This is to acquaint your Excellency that I recd by the hand of Col. Roberson orders to recruit men in the County of Bladen, wherein I am directed to make my Rendezvous in Wilmington, which is no less than 65 miles from me and must make my returns to you on the first day of every month, which is not less than 150 miles from me, that I give good security for my faithful performance.

Notwithstanding those inconveniences, being sensible how much the public may suffer for want of Recruits I have employed the Bearer Mr. Samnel Rootes, to bring this letter, have sent a Bond completed, hope you will acquaint me some other way to make my returns than by my own expense. I look on it that it would keep me half my time in making my returns which would be more than the profit I should receive.

I do not doubt but there may be some men enlisted. Our General Muster will be in a short time and should be glad to be prepared for a trial. Hope you will send me two hundred pounds, in cash by the bearer or such a sum as you think proper, I have no money that I can spare to advance for the public, I beg to know what ensurancement to give each man I enlist.