Documenting the American South Logo
Colonial and State Records of North Carolina
Letter from Benjamin Cleveland et al. to Horatio Gates
Cleveland, Benjamin, 1738-1806; Shelby, Isaac, 1750-1826; Sevier, John, 1745-1815; Hampton, Andrew; Campbell, William, 1745-1781; Winston, Joseph, 1746-1815
October 04, 1780
Volume 14, Pages 663-664

COL. BENJA. CLEVELAND AND OTHERS TO MAJ. GENL. GATES.

Rutherfordton County, Camp near Gilbert Town
October, 4, 1780.

Sir:

We have now collected at this place about 1,500 good men, drawn from the Counties of Surry, Wilkes, Burke, Washington and Sullivan Counties in this State, and Washington County of

-------------------- page 664 --------------------
Virginia, and expect to be joined in a few days by Colo. Clark of Georgia and Colo. Williams of South Carolina, with about 1,000 more. As we have at this time called out our militia without any orders from the Executive of our different States, and with the view of Expelling the Enemy out of this part of the Country, we think such a body of men worthy of your attention, and would request you to send a General Officer, immediately to take the command of such Troops as may embody in this quarter. All our Troops being Militia, and but little acquainted with discipline, we could wish him to be a Gentleman of address, and able to keep up a proper discipline, without disgusting the Soldiery. Every assistance in our power shall be given the Officer you may think proper to take command of us.

It is the wish of such of us as are acquainted with General Davidson and Colo. Morgan (if in Service) that one of these Gentlemen may be appointed to this command.

We are in great want of Ammunition, and hope you will endeavor to have us properly furnished with Article.

Colo. McDowell will wait upon you with this, who can inform you of the present situation of the Enemy, and such other particulars respecting our Troops as you may think necessary.

We are, Sir,
Your most obdt. and very hble. Servts.,
BENJA. CLEVELAND.
ISAAC SHELBY.
JOHN SEVIER.
ANDW. HAMPTON.
WM. CAMPBELL.
JO. WINSTON.