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Colonial and State Records of North Carolina
Letter from Thomas Craike to Richard Caswell
Craike, Thomas
June 02, 1778
Volume 13, Pages 146-147

MAJOR THOS CRAIKE TO GOV. CASWELL.
[From Executive Letter Book.]

Halifax June 2d 1778.

Sir:

I have inquired about the guard that was to be raised for the public Magazine, in this town, I am sorry to inform your Excellency, that if there were not some soldiers belonging to the Continental Troops, in town, the magazine would be a great risk. Mr. Powell who is appointed Captain of the guard, has only recruited 6 men and boys and he says it is not in his power to inlist men as such great Bounties are given for men to go to the Northward. I have desired him to make a return to your Excellency and inform you fully respecting his company. I have desired Col. Long to have two Conductors made for the Magazines at Kingston and forwarded as soon as possible. I shall have the same done for the Magazine here. The officers are very urgent with me for clothing of all kinds, and I have none to deliver them, I shall set off today for Edenton, and will if possible procure some of every kind.

Capt. Little came here this morning from the Back Country. He says the recruits where he has been are in great forwardness particularly in Orange. The companies here I believe will be soon ready to march. Some of the volunteers for this town have rec'd £200 over the Bounty given by the State, fine encouragement for men to serve their Country. I should be glad if Mr. Sitgreaves would send some of the cloths in his possession. The wagon that brings the shirts from Mr. Blount's, had best make up a load at

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New Bern of such stores as may be there, Col. Long has some pots which he directed Fields the wagon Master to bring. I suppose Mr. Sitgreaves will be able to load a wagon out of those three articles. Mr. Mallett nor Mr. Burton has sent their leather yet, Col. Long has had a letter from Mr. Mallett, and his may be expected every day. If there are any particular directions about the leather your Excellency will be pleased to forward them.

I have the honor to be your Excellency's most obedient humble servant.
THOMAS CRAIKE.