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Colonial and State Records of North Carolina
Letter from John Baptist Ashe to Richard Caswell
Ashe, John Baptista, 1748-1802
July 18, 1777
Volume 11, Page 524

MAJOR J. B. ASHE TO GOV. CASWELL.
[From Executive Letter Book.]

Halifax, July 18th, 1777.

Sir:—

I have just now handed a return to Col. Williams (of the 9th Battalion) agreeable to your Excellency's directions to him. You will no doubt be astonished and wonder that such a vast arrear can be due that regiment, but your Excellency's astonishment will assuredly cease when I inform you (and that with truth) that there isn't above twelve of the men returned, but have been deserted since the latter part of seventy five; I hav'nt any news to write your Excellency, only the one of the Royal Bloods of France, (the Marquis de Lafayette) recommended by Mr. Franklin, passed this a few days since, on his way to the Grand Army.

I am with due respect,
Your Excellency's very obed't. very h'ble servant,
J. B. ASHE.
His Excellency Governor Caswell.