Dear Sir:
From the intelligencies lately received I am almost satisfied the Enemy mean to attempt a retreat through North Carolina and as it is of the highest importance every obstruction should be thrown in their way. I request you will be particular in having every boat on the Roan Oak collected and distroyed. I would not wish it delayed as they may fall in the Enemy's hands and it would furnish them with the means of crossing and render your opposition more difficult, I wish you to collect, without loss of time, a sufficient number of militia. Should this attempt to cross the Roan Oak as would render these attempts ineffectual. I have sent the Officer who is the bearer of this for the purpose of distroying all the boats and throwing every impediment in their way between this and Roan Oak.