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Colonial and State Records of North Carolina
Letter from James Campbell to Thomas Burke
Campbell, James
September 05, 1781
Volume 22, Pages 593-594

JAS. CAMPBELL TO GOV. THOS. BURKE.


Bertie County, September 5th, 1781.

Per Express Bertie.

Dear Sir:

On my return from Edenton last night I received your Orders of the 1st and 3rd Instant, and shall agreeable thereto use my Utmost Endeavours for the Speedy March of our Men, but am sorry to inform your Excellency that we are badly equipped for want of Arms, but shall collect all I can for them. The night before last a Brigg arrived at Edenton from St. Croix, the Captain of which brings advice that Seven Sail of French Man of War, had arrived

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at Martinique from France; and that several Dutch Privateers had been cruising among the English Islands, and had done considerable Damage by cutting out Vessels, burning houses and carrying off negroes and Effects of the Inhabitants; and when he left the West Indies he could hear of only two English Privateers out cruising. The rest of which had either been taken, or sold to the Deans, so that we may hope the Commercial Gentlemen will be enabled to grant some necessary supplies to the Inhabitants of this State. The Colonel of this County refused to act any longer in the Military Department as his Lieutenant shall endeavor to obey any of your Orders for this County. I have acted only by Appointment these nine months past and many Captains in our Regiment have resigned and others now appointed. Should be glad your Excellency would forward a Commission for me as Lieut.-Col. and Blank Commissions for the other Officers which I will have filled up in case any Accidents should happen these would be necessary towards an engagement. Shall at all times communicate any Intelligence and remain with the utmost respect,

Your Excellency’s
Most Obedient and Humble Servant,
JAS. CAMPBELL.

Majors Oliver and Pugh are without Commissions. Ten or twelve Blank Commissions wanting.

Letter from Jas. Campbell, 5th September, 1781.