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Colonial and State Records of North Carolina
Letter from Cornelius Harnett to Richard Caswell
Harnett, Cornelius, 1723-1781
November 10, 1778
Volume 13, Pages 270-271

HON. CORNS. HARNETT TO GOV. CASWELL.
[From Executive Letter Book.]

Philadelphia, 10th Nov. 1778.

Dear Sir:

I had the honor of receiving your Excellency's favor of the 26th October yesterday evening. The Post setting out this morning, and Congress being met, puts it out of my power to write a long letter. By every intelligence lately received from New York, 'tis imagined the Enemy intend the total evacuation of that Port. I have still my doubts. A Fleet of 106 sail left that placed the 3d Inst. composed of Men of War and transports full of Troops. Some think they are bound to the Eastward, some to South Carolina, others to the West Indies.

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I fear Mr. Hunt will not be able to put the accounts of our State in proper train for a general settlement. I wish it could be effected as soon as possible. I make no doubt your Excellency has 'ere this received the 400,000 dollars. 150,000 more will be sent off in a few days. Congress have much at heart the routing that nest of Pirates at St. Augustine, and have great expectations from your Excellency's exertion. Flags of Truce are thought dangerous as they often bring seditious papers in order to distribute them amongst the people. You will no doubt Sir, endeavour to prevent the ill use which may be made of these kind of sanctions. I have the honor to be with great respect.

Your Excellecy's mo. ob. huml. Servt.
CORNS. HARNETT.