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Colonial and State Records of North Carolina
Letter from Isaac Gregory to Abner Nash
Gregory, Isaac, ca. 1737-1800
November 10, 1780
Volume 15, Page 149

GEN. ISAAC GREGORY TO GOV. ABNER NASH.

To His Excellency Gov. Nash.


Camp Great Swamp, 10th November, 1780.

Sir:

I am now at this place with a few men, trying to secure this pass. On the 8th Inst. the Enemy attacked our works at this pass but was repulsed with some loss on their side; the next day they came down with two field pieces and paraded their men with these pieces, burnt a few houses, went off without trying to attack our works. The situation that I am in is a bad one at present. Very few men then as volunteers turned out before I Returned home, and thinks themselves at large to act as they think proper. The Drafts that Genl. Benbury had ordered is not come to Camp. The Enemy is strong; from the best Intelligence I can get their strength when first landed was upwards of two thousand & a Gentleman of undoubted veracity who was at Portsmouth about eight days agoe says he saw one thousand, which makes upwards of three thousand. It's believed that they intend to Secure Edenton; if so the trade of this State is nearly completely stoped. You may judge the forlorn situation. I am distressed not only for men alone, but what men we have got their arms is by no means fit for use; we have very few of any sort. I shall do every thing in my power to frustrate them in every pass I can till such times I am enabled with men, and had I 300 men well pointed I should be able to take the pass, they possess, but Expect every day they will be Reinforced, which will make a great deal of Difference.

I am without money even to pay Expresses or any other necessary thing that is wanting. I refer you for further particulars to Mr. Hervey, as he can inform you.

I am, Sir, very Respectfully yr. most obedt. Srt.,
ISAAC GREGORY, Brig.