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Sir:—

I received your recruiting instructions yesterday, which shall be strictly observed by the officers of the fourth Battalion, as soon as I can have them together at Headquarters; for which purpose I have sent a dispatch to each of them. But as they are in different parts of the State at this time, it will not be possible for them to parade their new recruits at Head Quarters, before the 25th day of June; so that it will not be in my power to make any return until near the 10th of the following month.

When I received orders to superintend the recruiting business I sent seven of my recruiting officers to Newbern for money for that purpose; but none were supplied but two. The others can only take up deserters, until money can be procured for them. To effect which I have sent the bearer, Lieut. Alexander, a good,

trusty man to receive and bring to Salisbury recruiting money for Capt. Phillips, Lieut. Hickman, Lieut. Cootes, and Ensign Polk; if it be your Excellency's pleasure to give him an order on the Treasurer for the same. If money should be scarce, the one half in Continental bills will answer the same purpose. I wish to know by the bearer how the officers and soldiers who are to rendezvous at Salisbury are to be paid, or whether there be any way provided for their payment. I am not a little solicitous about this matter, as I know the service to have suffered greatly for want of regular payments.

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