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Colonial and State Records of North Carolina
Letter from William Richardson Davie to Jethro Sumner
Davie, William Richardson, 1756-1820
October 01, 1780
Volume 14, Page 779

COLONEL W. R. DAVIE TO GENERAL JETHRO SUMNER.

“I learn that 800 of the British moved yesterday morning from Charlotte, partly foot and partly horse. The enemy are cajoling and flattering the people to take parole, and pursuing the same steps they did in South Carolina. They forage largely and carelessly, and a few rifle light infantry might be of singular service. If the parties are small they may lie secure among the thickets and morasses, and annoy the enemy considerably. This paroling the people, bringing large quantities of liquor with them, and provision, convinces me of their serious intention to subjugate this State. But their halting and marching so slowly is unaccountable.”