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Colonial and State Records of North Carolina
Letter from Alexander Martin to Abner Nash
Martin, Alexander, 1740-1807
October 27, 1780
Volume 15, Pages 136-137

COL. ALEX. MARTIN TO GOV. ABNER NASH.

His Excellency Gov. Nash, Newbern.


War Office, Hillsborough, Oct. 27th, 1780.

Sir:

By the accounts received from Virginia, with which you must be acquainted before this, it seems that the Enemy mean to manoeuvre in that quarter again. From the number of only twenty-five, or even Sixty Transports, as mentioned by Col. Benbury, their intentions must be to procure Provisions, of which

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they stand in great need. The Governor of Virginia mentions to Genl. Gates Five Thousand, but this he is not certain of. However, should they be serious to invade Virginia in force, this State must endeavour to render such Assistance to her as can be obtained at present to prevent an invasion from thence; And for this purpose the Board beg leave to recommend to your Excellency that the Drafts from Newbern and Edenton be employed against the Enemy in Virginia. Should they continue any Time, and additional Aid be requisite, Halifax, Newbern and Edenton must furnish them, as the upper Districts, with Wilmington, have their Hands full at present with the Western Enemy.

Our affairs still ware a good appearance with Lord Cornwallis. Nothing Material from Genl. Smallwood since our last.

I have the Honour to be,
By order, with great Respect,
Your Excellency's most humble Servt.,
ALEX. MARTIN, Pres't.