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Colonial and State Records of North Carolina
Letter from William Lee Davidson to Abner Nash
Davidson, William Lee, 1746-1781
October 22, 1780
Volume 15, Pages 127-128

GEN. WM. DAVIDSON TO GOV. ABNER NASH.


Camp Six Mile Creek, October 22nd, 1780.
10 O'clock A. M.

His Excellency Abner Nash, Governor, Newbern.
Sir:

The Enemy have retreated as far as the Waxhaws, & have shown a Disposition for crossing Catawba ever since they left Charlotte on the Evening of the 12th Inst. Desertion prevails among their Militia, & some few have come over to us from the Legion. The disaffected Inhabitants in the Rear of the Enemy discover great inclination to fall back under our protection & government. Application had been made for this purpose before they knew of the evacuation of Charlotte. Many of those deluded people wish for an overture of grace, & perhaps it may be for the general good to indulge them with it. As the matter appears important, I shall be happy in receiving Directions from your Excellency in the Case. As something immediate seemed necessary, the Inclosed will show what Measures I have adopted in the mean Time.

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The British are about 20 miles in my Front. Generals Smallwood & Morgan I expect in to Day.

I am respectfully, Sir,
Your most obedt. & most Humble Servt.,
WM. DAVIDSON.


3 o'clock P. M.

By Major Dickens, just from the Enemy's Lines, we find that their troops have all crossed the Catawba at Lands Ford, 44 Miles above Camden. As the British were superior in Horse, our Cavalry were some days since drawn off from the persuit.