Camp near Charlestown, Feby. 12th, 1780.
Please your Excellency.
Sir:
It would be the neglect of Duty in me not to Inform your Excellency of our Arrival here. After an Excessive cold & hard March here, I met with Genl. Lincoln's orders at Cleggs Ferry, over against George Town, to march to the Mills on the Edisto. By the time we got to Dorchester in our way I had orders to march down to Charles Town, at which place we arrived the 28th of last Instant. The troops are in as good health as could be expected, having lost but one man, who Died at George Town. We found the officers here encamped with about sixty Men from the westward. I think myself very happy in the appointment of Major Dickson & Major Nelson, and could freely wish your Excellency would recomend these Gents. to the Assembly if there
should be more Militia sent to the Southward, As I am sure they will serve cheerfully if leave can be granted them by their Commanding officer; for my part, I cannot think otherwise than to have some regular officer with the Militia must be a very great advantage to them. Our men have been on hard Duty ever since we have been here, not less than two h'd or more every Day on Fatigue. The Inclosed is a general return for your perusal, wherein you will see, Sir, what Field Officers I had with me on our March; Major Dublin just come to camp. We have men more or less coming in every Day. General Lincoln was in camp this morning, and Informed me he had an Express come to him last night with Information that the British Troops had arrived with Eight thousand men. I wish we had all our forces collected; I think we could be so well prepared for them by the time they can get here that we could give them a warm reception, I hope. Sir, wishing this may find you & your good family in perfect health,