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Colonial and State Records of North Carolina
Letter from Cornelius Harnett to Richard Caswell
Harnett, Cornelius, 1723-1781
August 11, 1779
Volume 14, Page 190

-------------------- page 190 --------------------
CORNL. HARNETT, ESQ., TO GOV. CASWELL.
[From Executive Letter Book.]


Philadelphia, August 11th, 1779.

Dear Sir:

I take this opportunity of congratulating your Excellency on the late success of the Americans in taking of Stoney Point by storm. Gen'l Wayne has gained immortal honor in this attack, not only for his Gallantry as a Soldier, but for his great humanity to the Enemy when they were in his power.

The French Fleet, after the very bloody Engagement off Grenada, have now the command of the Seas in that Quarter. It is supposed the Enemy intend their last effort against America this Campaign; 6,000 Troops are daily expected to arrive, 2,000 of which, it is imagined, are destined for the Southward. The President of Congress will, no doubt, inform your Excellency how desirous they (Congress) are to be in readiness to oppose the Enemy in that Quarter. I have not the least doubt but every necessary Exertion will be made for defence in our State.

I have still hopes, notwithstanding the Confidence with which some good Whigs assert that the 6,000 Troops will soon be in America, that Britain will find it absolutely necessary to keep them at home. They will, in all human probability, be much more wanted in Europe for their own defence. This Express is just setting off, which obliges me to refer you for news to the enclosed paper.

I have the honor to be, with great regard,
Your Excellency's Mo. ob. huml. Serv't,
CORNL. HARNETT.
Gov. Caswell.

P. S. I shall do myself the pleasure of writing your Excellency by next Post, should any interesting event take place.