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Colonial and State Records of North Carolina
Letter from Ralph Falkner to Horatio Gates
Falkner, Ralph
September 29, 1780
Volume 14, Page 657

COL. RALPH FALKNER TO MAJOR GENERAL GATES.

Guilford Courthouse, 29th, Septr., 1780.

Sir:

Since my last official to you I have received a letter from General Stevens respecting the troops left under my Command. All those men who deserted and went home, and have since returned, are, by a Resolution of the Governour and Council of our State, directed to be sent back to be equipped for ye eight months, service. I shall, therefore, agreeable to the orders I have received, march them under ye Command of proper Officers over the River Dan, and there dismiss them. The rest of ye men, about 200 in number, who were left under my Command by General Stevens, are to serve out their time, that is to the last of October, when I am to discharge them.

As I do not now stand in need of the Arms sent me, I have delivered them up to Commissary Brown, with part of the flints and ammunition, under the care of a proper Guard. I have also informed General Butler of it, should he be in want of Arms. I am now on my way towards Hoghan's Creek to protect Commissary Brown, or any other person properly authorized, in the purchase of grain and Cattle for the army.

I am, Sir,
Your most obet. huml. Serv.,
RALPH FALKNER.