Sir:

I was at General Butler's Camp a few days after your letter was received ordering Capt. Read and myself to take command of the Troops, that was sent out under Col. Linton. I set out immediately for Head Quarters with my baggage that came from Virginia and by the Tories residing in Randolph County and on Deep River I was obliged to make my rought by Guilford Court House and Salisbury and Charlotte. I had got as far as the lines of South Carolina when I was taken very sick and obliged to return to this place to the Hospital and am not able to judge when I shall be able for the field. Capt. Read was sent to Salisbury on some business from General Greene and there is no Officers at camp with the North Carolina Troops but Major Eaton and Lieutenant Campbell.

I should be very happy if I could obtain leave of absence for a few weeks for to recover my health and some other business that would be something very considerable to me by the death of my brother, since I march from home last August. I hope you will grant my request, as you are sensible that I am the only officer belonging to the State that has been in service until lately for the last ten months past. I should be happy to hear that you and your family are all well. So conclude with my compliments to all friends.