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Sir:

Colo. Shelby have been in camp for some time, wating to lend his Aid, should any thing go on offensive, but apprehending not much will be done this winter. And his domestick business call

for him, and he having no command, is now on his way home. I have been speaking to him to raise about three hundred good Rifle men this winter for the campaign, & join me early in the spring. He says he would willingly undertake it, provided he had a sanction for it. How far the assembly of North Carolina would be disposed to countenance such a thing I don't know, but I assure you that a Number of such men as could be got in that country would be a valuable Corps when anex'd to the Light infantry, which must be made equel if not superior to Tarlton's Legion before this country can be defended. If you think proper to countenance a matter of this kind, you'l be kind enough to signify your approbation to Colo. Shelby, and point out the mode.

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