Sir:

Late last night I received some accounts of Lord Cornwallis' Army, which I believe may be relied on. On Tuesday last they moved part of their Troops, with the Artillery, Baggage, &c., to Blueford's Bridge about ten miles from Wilmington on the E. side of the N. E. River, where they are to be joined by all the Troops that come thro' this place, except Col. Hamilton's Corps, about three hundred. They give out they are going for Newbern, but, Sir, I put the greatest confidence in my information, and that is they are coming thro' this Place, on their way to the southward.

This Town, & indeed many parts of the County is much infested with the small pox, which makes it out of my power to keep a single man in this place. I am therefore obliged to send this to Genl. Butler, having an opportunity to him, that he may forward it to you. I am, with due, Respect,