John Scott, Sr., was bon in England about 1715. His will was written in Caswell County, NC, on 17 June 1781. His wife's' name was Mary (some say her maiden name was Wittendall and they were married at St. Katherine's Church near the Tower of London). They had at least five children.
John Scott was a soldier in the NC Militia during the Revolutionary War and served under Lieutenant Colonel Stephen Moore. He was also held prisoner. In a letter to Major General Nathaniel Greene dated 18 May 1781, Lt. Col. Moore and Major John Barnwell--who commanded the SC militia--listed the names of 130 prisoners on board the HMS Forbay (which may have really been the HMS Torbay). John Scott, Jr. is on that list.
The editor of a book that contains the transcribed letter surmises that these were likely prisoners of the battle at Camden, SC, in August 1780. Stephen Moore was born in New York City, but had removed to NC to support the revolution, while the rest of his family supported England. He settled in Camden County. In 1779, he was appointed Lt. Col. in the NC Militia, after which he raised and equipped a regiment and was sent to join General Gates in Camden, SC. In the ensuing battle there, General Gates led the continental army against Cornwallis; however, his troop strength was depleted due to rampant dysentery among the troops. When the British charged with their bayonets, many of Gates's soldiers fled. About 900 American s died and another 1000 were captured, along with wagon loads of equipment. After the loss, Gates was replaced by General Greene. Records show that Lt. Col. Moore was exchanged in 1781, perhaps shortly after writing his letter.
John Scott is my 6th great -grandfather through his son William, his son John Graham Scott, his son Robert Moore Scott, his daughter Mary Elizabeth Scott, her son John Graham Barnett Sr, his son John Graham Barnett Jr, and his daughter Jean Graham Barnett, who was my Mom.
