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Colonial and State Records of North Carolina
Letter from Jethro Sumner to Marie Joseph Paul Yves Roch Gilbert Du Motier, Marquis de Lafayette
Sumner, Jethro, 1733?-1785
July 30, 1781
Volume 15, Page 585

GEN. JETHRO SUMNER TO GEN. LaFAYETTE.

Camp 10 miles Hanging Rock, South Carolina.
July 30th, 1781.

Sir:

I received yours of the 18th Instant the 28th by his Excellency Gov. Rutledge. My being thus far advanced on my rout to join General Greene puts it out of my power to make the necessary obstructions, to impede Lord Cornwallace's march. Should he make Southwardly, as otherwise might have been, however Governor Burke have taken such precautions (He writes me) to dispute his ready passage over Roanoke as will delay him some time. The ordering the Boats up the River Roanoke to facilitate transportation would be very injudicious. The arms you mention giving order for them coming immediately on, to arm the troops of this State will be very acceptible, as there is near three hundred soldiers now on their march to Salisbury with few or no arms.

I am Sir with respect and esteem yo. very Hum. Servt.,
JETHRO SUMNER.