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Sir:

I am constrained from indispensable necessity to trouble your Excellency once more on the subject of the boundary line. It is now reduced to a certainty that linen for Tents can nowhere be gotten in this State in time (if at all) for the expedition. Indeed, it is doubtful whether a sufficient quantity can be obtained for necessary bags. The Commissary of Stores, or his deputy, informed my brother some time ago that he was possessed of about forty good Tents belonging to the commonwealth of Virginia, and having a demand against that State for their value on the score of some Ammunition, &c., he intended to appropriate them to the use of North Carolina, but was unwilling to let them go on the

service of the line, as he expected your Excellency would order them with the Militia then drafting for South Carolina.

When those Soldiers were discharged or disbanded on furlough, I made no doubt but twenty-five at least would be surrendered to our Commissary without hesitation upon your Excellency's general order. On application and Examination it turned up that Col. Nicholas Long had received the tents and passed his receipt, and that Mr. Craike had nothing more than bare possession. Col. Long is willing to give up our number of tents, but is fearful of the consequence. This, Sir, I believe is a true State of the case, with this other truth, that after all the expenses already incurred the line cannot be extended without tents, and that none other than those mentioned can be gotten.

I shall set off to-morrow in order to keep the Gentlemen of Virginia from returning, and “will rough it,” as the saying is, 'till the Commissary with Tents, &c., comes up; but believe me, Sir, if he follows without that article, the business must and will break up. The consequence I need not mention. The expense on our State will be great without the least benefit, and Virginia will be complaining with just cause. The bearer, Mr. John Rooker, will wait your Excellency's leisure, and bring such despatches as may be delivered. Please direct to the Commissary, as I shall be out of the way.

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