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Colonial and State Records of North Carolina
Letter from Thomas Craike to Richard Caswell
Craike, Thomas
April 11, 1778
Volume 13, Pages 84-85

THOS. CRAIKE TO GOV. CASWELL.
[From Executive Letter Book.]


Wilmington April 11th 1778.

Sir:

A French S—has arrived here with a cargo of Dry Goods, a great part of which is very suitable for the army, such as coarse cloths middle quality, and fine ditto, coarse linens and checks, shoes, hats, woolen stockings &c. There is also 9000 lb Roll Brimstone, and 20 lbs of tin in sheets, besides many other articles which our officers in Camp are much in want of.

I am told that every State, excepting No. Carolina have stores at Camp, or some convenient place to supply their own officers and men, agreeable to the Resolves of Congress. This discrimination must very sensibly affect the Troops of this State, who are equally entitled with their fellow soldiers of the other States to be supplied with the necessaries they are in need of at reasonable rates.

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I hope the Assembly will consider their situation and redress their sufferings, by forwarding to Camp every kind of Goods they have occasion for.

I have agreed with Mr. Toomer for 150 sides of Leather which will be ready in about 16 days. I have also purchased since I came here, about 300 pair of Shoes, and expect more soon. Col. Long has not sent any wagons for the Goods, which I am very anxious to have forwarded before I leave this Town. If the wagons don't come in a few days, I must be at New Bern, as I want to be at the Assembly early to settle with the public.

I hardly know whether to make a contract for goods or not, it is so uncertain if I can get money to make it good. The purchases and engagements I have made will more than draw the money in my hands belonging to the public.

Two vessels are now loaded in this port, intended for Charles Town with provisions. If your Excellency should think it necessary to issue another proclamation forbidding the exportation of those commodities it will lose its effect unless it arrive here before the expiration of the present. I have the honor to be

Your Excellency's Ob. huml. Servt.
THOS. CRAIKE.

P. S. Mr. Quinn and others have brought the cargo at 7½ for one. I expect they will gladly part with the woolens &c on moderate terms.