“Our assembly having established a Board of war and invested them with extensive powers, we are, as members of that Board, to inform you that requisitions for supplies of all kinds & returns, etc., will be made to us. You will do your utmost to repel the enemy and cover and protect the western part of the State. We shall push forward to your assistance all the force that can be spared. Almost 200 men (on horses) will certainly arrive to your aid by the 25th inst.

“Gen. Butler in a few days will go forward with his men.

“200 horse under Col. Taylor started yesterday, and will proceed through Chatham and form a junction with Gen. Harrington. Gen. Gregory will collect and gather his scattered brigade.

“We have wrote to Col. Polk to do his utmost respecting supplies of provisions for the troops in your quarter. Gen. Caswell having informed the assembly that he could not conveniently immediately take the field, it was thought advisable to request Gen. Smallwood to take command of our militia. If he does not accept, the whole force of our state will be under your immediate direction and command.”