Sir:

I receiv'd information on yesterday from Mr. John Ramsey & others of Chatham County that the Tory Army commanded by one Wray, consisting of about 300 horse & 100 foot, was then on their march toward the ford of Deep river near his Brother's mill and that Fanning's party of about 300 was also near there & wou'd in a little time form a junction & this moment I am informed by persons of veracity flying from Cape Fear that Hector McNeil with about four or five hundred took possession of Cross Creek on yesterday morning, that the highlanders in general are joining them from which it is conjectured their force altogether will be little short of 2000 men. These circumstances are truly alarming & in particular to this and the neighbouring Countys as being exposed to their ravages. We have a general muster this day to draft every 30 men & I have tried to raise volunteers to assist the Chatham People but to little purpose. The want of Arms and the Approach of the enemy without any apparent relief at hand I believe are circumstances very encouraging to them. We are told that 2000 men are detached from Virginia to the relief of this State; if they arrive in time & possess themselves of the banks of Cape Fear (on which I think the salvation of many depend) I flatter myself we shall be able to give them limits & bounds & by so suddenly checking their career, spirit up our own people who are now desponding. Your Excellency will pardon these few hints. They flow from a heart zealously concerned for the public good & whatever your operations may be we shall have the fullest confidence in them & none will be more ready to carry them into execution than Sir,

I am told your Excelly. is Fanning's object.