Dear General:
The rect. of yr. favor pr. Express of the 12th Instant. I have to acknowledge as also the Letters intended for Newbern district which I shall endeavour to forward.
But I do assure you that our situation at present is not very comfortable. Not a man of any rank or distinction or scarcely any man of property has lain in his house since the British passed through Nash County. We are distressed with all the rogues and vagabonds that Cornwallis can raise to pester us with, but I am in hopes from the unanimity of my County men we shall make an easy conquest of them. A certain Robert Beard, with 15 others, on Friday last seized the person of Jno. Ferrell, Isham Alford & Robt. Melton, together with Seven Horses, & I think three guns that were intended for the present draft of Militia & carried them all off. Our men, after collecting, pursued them, but night coming on and drawing near the enemy's lines they returned without any luck. I've ordered 45 Horsemen out in quest of them. I do not doubt but we shall have a good account of them in a few days. I hope to be with you on Wednesday next. Shall bring on the regulars with me. In great haste, I am, Dear Sir, Yours sincerely,
I am doubtful Joe omitted dating the within which is of this day 13th May, 1781.