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Colonial and State Records of North Carolina
Letter from Thomas Burke to Nathanael Greene
Burke, Thomas, ca. 1747-1783
July 18, 1781
Volume 15, Page 550

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GOVERNOR BURKE TO GENERAL GREENE.

State of North Carolina,
Nutbush Church in a little Town called
Williamsborough, Granville County.
July 18th, 1781.

Sir:

Inclosed is the copy of a letter which came to my hand last night. Col. Parker is probably mistaken in his Conjecture and rout of the Enemy. The best Intelligence I can procure is as follows:

Coll. Tarleton with 700, or 800 Cavalry and Mounted Infantry penetrated through Amelia, to Prince Edward, burned Mr. Daniel Jones's Mill in the former, destroyed Stores &c. in the latter, there the forces divided, one division penetrating through Powhatan, and wheeling to the right through Chesterfield, intended rejoining the Army at or near Petersburg where Lord Cornwallis was about the latter end of last week. The other division proceeded through Lunenburg and Charlotte, where they were oppos'd by a small party of Militia who took a Lieutenant and some private prisoners. They then retreated along Meherin river, and in their way, burned a Mr. Craig's Mil. The evening before last they were seen near Lamb's on the Petersburg road, and it is supposed they encamped there. Their rout seemed to be directed for Hick s ford.

I am apprehensive lest their Intention might be to surprise Coll. Parker, who, by his letter, seems to have no expectation of their near approach to him. On the Enemy's Crossing at James Town their rear was attacked by a Detachment under General Wayne who was repulsed with some, but no considerable Loss. All this Intelligence I have from People who have taken some pains to inquire, but nevertheless I suppose some of it must be Conjecture. I shall take measures immediately for procuring better Information, and dispatch to you all that I can collect. If his Lordship intends a rapid march with his Cavalry through this State into South Carolina I will endeavor if possible to give him some Interruption, but you know much is not to be expected from our unarmed, unprovided People, but I can scarcely think he will attempt this unless he entirely abandons Virginia. I will not trouble you with Conjectures.

I have the honor to be with respect and Esteem your very
obedt. Servt.
THOS. BURKE.