Documenting the American South Logo
Colonial and State Records of North Carolina
Letter from Richard Caswell to Peter Mallett
Caswell, Richard, 1729-1789
November 08, 1778
Volume 13, Pages 269-270

GOV. CASWELL TO PETER MALLETT ESQ.
[From Executive Letter Book.]


Kingston, 8th November 1778.

Sir:

Your favor of the 1st and 3d current I have received and agreeably to your request have furnished your Brother with £10,000 which I presume will answer your present demands for provisions, on account of the public, tho' I wish you to engage further in the business of the States, by supplying provisions to a detachment of Militia from the Wilmington Brigade, and the regular Troops in that District, both of which are now collecting at Elizabeth Town.

I also recommend your procuring what flour, Beef and Pork which may be necessary to march the Troops, which may consist of about 2500 men or perhaps 3000, from Elizabeth Town to South Carolina. The Cattle and Hogs may be driven with the Army or lodged in their way. But I fear unless you secure corn meal or flour, in time to be either lodged in the Route of the Troops or marched with them, it may be scarce.

I do not wish you to be at any extraordinary trouble or expense in lodging provisions at Hillsboro'. The prices of Cattle and Pork are high, but they must be given; do not exceed 20 dollars

-------------------- page 270 --------------------
per cent for good pork, without previously addressing me, that you cannot buy for that price. I am much hurried and cannot add, farther than that I am with very great esteem Sir,

Your obliged & obedt. huml. Servt.
R. CASWELL.

P. S. Please to inform me as soon as you can, if you will undertake the business now recommended, and what sum may be necessary to furnish you with for that purpose.