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Colonial and State Records of North Carolina
Letter from William Bryan to Richard Caswell
Bryan, William
June 07, 1778
Volume 13, Page 152

GEN. WM BRYAN TO GOV. CASWELL.
[From Executive Letter Book.]

Coor Creek 7th June 1778.

Sir:

Mr. Hardy Cocker having been voted out of Capt. Joseph Allen's company, in the Craven Regiment under the late Law, for completeing our Continental Battalions, has represented unto me the unreasonableness of his being thus drafted for the following reasons; 1st, because he has only the use and sight of one eye, which in some measure renders him incapable of discharging his duty. 2nd, because he is sickly man and unable to undergo the fatigue of a soldier's life. 3rd, because he has the charge of a sickly wife and three small children, who have no means of support but the labour of him their parent and 4th because he has on a former occasion given ocular proofs of his attachment to his Country's cause and his readiness to the utmost of his Power to serve the public. For all which reasons, they in my opinion, being well founded, I think it would be the highest injustice to compel Mr. Coker into the service, under so many inabilities. Colo Bryan having also signified to me his entire approbation of his being discharged from this service. Do therefore beg leave to submit Mr. Coker's case to his Excellency the Governor, not doubting but his wonted humanity and Justice, will exercise itself on this occasion.

Your Excelly's humble servt
WM BRYAN.