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Colonial and State Records of North Carolina
Letter from William Christian to Andrew Williamson
Christian, William, ca. 1742 - 1786
August 15, 1776
Volume 10, Pages 748-749

[From MS. Records in Office of Secretary of State.]
Letter from Colonel Christian, Commander-in-Chief of the Virginia Troops, to the Commander of the South Carolina Troops.

Botetourt County, Virginia,
August the 15th, 1776.

Sir:

Since the Cherokee Indians commenced hostilities on the people of Fincastle county, I have been appointed Commander in chief of the Expidition to be carried on against them from Virginia. The President informs me that the plan is, for the Virginia Troops with the assistance of Forces from North Carolina to march against the Overhill towns; while at the same time the South Carolina Troops are to attack the lower Towns. I am directed to endeavour to correspond with you, and co-operate with you by making my attack as near the time of yours as may be; but not having heard what forwardness the Army in South Carolina is in, I think it best to send an Express to you, in order to acquaint you how matters are here, and to have an opportunity of hearing with certainty from you.

The army I am to command will Rendevous at or near the great Island on Holston's river the 20th of September. The Island is 130 miles from the Towns, and if all happens well with me, it is probable I may be able to attack them betwixt the 10th and 15th of October. But should you be able to make your attack sooner, I would endeavour to hurry, in order to co-operate with you the more effectually.

Would it not answer well for you to send a messenger with the bearer, that I may answer any particulars you wish to be acquainted with, that may not now occur to me, or that are not now known?

The Indians have killed twenty of our people at different places by attacking small parties & helpless families. Our militia have killed twenty-five of their men, without the loss of one on our side. The last accounts we have here from New York are that General Howe had landed about twenty thousand men on Staten Island in

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Jersey, and that General Washington was collecting a much more considerable Army.

I wish you success, and am Sir
Your Obedient humble Servant,
WILLIAM CHRISTIAN.