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Colonial and State Records of North Carolina
Letter from Andrew Armstrong to Griffith Rutherford
Armstrong, Andrew
March 12, 1782
Volume 16, Pages 538-539

LIEUT. ANDREW ARMSTRONG TO GEN. RUTHERFORD.(?)


Halifax, March 12th, 1782.

Dear Sir:

Enclosed you have a Copy of part of Mr. Malatt’s letter to Governor Burke. Should you think it would be of any Service to Mrs. Rutherford to know it you may communicate it, but I request you may do it in such a way that my agency may not be detected. I am not clear, but my conduct in this might be cencureable, notwithstanding that I have entirely obtained the approbation of my own mind.

But since I have copied and enclosed it, why may I not make a single observation on its contents?

Pray why does not Mr. Malatt, who seems to be so perfectly versed in Resolves of Congress and Acts of Assembly, consider that his present situation, according to these very Resolves of Congress and Acts of Assembly is not much better calculated, either for claiming or holding property than the latter Situation of Colonel Rutherford to which he refers.

The escape of Governor Burke is become a serious matter between the Generals Greene & Leslie. The Copies of the Letters that passes between them on the Subject comes here by expresses. General Greene seems to Justify his escape, and at the same time offers an equivalent in exchange. This I am convinced of that he can be of more Service to the State as a Governor than any other man in it, as he is now calling our over-grown fellows in the Public Departments to an account with a very becoming Severity, and is really making some Surprising discoveries.

Major Hogg is to take the Command of some Troops to go into Randolph and Chatham in the orders which the Governor has given. Being on this occasion he has discovered much good Sence and great humanity. He entirely reprobates the Idea of going to War with Women and Children, and Strictly forbids plundering even from those who are in Arms against us.

Mr. and Mrs. Tulloch purposes being in Hillsborough at the Assembly. I have only to inform you that they paid very great

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attention to Mrs. Rutherford when she was here. Your Sugar is not yet come, but I expect it every Hour.

I am, Dear Sir,
With my compliments to your good Family,
With Sincere Regard,
Your very Humble Servt.,
ANDR. ARMSTRONG.

P. S.—We expect the King’s Speech here to-day. Since the Capture of his Army, I understand he purposes to bring about an honourable Peace.

A. A.