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Colonial and State Records of North Carolina
Letter from Richard Caswell to William Haywood
Caswell, Richard, 1729-1789
August 21, 1777
Volume 11, Page 584

GOV. CASWELL TO COL. HAYWOOD.
[From Executive Letter Book.]

Dobbs, 21st Aug't, 1777.

Dear Sir:—

I have just received information from the Lieut. Governor of Virginia, by express, that 100 sail & upwards of the enemy's fleet was arrived in Chesapeake Bay, and intimating his expectation of being under the necessity of calling on us for assistance. I have written to the several General officers of the Militia to hold the 1st & 2d divisions of their Brigades ready to march at the shortest notice: but let the emergency be what it may, they can not legally be ordered to march but with the advice of the Council, I have therefore appointed the 1st September for the members to meet at New Bern, when you will be pleased to attend.

I am &c.
RICHARD CASWELL.