Hillsboro, Oct. 24, 1782.
Sir:
You will proceed from hence into the County of Bladen, and know of the Sheriff of that County whether he has apprehended Jered Irwin and others who caused the late riot at Bladen Court, in consequence of a warrant directed to him from the Judges of the Superior Court for this purpose. If he hath not done any thing on that business, you will inform him you are detached from me to aid him in the execution of that Warrant if the same be necessary. That you will do your utmost to support the Civil Government of the State in that County jointly or separately with the Militia Officers of the same should you find your interposition necessary which you will manage with prudence and address as some Tories have
done mischief on the Raft Swamp; you will make enquiry and proceed against them accordingly, under which Color & pretence your march into Bladen must be made and conducted, without alarming the rioters. When apprehended the Sheriff has my orders to take them before one of the Judges of the Superior Court to pass examination & obey his pleasure, you will observe strict discipline and regularity, no marauding, plundering, beating prisoners or killing them but in the act of taking or making their escape, on the severest penalties. You will rendezvous at this place the 15th of January, and make report of your proceedings. At the same time bring forward all the public Horses that they may be returned to their owners, or sold agreeable to the advice of Council, which you will advertise the Counties of, where you pass.