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Colonial and State Records of North Carolina
Letter from Allen Jones to Richard Caswell
Jones, Allen, 1739-1807
June 10, 1779
Volume 14, Pages 115-116

GEN. ALLEN JONES TO GOV. CASWELL.
[From Executive Letter Book.]

June 10th, 1779.

Sir:

Agreeable to your Excellency's requisition, I appointed Continental officers to receive the men who should be enlisted under the late Act of Assembly in the several Counties. Many of these Gentlemen told me it was impossible for them to attend, as they had no horses, nor a farthing of money to bear their expenses.

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This induced me to direct the Colonels of the Counties where they should fail to attend to send all such as should be enlisted in their respective Counties to the officer in Halifax, and to take his receipt for them. Sending them to Halifax will also answer a good purpose, as I want to relieve the Militia, who have been on duty almost three months, and the regulars will do duty better, as well as be a great saving to the State. As the weather is hot, I am obliged to give the Prisoners at Halifax all the liberty I can consistent with safety, for, should they be confined. I am sure, from their numbers and the smallness of the prison, some epidemical disorder would soon break out.

Since I last wrote you the number of prisoners has been increased by the arrival of a Capt. Beaton, his officers and about 30 of his Crew. He commanded the Brigantine Surprise, lately cast away near Currituck Inlet.

The officers are allowed 4 dollars per day by Act of Assembly, to be paid by the sheriff of the County. They have applied for money, but he has none, and will have none till the fall, which has distressed them much, and I really know not how to relieve them, unless your Excellency would direct Nathl. Jones to pay them their allowance from time to time, agreeable to Law, and take their receipts, as far as the money remaining in his hands will go. I think he has about 7,000 dollars. I cannot help feeling for the situation of the Gentlemen Prisoners, and wish this money may be applied to relieve their necessity. As to the mode, you, Sir, are surely the most proper Judge. I shall endeavour to lay a general return before you on the 4th of July. Pray let me hear from you on the subject of the prisoners,

And ever believe me
Your Excellency's Mo. ob. Servt,,
ALLEN JONES.
Gov. Caswell.