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Colonial and State Records of North Carolina
Letter from Marie Joseph Paul Yves Roch Gilbert du Motier, Marquis de Lafayette to Allen Jones
Lafayette, Marie Joseph Paul Yves Roch Gilbert Du Motier, marquis de, 1757-1834
August 27, 1781
Volume 15, Page 626

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GEN. LaFAYETTE TO GENERAL ALLEN JONES.

Ruffins, Aug. 27th, 1781.

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.

I have the honor to be,
Your Obt. Hum. Sr.,
LaFAYETTE.