Camp Frohocks Mill, July 17, 1781.
6 o'clock morning.
Sir:
Late last evening I received the Marquis De Lafayette letter of the 5th instant a copy of which I enclose you. I have Sir issued orders for the immediate moving all the Public Stores to the Moravian Town and that all valuable Horses, beef Cattle, &c., &c., be moved from the roads leading from Jamestown, on James river to the Campbelton on Cape Fear, and also on the road leading to Harrisburg, to Salisbury, &c. Should you think this order too precipitate you will remove the order. Should you approve I wish you to inforce it by your further directions. I am at a loss to judge what detains Major Murfree of Edenton and Captain Doherty, of Wilmington districts, as they had orders to join me by force marches, with what drafts were made of those districts the scarcity of officers and the dilitariousness of many that have not joined us, I am doubtful will put it out of my power to receive the remaining drafts, at any other place than at district rendezvous. From General Greene's Camp I have had no news which I could depend on as to communicate to you.
P. S. I detached under the command of Lt. Col. Ashe, about 300 rank and file to General Greene, the remaining part is here. We are using every industry to repair the guns, and equip them for the field, and as soon as possible march them.