Camp, Rocky River, October 8th, 1780.
Sir:
You have my thanks for your's of the 7th instant. I am now N. E. of Charlotte 13½ Miles. By the Bearer I send you one British prisoner taken some days since, & 3 Tories taken the 6th instant. Golson Step, a Tory, on examination gave the following
particulars: That the Enemy brought to Charlotte 100 Waggons, 1,100 infantry in uniform, 550 Light Dragoons, 800 Militia & 2 field pieces; that they received lately a small reinforcement of 100 or 150 men from the Waxhaws, & yesterday they drew two days' provisions to be had in readiness to march.I would wish you to detain all the good Rifles from the inhabitants who pass your Camp. This may induce some to return in defence of their Country; besides, several have made application to me for Arms, whom I cannot furnish. I expect, from sundry concurring circumstances, that the Enemy will make a movement very shortly. I have been informed of a considerable Quantity of Leather belonging to the Estate of Montgomery in Salisbury & Cloth belonging to Chambers in the same place; perhaps you will think proper to have those Articles secured for the Public.
&c., &c., &c.,