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Colonial and State Records of North Carolina
Letter from Abner Nash to Horatio Gates
Nash, Abner, ca. 1740-1786
July 17, 1780
Volume 14, Pages 504-505

GOV. A. NASH TO MAJOR GENL. GATES.

Newbern, July 17, 1780.

Sir:

I had the honour of receiving your favour dated at Fredericksburg and forwarded to me by express from General Jones. We think ourselves highly favoured by Congress, sir, in having a general of your approved abilities and good conduct appointed to the command-in-chief in these Southern States, and you may rely, sir, on every aid and support it may be in my power to extend you. The army you are going to command unhappily has

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suffered greatly and been much distressed and impeded for want of provisions, spirits and other necessaries. The Commissary says it is for want of money, and yet I have not only paid every Congress draft that has come to hand, but have advanced over and above £500,000 on the Cr. of the United States. This I had no authority to do, but necessity called for the measure, and I adopted it as the only remedy left. More money is yet called for, and I am truly happy now to find by the resolve you were pleased to inclose to me that Congress have wisely removed our difficulties by giving you powers suitable to the importance of the service. I have lately ordered out a reinforcement of 4,000 of our militia; these are now collecting, and when collected I shall move to the upper part of the country, where I may be more in the way of intelligence. Of this I shall not fail to advise you, and shall be happy at all times in a frequent communication of intelligence with you, being

With the highest respect and esteem. Sir,
Yr. most obt., h'ble serv't,
A. NASH.