Sir,

You are hereby required to raise the Company of Militia under your Command, or so many of them as you can March with the greatest expedition and most Secret Manner to Core Banks, there to repel, or do your best endeavour to repel, the enemy at or near that place, and by all means to remove the Stocks of Cattle & Sheep so as at every event to prevent their falling into the enemies hands.

You are to Ambuscade, Harrass, Distress & Destroy the enemy all in your power and when you have it not in your power to Annoy them, you are to observe their Motions & from Time to Time you are to give me Notice or in my Absence you are to Convey such Notice to Major Barron at New Bern, of the Enemies motions & your progress.

Let me entreat you to be vigilant in this Business as it imports every real Friend to his Country to exert himself upon this Occasion. You will Continue on Core Banks untill you receive further Orders from me or Other your Superior Officer.