spent the summers at "Bonarva" and the winters in New Bern, while Ebenezer managed the plantations. His father-in-law, William Shepard, and Thomas Trotter, of Wash- ington, North Carolina, were both important business associates of his at this time. The couple had three children up to the end of 1818: Charles Lockhart Pettigrew, born February 21, 1816;
22 See, for example, Ebenezer Pettigrew to Thomas B. Haughton, March 18, 1804, p. 338 in this volume.
23 Blount-Pettigrew Genealogy.
24 Elizabeth Pambrun, daughter of John Vail and Elizabeth Swann of Chowan County, "lived many years in and about Edenton in a state of widowhood." Deposition by Mary Lockhart Pettigrew.
25 Tax lists for Tyrrell and Washington counties, 1815, in Treasurer's and Comptroller's Papers, County Settlements with the State, Tax Lists, Ruther- ford-Wayne, 1786-1830, State Archives, hereinafter cited as Tax List for the respective county.
26 Marriage Bonds, Craven County, for Ebenezer Pettegrew [sic] to Ann B. Sheppard [sic], May 13, 1815; Carolina Federal Republican (New Bern), May 30, 1815; Blount-Pettigrew Genealogy; Ebenezer Pettigrew to Ann Shepard Pettigrew, November 21, 1815, and December 2, 1815, pp. 497, 500, in this volume.
xviii
The Pettigrew Papers
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XIX
N.C. Department of Archives and History
William, born July 21, 1817, who died three days later; and William Shepard, born October 3, 1818.27
The later history of the family will be continued in Volume II.
A Survey of the Papers
From 1685 to 1795 the chief correspondent was Charles Petti- grew. Certain old family documents were kept by each of his two wives, but the body of the papers pertains to the life of Charles Pettigrew. A clergyman, his personal friends were largely clergymen also. His old teacher and mentor, Henry Pattillo, a Presbyterian clergyman, kept in touch with him. During the 1780s a number of itinerant Methodist preachers exchanged encouraging letters with Pettigrew: Caleb B. Peddi- cord, Henry Metcalf, Beverly Allen, and Edward Dromgoole. However, after the Methodists separated from the Anglican communion, Pettigrew abandoned them and worked with the Episcopal clergy of the state — Nathaniel Blount and Solomon Hailing in particular — to establish a diocese in North Carolina, climaxing with the correspondence relative to Charles Petti- grew's unconsummated consecration as bishop. The papers relative to this effort are almost entirely contained within the Pettigrew collection and are published in this volume. Not much of Charles Pettigrew's personal life is reflected here: only scat- tered letters to his brother in South Carolina and a few to his second wife and to his sons in school at the new University of North Carolina.
The letters and documents from 1796 to 1806 end with the death of Charles Pettigrew. Failing to be consecrated as bishop of North Carolina, he wrote fewer letters of a religious nature during this time, although he never lost interest in the con- troversy over infant baptism. Correspondence with Nathaniel Blount continued on a high literary and intellectual plane, with a number of comments on Napoleon, Federalist and Republican politics, and the wars in Europe. In 1800 a violent controversy erupted between Charles Pettigrew and Amariah Biggs over the veracity of each; the correspondence provides some amusement to the present-day reader. An important group of letters per- tains to college life at this time : John and Ebenezer not only wrote lengthy letters home during their attendance at the uni-
27 Blount-Pettigrew Genealogy.
xx
The Pettigrew Papers
versity but continued to hear from friends following their with- drawal; in addition, Frederick Beasley, John B. Haughton, and James Iredell, Jr., attended Princeton and described their studies and social life in letters to the Pettigrews. Finally, busi- ness matters of the period received increasing attention from the senior Pettigrew. He dealt with merchants in both Edenton and New York; he began to develop two plantations south of the sound ; he became involved in problems with land he had bought in Tennessee; and he was several times in court con- cerning debts owed his second wife or himself.
Between the years 1807 and 1818 the chief correspondent is Ebenezer Pettigrew. A bachelor for eight years of this period, he worked hard to continue the development of his two planta- tions, to prevent encroachment on his lands, to build and furnish a new house, and to care for his stepmother's affairs. His chief New York factor was Stuart Mollan, who, combined with vari- ous partners, sold Ebenezer's rice, wheat, and barrel staves, and shipped him blankets, tombstones and millstones, iron, machinery, and horses in return. Commerce between Edenton and New York was considerable at that time. Thomas Trotter, a remarkable Scotsman, was a frequent correspondent and re- vealed much of the small manufacturing procedures of the period. Another business friend was William Shepard of New Bern, a Blount connection and man of many affairs — land, bank stock, shipping. Several interesting references are made to the Embargo Act, the Non-Intercourse Act, and events of the War of 1812. Ebenezer Pettigrew, like his father, struggled with his Tennessee lands and finally decided to sell them. The other person most frequently included in the letters in this section is Ann (Nancy) Blount Shepard, who married Ebenezer Petti- grew. Their love letters reveal a beautiful and tender affection, as well as a sense of humor on both sides.
The collection is so voluminous and continuous that it forms an almost complete narrative account of the family's history and can be read as such.
The entire collection contains a wealth of information on religious life and affairs; on health and medicine; on daily life in Edenton, New Bern, and on neighboring plantations ; and on modes of travel. The student of the postal system will find the complete addresses on the originals of much interest, espe- cially the notations as to routes, costs, and dates of delivery.
The decision to conclude this volume with 1818 was entirely
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N.C. Department of Archives and History
arbitrary, based on size. Between 1815 and 1830 there is no natural break in the events covered by the papers.
Methodology
The Pettigrew Papers are deposited in the State Department of Archives and History at Raleigh, North Carolina, and in the Southern Historical Collection, Library of the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Following the caption of each document, its location is indicated thus: A&H for Archives and History, and UNC for the Library of the University of North Carolina.
The Pettigrews did not use letter books, but they kept a large number of their drafted letters and documents. As these are in their own handwriting, they are authentic rather than copies. Such documents have been marked with an asterisk (*) in the caption. Only two letters are copies made by another person; these are so indicated.
Spelling, or rather misspelling, varied greatly. The editor has interpreted in brackets those words which are grossly mis- spelled ; others which can be corrected by the addition of a letter or two in brackets have been so treated ; still others which might be interpreted as typographical errors have been marked sic; the remainder, if pronounceable, have been left untouched. Ex- cessively long dashes and flourishes have been reduced or elimi- nated. If necessary for clarification, punctuation has been inserted in brackets.
Indentation of salutations, closings, addresses, and paragraphs has been made consistent throughout. Irrelevant notations or those which are uninformative have been deleted. These are chiefly scribbles on the backs of letters or remarks by the postmaster through whose hands they have passed.
An effort has been made to identify as many persons and places as possible, with the exception of presidents of the United States, contemporary governors of North Carolina, Napoleon Bonaparte, and other prominent persons. Where the writer has given only one name, the first or last name where known has been added in brackets with sufficient frequency to keep the reader informed. Yet because of certain factors, such identifi- cation has been at times impossible. The writer of the letter may use only a common last name or a common first name. At other times, the records of the period may be missing for that very month or year. The editor has searched newspapers, marriage bonds, county tax lists, censuses, minutes of the court
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The Pettigrew Papers
of pleas and quarter sessions, civil action papers, wills, docu- mentary volumes, memoirs, and genealogies. Except in cases where the author of a letter remains unidentified, no notation has been thought necessary to that effect.
In addition to the index, many footnotes also contain refer- rals where the editor felt they were immediately valuable.
Special thanks are extended to Dr. C. 0. Cathey of the Uni- versity of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, who directed the original copying of the Pettigrew Papers before the pressure of a deanship compelled him to abandon the enterprise; to the staff of the search room at the State Department of Archives and History ; to my good friend Dr. Carolyn A. Wallace, curator of the Southern Historical Collection at UNC, who positively delights in unearthing an obscure reference; and to my mother who assisted in the wearing task of proofing typescript against the original manuscripts. The editor also appreciates the en- couragement, advice, and work of Mrs. Memory F. Mitchell, head of the Division of Publications of the State Department of Archives and History, and her staff (particularly Mrs. Brenda S. Stott and Mrs. Mary R. Peacock, who saw the book through the press) ; the late Dr. Christopher Crittenden, former director of the State Department of ArcYves and History; and Dr. H. G. Jones, director of the department.
Sarah McCulloh Lemmon
Meredith College Raleigh, North Carolina
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The Pettigrew Papers
PETTIGREW FAMILY PAPERS (1685-1818) INCLUDED
IN THIS VOLUME
Letters and Documents, 1685-1795
1. Will of James Blount, March 10, 1685
2. Will of James Lockhart, December 7, 1753
3. Elizabeth Lockhart Appointed Guardian, April 27, 1756
4. James Lockhart to Elizabeth Lockhart, March 9, 1772
5. Charles Pettigrew Appointed School Master, June 23, 1773
6. James Lockhart to Elizabeth Lockhart, May 17, 1774
7. Charles Cupples to Charles Pettigrew, June 16, 1776
8. Alexander Lillington to Elizabeth Lockhart, December 12, 1779
9. James Lockhart to Elizabeth Lockhart, December 16, 1779
10. Richard Templeman to Charles Pettigrew, January 10, 1780
11. Henry Pattilo to Charles Pettigrew, June 21, 1780
12. Charles Pettigrew Discharged from Military Service, June 27, 1780
13. Devereux Jarratt to Charles Pettigrew, August 13, 1782
14. Caleb B. Peddicord to Charles Pettigrew, December 29, 1782
15. Caleb B. Peddicord to Charles Pettigrew, April 2, 1783
16. Henry Metcalf to Charles Pettigrew [August, 1783?]
17. James Campbell to Charles Pettigrew, April 7, 1784
18. Charles Pettigrew to Francis Asbury, May 1, 1784
19. James H. Thomson to Charles Pettigrew, May 18, 1784
20. Anthony Walke to Charles Pettigrew, August 12, 1784
21. Peter Singleton to Charles Pettigrew, August 16, 1784
22. Edward Dromgoole to Charles Pettigrew, September 6, 1784
23. William White to Charles Pettigrew, October 18, 1784
24. Philip Bruce to Charles Pettigrew, November 8, 1784
25. Beverly Allen to Charles Pettigrew, November 17, 1784
26. Peter Singleton to Charles Pettigrew, December 30, 1784
27. John Smith to Charles Pettigrew, January 10, 1785
28. Charles Pettigrew to Mary B. Pettigrew, January 24, 1785
29. Charles Pettigrew to Mary B. Pettigrew, March 11, 1785
30. Charles Pettigrew to Mary B. Pettigrew, March 11, 1785, No. 2
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N.C. Department of Archives and History
31. Peter Singleton to Charles Pettigrew, March 21, 1785
32. Charles Williamson and John Cornick to Charles Petti- grew, May 6, 1785 [with enclosure]
33. Peter Singleton to Charles Pettigrew, May 7, 1785
34. William White to Charles Pettigrew, May 7, 1785
35. Charles Pettigrew to Charles Williamson and John Cor- nick, May 9, 1785
36. William White to Charles Pettigrew, June 6, 1785
37. Beverly Allen to Charles Pettigrew, June 11, 1785
38. James H. Thomson to Charles Pettigrew, February 19, 1786 [with draft of reply]
39. Wilson Blount to Charles Pettigrew, April 25, 1786
40. Peter Singleton to Charles Pettigrew, April 26, 1787
41. Charles Pettigrew to William White, July 3, 1787
42. Receipt from Penelope Barker for Attendance at a Fu- neral, February 27, 1788
43. Peter Singleton to Charles Pettigrew, June 10, 1788
44. Charles Pettigrew to Peter Singleton, July 14, 1788
45. Henry Pattillo to Charles Pettigrew, December 13, 1788
46. Charles Pettigrew to Henry Pattillo, January 9, 1789
47. Ebenezer Pettigrew to Charles Pettigrew, February 22, 1789 [copy]
48. Charles Pettigrew to Ebenezer Pettigrew, May 25, 1789
49. Charles Pettigrew to the Edenton Printers, July 16, 1789
50. Charles Pettigrew to Leo. Cutting, November 9, 1789
51. Charles Pettigrew to [ ] Macdougall, November 9,
1789
52. Leo. Cutting to Charles Pettigrew, November 28, 1789
53. Nathaniel Blount to Charles Pettigrew, January 29, 1790
54. Charles Johnson to Charles Pettigrew, May 22, 1790
55. Charles Pettigrew to the Committee of Correspondence, June 5, 1790
56. Proceedings of the Convention of the Clergy at Tar- borough, June 5, 1790
57. Charles Pettigrew to Reverend Doctor William White, June 6, 1790
58. Charles Pettigrew to John Leigh, June 16, 1790
59. Charles Pettigrew to John Leigh, June 29, 1790
60. Nathaniel Allen to Charles Pettigrew, July 25, 1790
61. James L. Wilson to Charles Pettigrew, December 30, 1790
62. Will of Elizabeth Lockhart, January 10, 1791
63. Charles Pettigrew to Nathaniel Allen [March 2, 1791?]
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The Pettigrew Papers
64. John Leigh to Charles Pettigrew, March 29, 1791
65. Nathaniel Allen to Charles Pettigrew, April 25, 1791
66. Charles Pettigrew to Nathaniel Allen, May 19, 1792
67. Charles Pettigrew to Thomas Littlejohn, June 18, 1791
68. Reverend Doctor William White to Charles Pettigrew, August 8, 1791
69. James L. Wilson to Charles Pettigrew, March 10, 1792
70. Charles Pettigrew to Reverend Doctor William White, March 12, 1792
71. Charles Pettigrew to John Leigh, April 5, 1792
72. Henry Pattillo to Charles Pettigrew, April 6, 1792
73. Charles Pettigrew to Henry Pattillo, May 12, 1792
74. Episcopal Gentlemen to Charles Pettigrew, July 15, 1792
75. Charles Pettigrew to Thomas Harman, July 16, 1792
76. Rebecca Barnes to Mary Lockhart, August 6, 1792
77. Rebecca Barnes to Mary Lockhart, July 6, 1793
78. Bill of Lading for Charles Pettigrew's Rice, August 6, 1793
79. Charles Pettigrew to Mary Lockhart, October 6, 1793
80. Solomon Hailing to Charles Pettigrew, October 28, 1793
81. Circular Letter to Members of the Protestant Episcopal Church [December, 1793?]
82. Solomon Hailing to Charles Pettigrew, December 15, 1793
83. Receipt for Tuition for John and Ebenezer Pettigrew, December 19, 1793
84. Sally Clements to Mary Lockhart, December 19, 1795 [1793]
85. Account of Charles Pettigrew with Charles F. Jandres, January, 1794
86. Charles Pettigrew to Solomon Hailing, February 2, 1794
87. Charles Pettigrew to Andrew Knox, April 22, 1794
88. Journal of the Convention of the Protestant Episcopal Church Held at Tarborough, May, 1794 [copy]
89. Constitution of the Protestant Episcopal Church in North Carolina, May 29, 1794 [copy]
90. William Clements to Charles Pettigrew, September 13, 1794
91. Robert S. Smithey to Charles Pettigrew, November 1, 1794
92. Joseph Bryan to Charles Pettigrew, January 21, 1795
93. Charles Pettigrew to Mary L. Pettigrew, March 15, 1795
94. John Pettigrew to Charles Pettigrew, April 5, 1795
95. Charles Pettigrew to Mary L. Pettigrew, April 8, 1795
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N.C. Department of Archives and History
96. William Pettigrew to Charles Pettigrew, April 27, 1795
97. John Pettigrew to Charles Pettigrew, May 4, 1795
98. Robert Johnston Miller to Charles Pettigrew, May 6, 1795
99. John Pettigrew to Charles Pettigrew, May 25, 1795
100. Charles Pettigrew to Reverend Doctor William White, June 9, 1795
101. Invoice for Eighteen Casks of Rice, June 26, 1795
102. Reverend Doctor William White to Charles Pettigrew, July 6, 1795
103. John Pettigrew to Charles Pettigrew, July 7, 1795
104. Charles Pettigrew to Mary L. Pettigrew, July 8, 1795
105. Tuition Receipt for John and Ebenezer Pettigrew, July 15, 1795
106. Charles Pettigrew to Mary L. Pettigrew, August 29, 1795
107. Charles Pettigrew to Reverend Doctor William White, September 5, 1795
108. Charles Pettigrew to John and Ebenezer Pettigrew, Sep- tember 19, 1795
109. Charles Pettigrew to Mary L. Pettigrew, October 1, 1795
110. John and Ebenezer Pettigrew to Charles Pettigrew, Octo- ber 3, 1795
111. Charles Pettigrew to Mary L. Pettigrew [October 8, 1795?]
112. Charles Pettigrew to Mary L. Pettigrew, October 9, 1795
113. Draft of Circular by Charles Pettigrew Requesting Elec- tion of Vestries, October 10, 1795
114. Charles Pettigrew to Charles Moore, November 2, 1795
115. Marriage License for Robert Whyte and Pheddy Shep- pard Glasgow, November 7, 1795, with marriage notation of November 8, 1795
Letters and Documents, 1796-1806
1. John and Ebenezer Pettigrew to Charles Pettigrew, Feb- ruary 23, 1796
2. Tuition Receipt for John and Ebenezer Pettigrew, Feb- ruary 24, 1796
3. Charles Pettigrew to Frederic Beasley, March 1, 1796
4. Fragment of a Letter by Charles Pettigrew Pertaining to a Civil Suit, March 27, 1796
5. John Pettigrew to Charles Pettigrew, April 12, 1796
6. Solomon Hailing to Charles Pettigrew, April 19, 1796
7. Charles Moore to Charles Pettigrew, April 21, 1796
8. Frederic Beasley to Charles Pettigrew, May 8, 1796
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The Pettigrew Papers
9. Elizabeth Pugh to Mary L. Pettigrew, June 17, 1796
10. John Pettigrew to Charles Pettigrew, August 23, 1796
11. David Lockhart to Charles Pettigrew, August 24, 1796
12. F. P. Lennox to Mary L. Pettigrew, September 11, 1796
13. Charles Pettigrew's Account with William Littlejohn, September 17, 1796
14. John Pettigrew to Charles Pettigrew, September 29, 1796
15. Robert Whyte to Charles Pettigrew, September 30, 1796
16. Receipt for a Negro Boy, November 16, 1796
17. Frederic Beasley to Charles Pettigrew, December 12, 1796
18. Frederic Beasley to Charles Pettigrew, February 6, 1797
19. Howell Tatum to Charles Pettigrew, February 7, 1797
20. John Pettigrew to Charles Pettigrew, March 22, 1797
21. Sally Clements to Mary L. Pettigrew, April 10, 1797
22. John Pettigrew to Charles Pettigrew, May 27, 1797
23. John Pettigrew to Charles Pettigrew, June 27, 1797
24. A Speech to be Delivered by Ebenezer Pettigrew, August 4, 1797
25. John Pettigrew to Charles Pettigrew, August 29, 1797
26. Tax Receipt for Charles Pettigrew, September, 1797
27. Charles Pettigrew to John Pettigrew, October 8, 1797
28. Charles Pettigrew to Joseph Caldwell, November 10, 1797 [copy]
29. Thomas G. Amis to Ebenezer Pettigrew, June 25, 1798
30. Ebenezer Pettigrew to Thomas G. Amis, August 6, 1798
31. Reverend Doctor William White and William Smith to Charles Pettigrew, August 8, 1798
32. John Pettigrew to Charles Pettigrew, September 4, 1798
33. Nathaniel Blount to Charles Pettigrew, September 15, 1798
34. John London to Ebenezer Pettigrew, December 11, 1798
35. Nathaniel Blount to Charles Pettigrew, January 17, 1799
36. John Little to Charles Pettigrew, March 12, 1799
37. Frederic Beasley to Charles Pettigrew, March 8, 1799
38. Charles Pettigrew to John Pettigrew, May 18, 1799
39. Frederic Beasley to Elizabeth Beasley, May 28, 1799
40. Ebenezer Pettigrew to John London, July 15, 1799
41. Charles Pettigrew to Andrew Knox, August 20, 1799
42. John Beasley to Charles Pettigrew, September 21, 1799
43. H. Hooker to Charles Pettigrew, September 7 [27?], 1799
44. John London to Ebenezer Pettigrew, September 28, 1799
45. William Albertson to Charles Pettigrew, January 20, 1800
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N.C. Department of Archives and History
46. A Circular Requesting Support for Edenton Academy, February 15, 1800
47. Arbitration Decision in the Case of Pettigrew v. Oliver, May 1, 1800
48. Depositions Concerning Glebe Lands, May 7 and 8, 1800
49. Charles Pettigrew to Amariah Biggs, May 11, 1800
50. Charles Pettigrew to Mary Verner, May 26, 1800
51. Amariah Biggs to Charles Pettigrew, May 28, 1800
52. Charles Pettigrew to Amariah Biggs, June 7, 1800
53. Amariah Biggs to Charles Pettigrew, June 15, 1800
54. Charles Pettigrew to Amariah Biggs, July 3, 1800
55. Charles Pettigrew to Amariah Biggs [July, 1800?]
56. John Little to Charles Pettigrew, July 16, 1800
57. Howell Tatum to Charles Pettigrew, September 11, 1800
58. William Slade to Charles Pettigrew, January 2, 1801
59. Alexander Millen to Charles Pettigrew, January 22, 1801
60. Nathaniel Blount to Charles Pettigrew, May 21, 1801
61. Nathaniel Blount to Charles Pettigrew, January 23, 1802
62. Charles Pettigrew to Ebenezer Pettigrew, April 10, 1802
63. Nathaniel Blount to Charles Pettigrew, May 4, 1802
64. Charles Pettigrew to Nathaniel Blount [May, 1802?]
65. Charles Pettigrew to Ebenezer Pettigrew, May 19, 1802
66. Charles Pettigrew to Ebenezer Pettigrew, June 21, 1802
67. Charles Pettigrew to Ebenezer Pettigrew, June 30, 1802
68. John Witherspoon to Charles Pettigrew, August 5, 1802
69. Charles Pettigrew to Ebenezer Pettigrew, August 13, 1802
70. Charles Pettigrew to John Witherspoon, September 22, 1802
71. Charles Pettigrew to Ebenezer Pettigrew, October 17, 1802
72. Charles Pettigrew to Benjamin Hawkins, December 16, 1802
73. Charles Pettigrew to Ebenezer Pettigrew, December 16, 1802
74. Thomas B. Haughton to Ebenezer Pettigrew, January 2, 1803 [1804]
75. John Witherspoon to Charles Pettigrew, March 4, 1803
76. Nathaniel Blount to Charles Pettigrew, May 9, 1803
77. Charles Pettigrew to Ebenezer Pettigrew, May 19, 1803
78. Charles Pettigrew to Ebenezer Pettigrew, May 22, 1803
79. Charles Pettigrew to Nathaniel Blount, June 6, 1803
80. Phillis Jennings to Mary [B.] Pettigrew, June 10, 1803
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The Pettigrew Papers
81. Charles Pettigrew to Rebecca Tunstall, June 22, 1803
82. Charles Pettigrew to Amariah Biggs, June 23, 1803
83. Ebenezer Pettigrew to Thomas B. Haughton, August 11, 1803
84. Thomas B. Haughton to Ebenezer Pettigrew, August 15, 1803
85. Nathaniel Blount to Charles Pettigrew, August 16, 1803
86. Ebenezer Pettigrew to James Iredell, Jr., August 17, 1803
87. Charles Pettigrew to Amariah Biggs, August 20, 1803
88. James Iredell, Jr., to Ebenezer Pettigrew, August 23, 1803
89. Charles Pettigrew to Nathaniel Blount, August 23, 1803
90. Charles Pettigrew to Howell Tatum, September 12, 1803
91. Ebenezer Pettigrew to James Iredell, Jr., October 15, 1803
92. Ebenezer Pettigrew to Thomas B. Haughton, October 16, 1803
93. James Iredell, Jr., to Ebenezer Pettigrew, November 11, 1803
94. James Iredell, Jr., to Ebenezer Pettigrew, December 16, 1803
95. Ebenezer Pettigrew to James Iredell, Jr., December 26, 1803
96. Ebenezer Pettigrew to James Iredell, Jr., December 31, 1803
97. James Iredell, Jr., to Ebenezer Pettigrew, January [26?], 1804
98. [Ebenezer Pettigrew] to James Iredell, Jr. [1804]
99. Charles Pettigrew to Nathaniel Blount, February 22, 1804
100. Ebenezer Pettigrew to James Iredell, Jr., March 15, 1804
101. Ebenezer Pettigrew to Thomas B. Haughton, March 18, 1804
102. James Iredell, Jr., to Ebenezer Pettigrew, March 28, 1804
103. Thomas B. Haughton to Ebenezer Pettigrew, April 4, 1804
104. Nathaniel Blount to Charles Pettigrew, May 7, 1804
105. Thomas B. Haughton to Ebenezer Pettigrew, May 19, 1804
106. James Iredell, Jr., to [Ebenezer Pettigrew], June 4, 1804
107. Ebenezer Pettigrew to Thomas B. Haughton, July 4, 1804
108. Ebenezer Pettigrew to James Iredell, Jr., July 4, 1804
109. Nathaniel Blount to Charles Pettigrew, August 20, 1804
110. Thomas B. Haughton to Ebenezer Pettigrew, October 7, 1804
111. James Iredell, Jr., to Ebenezer Pettigrew, October 16, 1804
N.C. Department of Archives and History
112. Charles Pettigrew to Ebenezer Pettigrew, October 25, 1804
113. Ebenezer Pettigrew to Thomas B. Haughton, December 8, 1804
114. Ebenezer Pettigrew to James Iredell, Jr., December 13, 1804
115. James Iredell, Jr., to Ebenezer Pettigrew, January 11, 1805
116. Nathaniel Blount to Charles Pettigrew [February, 1805?]
117. Ebenezer Pettigrew to James Iredell, Jr., March 20, 1805
118. Charles Pettigrew to Ebenezer Pettigrew, March 21, 1805
119. Thomas B. Haughton to Ebenezer Pettigrew, April 9, 1805
120. Frederic Beasley to John Beasley, April 11, 1805
121. James Iredell, Jr., to Ebenezer Pettigrew, April 25, 1805
122. Invitation to a Ship Launching, May 18, 1805
123. Ebenezer Pettigrew to James Iredell, Jr., May 25, 1805
124. Nathaniel Blount to Charles Pettigrew, May 25, 1805
125. Charles Pettigrew to [ ] Ross, May 29, 1805
126. Ebenezer Pettigrew to Thomas B. Haughton, June 6, 1805
127. Ann Beasley to John Beasley, June 10, 1805
128. Ebenezer Pettigrew to Charles Pettigrew, August 17, 1805
129. Ebenezer Pettigrew to James Iredell, Jr., September 26, 1805
130. Ebenezer Pettigrew to James Iredell, Jr., January 6, 1806
131. Will of Charles Pettigrew [January 26, 1806]
132. James Iredell, Jr., to Ebenezer Pettigrew, February 13, 1806
133. Wills & Beasley to Charles Pettigrew, March 12, 1806
134. Ebenezer Pettigrew to James Iredell, Jr., April 18, 1806
135. Ebenezer Pettigrew to Thomas B. Haughton, April 24, 1806
136. Ebenezer Pettigrew to Stuart Mollan, May 7, 1806
137. Thomas B. Haughton to Ebenezer Pettigrew, June 7, 1806
138. Charles Pettigrew to Ebenezer Pettigrew, June 15, 1806
139. James Iredell, Jr., to Ebenezer Pettigrew, June 18, 1806
140. Ebenezer Pettigrew to James Iredell, Jr., August 6, 1806
141. Charles Pettigrew to Ebenezer Pettigrew, September 2, 1806
142. William Pettigrew to Charles Pettigrew, November 26, 1806
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The Pettigrew Papers
143. Ebenezer Pettigrew to James Iredell, Jr., December 31, 1806
144. Fragment by Charles Pettigrew [1806]
Letters and Documents, 1807-1818
1. Howell Tatum to Charles Pettigrew, February 26, 1807
2. John Popelston to Ebenezer Pettigrew, April 30, 1807
3. Ebenezer Pettigrew to Tredwell & Thorn, May 25, 1807
4. George L. Ryan to Mary L. Pettigrew, June 3, 1807
5. George L. Ryan to Mary L. Pettigrew, August 10, 1807
6. William Shepard to Ebenezer Pettigrew, October 24, 1807
7. Stephen R. Hooker to Ebenezer Pettigrew, November 10, 1807
8. George L. Ryan to Mary L. Pettigrew, December 6, 1807
9. George L. Ryan to Mary L. Pettigrew, March 2, 1808
10. George L. Ryan to Mary L. Pettigrew, April 6, 1808
11. Stuart Mollan to Ebenezer Pettigrew, August 11, 1808
12. Stuart Mollan to Ebenezer Pettigrew, November 28, 1808
13. Ebenezer Pettigrew's Account with Joseph Christopher for 1808
14. Henry A. Donaldson to Ebenezer Pettigrew, May 10, 1809
15. Ebenezer Pettigrew to Stuart Mollan, May 29, 1809
16. John Armistead to Ebenezer Pettigrew, May 31, 1809
17. Ebenezer Pettigrew's Account with Kelly & Mollan, June 16, 1809
18. Kelly & Mollan to Ebenezer Pettigrew, June 19, 1809
19. James Norcom to Ebenezer Pettigrew, July 20, 1809
20. Thomas Trotter to Ebenezer Pettigrew, July 24, 1809
21. Ebenezer Pettigrew's Account with Kelly & Mollan, August 5, 1809
22. Ebenezer Pettigrew to Stuart Mollan, August 20, 1809
23. Receipt for Purchase of Blankets, October 23, 1809
24. Stuart Mollan to Ebenezer Pettigrew, October 25, 1809
[?]
25. Wilson Blount to Frederick Blount, November 1, 1809
26. George L. Ryan to Ebenezer Pettigrew, November 1, 1809
27. Ebenezer Pettigrew to Stuart Mollan, February 2, 1810
28. Stuart Mollan to Ebenezer Pettigrew, February 14, 1810
29. Thomas Trotter to Ebenezer Pettigrew, August 21, 1810
XXXlll
N.C. Department of Archives and History
30. Ebenezer Pettigrew's Account with Mollan & Rankin, August 29, 1810
31. Thomas Trotter to Ebenezer Pettigrew, August 30, 1810
32. Thomas Trotter to Ebenezer Pettigrew, September 13, 1810
33. Thomas Trotter to Ebenezer Pettigrew, October 2, 1810
34. Thomas Trotter to Ebenezer Pettigrew, October 28, 1810
35. Mollan & Rankin to Ebenezer Pettigrew, October 29, 1810
36. Ebenezer Pettigrew to Harriet [Slade] Langley, Novem- ber 4, 1810
37. Thomas Trotter to Ebenezer Pettigrew, December 5, 1810
38. Invitation to Ebenezer Pettigrew, December 8, 1810
39. Introducing Ebenezer Pettigrew, December 24, 1810
40. Thomas Trotter to Ebenezer Pettigrew, January 31, 1811
41. Reuben Carnal to Ebenezer Pettigrew, February 1, 1811
42. J. W. Littlejohn to Ebenezer Pettigrew, March 5, 1811
43. Ebenezer Pettigrew to John Armistead, March 14, 1811
44. Ebenezer Pettigrew to Mollan & Rankin, March 14, 1811
45. Ebenezer Pettigrew's Receipt for Purchase of Two Mules, May 4, 1811
46. Thomas Trotter to Ebenezer Pettigrew, June 20, 1811
47. James Hoskins to Ebenezer Pettigrew, June 28, 1811
48. Mollan & Rankin to Ebenezer Pettigrew, August 5, 1811
49. George L. Ryan to Mary L. Pettigrew, August 19, 1811
50. Thomas Trotter to Ebenezer Pettigrew, October 28, 1811
51. Stuart Mollan to Ebenezer Pettigrew, February 4, 1812
52. Frederick W. Hatch to Ebenezer Pettigrew, April 17, 1812
53. Frederick W. Hatch to Ebenezer Pettigrew, May 16, 1812
54. Thomas Trotter to Ebenezer Pettigrew, July 8, 1812
55. Thomas Trotter to Ebenezer Pettigrew, October 26, 1812
56. Thomas Trotter to Ebenezer Pettigrew, December 25, 1812
57. Ebenezer Pettigrew to Moses Fisk, January 24, 1813 [with copy of letter to Moses Fisk, November 6, 1811]
58. Moses Fisk to Ebenezer Pettigrew, May 17, 1813
59. Thomas Trotter to Ebenezer Pettigrew, June 1, 1813
60. Benedicta Smith to Mary L. Pettigrew, August 18, 1813
61. Stuart Mollan to Ebenezer Pettigrew, November 3, 1813
62. John Haughton to Mary L. Pettigrew, January 20, 1814
XXXIV
The Pettigrew Papers
63. Clement H. Blount to Ebenezer Pettigrew, January 30, 1814
64. Ebenezer Pettigrew to Frederick Blount, March 18, 1814
65. Ebenezer Pettigrew to Frederick Blount, May 26, 1814
66. Moses Fisk to Ebenezer Pettigrew, June 6, 1814
67. Ebenezer Pettigrew to Frederick Blount, J[uly?] 17, 1814
68. Ebenezer Pettigrew to William Shepard, September 6, 1814
69. Clement H. Blount to Ebenezer Pettigrew, September 18, 1814
70. Ebenezer Pettigrew's Tax Receipt for Land in Tennessee, October 24, 1814
71. Moses Fisk to Ebenezer Pettigrew, November 15, 1814
72. Will of John Beasley, November 23, 1814
73. Ebenezer Pettigrew to William Shepard, December 17, 1814
74. Ebenezer Pettigrew to Ann B. Shepard, December 17, 1814
75. William Shepard to Ebenezer Pettigrew, December 22, 1814
76. Frederick Blount to Ebenezer Pettigrew, December 23, 1814
77. William Shepard to Ebenezer Pettigrew, February 6, 1815
78. Ebenezer Pettigrew to Ann B. Shepard, April 14, 1815
79. Ebenezer Pettigrew to William Shepard, April [14], 1815
80. Frederick Blount to Ebenezer Pettigrew, April 17, 1815
81. Ann B. Shepard to Ebenezer Pettigrew, April 17, 1815
82. William Shepard to Ebenezer Pettigrew, April 17, 1815
83. Ebenezer Pettigrew to [Thomas Trotter], April [n.d.], 1815
84. Ebenezer Pettigrew to Mollan & Rankin, May 1, 1815
85. Ann S. Pettigrew to Hannah Shepard, May 29, 1815
86. Ebenezer Pettigrew to John Shepard, July 18, 1815
87. Ebenezer Pettigrew to Ann S. Pettigrew, October 10, 1815
88. Ann S. Pettigrew to Ebenezer Pettigrew, October 15, 1815
89. Sheriff's Conveyance to Ebenezer Pettigrew, October 16, 1815
90. Ann S. Pettigrew to Ebenezer Pettigrew, November 5, 1815
91. Ebenezer Pettigrew to Ann S. Pettigrew, November 10, 1815
XXXV
N.C. Department of Archives and History
92. Ebenezer Pettigrew to Ann S. Pettigrew, November 21, 1815
93. Ann S. Pettigrew to Ebenezer Pettigrew, November 30, 1815
94. Ebenezer Pettigrew to Ann S. Pettigrew, December 2, 1815
95. Moses Fisk to Ebenezer Pettigrew, December 14, 1815
96. Ebenezer Pettigrew to Ann S. Pettigrew, January [n.d.], 1816
97. Ann S. Pettigrew to Ebenezer Pettigrew, January 22, 1816
98. Ann S. Pettigrew to Ebenezer Pettigrew, February 1, 1816
99. Ebenezer Pettigrew to Ann S. Pettigrew, February 9, 1816
100. William Shepard to Ebenezer Pettigrew, February 18, 1816
101. Ebenezer Pettigrew to Stuart Mollan, February [n.d.], 1816
102. Ann S. Pettigrew to Ebenezer Pettigrew, March 14, 1816
103. Ebenezer Pettigrew to Ann S. Pettigrew, March 15, 1816
104. Ann S. Pettigrew to Ebenezer Pettigrew, March [n.d.], 1816
105. William Shepard to Ebenezer Pettigrew, March 19, 1816
106. Will of William Shepard, April 4, 1816
107. Ebenezer Pettigrew to [William Shepard], April 8, 1816
108. Ann S. Pettigrew to Ebenezer Pettigrew, April [n.d.], 1816
109. Thomas Trotter to Ebenezer Pettigrew, April 15, 1816
110. Ebenezer Pettigrew to Stuart Mollan, June 13, 1816
111. Ann S. Pettigrew to Hannah Shepard, June 26, 1816
112. Ebenezer Pettigrew to James Iredell, Jr., July 5, 1816
113. Ann S. Pettigrew to Mary Shepard, July 7 [1816]
114. Moses Fisk to Ebenezer Pettigrew, July 17, 1816
115. William Shepard to Ebenezer Pettigrew, August 21, 1816
116. Agreement between Moses E. Cator and Ebenezer Petti- grew, August 30, 1816
117. Ebenezer Pettigrew to William Shepard, September 2, 1816
118. Ebenezer Pettigrew to Mary L. Pettigrew, September 4, 1816
119. Ebenezer Pettigrew's Bill of Lading for Wheat, Septem- ber 9, 1816
XXXVI
The Pettigrew Papers
120. Ebenezer Pettigrew to Stuart Mollan, September 10, 1816
121. William Shepard to Ebenezer Pettigrew, September 30, 1816
122. William Shepard to Ebenezer Pettigrew, October 1, 1816
123. John Haughton to Ebenezer Pettigrew, October 11, 1816
124. William Shepard to Ebenezer Pettigrew, October 14, 1816
125. Moses Fisk to Ebenezer Pettigrew, October 25, 1816
126. Ebenezer Pettigrew's Power of Attorney to Moses E. Cator, November 2, 1816
127. Ann S. Pettigrew to Ebenezer Pettigrew, December 27, 1816
128. Ebenezer Pettigrew to Ann S. Pettigrew, December 31, 1816
129. Ebenezer Pettigrew Appointed Justice of the Peace, [n.d.], 1817
130. Statement of the Cost of a Negro Man for One Year, [n.d.], 1817
131. Ebenezer Pettigrew to Moses E. Cator, January 7, 1817
132. Ebenezer Pettigrew to Ann S. Pettigrew, January 7, 1817 [with enclosure]
133. Ann S. Pettigrew to Ebenezer Pettigrew, January 17, 1817
134. Ebenezer Pettigrew to Ann S. Pettigrew, January 20, 1817
135. Snoad B. Carraway to Ebenezer Pettigrew, January 28, 1817
136. Moses Fisk to Ebenezer Pettigrew, January 28, 1817
137. John Haughton to Mary L. Pettigrew, January 30, 1817
138. Ebenezer Pettigrew to Mollan, Rankin & Gallop, March 1, 1817
139. Eliza Hooker to Mary L. Pettigrew, March 4, 1817
140. Ann S. Pettigrew to Ebenezer Pettigrew, March 4, 1817
141. Ann S. Pettigrew to Ebenezer Pettigrew, March 11, 1817
142. Mollan, Rankin & Gallop to Ebenezer Pettigrew, March 14, 1817
143. Ebenezer Pettigrew to Moses Fisk, March 15, 1817
144. Ebenezer Pettigrew to Ann S. Pettigrew, March 22, 1817
145. Ann S. Pettigrew to Ebenezer Pettigrew, March [n.d.], 1817
146. Thomas Trotter to Ebenezer Pettigrew, March 28, 1817
147. Ebenezer Pettigrew to James C. Johnston, March 29, 1817
xxxvn
N.C. Department of Archives and History
148. Snoad B. Carraway to Thomas Trotter, April 2, 1817
149. Ebenezer Pettigrew to James C. Johnston, April 18, 1817
150. William B. Shepard to Ebenezer Pettigrew, April 18, 1817
151. Ebenezer Pettigrew to David Witherspoon, April 24, 1817
152. George L. Ryan to Mary L. Pettigrew, April 26, 1817
153. James B. Fuller to Ebenezer Pettigrew, May 15, 1817
154. Ebenezer Pettigrew to James C. Johnston, May 19, 1817
155. John Vail to Ebenezer Pettigrew, May 19, 1817
156. Ebenezer Pettigrew's Bill of Lading for Corn, May 28, 1817
157. Ebenezer Pettigrew to Mollan, Rankin & Gallop, May 28, 1817
158. William Shepard to Ebenezer Pettigrew, July 1, 1817
159. Ebenezer Pettigrew to Moses Fisk, July 7, 1817
160. Ebenezer Pettigrew to Mollan, Rankin & Gallop, July 17, 1817
161. Judgment against William Claughs and John Morrimer, July 18, 1817
162. Ebenezer Pettigrew to William Shepard, July 28, 1817
163. Snoad B. Carraway to Thomas Trotter, August 1, 1817
164. David Witherspoon to Ebenezer Pettigrew, August 2, 1817
165. Moses E. Cator to Ebenezer Pettigrew, August 5, 1817
166. Mollan, Rankin & Gallop to Ebenezer Pettigrew, August 8, 1817
167. Ebenezer Pettigrew to Mollan, Rankin & Gallop, August 31, 1817
168. [Mollan, Rankin & Gallop] to Ebenezer Pettigrew, Sep- tember 5, 1817
169. Ebenezer Pettigrew to Mollan, Rankin & Gallop, Septem- ber 7, 1817
170. William Shepard to Ebenezer Pettigrew, October 1, 1817
171. Ebenezer Pettigrew to James C. Johns [t] on, October 16, 1817
172. Ebenezer Pettigrew's Note to Mary L. Pettigrew, October 23, 1817
173. George L. Ryan to Ebenezer Pettigrew, October 23, 1817
174. Ebenezer Pettigrew to James C. Johnston, October 27, 1817
175. Ebenezer Pettigrew to Moses E. Cator, November 1, 1817
176. George Witherspoon to Ebenezer Pettigrew, December 7, 1817
XXXVlll
The Pettigrew Papers
177. Hannah B. Shepard to Ann S. Pettigrew, December 10, 1817
178. Josiah Collins, Jr., to Ebenezer Pettigrew, December 10, 1817
179. Moses E. Cator to Ebenezer Pettigrew, January 9, 1818
180. Ann S. Pettigrew to Ebenezer Pettigrew, January 22, 1818
181. Ebenezer Pettigrew to Ann S. Pettigrew, January 25, 1818
182. Ann S. Pettigrew to Ebenezer Pettigrew, February 1, 1818
183. William Shepard to Ebenezer Pettigrew, February 6, 1818
184. Ebenezer Pettigrew to Ann S. Pettigrew, February 12, 1818
185. Ann S. Pettigrew to Ebenezer Pettigrew, February 20, 1818
186. Account of Ebenezer Pettigrew with Mollan, Rankin & Gallop, February 27, 1818
187. Ebenezer Pettigrew to Ann S. Pettigrew, March 6, 1818
188. William B. Shepard to Hannah Shepard, March 8, 1818
189. William Shepard to Ebenezer Pettigrew, March 9, 1818
190. Ebenezer Pettigrew to Ann S. Pettigrew, March 10, 1818
191. Ann S. Pettigrew to Ebenezer Pettigrew, March 12, 1818
192. Ann S. Pettigrew to Ebenezer Pettigrew, March 17, 1818
193. Moses E. Cator to Ebenezer Pettigrew, March 21, 1818
194. Ebenezer Pettigrew to Ann S. Pettigrew, April 19, 1818
195. Ann S. Pettigrew to Ebenezer Pettigrew, April 20, 1818
196. Ebenezer Pettigrew to James C. Johnston, May 1, 1818
197. Ebenezer Pettigrew to Ann S. Pettigrew, May 1, 1818
198. Moses Fisk to Ebenezer Pettigrew, May 29, 1818
199. Thomas Trotter to Ebenezer Pettigrew, May 31, 1818
200. Mary Shepard to Ann S. Pettigrew, June 4, 1818
201. Ebenezer Pettigrew to James C. Johnston, June 6, 1818
202. William Shepard to Ebenezer Pettigrew, June 26, 1818
203. Ebenezer Pettigrew to Mollan, Rankin & Gallop, July 11, 1818
204. Bill of Lading of Ebenezer Pettigrew to Mollan, Rankin & Gallop, July 11, 1818
205. Account of Sales of Ebenezer Pettigrew's Wheat, July 23, 1818
206. George Witherspoon to Ebenezer Pettigrew, July 24, 1818
207. Stuart Mollan to Ebenezer Pettigrew, July 25, 1818
208. Bill of Lading of Mollan, Rankin & Gallop to Ebenezer Pettigrew, July 25, 1818
209. William Shepard to Ebenezer Pettigrew, August 2, 1818
XXXIX
N.C. Department of Archives and History
210. Frederick Blount to Ebenezer Pettigrew, August 5, 1818
211. William Shepard to Ebenezer Pettigrew, August 5, 1818
212. Mary Shepard to Ann S. Pettigrew, August 5, 1818
213. James Moffatt to Ebenezer Pettigrew, August 6, 1818
214. James Hoskins to Ebenezer Pettigrew, August 7, 1818
215. M. C. Sawyer to Ebenezer Pettigrew, August 13, 1818
216. Ebenezer Pettigrew to Moses E. Cator, August 13, 1818
217. Ebenezer Pettigrew to Moses Fisk, August 13, 1818
218. Ann S. Pettigrew to Mary Shepard, August 14, 1818
219. David Goodmers to Ebenezer Pettigrew, August 18, 1818
220. Moses Fisk to Ebenezer Pettigrew, September 10, 1818
221. Richard Wood to Lois Bateman, September 13, 1818
222. Thomas Trotter to Ebenezer Pettigrew, September 21, 1818
223. Bill of Sale to Ebenezer Pettigrew, September 21, 1818
224. George L. Ryan to Ebenezer Pettigrew, September 25, 1818
225. J. and J. N. Gordon to Ebenezer Pettigrew, October 2, 1818
226. Ebenezer Pettigrew to William Shepard, October 3, 1818
227. George L. Ryan to Ebenezer Pettigrew, October 17, 1818
228. Account of Ebenezer Pettigrew with Moses Fisk, Novem- ber 6, 1818
229. James C. Johnston to Ebenezer Pettigrew, November 15, 1818
230. Ebenezer Pettigrew to William Peace, November 15, 1818
231. Ebenezer Pettigrew to Mollan, Rankin & Gallop, November 15, 1818
232. Moses E. Cator to Ebenezer Pettigrew, November 21, 1818
233. Ebenezer Pettigrew to James C. Johnston, November 27, 1818
234. Ebenezer Pettigrew to Ann S. Pettigrew, December 9, 1818
235. Ann S. Pettigrew to Ebenezer Pettigrew, December 16, 1818
236. Ebenezer Pettigrew to Stuart Mollan, December 18, 1818
237. Ebenezer Pettigrew to Ann S. Pettigrew, December 18, 1818
238. Ebenezer Pettigrew's Method of Making Leather Impervi- ous to Water, December 20, 1818
239. Ebenezer Pettigrew to William Shepard, December 25, 1818
240. Bill of Sale for a Slave, December 30, 1818
xl
THE PETTIGREW PAPERS
Letters and Documents, 1685-1795 Will of James Blount**1
[March 10, 1685]
In the Name of God, Amen! I James Blount of Chowan Pre- cinct In the County of Albemarle In the Province of Carolina Esq1", well knowing the uncertainty of this life doe make ordain and Appoint this to bee my Last will & Testament hereby re- voking & annulling all former wills by me made, & this only to be taken and reputed as my Last will.
Imp8., I Bequeath my Soul to God who gave it & my Body to the earth to be decently enterred, & as for that worldly Estate which it hath pleased God to bestow upon me in this Life, my Just Debts funeral expences & legacyes, being first paid I give & bequeath as followeth — Item., I give unto my Son James Blount one Shilling in Country comodities to be paid him by my Executrix hereafter named within one yeare after my Decease., Item., I give unto my sonn Thomas Blount & to my two Daughters Ann Slocumb & Elizabeth Hawkins each of them twelve pounds a pece in Country Comodities to be paid them within one yeare after my Decease., Item., I give & bequeath to my grand Children James Sarah & Ann Blount the Children of my Sonn Thomas Blount & to Ann Slocumb the child of my Daughter Ann Slocumb & to John Hawkins the sonn of My Daughter Elizabeth Hawkins Each of them a Cow & Calfe to be paid to their several parents within three yeares after my Decease in some sort of Stock to run for the use & behoof of the said Children till they severally come of age or by marriage capacitated to receive the same., Item., I give & bequeath all the remainder part of my Estate reall & personall whether it consists in Lands Houses negroes servants Stock household goods or any other kind or Specie whatsoever unto my loving Wife Ann Blount for her to have hold occupy & enjoy during her natural Life without Lett or controule and at her
1 James Blount was the great-grandfather of Mary Blount, first wife of Charles Pettigrew. See the introduction for an account of the family.
2 N.C. Department of Archives and History
Death to dispose out of the same to the value of sixty pounds in Country comodities to whomsoever she shall think fitt and after her my said wifes decease I give the whole remainder of my Estate to my sonn John Blount & his heirs forever and I do hereby appoint & ordaine that my said Sonn John shall be decently maintained out of the Estate during his minority and in Case my said wife Ann should live till after my said Son John should come of age, then if he should happen to marry, or to go live in some other place from my said wife, then she to pay him thirty or forty pounds (which she pleaseth) in Country Commodities., Lastly I appoint my Loving Wife Ann Blount my whole & sole Executrix of this my Last Will & Testament de- siring her to be careful in every article & clause thereof & for conf ermation of the same I hereunto set my hand & seal this ninth Day of July in the year of our Lord God one thousand six hundred & eighty five March the 10th 1685., Before signing sealing or publication I do hereby appoint, that in Case my sonn John should dye without heir male, then I give & bequeath all my Lands & houses to the heir male of my son Thomas Blount, & so successively doe entail the same on the heirs of my said Thomas forever. But in case the heirs male of my said John & Thomas should both fail, Then I entail the same on the heirs general of Son John, first then, of my son Thomas, and if both should fail, then of the heirs of my Daugh- ters Ann Slocum & Elizabeth Hawkins
Signed sealed & James Blount
published, as his Last will & testament in presence of
her Jane x (her mark) Miller
mark John Hall William Dobson John Wettinhall
[Notation on the back:]
(The above was proved & registered a Copy — )
The Pettigrew Papers 3
Will of James Lockhart*2 unc
December 7th. 1753 In the name of God Amen
I James Lockhart of Bertie County in North Carolina being very low and weak in Body, but in perfect mind & memory make this my last will and Testament Revoking all other here- tofore made; first; I recommend my Soul into the hands of Almighty God who Gave it in hopes of a Joyfull Resurriction — Imprimus my will is that my Dear & loving Wife — Elizabeth Lockhart live on and enjoy all the Priviledge of the plantation where I now live and at her decease I give it to my son Lillington Lockhart to him and his heirs forever — My two Plantations at Cashock I give to my son George Lockhart to him and his heirs forever — All the rest of my lands I give to my Son James Lockhart to him and his heirs forever and after all my Just Debts is paid the remainder of my Estate my will and desire is that it be equally divided to my dear wife and among my Children each one an Equal Share —
If it Should please God that either of my children Should die before they marry or come of age their Share to be equally divided as before mentioned — And further I desire that my son Lillington Lockhart have my hourse Stousey — My will and disire is that my dear wife Elizabeth Lockhart my Son Lillington Lockhart and my friend Michael Coutanch3 act as Executors to this my last Will and Testament —
Signed & Sealed Jas. Lockhart Seale
in presence of us
Edward Bryan
John Burn
Thos Jacox
Andrew Burn Jun'r
2 James Lockhart was the father of Mary Lockhart, second wife of Charles Pettigrew. See the introduction for an account of the family.
3 Michael Coutanch was apparently a resident of Beaufort County, where a Michael Cotanche was named executor for the estate of John Peyton Porter in 1755, and a Mitchell Courtanch was executor for the estate of James Brown in Bath Town in 1746. J. Bryan Grimes, Abstract of North Carolina Wills Compiled from Original and Recorded Wills in the Office of the Secretary of State (Raleigh: E. M. Uzzell & Co., 1910), 50, 295, hereinafter cited as Grimes, Abstract of Wills. Captain Michael Coutanche built the house known as the Palmer-Marsh House in Bath about 1744. Historic Bath (Raleigh: State Department of Archives and History [1963]), passim. Undoubtedly all of the names used refer to the same person.
4 N.C. Department of Archives and History
Bartie [sic] County May Court 1754
The last will and Testament of James Lockhart Decd. was Echepted into Court by Lillington Lockhart one of the Executors appointed by the sd. Will & was proved by the Oath of Andrew Burn one of the Subscribing witnesses thereto. At the Same time the Said Lillington Quallefied himself by taking the oath of an Executor ordered that the Same be certified
Copy Sam'l Armes CI Cur.
J Speight Cro. sec
Elizabeth Lockhart Appointed Guardian* UNC
[April 27, 1756] North Carolina Bertie County
At a Court Begun and Holden for Bertie County on the xxviith Day of April Anno Dom. MDCCLVI
Present His Majestys Justices.
ordered that Elizabeth Lockhart be and she is hereby ap- pointed guardian to Mary Lockhart (orphan or minor of James Lockhart Deced) under the age of fourteen years, She Giving Secu[ri]ty in the sum of Three hundred Pound Proclamation money : and Thereupon Edward Rasor4 Esquire and David Ryan5 appeared in Court and offered themselves as Secu[ri]ty, who was approved off.
It is also further Ordered that the said Elizabeth Lockhart take into her Possession all the Estate Belonging to the said
4 Edward Rasor was apparently a prominent citizen of Bertie County to judge by the frequency with which he served as executor of estates and/or as witness to wills. Grimes, Abstract of Wills, 87, 280, 306, 331, 367.
6 David Ryan was the son of Thomas Ryan of Bertie County, a man of some property, who died in 1753 leaving to David land on Cashy (Cashie) Neck and to another son, George, two plantations in Chowan County, a water mill, and 150 acres of land on the Cashy River. A daughter, Eliza- beth, married Cornelius Campbell, thus making a connection with another family which is frequently mentioned in the letters which follow. Thomas Ryan's will is in Grimes, Abstract of Wills, 323.
The Pettigrew Papers 5
Orphan and an Inventory thereof to Return (on oath) to this Court at next Sitting.
Benj". Wynns Cler Cut
Guardianship of Mary Lockhart.
Order.
Copy
1756
James Lockhart 6 to Elizabeth Lockhart a&h
On board the Snow 7 Hope Teaches Hole 8
9th March 1772 My Dear Mother
I acquainted you the 5th. Instant under cover of Col0. [Ed- ward?] Vail9 of our arrivall here to which please be Referred Since which I mett with one Mr. Francis Dawson who lives in the Mouth of Neuse River about 30 Miles below Newbern and 70 or 80 from Uncle Lillington's he has given me a kind Invitation to his House and the Lent of a Horse to carry me to Capefear without any veiw [sic] of gain he is a Man of a Considerable property and has offered his house as long as I find Convenient, he is gone home himself and shall in a few days proceed after him as I hope to get an Opportunity then whereof shall acquaint you, remaining here for a Short time to Recruit myself and am thank God bravely & hope to Continue so — I am very happy with Cap1. Sharkey who Insists on my
9 James Lockhart was the son of James Lockhart and Elizabeth Lillington and brother of Mary Lockhart. See the Will of James Lockhart, December 7, 1753, in this volume. James married Mary Crotah (Cratch?) and they had four children: James, Lillington, Elizabeth, and Mary. It is not known, however, where they finally settled. Lockhart Genealogy.
7 A snow was a type of sailing ship, being a two-masted square-rigged vessel.
8 Teaches Hole was an anchorage at Ocracoke Inlet where ships waited if necessary to cross the bar into the ocean. It is shown on the Price and Strother map of North Carolina, 1808. Price and Strother Map, Plate IX, in William P. Cumming, North Carolina in Maps (Raleigh: State Depart- ment of Archives and History, 1966), hereinafter cited as Price and Strother Map.
6 No Colonel Vail has been identified. A General Vail is mentioned by William S. Pettigrew as having "some family connection" with Colonel John Blount, father of Mary Blount Pettigrew. He also mentioned Benners Vail of New Bern, who was of Ebenezer Pettigrew's generation. William S. Pettigrew to Joseph Blount Cheshire, Jr., September 13, 1890 [copy], "Genealogy," Pettigrew Papers, UNC. The mother of Mary Blount Petti- grew was Sarah E. Vail, but the names of the latter's parents are not known. Hathaway, Historical and Genealogical Register, I, 132.
6 N.C. Department of Archives and History
remaining in his Ship as long as I stay here he has given me a very warm state Room & the Benefit of a Good stove in the Cabbin & no Vessell here besides with one; I shall take a Good time for Mr Dawsons about 40. or 50 miles from hence & then write by Post under Cover of Edw'1. Vail, This goes by the Unfortunate Cap1. Towers who goes up with what goods he has saved out of his Schooners lost on the Swatch near this another Schooner recd. great Damage same place & is going up the Country to repair, this Snow was in great dainger and not- withstanding two [ ?] Thumps is light & not hurt
I have Disposed of my Stock for I declined going out for the reason in my first having Several invitations to a Passage & have got the prices above I now have good twenty four pounds and upwards in Dollars wrh. with Oeconomey hope to do very well with and shall greatly acknowledge your favors — my Brother will excuse my not writing at this time as I shoud only repeat this letter wch. Serves for your his, & all the Famileys Information. I recommend you & they to Divine Pro- tection being with love to them & with particular Affection remain Loving Mother Your ever affr. Son,
Jas. Lockhart
Charles Pettigrew Appointed School Master UNC
[June 23, 1773] North Carolina
By His Excellency Josiah Martin Esquire His Majesty's Captain General and Gov- ernor in Chief in and over the said Province.
To M'. Charles Pettigrove [Pettigrew] greeting, out of the confidence I have in your Loyality, skill and Ability, and in virtue of an Act of Assembly of the Province aforesaid, I do hereby Licence and Appoint You the said Charles Pettigrove Master of the Publick school in Edenton During my Pleasure, you having been recommended to me according to Law
Given under my hand and seal at arms, at Edenton the twenty third of June, Anno domini one thousand seven Hundred and seventy three.
Jo. Martin.
The Pettigrew Papers 7
James Lockhart to Elizabeth Lockhart a&h
Linestone on the N°. East river
of Capefear
Duplin 17th. May 1774
My dear Mother
My last to you was dated in Wilmington early in April by A stranger for Halifax who was to deliver it to Mr. Andrew Miller to whose care it was addressed, w(h. hope you have received e're now, to wch. refer, & pray God that & this may find you alive and well, my Brother Sisters, & theirs the same, Not having heard one single sentance from you nor they since I left Bertie which I [illegible] to hope you are all alive & well (wch. I pray God may be the Case) as I have not heard a word to ye Contrary, — The Bearer Samuel Sanderlin I have hired to go in with Greasar to you (whom I told) that you had Com- plimented me with but I Chosed to return him expecting you stood in need of him, & as I had another horse. I wish it has not been too much the Case, and assure you the detention of him has given me a vast deal of uneasiness but as I expected to have had the [illegible] to have done myself the happiness of seeing you was partly the Case may not sending him sooner wch. I hope my Dear Mother has not been of any great Injury to you, Nor do I think I can till late in the summer do myself that happiness being so engaged in Business that I must attend to having opened a spring assortment of ab1. 2000 £ worth of Goods & expect in Octor. to open a fall Store of ab1. 3000 £ having the run of the Custom of this place and the Good Opinion of my Customers Insomuch that I am not affraid of any Rival expectin to enter into Copartnership with Messr\ George & Thos. Hooper of Wilmington whose dealing is extensive from London where they have last month wrote to for a large Qty. of winter Goods & if I do not Chose to be concerned with them I still will be supplyed with any Qtv. of Goods I can dispose of at a reasonable advance for Commodities wch. I can send down from this to Wilmington either in Boats or Rafts having the Last Season purchased ab1. 350 £ worth of pork [?] besides Deerskins &c to the son1, of 150 more & balance due me before I opened the spring assortment of ab*. 350 £ in Good hands — these Circumstances I commit to your own Breast, & hope in God if he spares you & me a few years longer to have it in my power to render you more happy than you have been of late, wch. has given me
8 N.C. Department of Archives and History
Inexpressible concern; I left Wilmington abl. a fortnight ago (& expect to be there & back before the Bearer returns) & I [?] always make my Uncles10 House (abfc. 35 miles below this) a stage going down & coming up, he was then my Aunt & Cousins pretty well he has been almost at Deaths Door this last winter having an Imposthume11 in his Stomack &«s. but has got the better of it & has been a long time on the Recovery but I doubt he never will get as well as he has formerly been Old M'. Swann & Mr. Jones his Bror. in Law died this Spring, — It has been a little surprizing to me the Power of Atty. never was forwarded me for by this time (if any thing was to be recovered it might have been sent) I wrote Col. Harvey12 who wrote me he never saw it nor heard a word abl. it since he saw the execution of it at his House my motive was purely to serve the distressed if in my Power to get any thing as no Body knew so much of the matter as myself & the person impowerd would I believe do the best he coud to serve the distress'd, however its never being forwarded me can't but be a Matter of surprize, God knows it is my Utmost desire to do a relation in particular a Service if in my power especially a sister & Niece in distressed Cir- cumstances if their has been any Collution in preventing their sending it to me they have only done themselves & Injury & not me for I can get any Goods I please, I dont imagine my Dear mother you nor know [ no ] near relation cou'd advise them therefrom As my Sister Polly [ Mary ] 13 is The Com-
10 Alexander Lillington was a brother of James's mother, nee Elizabeth Lillington. He was a brigadier general of the North Carolina militia during the American Revolution; he died in 1785. Samuel A. Ashe and others (eds.), Biographical History of North Carolina: From Colonial Times to the Present (Greensboro: Charles L. Van Noppen, 8 volumes, 1905-1917), I, 363-365; III, 261-269; VI, 399, hereinafter cited as Ashe, Biographical History. According to inscriptions on tombstones in the cemetery of St. Paul's Episcopal Church, Edenton, his father was Major Alexander Lil- lington.
11 An imposthume was an abcess.
12 Both a Colonel Miles Harvey and a Major Thomas Harvey of Per- quimans County have been found. John Hill Wheeler, Historical Sketches of North Carolina from 158 U to 1851 (Philadelphia: Lippincott, Grambo and Co., two volumes in one, 1851), II, 341, hereinafter cited as Wheeler, Historical Sketches. The title of colonel was frequently awarded in local usage, so that is is not always possible to make a positive identification, especially without a given name. This is true for most of the other colonels referred to in letters in this volume. Miles Harvey was the son of the Revolutionary patriot John Harvey. Ashe, Biographical History, I, 163. In 1758 Miles Harvey was clerk of court in Perquimans County. Grimes, Abstract of Wills, 317. However, in a letter from Peter Singleton to Charles Pettigrew, June 10, 1788, in this volume, there is a reference to "our Worthy and mutual Freind [sic~\ Col". Thomas Harvey."
13 Polly was Mary Lockhart. See Charles Pettigrew's letter to her, April 8, 1795, in this volume, p. 143, beginning "My dear Polly."
The Pettigrew Papers 9
panion of your old age I wou'd recommend it to you whatever please God you may be possess'd of you wou'd please to bestow her & my Poor Sister Williams14 God knows my heart is too enlarged to say much on this Subject but wish my Circum- stances was such as I cou'd tistify my desposition to render all my needy relations relief I wou'd be content with a Com- petancy, & I hope in God in a few months to wait on you & make good my engagemts. & shall not be happy thill then [.] I have never got my Chest yet therefore I shall be obliged to you to write Mr. Rob1. Wister [?] to send it to Edenton & that you will see him paid the principal and interest & open it for I doubt the things are mostly distroyed —
Means has never paid any Thing to me & if I can get the notes up from Mr. Muter shall make an example of his perfidy & want of gratitude — the Money shall be sent you very soon & I dare-say if you write Col". Riddick he will be of service when
1 come in I will endeavor to take one or two of my Poor Sister Bryans1"* Boys & try to get Messrs. Hooper's to take one of them, please to remember me in The Most affectionate Manner to my Bror. & his & tell him to have a little Longer patience, my reason in not coming in is partly as I am not yet ready but hope it will not long be the Case [.] Baily deceived me after all by addressing the ship to Others however upon the whole it has exposed the Villain & done me no great injury. I dare say he has sunk above 600£ by it & I pray God grant you felicity in this world, & eternal happiness in the next in due time wch. Blessing I wish to my Bro1. Sisters & theirs & am my Dear
Mother
Your affte. Son in haste,
Jas. Lockhart
P.S—
Please accept the follg. yourself. & Sister Williams five pounds Green T
2 y'ds Cambrick Sister Polly 2V2 y'ds Lawn — D°.
14 James's sister Sarah was married three times; her second husband was Fully Williams. See the Lockhart family chart in the introduction.
15 Sister Bryan was Catherine Lockhart, who married David Bryan. Their children were Joseph and David, both lost at sea, Elizabeth, Mary, Margaret, Rebecca, and John. See the Lockhart family chart in the intro- duction.
10 N.C. Department of Archives and History
6 Childrens Handkichiefs to be distributed [illegible] by you to my Little Nieces — I have not to add only wishing this may find you my Bror. Sisters, thiers [sic] & all Other friends well, & that you will affectionate remember me to them all & acquaint me with all the News your way and recommend you to the devine protection & am Dr. Mother yr affte. Son
Jas. Lockhart
Charles Cupples1® to Charles Pettigrew UNC
June 16th. 1776 Rev'1. & dear, Brother
I acknowledge the Receit of both your letters, the first I answered and inclosed to Mrs Pattillo 17 to be in readiness for the Gentleman you directed, and gave it to Col°. Johnson to convey, but by some unknown fatality it never reachd the appointed place. Your Second Came too late to hand to make any Return by the delegates, having now the Opportunity of Colo Persons, at whose house I am now at in my way to the X roads, I embrace it to let you know that yesterday we were all well, that is, all that is now living; for my darling daughter Jeanny departed this life April 29th. in the morning; She had given herself unto the Lord above two years ago, was remark- ably Pious, Dutiful to the highest degree to us her Parents had the tenderest affection for her Sister and Brothers, Benevolent to all, and from a Love to God performed every Duty incumbent
18 Charles Cupples was an Anglican clergyman who became a patriot during the Revolution. He served as a chaplain to the North Carolina Senate in 1779 and 1780. Clark, State Records, XIII, 788, 789, 815; XVII, 705, 782. He died in 1785 after serving in Granville County following the war. Walter Stowe and others, "The Clergy of the Episcopal Church in 1785," Historical Magazine of the Protestant Episcopal Church, XX (Sep- tember, 1951), 273-274, hereinafter cited as Stowe, "The Clergy in 1785."
17 This is the wife of Henry Pattillo, a Presbyterian clergyman in Gran- ville County who taught the young Charles Pettigrew. The two men cor- responded for a number of years after Pettigrew moved to Edenton. See letters between the two men dated December 13, 1788, January 9, 1789, April 6, 1792, and May 12, 1792, in this volume. Wall, "Charles Pettigrew," 3-4. For a biography of Pattillo, see William Henry Foote, Sketches of North Carolina, Historical and Biographical (New York: Robert Carter, 1846), 213-224, hereinafter cited as Foote, Sketches; and Durward T. Stokes, "Henry Pattillo in North Carolina," North Carolina Historical Review, XLIV (Autumn, 1967), 373-391.
The Pettigrew Papers 11
upon her to Superiors, Inferiors or Equals; bore Reproach or Scandal, (from which her most Steady walk and youth could not exempt her,) with patience and Resignation; and yet, tho conscious of her Innocence, and the testimony or approbation of all her intimates, she sufferd it to prey upon her Spirits in such a manner that it threw her unto an hysterical disorder, which, tho. it never Confined her, yet She always complained of a Lassitude upon the least Exercise, and mention'd her approaching dissolution every now and then for above three months before it happened; which we always endeavoured to divert 'till on Saturday the 27th. of April She was takin with a vomiting, which I encouraged with warm water, and left her asleep, went to tar river Church, and thinking of no danger Stay'd out all night, mr milles came to Church next morning and told me she was very sick, but did not apprehend her in danger; however I only read a few of the morning prayers, preach'd and administred the Sacram[ent] hurryed home, and found her Speechless, tho' Sensible for when I spoke to her she lift up her Eyes and endeavour'd to speak, She continued to all appearance Sensible for about five hours before She died She laid her Hands upon her Breast, Streetched [sic] herself on the bed in the Same manner as dead people are laid out — and Continued in that posture till munday 5' after 9 in the morning when without a frown she fell asleep in the Lord. But Knowing heaven her home to shun delay, She leapt o're age & took the Shortest way. Excuse my being So particular, for I have done it with a view to excite you to earnest prayer that this great affliction may be Sanctified to us. Indeed I was unworthy of So great a Blessing being Continued with me: 0! What a Soul destroying thing is Sin, it deprives us of all Earthly Comforts, as well as Eternal happiness. I must refer you to the public for news of the Country, Indeed you are at the fountain head: Mr Fleeming teaches aside us, Strangely altered! prayers in his family and school, his moral character good — and all by the Instrumentality of the Methodist.
I long to see you and hope when you come you will go round our Church [ torn ] least once, As I know my little [ torn ]
12 N.C. Department of Archives and History
Sentiments concerning you I [torn] with myself in wishing you [ torn ] and Eternal happiness, and beleive [ sic ] [ torn ]
Revd. Bro [torn] Your affect Brother in the Gospel Cha*. Cupples
[ Addressed : ]
The Revd.
Mr. Chas. Pettygrew
To the Care of
Col0. Edward Veal [Vail]
Edenton
Alexander Lillington to Elizabeth Lockhart a&h
[December 12, 1779] My Dr. Sister—
I can not Omitt this Opportunity of writing these few lines to you As my Kinsman James Lockheart, who is here at this time, & is so Kind as to promise me, he will see that it shall be sent you by a safe hand, it is with great pleasure & Joy that I hear by yr. Son & Mr. I. hope that you still Enjoy yr. health, God Grant it may Continue wth. yr. self [illegible], I have been poorly my self [torn ], that & these troublesome times has prevented my doing myself the pleasure of seeing you long before this, to morrow I shall set of[f] for Charles Town with the Army,18 & if God grant me life, & health to come back, Nothing shall prevent my going in to see you, the girls & yr. Nephew George they are very desirious of going in to see you & there Cousins, I Shall positively take them in with me if we All live when I get back, to Convince you that I have not forgot you As you were pleased to say to Mr. Leake, there is Nothing in this life my Dr. Sister could give me more pleasure than once more to have the pleasure of seeing yr. Self & Family wch. I pray God to grant you & them, all health & happiness — yr.
18 Brigadier General Lillington led the militia of the Wilmington district to aid in the defense of Charleston, South Carolina, against the British in 1779. Arriving there early in 1780 he joined General Benjamin Lincoln. The term of enlistment of the militia expired just before the fall of Charleston, and although some North Carolinians remained and were captured, most of them, including General Lillington, returned to North Carolina before the surrender. Ashe, Biographical History, III, 261-269.
The Pettigrew Papers 13
Nephew Jack Lillington & George & the Girles all Joine me In our best wishes to yr. self & Family & [ torn ] Dr. Sister yr. aff1. & Loving
Alexr. Lillington
Decemr. 12th. 1779
James Lockhart to Elizabeth Lockhart A&H
N^E1 Capefear, 16th. Dec 1779
My Dear Mother
This sarves [ sic ] to acquaint you that I returned on the Thursday after I had the Happiness of Seeing you and my Other Relations in Bertie after an agreeable Interview at my Aunt Wilson's whom I had the pleasure to see the Monday evening after I left you, It gave me pleasure to see her in so good health her Son & Cousin Polly Bryan1 !) who is a very promising Girl, my Wife 20 & Children I met well except our Youngest Girl who is still ailding with the fever and ague, but hope in god it will shortly leave her she is Notwithstanding very Lively — my wife returns you many thanks and to my sister for your favor — and to the Little Girls for their present to the Children, God send this may find Beckey Recovered — & that you may Dear Mother may be in health which I pray God to Con- tinue to you my Sisters and all Relations & that my Brother may by this or shortly after — Return safe to his Family — I was last Week in Wilmington I returned & went by the way of Uncle Lillington, he and Family is well & himself was to set off a few days ago to take the Command of the forces for Georgia.21 Inclosed you have a Letter8 from him his Daughter purposed each to have sent a Letter to you by a Negro Lawyer I hired at Rockey Point who is not come up yet which prevents my Inclosing them also, Ben behaved very well, I brought him home much better then I expected and Shorter time upon that
10 Possibly Cousin Polly Bryan was Mary (for which Polly was a common nickname), the daughter of James's sister, Catherine Lockhart Bryan. While this was actually his niece, there are instances in which the term "cousin" seems to have been applied to other relatives. See the Lockhart family chart in the introduction.
20 James Lockhart married Mary Crotah (Cratch?). See footnote 6, p. 5, and the Lockhart family chart in the introduction.
21 This is an error — it was not Georgia but South Carolina. See the pre- ceding letter, Alexander Lillington to Elizabeth Lockhart, December 12, 1779.
14 N.C. Department of Archives and History
acct, the Children seems much pleased with him & he with them, I have the happiness to Inform you that I have that B — up now in Possission — I did intend to have wrote my Sister Polly by this oppty & Mr. Ryan, but it was suddener than expected the Person now waiting but shall another time write you and them very fully — and by all opportunities & hope some of the family will Correspond with me in the name of the whole which will give me Infinite pleasure — this goes inclosed by Peter Clifton whom I've requested to forward to you — pray tell my Brother to write me on his Return remember me to his wife & Children, my Wife Joins in Duty to you, & Love to my Sisters & Nieces whom I heartily wish all happiness & am Dear Mother yr aff* Son till Death
Jas. Lockhart
My Wife returns also many thanks to sister Ryan 22 & Polly.
NB. I have just making a beginning to sell Lumber I shall do all I possibly can as I can now dispose of it to advantage & if it pleases God no accident happens to the Dam (wch. I think is pretty secure now) may be enabled to get a head yet by [ illegible ]
Richard Templeman2* to Charles Pettigrew a&h
[January 10, 1780]
Dr Sir
I rec(1. your kind favr. by M1. Banburys boy the contents whereof affected me. I did not imagine Col Blount24 would carry his Vindictive disposition so far — but be it with him — I hope, as you are determined to march with the militia, youl meet every indulgence thats in the power of Gen1. [Isaac]
^Elizabeth Lockhart married George Ryan; their children were Cor- nelius, David, James, George, Thomas, Mary, Winifred, and Elizabeth. See the Lockhart family chart in the introduction.
23 Richard Templeman was a family connection of both Mary Blount Pettigrew and Mary Lockhart Pettigrew. Sarah Lockhart's second husband, Fully Williams, was first cousin to Mary Williams, whose second husband was Frederick Blount, brother of Mary Blount Pettigrew. Following the death of Frederick Blount, Mary Williams's third husband was Richard Templeman. Deposition by Mary Lockhart Pettigrew.
84 James Blount of Chowan County, builder and owner of "Mulberry Hill" on the estate of his great-grandfather James Blount (see the latter's will, March 10, 1685, in this volume), was a lieutenant colonel of the North Carolina militia in 1775. William L. Saunders (ed.), The Colonial Records
The Pettigrew Papers 15
Gregory2"* or the commanding officer to afford you, and that youl act the philosopher in parting with your family and going thro, the fatigues of a Summers Campaign in a Southern Climate, but poor Mrs. Pettigrew I pity her much her tender nature will illy brook the parting and her anxiety will be great for your welfare and safty could you not prevail on her to spend some of the time in Pasquotank it might relieve her a little, you have the prayers & wishes of my family for your Safe return — I am not without my misfortunes — I lost my Servant Jess who died a few days ago he was all my depen- dence in taking care of my Covering horse &c. I have not another to Supply his place and altogether ignorant my self, my over seer is also drafted and will march directly I shall cut a fine figure in the farming way no doubt — but this you may Judge of when you next Visit Pasquotank, Mrs. Templeman & Miss Brough begs to be rememberd to Mrs. Pettigrew & your Self & am
I am now going to spend a few days at the banks,26 having been rather unwell since my fall
Dr. Sir
Yr most Ob*. Ser*. Richd. Templeman Jany 10. 1780
[ Addressed : ]
Revd. Charles Pettigrew
Chowan
of North Carolina (Raleigh: State of North Carolina, 10 volumes, 1886- 1890), X, 205, hereinafter cited as Saunders, Colonial Records. James Blount was the oldest brother of Mary Blount Pettigrew, who was living at "Mulberry Hill" at the time of her marriage. His wife was Anne Hall, daughter of the colonial clergyman Clement Hall and a signer of the Tea Party resolutions at Edenton in 1774. [Edenton Woman's Club], Historic Edenton ayid Countryside, Incorporated 1772 [Edenton, North Carolina: Privately printed by the Choivan Herald, 1959] unpaged, sketch No. 37 on "Mulberry Hill," hereinafter cited as Historic Edenton.
25 General Isaac Gregory lived in Pasquotank County prior to the Revo- lution. He was commissioned a brigadier general of the Edenton district in 1779 and was defeated at the battle of Camden, August 16, 1780. Follow- ing the Revolution he lived in Camden County. Ashe, Biographical History, IV, 139-145; W. L. Grissom, History of Methodism in North Carolina from 1772 to the Present Time (Nashville: Methodist Publishing House [pro- jected two volumes, but only one published], 1905), I, 102, hereinafter cited as Grissom, Methodism in North Carolina.
28 This is an obvious reference to the Outer Banks of North Carolina, a vacation area even in the eighteenth century.
16 N.C. Department of Archives and History
Henry Pattillo to Charles Pettigrew UNC
Grassy Creek27 21st June 1780
Revd. Dear Sir,
If harry should see you when down, it will shorten my letter. He was preparing for a Journey down, when I came from a long one to the westward, so I have no time to write, & am besides; very much indisposed. I therefore just propose a few questions. What are you doing in your ministry? Are there any hopeful appearances of strangers to Jesus, being brought nigh, & christians growing in Grace? Is it as easie to live the Gospel, as to preach it? Are you yet a father, & do you prove a kind Husband? How fare you in temporalities Have you still Mr. Pollock's receipt?
I am extremely frail, and I judge the frame incapable of reparation, until sown a natural, & raised a spiritual body. I & mine salute you & yours, & send our good wishes. Yr. truly affec1. &c
Henry Pattillo
[ Notation on back by Charles Pettigrew : ]
Henry! thou good! — that great Divine! Thy Gifts with Heavenly luster shine! And as the Sun his genial Rays Shoots forth in full meridian Blaze, Just so, the labours of thy hand Have reachd us in this distant Land And shed their cheering Lustre bright The gladning beams of gospel light
Our Darkness to dispell
And save our Souls from Hell The Regions of eternal night. Thou bright efulgents eastern star Jesus, the God, thou dost declare The saviour of our ruin'd Race The perfect man the God of Grace, And to his Cross thou dost allure
27 Grassy Creek is located in Granville County and is shown on the Price and Strother Map.
The Pettigrew Papers 17
The high, the low, the rich, the poor,
And 0 that all
Would hear thy call And make their calling sure
[ Addressed : ]
Rev. Mr. Pettigrew
Chowan
By Harry Pattillo
Charles Pettigrew Discharged from Military Service UNC
Camp near X [Cross] Creek28 27 June 1780
These may Certify that the Reverend Charles Pettigrew a Draft from the County of Chowan is hereby discharged from his Tour of Duty he having produced Zachariah Carter an able bodied man in his Room —
By order the Hon'ble Major General [ Richard ] Caswell 29
Jno. Sitgreaves30 A D Camp
[Notation on back by Charles Pettigrew:] A 7500 Dollar Touch—
The price of a Clergiman's exemption from Military Service in North Carolina
28 Cross Creek, the present-day Fayetteville, was where the North Carolina militia camped preparatory to joining General Horatio Gates at the Battle of Camden in 1780. Ashe, Biographical History, III, 75.
29 Major General Richard Caswell, who, together with his son, Brigadier General William Caswell, was in command of the North Carolina militia in 1780. He was present at the defeat of the Americans at Camden on August 16, 1780, and because of official criticism resigned his commission on October 26, 1780, as did his son. Ashe, Biographical History, III, 74-75; Allen Johnson, Dumas Malcne, and others (eds.), Dictionary of American Biography (New York: Charles Scribner's Sons, 20 volumes, 1928-1958, index and updating supplements), III, 571, hereinafter cited as Dictionary of American Biography.
30 John Sitgreaves was born in New Bern in 1757. After his service in the Revolutionary War he served in the Continental Congress during 1784-1785 and was later appointed a federal judge by President George Washington. He died in 1802. Ashe, Biographical History, II, 398-400.
18 N.C. Department of Archives and History
Devereux Jarratt*1 to Charles Pettigreiv UNC
Virginia. August 13, 1782
Revd. & dear Sir
It has been observed, the Men of our Order are but thinly scattered at this Time, in the united States of America; that there is a consumption of the Few every Year, and the small Remains do not seek to strengthen each others Hands & to encourage each other to hold by and support the tottering Ark, as could devoutly be wishes. — What can this be owing to? Perhaps, to a too great Disunion of Heart & Sentiment among ourselves. Once I had a Brother or two, who were very closely connected in Love and Opinion — but one of these is gone into Eternity & the other turned Dissenter from the Church. In my present State of Bereavement, being happy in hearing of your Labours in the Cause of God & Truth, I have turned my Eyes toward you, with an Intention, if you be likeminded, of entering upon & maintaining a close Connection & Correspon- dence from this Time. If I mistake not, you are like minded with myself. — I was glad to hear of your attendance at a late Quarter-Meeting & of the Friendship you shew & the Assistance you give to the Methodists. — They are the only People, that I know of, whose Labours are considerably blest to the Salvation of Souls ; & they have given the most striking & indubitable Testimonies of their Love & Adherence to that Church of which you & I have the Honour to be Ministers. They therefore claim a Right to our Patronage, Countenance & Assistance. — Some, no doubt, may view us with an evil Eye for so doing, & we may Forfeit the good Opinion of the worldy wise & great — But what of this? — If we seek to please Men, we are not the Servants of Christ. — If we can do good — or be a Means by our Counsel, Direction, or Aid of helping others to be useful in the work & promoting the best Interest of Man- kind— can we live to better purpose? For my Part, I would desire to seek Nothing but God, & to promote his glory & to please all Men to their Edification only. —
31 The Reverend Devereux Jarratt was a Church of England clergyman in the vicinity of Petersburg, Virginia, who was sympathetic with the Methodists. He began a great revival in 1770 in that area which lasted two years. Grissom, Methodism in North Carolina, I. 8, 41, 44; Francis Asbury, The Journal of the Rev. Francis Asbury, Bishop of the Methodist Epis- copal Church, from August 7, 1771, to December 7, 1815 (New York: N. Bangs and T. Mason, 3 volumes, 1821), I, 338, 344-345, 356, hereinafter cited as Asbury, Journal. The Journal contains a wealth of information on early Methodism, people, and places.
The Pettigrew Papers 19
I shall expect to hear from you — The Preachers have such Connection that you might send me a Letter at any Time by putting it into one [ of ] their Hands — I conclude Your sincere Friend & Brother in Christ
[ Devereux ] Jarratt [ Addressed : ]
The Rev'1. Charles Pettigrew Carolina
To the Care of Mr. Peddicord 32
Caleb B. Peddicord to [Charles Pettigrew'] UNC
[ December 29, 1782 ] Revd. Sir/
Your friendly Letter, came soon & safe to hand. I have read it with pleasure and profit. And feel thankful that I have those who administer suitable instruction, and naturally care for my soul, welfare & usefulness. How good a thing it is to have union and Fellowship tho only by Letter, it is but a little while & we shall meet I trust to superior advantage, to rest together in the Paradice of God above in glory. Since my last, I have been rather poorly in health but have continued to fill up my appointments, and labour tho with weakness, yet I hope with a measure of sincerity & fidelity. I have the comfort to see and feel Religion is still upon the advance. The Wills of some who were obstinate are conquor'd by grace, and others are swiftly won over to our Emanuel, upon the whole good is doing. To him be the glory. Mr. [Francis] Asbury is lately from the North, a man, full of faith & the Holy Ghost, he enjoys health of body, and is intent upon bringing extensive glory to the Redeemer. He brings the comfortable news of the work of God prospering, and in every Northward Circuit Sin- ners are awakened to feel their guilt and wretchedness, and mourners comforted with pard[on]ing love, whilst Believers are looking for purity & holy love, & a renewal through out, pleading the rich & precious promises, & longing to feel his grace circulating, through-out their Sanctified Powers. I lately
32 Caleb B. Peddicord (or Pedicord) was a leading Methodist in eastern North Carolina and lower Virginia, being the presiding elder in 1782. Grissom, Methodism in North Carolina, I, 99.
20 N.C. Department of Archives and History
saw Mr. Allen,33 who enjoys more health than formerly, he rides over Loan Oak in this State. I am very glad that Mr. Dromgolde34 met with desired success. I have no doubt but that his Tour was by Divine appointment, and under Super- natural direction. — I do believe Dear Sir that it would be pleasing to God, & a great benefit to the people, if you are enabled to visit a few of the many vacancies, in any State. It is a great pity that your usefulness in general should be confined to the small Circle of a Neighbourhood, when there are so many sheep without a Shepherd "wandring upon the dark mountains" ! — I am authorised from Mr. Asbury to give you an affectionate invitation to our Conference in the Spring, his modesty prevents him from writing to you. He has heard of your disinterested acts of Friendship ; & your labours among us, which gives him great satisfaction. He is the person refer'd to in the begining of Mr. Magaws35 Letter to Mr. Jarratt. — (He wishes, and has it in contemplation to introduce a cor- respondance between Mr. Pettigrew & Mr. Magaw.) As he labours 6 months in the North & 6 in the South, & our Preachers passing & repassing. —
I feel great tenderness towards you, and desire & pray for your health, & usefulness. — My kind love to Your Amiable consort.
I remain Your Friend & Hble Serv1.
Caleb B. Peddicord
Bartie County. Dec 29, 1782
(Col Campbells)
— Your former friendship encourages me to hope, that you will please to give us your attendance (if Convenient) at our Quar1. Meeting at S*. Johns Chappell, February 1-2 days being Sat. & Sun. (Excuse Mistake).
33 Beverly Allen, a Methodist, began to preach in the New Hope circuit in 1778 and was assigned to Salisbury in 1783. Although he became an elder, he "fell from grace," was expelled from the society, killed a marshal, and fled to Kentucky. Asbury, Journal, I, 298, 300, 301, 365, passim; Grissom, Methodism in North Carolina, I, 94, 98, 104, 123, 216.
34 Edward Dromgoole was one of the first three Methodist preachers in North Carolina, where he began preaching in 1776. After 1788 he settled in Virginia. Grissom, Methodism in North Carolina, I, 49-52, 102; Asbury, Journal, I, 238, 294, 340, passim. General Isaac Gregory entertained him in 1782 at his home. Grissom, Methodism in North Carolina, I, 102.
35 [ ] M'Gaw was an Episcopal clergyman, apparently in Philadel- phia. Francis Asbury called him "a kind, sensible, friendly minister." Asbury, Journal, I, 236. In 1779 Asbury heard him preach once on the theme "Thy kingdom come" and also an "excellent sermon on hypocrisy." Asbury, Journal, I, 240, 241. Charles Pettigrew mentions him in a letter to Francis Asbury, May 1, 1784, in this volume, p. 25.
The Pettigrew Papers 21
Caleb B. Peddicord to Charles Pettigrew UNC
[April 2, 1783] Revd. Sir,
Gratitude of duty forbids my omitting any opportunity of writing to you. And altho I have nothing worth writing, yet as a manifestation of my unalterable respect and affection, I have taken up my pen.
After leaving your house, I travelled through Gates County, where for a year or two past, the Lord hath wrought great things. A goodly number have obtained pardoning mercy, and are striving for the fulfilment of all the rich & precious promises. Others brought to know their duty and feel their danger, and are longing to know that the Son of Man hath power on earth to forgive sins. Some are measureably awakend and too, too many who are carnal, careless, & confident.
I have the pleasure to inform you, that the work of God deepens in the hearts of professors, in this Circuit. By the ardent labours of Brother Allen & others, many were brought under tender impressions and as I among others succeeded them, it cost me tears of fear least the travel of the souls of my Brethren the Preachers, Should miscarry in my hands, and through my great Ignorance and weakness. But blessed be God. His hand is made bare, and you know Sir when he will work who shall [ illegible ] it. Hitherto the Lord hath helped me & others. As the residue of the Spirit is with him may he pour it out, & claim the whole world for his ransomed ones. — I think I can say my heart is engaged with God and in his work but never felt myself more needy, I am brought to feel my very foolishness. 0 that I could do something for that Great Supreme, to whom I owe my all, yea more than all!
I am now at Col0. [James] Campbells (A Family I hope who are desirous of adorning the Gospel, & shewing forth the praises of him who has called them to obtain precious salvation) and intend to Continue in this side of the river till Conference.
I should be very much rejoiced & feel it my duty to give you an invitation to our Quarter Meeting; but do hope your health will admit, and that you will please to attend our Con- ference. I think I could venture to say it would give you pleasure, as will [sic] as do us honors. —
I can only add, I want to be an humble, holy, man of God. 0 Sir help me by your prayers. That I may meekly bear up under all the Shocks, that necessarily attack a person, who
22 N.C. Department of Archives and History
acts in a publick capacity & endeavours to weaken the Kingdom of darkness. My natural cast & temper are much against me, being timid & fearful. — 0 that I may weather the Storms of this painful state of trial, and at last obtain an humble mansion among the blood washd throng above. — I feel great tenderness for you & family. Whilst I write it moves upon my heart. There are also a few Names in Edonton [sic ] who I hope will never quit their Confidence, or slacken their diligence. I felt great union with them as Christians, 0 that the Lord may not cut Israel Short in their Teachers, but spare you Sir to be useful to them. My hearts desire is to see a revival of the work of God; & altho I can do little in furthering so good and great a work Yet notwithstanding, I can look on & rejoice at the success of others. — May the dew of heaven, water your Minis- terral Labours, and overflowing comfort fill the heart of your Amiable Consort, May your children become a lasting comfort, And finally may the bleassed God receive You all to glory — Is the fervent prayer of
Your Friend & Servant
Caleb B. Peddicord
April 2nd 1783
Bartie County. (Col0. Campbells)
I am but poorly in health but can rejoice that you enjoy again a measure of that distinguishing blessing health. I expect an healthy body & an holy Soul are rare
[ Notation on back by Charles Pettigrew : J from Mr. Peddicord M[ethodist] Preacher
Henry Metcalf36 to Charles Pettigrew UNC
[August 1783?] Dear & Reverend Sir,
Your kind favour came to hand with the other letters inclosed, for which I desire to return my humble thanks. Also would acknowledge your friendship in the advice given me, therein;
36 Henry Metcalf was admitted to the Methodist clergy in 1783 and preached in Pasquotank County before his death in 1784. Grissom, Method- ism in North Carolina, I, 147. Francis Asbury called him "a man of a sorrowful spirit, and under constant heaviness." Asbury, Journal, I, 364.
The Pettigrew Papers 23
requesting you to take the like freedom when you may see course, not only with me, but with any of our Preachers. I am now on my passage from the Banks to Ronoak Island where I have been some over a Fortnight, and I have cause to bless God for the reception met with among the people who express desires to have Preaching among them, which if continued I hope will be blest unto them, as their seems every Circumstance concurring, to hope the same, such as they're being a poor people, for such receive the Gospel, as also chiefly brought up to the Church of England, and having their minds freed from that prepossession found among the Anabaptist Presbyterians &c. — I have met with a degree of Friendship from Mr. Sam1. Midyett 37 on Ronoak Island, as also from Cap. Jacob Farrow & his brother Hezikiah, but Mr. Payne has behaved with coldness not Changing ten words with me, but may I not regard the favour of a Man, if such is the divine will. I expect to stay on Ronoak Island a few days and then to cross over to Currituck, in order to attend a Quarter meeting of Mr. Martin's one [of] our Preachers who rides in Pasquotank, Currituck &c. after which him or myself will return to Ronoak, & the Banks (The Lord willing) . As to the people on Ronoak I am glad to inform you that they seem very desirous of the Gospel. I have preached four times to them; and once to those on the Northern Banks. Dr. Sir Let me beg your Continual prayers for me, that I may as a workman that need not be ashamed, rightly divide the word of truth; and be enabled to save myself and them that hear me. For 0! Who is sufficient to be a savour of life unto Life, or of death unto Death; none without Divine Aid, and that in a great degree to be eminently useful which is what we that act in the important Character of Ambassadors of Christ should constantly aspire after, in order [ illegible ] much Prayer, Self Denial & dilegence is necessary. To conclude may the Divine blessing attend you in all your endeavors for God's glory, and give you to see more fruit of yr. Labours than ever heretofore, and may the prosperity of his cause be more to you than thousands of Gold and Silver also may it be on your Partner & Children, yea Servants. — I am Revd. Sir
Your hb1. Obedient Serv1. for Christ's Sake Henry Metcalf
37 A Midyett family lived in Currituck County. One Samuel Midyett, son of Matthew, inherited land on Albemarle Sound in 1735. Grimes, Abstract of Wills, 248.
24 N.C. Department of Archives and History
P. S. Would acknowledge the favour of a line from you when opportunity might offer —
[Notation on back by Charles Pettigrew:]
The author of the above letter, was, I verily believe a Man of very great piety & zeal. He did not last long, but died in Bartie, in the full assurance of faith, as I was inform'd — July 19th, 17883*—
Charles Pettigrew
[ Addressed:]
The Revcl. Mr. Charles Pettigrew
near
Edenton
Favour
M1*. George Pugh
James Campbell S9 to Charles Pettigrew UNC
April 7th. 1784 Dear Sir.
I receiv'd a Letter this morning directed to you which I herewith forward you, & thought to have had the pleasure of Delivering it myself but am Just now recover'd from a severe Disorder & am now just able to be about again & can say the Bless'd Lord has wonderfully deliver'd me, even from the brink of Death, 0! that I could requite his favours & Blessings, in praise & thanks giving but I find myself deficient & cannot love enough that Gracious Loving, & merciful God, who daily is bestowing his Blessings & favours on so unworthy a Worm as I am. My severe affliction he made easy to me by his com- fortable spirit of love. & now am Learn'd to say "The Lord giveth & the Lord taketh away. Bless'd be his holy Name. — On Monday last Departed this life our friend & Brother Henry Metcalf at Joshua Freemans after a short Illness. & I trust is only left his friends below to Join his friends above in Celestial Glory, as the latter part of his life I believe was truly devoted to the service of his Lord & Master, as he lived
38 This is apparently the date of the notation rather than the date of Metcalf's death.
39 The contents of the letter would seem to identify James Campbell with the Colonel James Campbell mentioned in Caleb B. Peddicord's letter to Charles Pettigrew, April 2, 1783, in this volume, p. 21. No further identi- fication has been made.
The Pettigrew Papers 25
nearest the life of a Christian than ever I saw one in my life, & hope is now Enjoying the Portion of the Righteous in his Master's Kingdom & He and his fellow Labourer desired me to write you requesting the favour to attend our Quarter Meeting to be held at Winton on the 22d. & 23d. days of April which I hope if God permits you will do, pray let me know by a Line your Sentiments on this head, they would have write but friend Metcalf was then unwell, We have had a sickly famely this fall & Winter but thank God all on the recovery & Join me in our best respects to you & yours & am Your affect, friend
Ja8. Campbell
[ Addressed : ]
The Rev'1. Charles Pettigrew
near Edenton
Charles Pettigrew to Francis Asbury* UNC
Edenton 1st May 1784 My dear Sir,
Your friendly letter 18th March claims my grateful acknowl- edging, and with pleasure I reecho your introductory sentiments of congratulation on the grateful Return of Spring. The little Birds, now on the wing
From Spray to spray While in sweet artless notes they sing Their maker's praise:
But man delays His Tribute to th'eternal King I am happy to find that with unwearied zeal & patience you have completed so large a Circuit, & hope your Labour hath not been in vain in the Lord —
I should be glad of a personal acquaintance with the Rev. Mr. Blount40 from the Character I have also had of him, but he seems to be too remote for an interview, & I have allways laboured, under perhaps a culpable backwardness with regard to introducing myself — Yet on your Reasonable hint, I think of writing to him, that I may learn how he stand affected to
40 Nathaniel Blount, a native of Beaufort County, was ordained in 1773. He served churches in Chocowinity, Bath, and Washington. Saunders, Colonial Records, X, 64, 122; Clark, State Records, XII, 675. He corre- sponded extensively with Charles Pettigrew until the latter's death in 1807. Blount died in 1816. Joseph Blount Cheshire, Jr. (ed.), Sketches of Church History in North Carolina (Wilmington: DeRosset Printers, 1892), 262, hereinafter cited as Cheshire, Sketches of Church History.
26 N.C. Department of Archives and History
Religion, as the Clergy, it must be owned, are not allways the most pious men; nor even friends to vital, & experimental Godliness.
I had a great Desire of being at your Conference, & to have taken a small circuit some farther to the northward in quest of a more healthy situation, as I am determined to leave this place — I think of going soon for Norfolk whence I have had an invitation — You observe as an argument for my moving 'That neither Reason nor Religion allowed self murder.' — Granted Sir — and if they did, I believe my zeal & resolution would not be equal to such an undertaking. On the Contrary I am for living as long as I can, & wish I could live to better purpose — Eut alas I find that in the midst of Life I am in Death — Divine goodness has now been long dig[g]ing about, manuring & pruining & I am affraid to very little purpose if a judgement is to be formed by the apparent fruits of personal holiness — I am shocked when I think of the command given with regard to such a Barren Tree — Pray for me that thro the powers of divine grace I may be made to bring forth much fruit — & the happy instrum*. of turning many to righteousness.
I have it in contemplation to go a Voyage to Sea before I move to which my Yokefellow has been much averse till lately, & now the great obstacle will be that of geting my own consent, which I find will be very Difficult — parting with my family is a most Disagreeable thought — Should I go to England, I would certainly wait on the good Mr. Westley [Charles Wesley], & persuade him, if possible, to visit his Children on this side the Atlantic — you'll please to present my Complimts. to Doctr. Megaw of Philadelphia, when you have the happiness of seeing him next — I have lately been very ill of a Cold, but thank God am better Just now. Mrs. Pettigrew presents her best wishes for your health & usefulness in y1' Cause of God — The Children are pretty well — and I am with very great respect & esteem Very dear Sir— Yr. frd. & Hble Serv*.
Chs. Pettigrew
[ Addressed : ] Mr. Francis Asbury To be forwarded by the preacher
[Notation on back by Charles Pettigrew:] A letter wrote but never sent to Mr. Asbury
The Pettigrew Papers 27
James H. Thomson*1 to Charles Pettigrew UNC
Charleston 18th, May 1784 Revd. & D1. Sr.,
I should have given you a letter some time ago had any thing of sufficient importance occurred either in public or in what relates more particularly to myself. What induces me at present to write is, to ask the favour of you to accept Dr. Blair's lectures upon Rhetoric & the Belles Lettres as a small token of my unfeigned respect & affection to you as my friend & as a sincere & zealous Minister of Christ. Upon this footing I hope you will give it a place in your Collection. The entertainment & improve- ment which you may derive from it will I hope make it a fa- vourite volume with you. I have also to request that you will engage young Mr. [Josiah?] Collin's attention to peruse it. He has genius & a fondness for literary exercises, & nothing can prevent his making a respectable figure, if every thing great & noble in him be not swept away by the rapid torrent of dissipation in the place where he lives. Mrs. Thomson still continues up. She joins me in presenting to yourself & Mr8. Pettigrew respectful compliments. I am Revd. Sir yours with every Sentiment of respect
James H. Thomson [ Addressed : ]
The Rev*1. Charles Pettigrew Edenton favored
by Cap. Bateman with Dr. Blairs Lectures —
[ Notation on back by Charles Pettigrew : ]
A Letter from James Thomson A. M. of Charleston South
Carolina
Ant0. Walked to Charles Pettigrew UNC
Currituck 12th. Aug*. 1784. My dear & worthy friend I have put off writing to you some time, what with my closely
u James H. Thomson has not been identified.
42 This is probably Anthony Walke who was living in Kempesville, Virginia, in 1785. See the enclosure in William White to Charles Pettigrew, May 7, 1785, in this volume, p. 46. In a letter from Peter Singleton to Charles Pettigrew, June 10, 1788, in this volume, p. 57, Walke is reported to have gone to Philadelphia to be ordained.
28 N.C. Department of Archives and History
attending the Preaching of the Gospel & business I have had but very little time to spare, however Rev'1. & Dr. sir beleive [ sic ] me I have very often though of you wth. great respect Love & Reverence & I think I Shou'd leap for Joy were I to hear of you to preach in my reach, I have twice sat with great delight hearing the precious truths that dropt from your lips & I most humbly desire to be one that praises God for sending such Messengers to declare glad tidings to a lost world.
I have had the privilege of being at two Qtr. Meetgs. lately, one at Nixonton & the other at N°. W. Church, at both places we had a great good time of it several very powerful alarming sermons & at the Love feasts many bold & bright testimonies for God, especially at Nixonton, for all which I humbly beseech the blessed lord to make me truly thankful — I conceive Dr. sir that it's the greatest curse that almost can befal[l] one here, to be insensible of the Blessed Lord's amazing mercies, & to have an unthankful & an ungrateful heart, the Lord be pleased to deliver me from such a curse for Christ's sake, amen — on the other hand it is inexpressible sweet & transporting to be deeply sensible of all the instances of God's goodness & loving kindness Lord fill my heart wth. Gratitude & thankfulness I most humbly beseech thee — amen —
I hope Worthy sir you enjoy Peace & happiness in your soul, & that any tryals or hardships you may meet with thro' this veil of tears works for your sanctification & that you see it more & more your duty to warn every man & teach every man, so that you may be the means of keeping many souls from dropping into eternal misery, the blessed Jesus grant that you may have the great comfort of seeing much fruit of your labour, may the unworthiest of Christ's despised followers say to you go on in the name of the Lord, and oh! that you may be endued wth. wisdom & righteousness from above, that your tongue may be as the pen of a ready writer at all times, & may you have a double portion of the spirit of the Blessed Lord poured out powerfully on you, & may you be abundantly comforted by seeing the good pleasure of the Lord to prosper in your hands in all your undertakings, is the hearty prayers of the meanest of the despised Methodists —
I humbly beg to have the pleasure of a few lines from you — be pleased to remember poor unworthy me in your nearest accesses to the throne of Grace, I have hard tryals & great difficulties, but if I know any thing of my own heart, I love
The Pettigrew Papers 29
the Blessed Lord & his ways & my delight is with them that love & fear him — I think, I believe that the Lord will deliver me out of all my difficulties & make my tryals & temptations work for my Soul's good & for his Honor & Glory — I feel willing to lay at the feet of any of Christ's followers & be taught, humility is what I want, it's what I love and am happiest when I feel it most, I think,
My wife Joins me in respects & Love to you & Mrs. Pettigrew & I am
Dear & Worthy Sir with great Respect & Reverence Your affectionate tho' very Unworthy Christian friend Ant°. Walke
Peter Singleton to Charles Pettigrew** a&h
Virginia Princess Anne, Aug1. 16th., 1784. Rev*. Sir,
I shou'd have wrote you ere now but notwithstanding my utmost endeavours to get in the Subscriptions have not yet been able to get in more than three of them, but from what I can understand of their amount, I hope we shall at least raise One Hundred & Fifty Pounds from them, and make no doubt it will exceed that Sum as soon as 'tis certainly known that you are determined to take this Parish, as many People are backward in subscribing 'till they are convinced of that. There is a small House about two miles from Kempsville that may be got for you to live in 'till Mr. Sayers Year is out, at the late Mr. Dicksons donation : and the Plantation you went to view is still for Sale, and doubt not (as I observed to you before) if that shou'd not suite you, that in a Year or two a Place may be got that will suite you. I shall be glad to know your determination by first Oppty, and am very Respectfully with the Complimts. of Mrs. Singleton to your Lady & Family
Dr. Sir
Your Most Obed1. Serv*.
Peter Singleton
43 This letter is the beginning1 of an extensive correspondence concerning Charles Pettigrew's call to a Virginia parish. It concluded, much to his regret, with his staying in Edenton. Nine letters in this volume are related to this event and shed light on the difficulties in procuring clergy as well as the financial problems of such clergymen.
30 N.C. Department of Archives and History
N.B. Mr. White presents his most Respectful Complimts. to you & he with most of the People of this County (Baptists excepted) earnestly wish to get you settled in this County. wch. [blot] hope will be the case & that your expectations will be fully answer'd.
[ Addressed : ]
The Revd. Mr. Pettigrew
near
Edenton
Fav*1. by
Edward Rice Esqr.
Edward Dromgoole to Charles Pettigrew UNC
Col0. Campbells Septr. 6th 1784 Revd. and dear Sir
Yesterday your kind Letter came to my hands, which was thankfully received, and look upon myself by no means worthy of the notice of the Servants of God. I have sometimes [torn] deep sense of my very great unworthiness, that I feel myself sunk below my fellow creatures, and then every mercy is great in my eyes ; if I am at any time grateful it is then.
I wished to have seen you at our Q Mg. but can by no means indulge a hard thought, or impose it in the least degree to the want of Affection. Now I could alledge several things to prevent your coming, and know this world we live in so well, that I am convinced, we are often crossed in those things we most desire. Br. Ivey & Ogburn attended, and I trust the Lord was in a measure with us. His holy Name be praised.
It is matter of thanksgiving to me, to hear from the lower Circuit, especially, to hear that the Work of God prospers among them. I felt a longing desire for the Salvation of them People, and was in hopes from the first time I went among them, they would receive the Truth in the love thereof. I should be glad, was it in my power, to visit them frequently but my distance from them, renders it impracticable, however, I hope they have those that are more faithful and useful. I was thankful to hear that you made a Tour thro' those parts in the Spring. I have
The Pettigrew Papers
31
St. Paul's Church, Edenton. Charles Pettigrew was associated with St. Paul's until his second move to Scuppernong in 1797. Photograph from the files of the State Department of Archives and History, Raleigh.
no doubt but the good Effects of it will be seen "after many- days. " I desire to go once more round that Circuit, either this Fall or in the Winter.
Should a convenient opportunity offer, I should be [torn] to see the Magazines, and peruse them before [torn] thro* these parts, which will be about Christmas; that is if you have done with them ; otherwise, I am quite contented not to have them.
Our next Qr. Meeting I expect will be at Outlaws Chappel,44 on the 30th. & 31st. days of October, which place is about 12 or 14 miles from Col°. Campbell's ; if your health and other business should permit you to attend, I hope it would be for the Glory of God, and the advancement of the dear Redeemer's Kingdom. The Work here wants a great deal of nursing, the most so of any place, I think, that ever I travelled; there are many weak and sickly among us, and some I fear are fallen asleep; but still there is a good Work begun ; I hope many adorn the doctrine
44 Outlaw's Chapel is in Bertie County near Windsor and is shown on the Price and Strother Map.
32 N.C. Department of Archives and History
of God our Saviour. I fear I shall weary your patience with this uncouth Epistle.
I often think of the few at Edenton, who loved the Gospel, and should be glad to hear from them, and whether they still continue in Town, and love the Word of Life. I must conclude, after begging an interest in your Prayers. I am with real love and much respect
Yours in the Gospel Edw1. Dromgoole
My kind respects to Mrs. Pettigrew
[Addressed:]
The Reverend Mr. Charles Pettigrew
near
Edenton
To be forwarded
by Mr. Campbell
William White to Charles Pettigrew a&h
Kempesville [Virginia]45 Octr. 18th. 1784 Revd. Sir,
I have had the pleasure of communicating the contents of your Letter of 8th. Septr. to Mr. Singleton, to a Majority of the Vestry, and have now the Honour to inform you, that they are unanimous in your favour, and as far as I can collect, it is also the Sentiments of all true Church-men in this County — Permit me Sir to assure you that I verily believe, a very genteel Subscription will be compleated, as soon as you are inducted, as many People refuse to sign, 'till they are convinced, that will be the Case; & that I shall take a pleasure in rendering you every Service in my power. The Vestry will convene on the 29th. Instant, when I mean to move that the Houses on Mr. Dickson's Donation be put in repair for your Reception, & doubt not, it will readily meet their approbation. That the Voyage you are about undertaking may answer your most
45 Kempsville is located in Princess Anne County, near Norfolk, and was sometimes called Kemps Landing. It is shown on the Price and Strother Map. William White was a member of the same vestry as Peter Singleton. See Peter Singleton to Charles Pettigrew, August 16, 1784, in this volume, p. 29.
The Pettigrew Papers 33
Sanguine expectations, & that this County may long have the
happiness of entertaining yourself and Family in health and
felicity, is the sincere wish of —
Rev*. Sir,
Your mo : obed*. Serv*.
William White
[Addressed:]
The Rev*. Mr. Charles Pettigrew
near.
Edenton
Philip Bruce*6 to Charles Pettigrew a&h
[November 8, 1784] Rev*. Sir
The distance of time since I saw you, & the small acquaintance you had with me, I imagine has Nearly Eras'd me from your memory.
The reason why I have not wrote to you before, was not the want of regard to so aimable a friend; but partly a sense of my weakness, partly the want of Opportunity.
These Six Months past, I have been riding among the Moun- tains : and have the pleasure to inform you, that religion gains ground in these back parts; but not so fast as I could wish to see it; the greatest difficulty, that seems to stand in the way, is the want of the Ordinances, by reason of which our people are Oblidg'd to go to the presbyterians ; who sometimes refuse to Baptise their Children. Indeed there are Number of Families Unbaptis'd in those parts [.]
While I rode in those parts, I had the happiness to get acquainted with your Sister Weatherspoon,47 We preach at her
46 Philip Bruce was born in 1755 near Kings Mountain. He was a patriot in the Revolutionary War and also a Methodist preacher. Grissom, Methodism in North Carolina, I, 79-82, 321; Asbury, Journal, I, 343.
47 Martha, sister of Charles Pettigrew, married John Witherspoon of Wilkes County, who died in 1778. His surviving children included four sons — David, Thomas, John, and James — and six daughters. Fred A. Olds (comp.), An Abstract of North Carolina Wills from about 1760 to about 1800, Supplementing Grimes' Abstract of North Carolina Wills, 1663 to 1760 (Baltimore: Southern Book Co., second edition, 1954), 326. David and John served with Colonel Benjamin Cleveland during the Revolutionary War. Wilkes County men had contact with Ninety-Six, South Carolina, near which Charles Pettigrew's father had settled after leaving North Carolina, so perhaps the Witherspoons and Pettigrews met in this way. Wilkes County was noted for stock raising before the Civil War, which is confirmed in a letter from David Witherspoon to Ebenezer Pettigrew,
34 N.C. Department of Archives and History
house; She Expresses the Greatest desire to see you at her House, & believes it would be the greatest advantage to your health, for the Springs Near her house have cured several of your disorder, & was Never known to fail in one case[.]
And I am sure, it would be attended with a great Advantage to the people in those parts; Your Sister sends her Respects, to you, Informs you her family is well; & begs your prayers. I am Revd. Sir Your Very Humble Serv*.
Philip Bruce November 8th. 1784
I must preach on these words Heb. XII. 1, 2, 3. Wherefore seeing we are compassed
about or Heb : XIII. 14. For here we have no continuing City, but we
seek one to come. XL 10. For we look for a city which hath foundations,
whose builder & maker is God. Heb. X. 31. It is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of
the Living God.
[Addressed :]
Rev'1. Charles Pettigrew
Edenton
[Notation on back by Charles Pettigrew:] a Letter from Mr. Philip Bruce a Methodist Preacher
Beverly Allen to Charles Pettigrew UNC
Halifax Nov™, the 17th. 1784 My dear Mr. Pettigrew,
I have been long waiting for an agre[e]able opportunity to make my small returns of Gratitude, for your last favour — And
August 2, 1817, in this volume, p. 579, concerning the sale of horses by the former. John Crouch, Historical Sketches of Wilkes County (Wilkesboro, North Carolina: John Crouch, 1902), 25, 26-27, 81. David Witherspoon served in the General Assembly in 1795-1796, as did John Witherspoon, a nephew, in 1817-1818. R. D. W. Connor (comp. and ed.), A Manual of North Carolina . . . 1913 (Raleigh: North Carolina Historical Commission [State Department of Archives and History], 1913), 852, 853, hereinafter cited as Connor, Manual, 1913.
The Pettigrew Papers 35
altho I have not had the pleasure of hearing from you of late by Letter: yet was fortunate enought to hear of your Welfare by a Gentleman from Edenton — And was Heartily Glad to hear from one I so affectionately esteem —
I have also had the pleasure of a small personal acquaintance, with the Rev(1. Mr. Blunt [Blount] — who favourd me with his company at my last Quarterly Meeting. — And I was much pleas11, to find one more, hearty friend to the religion of Jesus Christ, — And it yealded me no small share of consolation; to hear that you had opend. the way to a Letter, & perhaps in time, to a personal corespondence with Him. — His solemn countinance ; & serious deportment — gave considerable weight to the Gospel Truths He delivered: and upon the whole; I have reason to think He is a liveing witness, of the power of true religion —
Blessed be the most high God — there are yet some of the Lords prophets, who have not bowed their knees to the Image of Baal — would God their number were much Larger — The Harvest is truly plentious, but alass the Labourers are few! — As for my own part, sometimes I am ready to think my work is nearly finishd. — at least I am convinced that my Strength is well near exha[u]sted — my Constitution is very much shat [tier- ed And my lungs exceedingly weakend. insomuch, that without immeadate help, must dessist Traveling. — However, am willing to spend my last breath, in sounding the gospel Trumpit — Ah my Dr. Sir, I can now sympathise with you.
But time has been, when I scarce knew the Value of strength of Lungs. — But now I am something like Samson when his hair was lost — Yet blessed be my kind benefactor — He waters my soul with the sweet streams of consolation — And many times my will is above my strength — But a Lass ! at other times, I am heavy with dejection — And much discorag*1. with a sight and sense of my own Vileness & Great Ignorance [.]
Pray for me, my dear brother — for I feel you very near my heart as one of Gods dear afflicted Children ; and faithful Servant — And it would rejoice my Heart to see you possessed of great bodily strength: that you might Labour more for God — I am convinced that it would be a means of refreshing your own Soul; as well as benificial to others. —
I have long comforted myself with the hopes of seeing you face to face — And have been so often disappointed, that I am afraid to engage — However, should Heaven indulge me with health I promise myself the pleasure of meeting you & Mr. Asbury at Edenton on Wensday the 22d. of December — perhaps
36 N.C. Department of Archives and History
shall be there on Tuesday, but if not, please to give my respects to Mr. Asbury — & accept the same yourself, from yours affec- tionately
Beverly Allen [Addressed:] Revd. Charles Pettigrew Edenton
Peter Singleton to Charles Pettigrew A&H
Virginia, Prs. [Princess] Anne Decern1". 30th., 1784. Revd. Sir
Your favour of the 8th. of Septemr. I duly Recd. and as soon, as cou'd be made convenient, a Vestry was call'd & your Letter laid before them, who unanimously agreed to Receive you, and directed our Church Wardens immediately to Write you to that purpose; Since wch. I have not had an Oppoty of Writing you & now only by a negro going to Pasquotank. In consequence of the Resolution entered into by the Vestry in your favour, our late Incumbents Donation is Reserved for you as well as the Glebe Land, both of wch. have for some years past been Rented out, and I sincerely hope we shall have you ere long an Inhabi- tant of this County. I am really sorry to hear, that you have suffer'd so much in your Health, but hope the Winter Air (which is with us & I believe with you, the most healthy) has restored you to a much better State of Health, and shall be glad to hear from you by first Oppoty, w<h. I imagine may be had almost at any time, by way of Norfolk. The Church Wardens have for some time past expected your Answer, but have not been f avour'd with it yet ; and whether you persevered in your inten- tion of taking a Voyage to the West Indies or declined it, I have not been able to learn, tho' I have of every probable Pe[r]son enquired. Since my last two or three Clergymen have Offer'd, the last of wch. is now in this County, but he was immediately on his Arrival here, made acquainted with our Engagem*. wth. you, and I am determined (as I believe most of the Vestry are) to adhere strictly to our agreement with you & shall be happy to hear that you can Move soon. I am pretty certain that our late Incumbents Plantation will be Sold in the course of Twelve Months, a Place that I think will suite you & the time of Pay- ment we will make so, as the Credit may be as long as you please. Pray excuse the great hurry I Write this in, I have a Houseful of Company & the Poor Negro impatiently waiting
The Pettigrew Papers 37
that carries this to Pasquotank. My Family, I thank God, enjoy good Health & am with my best wishes for your Health & wel- fare, with Mrs. Singletons Complimts. to your Lady & Family
Dr. Sir
Your Most Obed*. Serv*.
Peter Singleton
N.B. Mr. White & Cap1. Kellam Present their best Respects to you
[Addressed:]
The Rev1. Mr. Charles Pettigrew
Near
Edenton
To the Care of
Densey Conner Esqr.
Pasquotank.
John Smith to Charles Pettigrew A&H
Ports™. Jan*. 10th., [17] 85 Revd. Sir
The Vestry of this Parish at their last meeting were very desierous that You should be made acquainted of the Parish being Vacant and in want of a Church Minister, and they under- standing You had a mind to apply for the same have Order'd that I should inform You of their Intention, If You think proper to apply for the same, their has been a Gentleman apply- ing but as You have been Mentioned in the Vestry; they could not give any encouragement untell they had Your Answer — Therefore I give You this information for Your Reflection — from
Rev1. Sir
Your Hum1. Serv*.
John Smith, C. V.
[Clerk of the Vestry]
N. B. the Vestry Meets the Last Thursday in Feby. J.S.
[Addressed:]
Reverend Mr. Pettigrewe
Edenton
North Carolina
38 N.C. Department of Archives and History
Charles Pettigrew to Mary B. Pettigrew UNC
[January 24, 1785] My dear Polley —
We are got down to Occacock [Ocracoke] at last — The time since I left home has been very tedious & has afforded but small satisfaction. Indeed I have been much indisposed the greatest part of the time I have been on board — but seem to feel myself strong & hearty this morning & hope to be at sea in three or four Days — We find Phillis48 useful in waiting & tending. When I was sick, from a Cold I had taken, soon after I came on Board, she was very attentive.
I hope to return in a much better state of Health than when I left you through the blessing of God — The Death of our friend Cap. Bateman cost me a Tear of sympathy & Regret — I hope before he was taken down that he sent you out his Note of Hand for the Corn Twenty Barrels at twenty shillings a Barrel which he promised me he would do just as we parted, on my telling him that I had forgot to make an accompt of it. You need not however My Dear be under the smallest uneasiness for I believe the Estate is very Clear — I have not heard a word from you since I left Home — However, I endeavour to Comfort myself in an unshaken & firm persuasion that you & the Children are under the Direction & Protection of that never failing providence under which I have allways found myself safe & happy — I hope my absence will not be attended with so many disagreeable sensations, as my return will be with those of the Contrary nature, which I know will be Mutual & happy — Be assured that you & the Children have been, & are still much on my Heart —
I expect to go on shore by & by to Occacock & to stay while our Brig receives the remainder of her Cargo from her lighter — I know the Occacockers will be glad to see me as they will be ready freighted with Children to baptize — & I hope I shall be able to give them a Lecture, & to gratify them in that partic- ular—
Philis & Ben have allways been able for their allowance, only when sea-sick for we have had some very blowing weather, During which Time & the whole passage down I have not felt the smallest qualm of sea-sickness — The Captain tells me that
43 Phillis and Ben were two slaves whom Charles Pettigrew took to the West Indies and sold. Wall, "Charles Pettigrew," 53-54. See also Phillis Jennings to Mary Lockhart Pettigrew, June 10, 1803, in this volume, p. 306.
The Pettigrew Papers 39
he does not expect I shall be much sea-sick — Mr. Blounts Will is still on Board & Ben & He are made to stir their stumps, & to work much harder than either of them has done lately. We are new, & have a great deal to do on Board & Cap. Scher- merhorn lets nothing be idle but myself & his little Dog —
I wish you could get Herry Bond or some friend to buy you a few hundred more of pork for I don't love the thought of buying Bacon for the negroes, & pork I am affraid will not be to be purchased at any Rate. Eight hundred or a thousand weight of pork if fit for Bacon would do — I send you inclosed £5 five pounds which may be of some service to you — Dont look for me till you hear We are arrived, for you need not doubt I shall be home again as soon as possible — I find myself respect- fully treated on Board, by Cap. Schermerhorn & his Officers, & have a good State-Room to lodge in. I expect not to write again till we arrive, & I have an Opportunity from Hatia [Haiti], or some other port, & you may be assured I shall lose none that offers of sending you a Line —
Please to give my respectful Complemts. to My good Neigh- bours on both sides of the Mill as if named particularly — And also to those whom you know to be my friends in Town when you have an Opportunity — Kiss the Boys, Jack & Ebenezer49 for me, and believe me to be My Dear Polley,
Your ever Const. & faithful Loving & tender Husband Charles Pettigrew
Monday 24th
January 1785
[Addressed:]
Mrs. Mary Pettigrew
near Edenton
The Care of Wm. Bennett Esqr.
Charles Pettigrew to Mary B. Pettigrew UNC
Hatia [Haiti] 11th March 1785 My dear Polly —
I catch this first opportunity since my arrival, to tell you I
49 These were the two sons of Charles and Mary Blount Pettigrew. John, called Jackie, was born August 2, 1779, and Ebenezer was born March 10, 1783. "Genealogy," undated document, Pettigrew Papers, UNC.
40 N.C. Department of Archives and History
find myself much better in health than when I left you, & hope two or three weeks longer on this Island will make a very great alteration for the Better — We had a long passage & did not make this port till last Saturday this being just two months since we embarked at Edenton.
I find it is not a good place to sell Negroes — they are too suspitious of their Morals, when brought from the Continent — Ben & Philis I have out with the principle Gentm. of ye. Island on tryal & am to get an Answer to Day or tomorrow — I pur- pose to replace them in New Negroes if I can — I am to preach in Town During my stay at the request of the Governor & the principal gent", by whom I find myself very politely treated. No Doubt they will make me a complim1. equal to my expences. I am invited to Dine out among them almost every Day — I find great Cause to bless God that strangers are my friends, go where I will— Living is high but I am favoured — I have taken a private Lodgings upon a hill above the town which lyes on the Bay wch. I found too sultry —
Capn. Bunker in Mr. Egan's Brig is to sail for Edenton in two or three weeks, & with him I intend to take a passage — Cap. Schermerhorn is gone for the Ocays,50 & had recovered his Health. As I seem to regain my health I think I must stay a while longer as I am loth to return without my errand — Yet I am anxious about moving to princes Anne, & particularly about a Crop as I am affraid I shall miss one — I wish you could get Joe Wilkins to take George & fortune51 & go to Mr. White at Kemp's Landing & I am persuaded he will set them to work planting Corn & find them till such times as I shall return & move down — I will sufficiently reward Mr. Wilkins or any good Man that will agree to go for you — I will inclose a Letter for Mr. White requesting him to give them possession & find them — They must take Horses &c to plow — It would be a Bad Time to return in this Month as our Coasts are Dangerous —
I intend to bring you a silk exactly the Colour of the one you had dyed & sundry pretty things besides. The silk I have chose
60 The State Gazette of North-Carolina (Edenton), March 3, 1796, re- ported the fever raging at Aux Cayes, Haiti, also called Lucayos and Caycos. A Complete Historical, Chronological, and Geographical American Atlas (Philadelphia: Carey & Lee, 1827), Plate 39.
51 George and Fortune are two of the Pettigrew slaves who are frequently mentioned along with Pompey and who were apparently good workers and trustworthy.
The Pettigrew Papers 41
already — I have the pleasure my Dr. Polly to subscribe myself your ever loving Husband
Charles Pettigrew
N.B. Seal Mr. Whites Letter before you send it
[Addressed:]
Mrs. Mary Pettigrew
Near Edenton
N. Carolina
The Care of Mr.
Rumbough in Town
Charles Pettigrew to Mary B. Pettigrew UNC
S*. Eustatia 11th March 1785 My Dear Girl —
I send enclosed a letter to yourself, & one to Mr. White at Kemp's Landing, princes Anne — you will find it open — Read it — & try to get Joseph Wilkins to go with it to him, with George & fortune to begin a Crop — I know Mr. White or Mr. Singleton will furnish them with hoes at cheaper rates than ours will sell for — plows can also be made down there, & I can sell our Iron of that kind for more than they will cost there — I shall be home in April unless prevented by accidents — They must Carry two horses able to plow — perhaps Tom & quaker will do —
Please to remember me affectionately to my good Neighbours both of Town & Country — You know them — & kiss our Dear little Boys which I will repay with Compound interest at my return — I am My Dr. Girl your ever Const.
& loving Husband Charles Pettigrew
You will not forget to seal Mr. Whites Letter before you send it. Should not Wilkins agree to go, try to get another or speak to Mr. Blount to assist you his Negro Cap. Schermerhorn has carried to the Ocays to sell — please to give him my kind respects &
I have wrote you also by another Capt., belonging to Bartie this morning, which I hope you will get — This is a very sudden
42 N.C. Department of Archives and History
call of Cap*. Nathanea, who does not stay two hours on the Island — I would not grudge my Dear Girl should opportunity offer to write you twice every Day, for be assured you employ my happyest thought — The greatest pleasure I have enjoyed since I left you, has been in presenting you & my dear little boys together with myself at the throne of grace, & figuring to my immagination the happiness of our meeting, which must be greatly increased by this anxious & painful separation — I often anticipate the pleasing moment when I shall see you, & enjoy the mutually fond embrace. But I must have done — God almighty bless & protect us, & bring us together by his provi- dence agreeable to our mutual wishes & expectations; my dear girl —
I am yours as before Chs. Pettigrew [Addressed:] Mrs. Mary Pettigrew near Edenton North Carolina Favrd. by Capt. Nathanea — To the Care of Mr. Rumbough
Peter Singleton to Charles Pettigrew A&H
Virginia, Prs. Anne, March 21*., 1785. Dear Sir
Agreeable to your favor of the 10th. of Janry last past, wch. I recd. ab*. three Weeks ago, that it shou'd not be said by a single individual that you was Recd. into this Parish, without giving the Revd. Mr. Simpson a chance of a Vote of the Vestry, who I conceived a competitor for the Parish, notwithstanding he was inform'd immediately on his arrival in this place of our en- gager*^, with you a second Vestry, on that matter, was calFd & met the 16th. Instant & confirm'd their first Resolution in favour of you, as will appear by the inclosed Letter from our Church Wardens [.]
The Vestry has no further meaning, that I know of, by in- closing you a Copy of an Act of Assembly incorporating the Church &c, and of fixing the time you shall be here to the 1th,
The Pettigrew Papers 43
of May, than to expedite your Removal, as the succeeding Vestry may complain, shou'd the Parish in consequence of our engagem*. be kep't too long without a Minister, and I hope the time will be very sufficient for you to move in your Family &c. Mr. Sayer has on the Plantation of the late Revd. Mr. Dickson, ah*. Fifty barrels Corn for Sale, wch. cou'd be now bought a[t] 15s A Bl [A Barrel] & imagine it will not be higher with us in any short time, however the sooner you can give directions about it, the better lest it shou'd rise or be Sold to some other Person. I hope before this you have return'd from the West Indies & that your Voyage has prove' d very Salutary, and am with the Complimts. of Mr\ Singleton to Your Lady and Family
Dr. Sir,
Your Most Obed*. Serv*.
Peter Singleton
N.B. Mr. White presents his most respectful Complimts. to you.
[Addressed:]
The Revd. Mr. Charles Pettigrew
Near
Edenton
To the Care of
Nath1. Allen Esqr.52
Charles Williamson and John Cornick to Charles Pettigrew
A&H
Princess Anne, May 6th. 1785 Revd. Sir,
In Consequence of your not coming here on or before the first Instant, the Vestry of Lynhaven Parish came to a Determi- nation to vote for a Minister, & have this Day elected The Revd. James Simpson to fill the sacred Office.
The Vestry order'd that we should give you Information of
52 Nathaniel Allen was a merchant and businessman of Edenton. A nephew of Joseph Hewes, he owned the Joseph Hewes House on West King Street in Edenton from 1794 to about 1804. Historic Edenton, sketch No. 16 on the Joseph Hewes House. See also footnote 80, p. 91.
44 N.C. Department of Archives and History
this as soon as possible, that you might not be at farther Trouble & Expence — We are,
Rev*1. Sir,
Yr. mo. Obed*. Servts.
Charles Williamson \ Church
John Cornick J Wardron
[Addressed:]
The Revd. Mr. Chs. Pettigrew Near Edenton
[Notation on back by Charles Pettigrew:] The Vestry's final Letter from Princess Anne Dirty Dirty Dirty
Peter Singleton to Charles Pettigrew a&h
Virginia, Princess Anne, May 7th. 1785. Revd. Sir
I am extremely sorry to inform you, that the Vestry of this Parish, contrary to their engagem*. with you & to every particle of honour, Yesterday came to a determination in favour of a certain Mr. Simpson for their Minister, who by some secret & undue mean's has prevailed on a set of Men, say a majority of the Vestry, to forfeit their engagem*. with you & consequently their honour &c:1. notwithstanding it was sufficiently demon- strated to them by Mr. White, myself & others, that the said Simpson was unworthy their choice, and such reasons given & proof of our assertions, as were undeniable, yet to my aston- ishment I found a majority in his favr.53
I am really very sorry for this dishonourable treatment, which no doubt must in many respects be to your disadvantage, and that your Negro's lose no more time here, Mr. White & myself have thought it best to send them home immediately; they have behaved exceeding well & wou'd in a few Days have had you about 70M Corn hills Planted. The Thirty Bis Corn I bought for you, I will dispose of, which I believe I can immediately do for the price I gave. No doubt you must resent & very justly the behaviour of the Vestry (wch. I myself so far resented as
53 For the outcome of Simpson's ministry see Peter Singleton to Charles Pettigrew, April 26, 1787, in this volume, p. 53.
The Pettigrevv Papers 45
did your Freind [s/c] Mr. White, as to tell them that they had acted an ill & infamous part by you) yet I hope, my Dear Sir, that you'll believe & be assured, you have many Freinds [sic~\ here, who sincerely regret the disappointm1. of not get you as our Minister. I hope if ever you come this way, that you will do me the Pleasure of your Company, and if at any time it shou'd be in my Power to serve you, I beg you'll freely command, & believe me to be with the Complimts. of Mrs. Singleton & my Daughters, to your Lady, Self & Family, with real Esteem & Regard
Dr. Sir
Your Most Obed. Serv*.
Peter Singleton [Addressed:]
The Rev^. Mr. Charles Pettigrew Near Edenton. & Negro's George & Fortune wth. a Horse
William White to Charles Pettigrew a&h
Princess Anne May 7th. 1785 Revd. Sir,
Your favours of 10th. Janry, 11th. & 23d. March, came all duly to hand, the two first I have at different times laid before the Vestry, and the other I received only last night, which was too late to be of any Service, as a Majority of that Body after a severe debate, contrary to my expectation, & I think to every sentiment of honour or generosity, came yesterday afternoon, to a determination, to receive a certain Mr. Simpson for their Minister, who by some secret manuver, & not by his Superiour [torn] influenced them in his favr. ; notwithstanding he said, on his coming into this County, & being told that the Vestry had pawn'd their honour to you, that he never shou'd have any pretentions that wou'd in the least interfeer wth. your Interest — I am extremely sorry for this unkind determination, on more accots. than one; principally on yours, for fear it may put you to inconveniencies at this Season of the year, that it might not at any other. Mr. Singleton [& m]yself have thought it best to hurry your Negroes home as quick as possible, as we presume
46 N.C. Department of Archives and History
they will be wanted about another Crop, & I beg leave to inform you that they have behaved in an unexceptionable manner here. As I conceive the whole of the Vestry are liable to your dis- pleasure 'till you can discriminate them, I therefore inclose you an Extract from the Journals for your perusal, & am with real [esteem]
Your most obed*. Serv*.
[torn] White [Addressed:]
The Revd. Mr. Charles Pettigrew near
Edenton — p Negroes George & Fortune with a Horse —
[Enclosure:]
At a meeting of the Vestry for the Parish of Lynhaven at
Kempseville the 6th. Day of May 1785
Present Anthony Walke,54 Edwd. Hack Moseley James Henly. Joel Cornick Wm. White Gen1. Vestrymen Francis Land & John Hancock
& John Cornick & Chs. Wmson. Ch[urch] Wr. [Wardens]
It was determined this day by a Majority of the Vestry viz1'. A Walke, E. H. Moseley, John Cornick [,] Chs. Williamson, Francis Land & John Hancock that they shou'd immediately proceed to induct a Minister. The Revd. James Simpson is inducted Minister of the Parish, he promising to produce his Credential Letters of ordination, to The Church Wardens within ten days, by a Majority of the Vestry vizr. Anthy. Walke, Edwd. H Moseley, John Hancock, Joel Cornick, Charles Williamson & Francis Land —
Charles Pettigrew to Charles Williamson and John Cornick *
A&H
Near Edenton 9th May 1785 Gentlemen, —
Your Letter of ye 6th inst*. tells me the disagreeable Con- sequence of my not being able to comply with your Limitation
54 This is probably the same Anthony Walke identified in footnote 42, p. 27.
The Pettigrew Papers 47
respecting the Time of my removal to your parish. It found me destitute of either House or home, or ground in the County for a Crop the Cur1. Year, & using all the industry I could to get away, agreeable to my engagemt with you, which engagemt was mutual, & without Limitation as to Time, & made with this reserve on my part, "that I should not remove to ye Charge 'till I had returned from a Voyage to sea, for the Benefit of my health. — And I beg leave to observe, that I am not conscious of such guilt, incur [r]ed by my unavoidable noncomplyance, as deserved final Rejection, after two orders of Vestry in my favour, & without any thing having been alledged, whereon you could rationally found a Doubt of my integrity, — & more espe- cially, as your Determination must necessarily subject me to many inconveniencies at this season of the Year.
Be assured, I did not once conjecture that any other would be prefer [r]ed, but upon the Liberal principles I had propossed [sic] in my Letter of 10th. Jan. viz, (if I mistake not) "It being the Desire of a Majority of the people at large, & also of the Vestry in particular, from a Conviction of his being better quallified for usefullness in the parish"; as I still aver, that I never wish to stand in ye. way of a more worthy person. If these latter were the Motives from which you have acted, I have nothing to say more than to Wish, that the gentn. you have prefered, may Always deserve that preference, by exhibiting himself to the world, in every point of view, The venerable pat[t]ern & Zealous Advocate of true Virtue & piety, — and if your zeal for the Devotional part of Religion was so ardent, as not to suffer you to wait a few Days longer; May He be so fortunate, as to keep it Always alive, & active in per- forming the Duties of Christian Charity & Benevolence. I am
Gent.n—
Your friend & serv*. Charles Pettigrew A True Copy —
Messrs. Chs. Williamson & John Cornick Church Wardens Princess Anne
48 N.C. Department of Archives and History
William White to Charles Pettigrew a&h
Kempesville. June 6th. 1785. Revd. Sir,
Permit me to congratulate you, on your safe arrival at home, and on the salutary effects you have experienced by the Voy- age— It gives me pain when I reflect on the late proceedings of our Vestry, in favour of (I think) an unworthy Man, & I doubt not, but I shall 'ere long, enjoy the satisfaction of seeing them on the Stool of repentance; his orders have been examined, and approved of by two Clergymen at Richmond, but I must confess I have yet some doubts, for I think a Man in his sphere of life, that is capable of supplanting another by undue advantages, wou'd not hesitate to impose on mankind in general. — If I have had it in my power, to render you any Service, I receive amply compensation for it, by my conducts meeting your approbation, & give me leave to say it will always afford me the highest satisfaction to know that in the List of your Friends you have placed —
Revd. Sir,
Your mo : obed*. Serv*.
William White
[Addressed:]
The Revd. Mr. Charles Pettigrew
near
Edenton
favour'd by
Col1. Harvey
Beverly Allen to Charles Pettigrew UNC
Charleston June 11th. 1785 Honoured, & very dear Sir,
The Generous Sentiments with which your mind is adorn'1, will not suffer any unkind, or uncharitable feelings to have place in your Heart — I am ready to dispair of haveing the pleasure of a personal interview with you very shortly. — but have had the pleasure to hear of your safe return from the West Indies. — And have imbraced this oppertunity of leting you see that my real esteem for you runs as high as ever- —
No doubt you have heard of the Late Step that hath been interduced in respect of Ordination.55 — And whether you ap-
55 This is a reference to the Methodist decision to abandon Apostolic Succession in the consecration of the bishops. From this time on Charles
The Pettigrew Papers 49
prove of it, or not, be assured that I neither sought nor expected the Method. — However hope you will not set yourself at a dis- tance from me on that account. — For as I have ever found you sir, a Man of honourable & truly religious Sentiments, have reason to think that you will not do or say anything either directly, or indirectly, contrary to your own Conscience — You will therefore please to look on Mr. Wesley's Letter, wrote on that occation, and also, read Docter [sic] Coke's Sermon, published on the same — And after this should receive your opinion as a mark of your friendship. — mean time please to favour me with a line by the first oppertunity —
I have fell in where James Troyfoot hath very much imposd. on the people, and have thought it my duty to let him be known, by reading your Letters concerning him. — And for fear he may deny your handwriting & say the letters are forgd.[?] would thank you for something more. — He has soothed the matter to the people, when they had him up & demanded his Liceance, by laying his hands on his head & swearing that he had them once but was rob[b]ed of them. — And further, hath pretended to send home for a Coppy of his ordination, — (this is what I hear for have never seen him yet) — There seems to be a pros- pect of many Sinners being converted to God in this City & also in the C[o]untry — I am obliged to leave the City as the small pox is broken out in this place — Tomorrow I purposed to set out for Georgia — but have a few hours passd. recieved [sic] intilegences, that the small pox is broke out both in Savannah & also in Augustia [sic] —
Therefore purpose to spend some time in South Carolinia — The Harvest truly is great but the Labourers are few[.]
Have reason to be thankful for the measure of health which I enjoy; and hope these will find you enjoying the same, or greater blessings — And forget not to pray for; and suffer me, now as ever to subscribe myself your
respectful friend, & Ser*. in the gospel
Beverly Allen [Notation by Charles Pettigrew:] Alas! Poor Allen!
[Addressed:]
The Revd. Charles Petigrew
Edenton
Favd. by Mr. Malory
Pettigrew lost all interest in Methodism and remained faithful to the Anglican communion.
50 N.C. Department of Archives and History
James H. Thomson to Charles Pettigrew UNC
Charleston 19th. Feb*. 1785 [1786 ?]'6 Revd. & Dr. Sir,
Your letter dated Dec1". 13th I have often read — with surprise & pleasure. Now I am seated to give it an answer, I feel a propensity, like a legitimate son of our revolted ancestor, to answer a paragraph in it first, which in your order comes in towards the last. This paragraph respects myself & considers me as invested with holy orders. What gave occasion for it I do not know; but the intelligence is wholly without foundation. I still remain the plain untitled Schoolmaster I was when we parted. And I expect shall continue so to the end of my days. Tho' were a proper opening to be made I might adopt the other character in addition to the present.
Whatever alterations may be made in your Chh still the idea of uniformity, that infernal leaven, seems to accompany them.57 This has been the abominable root of discord & mischief & will be more or less so forever, till utterly exterminated. Among your Brethren there are some whose hearts are panting for the Lawn & their heads aching for the mitre [of a bishop] or a more compromising system would have been adopted. They would have accepted the dissenting plan of ordination or one very near it, with the administration of the sacraments used by their Presbyterian Brethren especially that of the last supper, in which according to your form, scarce a semblance of the original institution is preserved, while on the dissenting plan every strong circumstance is presented to view, & brotherly love, benevolence & equality among the disciples of our great divine benevolent Master thro the whole is inculcated with energy & propriety. Let your Book of common prayer remain as it is; recommend it as an excellent formulary to be used entirely or in part at the discretion of the minister, expunge all human articles of belief, the bible is enough, for if God has not re- vealed himself clearly & intelligibly, I cannot conceive how man who is a worm, can give precision clearness & force to
58 Charles Pettigrew's draft of his reply is dated March, 1786, indicating that this date should also be 1786.
67 The discussion in this paragraph refers to the action of the 1785 Epis- copal convention in Philadelphia which approved a revised liturgy and a constitution for the Protestant Episcopal Church in the United States. William Stevens Perry, The History of the American Episcopal Church (Boston: James R. Osgood & Co., 2 volumes, 1885), II, 26-32, hereinafter cited as Perry, History of the American Episcopal Church.
The Pettigrew Papers 51
the expression ; when you shall have done this, I persuade myself you will have laid a foundation broad as Christ himself has marked out; & all of his solid well informed followers would have shouted a blessing to its corner stones. You will take none of my freedom amiss I am persuaded. You have taught me to think aloud upon these subjects in writing to you by your Catholicism & liberality so often displayed in conversation for- merly. So that whether my remarks be or be not well founded I am sure to give you no offence by them.
That you should be still at Edenton is to me astonishing. If I believed in spells & incantation I could account for it; but now cannot do it any More than yourself. Mrs. Thomson & Cross unite in desiring to be respectfully remembered to yourself & Mrs. Pettigrew. Our children are well. Cap Cross about sailing I expect this day for Dublin from Wilmington in your State.
I beg you will remove & remove soon I consider your talents as not employed for the general interests so well in Edenton as they probably would be elsewhere ; were the people to support you decently & liberally. And when you are settled I shall be glad to hear from you again, that I may know how to direct in future. The packet for your Brother I forwarded agreeably to Direction. I am Sir
with esteem
& respect yours &a
James H. Thomson
[Addressed :]
The Reverend Charles Pettigrew
near Edenton
North Carolina
Favoured
by
Cap Conger
[Notation on back by Charles Pettigrew:] The love of Truth a virtue most sincere
[Draft of a reply by Charles Pettigrew, written on back:] Dr Sir—
Yours of 19th of Feb. I reed. 2 Days ago — It found me at the House of Mourning, & incapable of comfort from any thing of a temporal Nature. I had just accompanied the breathless
52 N.C. Department of Archives and History
remains of my dear, dear, dear companion to the House ap- pointed for all living at an old burying ground where she now sleeps wth. her fathers— She died the 10th Day after being delivered of twins whose birth was premature, perhaps the 8th month of gestation.58 The fevers so incident to the Climate had in the run of 18th months past much impaired her strength so that on taking violent cold on my removing out of Edenton to a House a good deal out of repair (for I could not live there any longer) she was taken with a kind of pluracy, & her fever was such that 7 Blisters could not break it— The infants both died after a few hours — Two survive — the oldest of wch is not 7 & the youngest about 3 years old —
I have thought much of Georgia, as a climate better suited to a weak & debelitated Constitution as the weather is undoubt- edly less variable from its proximity to the Tropics I should be glad of your advice— Yet tho' alas, I am not doing much good— I wish to live on acct. of my Children —
March 1786.
Wilson Blount to Charles Pettigrew UNC
Newbern 25th. April, 1786 Dear Sir.
I have just recd. from my friend Mr. Littlejohn™ the acco*. of the Death of my Dear Sister [Mrs. Mary Pettigrew]. I [torn] express to you the distress I feal on this unhappy event. I have been for this long time coming to Edenton, for a visit, for no other purpose but to see my friends there, the Situation of my
58 Mary Blount Pettigrew died on March 16, 1786, following the birth of the twins on March 7. Blount-Pettigrew Genealogy. The following notation presumably composed by Charles Pettigrew, is also found in the Genealogy:'
"Mary Pettigrew, one of the most worthy of her sex, departed this life on the 16th March, 1786 — and was laid in one tomb with her twins. With modest lustre all her goodness shone, The wife, the mother was excelled by none; Was loved thro life, lamented in her end.' 0 Tomb! much honored, keep thy three fold Trust! 'Till the last Trump demand their precious Dust."
59 There are three Littlejohns connected with Edenton during this period, all of them merchants. William Littlejohn and his wife, Sarah Blount, were living in the Littlejohn House on West Eden Street in 1791. Sarah was a signer of the Tea Party resolutions. Historic Edenton, sketch No. 23 on the Littlejohn House. Thomas B. Littlejohn and John W. Littlejohn were also merchants, as evidenced by letters in this volume. See, for example, Charles Pettigrew to Thomas Littlejohn, June 18, 1791, p. 103. See also footnote 86, p. 103. '
The Pettigrew Papers 53
affairs has render'1, it as yet, out of my power to effect it, after our next court which is now [torn] at hand, and had promisd. myself much pleasure in seeing her together with her little family, for whoom [sic] I had the greatest [torn].
I have always understood she was happy as to her situation in life, & of yr. kindness & attention to her, which affords me great Consolation for which I shall always consider myself under every tie of friendship & respect to you. I am sorry so Melancoly a Subject should be the occation of my addressing you for the first time but real[l]y business & the continual expectation of seeing you myself has ever prevent'1, me. I have heard you have one Daughter,60 be there more or less, if you think proper to commit them to the care of Mrs. Blount & Myself you may depend on our parental attention to them, as I shall always take a pleasure in doing [torn] anything of her. You will oblige me by letting me know, the names & ages of the Children, & shall be happy at all times to hear of yr. Welfair
I remain very respectfully,
Dear Sir
Your m°. Ob*, serv*.
Wilson Blount [Addressed:]
The Revd. Charles Pettegrew Perqs. County
Peter Singleton to Charles Pettigrew A&H
Kempsville Apr1. 26th. 1787. Dear Sir
Your Favour of the 22d. Instant, I recd. by Mr. Harvey and am happy to hear that you & your little Sons are well & sin-
60 Wilson Blount's information was incorrect — there were two sons but no daughters. This letter indicates some of the difficulties of communication at that time. He had not seen his sister or written to her husband in nine years, although the families lived only a hundred miles apart. Wilson Blount and his wife Ann had a house in New Bern and also a plantation near the town. Alice Barnwell Keith and William H. Masterson (eds.), The John Gray Blount Papers (Raleigh: State Department of Archives and His- tory, 3 volumes, 1952, 1959, 1965), I, 4 n. 8, 457 n. 88, passim; II, 89 n. 145, passim, hereinafter cited as Keith, John Gray Blount Papers, I, II, or as Masterson, John Gray Blount Papers, III. Wilson Blount was living in Edenton in 1772 when he bought the site of the West Custom House on Blount Street, and it is believed he built the house presently standing there. Historic Edenton, sketch No. 22 on the West Custom House. Exactly when he and his wife moved to New Bern has not been established. Judging from letters in this volume, it appears that they had no children.
54 N.C. Department of Archives and History
cerely wish you & them a long continuance of Health & happi- ness. Some time ago I recd. the disagreeable News of your late Worthy Lady Mrs. Pettigrews death, and hartily sympathize with you, on the lost of so valuable a Partner, and doubt not your affliction must have been great, but as I am writing to a Divine & a man who's Prudence & Rectitude I have a great opinion of, it wou'd be but waste of time, to recommend resig- nation &ca., for sure I am You'll say, as did good Old Eli, it is the Lord, let him do what seemeth to him good, and I am really pleased that you must no doubt often have the pleasing Reflections, that each had assisted the other in the mutual duty of Husband & Wife in striving together for your Spiritual & temporal welfare, weh. made your love perfect & gave that Worthy Lady a right, as a good Christian, to cry out wth. her last breath "Lord Jesus, receive my Spirit."
Your intention of going to the Springs 61 will I hope prove salutory, but my Dear Freind [sic'] wou'd not a shorter jaunt answer your purpose? as I presume you mean chiefly, to be from Carolina the Sickly Season, & therebye escape the dis- orders incident to your place; if so, might not a trip to this County answer a good purpose, and shall be glad if you deter- mine on the latter, that you'll make my House your home during your stay. You hope that Mr. Simpson has behaved well & secured the Esteem of his Parishioners, I am sorry to say he has not, and had not a general dissolution of the Vestry's of this State taken place by a late Act of our assembly, I am well assured the Vestry of this Parish wou'd have met on Mr. Simpsons conduct & he must have been cited as an improper Man to be continued in the Parish as the encumbent thereof & as he has but few hearers and have lost ground with those Friends of his that unfairly got him inducted, shou'd not be surprised if his stay shou'd be short with us, his School I con- ceive the only thing worth his staying for, as his Subscription is hardly worth mentioning. Mrs. Singleton Joins with my Daughters in their most Respectful Compliments to you & re- turns you her thanks for the Eligy you was pleased to send her, on the Death of a Lady, who she flatter'd herself with the pleasure of an intimate Freindship [sic] with, while we had the
61 Possibly this is either Shocco Springs or Sulphur Springs in Warren County. Both areas were popular resorts for many years, and neither was a great distance from Edenton. Guion Griffis Johnson, Ante-Bellum North Carolina: A Social History (Chapel Hill: University of North Carolina Press, 1937), 188, hereinafter cited as Johnson, Ante-Bellum North Carolina.
The Pettigrew Papers 55
pleasing prospect of having you to reside among us, and I can assure you she was one of a great number that regret [t]ed the disappoinm*. we met with in loosing you. I am pleased with the Epitaph on your Ladys Tomb & now to my self say how happy wou'd it in the end be, if every Man & Woman wou'd so live in this World, that they might, after Death, deserve the same. I thank God that my Family & my self have been in good health for some time past, 'till a few Days ago, when Mrs. Singleton, myself & youngest Son were taken unwell with Chilli- ness & Fevers, brought on, I imagine from Colds, but as we find ourselves much better, I hope we shall soon be restored to good health, and am
Dr. Sir
Your Mo. Obed*. hble Serv*.
Peter Singleton
Charles Pettigrew to William White* a&h
Perqs. 3d. July 1787 Dear Sir —
Your very friendly letter, together with one from Mr. Single- ton, by Mr. Harvey came safe to hand — Either of the two would have given me singular pleasure, but both at once, & both con- curing to speak the same grateful sentiments, like a personal visit from my friends, seem'd to dispel the gloom of solitude & contribute real happiness. I have often read your Letter, & as often derived sensible pleasure. — I thank you for your sentiments of condolence, so happily express'd. — They did not fail to command the tribute of an additional Tear to the memory of my Dear Deceased Companion — Yet while I mourn my loss, I bless the indulgent father of Spirits, who hath called her home, I trust, to one of those many mansions where Peace, & Love, harmony & uninterrupted Joy eternally reign. You ask your friend, "What has he to fear, whose heart is fix'd on the solid & permanent Joys of eternity"? I wish I could appropriate the sentiment according to your charitable application — But alas! I am constrained to own that the world with its alluring pros- pects is still a dangeous enemy — And when it shall cease to be so, xtianity will cease to be a warfare. But so it is, that we have principallities & powers & spiritual wickednesses in high places, to encounter, & to overcome, while we contend for the
56 N.C. Department of Archives and History
prize of eternal Life — May you & I, my Dr. friend, be found at last more than Conquerors, thro' the might of Him who hath loved us, & washed us from our Sins, in his own blood. The longer I live, the more intimately I am convinced, that there is no true happiness abstracted from vital religion & virtue. It is from These sources, that the mind is fortified, so as without a shock, to be able to meet the last enemy of nature, & even view him (namely Death) with the aspect of a friend, sent to open the gate of everlasting Life, & introduce us into the society of the blessed.
I was happy to hear by Mr. Newton that you, with Mrs. White, are well. Long may you enjoy that Blessing! I had like to have forgot to thank you for your very kind invitation to princess Anne, during the sickly season here, which I most cordially do; & at the same time feel the weight of an additional obliga- tion. But beg leave to observe, that I cannot take that rout. I feel too much abash'd, on a recollection, of my being reprobated by the Vestry. I wish I had more fortitude of mind, but I must ingenuously own to you as a friend, that I have not so much as I seem to have. God bless them ! I heartily forgive them, & even the man who circumvented me. Were I to push myself into his Company, in case of Difference in sentiment I migh[t] find the Repertee returned from the mought [sic~\ of one of his pious pistols. For from what report, says of him, He seem^ to be fallen on a very uncommon method of religious constraint. If they will not agree to be priest-ridden all the way to heaven, — He undertakes with his own hand to give them an im- mediate] passage to Hell: — but at the same time not being so good proof himself as he thought, against fire & brimstone (or gunpowder) he had like, of late, with all his divinity to have shot the impassible Gulf himself while indeavouring to shove off his parishioners.
Please to make my Compliments to MIS. White, & believe me to be with sentiments of the truest gratitude & esteem
Dr. Sir—
Your most ob*. H-ble Serv*.
Charles Pettigrew [Addressed:] W1". White Esquire Princess Anne
The Pettigrew Papers 57
Receipt from Penelope Barker UNC
[February 27, 1788]
Feb. 27th 1788 — Received of Mrs. Penelope Barker Ten Pounds for attendance at the Funeral of Mr. Barker.
Charles Pettigrew
Peter Singleton to Charles Pettigrew a&h
Kempsville June 10th., 1788. Dear Sir,
Your Favour of the 13th. Janry last past, I recd. some time ago, giving me the melancholy news of the Death of our Worthy and mutual Freind [sic] Col°. Thomas Harvey; whos Death to all who had the Pleasure of an intimate acquaintance with him must be truly disagreeable, consequently I most sincerely sympathize with you for the loss of that good man. — Poor Mrs. Harvey ! his worthy & amiable Relict, inconsolable ! — how I pity her; — for her grief must have been great. The loss of such a Husband render'd it unavoidable; but in the midst of my un- easiness for the loss of my Freind [sic~\ & his distressed Lady & Family, I have this consolation; that you my Worthy Freind [sic] & theirs, being at hand will I have not a doubt, give your best advice & that you'll soon be able to bring a Lady of her good sense & goodness, to submit with becoming Resignation to the direction & will of divine Providence. I have made every exer- tion in my Power to collect the balance due from Mr. Tabbs Estate to Col0. Harveys for Rent of Saunders's Land, and find myself at length in a fair & I think sure way of getting it by the 10th. of next month, by that time an Execution now in the Hands of our Sheriff must be pd. off and shall be glad that an Oppty may then offer for me to send it in & shou'd also be glad to be furnish'd as soon as possible with my late Worthy Freind [sic] Ace*, ag*. me that it may be adjusted. The new federal Governm*. is now under the Consideration of the Convention of this State, and I am inform'd by Letters from some of my Freinds [sic] members of the Convention, that they are delib- erating on, and discussing every Paragraph; but no Question is to be offered, until they have gone through the whole. The Governor has expressed himself in Favour of the general Union, wch. hath occasioned a Pensiveness, not to say Gloominess, in
58 N.C. Department of Archives and History
a part of the House, whose sentiments do not accord with his; and has explained his Conduct with considerable address 'If, says he, I had signed the proposed Constitution, I feared, judg- ing from very recent Circumstances, that it would have wanted that best Sanction, the Hearts of the People : If I had absolutely rejected it, the Union would have been endangered. — But now when seven States have agreed to it, I act under very different Impressions. I mean not to apologize to any Individual, to the House, or to the People. — I am to answer for my Conduct only to my own Conscience & my God.' — South Carolina I have a few Days ago heard, makes the 8th. State in the Union & I expect that Virginia will soon be added to the number But I cannot speak with Certainty as there are many adversaries to it & not inconsiderable ones. I have been anxious for an Oppty to have answer'd your Letter ere this, but none offer'd & I now embrace the only one that has offer'd since Janry last, except one by a Young Man, near Hartford a Brother of Mr. Fras. Newby by whom (it being our Court) I had not time to write, I hope therefore that you'll acquit me of neglect on that head.
Mr. Simpson has resign'd his Office as Minister of this Parish and the Vestry have agreed to Induct Mr. Anthony Walke into the same, as soon as he obtains Letters of Ordination, which I suppose he has obtained ere this as he went some time ago to Philadelphia for that purpose.
Mrs. Singleton is not so well as I cou'd wish, the rest of my Family, I thank God, are well as are all your other acquaintances — With Sentiments of Respect for the County of Perquimons & Compliments to all Enquirers, I am
Revd. Sir,
Your sincere friend & Serv*.
Peter Singleton [Addressed:] The Revd. Mr. Pettigrew Perquimans
Charles Pettigreiv to Peter Singleton* a&h
Perq. 14th July 1788 Dear Sir —
Your very friendly Letter in answer to mine of Last January is Just come to hand. The appology for delay is perfectly satis-
The Pettigrew Papers 59
factory; and I most heartily thank you, — particularly for the trouble you have taken, at my request, to secure a Debt in favour of a most worthy family. But as Virtue is indeed its own Re- ward, I am Persuaded that the pleasure which has resulted from the success of your exertions, has been adequate at least to the trouble that has attended them — Had I not known from the most convincing proofs, that you delight to act on Liberal principles, I might not have been so forward to request; but such ivas our decd. friend, & such is his family, in the esteem of their Acquaintance, that I could not hesitate a moment.
That amiable & good Lady has, under the most afflictive Ber[e]avement, behaved with a prudence & Decorum perfectly consistent with her Character. — The Daughter she has had since that distressful period, is now perhaps about three months old — & a very engaging child of her age, but is just now recovering from a short spell of sickness — The Mother is still pensive & sensible of her forlorn situation, but I hope time will erase the impression.
In respect to the new federal Constitution, I have had the pleasure to see that your Convention have adopted & ratified it, but with a caution which does them honour, for I still think, though a friend to it upon the whole,62 that the rights of the people might have been better guarded from the future en- croachments of ambition, when stimulated by the infatuating influence of power —
Our Convention has not yet met, but will it is expected in a few Days. The result of their deliberations will be, I expect, a concurrence with the other States who have adopted it; for although opposition is threatened, it will not be so powerful as that which it met with in Virginia — Besides they will not choose to risk the Consequences of rejecting it63 —
I am very sorry to find that Mrs. Singleton is indisposed, but glad that the rest of your family, & my other friends, if I have any, are well — Also that your Parish is likely to be sup- plied with a Gentleman of unexceptionable Character — May the Blessing of Heaven concur with his ministry, to render him still more the object of popular Esteem, as a zealous, useful &
62 Later letters written by Charles Pettigrew, especially those to Nathaniel Blount, reveal that he was a Federalist rather than a Jeffer- sonian.
83 The first convention at Hillsborough in July, 1788, rejected the new constitution; a second convention at Fayetteville in November, 1789, rati- fied it.
4f
60 N.C. Department of Archives and History
humble Minister of the meek & Lowly Jesus! Be so obliging as to present my Complimts. to him though are utter strangers, — also to Mrs. Singleton & family, Mr. White and his Lady — and believe me to be with very great Esteem & the truest regard
Dr. Sir
Your most ob1. & H-ble Serv*.
Charles Pettigrew
N.B. This is the first Rough Draft of the Letter I sent. C. P.
[Addressed:]
Peter Singleton Esqr.
Kempsville
Favor'd by
Mr. Dameson
Henry Pattillo to Charles Pettigrew UNC
Granville [County] 13th Decern 1788 Rev41, dear Sir,
I owe you a long letter, but shall fall as far short of that, as of some other debts. I recd. your ace*, of your distressing be- reavement, Epitaph &c. Your last by Master Harvey anticipates providence; for through the great goodness of God, my dear old companion is sitting by me, and, to me, as lovely & beloved as she was thirty years ago. Your ace1, of your health, or rather of your sickness, alarmed us ; but I still hope I am writing to an inhabitant of earth, for I have but too little correspondence in the skies.
How can you avoid an autumnal trip among your old connec- tions in Granville &c? We had Mr. Craig at Mr. Penn's funeral last Wednesday. He is still a son of thunder, and insists on the necessity of regeneration, tho' I never heard him attempt a description of that work of GOD. Our Episcopalians are getting Mr. Micklejohn64 to N[ut] B[ush], once in the month. I heard him last visit. He is an artist at avoiding Jesus Christ, both
64 The Reverend George Micklejohn lived in Granville County from 1779 until 1818 when he moved to Mecklenburg County, Virginia, where he died in 1811. His career as a colonial clergyman was a stormy one. Saunders, Colonial Records, X, 560, 646, 917, 932; Clark, State Records, XXIV, 297; Stowe, "The Clergy in 1785," 273-274.
The Pettigrew Papers 61
name and substance. The first thorrough [sic] deistical sermon I ever heard. I have invited out Mr. Jarratt, to sow some good seed with the tares, before Christianity is totally eradicated. We have had President Smith65 of P[rince] Edward two or three times among us. What a clear head; what an elegant & ready tongue, and what a glow of religion attends that little Seraph in all his motions! And how greatly are his labours blest! I sometimes attend and assist at his sacraments; & if a man is not made of ice, he must be warmed, animated, trans- ported. I know not which is the most animating, the minister or the people. Such crowds of attentive hearers collect, that they seem to forget all distinction of professions, & throng to the table, of all Denominations among us. Religion is but low amongst us: tho' blessed be GOD, I could perhaps name half a score of young people, that have set out promisingly, & bear the fruits of holiness ; & you know we have some old professors whose light has shone for many years. But how small the num- ber; and what a piece of useless lumber have I been in the creation, & now in my grand climacteric!
I have ventured to appear in print,66 and I fancy Harvey has one or two of the books along. Accept one of