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Colonial and State Records of North Carolina
Letter from Armand Armstrong to Thomas Burke
Armstrong, Armand
August 20, 1781
Volume 22, Pages 567-568

ARMAND ARMSTRONG TO GOV. THOS. BURKE.


Hillsborough, August 20th, 1781.

His Excellency Thomas Burke, Governor.

Sir:

Upon my coming to this Place I found the Inhabitants much disturbed, so that they were moving their property. I Chosed not to effect so much singularly as to lodge your furniture in this Place, but carried them to John Taylor’s Plantation, unknown to any Person but Mr. Taylor and myself. The Reason why I reposed any Confidence in Mr. Taylor on this Occasion (contrary to my General sentiments of that Gentleman) was not only that his place is somewhat obscure, but he owns a Couple of Waggons and Teams, and expressed his willingness to remove them further if there was any necessity. I also moved the Salt for which I accepted Mr. Tulloch’s Order, but find it far short of 30 Bushels; but that I must settle with Mr. Tulloch. I would mention to you that I did not move the Salt

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with any Regard to my own Safety. Notwithstanding that I never made a formal delivery, I must consider it at your Risque. I sent for Mr. Lamb and requested if the Tories approached that he would make a small move with your Negroes and Horses, but if I am there I will see to it myself. Joseph Moore, who has been Prisoner with the Tories, says that Fanning’s Regiment consists of about 130. Edwards and his Company came Three days ago on the other side of Haw River, with an Intention, it’s said, to plunder this Place. This is sworn to by a certain Thomas Rickitt, who is made Prisoner; also that they intend breaking up Guilford and this Court. They are not so much charged with Plundering as disarming, and, as they say, informing the People. And what is somewhat Strange, altho’ the General Complaint is that there is no Arms to oppose them, they seldom fail of finding Arms in every House they go to. They have at present an uninterrupted Command between Deep and Haw River.

I am, Sir, Yours, &c.,
ARMOND ARMSTRONG.

Armand Armstrong, Aug. 20th, 1781.