Sir:

From the Best information we are able to git, there is about two hundred & fifty foot and forty light horse of the British that is up the river at Rutherfords Mills they say to take Duplin and Onslow Counties, and drive off the Stockes. Genl. Lillington had Call'd upon this County for all the men that Can be raised to march to the rich land Chapple in Onslow County about one Hundred foot has marched and we have fifty more ready to march. I hope Your Excellency will order assistance to this part of the Country other wise Good people here will be under the Necessity of Giving up in order to Save their property if possible but this will be the last Step taken. We Keep about 50 light horse near their lines to watch their Movements.