August ye 6th, 1777.
Dear Sir:—
Having the opportunity of Mr. Sharpe's express am desirous to acquaint you that I received yours of the 15th of July, and have sent, according to your request to the Col's of the District, and desired of them that they return to me, by the 15th of this month, the complete number of their effective men. I had the return of the Brigade at the last Assembly, all but Burke County, and a few companies in some other of the Counties. The number I had returned was 8040, the number of the whole will be nigh 10,000. I would be desirous that your Excellency would let me know by the Bearer, whether I must send you the number as mentioned in
your letter—or if it won't do to make the return at the Assembly, as I have given you a nigh account of the number.