Documenting the American South Logo
Colonial and State Records of North Carolina
Letter from Thomas Bland to Richard Caswell
Bland, Thomas
June 20, 1778
Volume 13, Pages 167-168

COL. THOS. BLAND TO GOV. CASWELL.
[From Executive Letter Book.]

Petersburg 20th June 1778.

Sir:

Having recd orders from his Excellency Genl Washington to superintend the Recruiting service of the Cavalry in the South parts of Virginia and in North Carolina and to forward as much as possible the equipping such cavalry as are or may be raised in the State, that they may be sent on with all expedition to camp. And Capt Cosmo Medici, who commands a Troop, (belonging to your State) of Continental Cavalry, having represented to me that he is at this time able to recruit and mount his Troops to the full complement could he be supplied with money, he has received orders from me to proceed with all expedition in purchasing horses, recruiting and equipping his Troops to which end

-------------------- page 168 --------------------
I think it my duty, that the service may not be delayed to make application to your Excellency to furnish Capt. Medici with about seven thousand pounds (Virginia currency) which sum he thinks will be nearly sufficient to accomplish the business, and to request that your Excellency will be pleased to give orders to the Clothier Quarter Master General, &c., &c., to assist him in equipping the said Troops. I have written to Congress, and to his Excellency Genl Washington, to request them to order a remittance to be made to refund such sums as may be advanced him by your State, for the above purpose, which I doubt not will be immediately done. Capt. Medici will account with me or the Auditor of your State (for his disbursements of such money as you may advance on this question) as your Excellency may think proper to direct. I am compelled to make this request to your Excellency, that the service may not be retarded, well knowing of what infinite consequence speedy reinforcements of Cavalry must be of to our Army. In full confidence that your Excellency will be actuated by the same principles, I remain with great respect your Excellency's mo. ob. Servt.

THOS. BLAND.