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Colonial and State Records of North Carolina
Letter from Nathanael Greene to Jethro Sumner
Greene, Nathanael, 1742-1786
April 21, 1781
Volume 15, Page 444

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GEN. NATH. GREENE TO GENERAL SUMNER.

Camp before Camden, April 21st, 1781.

Dear Sir:

Since I wrote you a day or two ago I have received information that a detachment of the Enemy from Wilmington is moving towards Newbern; Should the information be true, and they continue their operations that way, you will collect all the Continental Troops drafted for a year in Hillsborough and the lower district, and employ them against the enemy in that quarter, great activity and great industry is necessary to counteract such an active enemy as we have to deal with. You will write to Baron Steuben and inform him of the situation of things in the quarter where you are, and apply to him for articles necessary to equip your Troops that cannot be had in the State, or provided in any other way.

We are before this place but find the Garrison too large and the works too strong to storm it with the little force we have. Our movements this way have revived the hopes of the People, before which the People were ready to give themselves up as lost forever.

I am Sir,
Your hble. Servt.,
NATH. GREENE.