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Colonial and State Records of North Carolina
Letter from John Doak to Richard Caswell
Doak, John
November 01, 1777
Volume 11, Pages 794-795

JOHN DOAK TO GOV. CASWELL.
[From MS. Records in Office of Secretary of State.]

Orange County Nov. 1st 1777

May it please your Excellency

I have been a prisoner of this State these twenty months first taken by Capt. Rowan then paroled to Halifax by Colo. Martin and by Authority of the Congress of this State held there. The 2nd day of April 1776 I was ordered and signed a parole (as a prisoner of War) to the County of Orange Not one shilling of allowance have I received tho' I find that by Authority of the Honrbl the Continental Congress and this State the rest of my fellow sufferers are not only sent to the northward (as I apprehend) to be ready for an exchange (should such a Circumstance happen) but have been paid up their full allowance as is Resolved by both Congresses.

I most sincerely thank the Gent. of the Congress for the indulgence they have already given me yet I am at a loss to know for what reason I am left here alone—should this present Assembly send any more Prisoners from this State I would gladly take my Chance of being exchanged and wish to be ordered to a place where some of my acquaintances may be stationed. The Assembly may be assured I will do my utmost (on my Parole without a Guard) to get to the place they may order—

I hope they will give me a little time to go to Cumberland to get in readiness.

Your Excellency will be pleased to excuse this Freedom when I

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assure you that it is my hearty wish that these unhappy times may be soon brought to a Conclusion and that each Country may enjoy the liberty they have a right too and that

I am your Excellency's
Most obed Humble Servant
JOHN DOAK