Sir:

Capt. Raiford has directed me to meet at Duplin immediately, in order to receive the eighteen months men to be delivered there, in consequence of which I have ordered the men from this County, to march thither to-day, & expect to get to Duplin Court House on Sunday next. Captain Rhodes is now in Duplin & I beg leave to make known to you, that there are now in this County a number of delinquents & deserters, who with a little trouble & the assistance of some State Horse, who have been lately ordered into this naibourhood might be collected. But my having received different orders from Captain Raiford, could not take upon me to remain here without yr. permission. Captain Rhodes is already in Duplin & can do every thing required there, & I am clearly of opinion that a few weeks in this quarter while the State horse continue here would enable me to render more essential service than my attending at Duplin until I am absolutely wanted. I shall however, wait there until I hear from you, & if you shall think it advisable for me to return, shall use every exertion to make our march to Camp respectable. I might meet the troops at Wilmington or elsewhere as you shall direct.