Documenting the American South Logo
Colonial and State Records of North Carolina
Orders from Richard Caswell to Abraham Sheppard concerning the movement of the Tenth North Carolina Regiment of the Continental Army
Caswell, Richard, 1729-1789
September 15, 1777
Volume 22, Pages 904-905

MARCHING ORDERS TENTH REGIMENT.


Newington, 15th September, 1777.

From Governor Caswell to Col. Abraham Sheppard and Capt. John Vance:

Sir:—

As I most sincerely wish every assistance in the power of this State to be given to the United States of America, not only as a duty incumbent on the people here, but for the honor of the State in general and of those immediately concerned in particular. And in pursuance of the resolves of Congress, vesting me (as Chief Executive Magistrate in this State) with power to order and direct the march of the Continental troops within this State, I do hereby require you to march the regiment under your command, together with the artillery company commanded by Captain John Vance, from Kinston, on Thursday, the 25th day of this instant, September, by the shortest and best ways and with the greatest expedition in your power to Richmond town, in Virginia, unless you receive contrary

-------------------- page 905 --------------------
orders from your superior officers in the Continental service, And there you are to pursue such orders as you may receive from such officer; and from want of such officer, you are to follow such further orders as you may receive from me. And in order to enable you to march your battalion and the artillery company as aforesaid, you are to make me a proper return, with all expedition, of your numbers, arms, tents, blankets, clothes, wagons, carts, horses, baggage and every article necessary on your march which you now have, and also which you have not and will actually stand in need of on such march. This return I expect in time so as to direct the necessary provision.

RICHARD CASWELL.
Col. Abraham Sheppard.

N. B. Colonel Sheppard’s battalion marched from Kinston on the 25th of September, agreeable to the above orders, and some few days after, I sent Colonel Sheppard orders to proceed from Richmond to headquarters and join General Washington’s army with the utmost expedition. These orders he has since told me he received. On searching my papers here, do not find a copy, but the above is the substance.

RICHARD CASWELL.

New Bern, 18th November, 1777.