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Colonial and State Records of North Carolina
Letter from John Christian Senf to Horatio Gates
Senf, John Christian
August 24, 1780
Volume 14, Pages 574-575

COL. SENF. TO GENERAL GATES.
Honourable Major Genl. Gates.

Richmond, August 24th, 1780. 4 O'clock afternoon.

Dearest General:

This Morning at Nine o'Clock we arrived at this place, and waited on the Privy Consulers, as the Governor was gone to his Country Seat. The Newes allarmed them first very much, but after Explanation, became in so far satisfied, they promise every Assistance, and in a few days they have promised me to send to Hillsborough or Cross Creek, where ever You may asemble, 200 Spades, 100 Axes, Hoes, Pickaxes, Billhooks, etc., and Six Carpenters with tools. As for Negro pioneers, they can do nothing according to their Constitution. It will therefor, be the best to make imediatly Application to the State of North Carolina for such. General Muhlenberg, who I found at this place, made him fully aquainted of Your Situation; will march in a few days, with 400 old Continental troops to join Your troops. Colo. Carrington who I met on his Way to Your Army, is gone back with me to this place according to Your Desire, and will make all necessary parparation for Musquets and Ordonary Ammunition; he likewise informs me that some Waggons with Musquet-Cordriges, are gone on for Your troops, which will soon arrive at Hillborough, likewise some flints. I shall make some Application to the Bord of War, that if they can't send a Battn. of Artillery, to send at least a few Companies. The officers of the Horse say still that they want four Weeks time more to compleat their Regts., but I think that those who are ready may join the Army and the rest follow as soon as they can.

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Horses are very scarce here, and therefore I have been this half a day detain'd on my Journy, but be adjured I shall make no Delay and return as soon as possible.

Two Days ago two Marquees have been sent off from here to You for Your Use.

I wish You better Health, and remain
With the greatest respect
Your faithfull Servt.,
JN. CHRISTN. SENF.