Sir:
I was in hopes of having the pleasure of delivering the inclosed to you in person; but from your being at Harrisburg and the Governor at the Assembly, I have sent this Express to you, that I might proceed with all expedition to the Governor.
The danger of the Roads from the Camp to this State, for a single person travelling, obliged the General to trust more to me, than to letter, the chief however of what I should have had to say to you, would be to relate General Greene's critical situation, and the absolute
necessity of being instantly and strongly supported. This proceeds from the Enemy having marched up in very strong force from Charles Town from Ninety Six, & as they were within forty miles of that place on Monday, it became necessary to raise the seige, & prepare for defence. This was not done on Monday the 18th when I left Camp; but every necessary preparation previous thereto was making; On this day we made an attack on the Starr redoubt & attempted to pull their Rampart down, after two attacks the troops were called off. A third attack on the Evening of that day I believe was determined on, whether it took place or how it ended I know not as I have not heard from Camp since my departure from thence.Our troops from fatigue, sickness & frequent skirmishes are greatly reduced, indeed comparatively speaking to the Enemy's power they were at first but a handful of men. In short Sir I leave you to judge the situation of our General after considering what his numbers were what they must be now, and that the enemy have had a reinforcement (who were nearly strong enough without) of upwards of two hundred men under the command of the Earl of Lincoln & Major General Gould. I shall remain at Wake Court House two days, I shall not be there before tomorrow, tuesday I may leave it, if you come there I should be happy to see you; if you do not, pray let me hear from you by this Express, who can take Wake in his return.